RIVERS IN JAMMU

Jammu division in Jammu and Kashmir State of India is known for its fiery rivers. Two major and many small canals flow in the division of Jammu. Like Kashmir valley, water is abundant in Jammu too. The rivers that flow in Jammu not only are a source of irrigation to the agrarian part of the society, but also enhance the beauty of the already bewitched place.

The streams of Jammu run a long course and the water of the stream is fast, fiery and dangerous. The major watercourse that runs in Jammu is Chenab. Another major watercourse is Tawi is famous for its role in the foundation of Jammu city.

CHENAB RIVER

Chenab is formed by the confluence of two small rivers, Chandra and Bhaga gives rise to the mighty Chenab. It is fed by the waters originating from the melted snow of Bara Lacha Pass in Himachal Pradesh. The water that flows towards the north forms the Bhaga and that flowing towards south forms the Chandra. The streams join at the village of Tandi to form Chandrabagha. The waterway flows further to join the Marau at Bhanderkot to form Chenab. It is situated 12 km away from Kishtawar. Then flows into Pakistan and runs a long course of about 960km. It eventually joins with Ravi and Jhelum River to form the Sutlej in Pakistan. The stream has a tremendous historical significance as well. It is due to this waterway, that Jammu is also known as Chenab Valley.

TAWI RIVER

Tawi flows through the city of Jammu and is considered a holy river. It originates from Kali Kundi glacier towards southwest of Bhaderwah in Doda. Due to global warming the source glacier of Tawi has been depleting impacting the water flow of this stream in recent past. The stream runs a course of about 141 km through steep hills. It is about 300m wide at the TawiBridge in Jammu. The stream traverses Jammu city and divides it into two parts – the old Jammu town and the new Jammu town. The old town is located on the hill and the new town is lies across the river. The stream finally flows into Pakistan and then joins Chenab there. It has a lot of religious significance.

Apart from these watercourses many small waterways and rivulets flow in Jammu division. Among these, Ravi and Dodais the prominent ones. The streams lend a great charm to Jammu and make it even more beautiful. The rivers are a life line for the division as a great chunk of population of Jammu division depends on these watercourses for their livelihood.