Madhavi Gaur
August 31, 2023 09:03
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Explore the vast network of rivers & its role in shaping India & Pakistan's landscapes. UPSC & Geography prep.
The Indus River System, one of the world’s largest river basins, originates in the Himalayas. Referred to as Sindhu, it contributes to the fertile lands of the Indian subcontinent. Preceding civilizations, this river system existed. The Indus River System, an intricate network of rivers, tributaries, and water bodies, has played a pivotal role in shaping the history, culture, and livelihoods of the South Asian subcontinent. Flowing through multiple countries and sustaining diverse ecosystems, the Indus River System holds a unique significance as one of the world’s most ancient and influential river systems.
Comprising the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj rivers, the Indus River System is significant. Due to its flow through India and Pakistan, the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 was established to manage water sharing.
The distribution of the Indus River System across Pakistan and India, including within Indian states, is essential. According to the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan controls Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, while India oversees Rabi, Beas, and Satluj.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, and Rabi rivers course through. Himachal Pradesh is traversed by the Yamuna, along with Chenab, Rabi, Beas, and Satluj rivers. Punjab sees Ghaggar and rivers like Rabi, Beas, Satluj, and Chenab. In this article, we delve into the various aspects of the Indus River System through key subheadings.
The Indus River System, a vital Himalayan river network, encompasses a rich tapestry of tributaries that play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape and sustenance of the Indian subcontinent. The intricate interplay of rivers like the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj forms the intricate veins of this extensive system.
These tributaries not only contribute to the region’s water resources but also hold historical, cultural, and ecological significance. In this article, we will delve into the origins, courses, and multifaceted contributions of the tributaries within the Indus River System, offering insights into their roles in agriculture, hydroelectric projects, and the region’s overall vitality.
| Rivers | Place of Origin | Tributaries | Multipurpose Projects | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beas | Near Rohtang Pass,
Beas Kund-H.P (southern end at Pir Panjal) |
Parbati – Created problems in Alexander’s invasion of India 2014, Beas River | Beas Project, Pong Dam, Pandoh Dam | Punjab and Haryana |
| Chenab | Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh: Bara Lacha pass | Headward Tributaries: Chandra(Zozi La), Bhaga (Baracha La), R. Tavi | Salal Project, Dhulhasti Dam, Baglihar Dam, Trimmu Barrage | Himachal Pradesh, J&K |
| Indus | Bokhar Chu- Near Manasarovar lake, Tibet | Zaskar (Ladakh), Astor (Nanga Parbat), Chenab, Sutlej, Soan, Beas, Ravi, Dras, Suru (Indus), Jhelum, Kishanganga, R. Shyok, Gilgit | Kishanganga, Mangla Dam (Jhelum), Tarbela Dam (Indus), Ghazi Barotha Hydroelectric Project | J&K, Distribution as per IWT, 1960 |
| Jhelum | Verinag spring (Pir Panjal Range) | Kishanganga (Right), Neelum, Kunhar, Poonch | Mangla Dam, Rasul Barrage | J&K |
| Ravi | Kullu hills, West to Rohtang Pass | R. Soul (Valley: Rich timber trees Garden of Chamba), R. Budhil, R. Nai/Dhona | Thein (Ranjit Sagar) Dam | J&K |
| Satluj | Manasarovar- Rakas Lakes, Enters India through Shipki la Pass | T Spiti, Proposal to build a 214- kilometer (133 mi) long heavy freight canal, to be known as the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) in India to connect the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers | Bhakra Nangal Project, Harike, Sirhind, Gobind Ballabh Sagar, Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant, Neptha Jhakhari Dam | Punjab, HP, North of the Vindhya Range, South of the Hindu Kush segment of the Himalayas, and East of the Central Sulaiman Range in Pak. |
The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest human societies, derived its name and foundation from the Indus River system.
This network is termed the Indus River System due to the prominence of the Indus River, also referred to as “Sindhu” in Sanskrit. The Greek language also employs the term “Sinthos” to identify the Indus, in addition to the Sanskrit name.
Comprising the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj, and Beas rivers, the Indus river system consists of these six perennial watercourses. The formation of the name of our country, “India,” from “Indus” underscores the pivotal role of the Indus River System in the context of the Indian subcontinent.
In India, the course of the Indus River is confined to the Leh region of Jammu & Kashmir. Emerging from a spring at Verinag, situated at the foothills of the Pir Panjal range in the southern part of the Kashmir valley, the Jhelum, a significant tributary of the Indus, originates. It flows through Srinagar and the Wular Lake before entering Pakistan through a narrow and deep valley.
In close proximity to Jhang in Pakistan, it converges with the Chenab River. The Chenab, the largest tributary of the Indus, is formed by the confluence of two streams, the Chandra and the Bhaga, near Keylong in Himachal Pradesh. This gives rise to its alternate name, Chandrabhaga.
The river covers a distance of 1,180 kilometers before entering Pakistan. Another notable tributary of the Indus is the Ravi, which originates west of the Rohtang Pass in the Kullu Hills of Himachal Pradesh. It traverses the Chamba Valley, draining the region between the southern Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, before merging with the Chenab near Sarai Sidhu. The Beas, another significant tributary, takes its source from the Beas Kund, located at an elevation of around 4,000 meters close to the Rohtang Pass.
As it flows through the Kullu Valley, it creates canyons at Kati and Largi in the Dhauladhar Mountain. Upon reaching the Punjab plains, it joins the Satluj River near Harike.
The Indus River System is one of the most extensive river systems in the subcontinent, covering a total distance of 2,900 kilometers. The overall drainage area of the Indus River System is approximately 1,165,000 square kilometers, with a significant portion falling within the borders of Pakistan. The following provides an overview of the rivers that constitute the Indus River System and their points of origin:
The primary river of the system, the Indus River, originates from the glaciers of the Kailash range near Mansarovar Lake. It stretches for about 2,880 kilometers, with only 710 kilometers flowing through the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, while the remainder flows through Pakistan and Tibet. The river commences from a glacier in Tibet’s Bokhar Chu region, close to Manasarovar Lake. Its landscape is mainly characterized by the Himalayan Mountains, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram Range, with the addition of Pakistan’s semi-arid plains.
The Jhelum River, also known as Vitusta in the Rgveda, Hydaspes in Greek, and Veth in Kashmir, is the next significant component of the Indus River System. Originating from the Chashma Verinag glacier, it traverses a distance of approximately 720 kilometers before joining the Chenab River in Pakistan. The Jhelum River enters Pakistan after flowing through the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Chenab River, also referred to as Asskini Chandrabhaga, is another vital tributary of the Indus River System. It forms when the Chandra and Bhaga rivers converge in the Western Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh. The primary water source for these streams is the Baralacha La Pass. Before merging with the Indus River, the Chenab River courses through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. It stands as the largest tributary of the Indus River System.
Following in sequence is the Ravi River, also known as Iravati or “The River of Lahore.” The Ravi originates near the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district. After covering a distance of about 720 kilometers, it joins the Chenab River in Pakistan. The Ravi passes through Shahdara Bagh, which contains the tombs of Jahangir and Noor Jahan, situated between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges.
A significant contributor to the Indus River System is the Beas River. Its journey commences from the Beas Kund in Himachal Pradesh’s Rohtang La pass. The Beas flows for approximately 470 kilometers, merging with the Satluj River in Punjab. As a result, the Beas traverses the Indian states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
The Satluj River is among the most crucial tributaries of the Indus River. Among all the tributaries within the Indus River System, the Satluj boasts the longest course. Its source, the Rakkas Lake or Lake Rakshastal, is located in Pakistan. The Satluj River then flows through the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in India, finally entering India through the Shipki La Pass and joining the Chenab River. The total length of the Satluj River is 1,450 kilometers, with 1,050 kilometers situated within Indian territory.
The Indus River System boasts a rich historical legacy, serving as the birthplace of one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization. Flourishing around 3300 BCE, this advanced civilization thrived along the banks of the Indus and its tributaries. Archaeological discoveries reveal intricate urban planning, advanced drainage systems, and an intricate trade network that spanned regions as far as Mesopotamia.
The fertile alluvial plains irrigated by the Indus River System have facilitated agriculture for millennia. The waters from the river and its tributaries are harnessed for irrigation through an extensive network of canals and dams. The region is a major producer of crops such as rice, wheat, cotton, and sugarcane, contributing significantly to the economies of countries within the system.
Apart from its agricultural significance, the Indus River System has a substantial hydropower potential. Dams and hydroelectric projects have been constructed along its course to generate electricity and provide energy to industries and households. Projects like the Tarbela Dam and the Mangla Dam in Pakistan stand as monumental examples of harnessing the river’s power for economic development.
The Indus River System faces numerous challenges stemming from over-extraction, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. Rapid population growth, industrialization, and inadequate waste management practices contribute to the pollution of these vital water sources. Balancing the needs of economic development with environmental conservation remains a critical concern.
Several of the Indus River’s tributaries flow through multiple countries, leading to intricate water-sharing arrangements and occasional tensions. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, brokered by the World Bank, delineates the sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan. The treaty’s success in maintaining relative stability in water-sharing highlights the significance of international cooperation in managing shared resources.
Climate change poses a grave threat to the Indus River System, impacting water availability, glacial melt, and monsoon patterns. The receding glaciers in the Himalayas and alterations in precipitation patterns could disrupt the delicate balance of water supply, posing challenges for water resource management and agricultural sustainability.
The Indus River System, spanning centuries and civilizations, stands as a testament to the intricate relationship between humans and their environment. It has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, the evolution of economies, and the challenges of modernization. As nations grapple with the imperatives of development and conservation, the Indus River System remains a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and the interconnectedness of all life along its banks.
India has undertaken projects like the Indira Gandhi Nahar Project, Beas-Sutlej Link, and Madhopur-Beas Link to make effective use of approximately 95% of the water from Eastern Rivers. The Shahpurkandi Project aims to utilize water from Thein Dam’s powerhouse for irrigation and power generation in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. The construction work for this project is being carried out by the Punjab government under Indian government supervision.
The major rivers of the Indus River System include the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. While a small portion extends to China and Afghanistan, the basin is primarily shared by India and Pakistan. India has been granted permission to harness the potential of run-of-river (RoR) projects on the Western Rivers for hydroelectricity generation, subject to specific design and operational requirements.
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