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Chenab River

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The Chenab River is a major waterway in South Asia. It flows through both India and Pakistan. It is one of the five main rivers of the Punjab region. This river is a vital part of the Indus basin system.

Confluence Chandra Bhaga Lahaul Oct22 A7C 03346
Confluence Chandra Bhaga Lahaul Oct22 A7C 03346

The river provides water for many people and lands. It serves as a source of power and a way to grow food.

The river begins with two separate headwaters. These are the Chandra and the Bhaga rivers. They rise in the upper Himalayas in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Bhaga River in Keylong, Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
Bhaga River in Keylong, Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh

The Bhaga River starts at Surya taal lake. This lake is near the Bara-lacha la pass. The Chandra River starts from glaciers east of that same pass. The pass acts as a water-divide between them. The Chandra flows through a landscape, while the Bhaga travels through narrow gorges. They meet at a place called Tandi to form the Chenab.

After the confluence, the river follows a long path. It flows through the Pangi valley in the Chamba district. Then, it enters the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. It passes through several districts, including Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, and Jammu. Eventually, the river enters Pakistan. It flows through the Punjab province. Finally, it joins the Sutlej River to form the Panjnad. The Panjnad then flows into the Indus River at Mithankot.

River Chenab bank view32
River Chenab bank view32

History shows that the river's path has changed over many centuries. Before the year 1245, the Chenab flowed east of Multan. After that, the Beas River occupied its old bed near Dipalpur. In the past, the Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi rivers met northeast of Multan. They flowed east together until they met the Beas River near Uch. However, by the year 1397, the flow of the Chenab shifted. It moved so that it now flows west of Multan.

Ancient people have recorded the river for thousands of years. In the Rigveda, the river was known by names like Askikni. One name meant the water appeared dark in color. The term Krishana is also found in the Atharvaveda. In the Mahabharata, the river was called Chandrabhaga. This name came from the two rivers that form it.

Confluence Chandra Bhaga Lahaul Oct22 A7C 03346
Confluence Chandra Bhaga Lahaul Oct22 A7C 03346

Ancient Greeks used various forms of this name, such as Akesínes. In 325 BCE, Alexander the Great allegedly founded the town of Alexandria near the Indus. This was at the confluence where the Punjab rivers meet. A battle between Sikhs and Afghans also took place on the river's banks.

Today, the river is managed by an international agreement. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 governs how the water is used. This treaty allocates the waters of the Chenab to Pakistan. However, India is allowed to use the water for "non-consumptive" purposes. This means India can use the water for power generation without consuming it. India can also use it for domestic and agricultural needs. In Pakistan, the river is used extensively for irrigation. Some of its waters are even moved to the Ravi River through link canals.

India has built several hydroelectric projects on the river. These are known as "run-of-the-river" projects. This means they use the river's flow to create energy. Three completed projects are Salal, Baglihar, and Dul Hasti.

Salaldam
Salaldam

These three projects have a combined storage capacity. The river has a very high potential for generating power in India. In Pakistan, the river is managed with several headworks to control the water.

Sunset at Head Marala
Sunset at Head Marala

The river remains a central part of the geography and economy for both nations.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:Bhaga River in Keylong, Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh.jpg
Bhaga River in Keylong, Lahaul, Himachal...
File:Confluence Chandra Bhaga Lahaul Oct22 A7C 03346.jpg
Confluence Chandra Bhaga Lahaul Oct22 A7C...
File:Trimmu_Head_where_Jhelum_and_Chenab_meet_in_Jhang.jpg
Trimmu_Head_where_Jhelum_and_Chenab_meet_i...
File:River_Chenab_bank_view32.jpg
River_Chenab_bank_view32.jpg
File:Salaldam.jpg
Salaldam.jpg
File:Sunset at Head Marala.jpg
Sunset at Head Marala.jpg
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