Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Jordan River and its Valley
Why in the News?
Extremist groups held drone strikes on Israeli territory in the Jordan Valley (which forms Jordan’s border with Israel and the West Bank).
About Jordan Valley:
| Details | |
| Geography | • Part of the Great Rift Valley, extending from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. • Forms a natural border between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank. • Low-lying, with parts below sea level, especially near the Dead Sea. |
| Climate | • Semi-arid to arid, with hot summers and mild winters. • Limited rainfall, necessitating irrigation for agriculture. |
| Significance | • An essential agricultural region, growing citrus, dates, and vegetables. • The Jordan River is a vital water source for agriculture and drinking water. • Ecological corridor for migratory birds. |
| History | • Rich in biblical and historical significance, including Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. • Archaeological sites from ancient civilizations like the Canaanites and Romans. |
| Geopolitical Aspects | • Critical in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with strategic importance for security and border control. • Vital for Palestinian economic development and a future state. • Shared water resources create tensions between Israel, Jordan, and Syria. |
| Economic Activities | • Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. • Tourism is also significant due to religious and historical sites. |
| Environmental Concerns | • Water scarcity and the shrinking Dead Sea due to river diversion are major issues. • Pollution and overuse of the Jordan River affect water quality and ecosystem health. |
PYQ:[2015] Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? (a) Syria (b) Jordan (c) Lebanon (d) Israel |
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