River System of Himachal Pradesh
The Himalaya houses a vast reservoir of moisture both in the form of ice, fresh water, and underground water. The rivers draining Himalayas sustain life in the Northern part of Indian sub-continent. There are five main rivers which flow through Himachal Pradesh.
Four out of these five rivers found mention in the Rig Veda, viz, Asikni (Chenab), Purushani (Ravi), Arjikiya (Beas) and Shatudru (Satluj). The fifth river Yamuna has mythical relation to the Sun.
The flow of water through a definite channel is drainage. The Network of several such channels is called Drainage System. Another term related to rivers is drainage pattern.
Drainage pattern is referred to the geometrical form of the rivers of a particular area and their spatial arrangement, e.g., radial pattern, dendritic pattern etc.
On the basis of origin, the Indian river drainage system can be divided into two parts:
- The Himalayan drainage system
- The Peninsular India’s drainage system
Himachal Pradesh falls into the Himalayan drainage system. The study of the Himalayan rivers can be done under the following river systems:
(i) The Indus River System
(ii) The Ganga River System
(iii) The Brahmaputra River System
THE INDUS River System of Himachal Pradesh:
It is one of the largest river basins of the world. The Indus is the largest river in this river system. The Jhelum, the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas and the Satluj are its tributaries.
The drainage basin of Indus river system includes the whole of Jammu and Kashmir and most of Himachal Pradesh.
THE GANGA River System of Himachal Pradesh:
The drainage basin of this system covers about one-third of the Western Himalaya.
Its basin extends from the eastern face of the Shimla ridge of Himachal Pradesh to the South western slopes of Kanchenjunga massif on the Nepal-Sikkim border. Yamuna, which is the longest tributary of Ganga flows through Himachal.
The rivers of Himachal Pradesh provide water to the Indus and the Ganga river basin only.
As is apparent from the details above, more than 95 % of the state’s area is drained by five river systems i.e. the Sutlej, Beas, Chenab, Yamuna and Ravi. Details of these river systems are as follows-
1 The Sutlej River System of Himachal Pradesh:
Vedic Name:Satudri
Sanskrit Name: Shatadru
Origin: The Satluj originates from the ‘RAKAS LAKE’ near the ‘MANASAROVER LAKE’ in Tibet. It enters India at Shipki La (pass) in Kinnaur district.
COURSE OF RIVER: It flows through Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Solan, Mandi and Bilaspur districts.
EXIT: It leaves Himachal Pradesh to enter the plains of Punjab at ‘Bhakhra’.
PROMINENT SETTLEMENTS ON ITS BANK: The prominent settlements on the bank of Satluj are Rampur, Kalpa, Suni, Bilaspur, Namgia and Tattapani.
TRIBUTARIES OF SATLUJ
- a) SPITI RIVER:
It originates from Kunzum range. This river flows through Spiti valley and meets Satluj at ‘Namgia’ in Kinnaur district. ‘Tegpo’ and ‘Kabzian’ streams are its tributaries.
- b) BASPA RIVER:
It originates from the Baspa hills in district Kinnaur and joins Satluj near Karcham (Kalpa).
- c) THE NOGLI KHAD:
It joins Satluj below Rampur Bhushahr. The Satluj enters Mandi district near Firnu village.
2 The Beas River System of Himachal Pradesh:
Vedic Name:Arjikiya
Sanskrit Name: Vipasha
Origin: It originates from Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass (old name: Bhrigu Tung)
COURSE OF RIVER: It flows through Kullu, Mandi,Kangra and Hamirpur districts.
PROMINENT SETTLEMENTS ON ITS BANK: The prominent settlements on the bank of Beas are Manali, Mandi, Kullu, Pandoh, Naggar, Sujanpur, Dehra- Gopipur, Bajaura.
TRIBUTARIES OF BEAS:
- a) PARBATI RIVER: It originates in the snowy wastes upstream of Manikaran in Kullu and joina Beas at Shamshi in Kullu valley. Hot water springs of Manikaran pour their water into this river. Manikaran and Kasol are important settlements along this river.
- b) BANGANGA: It arises from the southern slopes of the Dhauladhar range and join Beas in the Kangra valley.
- c) BANER KHAD: It arises near Palampur and drains central part of Kangra valley.
- d) CHAKKI RIVER: It arises from the southern slopes of the Dhauladhar range and join Beas near Pathankot. Nurpur is an important settlement along the Chakkiriver.
- e) SAINJ RIVER: It rises from the water divide of the Beas and the Satluj rivers. It joins Beas near Larji.
- f) SUKETI RIVER: This river is a tributary of Beas in the Kangra valley. It rises from the south facing slopes of Dhauladhar range.
- g) TRITHAN RIVER: It flows into the Beas near Larji.
- h) UHL RIVER: It joins Beas near Mandi
Other tributaries of Beas include Awa, GajKhad, Harla, Luni, Manuni and Patlikhul.
3 The Chenab River System of Himachal Pradesh:
Vedic Name: Asikni
Origin : The Chenab is made up of two streams called the Chandra and the Bhaga. These two streams meet atTandi to for the river Chenab.
COURSE OF RIVER: It flows through Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba.
EXIT: It leaves Himachal Pradesh to enter the plains of Kashmir at ‘SansariNala’.\
PROMINENT SETTLEMENTS ON ITS BANK: The prominent settlements on the bank of Chenab are Tandi, Udaipur
TRIBUTARIES OF CHENAB:
- a) Chandra River: It originate from Chandra Tal lake in LahaulSpiti.
- b) Bhaga River: It originate from Suraj Tal lake in Lahaul-Spiti.
- c) Other Tributaries: MiyarNullah joins Chenab in Lahaul,SaicherNullah joins it in Pangi valley. Others include Jammu Tavi and Munawarwali.
4 The Yamuna River System of Himachal Pradesh:
Vedic Name: Kalindi
Origin : The Yamuna originates from the ‘YAMUNOTRI ’ glacier on Bunderpunch range in Uttarakhand. It enters India Himachal at
‘KHADAR MAJRI’ inSirmaur district.
COURSE OF RIVER: It flows only through Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh.
EXIT: It leaves Himachal Pradesh near ‘TAJEWALA’ and enters into Haryana.
PROMINENT SETTLEMENTS ON ITS BANK: The prominent settlement on the bank of Yamuna is Poanta Sahib.
TRIBUTARIES OF YAMUNA:
- a) GIRI RIVER: It arises from ‘Kupar peak’ just above Jubbal town in Shimla district. It divides the Sirmour district into two equal parts that are known as Cis-Giri and Trans-Giri region. It joins Yamuna upstream of Poanta below Mokkampur. Jalal and Asni are further the tributaries of Giririver.
JALAL RIVER: It arises from ‘Dharthi ranges’ adjoining Pachhad of Sirmour. It joins Giri at Dadhau.
- b) TONS: It arises as two feeder streams- the Rupin and the Supinriver which meet at ‘NATIWAR’ to form Tons. The Tons join Yamuna at Kalsi near Dehradun.Pabbar is a tributary of Tons.
- PABBAR: It arises from the ‘CHANDERNAHAN’ glacier in Rohru area of Shimla district and joins Tons at the base of ‘CHAKARATA’ massif near border of U.P and H.P. Patsari and Andhra are tributaries of Pabbar.
- ANDHRA: It arises from a small glacier near Chirgaon in shimla district. It merges with Pabbar at Chirgaon.
- PATSARI: This River originates from lower Himalayan hills near Kharapathar in Shimla district and joins Pabbar near hamlet of Patsari.
- c) BATA RIVER: It arises near Dharthi range and joins Yamuna at Bata Mandi. 5
5 The Rav River System of Himachal Pradesh:
Vedic Name: Purushani
Sanskrit Name: Irawati
Origin : It originates from Bara Banghal as a joint stream formed by the glacier fed ‘Bhadal’ and ‘TantGari’
COURSE OF RIVER: It flows through Kangra and Chamba districts.
EXIT: It leaves Himachal Pradesh to enter the Kashmir at ‘Kheri’.
PROMINENT SETTLEMENTS ON ITS BANK: The prominent settlements on the bank of Ravi are Chamba, Bharmaur, Madhopur
TRIBUTARIES OF RAVI:
BHADAL RIVER, SIUL RIVER, TANT GARI AND BAIRA are important tributaries of Ravi.
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The river system of Himachal Pradesh is a complex and interconnected network of rivers, streams, and tributaries. The main rivers of Himachal Pradesh are the Sutlej, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab, and the Yamuna. These rivers originate in the Himalayas and flow through the state before joining the Indus River in Pakistan.
The river system of Himachal Pradesh is an important source of water for Irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power. The rivers are also a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the scenery and the opportunities for fishing, rafting, and kayaking.
The river system of Himachal Pradesh is facing a number of challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and Climate change. Deforestation is leading to Soil erosion and sedimentation, which is damaging the rivers and their Ecosystems. Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities is also contaminating the rivers. Climate Change is causing the Glaciers in the Himalayas to melt, which is leading to an increase in the flow of water in the rivers. This can cause flooding and landslides.
The government of Himachal Pradesh is taking steps to address the challenges facing the river system. The government is planting trees to prevent deforestation, and it is working to reduce pollution. The government is also working to develop new water management strategies to deal with the effects of climate change.
The river system of Himachal Pradesh is a vital part of the state’s economy and Environment. The government is committed to protecting the rivers and ensuring that they continue to provide water for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
Rivers of Himachal Pradesh
The main rivers of Himachal Pradesh are the Sutlej, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab, and the Yamuna. These rivers originate in the Himalayas and flow through the state before joining the Indus River in Pakistan.
The Sutlej is the longest river in Himachal Pradesh. It originates in the Garhwal Himalayas and flows through the state for about 200 kilometers. The Beas is the second longest river in Himachal Pradesh. It originates in the Pir Panjal Range and flows through the state for about 150 kilometers. The Ravi is the third longest river in Himachal Pradesh. It originates in the Dhauladhar Range and flows through the state for about 100 kilometers. The Chenab is the fourth longest river in Himachal Pradesh. It originates in the Pir Panjal Range and flows through the state for about 50 kilometers. The Yamuna is the fifth longest river in Himachal Pradesh. It originates in the Garhwal Himalayas and flows through the state for about 20 kilometers.
Tributaries of Himachal Pradesh
The rivers of Himachal Pradesh are fed by a number of tributaries. The main tributaries of the Sutlej are the Chandra, the Bhaga, and the Beas. The main tributaries of the Beas are the Parvati, the Tirthan, and the Sutlej. The main tributaries of the Ravi are the Chenab, the Ravi, and the Beas. The main tributaries of the Chenab are the Ravi, the Chenab, and the Beas. The main tributaries of the Yamuna are the Tons, the Yamuna, and the Beas.
Dams in Himachal Pradesh
There are a number of dams in Himachal Pradesh. The main dams in Himachal Pradesh are the Bhakra Dam, the Pong Dam, the Indira Gandhi Canal, and the Tehri Dam. The Bhakra Dam is the largest dam in Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the Sutlej River and was completed in 1963. The Pong Dam is the second largest dam in Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the Beas River and was completed in 1975. The Indira Gandhi Canal is a canal system that supplies water to the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It is the largest canal system in India. The Tehri Dam is a dam that is currently under construction on the Bhagirathi River. It is expected to be the largest dam in India when it is completed in 2020.
Hydroelectric power in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a major producer of hydroelectric power. The state has a number of hydroelectric power Plants, including the Bhakra Dam, the Pong Dam, the Indira Gandhi Canal, and the Tehri Dam. These power plants generate electricity for the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh.
Irrigation in Himachal Pradesh
The rivers of Himachal Pradesh are also used for irrigation. The state has a number of irrigation canals, including the Bhakra Canal, the Pong Canal, the Indira Gandhi Canal, and the Tehri Canal. These canals irrigate a large area of land in the state.
Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
The rivers of Himachal Pradesh are also a popular destination for tourists. The state has a number of tourist destinations, including the Kull
What is a river system?
A river system is a network of rivers and streams that flow together into a larger body of water, such as an ocean or lake.
What are the different types of river systems?
There are three main types of river systems: dendritic, radial, and parallel. Dendritic river systems are the most common type and have a branching pattern like a tree. Radial river systems radiate out from a central point, such as a mountain range. Parallel river systems flow in parallel lines, often due to the presence of a fault line.
What are the characteristics of a river system?
The characteristics of a river system include the size and shape of the drainage basin, the gradient of the river, the volume of water flow, and the sediment load.
What are the benefits of a river system?
River systems provide many benefits, including water for drinking, irrigation, and Industry; transportation; flood control; and recreation.
What are the challenges of a river system?
River systems face many challenges, including pollution, flooding, and climate change.
What is the future of river systems?
The future of river systems is uncertain. Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on river systems, and pollution and flooding are also major challenges. However, there are many efforts underway to protect and restore river systems.
What are some of the most important rivers in the world?
Some of the most important rivers in the world include the Nile, the Amazon, the Yangtze, the Mississippi, and the Ganges. These rivers are vital to the water supply, transportation, and agriculture of millions of people.
What are some of the most endangered rivers in the world?
Some of the most endangered rivers in the world include the Aral Sea, the Colorado River, the Ganges River, and the Yangtze River. These rivers are facing a variety of threats, including pollution, dams, and climate change.
What can be done to protect river systems?
There are many things that can be done to protect river systems, including reducing pollution, restoring wetlands, and managing dams. It is also important to educate people about the importance of river systems and the threats they face.
Which of the following is not a river in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Chenab
(B) Beas
(C) Sutlej
(D) YamunaThe capital of Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Shimla
(B) Dharamshala
(C) Kullu
(D) ManaliThe highest peak in Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Nanda Devi
(B) Kamet
(C) Manaslu
(D) DhaulagiriThe language spoken by the majority of people in Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Hindi
(B) Punjabi
(C) Pahari
(D) GarhwaliThe main religion in Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) SikhismThe main crops grown in Himachal Pradesh are:
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) TeaThe main industries in Himachal Pradesh are:
(A) Tourism
(B) Agriculture
(C) Mining
(D) ManufacturingThe main exports of Himachal Pradesh are:
(A) Apples
(B) Timber
(C) Hydroelectricity
(D) HandicraftsThe main imports of Himachal Pradesh are:
(A) Petroleum products
(B) Machinery
(C) Foodgrains
(D) FertilizersThe main tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh are:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The temples of Kullu and Manali
(C) The wildlife sanctuaries of Chamba and Shimla
(D) All of the above