Draft Annual Plan 1987-88 Vol. (I) Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

From Physical Features: Jammu and Kashmir is the extreme northern state of the country with a total geographical area of 2.22 lakh sq. kms., more than 50% of which is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan and China. The State had a population of 59.87 lakhs in 1981 census which is expected to have gone up to 67.40 lakhs in 1986. There are three distinct regions in the State; Jammu region constituting plain belt of Jammu and Kathua districts bordering Punjab and hilly/semi-hilly tracts towards north and north east; Kashmir valley surrounded by high mountains of the Himalayan range and Ladakh in the extreme north consisting of high sandy and rocky mountains devoid of any vegetation. The population of Jammu region as per 1981 census was 27.18 lakhs while Kashmir Division had 31.35 lakhs and Ladakh 1.34 lakhs. There are 14 districts in the State comprising 119 blocks and 6477 inhabited villages. For administrative purpose Ladakh region comprising Leh and Kargil districts forms part of the Kashmir Division but in view of its extreme backwardness, it has been taken as a distinct unit for purposes of economic development.