Chenab valley

Erstwhile Doda lies between the middle and outer Himalayan range in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is divided into three districts: Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar and 1 sub-division of Reasi are also believed to be a part of this sub-region. The valley touches the Anantnag district of Kashmir Valley to the north, Kishtwar district to the north-east, the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, and Kathua district to the South, the Udhampur district to the southwest, and Salal Reasi Subdivision to the West, with Doda in its middle.

Chenab Valley has mostly hilly terrain. The Chenab River flows through all the districts of Chenab Valley including Doda district,Kishtwar District, Ramban District & Reasi district.The area is an active seismic zone.[3]

Kashmiris form majority in Chenab Valley but Gujjars, Paharis & Bhaderwahis have also significant population.Chenab Valley is rich in cultural heritage and ethical values, but also has age-old traditions of secularism and tolerance.. Though this place has also faced rising insurgency. During the rise of insurgency in Kashmir in early 1990's , this place was second most affected place in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The main occupations of the people of the valley are farming and cattle rearing.

• A 5.8 earthquake hit the Erstwhile Doda on May 1, 2013, killing two and injuring 69.[5] Seismic activity continued in the valley throughout 2013, prompting teams of seismologists to study the area. A local belief states that the earthquakes were being caused by hydroelectric construction projects in the area.[6]

• Flash floods wreaked havoc in Thathri town of Doda district of J&K, inundating vast areas along the Batote- Kishtwar National Highway and washing away half a dozen houses. Six persons were killed in the flash floods[7]