Page 24 - Haryana Water Resources Atlas 2025

Surface Elevation Contour

ontours are lines that connect points of equal elevation with respect to mean the
sea level above the datum on a map or chart. They provide a visual
Crepresentation of the terrain's shape and topography. Contour lines are
commonly used in cartography, geography, geology, and other fields to represent the N
three-dimensional surface of the Earth in a two-dimensional format. These lines are
drawn at regular intervals, known as contour intervals, which indicate a specific W E
change in elevation. For instance, if the contour interval is 10 meters, each contour line
represents points that are 10 meters apart in elevation. The spacing between contour
S
lines reflects the slope of the terrain, with closely spaced lines indicating steep slopes
and widely spaced lines indicating gradual slopes. Scale
Kms
The current contour map in Figure 2 has been created using high-resolution digital 0 12.5 25 50 75 100
elevation models obtained from satellite-based measurements. In Haryana state, the
contour levels range from 130 meters to 1467 meters above mean sea level. The
majority of the land falls within the range of 130 to 300 meters. Higher elevations
(>300 meters) are primarily found in the hilly areas of the Aravalli and Shivalik Hills.
The central part of the state is surrounded by contours at the 170-meter level, creating
a bowl-shaped area that is susceptible to sub-surface waterlogging. The highest point
in Haryana is Karoh Peak, a mountain peak reaching 1,467 meters (4,813 feet) near
Morni in the Shiwalik Hills of Panchkula district.
The contour map provided here serves various purposes, such as land-use planning,
environmental assessment, water conservation, and recreation. It enables the analysis
of water flow and other substances across the landscape, the identification of potential
hazards like cliffs or steep slopes, and the development of water conservation plans.
The contour map also plays a crucial role in water conservation efforts, facilitating
strategies such as:

Rainwater Harvesting: The contours can be used to create small earthen bunds
(berms) along the contour lines, which help to slow down the flow of rainwater and
allow it to infiltrate into the ground in a hilly part of the State. Simultaneously, the
small water harvesting structures may also be planned in rainfall deficient
southern part of the Haryana State, especially in Aravalli Hills. This will help to
recharge Ground Water and provide a source of water for crops and vegetation in
water-deficient areas.

Terracing: Contour terracing involves creating level platforms along the contour
lines on steep slopes. This helps to reduce soil erosion, retain soil moisture and
improve water infiltration into the soil in the hilly areas of districts like Ambala,
Panchkula, and Yamunanagar. The terraces also provide a platform for growing
crops, which can help to improve soil fertility and productivity.

Water Management: Contours on the map can be used to manage water
resources in a landscape by dividing it into smaller catchment areas (micro
watersheds). This can help to reduce water runoff and increase infiltration into the
soil. The contours can also be used to create small ponds or depressions which can
store water for later use.

Soil Conservation: Contours provided on the map can be used to prevent soil
erosion by slowing down water flow and reducing the velocity of surface runoff by
means of contour building. This can help to retain soil moisture and soil fertility in
the area. Additionally, the contours can be used to grow vegetation along the
contour lines, which will help to stabilize the soil and reduce the risk of erosion.

Figure 2. Surface Elevation Contour Data Source-HARSAC

Haryana Water Resources Atlas 6|