Previous Year Question
With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct?
Chenab
Jhelum
Ravi
Sutlej
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Among the given options, the Sutlej functions as the terminal collecting river. The Jhelum and Ravi join the Chenab, while the Chenab subsequently joins the Sutlej. Their combined flow ultimately joins the Indus.
Sequence of confluences
Jhelum → Chenab
Ravi → Chenab
Chenab → Sutlej
Combined Sutlej/Panjnad channel → Indus
Thus, the waters of the Jhelum, Ravi and Chenab ultimately reach the Sutlej, and the combined river system joins the Indus.
Sutlej River
The Sutlej is the longest of the five major eastern tributaries of the Indus.
It originates in the Rakshastal region near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
In Tibet, it is known as the Langqen Zangbo or Langchen Khambab.
It flows westward and south-westward and enters India through Himachal Pradesh near the Shipki La Pass.
It flows through deep Himalayan gorges in Himachal Pradesh.
The Bhakra Dam is constructed on the Sutlej and has created the Gobind Sagar Reservoir.
The Beas joins the Sutlej near Harike in Punjab.
In Pakistan, the Sutlej joins the combined channel of the Chenab and forms part of the Panjnad river system.
Panjnad means ‘five rivers’—the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
Jhelum River
The Jhelum originates from the Verinag spring in the Kashmir Valley.
It flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake.
It joins the Chenab in Pakistan.
Therefore, it does not independently join the Indus directly.
Chenab River
The Chenab is formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers near Tandi in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh.
In its upper course, it is known as the Chandrabhaga.
It flows through the Jammu region before entering Pakistan.
The waters of the Jhelum and Ravi join the Chenab river system.
The Chenab subsequently joins the combined Sutlej channel.
Ravi River
The Ravi originates in the Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh.
It flows through the Chamba Valley.
After entering Pakistan from the Punjab plains, it joins the Chenab.
Therefore, the Ravi also does not independently join the Indus.
Five major rivers of the Indus system
The name Punjab is derived from these five rivers:
Jhelum
Chenab
Ravi
Beas
Sutlej
‘Panj’ means five and ‘ab’ means water.