Doon Valley

Doon Valley
Name	Doon Valley
Other name	Dehradun Valley
Location	Uttarakhand, India
Coordinates	30, 19, N, 78...
Length	80 km
Width	20 km
Elevation	640 m
River	Ganges, Yamuna, Song River, Asan River
Mountain range	Shivalik Hills, Himalayas

Doon Valley. It is an intermontane valley situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, lying between the parallel Shivalik Hills and the Lesser Himalayas. The valley is primarily drained by the Song River and Asan River, with its western and eastern boundaries traditionally defined by the Yamuna and Ganges rivers, respectively. Renowned for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty, it serves as the political and cultural heart of the Garhwal region and is home to the state capital, Dehradun.

Geography

The valley is a structural depression formed by the tectonic activity of the Himalayan orogeny, bounded to the north by the Mussoorie range of the Lesser Himalayas and to the south by the Shivalik Hills. Key water bodies include the perennial Song River, which bisects the valley, and the Asan River, with the Asan Barrage creating a significant wetland recognized as the Asan Conservation Reserve, a haven for migratory birds. The valley's geology consists of alluvial deposits and conglomerates, making it fertile but also susceptible to landslides, particularly in the Shivaliks. Its climate is classified as humid subtropical, with the monsoon bringing substantial rainfall from June to September, while winters are mild with occasional fog.

History

Historically part of the Kedarkhand region, the valley finds mention in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana. It was ruled by the Katuyri dynasty before coming under the control of the Garhwal Kingdom with its capital at Srinagar. In the early 19th century, it was briefly captured by the Gorkha Kingdom of Nepal during the Anglo-Nepalese War, after which the Treaty of Sugauli (1816) ceded it to the British East India Company. The British established the district and developed it as a prominent colonial hill station, founding institutions like the Forest Research Institute and the Indian Military Academy. Post-independence, it remained a district of Uttar Pradesh until becoming part of the new state of Uttarakhand in 2000.

Demographics

The valley's population is predominantly concentrated in Dehradun, which functions as a major urban center. Ethnically, the inhabitants are primarily Garhwali people, with significant communities of Punjabis, Tibetans, and migrants from other parts of India. Major languages spoken include Garhwali, Hindi, and English, with pockets of Punjabi and Tibetan. Religious composition is largely Hindu, with minorities following Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism, the latter notably practiced in settlements like Clement Town.

Economy

The economy is diverse, with significant contributions from government services due to the presence of the Uttarakhand Secretariat and numerous central institutions like the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and the Survey of India. Agriculture remains important, with the cultivation of basmati rice, lychee, and tea being prominent. The valley is a major educational hub, hosting premier establishments such as the Indian Military Academy, Doon School, and Welham Girls' School. Industry is centered in areas like Selaqui and Haridwar (on its periphery), with pharmaceuticals and information technology being growing sectors, while tourism, focused on destinations like Mussoorie and Sahastradhara, also provides substantial revenue.

Culture

The valley is a cultural mosaic, blending Garhwali culture with influences from its colonial past and migrant communities. Traditional Garhwali music and dances like the Jhumeila are performed during festivals such as Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami. Notable cultural events include the annual Tapkeshwar Fair and the Laxman Siddh Temple fair. It has a rich literary tradition and was home to writers like Ruskin Bond. The valley's cuisine features local specialties like Kafuli and Jhangora kheer, alongside popular North Indian and Tibetan dishes. Institutions like the Robber's Cave and Mindrolling Monastery are key cultural landmarks.

Administration

The valley falls almost entirely within the Dehradun district, which is headed by a District Magistrate. Key administrative bodies include the Dehradun Municipal Corporation, which governs the capital city, and the Mussoorie Municipal Board. For rural areas, the Panchayati Raj system is implemented. The valley is part of the Tehri Garhwal Lok Sabha constituency and comprises several Vidhan Sabha constituencies, including Dehradun Cantt and Mussoorie. Law and order are maintained by the Uttarakhand Police, with the valley housing important judicial institutions like the Uttarakhand High Court at Nainital (with a bench at Dehradun).

Category:Valleys of Uttarakhand Category:Dehradun district Category:Geography of Uttarakhand