Drainage System of Jammu and Kashmir | JKPSC KAS (Jammu and Kashmir): Preparation Course PDF Download

 Page 1


DRAINAGESYSTEMOF
JAMMUANDKASHMIR
CHAPTER6
The drainage system of Jammu and Kashmir consists of rivers,
lakes, springs and glaciers. The main rivers of Jammu and
Kashmir include Jhelum, Chenab and Indus. Important lakes
include Dal lake and Wular lake. Important glaciers include
Nubra, Rimo and Siachen. All these, play a very important role
for environment and economic conditions of the state.
Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir
There are many rivers which originate from high mountains and flow through the
state. The Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab, Indus and Tawi rivers are the important
Himalayan rivers of the state. The rivers of Jammu and Kashmir can be divided into
three regions.These are:
i. Rivers of Jammu region ii. Rivers of Kashmir region
iii. Rivers of Ladakh region
i. Rivers of Jammu Region
Chenab River
The ancient name of the Chenab river is Asikni. This river originates from Baralacha
La pass in Lahaul and Spiti region of the of Himachal Pradesh. It is formed by two
streams namely, the Chandra and Bhaga. It is also known as Chandrabhaga.
Its total length is about 960 km long. It covers the length of 504 km in Jammu and
Kashmir. It drains the Eastern section of the Southern slope of Pir Panjal. It enters
into Jammu and Kashmir near Paddar at Kishtwar and cross Doda, Ramban, Reasi
and Akhnoor districts. It leaves Jammu and Kashmir at Akhnoor district and enters
into Sialkot district of Pakistan. Many hydel power projects are located on this river
like Salal, Dalhasti, Sawalkot and Baghilar.
Page 2


DRAINAGESYSTEMOF
JAMMUANDKASHMIR
CHAPTER6
The drainage system of Jammu and Kashmir consists of rivers,
lakes, springs and glaciers. The main rivers of Jammu and
Kashmir include Jhelum, Chenab and Indus. Important lakes
include Dal lake and Wular lake. Important glaciers include
Nubra, Rimo and Siachen. All these, play a very important role
for environment and economic conditions of the state.
Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir
There are many rivers which originate from high mountains and flow through the
state. The Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab, Indus and Tawi rivers are the important
Himalayan rivers of the state. The rivers of Jammu and Kashmir can be divided into
three regions.These are:
i. Rivers of Jammu region ii. Rivers of Kashmir region
iii. Rivers of Ladakh region
i. Rivers of Jammu Region
Chenab River
The ancient name of the Chenab river is Asikni. This river originates from Baralacha
La pass in Lahaul and Spiti region of the of Himachal Pradesh. It is formed by two
streams namely, the Chandra and Bhaga. It is also known as Chandrabhaga.
Its total length is about 960 km long. It covers the length of 504 km in Jammu and
Kashmir. It drains the Eastern section of the Southern slope of Pir Panjal. It enters
into Jammu and Kashmir near Paddar at Kishtwar and cross Doda, Ramban, Reasi
and Akhnoor districts. It leaves Jammu and Kashmir at Akhnoor district and enters
into Sialkot district of Pakistan. Many hydel power projects are located on this river
like Salal, Dalhasti, Sawalkot and Baghilar.
Important tributaries of Chenab river are Miyar Nala, Marusudar (biggest right
bank tributary), Tawi (biggest left bank tributary) Bhut Nala, Lidrari, Sohal and
Thirot.MarusudarandTawi riverare discussedbelow:
Marusudar River
It originates from Lahaul valley at an elevation of about 5175 m. In the beginning
two streams namely Batkot and Gumbar merge to form Warwan river. In the lower
areas Warwan river is known as the Marusudar. The Marusudar flows almost the
North to South direction. Its catchment is almost fan shaped. The upper part of the
river is covered with glacier and the permanent snow line is considered generally
around 4700 m.
Tawi River
This river originates from Kailash Kund glacier located in Bhadarwah of Doda
district ( Jammu). Its total length is about 141 km. Its catchment area covers Jammu,
Udhampur and small parts of Doda districts. The river flows through the Chenani
town of Udhampur and Jammu and then joins the Chenab river in Sialkot district of
Pakistan. After passing through these regions, the river enters into Pakistan.
Chenani hydro power project is constructed on this river.
Ravi River
The ancient name of Ravi river is Parusni. This river originates from the Himalayas
at Bara Bhangal near Rohtang pass in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Its total length
is about 720 km long. The river passes through two mountain ranges namely, Pir
Panjal and Dhauladhar on its South and North, respectively. It flows through the
North-Western regions of India and then turns to South-West at the boundary of
Jammu and Kashmir. It flows about 80 km along the Indo-Pak border, before
entering Pakistan. Important tributaries of this river are Budhil, Naior Dhona, Seul
and Siawa.
Ujh River
This river originates from the Domal structure of Seojdhar range in the middle
Himalayas. The river is about 65 km long in the state. It is the second most
important river of Kathua district after Ravi river. It is a branch of Ravi river that
comes from Ramkot side of Jammu, passes through Kathua district and enters
Pakistan. Water is used for irrigation purpose and transportion of timber from hills
to plains. Important tributaries of this river are Naaz and Bhinni Nala.
ii. Rivers of Kashmir Region
Jhelum River
The ancient name of Jhelum river is Vitasta. It is the main waterway in the Kashmir
valley where it is also known as Vyath. This river originates from Verinag spring
which lies 80 km South-East of Srinagar district. The total length of the river is
about 725 km. It covers a length of 177 km in valley of Kashmir.
Page 3


DRAINAGESYSTEMOF
JAMMUANDKASHMIR
CHAPTER6
The drainage system of Jammu and Kashmir consists of rivers,
lakes, springs and glaciers. The main rivers of Jammu and
Kashmir include Jhelum, Chenab and Indus. Important lakes
include Dal lake and Wular lake. Important glaciers include
Nubra, Rimo and Siachen. All these, play a very important role
for environment and economic conditions of the state.
Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir
There are many rivers which originate from high mountains and flow through the
state. The Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab, Indus and Tawi rivers are the important
Himalayan rivers of the state. The rivers of Jammu and Kashmir can be divided into
three regions.These are:
i. Rivers of Jammu region ii. Rivers of Kashmir region
iii. Rivers of Ladakh region
i. Rivers of Jammu Region
Chenab River
The ancient name of the Chenab river is Asikni. This river originates from Baralacha
La pass in Lahaul and Spiti region of the of Himachal Pradesh. It is formed by two
streams namely, the Chandra and Bhaga. It is also known as Chandrabhaga.
Its total length is about 960 km long. It covers the length of 504 km in Jammu and
Kashmir. It drains the Eastern section of the Southern slope of Pir Panjal. It enters
into Jammu and Kashmir near Paddar at Kishtwar and cross Doda, Ramban, Reasi
and Akhnoor districts. It leaves Jammu and Kashmir at Akhnoor district and enters
into Sialkot district of Pakistan. Many hydel power projects are located on this river
like Salal, Dalhasti, Sawalkot and Baghilar.
Important tributaries of Chenab river are Miyar Nala, Marusudar (biggest right
bank tributary), Tawi (biggest left bank tributary) Bhut Nala, Lidrari, Sohal and
Thirot.MarusudarandTawi riverare discussedbelow:
Marusudar River
It originates from Lahaul valley at an elevation of about 5175 m. In the beginning
two streams namely Batkot and Gumbar merge to form Warwan river. In the lower
areas Warwan river is known as the Marusudar. The Marusudar flows almost the
North to South direction. Its catchment is almost fan shaped. The upper part of the
river is covered with glacier and the permanent snow line is considered generally
around 4700 m.
Tawi River
This river originates from Kailash Kund glacier located in Bhadarwah of Doda
district ( Jammu). Its total length is about 141 km. Its catchment area covers Jammu,
Udhampur and small parts of Doda districts. The river flows through the Chenani
town of Udhampur and Jammu and then joins the Chenab river in Sialkot district of
Pakistan. After passing through these regions, the river enters into Pakistan.
Chenani hydro power project is constructed on this river.
Ravi River
The ancient name of Ravi river is Parusni. This river originates from the Himalayas
at Bara Bhangal near Rohtang pass in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Its total length
is about 720 km long. The river passes through two mountain ranges namely, Pir
Panjal and Dhauladhar on its South and North, respectively. It flows through the
North-Western regions of India and then turns to South-West at the boundary of
Jammu and Kashmir. It flows about 80 km along the Indo-Pak border, before
entering Pakistan. Important tributaries of this river are Budhil, Naior Dhona, Seul
and Siawa.
Ujh River
This river originates from the Domal structure of Seojdhar range in the middle
Himalayas. The river is about 65 km long in the state. It is the second most
important river of Kathua district after Ravi river. It is a branch of Ravi river that
comes from Ramkot side of Jammu, passes through Kathua district and enters
Pakistan. Water is used for irrigation purpose and transportion of timber from hills
to plains. Important tributaries of this river are Naaz and Bhinni Nala.
ii. Rivers of Kashmir Region
Jhelum River
The ancient name of Jhelum river is Vitasta. It is the main waterway in the Kashmir
valley where it is also known as Vyath. This river originates from Verinag spring
which lies 80 km South-East of Srinagar district. The total length of the river is
about 725 km. It covers a length of 177 km in valley of Kashmir.
In Srinagar district many tributaries join this river and thus, it becomes navigable
from Khannabal to Wular lake. Jhelum river is also called the lifeline of Srinagar and
it bifurcates the city into two parts. This river flows through Baramulla district and
across the Jammu region, after that it leaves for Pakistan and merges with Indus
river. Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag cities are situated on both the sides of
Jhelum river. Many hydel power projects are located on this river e.g. Ganderbal,
Lower Jhelum, Upper Sindh, Uri-I, etc. It has about 24 tributaries. Important
tributaries are Sindh, Pohru, Vishow, Rambaira, Pohru, etc.
Lidder River
This river originates from the Kolahoi glacier in the North-Western Himalayan
range about 26 km North from Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. It covers a length
of 73 km in Kashmir valley. It is the second major tributary of river Jhelum and
meets it in North of Anantnag town. Pahalgam is situated in the center of Lidder
valley. It has two main tributaries, Lidder East and Lidder West.
iii. Rivers of Ladakh Region
Indus River
This river originates in the Northern slopes of the Kailash range in Tibet from
Mansarovar lake. Its total length is 2900 km. It covers a length of 1114 km through
India. The river flows between the Ladakh range and Zanskar range and covers the
areas of Ladakh, Baltistan and Gilgit. Through a deep gorge (5181 m) near Attock, it
crosses the Himalayas and then take a turn towards South-West direction and enters
into Pakistan. The important tributaries of this river are Shyok, Suru, Zanskar, Jhelum,
Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
Kishanganga River
This river originates from Drass (Kargil) in Ladakh. It is also known as Neelum
river. Its total length is about 245 km long. It covers a length of 50 km in the state. It
flows through Gurez, Keran and Karnah mountain tracks and joins the Jhelum river
at Domel (Muzaffarabad). The river has Kishanganga hydroelectric power project. It
has ice cold water which is famous for trout fish. Important tributaries are Sindh and
Lidder rivers.
Shyok River
This river originates from Rimo Glacier which is a part of Siachen glacier. It is also
known as River of Death because it is a difficult route to cross. Its total length is
about 550 km long and flows through Ladakh and Ghangche district of
Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. From its origin place, Shyok flows in the South-East
direction and joins the Pangong range, then it turns towards North-Western
direction and again flows parallel to its previous path. It joins Indus river at Skardu
city (Pakistan). Important tributaries of this river are Chang Chen Mo, Galwan
Nubra and Saltoro.
Page 4


DRAINAGESYSTEMOF
JAMMUANDKASHMIR
CHAPTER6
The drainage system of Jammu and Kashmir consists of rivers,
lakes, springs and glaciers. The main rivers of Jammu and
Kashmir include Jhelum, Chenab and Indus. Important lakes
include Dal lake and Wular lake. Important glaciers include
Nubra, Rimo and Siachen. All these, play a very important role
for environment and economic conditions of the state.
Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir
There are many rivers which originate from high mountains and flow through the
state. The Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab, Indus and Tawi rivers are the important
Himalayan rivers of the state. The rivers of Jammu and Kashmir can be divided into
three regions.These are:
i. Rivers of Jammu region ii. Rivers of Kashmir region
iii. Rivers of Ladakh region
i. Rivers of Jammu Region
Chenab River
The ancient name of the Chenab river is Asikni. This river originates from Baralacha
La pass in Lahaul and Spiti region of the of Himachal Pradesh. It is formed by two
streams namely, the Chandra and Bhaga. It is also known as Chandrabhaga.
Its total length is about 960 km long. It covers the length of 504 km in Jammu and
Kashmir. It drains the Eastern section of the Southern slope of Pir Panjal. It enters
into Jammu and Kashmir near Paddar at Kishtwar and cross Doda, Ramban, Reasi
and Akhnoor districts. It leaves Jammu and Kashmir at Akhnoor district and enters
into Sialkot district of Pakistan. Many hydel power projects are located on this river
like Salal, Dalhasti, Sawalkot and Baghilar.
Important tributaries of Chenab river are Miyar Nala, Marusudar (biggest right
bank tributary), Tawi (biggest left bank tributary) Bhut Nala, Lidrari, Sohal and
Thirot.MarusudarandTawi riverare discussedbelow:
Marusudar River
It originates from Lahaul valley at an elevation of about 5175 m. In the beginning
two streams namely Batkot and Gumbar merge to form Warwan river. In the lower
areas Warwan river is known as the Marusudar. The Marusudar flows almost the
North to South direction. Its catchment is almost fan shaped. The upper part of the
river is covered with glacier and the permanent snow line is considered generally
around 4700 m.
Tawi River
This river originates from Kailash Kund glacier located in Bhadarwah of Doda
district ( Jammu). Its total length is about 141 km. Its catchment area covers Jammu,
Udhampur and small parts of Doda districts. The river flows through the Chenani
town of Udhampur and Jammu and then joins the Chenab river in Sialkot district of
Pakistan. After passing through these regions, the river enters into Pakistan.
Chenani hydro power project is constructed on this river.
Ravi River
The ancient name of Ravi river is Parusni. This river originates from the Himalayas
at Bara Bhangal near Rohtang pass in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Its total length
is about 720 km long. The river passes through two mountain ranges namely, Pir
Panjal and Dhauladhar on its South and North, respectively. It flows through the
North-Western regions of India and then turns to South-West at the boundary of
Jammu and Kashmir. It flows about 80 km along the Indo-Pak border, before
entering Pakistan. Important tributaries of this river are Budhil, Naior Dhona, Seul
and Siawa.
Ujh River
This river originates from the Domal structure of Seojdhar range in the middle
Himalayas. The river is about 65 km long in the state. It is the second most
important river of Kathua district after Ravi river. It is a branch of Ravi river that
comes from Ramkot side of Jammu, passes through Kathua district and enters
Pakistan. Water is used for irrigation purpose and transportion of timber from hills
to plains. Important tributaries of this river are Naaz and Bhinni Nala.
ii. Rivers of Kashmir Region
Jhelum River
The ancient name of Jhelum river is Vitasta. It is the main waterway in the Kashmir
valley where it is also known as Vyath. This river originates from Verinag spring
which lies 80 km South-East of Srinagar district. The total length of the river is
about 725 km. It covers a length of 177 km in valley of Kashmir.
In Srinagar district many tributaries join this river and thus, it becomes navigable
from Khannabal to Wular lake. Jhelum river is also called the lifeline of Srinagar and
it bifurcates the city into two parts. This river flows through Baramulla district and
across the Jammu region, after that it leaves for Pakistan and merges with Indus
river. Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag cities are situated on both the sides of
Jhelum river. Many hydel power projects are located on this river e.g. Ganderbal,
Lower Jhelum, Upper Sindh, Uri-I, etc. It has about 24 tributaries. Important
tributaries are Sindh, Pohru, Vishow, Rambaira, Pohru, etc.
Lidder River
This river originates from the Kolahoi glacier in the North-Western Himalayan
range about 26 km North from Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. It covers a length
of 73 km in Kashmir valley. It is the second major tributary of river Jhelum and
meets it in North of Anantnag town. Pahalgam is situated in the center of Lidder
valley. It has two main tributaries, Lidder East and Lidder West.
iii. Rivers of Ladakh Region
Indus River
This river originates in the Northern slopes of the Kailash range in Tibet from
Mansarovar lake. Its total length is 2900 km. It covers a length of 1114 km through
India. The river flows between the Ladakh range and Zanskar range and covers the
areas of Ladakh, Baltistan and Gilgit. Through a deep gorge (5181 m) near Attock, it
crosses the Himalayas and then take a turn towards South-West direction and enters
into Pakistan. The important tributaries of this river are Shyok, Suru, Zanskar, Jhelum,
Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
Kishanganga River
This river originates from Drass (Kargil) in Ladakh. It is also known as Neelum
river. Its total length is about 245 km long. It covers a length of 50 km in the state. It
flows through Gurez, Keran and Karnah mountain tracks and joins the Jhelum river
at Domel (Muzaffarabad). The river has Kishanganga hydroelectric power project. It
has ice cold water which is famous for trout fish. Important tributaries are Sindh and
Lidder rivers.
Shyok River
This river originates from Rimo Glacier which is a part of Siachen glacier. It is also
known as River of Death because it is a difficult route to cross. Its total length is
about 550 km long and flows through Ladakh and Ghangche district of
Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. From its origin place, Shyok flows in the South-East
direction and joins the Pangong range, then it turns towards North-Western
direction and again flows parallel to its previous path. It joins Indus river at Skardu
city (Pakistan). Important tributaries of this river are Chang Chen Mo, Galwan
Nubra and Saltoro.
Suru River
This river originates from the Penzella glacier. Its total length is about 185 km. It
flows through the towns of Tongul, Suru, Grantung, Goma and Kharul. Kargil town
is the largest city situated on the bank of this river. Suru valley is formed by this
river. It meets the Indus river at Nurla village in Leh district. Its important tributary
is Shafat Nala.
Drass River
This river originates from Machoi Glacier near Zoji La pass. Its total length is about
86 km and flows through Kargil district of Ladakh. It flows through the town of
Matayan, Kharbu and Kakshar. At Kharbu, the Shingo river joins Drass river and at
Kharul, both of these rivers join the Suru river. It formed the Drass valley, where this
river is joined by its two tributaries, the Mashko river and Gomru Nala.
Nubra River
This river originates from the Siachen glacier. It is a tributary of Shyok river. It flows
through Nubra valley in the Northern part of Ladakh region and then joins the Indus
river in Skardu, Pakistan. Then, it flows towards South-East to join the Shyok river.
? RIVERSMAPOFJAMMUANDKASHMIR
Page 5


DRAINAGESYSTEMOF
JAMMUANDKASHMIR
CHAPTER6
The drainage system of Jammu and Kashmir consists of rivers,
lakes, springs and glaciers. The main rivers of Jammu and
Kashmir include Jhelum, Chenab and Indus. Important lakes
include Dal lake and Wular lake. Important glaciers include
Nubra, Rimo and Siachen. All these, play a very important role
for environment and economic conditions of the state.
Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir
There are many rivers which originate from high mountains and flow through the
state. The Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab, Indus and Tawi rivers are the important
Himalayan rivers of the state. The rivers of Jammu and Kashmir can be divided into
three regions.These are:
i. Rivers of Jammu region ii. Rivers of Kashmir region
iii. Rivers of Ladakh region
i. Rivers of Jammu Region
Chenab River
The ancient name of the Chenab river is Asikni. This river originates from Baralacha
La pass in Lahaul and Spiti region of the of Himachal Pradesh. It is formed by two
streams namely, the Chandra and Bhaga. It is also known as Chandrabhaga.
Its total length is about 960 km long. It covers the length of 504 km in Jammu and
Kashmir. It drains the Eastern section of the Southern slope of Pir Panjal. It enters
into Jammu and Kashmir near Paddar at Kishtwar and cross Doda, Ramban, Reasi
and Akhnoor districts. It leaves Jammu and Kashmir at Akhnoor district and enters
into Sialkot district of Pakistan. Many hydel power projects are located on this river
like Salal, Dalhasti, Sawalkot and Baghilar.
Important tributaries of Chenab river are Miyar Nala, Marusudar (biggest right
bank tributary), Tawi (biggest left bank tributary) Bhut Nala, Lidrari, Sohal and
Thirot.MarusudarandTawi riverare discussedbelow:
Marusudar River
It originates from Lahaul valley at an elevation of about 5175 m. In the beginning
two streams namely Batkot and Gumbar merge to form Warwan river. In the lower
areas Warwan river is known as the Marusudar. The Marusudar flows almost the
North to South direction. Its catchment is almost fan shaped. The upper part of the
river is covered with glacier and the permanent snow line is considered generally
around 4700 m.
Tawi River
This river originates from Kailash Kund glacier located in Bhadarwah of Doda
district ( Jammu). Its total length is about 141 km. Its catchment area covers Jammu,
Udhampur and small parts of Doda districts. The river flows through the Chenani
town of Udhampur and Jammu and then joins the Chenab river in Sialkot district of
Pakistan. After passing through these regions, the river enters into Pakistan.
Chenani hydro power project is constructed on this river.
Ravi River
The ancient name of Ravi river is Parusni. This river originates from the Himalayas
at Bara Bhangal near Rohtang pass in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Its total length
is about 720 km long. The river passes through two mountain ranges namely, Pir
Panjal and Dhauladhar on its South and North, respectively. It flows through the
North-Western regions of India and then turns to South-West at the boundary of
Jammu and Kashmir. It flows about 80 km along the Indo-Pak border, before
entering Pakistan. Important tributaries of this river are Budhil, Naior Dhona, Seul
and Siawa.
Ujh River
This river originates from the Domal structure of Seojdhar range in the middle
Himalayas. The river is about 65 km long in the state. It is the second most
important river of Kathua district after Ravi river. It is a branch of Ravi river that
comes from Ramkot side of Jammu, passes through Kathua district and enters
Pakistan. Water is used for irrigation purpose and transportion of timber from hills
to plains. Important tributaries of this river are Naaz and Bhinni Nala.
ii. Rivers of Kashmir Region
Jhelum River
The ancient name of Jhelum river is Vitasta. It is the main waterway in the Kashmir
valley where it is also known as Vyath. This river originates from Verinag spring
which lies 80 km South-East of Srinagar district. The total length of the river is
about 725 km. It covers a length of 177 km in valley of Kashmir.
In Srinagar district many tributaries join this river and thus, it becomes navigable
from Khannabal to Wular lake. Jhelum river is also called the lifeline of Srinagar and
it bifurcates the city into two parts. This river flows through Baramulla district and
across the Jammu region, after that it leaves for Pakistan and merges with Indus
river. Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag cities are situated on both the sides of
Jhelum river. Many hydel power projects are located on this river e.g. Ganderbal,
Lower Jhelum, Upper Sindh, Uri-I, etc. It has about 24 tributaries. Important
tributaries are Sindh, Pohru, Vishow, Rambaira, Pohru, etc.
Lidder River
This river originates from the Kolahoi glacier in the North-Western Himalayan
range about 26 km North from Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. It covers a length
of 73 km in Kashmir valley. It is the second major tributary of river Jhelum and
meets it in North of Anantnag town. Pahalgam is situated in the center of Lidder
valley. It has two main tributaries, Lidder East and Lidder West.
iii. Rivers of Ladakh Region
Indus River
This river originates in the Northern slopes of the Kailash range in Tibet from
Mansarovar lake. Its total length is 2900 km. It covers a length of 1114 km through
India. The river flows between the Ladakh range and Zanskar range and covers the
areas of Ladakh, Baltistan and Gilgit. Through a deep gorge (5181 m) near Attock, it
crosses the Himalayas and then take a turn towards South-West direction and enters
into Pakistan. The important tributaries of this river are Shyok, Suru, Zanskar, Jhelum,
Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
Kishanganga River
This river originates from Drass (Kargil) in Ladakh. It is also known as Neelum
river. Its total length is about 245 km long. It covers a length of 50 km in the state. It
flows through Gurez, Keran and Karnah mountain tracks and joins the Jhelum river
at Domel (Muzaffarabad). The river has Kishanganga hydroelectric power project. It
has ice cold water which is famous for trout fish. Important tributaries are Sindh and
Lidder rivers.
Shyok River
This river originates from Rimo Glacier which is a part of Siachen glacier. It is also
known as River of Death because it is a difficult route to cross. Its total length is
about 550 km long and flows through Ladakh and Ghangche district of
Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. From its origin place, Shyok flows in the South-East
direction and joins the Pangong range, then it turns towards North-Western
direction and again flows parallel to its previous path. It joins Indus river at Skardu
city (Pakistan). Important tributaries of this river are Chang Chen Mo, Galwan
Nubra and Saltoro.
Suru River
This river originates from the Penzella glacier. Its total length is about 185 km. It
flows through the towns of Tongul, Suru, Grantung, Goma and Kharul. Kargil town
is the largest city situated on the bank of this river. Suru valley is formed by this
river. It meets the Indus river at Nurla village in Leh district. Its important tributary
is Shafat Nala.
Drass River
This river originates from Machoi Glacier near Zoji La pass. Its total length is about
86 km and flows through Kargil district of Ladakh. It flows through the town of
Matayan, Kharbu and Kakshar. At Kharbu, the Shingo river joins Drass river and at
Kharul, both of these rivers join the Suru river. It formed the Drass valley, where this
river is joined by its two tributaries, the Mashko river and Gomru Nala.
Nubra River
This river originates from the Siachen glacier. It is a tributary of Shyok river. It flows
through Nubra valley in the Northern part of Ladakh region and then joins the Indus
river in Skardu, Pakistan. Then, it flows towards South-East to join the Shyok river.
? RIVERSMAPOFJAMMUANDKASHMIR
Important Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has many lakes and most of these lakes are of
glacial origin. These lakes can be divided into three regions i.e. Jammu, Kashmir and
Ladakh region.Some of the important lakesare discussedbelow:
Lakes of Jammu Region
Mansar Lake
This lake is situated 55 km East of Jammu at a height of 666 km in the Shiwalik
range. It is a freshwater lake. Mansar lake is a very small lake which is about 1204 m
in length and about 645 m in the width. Sheshnag Shrine is situated on its Eastern
bank. People take a holy dip in it on festive occasions.
Surinsar Lake
This lake is situated about 40 km to the North-East of Jammu in the Western
Shiwaliks, the foothills of Himalayas at a height of 605 m. It is a freshwater lake. It
is about 888 m in length and 444 m in width. It is a much loved picturesque tourist
spot in Jammu region.
Lakes of Kashmir Region
Anchar Lake
This lake is situated in Srinagar. It is about 8 km long and 3 km wide. This lake lies
at an altiude of 1585 m above mean sea level. About half of its area become a
marshland. The Sind Nala feeds this lake. On its North-West bank Ganderbal town
is situated.
Dal Lake
This lake is situated in the East of Srinagar. The lake covers 18 sq km area which
makes it the second largest lake in the state. This lake is one of the most beautiful
lakes of India and has a great ecological and socio-economical significance in
Kashmir. It attracts national as well as international tourists.
It is about 8 km in length and 6.4 km in width. It is also known as ‘Jewel in the
Crown of Kashmir’ or ‘Srinagar’s Jewel’. The lake is surrounded by Mughal Garden.
The lake has floating gardens where different types of vegetables are grown.
Gangabal Lake
This lake is situated on the North-East slopes of Harmukh mountains at a height of
approx 3600 m above mean sea level. The lake is located 45 km North of Srinagar.