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News: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Bhutan raised flood concerns along the Sankosh River, leading to evacuations in parts of northern West Bengal.
About Sankosh River
- The Sankosh River is a major north-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River that flows through Bhutan and India.
- Origin: The river originates in the snow-clad Greater Himalayan ranges of Tibet.
- Formation: It is formed by the confluence of two major tributaries – the Pochu from the east and Panakh or Mo-chu from the west.
- Course: The Sankosh River flows through Bhutan.
- Near Wangdue Phodrang, it is joined by the Tang Chuu and then flows through a steep gorge.
- It then flows towards the Indo-Bhutan border and enters India.
- It forms the boundary between Assam and West Bengal.
- It finally joins the Brahmaputra River in Assam, which drains into the Bay of Bengal.
- Length: The river covers a total length of 321 km, including 214 km in Bhutan and 107 km in India.
- Major Tributaries: The Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu are its two largest tributaries.
- The Tang Chuu, Hara Chhu and Daga Chhu are other tributaries.
- Flood Vulnerability: The upper reaches of the Pho Chhu are prone to ice blockages and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
- Cultural Significance: The Punakha Dzong, a historic fortress, stands just above the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers in Bhutan.
- Punakha Dzong, officially known as Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong, means the Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss.
- It is the second-oldest and second-largest fortress-monastery in Bhutan.
