Himachal Pradesh, situated in the lap of the Himalayas, is characterized by its complex and vast drainage system. The state is drained by two major river systems: the Indus River System and the Ganga River System. These systems play a crucial role in shaping the region’s geography, climate, and economy. The rivers originating here are perennial, fed by snowmelt from glaciers.
Learning Outcomes:
Identify major river systems of Himachal Pradesh.
Understand key tributaries of the Indus and Ganga river systems.
Explore major lakes and their classifications based on altitude.
Learn about important glaciers and their contribution to the rivers.
Indus River System
The Indus River System covers 90% of the drainage basin of Himachal Pradesh. It originates near the Mansarovar Lake in the Tibetan plateau, and it enters India in the Ladakh region. Its basin extends over the northern parts of Lahaul and Spiti, Pooh in Kinnaur, and the western slopes of Shimla ridge.
Indus River Origin: Tibetan plateau near Mansarovar Lake.
Tributaries in Himachal Pradesh: The important tributaries include Chenab, Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas.
Geographical Spread: The system stretches from Naga Parbat in the North-West to the Shimla ridge in the South.
Ganga River System
The Ganga River System, though smaller, drains the southeastern parts of Himachal Pradesh. The basin includes parts of Shimla ridge, Solan, and Sirmaur districts.
Major Tributaries: These include Yamuna, Giri, and Pabar rivers.
Geographical Spread: Covers the Eastern face of the Shimla ridge and parts of Sirmaur and Solan districts.
Important Rivers of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is blessed with five major perennial rivers that contribute to both the Indus and Ganga River systems. These rivers are vital for irrigation, hydropower, and daily water supply.
Sutlej River: The longest river in the state, originating near Mansarovar Lake, Tibet. It flows 320 km in Himachal Pradesh before entering Punjab. Bhakra Nangal Dam, the world’s highest gravity dam, is situated on this river.
Beas River: Originates from Beas Kund in Pir Panjal Range and flows through Kullu and Kangra valleys. Its total length is 470 km, with 256 km in Himachal Pradesh.
Chenab River: Formed by the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Lahaul. It flows for 122 km in Himachal Pradesh and is the largest in terms of volume.
Ravi River: Originating from the Bara Banghal area of Dhauladhar Range, the river covers 158 km in the state before entering Jammu & Kashmir.
Yamuna River: This river, a significant tributary of the Ganga, originates from Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and flows 152 km through Himachal Pradesh.
Tributaries of Major Rivers
The tributaries of these rivers are vital for the state’s hydrological system, contributing to both the Indus and Ganga River systems.
Tributaries of Sutlej:
Baspa River: Originates from the Baspa Hills, flows 75 km before joining Sutlej.
Spiti River: Drains the Pin and Spiti Valleys, and converges with the Sutlej at Namgia.
Soan River: Flows through Shivalik Hills and forms part of the Sutlej tributary system.
Tributaries of Beas:
Awa River: Flows through Kangra valley.
Banner River: Rises near Palampur in Kangra.
Banganga River: Joins Beas in Kangra Valley.
Gaj Khad: Merges with Beas upstream of Pong Dam Lake.
Tributaries of Chenab:
Bhaga River: Flows through Lahaul and merges with Chandra at Tandi.
Chandra River: Flows in Lahaul-Spiti, forming a key tributary.
Tributaries of Yamuna:
Giri River: Divides Sirmaur into Cis-Giri and Trans-Giri.
Tons River: Formed by the confluence of Supin and Rupin rivers in Uttarakhand.
Major Glaciers of Himachal Pradesh
Glaciers, locally known as Shigri, form the water reservoir for many rivers. Himachal Pradesh has around 34,000 sq km of ice reserves, making up 18% of India’s total water resources.
Important Glaciers:
Bara Shigri Glacier: The largest glacier in the state, situated in Chandra Valley of Lahaul, feeding the Chenab River.
Bhadal Glacier: Located in Pir Panjal Range, Kangra district, it feeds the Bhadal River.
Bhaga Glacier: Located in Lahaul, it provides water to the Bhaga River.
Chandra Nahan Glacier: Located in Shimla District, it feeds the famous Chandra Nahan Lake.
Important Concept: The glaciers of Himachal Pradesh not only contribute to rivers but are also a significant reservoir for India’s water resources.
Lakes of Himachal Pradesh
Lakes in Himachal Pradesh are fed by glaciers, rainwater, and groundwater, and they serve as tourist attractions and sources for rivers.
Classification of Lakes:
Low Altitude Lakes:
Macchial Lake: Situated in Mandi District, revered for its religious significance.
Renuka Lake: The largest natural lake in the state, located in Sirmaur.
Mid Altitude Lakes:
Khajjiar Lake: Known as Mini Switzerland, located in Chamba District.
Dal Lake: Located in Kangra District, it is a pilgrimage spot.
High Altitude Lakes:
Chandertal Lake: Known as the Lake of the Moon, located at 4,300 m altitude in Lahaul-Spiti.
Manimahesh Lake: A sacred lake in Chamba, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Artificial Lakes
Himachal Pradesh is home to several artificial lakes created by dams, which contribute to both power generation and tourism.
Gobind Sagar Lake: Created by the Bhakra Nangal Dam, the largest artificial lake in the state.
Maharana Pratap Sagar: Formed by the Pong Dam on the Beas River, it is a Ramsar site and a major habitat for migratory birds.
Chamera Lake: Formed by a reservoir in Chamba district, it is surrounded by beautiful valleys.
District
Lakes
Shimla
Karali, Chandra Nahan
Chamba
Manimahesh, Lama, Khajjiar
Kinnaur
Nako
Mandi
Prashar, Rewalsar, Pandoh
Kangra
Dal, Maharana Pratap Sagar
Springs and Waterfalls
The state also boasts numerous hot springs and waterfalls, which have both medicinal and touristic value.
Manikaran: A radioactive hot spring in Kullu district, known for its healing properties.
Rahla Waterfall: Located near Manali, it is fed by melting snow.
Tattapani Hot Spring: Located on the Sutlej River, it is famous for its therapeutic sulphur water.
MCQ
Which is the largest artificial lake in Himachal Pradesh?