River Systems in Himachal Pradesh

Comprehensive Overview of River Systems in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its diverse and dramatic landscape, is traversed by several major rivers that play a crucial role in its geography, economy, and culture. Understanding these rivers is essential for government exams and provides insights into the state’s physical and cultural geography.

1. Yamuna River

• Vedic Name: Kalindi
• Sanskrit Name: Yamuna
• Greek Name: Not applicable

Course and Tributaries:

• Origin and Course: The Yamuna enters Himachal Pradesh at Khaddar Majari in Sirmaur and exits near Tajewala to enter Haryana. It forms a significant eastern boundary with Uttarakhand.
• Tributaries:
• Tons River: An important tributary, rising from the Supin and Rupin streams near Shimla, merging at Kalsi.
• Giri River: Originates from Kupar Peak, with tributaries such as Asni and Andhra.
• Jalal River: Rises from the Dharathi Range in Sirmaur and is a tributary of the Giri.
• Pabbar River: Flows from Chandar Nahan in Shimla, joining the Yamuna.
• Markanda River: Originates from the Kiarda Dun Valley, with Nahan on its banks.
• Asni River: A tributary of Giri, rising from the southern slopes of the Shivaliks.
• Andhra River: Rises from Chirgaon in Shimla, joining the Pabbar.

Significance:

• The Yamuna is mythologically connected to the Sun God, Surya.
• It is vital for the eastern regions of Himachal Pradesh, supporting agriculture and settlements.

2. Satluj River

• Vedic Name: Satudari
• Sanskrit Name: Shatadru
• Greek Name: Heisidrus

Course and Tributaries:

• Origin and Course: The Satluj rises from the Rakas Lake (Longchhen Khaha) near Mount Kailash in Tibet. It enters Himachal Pradesh at Shipkila and exits at Bhakra to enter Punjab.
• Tributaries:
• Baspa River: Originates in Kinnaur, joining Satluj at Karchham.
• Spiti River: Rises from Kunzum Range in Lahaul-Spiti, meeting Satluj at Khab.
• Nogli Khad: Joins Satluj below Rampur Bushahar.
• Soan River: Rises from the southern slopes of the Shivaliks.

Significance:

• The Satluj is crucial for the districts of Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Solan, Mandi, and Bilaspur.
• It supports numerous settlements and agricultural activities.

3. Beas River

• Vedic Name: Arjikiya
• Sanskrit Name: Vipasha
• Greek Name: Not applicable

Course and Tributaries:

• Origin and Course: The Beas originates from Rohtang Pass, with sources known as Beas Rikhi and Beas Kund. It flows through Manali, Naggar, Katrain, Raison, Kullu, Pandoh, Mandi, Sujan, Nadaun, and Dehra-Gopipur.
• Tributaries:
• Parbati River: Rises near Manikaran in Kullu, joining Beas at Manikaran.
• Tirthan River: Rises in Kullu and joins Beas at Larji.
• Uhl River: Originates in Dhauladhar and merges with Beas in Mandi.
• Harla River: Joins Beas near Kullu in Bhuntas.
• Suketi River: Joins Beas at an unspecified point.

Significance:

• The Beas River is associated with the legend of Sage Vashisht and is crucial for irrigation and agriculture.

4. Chenab River

• Vedic Name: Chandra-Bhaga
• Sanskrit Name: Asikni
• Greek Name: Not applicable

Course and Tributaries:

• Origin and Course: Formed by the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi, it enters Pangi near Bhujind and exits Chamba at Sansari Nala into the Podar Valley of Kashmir.
• Tributaries:
• Chandra River: Originates from Chandra Glacier.
• Bhaga River: Originates from Lahaul Valley.

Significance:

• Chenab is the largest river in Himachal Pradesh by water volume.
• It supports major settlements including Udaipur, Killar, Doda, and Ramban.

5. Ravi River

• Vedic Name: Iravati
• Sanskrit Name: Ravi
• Greek Name: Hydraster/Rhoudis

Course and Tributaries:

• Origin and Course: Rises from Bara Banghal in Kangra, flows through Chamba, and exits at Kheri, merging with Chenab in Pakistan.
• Tributaries:
• Bhadal River: Rises between Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.
• Siul River: Originates between Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar.
• Others: Baira, Tantgiri, Budhil, Tundahan, Saho, and Chirchind Nala.

Significance:

• Historically referred to as Hydraster by Alexander, the Ravi is important for Chamba and Kangra regions.

6. San River

• Vedic Name: Not applicable
• Sanskrit Name: Not applicable
• Greek Name: Not applicable

Course and Tributaries:

• Origin and Course: Rises in the lower Shivalik hills in Una. Known as the “River of Sorrow” due to its erratic behavior.
• Significance:
• Divides Una into nearly equal parts, and its erratic flow affects local agriculture and settlements.

Special Features and Phenomena

1. Climate Influence:

• Gravity Winds: Vertical movements caused by temperature changes, influencing local weather patterns.
• Western Disturbances: Mid-latitude westerly winds affecting the western Himalayas, bringing moisture and impacting weather.
• Jet Streams: High-speed winds in the upper atmosphere, influencing weather patterns.
• Lee Waves: Strong winds causing erosion and damage, occurring on the leeward side of mountains.
• Southwest Monsoon: Responsible for significant rainfall in the region.
• Winter Monsoon: Similar to northeast trade winds, affecting winter weather.

1. Geographical Zones:

• Wet Sub-Tropical Zone: Includes Palampur, Joginder Nagar, Dalhousie, and Dharamshala.
• Humid Sub-Tropical Zone: Encompasses Kullu, Shimla, parts of Mandi, Solan, Chamba, Kangra, and Sirmaur.
• Dry Temperate Zone: Covers alpine high areas of Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi, and Kinnaur.
• Humid Sub-Tropical Zone: Includes Mandi, Nahan, Nalagarh, and Nurpur.
• Sub-Humid Tropical Zone: Covers Una, Paonta Sahib, and Indora in Kangra.

1. Rainfall:

• Average rainfall in Himachal Pradesh is approximately 152 cm.
• Dharamshala is the wettest place with 340 cm of rainfall.
• Spiti is the driest area.

Here are 25 MCQs on the rivers of Himachal Pradesh:

1. Which of the following rivers originates from Mansarovar Lake in Tibet and enters Himachal Pradesh?

a) Beas
b) Sutlej
c) Ravi
d) Chenab
Answer: b) Sutlej

2. The Beas river originates from which pass?

a) Rohtang Pass
b) Shipki La
c) Baralacha La
d) Kunzum La
Answer: a) Rohtang Pass

3. The river Ravi is also known by what other name?

a) Chandrabhaga
b) Purushni
c) Vipasha
d) Shatadru
Answer: b) Purushni

4. Which of the following rivers flows through the Kullu Valley?

a) Yamuna
b) Beas
c) Sutlej
d) Ravi
Answer: b) Beas

5. The river Chenab is formed by the confluence of which two rivers?

a) Ravi and Beas
b) Chandra and Bhaga
c) Sutlej and Beas
d) Spiti and Sutlej
Answer: b) Chandra and Bhaga

6. Which of the following rivers enters India from the Shipki La Pass?

a) Ravi
b) Sutlej
c) Beas
d) Yamuna
Answer: b) Sutlej

7. Which river in Himachal Pradesh is known for the Pong Dam?

a) Chenab
b) Ravi
c) Beas
d) Sutlej
Answer: c) Beas

8. Which of the following rivers flows through Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh?

a) Beas
b) Ravi
c) Yamuna
d) Chenab
Answer: b) Ravi

9. Which river is associated with the Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant?

a) Ravi
b) Sutlej
c) Beas
d) Chenab
Answer: b) Sutlej

10. The Bhakra Dam, one of the highest gravity dams in the world, is built on which river?

a) Chenab
b) Sutlej
c) Beas
d) Yamuna
Answer: b) Sutlej

11. Which river flows through the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh?

a) Beas
b) Spiti River
c) Sutlej
d) Ravi
Answer: b) Spiti River

12. Which river originates from the Himalayas and flows through the Kangra Valley?

a) Yamuna
b) Sutlej
c) Beas
d) Chenab
Answer: c) Beas

13. Which of the following rivers of Himachal Pradesh is a tributary of the Indus River System?

a) Chenab
b) Yamuna
c) Ganges
d) Brahmaputra
Answer: a) Chenab

14. The Pabbar river is a tributary of which major river system?

a) Sutlej
b) Yamuna
c) Beas
d) Chenab
Answer: b) Yamuna

15. Which river has its source in the Bara Lacha Pass in Himachal Pradesh?

a) Beas
b) Sutlej
c) Ravi
d) Chenab
Answer: d) Chenab

16. The Tirthan River, a tributary of Beas, flows through which valley?

a) Kullu Valley
b) Spiti Valley
c) Great Himalayan National Park
d) Kangra Valley
Answer: c) Great Himalayan National Park

17. Which river forms a natural boundary between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab?

a) Sutlej
b) Yamuna
c) Chenab
d) Ravi
Answer: a) Sutlej

18. Which river is famous for the Bhuntar and Pandoh dams in Himachal Pradesh?

a) Sutlej
b) Beas
c) Yamuna
d) Ravi
Answer: b) Beas

19. The Ravi river enters India from which neighboring country?

a) Nepal
b) China
c) Pakistan
d) Bhutan
Answer: c) Pakistan

20. Which river forms a confluence with the Sutlej at Tattapani in Himachal Pradesh?

a) Beas
b) Ravi
c) Spiti
d) Yamuna
Answer: c) Spiti

21. Which river originates from the glacier near the Dhundi Pass?

a) Beas
b) Sutlej
c) Yamuna
d) Ravi
Answer: a) Beas

22. Which river flows through the town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh?

a) Sutlej
b) Yamuna
c) Beas
d) Ravi
Answer: c) Beas

23. Which of the following rivers is not part of the Himachal Pradesh river system?

a) Yamuna
b) Chenab
c) Brahmaputra
d) Ravi
Answer: c) Brahmaputra

24. Which river’s valley is known as the ‘apple valley’ of Himachal Pradesh?

a) Ravi
b) Chenab
c) Pabbar
d) Sutlej
Answer: c) Pabbar

25. Which of the following rivers is considered sacred and has a number of religious sites along its banks?

a) Yamuna
b) Beas
c) Chenab
d) Sutlej
Answer: b) Beas

These questions provide a comprehensive overview of the rivers of Himachal Pradesh, covering geography, hydropower projects, and their importance.

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This comprehensive overview of the rivers in Himachal Pradesh includes all relevant details required for government exams, focusing on the geographical, cultural, and historical aspects of these important water bodies.

Also Read :

• Glaciers of Himachal Pradesh
• Lakes in Himachal Pradesh