Role of nalas in development of landforms and land use pattern with special reference to the Stakmo village, Leh valley

Abstract

In the Leh valley, apart from the river Indus, several nalas have a great significance on development of a number of villages and settlement areas. The present work is an effort to illustrate the pivotal role of the Stakmo nala in establishment of the Stakmo village. The study also seeks to emphasis the necessity of the nala basin management to sustain the natural resources for the existence of the villages. Various problems related with Leh city and its adjacent area have been studied by several scientists. However, most of the scientists hardly show interest in depicting the comprehensive roles of the different nalas for the construction of many settlement areas and their related issues in the Leh valley. Present authors have tried to unfold the role of nalas in development of landforms and land use pattern with special reference to Stakmo village, Leh valley. Along the Leh valley there are11 important nalas which have key role to supply necessary natural resources to develop a number of important villages and settlement areas. Undoubtedly, availability of natural resources of an area greatly influenced by the process of landform development and their characteristics, because landscape characteristics play a significant role in generation of local natural resources. Hence, in order to illustrate the significant role of the Stakmo nala in development of landforms and land use pattern in Stakmo village and its adjacent area, the authors analysed vivid geomorphic features of the Stakmo nala basin based on quantitative approach including morphometric techniques and field observation. Apart from morphometric analysis, field based data regarding nala sediment size, rock types, micro features, varied land use pattern of the Stakmo village including perception study of the local people have been tried to discuss in the work.