Indus River System – Complete Geography Notes | JKSSB Mock Test
🌊 Indus River System – Complete Geography Notes for UPSC & SSC
The Indus River System is one of the longest and most important river systems in the Indian subcontinent. It is not only geographically significant but also historically vital, as it nourished the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
🔹 Origin
- Originates from Bokhar Chu glacier near Mount Kailash in Tibet.
- Known as the Singhi Khamban in its upper course.
🔹 Course
- Flows northwest through Ladakh in India.
- Enters Pakistan via Baltistan.
- Flows through Punjab and Sindh.
- Drains into the Arabian Sea near Karachi.
🔹 Major Tributaries
Right-Bank Tributaries:- Shyok River
- Gilgit River
- Kabul River
- Gomal River
- Jhelum
- Chenab
- Ravi
- Beas
- Sutlej
🔹 Basin Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Length | ~3,180 km |
| Basin Area | ~11.65 lakh sq. km |
| Area in India | ~3.21 lakh sq. km |
| States Covered | Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan |
🔹 Major Dams & Projects
- Bhakra Nangal Dam – Sutlej
- Pong Dam – Beas
- Uri & Kishanganga Projects – Jhelum
- Baglihar & Salal – Chenab
🔹 Indus Water Treaty (1960)
- Signed between India & Pakistan with World Bank assistance.
- Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) for India.
- Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) for Pakistan.
- India can use western rivers with limits for irrigation, transport, hydropower.
🔹 Significance
- Historical – Cradle of Indus Valley Civilization.
- Agricultural – Fertile plains in Punjab & Sindh.
- Economic – Major hydropower, irrigation projects.
🔹 Environmental Concerns
- Glacial retreat due to climate change.
- Pollution from industrial waste.
- India-Pakistan water disputes in post-treaty era.
🔹 Quick Facts – One-Liners for MCQs
- Longest tributary – Chenab
- Indus Water Treaty year – 1960
- India's share – Eastern rivers
- River forming Bhakra Dam – Sutlej
- Historic civilization on Indus – Harappa
🔹 UPSC/SSC PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
- Q1: Indus River flows into which country?
👉 A. Pakistan ✅ - Q2: Which is the longest tributary of Indus?
👉 A. Chenab ✅ - Q3: Treaty regulating Indus water sharing?
👉 A. Indus Water Treaty ✅ - Q4: Origin point of Indus River?
👉 A. Bokhar Chu glacier ✅ - Q5: States covered by Indus Basin in India?
👉 A. J&K, HP, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan ✅
🔹 People Also Ask (FAQs)
- Q: Where does Indus originate?
A: Bokhar Chu glacier near Mount Kailash. - Q: What is Indus called in Tibet?
A: Singhi Khamban. - Q: Which dam is on Beas River?
A: Pong Dam. - Q: What are the five rivers of Punjab?
A: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej. - Q: Which rivers are India's share in IWT?
A: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej.
🖚 Conclusion
The Indus River System is crucial to both India and Pakistan from historical, geographical, and geopolitical perspectives. A clear understanding of its tributaries, dams, treaties, and challenges will benefit all competitive exam aspirants.
