How does the Siwalik Range affect the landscape of northeastern Punjab?

The Siwalik Range constitutes the smallest of Punjab's three physiographic regions, located in the northeast where it reaches elevations of approximately 3,000 feet (900 meters).1

This range significantly influences the landscape by serving as the origin for a narrow, undulating foothill region to its south. This area is characterized by being dissected by closely spaced seasonal torrents, known locally as chos, which often terminate in the plains below without connecting to larger streams.1

Furthermore, the Siwalik Range acts as a critical habitat for wildlife that has been displaced from the plains by intense agricultural development. While much of the range has experienced deforestation—leading to the replacement of trees with bush vegetation—it remains a refuge for various larger mammals, including leopards, jackals, wild boar, and several species of deer.2