In this article, you will get all details about the lakes and rivers of Jammu Kashmir. This topic is very important for exams conducted by JKSSB.
Also Check: Geography of Jammu Kashmir
Also Check: National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Jammu Kashmir
Also Check: List of dams in India
Also Check: JKSSB MCQs
Rivers of Jammu Kashmir (JK)
J&K is a home of many mighty rivers like Indus, Jhelum, Chenab & many others. The details about these rivers are given below:
(1) The Indus (Sindh)
- Originates in the vicinity of Mansarovar Lake from a glacier near Bokhar Chu of Mount Kailash Range in Tibet.
- Enters UT of Ladakh & then travels in North-West direction between Ladakh & Zanskar ranges.
- Flows through Pakistan, J&K, & Tibet.
- One of the largest rivers of India with a total length of 3180 km (906–1114 km in India).
- Jhelum, Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej are its main tributaries.
- In Kashmir, it is Called Darya-e-Sindh.
- Falls into the Arabian Sea near Karachi.
(2) Jhelum (Vitasta / Vyeth)
- Main river of Kashmir Valley.
- Srinagar, Sopore, Baramulla situated on both sides of this river.
- Source: Verinag Spring.
- Mouth: Chenab.
- Total length = 725 km.
- It is navigable from Khanabal to Khadanyar (Baramulla) for a total length of 170 km.
- Right Bank: Bringi, Lidder, Sand Nala, Erin, Madhumati, Pohru.
- Left Bank: Vishav, Rambiara, Dudganga, Sukhnag.
- Path: Anantnag → Pukhsuma → Sang → Wular Lake (delta) → Baramulla & Uri → Pakistan.
- In Greek language it is known as Klas Hydaspes.
(3) The Chenab (Chandra-Bhaga)
- Source: Baralacha La Pass (mountain pass in Zanskar range, connects Lahaul → Leh).
- Formed by two head streams Chandra and Bhaga, which originate in Himachal Pradesh.
- The two streams unite near Tandi, where it is called Chandrabhaga.
- Total length = 1180 km.
- Basin countries = India, Pakistan.
- Fast-flowing river, via rocky mountains upto Akhnoor.
- Flows to Pakistan & joins Indus River.
- Hydro-electric projects: Salal, Dulhasti, Baglihar.
- Its tributaries are Wadwan river, Tawi river and Manwar Tawi.
(4) The Kishanganga / Neelam River
- Important tributary of Jhelum River.
- Origin = Kishansar Lake.
- Basin = Tilail, Burgzala-Dal, Gurez, & surrounding areas.
- Merges with Jhelum near Muzaffarabad.
(5) The Tawi
- Its earlier name was Surya Putri.
- It is the major left bank tributary of Chenab River.
- Origin = Kailash Kund Spring in Soej hills in Bhadarwah Town of Doda District.
- Divides Jammu city into 2 parts, old city and new city.
- Finally merges with Chenab River in Pakistan’s Punjab.
- Length = 120 km.
(6) The Ravi (Iravati)
- Source: Hanuman Tibba, near Kangra, H.P.
- It leaves the Himalayas near Basoli & passes close to Kathua, near Madhopur, where it enters plains of Punjab.
- 650 km = total length.
(7) Ujh
- Major tributary of Ravi.
- Source: In Kailash Mountain, close to Bhadarwah Mountains.
Lakes of Jammu Kashmir
In the forthcoming section, you will get details about the lakes of Jammu Kashmir.
Wular Lake
- Dimesnions=(16×9.6 km) .
it is also known as Mahapadmasar.
- Largest freshwater lake in India.
- Formed due to tectonic activity.
- Jhelum makes its delta into Wular Lake.
- It lies between Bandipore & Sopore.
- In the center, there is Zaina Lank which is a small island constructed by Sultan Zain ul Abideen.
- Considered remnant of Satisar Lake
- Contributes to 6% of total fish production in J&K.
- It is a Ramsar Site.
Dal Lake
- Sir Walter Lawrence → “Lake Par Excellence”.
- Dimesnions = 8×6.4 km.
- Area =16 sq. km (Reduced from 25 sq. km)
- Divided into 4 parts:
- Gagribal
- Lokut Dal
- Bod Dal
- Nigeen
- Declared Eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
- 2nd largest lake in JK.
- It has two Islands called Sona Lank and Ropa Lank (constructed by Mughals).
- It is a home of Floating Gardens, where a variety of Vegetables are grown.
Nigeen Lake
- Near Dal Lake in Srinagar.
- Both interconnected by small water channel.
- Famous for its beauty + houseboats.
Anchar
- It is a swampy lake.
- Dimensions = 8x3km.
- Sindh Nallah enters this lake from one side & flows out from other side.
- Lotus stems are grown in abundance here.
- Ganderbal on its N-W bank.
- Connected to Dal Lake via a channel called Amir Khan Nallah.
Manasbal:
- Located in Safapora area of Ganderbal District.
- Mughal garden like Jaroka Bagh (Nur Jahan) overlooks the lake.
- Connected with Jhelum River by Canal near Sumbal.
- Deepest lake of JK and is called the “Supreme Gem of all Kashmir lakes”.
Hokersar:
- Located on Srinagar–Baramulla Road
- Located 16 km away from Srinagar.
- It is a permanent and shallow water body.
- Willow trees grown in abundance in its surroundings.
Kausar Nag
- High altitude lake.
- Also known as Vishnu Pad
- Situated in Pir Panjal Range in South of Shopian.
Also Check: Culture and heritage of Jammu Kashmir
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