Previous Year Question
In which of the following is the river ‘Doodh-Ganga’ located?
Jammu & Kashmir
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
West Bengal
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The Doodhganga of Kashmir originates in the Pir Panjal mountain region and flows through the Budgam and Srinagar areas. Official descriptions associated with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir include it among the important streams of the Kashmir Valley and connect it ultimately with the Jhelum river system.
According to a government committee report, the Doodh Ganga River has a length of about 42.73 km. It flows through areas around Yusmarg, Chadoora and Srinagar before ultimately joining the Jhelum system.
The name of the river is associated with the milky appearance of its water. In Kashmir, it is a snow-fed mountain stream and is important for the local water supply and ecological system.
An important clarification: the name ‘Dudh/Doodh Ganga’ is not exclusive to Jammu & Kashmir. Official sources also record a Dudh Ganga stream/glacier in Uttarakhand; in the Kedarnath region, Dudh Ganga is described as a tributary of the Mandakini, while a Doodhganga Glacier is also recorded in the Bhilangana basin. Thus, the geographical name is not unique.