Many civilizations were born and perished in the hoary past on the banks of the river. The river banks have always remained sacred seats of spiritual aspirants in India and rivers like Ganga, Indus, Yamuna, Sarswati, Sindhu, Kaveri, Bhagirathi and Krishna are remembered with great awe and reverence for that.
The drainage system of Himalayas is very complex. It consists of Glaciers and out of it are formed lakes and rivers. Himalayan rivers crisscross the entire mountain chain. In fact some of the rivers are older than the mountain system itself.
Rivers of Himachal
Following is the list of the rivers in Himachal. These include Satluj, Indus, Brahmaputra originating from Southern Tibet. The rivers such as Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Yamuna, Giri and their tributaries cut through the land of HP can truly be regarded as repository of ancient culture. Himachal Pradesh is blessed by snow fed perennial rivers and rivulet flowing through all parts of Pradesh.
Beas
It rises from world famous Rohtang Pass (3978 m altitude). After covering about 256 Km through districts Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur and Kangra it leaves HP at Mrrthal to enter Punjab. Parbati, Spin, Malana Nala, Sarvari Streams, Binwa, Neugal, Banganga, Gaj, Dehr, Chakki, Kunah and Man are the tributaries of Beas. This river forms the world valleys of Kangra and Kullu.Its main tributary Parbati joins near Shamshi. The important hydroelectric power projects on Beas are Kullu, Mandi, Bajaura, Pandoh, Sujanpur Tihra, Nadaun and Gopipur.
Chenab
Two streams namely Chandra and Bhaga meet at Tandi to form river Chenab. It enters Pangi valley or Chamba district near Bhujind and leaves the district at Sansarinala to enter Podar Valley of KashmirThe important human habitat that have come up along this river are Udaipur, Killar, Doda and Ramban.
Raavi
It rises from Bara Bangal, a branch of Dhauladhar. Its famous tributaries are Budhil, Tundah, Beljedi, Siul and Chirchind nala. Town Chamba is situated on the right bank of Ravi. It’s also known as Iravati. The Ravi merges with Chenab in Pakistan. The Chamera hydroelectric project stage 1 and 2 are located across Ravi near village Chamera. Important human settlements that exist along this river are Bharmaur and Madhopur beside Chamba
Satluj
It rises Rakas Lake near mansrover in Tibet. It enters himacal at Shipki and flows through Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, SOlan and Bilaspur districts. The satluj is largets among the five rivers of Himachal Pradesh. It crosses the indo Tibetan border near Shipki La and eneters into the eastern part of Himachal.The important hydro electric power projects located on satluj are Kol Dam, prestigious Nathpa Jhakri, Rhongtong, Bhabha Project, Andhra, Binnwa, Bassi, Baspa & Ghanvi.
Yamuna
It enters Himachal in Khodar Majara in Sirmaur District. Its famous tributaries are Tons, Pabbar, Bata and Giri. The area drained by the Yamuna system includes Giri-Satluj water divide. The Yamuna water system constitutes the main Yamuna river Tons, Aglar, Giri, Bata, Asan. The important human settlements that have sprung up along Giri river.
