Chenab River

Chenab River Latest News

Recently, the stalled Sawalkote dam on the Chenab river is back at the centre of India’s strategy to tap the river’s hydropower potential.

About Chenab River

• It is a tributary of the Indus River.
• Origin: It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga, in the Lahaul and Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh.
• In its upper reaches, it is also known as the Chandrabhaga.
• It flows through Jammu and Kashmir union territory, Himachal Pradesh and after receiving the Jhelum River near Trimmu, the Chenab empties into the Sutlej River.
• Major Tributaries:
  • Left Bank:  Niru, Tawi, Neeru, and Liddrari
  • Right Bank: Ans, Bhut Nalla, Bichleri, Kalnai Marusudar and Miyar Nalla.
• Major Dams on Chenab River: Salal (rockfill dam), Aalal (concrete dam), Baglihar, and Dul. 
• The waters of the Chenab are shared by India and Pakistan as per the terms of the Indus Water Treaty.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)?

• It was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, with the World Bank acting as a mediator. 
• The treaty outlines water usage rights over six rivers of the Indus River System, categorizing them into Eastern and Western rivers. 
• The Eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated for India’s exclusive and unrestricted use. 
• The Western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—are allocated primarily to Pakistan.

Source: IE

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