Did you know JKSSB has asked more than 65 questions on Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir in recent years? That’s why this single topic is a high-return slice of your GK prep — nail it and you can easily pick up 2–3 extra marks in a paper. This guide groups the exact facts JKSSB keeps asking (origins, local names, tributary pairs, and hydel projects) and gives you quick-recall boxes, map visuals and revision mnemonics. Start with the Chenab and Jhelum sections — they appear most often — then use the quick tables to drill the rest. If you skip this topic, you’re leaving simple marks on the table; read on and convert those into guaranteed marks.
See our full guide on Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir for how rivers and lakes interact in the valley and for extra JKSSB-style facts.
Chenab River (The Mighty Rivers in Jammu and Kashmir)
Chenab is the single most asked-about river in the “Rivers of Jammu & Kashmir” topic — so mastering it gives you a big advantage on JKSSB papers. This note is built exactly for that purpose: concise, fact-heavy, and arranged the way JKSSB likes to test — origins, local/ancient names, course, tributaries, and hydel projects. You’ll find bullet lists for quick recall, a short verified course paragraph, a table for hydel projects, and clear left/right-bank tributary sections so you can answer combo-type MCQs at a glance. Read this first, memorise the highlighted facts, then use the quick revision points at the end — it’s designed to get you exam-ready fast.
🌊 Characteristics
- Total length: ≈ 974 km (about 605 miles).
- Common / local names: Chandrabhaga, Chandra–Bhaga (upper reaches).
- Ancient / Vedic name: Asikni (ancient/epic references).
- Popular/meaningful name: The name links to Chandra (moon) — hence sometimes associated with “moon” terminology (Chandrabhaga = moon + part).
- Origin (place of origin): Formed by confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi (near Keylong, Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh). The Bhaga rises near Surya Tal / Bara-lacha la region; Chandra originates from glaciers east of the pass.
Course of the River
The Chenab River originates from the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi in the Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. From there, it flows northwest through steep Himalayan gorges before entering the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at Paddar in Kishtwar district.
Within Jammu & Kashmir, the river passes through Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, and Reasi districts, carving the picturesque Chenab Valley. Near Akhnoor, part of the river’s water is diverted through the historic Ranbir Canal to supply Jammu city and adjoining farmlands.
At Akhnoor, the Chenab leaves Indian territory and enters Sialkot district of Pakistan. Flowing further southwest, it joins the Sutlej River near Ucch Sharif, forming the Panjnad River, which later merges with the Indus River before finally draining into the Arabian Sea.
Hydel projects built on Chenab river
The Chenab basin is heavily used for hydropower — a mix of operational, under-construction, and planned projects. In J&K the key operational plants on the Chenab and its tributary-system include Salal, Baglihar and Dul Hasti; larger-run projects such as Ratle, Kiru, Kwar and Pakal Dul (on Marusudar — a Chenab tributary) are under construction or being fast-tracked. These projects are important JKSSB facts because questions often ask which river a named project is on and its installed capacity/status.
Hydel projects — Quick reference table (useful for quick JKSSB recall)
| Project (name) | River / Tributary | District / Location (J&K) | Installed Capacity / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salal HEP | Chenab | Reasi | 690 MW — Operational. |
| Baglihar HEP | Chenab | Ramban | 900 MW (450+450) — Operational (staged). |
| Dul Hasti | Chenab | Kishtwar | 390 MW — Operational (Stage I). |
| Ratle HEP | Chenab | Kishtwar | ~850 MW — Under construction / run-of-river (major project). |
| Pakal Dul | Marusudar (Chenab tributary) | Kishtwar (Drangdhuran/Bhandarkot area) | 1000 MW — Under construction / major (on Marusudar). |
| Kiru | Chenab | Kishtwar | 624 MW — Under construction / approved. (see project lists) |
| Kwar | Chenab | Kishtwar | ~540 MW — Proposed / under construction in basin. |
Tip for JKSSB: Questions often name a project and ask “on which river?” — learn the first three rows (Salal, Baglihar, Dul Hasti) by heart; know Ratle & Pakal Dul as big Kishtwar projects on Chenab / Marusudar.
Tributaries
Left-bank tributaries (joins Chenab from the left when facing downstream)
Tawi River
- Origin: Kailash Kund spring (Soej hills), Bhaderwah (Doda district).
- Course / joins Chenab: Flows through Doda → Udhampur → Jammu city (Bahu Fort on its bank) and then into the plains; finally joins the Chenab (its waters reach Chenab downstream, crossing into Punjab area). Tawi is a key left-bank tributary frequently asked about in JKSSB papers.
- Other notes: Tawi is locally known and often referenced in local geography and history (Jammu’s lifeline). (JKSSB often asks: “Origin of Tawi?” and “Which river is Bahu Fort on?”)
Neeru (Niru / Neru)
- Origin: Sonbain Ashapati Glacier / Bhaderwah area.
- Joins Chenab at: Pul Doda (Pul Doda confluence). Short, perennial stream — important in local questions.
Quick exam note: Tawi → Kailash Kund (Bhaderwah) is a repeatedly asked fact; Neeru → Pul Doda is another short fact that appears in local JKSSB questions.
Right-bank tributaries (joins Chenab from the right when facing downstream)
Marusudar
- Largest tributary (in J&K): — Marusudar (explicitly the largest tributary of the Chenab in Jammu & Kashmir).
Details (Marusudar): - Origin: Nun–Kun glaciers / Warwan valley (Nunkun glacier area).
- Length: ≈ 133 km (approx.).
- Confluence: Joins Chenab at Bhandarkoot / Bhandalkot in Kishtwar district.
- Hydel projects on Marusudar: Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Bursar (800 MW proposed/fast-tracked) are associated with Marusudar — these are high-value JKSSB facts (project name ↔ tributary).
- Other right-bank tributaries (important ones to know):
- Ans, Bhut Nallah, Bichleri, Miyar Nalla, Kalnai — most of these join the Chenab through the Kishtwar / Ramban stretch (they are smaller hill streams but often appear in regional MCQs).
Quick JKSSB-style facts
- Formed by: Confluence of Chandra + Bhaga at Tandi (Lahaul).
- Length: ≈ 974 km (remember ~974 km for MCQs).
- Major operational HEPs on Chenab in J&K: Salal (Reasi, 690 MW), Baglihar (Ramban, 900 MW), Dul Hasti (Kishtwar, 390 MW).
- Largest tributary in J&K: Marusudar (origin: Nun-Kun glacier; confluence: Bhandarkoot).
- Tawi origin: Kailash Kund spring, Soej hills, Bhaderwah — (asked repeatedly).
- Final outflow: Chenab + Sutlej → Panjnad → joins Indus (important when comparing Indus-system rivers).
Jhelum River
When it comes to the Rivers of Jammu & Kashmir, the Jhelum River stands second only to Chenab in exam importance — but first in cultural and geographical significance for Kashmir. JKSSB has repeatedly framed questions on its origin at Verinag, local name (Vyeth), lake association (Wular), and major hydel projects (Uri I & II, Lower Jhelum, Kishanganga). Often called the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley, Jhelum is not only central to Kashmir’s landscape but also vital under the Indus Water Treaty.
This study note simplifies the entire topic into exam-focused sections — Characteristics, Course, Hydel Projects, and Tributaries — using the exact pattern JKSSB follows in its multiple-choice papers. Each fact is distilled from authentic sources, so you can master the most-asked details in minutes. Whether you’re preparing for JKSSB, Naib Tehsildar, or any J&K-level exam, this is the one-stop, high-retention reference to understand and remember everything about the Jhelum River.
🌊 Characteristics
- Total Length: Around 725 km, of which nearly 177 km flows through Jammu & Kashmir (India).
- Local / Other Names: Vyeth or Veth in Kashmir; Vitasta in ancient Sanskrit texts; known as Hydaspes to the Greeks.
- Origin (Place of Origin): Emerges from the Verinag Spring, at the foothills of the Pir Panjal Range in Anantnag district, Kashmir.
- Direction of Flow: Flows generally north-westward through the Kashmir Valley and enters Pakistan near Uri and Baramulla.
- Confluence (Mouth): Joins the Chenab River near Trimmu in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
- Major Significance: Acts as the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley — essential for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower.
Course of the River
The Jhelum River originates from the Verinag Spring (Anantnag district, South Kashmir). Flowing north-west, it passes through Srinagar, where it forms a graceful curve around the city, and continues into Wular Lake — the largest freshwater lake in India. After exiting Wular Lake, it flows north-west through Baramulla and then near Uri, where it enters Pakistan-administered territory.
In Pakistan, the Jhelum continues through the plains of Mirpur and Jhelum districts, finally meeting the Chenab River near Trimmu.
Hydroelectric Projects on Jhelum River
The Jhelum River and its tributaries power several key hydel projects in Kashmir, including the famous Uri Projects and Lower Jhelum Project.
| Project Name | River / Tributary | District / Location (J&K) | Installed Capacity / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uri-I Hydroelectric Project | Jhelum | Baramulla | 480 MW – Operational |
| Uri-II Hydroelectric Project | Jhelum | Baramulla | 240 MW – Operational |
| Lower Jhelum Hydroelectric Project | Jhelum | Baramulla | 105 MW – Operational |
| Kishanganga Project | Kishanganga (Tributary) | Bandipora | 330 MW – Operational |
| New Ganderbal HEP (Proposed) | Sindh (Tributary) | Ganderbal | 93 MW – Under construction |
⚙️ Exam Fact: Uri-I and Uri-II are the most repeated hydel projects in JKSSB papers — both are on the Jhelum River in Baramulla district.
Tributaries of Jhelum River
Left-Bank Tributaries
Lidder River
- Origin: Kolahoi Glacier near Pahalgam.
- Confluence: Joins Jhelum near Anantnag.
- Importance: Known for the scenic Pahalgam valley; provides irrigation and tourism value.
- It is 2nd Major Triburary of Jhelum
Vishaw River
- Origin: Kausarnag Lake (Kulgam district).
- Confluence: Joins Jhelum near Sangam.
Romushi River
- Origin: Pir Panjal Range (Pulwama district).
- Confluence: Near Bijbehara; important for agriculture in Pulwama belt.
Rambiara River
- Origin: Pir Panjal Range (Shopian district).
- Confluence: Joins near Zainapora, flows parallel to Romushi for much of its course.
Right-Bank Tributaries
Sindh (or Sind) River
- Origin: Machoi Glacier near Amarnath Peak.
- Course: Flows through Sonamarg and Ganderbal, providing water to Srinagar.
- Confluence: Joins Jhelum near Shadipora (between Srinagar and Wular Lake).
- Hydel Project: New Ganderbal Project (93 MW) on this tributary.
Kishanganga (or Neelum) River
- Origin: Krishansar Lake near Sonamarg OR Dream Mountains in Drass
- It is the largest Tributary of Jhelum.
- Course: Flows through Gurez Valley, Keran, Karnah and crosses the Line of Control, known as Neelum River in Pakistan.
- Confluence: Joins Jhelum at Domel near Muzaffarabad (Pakistan-administered region).
- It is famous for Trout fish. Gadsar Lake joins Neelum river through Tulail stream.
- Hydel Project: Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (330 MW) in Bandipora district.
Quick JKSSB Revision Points
- Origin: Verinag Spring (Anantnag).
- Local Name: Vyeth / Vitasta.
- Greek Name: Hydaspes.
- Flows Through: Anantnag → Srinagar → Wular Lake → Baramulla → Uri.
- Confluence: Joins Chenab River near Trimmu (Pakistan).
- Major Lake on Course: Wular Lake.
- Important Projects: Uri-I (480 MW), Uri-II (240 MW), Lower Jhelum (105 MW).
- Tributaries from Left: Lidder, Vishaw, Romushi, Rambiara.
- Tributaries from Right: Sindh, Kishanganga.
- Total Length: ~725 km (177 km in J&K).
- River System: Part of Indus River System (western rivers under the Indus Water Treaty).
Ravi River
While Chenab and Jhelum dominate the hydel and length-based questions, the Ravi River consistently appears in JKSSB papers for its origin, tributaries, and national relevance. Being one of the three eastern rivers under the Indus Water Treaty (1960), the Ravi holds strategic importance for India. Questions about its source in Himachal Pradesh, flow through Jammu’s Kathua district, and tributaries like Ujh River (the largest) appear repeatedly in both JKSSB and Central-level Geography exams.
This note condenses everything a candidate needs — characteristics, course, projects, and tributaries — presented in the exact JKSSB style for maximum recall and clarity.
🌊 Characteristics
- Total Length: Approximately 720 km.
- Catchment Area in J&K: Around 1,400 sq km (mostly in Kathua district).
- Origin (Place of Origin): Kullu Hills near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
- Flow Direction: Initially flows northwest, then turns southwest, forming part of the Indo–Pak border before entering Pakistan.
- It is also famously known as River of Lahore
- Major Tributary (Largest): Ujh River — originates from Kailash Mountains in Kathua district.
- System: One of the five rivers of Punjab and part of the Indus River System.
- Indus Water Treaty (1960): Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej allocated to India.
📍 Course of the River
The Ravi River originates from the Kullu Hills, near the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, at an elevation of about 4,400 meters. It flows westward between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges and then enters Jammu & Kashmir near Basohli in Kathua district.
Within J&K, the Ravi traverses the southeastern part of the Kathua plains, providing irrigation to the agricultural lands through several small canals. It then forms part of the India–Pakistan border near Madhopur before crossing into Pakistan.
In Pakistan, the Ravi flows past Lahore and eventually joins the Chenab River near Ahmadpur Sial (in Punjab province).
⚙️ Hydroelectric Projects on Ravi River
Overview
Although the Ravi’s hydropower potential in J&K is limited, it plays a vital role in the Ravi–Beas Project and Ranjit Sagar Dam, which benefit both Punjab and J&K.
| Project Name | River / Tributary | District / Location | Installed Capacity / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranjit Sagar Dam (Thein Dam) | Ravi River | Kathua (J&K) / Pathankot (Punjab) border | 600 MW – Operational |
| Basohli Irrigation Canal System | Ravi River | Kathua | Irrigation Project – Operational |
| Ujh Multipurpose Project | Ujh River (Tributary) | Kathua | 196 MW + Irrigation – Under Construction |
🔋 Note: The Ranjit Sagar Dam is jointly managed by Punjab, J&K, and Himachal Pradesh — JKSSB often asks which states share this project.
🌿 Tributaries of Ravi River
Left-Bank Tributaries
Budhil River
- Origin: Kugti Glacier, Chamba district (Himachal Pradesh).
- Course: Flows through Bharmaur region and joins Ravi near Chamba town.
- Importance: Provides glacier-fed water to upper Ravi valley; hydro potential region.
Seul (or Nai) River
- Origin: Dhauladhar Range.
- Confluence: Joins Ravi near Chamba.
Right-Bank Tributaries
Ujh River (Largest Tributary of Ravi)
- Origin: Kailash Mountains, in Kathua district (J&K).
- Length: About 217 km.
- Course: Flows through Bani, Kathua, and Hiranagar tehsils before joining the Ravi downstream of Madhopur.
- Importance: Major tributary in J&K; forms the Ujh Multipurpose Project site.
Siawa (or Sewa) River
- Origin: Chamba Hills, flows parallel to Ujh River.
- Confluence: Joins Ravi downstream of Basohli.
✅ Answer: Ujh River — origin: Kailash Mountains (Kathua district) → joins Ravi near Madhopur.
Other Less Important Tributaries are
Basanatarm Tant, Ghari, Seul, Naior, Mai / Dhona
🧠 Quick JKSSB Revision Points
- Origin: Kullu Hills near Rohtang Pass (Himachal Pradesh).
- Flows through J&K: Basohli & Kathua districts.
- Largest Tributary: Ujh River.
- Major Projects: Ranjit Sagar Dam (600 MW), Ujh Multipurpose Project.
- Ancient Name: Iravati.
- Confluence: Joins Chenab River near Ahmadpur Sial (Pakistan).
- Indus Water Treaty (1960): Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej allocated to India.
- JKSSB Pattern Fact: Frequently asked with Chenab and Jhelum in comparison questions.
Indus River
The Indus is the backbone of the entire Indus basin and one of the world’s major river systems — so any Rivers of Jammu & Kashmir study must include it. JKSSB frequently tests the origin (Mount Kailash / Lake Mansarovar), treaty questions (Indus Water Treaty 1960), and which tributaries run through J&K (Zanskar, Shyok, Suru, Nubra, etc.). Many hydropower and project-related MCQs name a dam or project and ask “on which river?” — Nimoo-Bazgo, Alchi and Ladakh projects are on the Indus inside J&K, while Tarbela and other big projects lie downstream in Pakistan. Learning the Indus gives you high-value facts that appear in both local (J&K) and national GK questions.
🌊 Characteristics
- Total length: ≈ 3,180 km — one of Asia’s longest rivers.
- Local / other names: Sindhu (Sanskrit); historically called Sindh.
- Ancient / Vedic name: Sindhu — frequently referenced in Vedic literature.
- Origin (place of origin): Southern slopes of Mount Kailash / Lake Mansarovar on the Tibetan Plateau.
- Where it flows in J&K: Enters Indis in Ladakh and flows between Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges
- Final outflow: From Ladakh, it Flows through Gilgit-Baltistan, from where it takes a U Turn in South weste direction and enters Pakistan plains, receiving the Panjnad and Kabul waters, and empties into the Arabian Sea near Karachi.
- Largest tributary (overall): Kabul River — major tributary joining the Indus near Attock.
- Significance: Spine of the Indus basin; central to the Indus Water Treaty (1960) and many hydropower/irrigation projects.
Course of the Indus River
The Indus rises on the Tibetan Plateau near Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. From its Tibetan headwaters it flows northwest, cutting through the high Himalaya and Ladakh ranges. In the Ladakh region (part of the wider J&K geography), the river runs past high-altitude settlements — notably Leh (nearby), Nimu and Alchi — and is joined by several mountain streams that drain the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges.
Leaving the high mountains, the Indus enters Gilgit-Baltistan and then flows south-west across mainland Pakistan, receiving the combined waters of the Panjnad (the five Punjab rivers via the Chenab/Sutlej system) and the large Kabul River before finally reaching the Arabian Sea near Karachi. Because the Indus traverses international borders and regions with heavy hydropower interest, many exam questions focus on its source, the Ladakh stretch, and the major tributaries it collects.
Hydel projects (short notes + quick table)
The Indus basin carries very large hydropower potential. Inside the J&K (Ladakh) area small but strategically important run-of-river projects exist (e.g., Nimoo-Bazgo, Alchi). Downstream (in Pakistan) large storage and generation projects such as Tarbela and associated power works dominate the system. JKSSB-style questions often ask: “On which river is Project X built?” — so memorise project → river → location pairs.
Key projects — quick reference table (project | river | location | note)
| Project name | River/tributary | Location (region) | Note (operational/status) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nimoo–Bazgo HEP | Indus | Nimoo, Ladakh (J&K) | Run-of-river; important Ladakh project (operational). |
| Alchi HEP | Indus | Alchi/Nimmoo area, Ladakh | Small hydro on Indus (Ladakh). |
| Tarbela Dam | Indus | Haripur/Swabi region, Pakistan | One of the world’s largest earth-filled dams (major storage & power). |
| Ghazi–Barotha | Indus (tailrace from Tarbela) | Pakistan | Large hydropower complex using Tarbela releases. |
| Chutak HEP | Suru (tributary of Indus) | Kargil district (J&K) | Important J&K project on Suru, an Indus tributary. |
JKSSB tip: learn which small Ladakh projects (Nimoo-Bazgo, Alchi) are on Indus, and that Chutak is on Suru, not on Chenab/Jhelum.
Tributaries
(Banks referred to as left/right facing downstream toward the Arabian Sea.)
Left-bank tributaries
Zanskar River
- Origin: Zanskar Range (Zanskar valley).
- Course & confluence: Flows northwards through Zanskar valley and joins the Indus near Nimu / near the Leh region, making it the most significant left-bank tributary in Ladakh.
- Importance: Major river of the Zanskar region; often asked in JKSSB questions about Ladakh rivers.
Suru River
- Origin: Glaciers on the Nun-Kun massif (Kargil region).
- Course & confluence: Flows northwards through Kargil and joins the Indus (via areas near Sankoo/near Kargil). Chutak Hydropower Project built on Suru.
- JKSSB note: Chutak → Suru → Indus is a commonly tested chain.
- Shingo (where relevant) — smaller southern tributary systems in Kargil region feed the Indus via Suru.
Right-bank tributaries
Shyok River
- Origin: Rimo Karakoram glaciers; flows southwest across eastern Ladakh.
- Confluence: Joins the Indus in the Skardu/Gilgit region (downstream of Ladakh), contributing significant north-side flows.
- Note: Shyok and its branch Nubra are important Ladakh rivers often asked in regional GK.
Gilgit / Hunza system
- Origins: Glacial systems in Karakoram/Gilgit region (Hunza, Shimshal, etc.).
- Confluence: These rivers join to form large tributary inflows to the Indus in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Kabul River (largest overall tributary)
- Origin: Hindu Kush mountains (near Kabul, Afghanistan).
- Course & confluence: Flows eastwards into Pakistan and joins the Indus near Attock — a major tributary by discharge and drainage area.
- Significance: Because of its size and transboundary nature (Afghanistan → Pakistan), Kabul is often described as the Indus’s largest tributary.
Important tributaries of Indus within J&K (quick list & details)
- Zanskar — joins near Nimu / Leh area; major Zanskar valley river.
- Shyok (and Nubra) — Karakoram streams that feed the Indus further downstream; Nubra is a significant Shyok tributary.
- Suru — Kargil area; Chutak HEP is on Suru.
- Drass / Shingo — smaller mountain streams in Kargil/Kishtwar sectors that ultimately feed the Indus system.
Quick JKSSB Revision Points (bullet crib sheet)
- Source: Mount Kailash / Lake Mansarovar (Tibet).
- Local/Vedic name: Sindhu (Sanskrit).
- Flows through J&K: the Ladakh stretch (Leh/Nimu/Alchi areas).
- Major Ladakh projects: Nimoo-Bazgo, Alchi (on Indus).
- Major tributaries relevant for J&K: Zanskar (left-bank), Suru (left-bank), Shyok & Nubra (right-bank).
- Largest tributary (overall): Kabul River (joins near Attock).
- Indus Water Treaty relevance: Indus is the central western river system — treaty (1960) governs water sharing; many questions ask about allocation (Ravi/Beas/Sutlej to India; Indus/Chenab/Jhelum primarily to Pakistan).
- Important exam pairing: Chutak → Suru (Indus tributary); Nimoo-Bazgo & Alchi → Indus (Ladakh).
