Indus River System - Origin, Tributaries and Major Projects

• Indus River System is a major river system of the Indian subcontinent.
• This system is one of the largest and ancient river systems of Asia.

About Indus River System

• The Indus River originates from a glacier in the Bokhar Chu region of Tibet near Lake Mansarovar.
• The Indus River enters India near Demchok.
• It flows only through Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in India.
• The river enters Pakistan near Chillas.
• The Indus River flows between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges.
• Its major left bank tributaries include the Jaskar River, Suru River, Jhelum River, Chenab River, Ravi River, Beas River and Sutlej River.
• Its major right bank tributaries include the Shyok River, Gilgit River, Hunza River, Swat River, Kunnar River, Kurram River, Gomal River and Kabul River.
• The Indus River falls into the Arabian Sea through the vast Indus River Delta near Karachi.

Shyok River

• Shyok River originates from the Rimo Glacier in the Karakoram Range.
• Its name is derived from the Ladakhi word meaning 'river of death'.
• It flows through northern Ladakh parallel to the Indus River.
• It then enters Pakistan administered Gilgit-Baltistan region.
• Its length is about 550 km.
• Its main tributary is the Nubra River.
• It joins the Indus River at Skardu (Pakistan).

Sutlej River

• Its ancient name is Shaturdi. 
• It originates from Rakastal lake in Tibet. 
• It enters India through Shipkila pass.
• In India, it flows in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab.
• Its length is 2459 km.
• It forms the border between India and Pakistan.
• Sutlej river is the southernmost tributary of Indus.
• It is the longest tributary of Indus in India.
• It is the only tributary of Indus that originates from Tibet.
• Its tributaries are Chenab, Beas, Baspa, Spiti and Swan

Major projects

• Luhri Stage-I Hydroelectric Project - Himachal Pradesh
• Bhakra Nangal Dam - Asia's highest dam
• Gobind Sagar Lake - in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh
• Indira Gandhi Canal

Chenab River

• It is formed by the confluence of two rivers Chandra and Bhaga.
• Chandra and Bhaga originate from the south-west and north-west mouths respectively of the Baralacha-la pass in the Lahaul and Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh.
• Chandra joins Bhaga at Tandi after traversing a total length of about 125 km.
• The combined stream is then known as Chenab or Chandra Bhaga
• It flows for about 90 km in Himachal Pradesh
• It then crosses the Pangi valley before entering the Padder region of Doda district of Jammu province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• At Bhandalkot it meets its largest tributary Marusudar.
• From Jammu and Kashmir it enters Sialkot district of Pakistan. 

Tributaries

• Jhelum, Bichleri, Chaini, Talsuen and Ans on the right bank 
• Ravi, Neeru Nallah, Yabu Nallah, Mandial and Panthal Khad on the left bank.
  • Tawi and Manawar Tawi River joins Chenab in Pakistan.
    • In Pakistan it joins Sutlej River.

Important Projects -

• Indian Railways has built the world's highest railway bridge over Chenab River.
• It is part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail connectivity project
  • Ratle Hydroelectric Project
  • Salal Dam
  • Dulhasti Hydroelectric Plant
  • Pakal Dul Dam

Jhelum River

• This river flows through India and Pakistan.
• It is the largest and westernmost river among the five rivers of Punjab.
• It originates from Verinag Falls (Jammu and Kashmir).
• It flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake.
• After this it enters Pakistan.
• It joins the Chenab River at a place called Trimmu in Pakistan.
• Its total length is about 725 km.
• It forms the India-Pakistan border for 170 km.
• Tributaries -
  • Kishanganga (Neelum) River
  • Kunhar River
  • Sandar River
  • Bringi River
  • Arapath River
  • Lidder River
  • Doodhganga River
• Major projects on Jhelum River -
  • Tulbul Project
  • Uri Project

Ravi River

• It originates in the Kullu hills near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. 
• This river provides water to the area between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. 
• It enters Punjab near Madhopur. 
• After this it enters Pakistan. 
• It joins the Chenab River near Rangpur in Pakistan. 
• Tributaries – 
  • Budhil 
  • Saho 
  • Siul 
  • Chirchind Nala 
  • Ujh River 
• Major Projects  
  • Ranjit Sagar Dam 
  • Shahpur Kandi Dam Project 

Beas River

• It originates near Rohtang Pass.
• It flows in the south-west direction crossing the Dhauladhar range.
• It meets the Sutlej River at a place called Harike in Punjab.
• This river is located entirely in Indian territory (Himachal Pradesh and Punjab).
• Major Project
  • Pong Dam