SURVEY DOCUMENT IN RESPECT OF MINOR MINERALS … · survey ducument of district kinnaur -1 - geological wing department of industries, udyog bhavan bemloe, shimla-171001 (h.p.) survey

SURVEY DUCUMENT OF DISTRICT KINNAUR

-1 - GEOLOGICAL WING

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES, UDYOG BHAVAN BEMLOE,

SHIMLA-171001 (H.P.)

SURVEY DOCUMENT IN RESPECT OF MINOR MINERALS DEPOSITS OF DISTRICT KINNAUR

ANY OBJECTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE SURVEY DOCUMENT CAN BE SUBMITTED TO THE MINING OFFICE DISTRICT KINNAUR AT RECKONG PEO WITHIN 21 DAYS (w.e.f 8/12/2017 to 28/12/2017) OF IT’S PUBLICATION ON THE DISTRICT PORTAL .





1. Introduction

There is a common feeling amongst general public that mining activity in

river beds creates environmental pollution and damage to the public and private

property and to safeguard it, numbers of Petitions are being filed in the court of law

for justice. A similar Writ Petition No. 188/2001 was filed in Hon’ble High Court

during 2001 titled Jagjit Singh Dukhiya V/s State of H.P. pointing a very important

issue with respect to the mining operation in and upon the river beds of the State of

Himachal Pradesh especially the rivers flowing near the bridges because of vital

concern for the safety of the bridge structure. It was further stated in the petition

that indiscriminate mining in and upon river beds has been going on unchecked and

unregulated causing irreversible depletion as well as hazards and damage to the

ecology and environment, including the change of course by the river because of

the hazardous, unchecked and totally unregulated mining, as also, in the process

threatening the safety of bridges and other structures causing various related

problems. The Hon.ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh while passing the order on

16-12-2002 in the said Petition directed the State Government to constitute an

appropriate Committee of the Officers and experts of the State Government to

formulate the mining policy. The Govt. vide Notification Dated 16-1-2004

constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of A.C.S. -cum -Secretary

Industries to the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh including members from other

Departments to formulate Policy and Guidelines for regulation and control of





mining operation in and upon the rivers/streams/khallas. Accordingly, River/Stream

Bed Mining Policy Guidelines for the State of H.P.-2004 was framed and notified

vide notification No. Ind.-II(E)2-1/2001 dated 28-2-2004 (published on 20-3-2004

in extra ordinary Gazette) incorporating guidelines to protect environment and

maintain ecological balance, to support an appropriate environment friendly

utilization of mineral resources of the River/Stream, their proper replenishments

and protection of private and Government property with following Principles and

Objectives:-

1.1 Principles:-

o River natural resources must be utilized for the benefit of the present and

future generation

o It is the responsibility of all sectors to maintain the river resources of the

State and to ensure that it is prudently managed and developed

o Awareness is essential to ensure the protection of natural resources of river

and their proper utilization and conservation

1.2 Objectives:-

To ensure

• Scientific and systematic mining

• Conservation of minerals

• Protection of environment and ecology

• Proper replenishment of river beds

• Proper protection of river banks

• Protection of soil erosion

• Protection of bridges and other structures of public utility and

• Checking of illegal mining

In the said policy guidelines, it was provided that District level river/stream

bed mining action plan shall be prepared according to 9.2 Strategy 2. The action

plan shall be based on a survey document of the existing river/stream bed mining in

each district and also to assess its direct and indirect benefits and identification of

the potential threats to the individual rivers/streams in the State.





This survey shall be conducted by Geological Wing, Department of Industries,

Himachal Pradesh and shall contain:-

a) District wise detail of Rivers/Streams/Khallas; and

b) District wise details of existing mining leases/ contracts in

river/stream/khalla beds

Based on this survey, the action plan shall divide the rivers/stream of the State

into the following two categories;-

a) Rivers/ Streams or the Rivers/Stream sections selected for extraction of

minor minerals

b) Rivers/ Streans or the Rivers/Stream sections prohibited for extraction of

minor minerals

Based on the action plan as mentioned above, mining leases/ contracts shall

be granted in accordance to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Mineral (Concession)

Revised Rules, 1971and also observing the River/Stream Bed Policy Guidelines for

the state of H.P. 2004. Accordingly, the survey report of the river beds/ parts of

river beds of District Kinnaur has been prepared. The rivers/streams were studied

based on the following parameters excluding the hill slope mining:-

a) Geomorphological studies

i) Place of origin

ii) Catchment area

iii) General profile of river stream

iv) Annual deposition factor

v) Replenishment

vi) Total potential of minor mineral in the river bed

b) Geological Studies

i) Lithology of catchment area

ii) Tectonics and structural behavior of rocks

c) Climatic parameters

i) Intensity of rainfall

ii) Climate zone





iii) Temperature variation

1.3 In addition following are the important guiding Geomorphological features

of rivers considered while recommending the river/ stream bed for

collection of minor minerals:-

• A stable river is able to constantly transport the flow of sediments produced

by water shed such that its dimensions ( width and depth) pattern and

vertical profile are maintained without aggrading ( building up) or degrading

( scouring down)

• The amount of boulders, cobbles, pebbles, and sand deposited in river bed

equals to the amount delivered to the river from catchment area and from

bank erosion minus amount transported downstream each year.

• It is compulsive nature for river to meander in their beds to and fro and

therefore they will have to be provided with adequate corridor for

meandering without let or hinderance. any attempt to diminish the width of

the corridor (Floodway) and curb their freedom to meander would prove

counter productive

• Erosion and deposition is law of nature. The river/stream has to complete its

geomorphological cycles from youth, mature to old age.

• River capturing is unavoidable.

• Fundamentally the lowest point of any stream is fixed by sea level





2. Overview of Mining Activity of District Kinnaur

The three types of minor mineral constituents such as sand, stone and bajri

are required for any type of construction apart from other material like cement and

steel. In earlier times, the houses/ buildings were constructed in form of small

dwellings with walls made up of mud plaster, stone and interlocking provided with

wooden frames and there were negligible commercial as well as developmental

activities resulting less demand of building material. However, with the passage of

time when the District was carved out during new vistas of developmental activities

were started. As such the demand of minor mineral in the District started an

increasing trend. The increase could be gauged from the fact that during year

2002-03 the royalty receipt on minor mineral was merely Rs. 0.42 crores which has

increased to Rs. 4.21 Crores in the year 2010-11. The quantity of minor mineral

consumption is a thermometer to assess the quantity of developmental activities

being undertaken in a particular area.

In order to meet the requirement of raw material for construction, the

extraction of sand, stone and bajri is being carried out exclusively from the river

beds. The demand of sand is mainly met through river borne sand whereas the

demand of bajri/grit is either met through river borne collection or through

manufactured grit by stone crushers. The demand of dressed or undressed stone is

met through the broken rock material from the hill slope. The local residents used to

lift gravel etc. from the river beds to meet out their bonafide requirement, however

after coming into being the Himachal Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession (Revised)

Rules, 1971, the mining was allowed in accordace to the rules. Presently in this





District mineral concessions are being granted through grant of mining Lease. At

present 7 nos. of mining leases for minor minerals have been granted under the ibid

rules in different parts of the District and the detail is tabulated below.

2.1 Table Showing DETAIL OF GRANTED MINING LEASE FOR STONE CRUSHER AND FREE SALE OF MINERALS IN KINNAUR DISTRICT

Sr. No

Name of the Party Mauza Kh. No. Area Period

1. Smt. Chandra Negi, W/o Capt. M.S. Negi, Village Powari, Tehsil Kalpa, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

Powari, Tehsil Kalpa, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

394, 389, 390 (Stone crusher)

0-34-82 Hect. (Private land)

27.9.2005 to 26.9.2010

2. Shri Raj Kumar, S/o Shri Devta pur, R/o Village Rakheham, P.O. Sangla, Tehsil Sangla, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

Sangla, Tehsil Sangla, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

753, 754, 755 & 758 (Stone Crusher)


9.7.2008 to 8.7.2013

3. Shri Daulat Ram Negi,S/o Shri Uggar Sen Negi, Village & P.O.Kilba,Tehsil Sangla, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

Mauza Kilva of Tehsil Sangla, Distt. Kinnaur

10/1/1 232/1/1 232/2/1 (Open Sale)

1-11-28 Hect 0-16-20 Hect. 0-11-70 Hect 1-39-18 Hec (Forest/diverted land)

28.1.2008 to 27.1.2013

4. Shri Tanzin Gialchhan Negi,S/oLate Shri Chhering Sanam, Village Jangi, P.O. Jangi,Tehsil Moorang, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

Mauza /Mohal Jangi of Tehsil Moorang, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P

Kh. No. 1059/1032, (Open Sale)

0-75-0 Hect (Private land)

Granted on 16.7.2008 Executed on 26.9.2008

5. Shri Daya Sukh Negi, S/o Shri Tanzin Dokpa, Village Jangi, Tehsil Moorng, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

Mauza Jangi, Tehsil Moorang, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

Kh. No. 1025/1 (for supplying to the Kashang Hydro-electric Project)

0-69-08 (Forest diverted land)

21.7.2009 to 20.7.2014

6. Shri Ringchen Namgail, S/o Late Shri Gopal Singh, Village & P.O. Akpa, Tehsil Moorang, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

Mauza/Mohal Akpa, Tehsil Moorang, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

Kh. No. 20, 22 & 23 (Stone Crusher)


Granted on 28.2.2011

7. Shri Shiv Kumar, s/o Shri Nargu Tanjin,Village Skibba, P.O. Ribba, Tehsil

Mohal Kutang, Mauza Jangi of Tehsil

Kh. No. 338/316, 340/317 & 337/316


Granted on 7.7.2011





Moorang, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

Moorang, Distt. Kinnaur, H.P.

(Open sale)

2.2 Detail of Royalty Received in district Kinnaur In Kinnaur District royalty received in respect minor minerals since 2002-03

onwards is given in the following table.

Sr No. Year Revenue Receipt ( in Rs. Lacs)

1 2002-2003 4236048 2 2003-2004 2295758 3 2004-2005 3792107 4 2005-2006 1636810 5 2006-2007 6608422 6 2007-2008 32088120 7 2008-2009 8887639 8 2009-2010 50389942 9 2010-2011 42178112

Table : Revenue Receipt in District Kinnaur.

Graph Showing Year wise Revenue Trend


-9 -GEOLOGICAL WING

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES,UDYOG BHAVAN BEMLOE,


2.3 Detail of Production of Minor MineralThe production of minor mineral in district Kinnaur since 2002-03 onwards

is tabulated in the following table.

Sr No. Year Production of Minor Mineral (in Tons)

1 2002-2003 232082 2003-2004 2440013 2004-2005 2429604 2005-2006 1688885 2006-2007 7160326 2007-2008 9457447 2008-2009 15169058 2009-2010 2605327

9 2010-2011 1928890

Graph Showing Year wise production of Minor Mineral Trend


-10 -GEOLOGICAL WING



3. Process of Deposition of Sediments in the River Bed

Deposition is the opposite of erosion. Deposition is where a river lays down

or drops the sediments or material that it is carrying. Rivers carry lots of different

sediments, including rocks, boulders, silt, mud, pebbles and stones. Normally, a

river has the power to carry sediments. If the force of a river drops, the river cannot

carry sediments. This is when the river deposits its sediments.

1) Erosion

Constituents of minor mineral

The work done by a river consists of the following

2) Transport of the material produced by erosion

3) Accumulation ( deposition) of the transported material

The erosion and transport of material go hand in hand with the deposition of

the latter. There is not a single river that doesn’t carry fragmental material and





deposit it. Even at the early stages, in the development of a river, when the erosion

and transport definitely prevails over accumulation, the material carried by the river

is deposited in some of the sections. During youthful stage of the river, these

deposits are unstable and when the volume of water and stream velocity increases

(during flood), they may start moving again downstream. The load carried by a

stream includes the rock waste supplied to it by rain wash, surface creep, slumping

etc. by tributaries , external agents such as glaciers, wind, together with, acquired

by its own erosion work. The term load doesn’t specifically mean the maximum

amount of debris, that a sream could carry in a given set of conditions, that amount

is referred to as the transporting power or capacity of a river. The term load is

technically defined as the total weight of solid detritus transported in unit time. The

transporting capacity of a stream rises very rapidly as the discharge and the velocity

increases. Experiments show that with debris of mixed shapes and sizes, the

maximum load that can be carried is proportional to something between the third

and fourth power of the velocity. But the fragments of a given shape, the largest

size that can be moved ( not the actual mass of mixed debris) is proportional to the

sixth power of the velocity, provided of course that the depth of water is also

adequate for the purpose. As the velocity of a river is checked, the bed load s first to

come to rest with continued slackening of the flow, the larger ingredients of the

suspended load are dropped, followed succevily by finer and finer particles. When

the stream begins to flow more vigoursly, the finer materials are the first to move

again. A river begins to sort out its load or burden as soon as it receives it. The

proportion of fine to coarse amongst the deposited materials tend on average to

increase downstream, but there may be interruptions of this tendency because of

addition of coarse debris from tributataries or from landslides and steepening of the

banks.

Both discharge and load depend on the climate and geology( litholgy,

structure and relief) of the river basin concerned and both co-operate in carving out

the channels down.

General Geo-morphological Characteristics of Rivers/Streams





Transport of Sediment by Streams and Rivers The material transported by a stream can travel as:

1. Bed load 2. Suspended load 3. Dissolved load (salts, chemicals

Stream capacity

• Maximum quantity of solid material that a stream can carry • Related to velocity (discharge) • Higher after a rain (more sediment in water

Stream competence (or competency)

• Measure of the maximum size of particles the stream can transport • Predict erosive capabilities

Types of rivers or streams 1. Meandering These streams are very sinuous, and tend to migrate back and forth

across the floodplain (or meander), over time. The word "meander" comes from the

name of a sinuous river in Turkey, named the Menderes.

2. Braided These streams have lots of lenticular-shaped in-channel bars. The stream

channel bifurcates around these bars, and follows a pattern resembling braided hair.

Fluvial Geomorphology

Erosion is the set of all processes by which soil and rock are loosened and

moved downhill or downslope. The most important process of erosion is due to

running water. Erosion by running water acts in two basic forms: overland flow and

channel flow.

Splash Erosion

Most running water starts off as rain. Rain drops have diameters of between

0.5 to 7 mm and hit the ground at between 1 - 9 m/sec. The force of the impact





loosens material and throws it into the air. This is called splash erosion. In violent

thunderstorms over 200 tonnes/hectares can be disturbed. On a sloping surface, soil

is shifted downhill as grains are moved slightly greater distances downhill than

uphill. More importantly, however, it leads to a decrease in the permeability of the

surface due to openings being sealed by particles. There is therefore less infiltration

and an increase in overland flow

Overland Flow

Runoff starts as a broad sheet. The sheet exerts a drag force over the ground

surface and some weathered products may be removed. This is sheet erosion.

Generally, after traveling a short distance, small channels or rills are formed, which

coalesce into gullies, concentrating the erosive action.

The amount of erosion of a slope depends on the

• Length and steepness of the slope • Rainfall intensity • Permeability and structure of the surface • Amount of vegetation cover.

Channel Flow

Stream erosion is "the progressive removal of mineral matter from the

surfaces of a stream channel which itself may consist of bedrock or regolith"

(Strahler). Erosion will only occur when the stream has an excess of energy. In

mountainous streams, the rough channel walls may amount to 96% of the potential

energy of the stream. Some energy is also spent in transporting load previously

acquired. Erosion will result if the energy available > cohesion of particles.

The quantity of water passing through the channel is termed the discharge

(m2/sec) and is eqaul to the channel cross-sectional area (m2) times the average

stream velocity (m/sec).





The amount of sediment carried by the stream is called the stream load

(kg/m3).

Sub-processes of Erosion a. Hydraulic Action

- The force of the running water alone. This is very

important in weak alluvial deposits, especially in times of flood, when fast flowing;

turbulent water undermines the channel banks.

b. Abrasion,

- The scouring caused by the impact of rock particles that are being

transported. Abrasion features include plunge pools, potholes and chutes. Abrasion

is proportional to velocity2, so a three-fold increase in velocity leads to nine times

as much abrasion. The mutual erosion of two particles is known as attrition

c. Solution (Corrosion)

- Chemical reactions between ions in solution and exposed minerals.

It is particularly important in limestone areas or on beds of rock salt and gypsum,

but all common minerals are soluble to some extent.

Stream Velocity

Stream velocity can be estimated from Manning's equation

Where A = cross-sectional area, P = wetted perimeter, S = slope and

n = roughness coefficient. The value of n will vary from around 0.02 for a smooth

channel to 0.03 for rough gravel. Other factors such as surface irregularities,

changes in cross-section, obstructions, vegetation and degree of meandering will

also affect the roughness coefficient. In general, as you go downstream, the slope

decreases (lowers velocity) and n decreases (raises velocity). At any point along the





stream's course, an increase in the depth of the stream's channel (e.g. during floods)

will lead to an increase in A/P, with a consequent increase in velocity.

Erosion Velocities

The easiest grains to erode are in the fine to medium sand size range (see

figure 1). Particles greater than this size have a proportionally greater volume to

surface area ratio, so are harder to erode. For clays, ionic bonding leads to increased

cohesion between clay particles, making them harder to erode. Clays are also platy

minerals and form smooth surfaces. Laminar flow over the smooth surface

decreases the ability of the stream to erode the particles. Clays also infill between

larger grains and so are protected by the larger grains. Sands, therefore, may be

moved during "normal" river flow, but it is only when floods increase the stream's

velocity that the larger and smaller particles can be moved. Once the particles are

being transported, there is an orderly deposition of particles with the largest being

deposited first and clays being held almost indefinitely. Hence the sediment

becomes sorted downstream.

Figure 1. Diagram showing the stream velocity required to erode, transport and deposit particles of various sizes.





Transportation

The particles carried by streams is known as the stream load. Particles may

be carried by

• Floatation. Of very minor significance.

• Solution. Ions of dissolved minerals that may travel downstream

indefinitely. The most common are Na, Ca, K, Mg, Cl, SO4 and HCO3. One

estimate of U.S. rivers was that they carry 300 million tonnes of dissolved load each

year, and 250 million tonnes of solid load.

• Suspension. The temporary support of particles when turbulence is greater

than the settling velocity of the particle. Clay and silt are normally transported in

suspension, but sand may be carried this way in floods.

• Saltation. Intermittent "jumping" of grains that are lifted by turbulence, but

are too heavy to remain in suspension.

• Traction. The sliding or rolling of particles along the stream floor. Particles

moved in this way comprise the bed load. Bed load normally constitutes around 10%

of the solid load, but may be up to 50% during floods, when the major work of the

stream is done.

Transportation is aided by the buoyancy of water, eg. quartz grains are Å 2000

times the density of air, but only two and a half times that of water. Unequal velocities

at the top and bottom of boulders also assists transportation, as does steep gradients.

The total load of particles of all sizes that a stream can carry is known as its

capacity. It is proportional to discharge, which is proportional to velocity. A faster

flowing stream therefore has a higher capacity. If a stream's capacity is less than its

load, the stream cannot carry its load, so deposition occurs. If capacity exceeds load,

the stream has excess energy (gravitational, potential energy), so it can erode more

sediments. Streams switch back and forth from depositional to erosional agents,

depending on load vs. capacity. A stream can erode along one stretch and deposit along

another, since gradient and channel shape/size vary along the stream's course. Streams





can erode during periods of higher velocity or discharge (floods) and deposit during

periods of lower velocity or discharge. Anything that alters the sediment load delivered

to the channel or that alters the stream's capacity to carry that load will cause the

stream's gradient or channel geometry to change in response

The largest particle that a stream can transport is known as its competence.

Assuming that there is sufficient depth to cover the particles, then competence is

proportional to the square of velocity.

Deposition

Deposition will occur when a loss of energy results in a decrease in velocity.

This may be due to such things as declining gradient, a decrease in water volume,

an increase in cross-sectional area (particularly pools, lakes, and oceans), or by

local obstructions. An excessive load produced by increased erosion in the drainage

basin or tributary valleys, or from glaciofluvial outwash will also inevitably lead to

deposition. The accumulations of stream deposits are called alluvium

Note: There is a constant interaction between erosion, transportation and

deposition. During a flood, the bed of a stream at a particular point may be eroded,

but as the flood subsides the bed is filled again. Similarly, in different parts of the

stream, velocity differs and hence one part of the stream may be eroding its bank,

while on the opposite bank deposition is taking place.

Downstream Adjustments

Overall, despite some variations, effluent streams (those that receive water from the

water table) generally show the following changes downstream:

• discharge increases (due to more tributaries and a greater drainage area)

• total load increases (due to more tributaries and a greater drainage area)

• channel size increases (to cope with the increased discharge and load)





• particle size decreases (due to increased abrasion / attrition and changes in

velocity)

• the smoothness of the channel increases ( due to decreased particle size)

• gradient decreases

Stream velocity downstream is increased by the smoother channels, but decreased

by lower gradients. Under normal conditions, velocity is proportional to discharge0.1, so

there is a slight overall increase in the average velocity of the stream - despite the

appearance of faster flowing mountain streams at the headwaters. In such streams, the

amount of turbulence and associated eddies and backward flowing portions of the

streams means that the average velocity is lower than the smoother flowing waters

downstream. During floods, however, when the major work of the stream is done,

velocity is proportional to discharge0 (i.e. it is constant), so the increased velocity

associated with floods allows the erosion and transportation of a large range of particle

sizes throughout the drainage system.

It can be seen from these relationships that peak discharge conditions that occur

during floods are very important in determining the form of rivers and the features

associated with them, and not the "normal" river level.

These changes take place in an orderly manner and lead to a longitudinal profile

that is smooth and concave. This is known as a graded profile (see Figure 2 and

Chernicoff & Whitney, fig, 14-7, pg 438).

Figure 2. Long profile

of a graded stream, showing a regular change in gradient.





For a stream with an irregular profile, erosion will be more pronounced at places of

higher than normal gradient, such as at falls and rapids, and sedimentation will occur in

areas of low gradient, such as lakes. The "bumps" are therefore ironed out until the

graded profile is achieved.

Over geological time, providing that tectonic forces do not change the base level,

any stream, irrespective of length, discharge, and bedrock, will achieve such a state of

"dynamic equilibrium".

It is a "dynamic" system, as there is constant re-adjustment of the channel in

response to local variations in the volume, velocity and load, that leads to a local

balance between the sediment being transported and the energy available. That is, short

term changes of scour and fill may occur, but in the long term the gradient and velocity

are such that the available load can be transported without erosion or deposition

dominating in any particular place. Over geological time, erosion dominates and the

whole profile is lowered until a peneplain is developed close to base level. The base

level is the lowest level that a stream can erode its channel. A temporary base level

results from obstructions such as resistant outcrops, lakes, dams etc. that lead to

temporary sub-profiles.

An increase in base level will lead to aggradation, the built up of sediment on

valley floors and the development of thick deposits of alluvium.

A decrease in base level will lead to such things as nick points that migrate

upstream, alluvial terraces, valley in valley topography and entrenched meanders.

The rise in sea level from 18,000 to 10,000 years ago means that most present river

systems don't demonstrate ultimate base level control by modern sea level. Estuaries (in

streams with minor solid loads) and deltas (large loads) demonstrate adaptations to the

changed conditions.





Size

Rounded, Subrounded, Subangular

Fragment

Aggregate

256 mm-- 64 mm--- 4 mm--- 2 mm-- 1/16 mm-- 1/256 mm----

Boulder

“Rou

ndst

one”

Boulder gravel Boulder conglomerate

Cobble

Cobble gravel Cobble conglomerate

Pebble

Pebble gravel Pebble conglomerate

Granule

Granule gravel

Sand

Sand sandstone

Silt Silt Siltstone

clay Clay Shale





4. GENERAL PROFILE OF KINNAUR DISTRICT 4.1 General

Kinnaur is located in the north-eastern part of the Himachal Pradesh and is

situated between 31o05’05” to 32o05’15” north latitude and 77o45’00” to 79o00’35”

east longitude The district has a total area of 6401 sq. km. which cover 11.5 per cent

area of the state. The population density in the District is 11 persons per square

Kms. The District has the 58.36% of literacy rate.

Kinnaur is bounded on the east by the Ngari region of western Tibet; the

district is separated from the Tibet by the Zaskar mountains. The Dhaula Dhar

range of mountains forms its southern boundary and it separates Uttar Kashi district

of Uttar Pardesh and Rohru tahsil of Shimla district from it. Srikhand Dhar

separates the district from Kulu and Rampur regions in the west. In the north

Kinnaur district is separated from the Spiti region of Lahaul and Spiti district by the

rivers Spiti and Pare near the international boundary with Tibet.

Salient Features of the district Geographical Area - 6401 Sq. Km Total Population - 71,270 (2001 census) Number of Sub-Divisions - 3





1 Poo 2 Kalpa 3 Nichar

Number of Tehsils - 5

1 Kalpa 2 Nichar 3 Sangla 4 Pooh 5 Moorang

Number of C.D. Block - 3

1 Poo 2 Kalpa 3 Nichar

Number of Gram Panchayat - 65 Number of villages - 660 Total Population - 78334 (2001 census)

Density per Sq Km - 12





Administrative Map of District Kinnaur

4.2 Land Utilization PatternThe general land utilizationpattern of the District is as given below

Land Utilization Pattern of the District (in hects)Area Under Forest 48704Irrigated Area 14,964Unirrigated Area 32,073Culturable waste (including gauchar and groves) 72,568Area not available for cultivation 54,719





Map Showing Land Utilization in district Kinnaur

4.3 Forest The forests play a vital role in shaping the climatic condtions of the area.

The forests provide valuable timber, medicinal herbs, raw material for large and

small scale industries and also provide employment and play a vital role in

conserving the soil and ensure timely and sufficient rain.

In Kinnaur district forest type fall naturally into following three main

divisions;

(i) The moist zone forests are found on the left side of the Satluj valley with

northern exposure into Nichar. They comprise the Tranda range of forests.

The forest are particularily continous. From the river side at 3500 feet to

alpine pasture at 12000 feet on the right base consists of grass lands and

higher up are the forest belt. Along the side stream, the forest are well

developed and Pinus Longifolia, Pinus Wllichiana, Cedrus Deodara,

PicesSmithiana, Abies Pindro, Pinus Gordianaform a broad belt of forest

along with the side of Satluj valley and the side streams between the clif of

the gorge below the alpino pastures.. on the lower slope upto 5000 feet, Chir

pines occurs in pure form and higher up given way to Quercus incana and

Rhodeondron arboretum. On shelter ravine bank between 5000 to 12000 feet

Cedrus Deodara and Pinus Wallichiana form Interine forest, higher up form

7000 to 10000 feet Picea Samithiana with mixture of broad leaf species

predominate.

(ii) The dry zone is spread in middle Kinnaur where the deodar reaches its

optimum development and form large area of pure forest. It extends from

Nichar to Chini and also found in Sangla valley. At the lower levels pine

trees abound while in the higher tracts blue pine, spruce and silverfire trees

are found. Neozapines (Chilgoja) which produceedible nuts grow in this

zone are the only forest of neza in India bearing the Peer Panjal range.





(iii) The areid zone includes the parts adjoining to Tibetan border where the

deodar develops well only on cool aspects and comparatively at higher

elevation than else where. In this zone, the forests is consisting of rose dog

and dwarf bushes and vast barren, desolate and rocky areas are devoid of

tree cover.

The following various species of plants and forest trees are generally

found in the Kinnaur district;

Botanical Name Local Name Borboris Aristata Komal Borboris lycium Kashnala

Borboris potiolaris Karundu Botula utilis Bhojpatra

Capparis spinosa Bussar Cedsus Deodara Deodar

Clematis graveolens Bailen climbars Cotonoaster bacillaris Reesh

Colyrus Colurna Sheloi Dephno qleoides Agru

Elsholtzia Polystachya Pag Frazinus xarithoxyloides Thun

Ilex dipyrona Kaderu Indigfora gorardina Kathi

Juglana zogia Akharot Myraino africana Chitring

Pinus excelsa Kail Pinus girardiana Neoza Pinus longifolia chir

Prunus armeniaca Chuli Prunus padus Jamu

Prunus persixa Baimi, Aau Prunus puddum Phaja Pyrus communis Nashpati

Pyrus malus Seo Pyrus pashia Kainth

Rhus punjabensis Tittri Rhus syccedanca Sish Rumex lastatus Shrub

Rumex napalansis Shrub





Spiraoa eindbeana Kusht Spyringa embedi Shapar

Vibusnum cotinifotium Tustuskhatele

4.4 Fauna Nature has endowed the tract with various fauna due to considerable

variation in the elevation and climate. The following are the species of animals and

birds commonly found in the district:

Bharal Snow leopard Brown bear (Lal Bhalu or snow bear Upland hare Hill Fox (Lomri) White nosed weasel Common Jungle cat Yellow Bellied weasel

Porcupine Himalyan Wolf or chanku in local parlance

Common Europeonbat House hare Common Musk threw must rat (Chachmdor Chakor

Common etter udibilao Woodpecker Common rat Crow Common Indian rat or root rat Peasant Common House mouse Monal Dark brown lcat bat Hawk Flying fox Eagle Ghoral Dove Great Himalayan leaf nosed bat Pigeon Himalayan Langur Snow cock Himalayan black bear (Bhalu, Richh) Tragopan Himalayan thar Plash Himalayan Palm Civet Koklash Himalayan ibex Chakor Indian mountjack migrating (Jungle Bakri) Musk deer

Jackal (Gidhar, shial) Red dynx or caracal (Sinaghush) Large brown fluying squired Rhesus Monkey Leopard cat (Chita Bill) Serow Leopard or Panther (Tandwa) Small Tibetan grey fox Long eared rat





4.5 Agriculture

Kinnaur is predominantly an agriculture district. agricultural

Agriculture development in the hilly areas posse peculiar problems due to steep and

difficult terrain, small and scattered holdings, depleting fertility of soil by constant

erosion, the crop yield are vary low. The crop season is limited to only six, months

due to intensive cold and snow fall. However, the economy of the district is highly

agro-pastorage. Land holdings are generally small and scattered almost every

family has a piece of land. Soils generally consists of sand, sandy loam, clay loam,

stony and graval. Wheat, barley, maize, potato, vegetables and pulses are the main

corps of the district.

For the development of the district in the agricultural front, intensive

agriculture aiming at increasing the yield per unit of area is being given highest

priority by adopting various programmes/measures like seed distribution

programme of high yielding varieties, potato development scheme, control of pests

and diseases, development of vegetables and seed production programme, use of

improved implements, local manure resources, subsidy in fertilizers and soil

conservation.

The following are the main crops in the District;- • Wheat • Maize • Paddy • Oil seed • Pulses • Potato • Sugercane • Ginger • Vegitables (Peas, Tomato, Capsicum, Cabbage, Culiflower) • Spices (Peper and Coriander)

4.6 Horticulture The climate of Kinnaur district is very congenial for the

development of horticulture and apples in particular. With the introduction of

improved techniques, expertise in orchard growing and transportation facilities, the

production of fruits is also increasing year to year. Kinnaur district has a distinct

place in the country for its quality apples and temperate fruit like wall nuts,





almonds, chilgoza, raisin, apricot etc. The main commercial verities of apple grown

are Royal Delicious, Rich Red, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious which are

directly marketed to Chandigarh, Delhi, Madras, Calcutta and Bombay markets.

Ever since the creation of district, constant emphasis has been

always given on the Horticulture to boost up the traditional economy and

considerable strides have been made in this regard after the creation of the district.

The area under apples was 2,026 Hactares in 1980-81 which was increase to 4431

Hectare in 1991-92. While the production of the apple in the district has increased

from, 7151 tonns to 16530 tonns during the period. Total production of the fruits in

the district, which includes apples, nuts and dry fruit citrus fruits etc., was of 7812

tonnes in 1980-81 which has increase to 16879 tonnes during 1991-92.

Departmental be keeping stations are also functioning in the district

at Pounta, Bhabha, Kilva, Urni and Giabong which produced 900 kilograms of

honey during the year 1990-91.

Apple, Plum, Apricot, Chilgoza, Almonds are the important fruits grown in

the Kinnaur district.

4.7 Animal Husbandry

Livestock resources of the district consist of sheep and goats. Milch cattle

are very few and yield very little milk. With the exception of Chaura village,

buffaloes are conspicuous by their absence all over Kinnaur. Before the percolation

of modern developments in Kinnaur the wealth of the family used to be measured in

term of the sheep and goats the family had. Kannauras had the flourishing trade

with western Tibet and Ladakh until and beginning of sixties particularly in wool,

pashmina, goats and sheep through barter system.

The improvement of the bread of livestock the main concern of the

department of Animal Husbandry in the districts which has been taking a

considerable stride in the district. There were 18 veterinary Hospitals, 28 veterinary

dispensaries and 1 mobile veterinary dispensary in the district in 1991. Apart from

these, 31 artificial in semi nation centers were also functioning. Besides there are





poultry units at Tapri, Two Bull centers at Sangla, 1 Sheep breeding farm at

Karchham and a Yak breeding centre at Sangla. Cross breed Jersey Cow and

Marino breed of Sheep have become very popular among the progressive farmers.

One fodder development farm run by the Animal Husbandry department is

functioning Thang Karma. To solve the fodder problem the department is providing

improvement verity of fodder seeds like Lucerne, berseen, orchards grass and grass

roots to the farmers.

4.8 Fisheries

There is vast network of perennial rivers, streams and Khads in the district

and there is a great scope of the development of fish culture. The Himachal Pradesh

fisheries department has established a Trout farm at Sangla 1961-62 incubating the

Trout eggs which were brought here from Barot Fish Farm in Mandi district.





5. PHYSICAL ASPECTS 5.1 Boundaries:

Kinnaur is bounded on the east by the Ngari region of western Tibet;

the district is separated from the Tibet by the Zaskar mountains. The Dhaula

Dhar range of mountains forms its southern boundary and it separates Uttar

Kashi district of Uttar Pardesh and Rohru tehsil of Shimla district from it.

Srikhand Dhar separates the district from Kullu and Rampur regions in the

west. In the north Kinnaur district is separated from the Spiti region of

Lahaul and Spiti district by the rivers Spiti and Pare near the international

boundary with Tibet.

5.2 Physical Features:

The face of the district present high hills and low dales, with rapid

and rushing streams and streamlets and is marked by precipitous sky-high

mountains with their peaks perpetually covered with snow. The district is

almost equally divided by the main Sutlej valley. the river Sutlej enters the

district from Tibet in the north-east near the village of Namgia and leaves it

at the western end at Chaura near Wangtu bridge. The district situated at a

height between 1,220 and 3.050 meters above the sea level. River Sutlej

enters the district at an elevation of 3,050 meters and leaves it at an

elevation of 1,220 meters. There are three more or less parallel mountain

ranges: the Zaskar Mountains, the Great Himalaya and the Dhaula Dhar.

The crest of the Zaskar Mountains forms the eastern international boundary

of Kinnaur with Tibet: the great Himalaya extends from the north-west to

the south and the crest of the Dhaula Dhar constitutes the southern boundary

of Kinnaur at the south-eastern corner where the last two ranges merge. The

general elevations of the peaks on these mountains vary between 5,180 and

6,770 metres, and hence are covered with snow all the year round.





5.3 Climate:

Kinnaur, due to its geographical situation has a long winter from

October to may, the snowy season; and a short summer from June to

September. From April to May is spring and from September to October is

autumn. It has two district climatic zones-the wet and the arid. Only the area

south of the great Himalaya receives monsoon rains. This area roughly

covers Baspa valley and the lower reaches of the Sutlej valley. In the upper

reaches of the district the monsoon showers progressively decrease and one

can notice the beginning of the complete arid zone from the place called

Spilo at a distance of 255 kilometres from Shimla, situated at an elevation of

about 2,276 metres above the sea level. The vegetation above Kalpa rapidly

becomes sparser ultimately to remain only along the river. Along the valley

of the Sutlej as far east as Wangtu the rainfall does not greatly vary from

Shimla, but beyond Wangtu the difference is considerable. The rainfall

becomes gradually decreases as Shipki is approached so that the climate of

the upper Kinnaur is semi-arid. West of Wangtu, the Sutlej valley has an

annual rainfall of 175 centimeters. At Kiba, 16 kilometres east of Wangtu,

this drops to 107 centimetres and at Poo to 40 centimetres. In the lower

portion of Kinnaur, June is the warmest month and in the upper regions July

and August are the warmest months. From 2,500 to 3,000 metres there is a

favourable situation such as at Chango, Leo and Morong where the

temperature of July and August ranges from 20o to 23oC, the October

temperature is about from 13o C to 3o C, May and October have very low

relative humidity and are generally the brought months. Clouding is more

heavy, persistent and prolonged in the long winter season. There are strong

winds in the winter months.





6. Rainfall The average monthly rainfall (in mm) during the years 2006 to 2010 is

tabulated as below;

Year

Janu

ary

febr

uary

Mar

ch

Apr

il

May

June

July

Aug

ust

Sept

embe

r

Oct

ober

Nov

embe

r

Dec

embe

r

2006 0.5 0 41.8 83.1 14.8 22.3 57.6 42 21.1 2.3 5.3 42.8

2007 0 116.2 165.9 5.1 28.8 19.2 61.3 82.8 71.9 25.7 0.4 51.2

2008 227 52.4 18.4 60.8 21.4 33.9 28.7 75.9 169.9 1.1 3.1 42.5

2009 29.9 36.5 12.6 59.8 65.3 26.8 49.4 19.3 205.9 19.6 24.8 22.1

2010 37.1 107.2 63.2 113.1 118.1 80 130.7 132.4 203.9 26.3 13.6 44.2

Table Showing Rainfall (in mm) in district Kinnaur during the year 2006 – 2010

Figure 1: Rainfall (in mm) in district Kinnaur during the year 2006-2010





7. Geology and Mineral Wealth of District Kinnaur

7.1 Geology:

Generalised stratigraphic Successions of the district is given in the following

table.

Period Formation

Recent-Sub recent- …… Soils

Triassic-Rhaetic …….. Limestone, Shales, Dolomite etc

Carbonaceous . . …….. Quartizite and limestones

Silurian ………… Coral Limestone and Quartzite

Late-Precambrian to Cambrian ………

Haimanta System-phyllites, quartzites, conglomerates, shales and slates.

Pre-Cambrian ………. Schists, gneisses, granites, quartizites (Vaikrita System)





According to the geological survey of India, the known geological formations in the district are as follows:

Between the boarder of Kinnaur and Shimla district and Jangi:

The geological formations exposed in this area have been named as Sarahan

Series. The Sarahan Series constitute schists and gneisses with granite and

pegmatite intrusions and basic rocks. The main type of schist is biotite schist,

quartz-muscovite schist and quartz- talc schist. These are intruded by basic

intrusions, which have been metamorphosed to amphibole schists. Gneises of the

Sarahan series are grey in color and medium to coarse grained in texture. They

frequently pass in the schist. Igneous rocks belong to three different periods of

intrusions. The rocks of the sarahan Series belong to pre-Cambrian period.

Between Jangi and Shipkila:

The rocks of this series have been designated to Jangi Series. It comprised

slates, carbonaceous slates, graphite phyllites, chlorite, phyllite, sand stone grading

into quartzite and thin bands of limestone. These formations range from pre-

Cambrian to Cambrian age.

Area North and West of Shipkila:

The formations exposed in this area belong to Ordovician, Silurian and

Carboniferous. The Ordovician and Devonian are represented be red quartzites and

grits, often underlain by conglomerates and passing upward into shales with bands

of limestone and dolomite. The limestone bands have yielded fossils of mollusks,

brachiopods, corals, gastropods and trilobites. The overlying rocks are known as

Muth-quartzite belongs to Devonian age. The Devonian is succeeded by great

development of limestone and dolomite belonging to Lower and Upper

Carboniferous and Permian system. The limestone, which are extensively crushed





and bracciated, vary from pure limestone and dolomite. These formations are rich in

fossils.

Geological Map of District Kinnaur





7.2 Mineral wealth in Kinnaur:

Building Stones:

Building stones are naturally occurring rocks of igneous, sedimentary or

metamorphic origin which are sufficiently consolidated to enable them to be cut or

shaped into blocks or slabs for use as walling, paving or roofing materials in the

construction of buildings and other structures. Stones suitable for building occur

throughout the geological column and have a worldwide distribution. Their

exploitation is limited where overburden or structural complexities make their

production uneconomic or where national or internationally designated

conservation or heritage sites preclude active quarrying. The principal rock types

used as building stone are limestone, sandstones, slates, quartzite, granites and river

born material. Building stone is also commonly referred to as 'Dimension Stone' in

many countries.

Important building stones which area mined in Kinnaur District are

sandstone, quartzite, slate, granite and river born material (Boulders, cobbles

etc).Sandstone is mainly used for domestic constructions and house wares.

Sandstone blocks are used for building constructions. Slate is mostly used for

roofing of houses providing traditional appearance and for paving of courtyards in

the district.

River born material:

The cobbles, pebbles, boulders and sand of the Newer Formation are the

important source of raw material for constructions and for running stone crushers in

the district. In Kinnaur district the river born material is found along the banks of

the streams and river where the velocity of the water decreases due to natural

barriers or where the tributaries join the main stream.

Beryl:

I. Pale blue beryl has been reported from the Wangtu bridge (310 32’: 78° 15’)

and for some distance up the Satluj and Shipki La (310 49’ : 780 45’) Pass.





II. Beryl associated with pegmatite has been reported from near Riuni village

(78004’20” : 31004’16”) and Nalgan Ghatti (31° 19’20” : 78° 12’15”).

III. Sporadic bluish coloured transluscent hexagonal crystals of beryl arenoticed

in the pegmatites intrusive into the schistose rocks of the Vaikrita Group in

Morang (31° 36’00': 78° 26’30') Tirung (31034’30' : 780 27’00') area.

IV. Greenish blue beryl is found in the pegmatite along its contact withthe

country rocks near Ribba (310 35’ 15' : 780 22’ 00”) and near the confluence

of Kashanj Khad and Satluj river.

V. Small crystals of beryl within pegmatite veins traversing the Rakcham

granite have been reported from the area between Pangi (310 36': 780 21')

and Akpa (31° 35’00” : 780 22’ 45”).

Clay:

I. China clay occurs as alteration product of granite, gneiss and pegmatite near

Lipa (31° 39': 780 24').

II. Lacustrine clays occur at Shalkar, Chango and Ganfa along the Spiti river.

Copper:

I. Malachite encrustations are reported in the Manchhap nala (31° 25’ 30”: 78°

33’ 30”) section.

II. Few specks of pyrite and chalcopyrite with malachite stains have been

noticed in quartz veins near Mangsula (31° 22' 30”:78° 30’ 30"). These

veins are more frequent near the Granite Batal Formation contact.

III. A few malachite stains have been noticed in the phyllites of the Batal

Formation near Lippa (31° 39’: 78° 38”).

IV. Two small old workings for copper are observed near Rangbar (31° 49’ :78°

24’) in the Ropa valley. It consists mainly of malachite and azurite coatings

along the joint planes and fissures of quartzite bands in the Kunzam La

Formation.





V. An old working of copper is reported near Sangnam (31° 47’: 78° 28’). 550

ppm Cu values have been obtained from here.

VI. Sparsely disseminated pyrite occurs in quartzites and phyllites north east of

Sangnam. In a nala north of Giabong, malachite and azurite stains are seen

in phyllites.

Fluorspar:

Rare occurrence of light green crystals of flourspar has been reported in the

pegmatite veins at Wangtu (310 32' : 780 04 ') bridge.

Galena:

I. Specks of galena have also been noticed along thin quartz veins in the

gneisses near Nalgan ghati (310 19' 20": 780 12’ 50”).

II. A few specks of galena are observed in a minor shear zone exposed east of

Alingdar (310 26' 30'; 780 38’30”).

Gold:

Small Quantity of Gold are obtained from sand bars along the Satluj River

between Morang ( 310 36’ N -78 028’ E) and Wangtu ( 310 32’ N -78 004’ E)

Gypsum:

Large deposits of gypsum occur associated with the Lipak Formation

between Liwa Thach (310 55’ : 780 30’) and Kapusa (32004:78034’) especially in

the Yulang Valley, north of Chango, and in the Yangthang (31053’: 780: 37’) area.

A small area around Shalkar (32000’:780 34’) was covered by detailed mapping and

reserves of 1.25 million tonnes were inferred upto 25m down depth extension. The

total in- situ reserves in this belt, however, may be over 100 million tonnes. Small

occurrences of gypsum are known from similar beds exposed near Tari Khango

Pass. The gypsum is mostly of alabaster type,soft, white, granular, with common

large pockets of anhydrite and small





selenite zones. It is considered to be of evaporitic origin. Thin bands of white

granular gypsum associated with the maroon shales of Yamranjha Formation occur

near Bayulkhona Thach (310 24’ : 780 40’).

Iron Ore:

Magnetite tuff are reported from Mangru La ( 310 22’ : 78030’) in which

small scale smelting had also been carried out. The magnetite occurs as profuse

disseminations as octahedral crystals in the Volcanogenic sediments which shows

very low grade metamorphic and are grouped with Kunzam La Foramtion.

Kyanite:

Kyanite blades measuring eight to 15cm in length in kyanite staurolite

schist have been reported from Morang (310 36'00” : 78026’ 30”)-Tirung (310 34’

30” : 780 27’ 00”) area.

Lithium:

The granite pegmatite veins intrusive into the rocks of Vaikrita Lipak

Formations in the Yangthang (31053’ :78037') area show 300- 1000 ppm Li values.

Mineral water:

At Changrizang (32° 03’: 78° 40') water flows at 46.5°C from seven or eight

small vents within a space of 20m. It is strongly charged with H2S and leaves saline

encrustations. Hot spring are also reported from Skiba, Thopan, Karcham, TapTi,

and Roura Thach.

Molybdenum:

Single, steel grey grain of molybdenite has been noticed in rocks near the

snout of Jabgya glacier.

Radioactive Minerals:

Anamolous radioactivity value is observed near Ropa village (31048 :

78026) where the black slates of the Batal Formation are exposed. The yellowish





encrustations along fracture planes in the Wangtu Granite are reported to be

carnotite.

Rock Phosphate:

In Kinnaur district black cherty nodules have been reported in the shale of

Kuling Formation contain 21% P2O5 . The phosphatic horizon is about 21 m thick

but percentage of nodule is very low.

Rubidium:

The pegmatite veins intrusive into the Carboniferous rocks in the Yangthang

(31° 53’: 78° 37’) area contain upto 350 ppm of rubidium.

Tourmaline:

Tourmaline has been reported in the pegmatite traversing the gneisses and

Granites around Rakchhan (310 23' :78026') and Chhitul (310 21’ :780 26’). In

Khokpea nala, a small lens of tourmaline rich graphite schist is exposed within the

Vaikrita Group. Similar concentration is noticed in quartzite about a kilometer

south east of Shangi (310 33’:78029’).





8. Drainage System

The general drainage pattern of the Rivers/ streams in the district is dendritic

pattern. All rivers/streams flowing in Kinnaur district are tributaties of Satluj River

catchment. The sources and the run along with other characteristics of the important

rivers and the streams draining various parts of Kinnaur are as follows:-

Sutlej :

Sutlej the principal river of the district arises in the Himalayas and has

plentiful perennial source of water. It enters Kinnaur district from the Tibetan

territory by a pass and reaches the boarder of Kullu. This river is called Shatarahu

in Sanskrit literature, Sutundri in vedic literature, Zaradros or Heisidrus in Greek,

Zungtee and Muksung in Tibetan as well as other being Sampoo, Sumudrung and

Sutoodra. It arises from the lake mansarover in the Tibetan hinglands and cuts the

Zanskar range at shipkila and enters district Kinnaur. The tributaries of the river

Sutlej in this district are the spiti river, the Ropa, the Taiti, the keshang, the

Mulgoon, the Yula, the wanger, the shorang and the Rupi on the right bank whereas

the Tirung, the Gyanthing, the baspa, the Duling and the Saoldung are its left bank

contributaries.

Spiti (Lee):

It is the second major river in the district. It has its source in the far-north on

the eastern slopes of the mountain ranges which run between Lahul and spiti.

Before meeting the Sutlej at the place called Khab, at an altitude of 2,589 meters,

Spiti is joined by many feeders which meet on both the banks. The Chaladokpo

(Left bank), the Yulang, the Lipak and the Tirasang (Right bank) are its main

tributaries.

The Baspa:

The Baspa river another feeder of Sutlej arises from Dhaula Dhar Mountain

ranges of Lower Himalayas and psses through valley bearing its name and meets

the Sutlej at Karchham, at an elevation of 5,945 feet, after a distance of 72





kilometers. Its channel is wide and forms many islands of stones and pebbles. The

Zupkia, the Thathang, the Boring, the Rukti and the Suthi are its important

tributaries.

Other significant tributaries of the river Satluj are;

The Yulang originating between Shiakhar and Leo joins the Spiti River after

coursing for about 13 kilometers.

The Ropa rises on the south-western range which bounds Kinnaur on the

side of Lahul and Spiti and after coursing 45 kilometers, it falls into Sutlej near

Shiaso Village. The Pojur or Taiti is one of the largest feeders of the Ropa which

runs for about 40 kilometers from south- easterly direction.

The Kashang, a hill torrent with considerable water volume has a south-

easterly direction and joins the Sutlej between Pangi and Sunnam places.

The Mulagoon is a large torrent which after crossin about 24 kilometers in

the south-easterly direction falls into Sutlej. It originates on the range that separate

Kinnaur from Lahul and Spiti. The Hindustan Tibet road crosses it near the Pangi

where it is crossed by NH-22 near Kalpa link.

The Yula originates on the eastern declivity of the range forming the

boundary between Kinnaur and Lahul ans Spiti district.it joins the Sutlej after

flowing a path of 23 kilometers.

The Wanger formed by the torrent of Bhabha and Soorchi falls into the

Sutlej on the right side at Wangtu. It flows from the eastern declivity of Damuk

Ghue.

The Tidong rises on the south-eastern frontier, towards Garhwal and holding

north-westerly course along the North western base of the huge Ruldung range, it

falls into the Sutlej near Rispa on the left bank.





Map showing the Drainage system of district Kinnaur





9. Methodology:

In order to identify the suitable mineral bearing deposits/quarries,

reconnaissance in district Kinnaur was carried out in the month of May 2011. On

the basis of observations made in the field total of 25 numbers of accessible

deposits/quarries were identified for the scientific excavation of the minor minerals

along the stream of the district.

The mineral potentials have been calculated based on field investigations

and geology of beds of the river/streams. It is also important to mention here that

there is a provision in the River/Stream Bed Mining Policy Guidelines where

collection of material upto a depth of one meter is allowed in a single season where

mineral concession have been granted. On the basis of field study it is noticed that

during flood season whole of the pits so excavated is completely filled up and as

such the excavated area is replenshed with new harvest of mineral. Mineral

constituents like boulder, river borne bajri, sand upto a depth of one metre are

considered as resource mineral. The specific gravity of each mineral constituent is

different. While calculating the mineral potential, the avrerage specific gravity is

taken as 2.25. The percentage of mineral constituents like boulder, river borne bajri,

sand are also varies for different river/stream. While calculating the mineral

potential the percentage of each mineral constituent is taken as, 35-40% for

Boulder, 30-35% for river born Bajri, 25-30% for sand and 5-10% for silt and clay.

The deposition in river beds is more pronounced during rainy season.

Although the quantum of deposition is varies, depending upon numbers of fectors

such as catchment lithology, discharge, river profile and geomorphology of the river

course. However there are certain geomorphological features developed in the river

beds such as channel bars, point bars etc. where annual deposition is much more

even two to three metres. The annual deposition of minor mineral in the different

river/stream beds has been calculated on the basis of field investigations and

geology of the catchment area of the river/streams. The rate of annual deposition of

minor mineral in the different river/stream beds of district Kinnaur varies from 9-10

cm.





10. Description of Quarries and Recommendations

10.1 Wangtu Quarry: On the left bank of the river Sutlej about 1.8 km upstream of

the Nathpa reservoir there is a deposit of river born material. The deposit is

comprises of river born material such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay.

This deposit is about 620 metres in length and about 30 metres in width.

Google Earth view of Wangtu Quarry

Minor Mineral Potential

As the stream cut its course through sky-scraping mountains which is the

prominent source of annual deposition in the river beds. During flood season, the

water carries heavy sediment load comprising gravels and sand which are deposited

along the bed of stream. The following mineral potentials have been calculated

based on the mineral constituent upto a depth of one metre. The annual deposition

of minor mineral in the river bed has been taken as annual deposition of 9-10 Cm.





Table Showing Minor Mineral Potential

Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)

River Born Bajri (in MT)

Sand (in MT)

Total Mineable Mineral Potential

(in MT) 18749 14582 8333 41664

Recommendation

It is evident from the above table that sufficient quantity of different sizes

of minor minerals are available upto depth of one metre in thequarry. It is therefore

recommended that mineral concession can be granted in this quarry.

10.2 Kilba Quarry:

On the left bank of the river Sutlej, downhill side of

village Kilba, there is a deposit of river born material. The deposits comprises of

materials, such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is about 820

metres in length and about 60 metres in width.







of minor mineral in the river bed has been taken as annual deposition of 9-10 cm.





Google Earth view of Kilba Quarry


Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 49594 38573 22042 110208

Recommendation








10.3 Shongtong Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej about 200 metres

upstream of the Shongtong village sufficient deposit of river born material is there.

The deposit is comprises of river born material such as boulders, cobble, pebble,

sand and clay. This deposit is about 260 metres in length and about 40 metres in

width.

Google Earth view of Shongtong Quarry













Mineral Potential Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 10483 8154 4659 23296

Recommendation It is evident from the above table that sufficient quantity of different sizes



10.4 Powari Quarry:

On the left bank of the river Sutlej downhillside of the

Powari village there is deposit of river born material. The deposit is comprises of

river born material such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is

about 490 metres in length and about 82 metres in width.

Google Earth view of Powari Quarry













Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 40501 31501 18001 90003

Recommendation




10.5 Khadura Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej downhill side of the Khadura village

sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The deposit is comprises of river

born material such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is about

240 metres in length and about 50 metres in width.





Google Earth view of Khadura Quarry









Mineral Potential

Boulder

(in MT)

River Born Bajri

(in MT)

Sand

(in MT)

Total Mineable

Mineral Potential

(in MT)

12096 9408 5376 26880





Recommendation




10.6 Ribba Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej on the upstream side of

the confluence of Raldong Khad village sufficient deposit of river born material is

there. The deposit is comprises of river born material such as boulders, cobble,

pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is about 220 metres in length and about 60

metres in width.

Google Earth view of Ribba Quarry













Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 13306 10349 5914 29568

Recommendation

It is evident from the above table that sufficient quantity of different sizes of

minor minerals is available upto depth of one metre in thequarry. It is therefore


10.7 Skibba Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej about 200 metres of the

upstream of the Akpa bridge, sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The

deposit is comprises of river born material such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand

and clay. This deposit is about 240 metres in length and about 120 metres in width.





Google Earth view of Skibba Quarry









Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 29030 22579 12902 64512





Recommendation




10.8 Korti -A Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej about 2 km of the

upstream of the Akpa bridge sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The



Google Earth view of Korti Quarry A












Table Showing Minor Mineral Potential Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 29030 22579 12902 64512

Recommendation

It is evident from the above table that sufficient quantity of different sizes of minor minerals are available upto depth of one metre in thequarry. It is therefore recommended that mineral concession can be granted in this quarry.

10.9 Rispa Quarry: On the left bank of the river Sutlej and downhill side of the Rispa village sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The deposit is comprises of river born material such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is about 510 metres in length and about 100 metres in width.

Google Earth view of Rispa Quarry






As the stream cut its course through sky-scraping mountains which is the prominent source of annual deposition in the river beds. During flood season, the water carries heavy sediment load comprising gravels and sand which are deposited along the bed of stream. The following mineral potentials have been calculated based on the mineral constituent upto a depth of one metre. The annual deposition of minor mineral in the river bed has been taken as annual deposition of 9-10 Cm.


Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 51408 39984 22848 114240

Recommendation




10.10 Korti -B Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej about 2.5 km downstream of the

Moorang bridge sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The deposit is







Google Earth view of Korti Quarry B











Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 56851 44218 25267 126336





Recommendation




10.11 Tirung Quarry:

On the left bank of the river Sutlej about 150 metres

downstream of the confluence of Tirung Khad sufficient deposit of river born

material is there. The deposit is comprises of river born material such as boulders,

cobble, pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is about 350 metres in length and about

35 metres in width.

Google Earth view of Tirung Quarry













Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 12348 9604 5488 27440

Recommendation




10.12 Jangi-A Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej upstream of the

confluence of Tirung Khad on left bank sufficient deposit of river born material is

there. The deposit is comprises of river born material such as boulders, cobble,

pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is about 320 metres in length and about 60

metres in width.





Google Earth view of Jangi Quarry-A


As the stream cut its course through sky-scraping mountains which is the prominent source of annual deposition in the river beds. During flood season, the water carries heavy sediment load comprising gravels and sand which are deposited along the bed of stream. The following mineral potentials have been calculated based on the mineral constituent upto a depth of one metre. The annual deposition of minor mineral in the river bed has been taken as annual deposition of 9-10 Cm.




Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 19354 15053 8602 43008





Recommendation




10.13 Khokpa Quarry:

On the left bank of the river Sutlej about 100metres

upstream of the confluence of Khokpa nala on left bank sufficient deposit of river

born material is there. The deposit is comprises of river born material such as

boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is about 400 metres in length

and about 40 metres in width.

Google Earth view of Khokpa Quarry















Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 16128 12544 7168 35840

Recommendation




10.14 Jangi-B Quarry:


downstream of the Moorang bridge sufficient deposit of river born material is there.



width.





Google Earth view of Jangi-B Quarry Minor Mineral Potential










Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 18346 14269 8154 40768





Recommendation




10.15 Jangi-C Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej upstream downhill side

of the Jangi village sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The deposit is



Google Earth view of Jangi-C Quarry













Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 11088 8624 4928 24640

Recommendation




10.16 Jangi-D Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej upstream of the Jaqngi-C

quarry sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The deposit is comprises of

river born material such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is

about 400 metres in length and about 50 metres in width.





Google Earth view of Jangi-D Quarry Minor Mineral Potential








Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT)


Sand (in MT)


(in MT) 20160 15680 8960 44800





Recommendation




10.17 Kirang Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej on the confluence of

Kirang Khad sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The deposit is



Google Earth view of Kirang Quarry













Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT) River Born Bajri

(in MT)

Sand (in MT) Total Mineable

Mineral Potential

(in MT)

10886 8467 4838 21192

Recommendation




10.18 Spillow-A Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej about 1 km upstream of

the Kirang bridge sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The deposit is







Google Earth view of Spillow-A Quarry









Mineral Potential

Boulder(in MT) River Born Bajri

(in MT)


Mineral Potential

(in MT)

18144 14112 8064 40320





Recommendation




10.19 Spillow-B Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej about 2 km upstream of

the Kirang bridge sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The deposit is



Google Earth view of Spillow-B Quarry













Mineral Potential

Boulder(in MT) River Born

Bajri (in MT)


Mineral Potential

(in MT)

19505 15170 8669 43344

Recommendation




10.20 Spillow-C Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej downstream of the

confluence of Ropa Khad sufficient deposit of river born material is there. The







Google Earth view of Spillow-C Quarry









Mineral Potential

Boulder(in MT) River Born

Bajri (in MT)


Mineral Potential

(in MT)

11340 8820 5040 25200





Recommendation




10.21 Nesang Quarry:


downstream of the Nesang bridge sufficient deposit of river born material is there.



width.

Google Earth view of Nesang Quarry













Mineral Potential


(in MT)


Mineral Potential

(in MT)

14112 10976 6272 31360

Recommendation




10.22 Giamul Quarry:


downstream of the confluence of the Shiaso Khad sufficient deposit of river born

material is there. The deposit is comprises of river born material such as boulders,

cobble, pebble, sand and clay. This deposit is about 250 metres in length and about

60 metres in width.





Google Earth view of Giamul Quarry









Mineral Potential


(in MT)


Mineral Potential

(in MT)

15120 11760 6720 33600





Recommendation




10.23 Ropa Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej, Ropa Khad merges into

the river Sutlej on the upstream of village spillow. In this stream sufficient deposit

of river born minor minerals are there. The deposit is comprises of river born

material such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay. From downstream of the

village Ropa to village Sagnam the minor minerals can be collected / exploited to

meet the increasing demand of the minor minerals. In this 7 km long portion of the

stream is about 80-100 metres wide.

Google Earth view of Ropa Quarry













Mineral Potential


(in MT)


Mineral Potential

(in MT)

564480 439040 250880 1254400

Recommendation




10.24 Chango Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej, Spiti river merges into

the river Sutlej at Khab. In this stream only few deposit of minor minerals are there,

comprises of river born material such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay. On

the right bank of this stream, about 2 km downstream of the village Chango deposit

of about 340 metres long and 30 metres wide is an accessible deposit of minor

mineral.





Google Earth view of Chango Quarry













Mineral Potential

Boulder (in MT) River Born Bajri

(in MT)


Mineral Potential

(in MT)

10282 7997 4570 22848

Recommendation




10.25 Shalkhar Quarry:

On the right bank of the river Sutlej, Spiti river merges into the river Sutlej

at Khab. In this stream only few deposit of minor minerals are there, comprises of

river born material such as boulders, cobble, pebble, sand and clay. On the left and

right bank of this stream, about 3 km downstream of the village Shalkhar deposit of

about 400 metres long and 60 metres wide is an accessible deposit of minor

mineral.





Google Earth view of Shalkhar Quarry









Mineral Potential


(in MT)


Mineral Potential

(in MT)

24192 18816 10752 53760





Recommendation








11. Summary of Reccommendation

Sr. No. Name of Quarry Length Width Area 1 Wangtu 620 30 18600 2 Kilba 820 60 49200 3 Shongtong 260 40 10400 4 Powari 490 82 40180 5 Khadura 240 50 12000 6 Ribba 220 60 13200 7 Skibba 240 120 28800 8 Korti-A 360 80 28800 9 Rispa 510 100 51000

10 Korti-B 470 120 56400 11 Tirung 350 35 12250 12 Jangi-A 320 60 19200 13 Khokpa 400 40 16000 14 Jangi-B 520 35 18200 15 Jangi-C 220 50 11000 16 Jangi-D 400 50 20000 17 Kirang 240 45 10800 18 Spillow-A 300 60 18000 19 Spillow-B 430 45 19350 20 Spillow-c 250 45 11250 21 Nesang 400 35 14000 22 Giamul 250 60 15000 23 Ropa 7000 80 560000 24 Chango 340 30 10200 25 Shalkhar 400 60 24000

Table showing details of the quarries





Chart showing area in sq. metre

Chart Showing mineral potential of the quarries





Name of Quarry Boulder River Born

Bajri Sand

Total Minor Mineral

Potential In Metric Tons

Wangtu 18749 14582 8333 41664 Kilba 49594 38573 22042 110208

Shongtong 10483 8154 4659 23296 Powari 40501 31501 18001 90003

Khadura 12096 9408 5376 26880 Ribba 13306 10349 5914 29568 Skibba 29030 22579 12902 64512 Korti-A 29030 22579 12902 64512 Rispa 51408 39984 22848 114240

Korti-B 56851 44218 25267 126336 Tirung 12348 9604 5488 27440 Jangi-A 19354 15053 8602 43008 Khokpa 16128 12544 7168 35840 Jangi-B 18346 14269 8154 40768 Jangi-C 11088 8624 4928 24640 Jangi-D 20160 15680 8960 44800 Kirang 10886 8467 4838 24192

Spillow-A 18144 14112 8064 40320 Spillow-B 19505 15170 8669 43344 Spillow-c 11340 8820 5040 25200 Nesang 14112 10976 6272 31360 Giamul 15120 11760 6720 33600 Ropa 564480 439040 250880 1254400

Chango 10282 7997 4570 22848 Shalkhar 24192 18816 10752 53760

Table showing mineral potentials of the quarries

Documents

SURVEY DOCUMENT IN RESPECT OF MINOR MINERALS … · survey ducument of district kinnaur -1 - geological wing department of industries, udyog bhavan bemloe, shimla-171001 (h.p.) survey