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Introduction:

The rivers that flow across all over India are classified with four types according to their category. Among them one main classification is Drainage system based on the type of drainage that made by the sea in which the river system falls through. In these part two types of drainage system is included –

1. The drainage system falling into the Arabian sea
2. The drainage system falling into the Bay of Bengal

Here we will discuss about the drainage system falling into the Arabian Sea.

The drainage system falling into the Arabian Sea:

The rivers that empty themselves into the Arabian Sea are included into this group. They are – Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Luni, Mahi, Narmada, and Tapi. Here is some important information’s about those rivers given bellow.

1. Indus River

• Description:

The Indus River is a major river flowing through South Asia. Originating near Mansarovar Lake from the glaciers of the Kailas Mountains in southwest China Indus River flows through a variety of landscapes including mountains, deserts and plains by creating around 3,180 km long flow path it ends in the Arabian Sea near Karachi, Pakistan. In east bank its tributaries are Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej, and Beas. While Kabul, Swat, Kurram, Gomal, and Tochi are in the west and in Ladakh its left-bank tributary is the Zaskar River.

• Important Events of Indus River:

Historically: The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300-1300 BCE) centered on and around the Indus River was one of the oldest urban civilizations in the world.

Hydroelectric Potential: The Tarbela Dam in Pakistan, one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world is situated on this river.

Water use: The Indus Water Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, allocates the waters of the Indus and its tributaries between the two countries, which are vital for managing the region's water resources.

Economically: The River supports extensive agriculture in Pakistan, particularly in the Punjab and Sindh provinces, which are commonly known as the country's breadbasket.

2. Jhelum River

• Description:

The Jhelum River is a significant watercourse of the Kashmir Valley. After rising from the Verinagh Spring of the Pir Panjal Range it flows through several scenic spots including Srinagar's famous Dal Lake and finally joins the Chenab River near Trimu Barrage. In its 725 km long flow path the river is feed by some major tributaries named Indus, Leader, Kishanganga, and Pohru.

• Important Events of Jhelum:

Historical Significance: River Jhelum is identified with the ancient Hydaspes River where Alexander the Great fought the Battle of Hydaspes against King Porus in 326 BC Hence, it is historically significant.

Hydroelectric Projects: Rivers are very important for hydropower generation. Uri Hydroelectric Station and Mongla Dam belong to this river, which is one of the largest dams in Pakistan and play an important role in water storage and flood control.

3. Chenab River
   • • Description:

River Chenab is one of the major rivers of Punjab region that created by the combined flow of the Chandra and the Bhaga Rivers in the Lahul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh. The river flows through picturesque landscapes including the high-altitude deserts of Himachal Pradesh, the green valleys of Jammu and Kashmir and the fertile plains of Punjab and creates approx 960 km long flow path before joining the Sutlej River in Pakistan near Uch Sharif.

• Important Events of Chenab:

Historical Significance: River Chenab is often identified with the ancient Greek name 'Assysins' as mentioned by historians who recorded Alexander the Great's invasion of India.

Hydroelectric Projects: The major projects include Dulhasti Hydroelectric Station and Baglihar Dam is located on this river in Jammu and Kashmir and Marala Headwork’s and Trimu Barrage in Pakistan.

Agricultural Importance: The Chenab River supports extensive agricultural activities and contributing to the region's productivity in Pakistan's Punjab province.

4. Ravi River

• Description:

Ravi River is one of the five rivers of Punjab region. It rises from Bara Bhangal area of ​​Kangra district and flow westwards through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before entering the Pakistani state of Punjab and finally meets the Chenab River near Ahmedpurar, Sheal town in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The length of the river is around 720 km.  Budhil, Seul, and Baira are its major tributaries.

• Important events of Ravi:

Agricultural Importance: River Ravi plays an important role in irrigation. The river supports extensive agriculture in both India and Pakistan by providing water for crops such as wheat, rice, and sugarcane.

Hydroelectric projects: The river supports a number of hydroelectric projects, including the Ranjit Sagar Dam (then known as Dam) in Punjab, and is a major source of irrigation and electricity for the regions.

Water Treaty: The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 allocated the waters of the Ravi River to India, while Pakistan's rights to the western rivers also exist.

5. Beas River

• Description:

Beas River originates near the Rohtang from The Beas Kund Pass in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. After flowing over the Kullu Valley, the Beas River flows through Mandi District, crossing gorges and valleys to enter the plains of Punjab. It creats 470 km flow path before joining the Sutlej River near the city of Harike in Punjab, India. This river’s major tributaries are Parvati, Sanj, Suketi Khad and Uhal.

• Important events of Beas:

Historical Significance: The Beas River is mentioned in the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. It is said that Alexander the Great's army retreated from the banks of this river, which marked the eastern limit of his conquests.

Hydroelectric Projects: The Pong Dam and the Pandoh Dam harness the river for hydroelectricity, notable for power generation and irrigation.

Biodiversity: A designated Ramsar Wetland along the stretch of river near Pong Dam, belonging to the Beas River, is home to various species of birds, fish and other wildlife.

Tourism: In Himachal Pradesh, the Beas River is known as popular tourist destinations, offering activities such as river rafting, fishing and trekking.

6. Sutlej River

• Description:

The Sutlej River, originate from the Tibetan Plateau, flows through various geographical regions, including the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in India, and Punjab Province in Pakistan and joins the Chenab River in Pakistan's Punjab province with the length of around 1450 km. Sutlej’s right bank tributaries are Spiti, Beas and the left bank tributaries are Baspa , Ghagar-Hakra.

• Important event of Sutlej:

Hydropower: Notable hydropower projects like Bhakra Nangal Dam and Karcham Wangtu Hydropower Station belong to this river.

Irrigation: Bhakra Dam and associated Bhakra Canal provide irrigation to vast agricultural areas of Punjab and Haryana.

Trans-boundary River: As the river flows through both India and Pakistan, it is subject to the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 between India and Pakistan.

7. Luni River

• Description:

The river originates from the Pushkar Lake in the Ajmer Valley, flows through the Mawar region of Rajasthan, flows southwest through the Thar Desert, and empties into the Rann of Kutch. With the length of around 495km. it has tributaries in the left bank named Jojari, Bandi, Guhia, and Sukri and in the right bank named Jawai, Sukri, Mithri, and Sagi.

• Important events of Luni:

Saltiness: The salinity of this river increases after confluence with Jozari River and it moves downstream.

Floods: The catchment areas along the river are prone to flash floods during monsoons due to heavy rainfall.

Mineral resources: The River is extremely saline in its lower reaches due to the high salt content of the soil and the presence of mineral deposits.

8. Mahi River

• Description of Mahi River:

The Mahi River originates from the Vindhya Range near Sardarpura village in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, India and flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is one of the few rivers in India that flows from north to south and then turns west. The river is famous for its course and several oxbow lakes organized along the way. This river flows approx 583 km before empting into the Arabian Sea. Mahi River’s left bank tributaries are Anas, Panam and Vadar and right bank tributaries are Som, Jakham and Maran.

• Important Events of Mahi:

Dams and Reservoirs: The Mahi River has several large dams and reservoirs, including the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam and the Kadana Dam, which are crucial for irrigation, hydropower generation and flood control.

Effect on Wildlife: The Mahi River Basin supports a rich biodiversity including various species of fish, birds and other wildlife.

Geographical features: Gorges, valleys and fertile plains along the course of the river make it an essential element of the regional landscape.

Flooding: The Mahi River is known to cause flooding during the monsoon season, affecting surrounding areas.

9. Narmada river

• Description:

Originated from the Amarkantak Plateau in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh; Narmada, one of the major rivers of Central India, marking a natural boundary between North India and South India, flows westward across the Indian peninsula, flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and joins the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Khambhat. Narmada’s right bank tributaries are Hiran, Kundi, Choral, Kaveri, and Orsang while left bank tributaries are Burhner, Banjar, Shakkar, Dudhi, Tawa

• Important Facts of Narmada:

Significance: Narmada, one of the seven holy rivers of India, holds religious significance for Hindus. It is known as "Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat" due to its extensive use for irrigation and drinking water.

Dams and Projects: The Narmada River has several large-scale dam projects including Sardar Sarovar Dam and Indira Sagar Dam, which are vital for irrigation, water supply and hydropower generation.

Gorges and Waterfalls: Known for its stunning gorges and waterfalls, the Marble Rocks and Dhundhar Falls of Vedaghat are major tourist attractions in this river.

10. Tapi River

• Description:

The Tapi River, rise from Multai town in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh, India and empties into the Arabian Sea in Gujarat.  Flowing parallel to the Narmada River, it flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat with a flow path of about 724 km. Purna, Girna, Bori, Panjra, Waghur, and Annar are Tapis major tributaries.

• Important information about Tapi:

Economic Importance: The River supports the agriculture of the region within its flow path. The fertile plains along this river are known for producing cotton, soybeans and other crops.

Hydropower Project: Ukai Dam (also known as Vallabh Sagar), Gujarat's second largest reservoir on the Tapi river, plays an important role in irrigation, flood control and power generation.

Urban Centre: Surat in Gujarat, on the banks of the Tapi River, is one of the fastest growing cities in India known for diamond cutting and polishing as well as a major center for textiles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, about 23% of rivers drain themselves into the Arabian Sea. These rivers plays very important role in water management and ecosystems of this region by supporting agriculture, industry, tourism, and biodiversity throughout their courses before falling into the Arabian Sea.