Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2.1
56
PHYSIOGRAPHY of RAJASTHAN
he territory which the state covers has developed after years of denudation
and erosion processes and has a very mature topography. The State can be divided
into two major divisions structurally along the Aravalli range which cuts the state
into East Rajasthan and West Rajasthan. These two divisions on the physiographic
basis stretch into two of Indias major physiographic divisions i.e. the Great Plains
and the northern part of the Central Highlands respectively (See Map-2).
On the basis of the existing relief features, Rajasthan has been divided into
the following physiographic divisions:
1.
(b)
2.
3.
Marusthali
(ii)
(ii)
(b)
Eastern Plains
(a)
Banas Basin
(b)
Chappan Plains
MAP - 2
57
4.
1.
58
Vindhyan Scarpland
(b)
northwest of the Aravalli axis. Its northern boundary is marked by Punjab and the
southwest by Gujarat and the western boundary is the international boundary
between India and Pakistan. The eastern boundary of the western sandy plain is
marked by the Aravalli ranges western sub-montane zone up to the northern point
of Udaipur district. Beyond which the boundary is marked by the great Indian
watershed and 50 cm isohyte.
(b)
(ii)
(iii)
Ghaggar Plain
59
The line dividing the Sandy Arid Plains and the Semi-Arid Transitional Plain
is climatic, i.e. 25 cm isohyte. The western-most belt which is The Great Desert is
covered by sand dunes, stretches from the Great Rann along the Pakistan border to
Punjab. The degree and extent of sand dunes greatly influence the economic activity
in this area. 63 per cent sand dune area of Rajasthan is concentrated in the desert
districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner.
2.
range. The geological history of the Aravalli range can be traced back probably close
of the dharwar times. This range runs diagonally across the State from northeast near
Delhi and extends to southwest up to the Plains of Gujarat, for a distance of about
692 kilometers., the range runs from Khetri in the northeast to Khed Brahma in the
southwest Within Rajasthan for a length of about 550 kilometers. It is composed of
rocks belonging originally to the Delhi system, folded in a synclinorium occupying
the site of the geosynclines which have been deeply eroded.
The whole of this Aravalli range and Hilly Region has been further subdivided into two smaller physiographic units:
(a)
(b)
60
tract in the southwest. North of Kumbhalgarh, especially at the Alwar hills the elevation
varies between 550 m to 670 m. Further north and northeast, the hills are broken and
their elevation decreases in the final extension of hills south of Delhi to about 306 m
above sea level. This level is about 60 m to 90 m above the surrounding plain.
3.
EASTERN PLAINS
The area on the northeast, east and southeast of the Aravalli range is known
as the Eastern Plain. The Vindhyan Plateau marks the southeastern limit of the Plain.
The western boundary is demarcated by the eastern edge of the Aravalli up to north
of Udaipur. This Plain is further subdivided into two physiographic units(i)
(ii)
(i)
BANAS BASIN
The great watershed of India runs in an easterly direction starting From Udai
Sagar, east of Udaipur. The watershed acts as the southern boundary of the Mewar
Plains and south of this watershed is the Chappan Plain. The region is marked by
various types of erosional features, produced in the granite and gneiss rocks mark
the topography of the area. The soil is stony and the annual rainfall is about 73 cm.
From the foot of the Aravalli range the plain slopes gradually towards northeast.
River Banas and its tributaries drain the Mewar plain.
(ii)
61
4.
The Great Boundary Fault of the Aravallis forms its northwest boundary which
extends eastward across the Rajasthan border. River Chambal drains the large part of
this area. The Plateau has been divided into two smaller units:
(a)
average elevation between 350m to 580m. The scarps are facing towards the southsoutheast between the Banas and the Chambal and extend towards the east over
Bundelkhand. A scarp block occupies the areas of Dholpur and Karauli.
(b)
It is a wide stony upland, including Kota-Bundi plateau section. The Chambal along
with its tributaries Kali Sindh and Parbati form a triangular alluvial basin of 210m275m at Kota.
2.2
62
GEOLOGY OF RAJASTHAN
From the oldest Archaen Metamorphic, represented by Bhilwara Super
The formations include the rocks of Aravalli Super Group, Delhi Super
Group and Upper Precambrian Vindhyan Super Group and of Cambrian to Jurassic,
Cretaceous and Tertiary ages (State Remote Sensing Application, 1999). A pile of
basaltic flows of Deccan Traps of Cretaceous age occupy the south-eastern extremity
of the state. Several mineral deposits of economic importance occur in association
with the above rock units.
The geological sequence of the state is highly varied and complex, revealing
the co-existence of the most ancient rocks of the Pre-Cambrian age and the most
recent alluvium as well as windblown sand. The Aravallis, one of the most ancient
mountains in the world, have the oldest granitic and gneissic rocks at their base.
Delhi Super Group, the Vindhyan Super Group and younger rocks are highly
metamorphosed at certain places and show rich occurrences of minerals of great
commercial importance (Groundwater Atlas of Rajasthan, 1999).
MAP - 3
63
64
The Aravalli mountain system runs across the state from the north of Delhi in
the north-east to the Gulf of Cambay in the south-west. The great synclinorium in
the central part of the Aravalli range is occupied by rocks composed of Aravalli and
Delhi rocks. The Archaen consists of the Bhilwara Super Group.
The Delhi Super Group overlies the Aravallis. Delhi Super Group is divided
into lower Ralio group which is rich in crystalline limestone, grit, schistose rocks
and quartzite; the middle Alwar group consists of quartzite, grits and schistose rocks
and the Upper Ajabgarh group.
The lower Vindhyans in the east and Marwar in the west are the lithological
formations consisting of a thick series of sedimentary rocks composed of sandstone,
limestone and shale. The deposition of these rocks in western Rajasthan are mostly of
an acidic nature include a thick pile of lava as its formation was preceded by igneous
activity. The granite bosses and sills in Jalore, Siwana, Mokalsar and Jodhpur areas
are the plutonic equivalent of these lava deposits. Rocks of the above mentioned
igneous activity are designated as Erinpura Granite and Malani Igneous suit.
The Jurassic era formations are distinctly noticeable in a vast area around
Jaisalmer and some of the fossils of this age are also found in the rocks here. The
outcrops of these rocks are, partly, covered by wind-blown desert sands. The Bap
65
Violent volcanic activity in the form of fissure eruptions marked the close of
Mesozoic era in the lower Cretaceous age. The rocks formed then are known as
Deccan Traps, found in the southern and south-eastern Rajasthan. The main
characteristic of this was a stupendous outburst of covered volcanic energy, resulting
into the eruption of thick streams of lava over the vast areas. Notable formations of
Upper Cretaceous to Lower Eocene age are present in form of the Deccan trap
extending over a vast area in Jhalawar and in the eastern parts of Chittorgarh and
Banswara districts. This was the time when a large area of peninsular India was also
covered with fissure eruptions of black lava.
Over a large area of western and eastern Rajasthan the remains of Pleistocene
sandy alluvium, blown sand, kankar (calcium nodules), and carbonate beds and
evaporate deposits of recent and sub-recent age are found.
Several mega lineaments also traverse in the state. The Great Boundary
Fault, through which the Chambal River has carved its course, passes through southeastern part of the state. This fault is visible in Begun (Chittorgarh district) and
northern parts of Kota. It reappears again in Sawai Madhopur and Dholpur districts.
66
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Location of the great Indian watershed and the existence of the Aravalli axis
greatly influence the drainage system of Rajasthan. The drainage to the Bay of Bengal
and the Arabian Sea gets divide due to the Great Indian watershed which runs along
the Aravalli axis from the Sambhar Lake southward to Ajmer (see Map-4). From here
before proceeding towards the southwest of Udaipur city the line runs to southwest, a
few kilometers east of Beawar and to Deogarh and Kumbhalgarh further extending to
in the west, past Udaisagar and runs to southeast to Bari Sadri, from Choti Sadri to
Pratapgarh. Table - 2 shows the river basin area during 2012 as per Tahal Report.
Name
Shekhawati
9691
Ruparail
2550
Banganga
9949
Gambhir
4934
Parvati
1891
Sabi
4615
Banas
46902
Chambal
31229
Mahi
16598
10
Sabarmati
11
Luni
12
West Banas
13
Sukli
14
15
Outside Basin
135603
TOTAL
342264
4118
69580
1835
994
1775
MAP - 4
67
68
Smaller streams and their tributaries drain the west and south of the Aravalli
axis. Rivers Luni, Sukri, Banas, Sabarmati and Mahi are most significant. These
streams are non-perennial in nature. On the eastern side of the watershed, the river
Chambal is joined by the river Banas along with its main tributaries like Khari,
Moshi and Morel on the left bank and Berach, Bajasen and Golwa on the right. The
river Chambal ultimately joins the river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh.
The inland drainage system is the most characteristic feature of the drainage
system of Rajasthan which is that nearly 60.2 per cent of the area of the state. Nearly
all this area lies west of the Aravalli range. In this part Kanti basin, Sota and Sahibi
basin, Barah basin of the Luni basin are found in large number of separate drainage
basins. The desert tract in the western part soaks all the water of these rivers.
The river Luni which rises at Ana Sagar at Ajmer is the only significant
water course in this area is and flows towards the southwest for a distance of about
32 km through the districts of Jodhpur, Barmer and Jalor in the semi-arid tract west
of the Aravalli range., the river has a small catchment area of about 32 sq km at the
source at Talod Road. A small tributary joins from the Pushkar valley and the basin
of the river widens. Near Ajmer, the river flows down the Aravalli slope and after 10
km flows towards the southwest. This river drains the total catchment area of about
34,866.40 sq kilometers. As it is a rain-fed stream the river is choked with advancing
sands at many places during the dry season. When the river is carrying maximum
water during the monsoon season it is not able to cut the Aeolian deposits. It
recieves many smaller hill torrents from the western slope of the Aravalli range, like
Lalri, Ghuhia, Bandi, Sukri, Jawai, Jojri and Sagai, all joining on the left bank. All
69
these streams contribute to the sub-soil within its bend. Up to Balotra the water of
river Luni but lower down it becomes more and more saline till the river drains near
the Rann of Kutch. The river Luni increases in width at Jodhpur district rather than
deepening the bed. This is because the floods develop so quickly due to the nature of
rainfall that the river has no time to rub the bed. The River Luni spills over the
country and occasionally damages the railway line to which it actually runs parallel
from Luni Junction to Gole during the rainy season.
The southern and the eastern part of Rajasthan, south, southeast and east of
the Aravalli range receives more than 80 cm rainfall and has some important streams.
The river Chambal is the largest stream and is joined by some tributaries like the
Banas, the Kali Sindh, and the Parbati. The river Chambal is a perennial river while
its tributaries might occasionally turn completely dry and exhibit their stony beds.
The river Chambal rising from the northern flanks of the Vindhyan scarps
near Manpur (884.4 m) in the south of Mhow runs for about 325 km through a long
narrow and steep gorge which overhangs the valley on both the sides rising about 60
m to 90 m above the valley floor. The river falls at 505 m near Chaurasigarh to Kota.
The river Chambal is joined by its first major tributary - river kali Sindh near
Monera village. Another tributary Parbati joins about 48 km downstream. Taking a
straight course for about 212 km, it bends southeast at Pinahat and flows to join the
river Yamuna near Muradganj, after a total run of about 965 kilometres. For a length
of about 153 km the river flows entirely in Rajasthan. the river forms the boundary
between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh from Palia to Pinahat for about 241 km. it
forms the boundary between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Before joining the
70
river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. In Rajasthan two other tributaries Kurai and Banas
join the Chambal river on the left bank.
The Banas river flows through the heart of the Mewar Plains. Its chief
tributaries are Berach, Kothari, Khari, Dhoond and Morel. The river Banas rises
from the catchment area lying between Kankroli and Nathdwara and flows towards
the east as far as Mandalgarh and further it flows towards the northeast up to Tonk
where it again turns towards the east and finally this river turns at right angles and
flows south to join the river Chambal. The upper reaches of this stream are hilly and
have good rainfall.
2.3
71
CLIMATIC PARAMETERS
The light winds are mainly from northwest-north-northeast over the state in
January which gradually turn anti-clockwise replaced by light north-westerly to
westerly or south-westerly winds in April.
In July with the advance of the summers, the pressure gradient increases and
correspondingly the winds from northwest to southwest also strengthen reaching
their maximum strength. The pressure decreases from west-southwest to eastnortheast over the state, in July. Having the weakest pressure gradient the month of
October is the transition period. The changeover of the pressure and wind pattern
commences and north-northeasterly winds appear October onwards.
Cloudiness
It is cloudless or slightly clouded during October to May but the part of the
period from January to March is more clouded, especially during afternoons. The
sky remains cloudless or lightly clouded over the state during April and May.
During July and August, the monsoon skies are heavily clouded. The skies remains
72
overcast for 5 days and clear on 7 days per month in West Rajasthan and for more
than 8-9 days and clear on 4-5 days per month in East Rajasthan on an average
during July and August. The cloud cover decreases to a great extent over the entire
state during October.
73
Rainfall distribution
During the south-west monsoon period extending from June to September the
state receives about 90% of the total rainfall. The cold weather period (January and
February) receive the Remaining portion of rainfall which occurs in association with
the local convective activity. There is a wide variation in the mean annual rainfall
over Rajasthan as the extreme western parts of Jaisalmer district receive rainfall less
than 100mm in contrast to more than 900mm in the eastern parts of Jhalawar and
Banswara.
The lowest recorded annual rainfall in the past 100 years i.e. between 1900
and 2010 was 24 mm in the western Rajasthan and whereas it was never below 120
mm in the eastern Rajasthan.
The relative humidity in the arid region of Western Rajasthan is also quite
high because of the unfavorable circulations of the atmosphere and low precipitation
that occurs in the arid region as compared to other semi-arid and sub-humid regions.
74
Evapotranspiration
The annual potential evapotranspiration values vary widely between eastern
and western Rajasthan. In Dungarpur and Banswara districts the annual potential
evapotranspiration is less than 1300 mm whereas it is more than 2000 mm in
Jaisalmer district.
2.4
75
RAINFALL
The principal rainy season when the Rajasthan state receives 91% of its
annual rainfall is during the South-West monsoon, which is depicted in Map - 5. The
total normal annual rainfall, shown in Map 6, in the state varies from 1000 cm
over the South-Eastern parts to14 cm over the extreme North-Western parts. The rest
share of rainfall comes during the cold weather season about 2% (see Map - 7); the
summer season about 3% (see Map 8) and during the post-monsoon season
(depicted in Map - 9) about 4% of the annual total rainfall respectively.
The onset of the southwest monsoon over the eastern parts of the state is
witnessed almost by the last week of June which extends over the entire state by the
first week of July. Amounting individually to about 34% of the annual rainfall each,
July and August are generally the rainiest months. Around 1 st September the
withdrawal of the southwest monsoon begins from the northern western parts of the
state and by 15th September it withdraws from the entire state. During cold weather
season a small amount of rainfall i.e. 1cm and 0.7 cm in East and West Rajasthan is
received. This respectively is of great significance for agriculture and if occurs in
association with western disturbances which move from west to east across the
northern parts of the country.
The districts of East Rajasthan receive more rainfall than those of West
Rajasthan. The mean annual rainfall in the East and West Rajasthan is about 64.9 cm
and 32.7 cm respectively.
MAP - 5
76
MAP - 6
77
MAP - 7
78
MAP - 8
79
MAP - 9
80
81
The average annual rainfall in Rajasthan between 1980 and 2009 has been
graphically shown in Graph 1.
Graph 1
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Ajmer
Alwar
Banswara
Baran
Barmer
Bharatpur
Bhilwara
Bikaner
Bundi
Chittorgarh
Churu
Dausa
Dholpur
Dungarpur
Ganganagar
Hanumangarh
Jaipur
Jaisalmer
Jalore
Jhalawar
Jhunjhnu
Jodhpur
Karauli
Kota
Nagaur
Pali
Pratapgarh
Rajsamand
Sawai Madhopur
Sikar
Sirohi
Tonk
Udaipur
Rainfall in mm
Districts
The maximum rainfall in the state is received in the Southern or SouthEastern districts of the state. On the west of Aravalli hills Pali and Jalore districts
receive maximum amount of rain of 50 cm and 43 cm in West Rajasthan.
2.5
82
TEMPERATURE
The Rajasthan state experiences more or less uniform day temperatures over
the plains except during the winter when temperatures increase southwards and during
monsoon season when temperatures increase northwards. During the southwest
monsoon the night minimum temperatures are more or less uniform but generally
they are lower in higher latitudes.
As compared to the plains the day and night temperatures over the plateau
and at high level stations are lower. In the hottest month of May the mean maximum
temperature is approximately around 41C - 42C in the plains, but it is 2C to 4C
lower in the elevated and plateau regions of the state. The Graph2 depicts the
average mean temperature of Rajasthan district-wise from the year 1980 to 2009.
Graph 2
29
27
25
23
21
19
17
15
Ajmer
Alwar
Bhilwara
Bansawara
Dholpur
Dungarpur
Erinpura Road
Jaipur
Jawai Bandh
Jhalawar
Kota
Mount Abu
Pilani
Sikar
Tonk
Udaipur
Bharatpur
Sawai Madhopur
Rawat Bhata
Chittorgarh
Dabok A.P.
Bundi
Barmer
Bikaner
Churu
Ganganagar
Jaisalmer
Jalore
Jodhpur city
Jodhpur A.P.
Nagaur
Phalodi
Anoopgarh
Temperature in C
Temperature Centres
The mean minimum temperature in the coldest month of January in the state is
7.4C, which varies from 4C in the north to 12C in the south. With the arrival of
83
MAP - 10
84
MAP - 11
85
MAP - 12
86
MAP - 13
87
2.6
88
WIND VELOCITY
There is a direct link between wind velocity and seasons. The wind speed
reaches the highest in the month of June, which starts rising from the month of April.
The wind speed starts gradually decreasing and comes to minimum in the month of
November. In the Western Rajasthan Jaisalmer has the highest mean monthly wind
velocity followed by Jodhpur. On the eastern side Jaipur has the highest mean
monthly wind velocity. For the most of the days during a year the Wind speed
remains 1-19 km per hour all over the State (Indian Meteorological Department,
2010). During April the wind direction is from west to east and after crossing the
Thar Desert they become dry and warm. During summer hot and dust raising winds
are common in Rajasthan.
2.7
89
HUMIDITY
During the monsoon months, July to September the relative humidity is
generally high in the state of Rajasthan. The humidity is about 45%-47% in June,
which rises to a little less than 70% during August in West Rajasthan and to about
76%-77% in East Rajasthan. The Graph 3 depicts the humidity regime in the state
from 1980 to 2009. The average annual humidity percentage during these 30 years
was 55.4 %. The trend line in the figure shows a gradual decrease in humidity
percentage in the state from 1980 to 2009.
Graph - 3
Average Humidity Percentage in Rajasthan (1980- 2009)
100.0
Humidity levels in %
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
0.0
Years
The diurnal variation in relative humidity is least during monsoon in the East
Rajasthan; on the contrary it is higher in West Rajasthan. In the summer afternoons
the relative humidity is least, i.e. about 20 to 30% in most of the state which makes
the summer very dry and hot. In the winters (January and February) the diurnal
variation is highest.
2.8
90
SOILS
The Aravallis divide Rajasthan state into eastern and western Rajasthan. The
soil improves in fertility from west and northwest towards east and northeast. In
many parts of the state the soils are saline or alkaline. The soils of the State have
been divided into the 7 groups (see Map 14) on the basis of their occurrence, chief
characteristics and suitability for cultivation. These soil types are:
1.
Desert Soil
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Alluvial Soils
1.
Desert Soil: The largest area in Rajasthan is occupied by desert soil, which
covers the area west of the Aravallis up to the Pakistan border. The entire tract
is ill watered and unproductive and characterized with sand dunes, hillocks
and rock outcrops. The soils contain about 90 to 95 per cent sand and about 5
to 7 per cent clay. This windblown sand is partly derived from the surface
rocks and partly from sand blown in from the coastal regions. This soil has
high soluble salt percentage and has high pH value; the percentage of calcium
carbonate is high with very low organic content. The annual rainfall of this
area is less than 10 centimeters. In the case of most of the aeolian sand, the
CaO content varies from 1.0 to 1.5 per cent. The CaO content in the soil is less
in the sand dunes of the stabilized sandy areas at Jodhpur and at some parts of
Jaipur. The soil has the presence of high nitrogen content in the form of
nitrates. The phosphates and nitrates together make the desert sands fertile for
agricultural crops and plants at places where water supply is regular.
MAP - 14
91
2.
92
Grey Brown (Desert) Soil: This group of soil occurs in the districts of
Barmer, Jalor, Jodhpur, Sirohi, Pali, Nagaur, Sikar and Jhunjhunu and covers
an area of about 36,400 sq km. The fertility of this soil increases towards the
east and northeast. The soil is saline and alkaline and has a high pH value.
The pH of the soils and sands ranges between 7.2 and 9.2 and they are
calcareous in nature. There is a presence of nitrogen in the form of nitrates
which enhance the soil fertility. The soil in Pali district (Sumerpur) shows
much variation. The hilly areas in the south have heterogeneous distribution
of soils. Towards the north uniform and heavier soils are present. In this area
various soil classes like coarse light soils, soils of the rocky areas, dark
medium heavy soils, yellowish-brown medium soils and brown medium soils
are present.
3.
Red and Yellow Soil: The western part of the districts of Udaipur, Bhilwara
and Ajmer has this soil type. Due to the higher degree of hydration of ferric
oxide the soil has acquired yellow color. Silty-loams to silty-clay loams are
common in the region. The pH ranges from 5.5 to 8.5. The carbonate, salt
content and humus content in the soils are poor. Nitrogen contents vary from
0.006 to 0.016 per cent and organic carbon contents vary from 0.057 to 0.126
per cent.
The surface texture of soils at Pisangan in Ajmer district varies from sandy to
sandy loam. Sometimes ferruginous concentrations are also found. The
surface colour of the soil varies from light yellowish, through brown
yellowish-brown to dark brown. In this area the soil has been classified in to
following types - Sandy Soil, Shallow Soil and Dark Medium heavy Soil.
4.
93
Ferruginous Red Soil: The red soil which had been formed from ancient
crystalline and metamorphic rocks occupies the central and southern part of
Udaipur district and the entire Dungarpur district. As compared to the black
soils, red soil has a smaller content of lime, potash, iron oxide, and phosphorus.
In different areas the red soil greatly differs in depth and fertility, the
characteristics of lighter texture, porous and friable structure and it is
invariably free from kankar nodules. On an average this soil is poorer in
nitrogen, phosphorus and humus.
5.
Mixed Red and Black Soil: This soil with neutral to alkaline pH is found in
the eastern parts of the districts of Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur,
Banswara and Bhilwara.
6.
Medium Black Soil: Soil of this type is black and deep which is most
commonly found in the districts of Kota, Bundi, and Jhalawar in the
southeastern part of the State. The internal drainage is fairly good due to the
presence of vertical cracks of varying sizes. In most of the above soils the
presence of organic carbon and nitrogen are low to medium.
7.
Alluvial Soils: Alluvial soil occupies Alwar, Bharatpur, Jaipur and Sawai
Madhopur and the central part of Ganganagar district, all lying on the
northeastern part of the state. The soil is deficient in lime, phosphoric acid
and humus. It varies from clayey to sandy loam in texture. The top soil
contains 'kankar which lie either on sands or sandy clays. A wide variety of
crops including wheat, rice, cotton and tobacco are grown in this soil.
2.9
94
They can be discussed in two broad categories i.e. into two distinct groups one
comprising the arid vegetaion, falling into western part of the state while the other
belonging to semi-arid to sub humid of eastern and southern Rajasthan (see Map-15).
A.
is characterized by sparse vegetation. Vegetation of this arid tract has well adapted
to existing arid conditions. The potential vegetation of this region has been modified
due to intense biotic factors. The vegetation of western Rajasthan has been grouped
under the following categories based on two prominent indices i.e. density and
frequency. These have been used to identify the dominant and co-dominant species
of vegetation.
1.
transverse dunes having the lowest rainfall zone (10 to 15cm). Only shrubs an
under-shrubs which are well adapted to prevailing conditions are predominant in this
tract. This region is represented by psammophytic Scrub Desert Vegetation. Phog is
the major dominant shrub on the dunes in Barmer region while it is associated with
Haloxylon in Jaisalmer tract.
MAP - 15
95
2.
96
3.
sandy loam or loamy and soil cover allow highly adapted species to colonize this
habitat. Due to the adaptive capability to the adverse desertic conditions Ziziphus
and Capparis are present here. In many regions, largely scattered stunted tree species
of Prosopis and Acacia etc are prevalent. The limited associated species of the
lithophytic Scrub Desert are also present.
4.
depressional areas, with one percent slope. In western Rajasthan, these are located at
Malhar (Jodhpur), Pachpadra, Uterlai, Thob (Barmer) Lawan, Pokhran etc. mostly
Suaeda dominates these tracts.
5.
etc. and Shrubs - Capparis deciduas, Calotropis procera etc. Large part of the flat
plains in 25 to 30 cm rainfall zone is dominated by this type which covers the older
97
alluvial plains and buried pediment plains. Due to cultivation the natural vegetation
of this zone is highly modified.
6.
profile in the district of Barmer, part of Churu and Sikar exhibit the prevalence of
this type. As the farmers themselves conserve these plants so species have their
predominance in arable lands also. Trees Prosopis cineraria, Tecomella undulate,
Salvadora oleoides, Balanties aegyptiaca. Shrubs Calotropis procera, Leptadenia
pyrotechnica, Lycium barbarum, Acaica jacquemontii, Clerodendrum phlomoides,
Ziziphs nummularia, Mimosa Hamata.
7.
loam soils support this type present at Nagaur, Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu. The low
dunes and undulating hummocky plains in the region show the dominance of
Prosopis only. The irrigated fields of in flat plains are invariably occupied by both
Prosopis Cineraria Acacia Nilotica species in varying density. Prosopis cineraria
show high density. Trees Prosopis cineraria, Acacia nilotica, Ailanthus excels,
Acacia cupressiformis, Ziziphus maruitiana, Tecomella undulate. Shrubs Zyziphus
nummularia, cappairs deciduas, lyceum barbarum, calotropis procera.
8.
very deep and moderately saline soils of district Pali, Jalore, southern Barmer, north
eastern tract of Churu and Jhunjhunu support this type. Soil column and hardness of
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the pan is very much reflected by the growth of tree species. Trees Salvadora
sleoides, S. perisca, Tamarix articulate, Acacia nilotica, A. leucphloea, Balanites
aegyptiaca. Shrubs Indigofera oblongifolia, Calotropis proceera, Tamarix
ereocoides, Cassia auriculata, Capparis deciduas, Zyziphus nummularia.
9.
soils but non-saline at the foot hills of Aravalli range in district Pali, Ajmer and part
of Udaipur can be witnessed with the predominance of these two species. Trees
Acacia nilotica, Acacia cupressiformis, Azadirachta indica, Salvadora oleoides,
S. persica, Tamarix articulate, Ziziphus
lebbeck and Ficus supp. Shrubs Cassia auriculata, Capparis deciduas, Zyzyphus
nummularia, Indigofera oblongifolia.
10.
while limestone and rhyolite hills support very poor vegetation. The protected hills
in the rainfall zone of 20 to 35 cm support Acacia Senegal as the dominant forest
type. Low hills / rocks, generally unprotected support Euphorbia caducifolia scrub.
Trees Acacia Senegal, Maytenus emarginatus, Anogeissus pendula, Moringa
concanesis, Wrightia tinctoria. Shrubs Euphorbia caducifotia, Capparis deciduas,
Ziziphus nummularia, Grewia tenax, Cordia gharaf.
B.
pediment plains and the Aravalli range. The zone lies in the region which receives
99
rainfall between 50 and 80 cm. The plains lie in the double cropping region and
hence the existing vegetation is largely modified due to cultural interferences.
Degraded vegetation is present on the rocky wastelands, which is a result of the high
biotic impact.
1.
exposed plains whereas A. nilotica is the main species in the plains with deep soil in
western part of Jaipur, Tonk, Alwar and Bhilwara district along with Jaisamand and
Ajmer and north western Udaipur. Plains show sparse tree density as the region is
extensively cultivated. Prominent Trees are Acacia leucophlea, A. Senegal,
A. nilotica, Aegle moremlos, Azadirachta indica Balanites aegyptiaca, Ficus
bengalensis, F. religiosa, Propis cineraria Salvadora perisica, S. oleoides, Phonix
sylvestris, Pithecellobium dulco Ziziphus mauritina, Mangifera indica, Madhuca
indica. Prominent Shrubs are Acac jacquemontii, Calotropis procera, Mimosa
hamata, Capparis deciduas, zeylanica, C. sepiaria, Dichrostachys cinerea, Cassia
auriculata, Lanta camera, Zizyphus nummularia.
2.
are largely under double cultivation and dominated by this type of specie. The density
of trees is general limited due to cultivation but they exhibit good growth due to good
irrigation. Dominate Trees Acacia nilotica, A. cupressiformis, Azadirachta indica,
Mangifra indica, Madhuca indica, Phoneix sylvestris, Ziziphus maauritiana, Ailantl
excels, Ficus bengalensis, F. religiosa, Pithecellobium dulce, leucopholea, Cordia
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3.
Valley covering Dholpur, Sawai Madhopur and Kota districts. This dissected upland
has dry situation where as at all lower level, the flat land experiences fast flow of
water.
4.
pediment plains and rocky valleys exhibit this type of vegetation. Here Madhuca
indica and Zizphus maruitianna occur in place with deep soil deposition but Butea
monosperma (Dhak) dominates the terrain. The dominant Trees here are Madhuca
indica, Azadirachta indica, Zizyphus maruitiana, Mangifera indica, Phoenix sylvestris,
Aegle mormelos, Acacia leucphloea, Cassia fuistul and Balanits aegyptica. Dominant
Shrubs are Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Holerrhena pubescens, Euphorbia neriifalia,
E. vinulia, Dendrocalamus, Cassia auriculata, Dichrostachys cinera.
5.
and eastern part of Udaipur are largely dominated with this form of major mixed
deciduous vegetation of the Aravalli range. Vegetation at different slope zones is
higher slopes Anogeissus pendula, Boswellia serrate, Sterculia urens, middle
slopes Acacia Senegal, Bauhinia racemosa, Cassia fistula, Capparis sepiaria,
Dichrostachys cinerea, Diospyros melanoxylon, Lannea cormandelia, Wrightia
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tinctoria. Angle mormelos, Adina cordifolia. Lower slopes and valleys Butea
monosperma, Cassia auriculate, Acacia leucophloea, Dendroclamus strictus,
Euphorbia caducifolia, Holoptelia integrifolia.
6.
associated species - Bosellia serrata and dalbargia latifoila. It is present in the hilly
areas of south - eastern part of Udaipur, southern Chittorgarh and Banswara district.
The regions with gentle slope mostly exhibit a good density of trees and shrubs
species. Vegetation type changes with change in slope zones. On the Higher slopesBauhinia racemosa, Boswellia serrata, Emblica officinalis; Middle slopes- adina
cordifolia, aegle mormelos; and Lower slopes - Holerrhena pulsescens, Euphorbia
caducifolia etc. are seen.
7.
102
342.66
Forest
26.60
17.60
24.98
42.59
Cultivable wasteland
45.46
Pasture
17.08
0.14
62.69
10
Fallow
36.82
11
173.94
12
216.64
13
52.39
14
63.93
15
Cultivable land(6+10+11)
256.22
16
203.83
Source: Perspective and Strategic Plan for Development of Rainfed and Watershed Areas in
Rajasthan for 18 Years Period (2010)
103
Figure 1
Land Use Classification in Rajasthan
0% 1%
21%
1%
2% 2%
3%
4%
4%
4%
5%
5%
18%
14%
16%
During 2007, the maximum area under forest was in Ajmer, Alwar and
Udaipur districts, whereas the lowest three districts were Nagaur, Jodhpur and
Churu. Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts lead in area that is not available for
cultivation and Sikar, Dausa and Jhunjhunu are the bottom three districts.
Under the use of Permanent pasture and other grazing lands Bharatpur,
Hanumangarh and Ganganagar have the least area whereas Barmer, Jodhpur and
Bhilwara have the largest area under this category. Churu and Rajsamand districts
have no land under miscellaneous trees, crops and groves. Districts Nagaur, Jalore
and Hanumangarh cover the least whereas Dungarpur, Ganganagar and Jhalawar
cover the maximum area under the same category.
104
cover the highest area in Alwar, Ajmer and Jodhpur whereas they are lowest at Karauli,
Dholpur and Bharatpur. The current fallow land covers the highest area in Ajmer,
Alwar and Barmer whereas the lowest are at Karauli, Banswara and Rajsamand.
Under the category of Net Area Sown and Net Area Sown more than once
Ajmer and Alwar stand on the top two positions with Barmer and Hanumangarh at
the third positions respectively. Dhoplur, Dungarpur and Rajsamand are the lowest
three in the category of Net Area Sown and Dungarpur, Sirohi and Rajsamand are
the last three of Net Area Sown more than once.
It can be seen that the western districts of Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Barmer
have large stretches of sandy soils therefore a very high percentage of cultivable
waste and fallow land is present in the region. The net sown area is also less than the
other types of land uses here. Higher percentage of seasonal pasture lands exist in
Barmer, Jodhpur, Jalore and Nagaur districts. Generally, Forest areas are evidently
absent in the entire western Rajasthan.
Churu, Nagaur, Jodhpur, Pali and Jalore districts lying in the mid western
districts of arid and the semi arid zone support only rain-fed crops in this area and
because of low rainfall the percentage of fallow land is quite high. The net sown
area is the highest in the semi-arid zone and the sub-humid parts of eastern
Rajasthan which also accounts for extensive agriculture. Due to the presence of hilly
terrain in parts of Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Kota and Baran districts the
percentage of cultivable waste and the land put to non agricultural use is highest.
The percentage of forest areas in Kherwara (Udaipur), Dungarpur, Banswara, Sirohi,
Kota, Jhalawar, Baran, and Sawai Madhopur districts are noticeably high.