{"id":31113,"date":"2026-10-22T12:48:30","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T07:18:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=31113"},"modified":"2026-10-22T12:48:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T07:18:30","slug":"jhelum-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/jhelum-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Jhelum River, Origin, Course, Map, Tributaries, Importance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum River is an important tributary of the Indus River system, originating at Verinag Spring in Jammu and Kashmir and flowing through the Kashmir Valley before entering Pakistan. Known as Vitasta in ancient Sanskrit tradition and Vyeth in Kashmiri, it holds considerable geographical, historical and cultural significance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum River receives water from mountain tributaries, including the Lidder, Sind and Kishanganga, and flows through Wular Lake, an important wetland ecosystem. Its waters support agriculture, hydropower, fisheries and settlements across the basin. However, flooding, riverbank erosion, pollution, sedimentation and wetland degradation threaten its ecological and economic value. Climate change may further influence rainfall, snowmelt and seasonal flows, highlighting the need for sustainable water management, ecosystem conservation and transboundary cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Origin<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum River originates at Verinag Spring in southeastern Kashmir Valley, emerging from the Himalayan foothills and flowing through a landscape shaped by mountains, wetlands and floodplains.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Verinag Spring, also known as Cheshma Verinag, is located near the foothills of the Pir Panjal Range in the southeastern part of the Kashmir Valley, in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The spring forms the headwaters of the Jhelum, one of the principal western tributaries of the Indus River system.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Known as Vitasta in ancient Sanskrit tradition and Vyeth in Kashmiri, the river has played an important role in the geography, culture and settlement history of Kashmir. In classical Greek accounts, it was called the <\/span><b>Hydaspes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Location and Course<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum flows northwest through Kashmir Valley before crossing into Pakistan-administered territory and continuing through Pakistan\u2019s Punjab region to join the Chenab River.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From Verinag, the river passes through southern Kashmir, including the Anantnag region, and continues towards Srinagar. It receives water from mountain tributaries and flows through Wular Lake, an important natural feature of the Kashmir Valley.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After passing Baramulla, the river cuts through a narrow gorge before continuing into Pakistan-administered territory.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Further downstream, the Jhelum receives tributaries such as the Neelum, also known as the Kishanganga, and the Kunhar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It then flows into the Mangla reservoir in Pakistan before continuing across the plains and joining the Chenab River near Trimmu. The Chenab subsequently forms part of the larger <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indus River System.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum is therefore a transboundary river: its water resources, ecosystems and management are connected across political boundaries. Its importance extends from Kashmir\u2019s mountain-fed valley to the agricultural regions downstream.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The total length of the Jhelum River is approximately 725 km.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-31117 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/21164314\/Jhelum-1.webp\" alt=\"Jhelum River\" width=\"800\" height=\"496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/21164314\/Jhelum-1.webp 850w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/21164314\/Jhelum-1-768x476.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Hydrology<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum\u2019s flow is influenced by mountain snowmelt, rainfall, tributary inflows and the natural storage capacity of lakes and floodplains throughout its drainage basin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The river is fed by both rainfall and snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. Its flow changes seasonally as snow melts in the warmer months and rainfall adds water to the river and its tributaries. Glacier-fed tributaries, including the Lidder, contribute to the river\u2019s headwaters.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As the Jhelum flows through the Kashmir Valley, its channel passes through a relatively broad valley floor before reaching the narrower gorge near Baramulla.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The constricted outlet affects how floodwater leaves the valley. When river levels rise rapidly, water may spread over adjoining floodplains and built-up areas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wular Lake also plays a hydrological role by receiving river water and providing natural storage. However, changes in lake conditions, sediment accumulation and floodplain development can influence the basin\u2019s ability to accommodate high flows.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Major Tributaries<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum receives numerous tributaries from the surrounding mountain ranges, and their bank positions help explain how water enters the main channel across Kashmir Valley. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following classification follows its description of the river\u2019s course up to and through the Kashmir Valley.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right-Bank Tributaries of the Jhelum River<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The right-bank tributaries of the Jhelum River are as below.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sandran River<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Joins the Jhelum in its upper course before Anantnag.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bringi River:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A mountain-fed tributary that contributes to the river\u2019s upper catchment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Arapath River<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Joins the Jhelum upstream of Anantnag.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lidder River<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: One of the major headwater tributaries, receiving water from high mountain areas and glaciers; it joins downstream of Khanabal.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Watlara and Arapal streams<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Smaller tributaries entering the Jhelum between Khanabal and Srinagar.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>The Sind River (Sindh Nallah):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It flows through the Sonamarg region, the Sind Valley, and the Ganderbal district before joining the Jhelum at Shadipora.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>The Kishanganga River:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A major tributary of the Jhelum River. It originates near Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir, flows through the Gurez Valley, and merges with the Jhelum River near Muzaffarabad.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In Pakistan, it is also known as the Neelum River.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Left-Bank Tributaries of the Jhelum River<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The left-bank tributaries of the Jhelum River are as below.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Vishow (Veshaw) River<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A significant tributary entering the Jhelum upstream of Sangam.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rambiara River:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Drains the surrounding mountain catchment and contributes water to the Jhelum system.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sasara and Romuhi streams<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Smaller tributaries joining the river between Sangam and Srinagar.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>The Poonch River:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It originates in the Pir Panjal range in Jammu and Kashmir and flows into the Mangla Reservoir, joining the Jhelum from its left side.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Major Lakes Associated<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lakes and wetlands form an important part of the Jhelum basin, storing water, supporting wildlife and influencing seasonal flow across the Kashmir Valley.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wular Lake:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Wular Lake is directly connected to the Jhelum and is one of the most important natural water bodies in its basin. It receives river water and provides storage that can help moderate high flows. Its wetlands also support fisheries, aquatic vegetation and birdlife.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dal Lake<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Dal Lake is hydrologically connected to the Jhelum system through drainage channels and streams around Srinagar. It is important for tourism, fisheries and local livelihoods, while water quality and encroachment remain concerns for the wider lake environment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Manasbal Lake and other valley wetlands:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Manasbal and other lakes and marshes form part of the wider wetland landscape of Kashmir. Although not all are directly on the Jhelum\u2019s main channel, they contribute to regional\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\">biodiversity<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, water storage and wetland-based livelihoods.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Basin Major Dams and Hydropower Projects<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hydropower projects and water-control structures support electricity generation and water management across the Jhelum system, but their planning must account for ecological and downstream consequences. Important structures associated with the river system include<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Uri Hydroelectric Project:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Located on the Jhelum in the Baramulla region of Jammu and Kashmir.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Uri-II Hydroelectric Project<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Another hydropower development on the Jhelum in the Baramulla region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Located on the Kishanganga River, a major tributary of the Jhelum system.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mangla Dam:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A major dam and reservoir on the Jhelum in Pakistan, used for hydropower generation and water storage.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-31118 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/21164433\/Jhelum-3.png\" alt=\"Jhelum River\" width=\"835\" height=\"835\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/21164433\/Jhelum-3.png 1254w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/21164433\/Jhelum-3-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/21164433\/Jhelum-3-370x370.png 370w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/21164433\/Jhelum-3-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, 835px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Ecological Importance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum supports riverine and wetland ecosystems that sustain aquatic biodiversity, fisheries, migratory birds, floodplain habitats and communities throughout the Kashmir Valley.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The river and its connected wetlands form a diverse ecological network, ranging from mountain streams and river channels to lakes, marshes and floodplains.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These habitats support aquatic organisms, wetland plants, fish and bird populations, while providing natural water-storage and nutrient-cycling functions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wular Lake is particularly important because its aquatic and wetland habitats support biodiversity and local fishing communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The wider basin also supports agriculture and grazing, linking ecological health directly with the livelihoods of people living along the river.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Changes in water quality, wetland area, sediment movement and natural flow patterns can weaken these ecological functions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conservation of the river therefore requires attention not only to the main channel but also to tributaries, wetlands, lakes and surrounding catchments.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Economic and Cultural Importance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum is central to Kashmir\u2019s settlements, agriculture, water resources and cultural history, while its downstream waters contribute to irrigation and economic activity across Pakistan.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Agriculture and irrigation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The river and its tributaries supply water to agricultural areas, supporting crop cultivation and rural livelihoods.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Urban settlements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Srinagar and other settlements developed along the river because of access to water, transport routes and fertile surrounding land.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hydropower generation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The river system supports electricity generation through projects on the Jhelum and its tributaries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Fisheries and livelihoods:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> River channels, lakes and wetlands provide resources for fishing and other water-dependent occupations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Cultural heritage:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Known historically as Vitasta and Hydaspes, the Jhelum is associated with Kashmir\u2019s literary, historical and cultural traditions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Transboundary water management:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> As part of the Indus basin, the river is important to water planning and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/india-pakistan-relations\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>India - Pakistan relations<\/strong>.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Major Challenges<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Jhelum basin faces interconnected pressures from floods, erosion, pollution, wetland degradation and growing demands for water, requiring coordinated management across its catchment.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Flooding in Kashmir Valley: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heavy rainfall and rapid runoff from mountain catchments can cause the Jhelum to rise sharply. The river\u2019s restricted passage through the Baramulla gorge can limit the speed at which floodwater drains from the valley, increasing the risk of inundation in vulnerable areas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Riverbank Erosion and Sedimentation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The movement of water and sediment can erode riverbanks, alter channels and threaten agricultural land, roads and settlements. Sediment accumulation in channels and lakes can also affect water storage and the conveyance of floodwater.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Pollution and Wastewater<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Untreated sewage, household waste and other pollutants can degrade water quality in the river and connected lakes. Pollution threatens aquatic habitats, fisheries, public health and the long-term usability of water resources.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wetland Loss and Encroachment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Encroachment, land-use change and the degradation of wetlands can reduce natural water-storage capacity and damage habitats. The deterioration of Wular Lake and other wetlands can weaken their ecological functions and their role in moderating high flows.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Pressure from Development:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Urban expansion, infrastructure construction and hydropower development can place additional pressure on the river system. Poorly planned activities may affect aquatic habitats, sediment transport and downstream water conditions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Transboundary Management Challenges:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Jhelum crosses international boundaries, making information sharing and coordinated management important. Differences in priorities, data availability and water-management requirements can complicate flood preparedness and long-term basin planning.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Climate Change Impact<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Climate change may alter rainfall, snowmelt, glacier conditions and seasonal river flows, increasing uncertainty for flood management, water availability and ecosystems across the Jhelum basin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Changes in Snowmelt and Glacier Contributions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Rising temperatures can alter the timing of snowmelt and affect glacier mass in the mountain catchments feeding the river.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These changes may influence seasonal flow patterns, although the extent of the effect varies between tributaries and depends on rainfall as well as meltwater.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Changing Rainfall Patterns<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Changes in the intensity and timing of precipitation may affect river discharge and flood risk.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heavy rainfall over mountain catchments can produce rapid runoff, while changes in seasonal precipitation may complicate water planning for agriculture and other uses.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Increased Flood Uncertainty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Climate change may influence the frequency or severity of extreme rainfall events, but the magnitude and direction of future flood changes remain uncertain at the local level.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Flood risk also depends on land use, drainage conditions, sedimentation and the capacity of the river channel.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Effects on Wetlands and Biodiversity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Changes in temperature, water levels and seasonal flows may affect wetland habitats, aquatic species and the ecological balance of lakes connected to the river.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These impacts can also affect fishing communities and other people dependent on wetland resources.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Pressure on Agriculture and Water Resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Uncertain seasonal water availability can affect irrigation planning, crop production and local livelihoods.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Climate-resilient water management is therefore important for reducing the combined effects of floods, changing rainfall and existing environmental pressures.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River Way Forward<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sustainable management of the Jhelum requires an integrated approach that combines flood preparedness, pollution control, wetland restoration, climate adaptation and cooperation across the transboundary basin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthen Flood Forecasting and Early Warning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Improve rainfall monitoring, river-gauge networks, forecasting models and timely communication with vulnerable communities.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Emergency plans should include evacuation routes, public awareness and coordinated responses by local authorities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Restore Lakes and Wetlands:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Protect Wular Lake and other important wetlands from encroachment, untreated wastewater and excessive sedimentation.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wetland mapping, catchment restoration and regular monitoring can help maintain biodiversity and natural water-storage functions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Improve Wastewater Treatment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Expand sewage-treatment infrastructure in urban settlements, prevent the direct discharge of untreated waste and strengthen monitoring of river and lake water quality.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local authorities and communities should also reduce solid-waste dumping along riverbanks.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Adopt Scientific River and Catchment Management: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use satellite imagery, geographic information systems and field surveys to monitor channel movement, erosion and sediment deposition.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Riverbank protection should be based on local conditions and designed to avoid transferring flood or erosion risks to other locations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promote Climate-Resilient Water Planning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Incorporate climate-risk assessments into flood management, irrigation planning, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/infrastructure\/\" target=\"_blank\">infrastructure<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> design and hydropower development.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Flexible water-management strategies can help communities respond to changing rainfall and seasonal flow conditions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ensure Environmentally Responsible Hydropower: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assess the combined effects of projects on river flow, aquatic habitats, sediment movement and downstream communities. Environmental monitoring, safety assessments and appropriate flow management should form part of long-term project planning.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthen India\u2013Pakistan Cooperation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Improve the exchange of relevant hydrological information and strengthen communication on flood risks and river management, consistent with applicable agreements and arrangements.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Better coordination can support preparedness for extreme flows and more informed planning across the basin.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jhelum River UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Consider the following statements: <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2023)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How many of the statements given above are correct?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) Only one<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) Only two<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) All three<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) None<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus directly? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2021)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) Chenab<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) Jhelum<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) Ravi<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) Sutlej<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jhelum River is an important tributary of the Indus River, originating at Verinag Spring in the southeastern Kashmir Valley. Read its origin, course, tributaries, lakes and importance. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":31155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,24],"tags":[2133,40,620],"class_list":["post-31113","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-geography-notes","tag-jhelum-river","tag-quest","tag-upsc-geography-notes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31113"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31113\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31128,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31113\/revisions\/31128"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}