Indus River System: Tributaries, Origin, Map, Features

Indus River System

Indus River System is one of the largest river basins of the world, it cover an area of 11,65,000 sq. km (in India it is 321, 289 sq. km and a total length of 2,880 km (in India 1,114 km). The Indus also known as the Sindhu, is the westernmost of the Himalayan rivers in India.

Origin of the Indus River System

Origin of Indus River: Indus River originates from a glacier near Bokhar Chu (31°15′ N latitude and 81°40′ E longitude) in the Tibetan region at an altitude of 4,164 m in the Kailash Mountain range near the Mansarovar Lake.. In Tibet, it is known as ‘Singi Khamban; or Lion’s mouth.

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• It flows in north-west direction from its source (Glaciers of Kailash Range) till the Nanga Parbat Range.
• It is joined by Dhar River near Indo-China border.
• After entering J&K it flows between the Ladakh and the Zaskar Ranges. It flows through the regions of Ladakh, Baltistan and Gilgit.
  • It form a spectacular gorge near Gilgit in Jammu and Kashmir
• It enters into Pakistan near Chilas in the Dardistan region.
• The Indus receives a number of Himalayan tributaries such as the Shyok, the Gilgit, the Zaskar, the Hunza, the Nubra, the Shigar, the Gasting, Gartang and the Dras.
  • It is joined by the Zaskar River at Leh
  • Near Skardu, it is joined by the Shyok at an elevation of about 2,700 m.
• It finally emerges out of the hills near Attock where it receives the Kabul river on its right bank.
  • Kabul river from Afghanistan joins Indus near Attock. Thereafter it flows through the Potwar plateau and crosses the Salt Range (South Eastern edge of Potwar Plateau).
• The other important tributaries joining the right bank of the Indus are the Khurram, the Tochi, the Gomal, the Viboa and the Sangar.
  • They all originate in the Sulaiman ranges.
• The river flows southward and receives ‘Panjnad’ a little above Mithankot.
• The Panjnad is the name given to the five rivers of Punjab, namely the Satluj, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab and the Jhelum.
• It finally discharges into the Arabian Sea, east of Karachi after forming a huge delta.

Major Tributaries of Indus River

Major Indus river Tributaries are given below:

River	Place of origin	Indus River System Tributaries	Multipurpose Projects	States
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
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
Ravi	Kullu hills, West to Rohtang Pass	R. Soul (Valley: Rich timber trees Garden of Chamba), R. Budhil, R. Nai/Dhona Battle of the ten kings was fought	Thein (Ranjit Sagar) Dam	J&K
Beas	Near Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund-H.P (southern end at Pir Panjal)	Parbati – Created problems in Alexander’s invasion of India in 2014, Beas River Tragedy: Flood gates of the Larji dam were opened	Beas Project, Pong Dam Pandoh Dam	Punjab and Haryana
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 Jhelum

• The Jhelum has its source in a spring at Verinag in the south-eastern part of the Kashmir Valley.
• Jhelum River, also known as Vitusta (Rígveda), Hydaspes (Greeks), and Veth in Kashmir.
• The Kishenganga (Neelum) River, the largest tributary of Jhelum, joins it.
• It flows through Srinagar and the Wular lake before entering Pakistan through a deep narrow gorge.
• It joins the Chenab at Trimmu near Jhang in Pakistan.

The Chenab

• The Chenab is the largest tributary of the Indus.
• The Chenab originates from near the Bara Lacha Pass in the Lahul-Spiti part of the Zaskar Range.
• It is formed by two streams, the Chandra and the Bhaga, which join at Tandi near Keylong in Himachal Pradesh.
  • Hence, it is also known as Chandrabhaga.
  • Chandrabhaga flows in the north-west direction through the Pangi valley, parallel to the Pir Panjal range.
• The river flows for 1,180 km before entering into Pakistan.
• Near Kistwar, it cuts a deep gorge.

The Ravi

• It rises west of the Rohtang pass in the Kullu hills of Himachal Pradesh and flows through the Chamba valley of the state.
• Before entering Pakistan and joining the Chenab near Sarai Sidhu,
• it drains the area lying between the southeastern part of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges.
• After crossing Chamba, it takes a south-westerly turn and cuts a deep gorge in the Dhaola Dhar range.
• It enters Punjab Plains near Madhopur and later enters Pakistan below Amritsar.
• It debouches into the Chenab a little above Rangpur in Pakistani Punjab.

The Beas

• It originating from the Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass at an elevation of 4,000 m above the mean sea level.
• The river flows through the Kullu valley and forms gorges at Kati and Largi in the Dhaoladhar range.
• It enters the Punjab plains where it meets the Satluj near Harike.
• It is a comparatively small river which is only 460 km long but lies entirely within the Indian territory.

The Satluj

• The Satluj originates in the ‘Raksas tal’ near Mansarovar at an altitude of 4,555 m in Tibet where it is known as Langchen Khambab.
• It flows almost parallel to the Indus for about 400 km before entering India, and comes out of a gorge at Rupar.
• It passes through the Shipki La on the Himalayan ranges and enters the Punjab plains.
• It is an antecedent river.
• Before entering the Punjab plain, it cuts a gorge in Naina Devi Dhar, where the famous Bhakra dam has been constructed.
• After entering the plain at Rupnagar (Ropar), it turns westwards and is joined by the Beas at Harike.
• From near Ferozepur to Fazilka it forms the boundary between India and Pakistan for nearly 120 km.
• During its onward journey it receives the collective drainage of the Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum rivers. It joins the Indus a few kilometres above Mithankot.
• Out of its total length of 1,450 km, it flows for 1,050 km in Indian territory.

Indus Waters Treaty 1960

• The Indus system comprises of main Indus River, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The basin is mainly shared by India and Pakistan with a small share for China and Afghanistan.
• Under the treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, all the waters of three rivers, namely Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas ( Eastern Rivers) were allocated to India for exclusive use.
• While, the waters of Western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab were allocated to Pakistan except for specified domestic, non-consumptive, and agricultural use permitted to India as provided in the Treaty.
• India has also been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river(RoR) projects on the Western Rivers which, subject to specific criteria for design and operation is unrestricted.

Present Developments

• To utilize the waters of the Eastern rivers which have been allocated to India for exclusive use, India has constructed the following dams:
  • Bhakra Dam on Satluj,
  • Pong and Pandoh Dam on Beas and
  • Thein (Ranjit Sagar) on Ravi.
• Other works like Beas-Sutlej Link, Madhopur-Beas Link, Indira Gandhi Nahar Project, etc has helped India utilize nearly the entire share (95 %) of the waters of Eastern rivers.
• However, about 2 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water annually from Ravi is reported to be still flowing unutilized to Pakistan below Madhopur.
• To stop the flow of these waters that belong to India for its utilization in India, the following steps have been taken:
  • Shahpurkandi Project: This project will help in utilizing the waters coming out from the powerhouse of Thein dam for irrigation and power generation in J&K and Punjab. The construction work is being undertaken by the Govt of Punjab under the monitoring of the Govt of India.
  • Construction of Ujh multipurpose project: This project will create storage of water on river Ujh, a tributary of Ravi for irrigation and power generation in India. This project is a National Project whose completion period will be 6 years from the beginning of the implementation.
  • The 2nd Ravi Beas link below Ujh: This project is being planned to tap excess water flowing down to Pakistan through river Ravi, even after construction of Thein Dam, by constructing a barrage across river Ravi for diverting water through a tunnel link to Beas basin. Govt. of India declared this project as National Project.
• The above three projects will help India to utilize its entire share of waters given under the Indus Waters Treaty 1960.

Historical Significance of Indus River System

The Indus River system holds immense historical significance, playing a vital role in shaping the civilizations that thrived in the region. Here are some key points about its historical importance:

1. Birthplace of Indus Valley Civilization: The Indus River system is closely tied to the birth of one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization) around 2500 BCE. This highly advanced and organized society flourished along the banks of the Indus and its tributaries.
2. Trade and Cultural Exchange: The river system served as a significant trade route, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices between the Indus Valley Civilization and other neighboring regions. The Indus River acted as a link between the civilizations of the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf.
3. Sophisticated Urban Planning: The cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, showcased remarkable urban planning, with well-designed streets, advanced drainage systems, and sophisticated architecture. This indicates a high level of social organization and engineering prowess.
4. Indus Script: The Indus Valley Civilization had a script that is yet to be fully deciphered. Inscriptions and seals discovered along the banks of the Indus River offer glimpses into the administrative and trade activities of the civilization. Unraveling the script could provide valuable insights into their culture and language.
5. Agricultural Advancements: The Indus River system facilitated agricultural prosperity, as the river’s waters were utilized for irrigation purposes. The advanced agricultural techniques employed by the civilization contributed to their flourishing economy and sustained the population.
6. Decline and Mysterious End: Around 1900 BCE, the Indus Valley Civilization began to decline, potentially due to a combination of factors such as climate change, shifting rivers, or invasions. The exact reason for its collapse remains a subject of debate and investigation, adding to the enigmatic nature of this ancient civilization.

The historical significance of the Indus River system lies not only in the rise and fall of the Indus Valley Civilization but also in its contribution to the broader historical narrative of the Indian subcontinent and its cultural heritage.

Economic Importance of Indus River System

The Indus River System holds immense economic importance for the countries it flows through, namely Pakistan and India. Here are some key aspects of its economic significance:

1. Agriculture: The Indus River, along with its tributaries, provides a lifeline for agriculture in the region. Its water is used for irrigation to cultivate crops such as wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and vegetables. This sustains the livelihoods of millions of farmers and contributes to the overall agricultural output.
2. Hydropower Generation: The Indus River System has a significant hydropower potential. Both Pakistan and India have developed multiple hydroelectric dams along the river’s course, harnessing its energy to generate electricity. These dams not only provide a cheap and renewable source of energy but also contribute to the economic development of the region.
3. Navigation and Transportation: The Indus River historically served as a vital trade route, facilitating transportation and trade between different regions. Although its navigation potential has decreased due to the construction of dams and barrages, it still enables transportation of goods, particularly in the lower reaches. This helps connect remote areas with markets, stimulating economic activity.
4. Fisheries and Aquaculture: The Indus River System supports a diverse aquatic ecosystem, making it an important source of fish and other aquatic resources. Fishing and aquaculture activities along the river provide employment and income to local communities, contributing to the overall economy.
5. Tourism and Recreation: The scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance associated with the Indus River attract tourists from around the world. The river offers opportunities for recreational activities such as boating, rafting, and wildlife watching, thus generating revenue and employment in the tourism sector.

It is important to note that the sustainable management of the Indus River System is crucial to ensure its continued economic benefits and the well-being of the surrounding communities.

Indus River System Environmental Challenges 

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.

Climate Change Impact on Indus River System

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.

Indus River System – Extra Point

Different Name of Indus River

• Sindhu – Sanskrit
• Sinthos – Greek
• Sindus – Latin

The blind Indus River Dolphin, a sub-species of dolphin, is found only in the Indus River.

The fact that our nation’s name, “India,” was formed from the word “Indus,” illustrates the significance of the Indus River System for the Indian subcontinent.

Indus River System UPSC

Question:
Discuss the significance of the Indus River in the development of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

Answer:
The Indus River played a crucial role in the development and sustainability of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization. Here are some key points highlighting its significance:

1. Agricultural Potential: The fertile floodplains of the Indus River provided excellent conditions for agriculture, enabling the people of the Indus Valley to cultivate a variety of crops. The irrigation systems developed by the Harappans were advanced for their time, allowing them to harness the river’s waters for agricultural purposes.
2. Trade and Commerce: The Indus River served as a vital trade route for the Indus Valley Civilization. It facilitated the transportation of goods and materials between various urban centers, such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. The river’s navigable waters allowed for the movement of boats, facilitating long-distance trade with other civilizations.
3. Water Supply and Drainage Systems: The Indus River provided a reliable water supply for the Indus Valley Civilization. The Harappans built sophisticated drainage systems to manage the river’s seasonal floods and prevent waterlogging. These advanced systems ensured the efficient distribution of water for irrigation, sanitation, and domestic use.
4. Cultural and Social Life: The Indus River played a significant role in the cultural and social life of the Harappan people. It was considered sacred, as evidenced by the presence of religious structures near its banks. The river likely played a pivotal role in their rituals and religious practices, symbolizing life, fertility, and rejuvenation.
5. Natural Defense: The Indus River’s geography provided a natural defense mechanism for the Indus Valley Civilization. With the river acting as a natural barrier on one side, it offered protection against potential invasions and external threats.

Overall, the Indus River’s agricultural benefits, trade opportunities, water management systems, cultural significance, and natural defense capabilities greatly influenced the growth and prosperity of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.