Jhelum River

News: The Kashmir Valley is experiencing an unusual early spring as the Jhelum River dropped below zero-gauge level amid record high temperatures.

About Jhelum River

• Location: The Jhelum River is a river of northwestern India and northern and eastern Pakistan and is a major tributary of the Indus River.
• Ancient names: Known as Vitasta in Sanskrit (Rigveda), Vyeth in Kashmiri, and Hydaspes in Greek.
• Origin: The river originates from the Verinag Spring at Anantnag, located at the foot of the Pir Panjal Range in the Kashmir Valley.
• Course
  • The river flows northwestward from the northern slope of the Pir Panjal Range through the Vale of Kashmir.
  • It passes through Wular Lake at Srinagar, which helps regulate its flow.
  • The river then flows through a deep and narrow gorge before entering Pakistan.
  • Finally, it joins the Chenab River near Trimmu in Pakistan.
  • The river has a total length of about 725 km.
• Major tributary: The Kishanganga River (known as the Neelum in Pakistan) is its largest tributary, joining it at Muzaffarabad.
  • Other tributaries:
    • Right bank: Lidder, Sind, Kunhar, and Pohru.
    • Left bank: Veshaw, Rambiara, Doodh Ganga, and Sukhnag.
• Fluvial features: The Jhelum River in the Kashmir Valley is a classic example of a river that exhibits meandering in its youthful stage.
• Important projects and treaties: Indus Waters Treaty (1960): Under this treaty, the waters of the Jhelum (along with the Indus and Chenab) are allocated to Pakistan.
• Historical significance: Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BCE): A landmark battle where Alexander the Great defeated King Porus on the banks of this river.