Indus River and Its Major Tributaries: Length and Overview

Rivers / By

The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in the world, with a total length of approximately 3,180 km. It originates from Tibet (China) near Lake Mansarovar, flows through India (Ladakh region), and then enters Pakistan, where it eventually drains into the Arabian Sea.

Indus River and Its Major Tributaries: Length and Overview

Major Tributaries of the Indus River (with Lengths)

Left Bank Tributaries (from India)

  1. Zanskar River – ~335 km
  2. Suru River – ~185 km
  3. Dras River – ~86 km

Right Bank Tributaries (from India & Pakistan)

  1. Shyok River – ~550 km
  2. Gilgit River – ~300 km
  3. Hunza River – ~190 km
  4. Swat River – ~240 km
  5. Kabul River – ~700 km
  6. Kurram River – ~320 km
  7. Gomal River – ~400 km

Panjnad Tributaries (Five Rivers of Punjab, India & Pakistan)

  1. Jhelum River – ~725 km
  2. Chenab River – ~960 km
  3. Ravi River – ~720 km
  4. Beas River – ~470 km
  5. Sutlej River – ~1,450 km

The Panjnad River is formed when these five rivers join before merging into the Indus River in Pakistan.

Interesting Facts About the Indus River

  1. One of the Longest Rivers in the World
    • The Indus River is approximately 3,180 km long, making it one of the longest rivers in the world.
  2. Origin in Tibet
    • It originates near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet (China) and flows through India and Pakistan before draining into the Arabian Sea.
  3. Gave India Its Name
    • The name India comes from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which refers to the Indus River.
  4. Home to an Ancient Civilization 🏺
    • The Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 BCE), one of the world’s oldest civilizations, flourished along its banks.
  5. Glacier-Fed River
    • The river is primarily fed by glacial meltwater from the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges.
  6. Lifeline of Pakistan
    • Over 90% of Pakistan’s irrigation system depends on the Indus River and its tributaries.
  7. Indus Water Treaty (1960)
    • India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty under the World Bank’s mediation, regulating water-sharing rights.
  8. Massive Basin Area
    • The Indus Basin covers about 1.1 million sq. km, spreading across China, India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
  9. Major Dams on Indus
    • Important dams include the Tarbela Dam (one of the largest earth-filled dams) in Pakistan and Baglihar Dam in India.
  10. Significant Tributaries
  • Its major tributaries include Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej (forming the Panjnad in Punjab).

FAQs

1️⃣ Where does the Indus River originate?

The Indus River originates near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet (China) and flows through India and Pakistan before emptying into the Arabian Sea.

2️⃣ Which are the major tributaries of the Indus River?

The main tributaries include Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej (left bank) and Shyok, Gilgit, Kabul, Swat, and Kurram Rivers (right bank).

3️⃣ Why is the Indus River important?

The Indus River is crucial for agriculture, drinking water, hydroelectric power, and irrigation in India and Pakistan. It also supported the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

4️⃣ What is the length of the Indus River?

The Indus River is approximately 3,180 km long, making it one of the longest rivers in the world.

5️⃣ What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, the Indus Waters Treaty governs the sharing of the river’s water. India controls the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), while Pakistan controls the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).

6️⃣ Which major dams are built on the Indus River?

Key dams include the Tarbela Dam (one of the world’s largest earth-filled dams) in Pakistan and the Baglihar Dam (on Chenab River which is tributaries of Indus) in India.

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