Jhelum River: Origin, Course, History, and Importance

The Jhelum River is one of the most important rivers in South Asia. It has shaped cultures, supported civilizations, and fed millions of people for thousands of years. Known for its scenic valley and deep history, this river flows from the majestic Himalayas through valleys, plains, and fertile lands, finally joining a larger river system. Read on to learn more about the Jhelum River for UPSC exam preparation.

Jhelum River Origin and Source

The Jhelum River forms part of the larger Indus River system. The Jhelum river origin is a magnificent spring. This spring is called Chashma Verinag. It lies at the foothills of the Banihal pass in the southeastern Kashmir Valley. 

The Jhelum River ancient name dates back to Vedic times. In old Sanskrit texts, it was called Vitástā. This name appears in ancient texts like the Nilamata Purana and possibly the Rigveda. 

Greek historians, including those who wrote about Alexander the Great’s campaign, referred to the river as the Hydaspes River. The Greek name is one of the Jhelum River old names known widely in history.

Jhelum River Course and Length

The Jhelum River flows westward through the Kashmir Valley. The river flows roughly northwest from Verinag and then reaches Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, before continuing westward. After leaving the valley, it cuts through deep gorges in the Pir Panjal range. 

Here is the Jhelum River map for students: 

From there, it enters Pakistan-administered Kashmir near Muzaffarabad, where it picks up several tributaries, including the Kishanganga (Neelum) River. The river then bends south into the plains of Pakistan and flows past the city named after it, Jhelum, before finally meeting the Chenab River near Trimmu in Punjab province. 

Jhelum River’s total length is approximately 402 km. About 165 km of the Jhelum river course lies within India. 

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Jhelum River Basin and Physiography

The total Jhelum river basin area is about 34,775 sq km. Around 17,622 sq km of this basin is in India. It covers parts of Jammu and Kashmir in India, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab in Pakistan. The basin supports millions by providing water for irrigation, drinking, and ecosystems.

Because the river flows from high mountains into plains, its basin includes rugged hills, wide valleys, and fertile farmlands. This mix gives it great agricultural and ecological importance.

Its banks are often higher than the land behind them. This can lead to floods in lower, swampy areas during heavy rainfall. 

Jhelum River Tributaries

Several streams contribute to the Jhelum River, including:

• Lidder Nallah: This is the largest tributary. It is fed by glaciers from high mountain ranges. The Lidder joins the Jhelum downstream of Khannabal.
• Sindh Nallah: It originates from Haramukh Mount. This nallah travels about 96 km. It joins the Jhelum River at Shadipur.
• Vishw Nallah: This tributary starts from the Pir Panchal range foothills. It joins the Jhelum at Sangam.
• Rambiara Nallah: It drains high hills between Pir Panchal and Rupri Passes. This stream meets Vishow Nallah before joining the Jhelum.
• Dudhganga River: Rising in the central Pir Panchal, it joins the Jhelum on its left side.
• Pohru Nallah: Originating from Lolab Valley, it is an important tributary. It joins the Jhelum downstream of Sopore town.

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Jhelum River Hydropower Projects

Jhelum River hydropower projects are located in India mainly in Jammu & Kashmir. These include the operational Uri-I (480 MW) and Uri-II (240 MW) projects. Larger projects such as Sawalkote (1,856 MW) are under development or at the planning stage. However, some of these projects have faced disputes with Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

The Jhelum River system plays a significant role in hydroelectric power generation, particularly in its lower reaches. Here are some hydropower projects on the river:

1. Uri-I Hydroelectric Project
2. Uri-II Hydroelectric Project
3. Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project

Importance of the Jhelum River

The Jhelum River is one of the most critical rivers of the Indus River system, with multi-dimensional importance:

• Lifeline of the Kashmir Valley: The Jhelum River drains the entire Kashmir Valley, supporting more than 85% of the region’s population. Agriculture, drinking water supply, and wetlands all depend on it.
• Strategic and International Importance: The Jhelum River flows through India and Pakistan, and its waters are governed by the Indus Waters Treaty. Because of this, the Jhelum holds major geopolitical and water-security importance in South Asia
• Irrigation & Agriculture: Extensive canal networks derived from the Jhelum irrigate millions of hectares, sustaining agriculture across Jammu & Kashmir.
• Navigation & Inland Water Transport: The NW-49 stretch (Wular Lake to Dangpora, ~110 km) has been identified as technically feasible for cargo movement, tourism, and small-vessel navigation, with minimal dredging and infrastructure upgrades.
• Flood Moderation & Hydrology: Originating from snowmelt in the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges and influenced by the monsoon, the Jhelum plays a crucial role in flood regulation and seasonal water availability.

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