Course:4104

Rezwana Binte Rezvi

The River System of South-Asia

There are three major River Systems in South-Asia.

• Indus
• Ganges (Ganga)
• Brahmaputra rivers
which lie in a deep marginal depression running north of and parallel no the man range of the Himalayas.

Indus River System

Indus River, Trans-Himalayan river of southern Asia. It is one of the world's longest rivers, with a length of 1,800
mi (2,900 km. Its annual average flow of 272 billion cu yd (207 billion cu m) is twice that of the Nile.

It rises in southwestern Tibet and flows northwest through valleys of the Himalayas. After crossing into the
Kashmir region, it continues northwestward through the Indian- and Pakistani-administered areas and then
turns south into Pakistan.

Swelled by tributaries from the Punjab region, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, it
widens and flows more slowly. It has supplied water for irrigation on the plains of the Indus valley since early
times.

There 4 main Tributaries of Indus River:

1) Jhelum
2) Chenab
3) Ravi
4) Satluj
5) Beas
Besides the main, there are also sub-tributaries:
1) Gar River
2) Gilgit River
3) Gomal River
4) Hunza River
5) Kabul River
6) Kunar River
7) kurram River
8) Panjnad River
9) Shyok River
10) Soan River
11) Dras River
12) Swat River
13) Zanskar River
14) Zhob River
15) Luni River

Indus River and its Tributaries

The Indus River and its tributaries have been the lifeline for millions of people who live along their banks,
providing water for irrigation, transportation, and other essential needs. Below we have explained the Indus
River and its tributaries, place of origin, states, and multipurpose projects.
 Indus River System Multipurpose
River Place of origin States
Tributaries Projects

Zaskar (Ladakh), Kishanganga,

Astor Nanga Parbat), Mangla Dam
Bokhar Chu- Near Chenab, Sutlej, Soan, (Jhelum), Tarbela
J&K, Distribution as
Indus Manasarovar Lake, Beas, Ravi, Dras, Dam(Indus), Ghazi
per IWT, 1960
Tibet Suru (Indus), Jhelum, Barotha,
Kishanganga, R. Hydroelectric
Shyok, Gilgit Project

Kishanganga (Right)
Verinag spring (Pir Mangla Dam Rasul
Jhelum Neelum Kunhar J&K
Panjal Range) Barrage
Poonch

Headward
Lahaul and Spiti Salal Project
Tributaries:
district of Dhulhasti Dam, Himachal Pradesh,
Chenab Chandra(Zozi La)
Himachal Pradesh: Baglihar Dam J&K
Bhaga (Baracha La)
Bara Lacha pass Trimmu Barrage
R. Tavi

R. Soul (Valley: Rich

timber trees Garden
Kullu hills, West to of Chamba), R. Thein (Ranjit
Ravi J&K
Rohtang Pass Budhil, R. Nai/Dhona Sagar) Dam
Battle of the ten
kings was fought

Parbati – Created
problems in
Near Rohtang
Alexander’s invasion Beas Project,
Pass, Beas Kund-
Beas of India in 2014, Beas Pong Dam Pandoh Punjab and Haryana
H.P (southern end
River Tragedy: Flood Dam
at Pir Panjal)
gates of the Larji
dam were opened

T Spiti Proposal to
Bhakra Nangal Punjab, HP, North of
build a 214-kilometer
Project, Harike, the Vindhya Range,
Manasarovar- (133 mi) long heavy
Sirhind, Gobind South of the Hindu)
Rakas Lakes freight canal, to be
Ballabh Sagar, Kush segment of the
Satluj Enters India known as the Sutlej-
Karcham Wangtoo Himalayas, and East
through Shipki la Yamuna Link (SYL) in
Hydroelectric of the Central
Pass India to connect the
Plant, Neptha Sulaiman Range in
Sutlej and Yamuna
Jhakhari Dam Pak
rivers
 Figure: Indus River System
Ganges River System

• Ganges River, Hindi Ganga, River, northern India and Bangladesh. Held sacred by followers of Hinduism, it is
formed from five headstreams rising in Untranchal state.On its 1,560-mi (2,510-km) course, it flows
southeast through the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. In central Bangladesh it is
joined by the Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. Their combined waters (called the Padma River) empty into
the Bay of Bengal and form a delta 220 mi (354 km) wide, which is shared by India and Bangladesh.

• Its plain is one of the most fertile and densely populated regions in the world.

• Milions of Hindus bathe in the river annually at special holy places (tirthas).

• Many cast the ashes of their dead into its waters, and cremation temples are found along its banks in
numerous places.

There are 4 main Tributaries of Ganges River:

1) Ghaghara
2) Punpun River
g Son River
4) Yamuna River
Besides the main, there are also sub-tributaries:
1) Alakmanda River
2) Atrai River 9) Mandakini River
3) Best River 10) Nandakini
4) Bhilangna River 11) Naravani River
5) Gandaki River 12) Ramganga
6) Gangi River 13) Tamsa River
7) Gomti River 14) Varuna River
8) Kosi River

Figure: Ganges River System

 Figure: sub-tributaries of Ganges River System
Braimaputra River System

Bahmaguan River, River, Central and South Asia. From its headsprings in the That Autonomous Region of China
(as the Yarlung River), it flows across swither Ther to break through the Himalayas in great gorges (where it is
Anona as the Dihang). It flows southwest through the Assam Valley and south through Bangladesh (where it is
known as the Jamuna). There it merges with the Caages (Ganga) to form a vast delta. About 1,800 mi (2,900 km)
long, the river is an importaat source for irrigation and transportation. Its upper course was long unknown, and
its identity with the Zangbo was established by exploration in 1884-86.

Figure: Braimaputra River Sistem

Bangladesh River System
• The most significant feature of the Bangladesh landscape is provided by the rivers, which have molded
not only its physiography but also the way of life of the people. Rivers in Bangladesh, however, are
subject to constant and sometimes rapid changes of course, which can affect the hydrology of a large
region; consequently, no description of Bangladesh's topography retains its absolute accuracy for long.
One spectacular example of such a change occurred in 1787, when the Tista River underwent
exceptionally high flooding; its waters were suddenly diverted eastward, where they reinforced the
Brahmaputra. The swollen Brahmaputra in turn began to cut into a minor stream, which by the early
1800s had become the river's main lower course, now known as the Jamuna. A much smaller river (the
Old Brahmaputra) now flows through the Brahmaputra's former course.
• Each year between June and October, the rivers overflow their banks and inundate the countryside,
rising most heavily in September or October and receding quickly in November. The inundations are both
a blessing and a curse.
• Without them, the fertile silt deposits would not be replenished, but severe floods regularly damage
crops and ruin hamlets and sometimes take a heavy toll on human and animal populations.
The rivers may be divided into five systems:
1. The Padma (or Ganges) and its deltaic streams,
2. the Meghna and the Surma river system,
3. the Jamuna and its adjoining channels
4. the North Bengal rivers
5. the rivers of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the adjoining plains
Total River number = 230
Major 3 river systems are:
River comes from India = 54
1. The Brahmaputra-Jamuna
2. The Ganges-Padma and River comes from Myanmar = 03
3. The Meghna (surma-kusiara]
1.Ganges River (Padma):
• The Ganges is one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism and plays a crucial role in the cultural and
religious practices of the people in Bangladesh and India.
• In Bangladesh, the Ganges River is called the Padma. It is formed by the merging of the Bhagirathi and
Alaknanda rivers in India before entering Bangladesh.
• The Padma River is a lifeline for the southwestern region of Bangladesh, providing water for agriculture,
fisheries, and navigation. The river is used for transportation of goods and people

2.Brahmaputra River (Jamuna):

• The Brahmaputra River is one of the major transboundary rivers in South Asia. It originates in Tibet, flows
through India as the Yarlung Tsangpo, and enters Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra.
• In Bangladesh, the Brahmaputra is known as the Jamuna. It contributes significantly to the country's
agriculture, providing fertile soil for crops in the surrounding areas.
• The Jamuna River is prone to flooding during the monsoon season, which can impact the region's
agriculture and communities. Efforts are made for flood control and management.

3.Meghna River:
• The Meghna is formed by the confluence of several rivers, including the Surma and Kushiyara, in
northeastern Bangladesh.
• It is the widest river among the three major river systems in Bangladesh and serves as a major outlet for
water from the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, eventually flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
• The Meghna is a vital waterway for transportation, connecting various parts of the country. It also supports
fisheries and plays a crucial role in the delta's ecosystem.

Agriculture and
Irrigation

Trade and Commerce

Transportation

Fisheries Factors of
Biodiversity and
major river
Ecosystems
system in
Banagladesh

Water Supply
Hydropower
Potential

Flood Control and

Management Cultural and
Religious
Significance

Tourism
 Course:4104
Sakib Mhmud
The River System of South-Asia

There are three major River Systems in South-Asia.

• Indus
• Ganges (Ganga)
• Brahmaputra rivers
which lie in a deep marginal depression running north of and parallel no the man range of the Himalayas.

Indus River System

Indus River, Trans-Himalayan river of southern Asia. It is one of the world's longest rivers, with a length of 1,800
mi (2,900 km. Its annual average flow of 272 billion cu yd (207 billion cu m) is twice that of the Nile.

It rises in southwestern Tibet and flows northwest through valleys of the Himalayas. After crossing into the
Kashmir region, it continues northwestward through the Indian- and Pakistani-administered areas and then
turns south into Pakistan.

Swelled by tributaries from the Punjab region, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, it
widens and flows more slowly. It has supplied water for irrigation on the plains of the Indus valley since early
times.

There 4 main Tributaries of Indus River:

1) Jhelum
2) Chenab
3) Ravi
4) Satluj
5) Beas
Besides the main, there are also sub-tributaries:
1) Gar River
2) Gilgit River
3) Gomal River
4) Hunza River
5) Kabul River
6) Kunar River
7) kurram River
8) Panjnad River
9) Shyok River
10) Soan River
11) Dras River
12) Swat River
13) Zanskar River
14) Zhob River
15) Luni River

Indus River and its Tributaries

The Indus River and its tributaries have been the lifeline for millions of people who live along their banks,
providing water for irrigation, transportation, and other essential needs. Below we have explained the Indus
River and its tributaries, place of origin, states, and multipurpose projects.
 Indus River System Multipurpose
River Place of origin States
Tributaries Projects

Zaskar (Ladakh), Kishanganga,

Astor Nanga Parbat), Mangla Dam
Bokhar Chu- Near Chenab, Sutlej, Soan, (Jhelum), Tarbela
J&K, Distribution as
Indus Manasarovar Lake, Beas, Ravi, Dras, Dam(Indus), Ghazi
per IWT, 1960
Tibet Suru (Indus), Jhelum, Barotha,
Kishanganga, R. Hydroelectric
Shyok, Gilgit Project

Kishanganga (Right)
Verinag spring (Pir Mangla Dam Rasul
Jhelum Neelum Kunhar J&K
Panjal Range) Barrage
Poonch

Headward
Lahaul and Spiti Salal Project
Tributaries:
district of Dhulhasti Dam, Himachal Pradesh,
Chenab Chandra(Zozi La)
Himachal Pradesh: Baglihar Dam J&K
Bhaga (Baracha La)
Bara Lacha pass Trimmu Barrage
R. Tavi

R. Soul (Valley: Rich

timber trees Garden
Kullu hills, West to of Chamba), R. Thein (Ranjit
Ravi J&K
Rohtang Pass Budhil, R. Nai/Dhona Sagar) Dam
Battle of the ten
kings was fought

Parbati – Created
problems in
Near Rohtang
Alexander’s invasion Beas Project,
Pass, Beas Kund-
Beas of India in 2014, Beas Pong Dam Pandoh Punjab and Haryana
H.P (southern end
River Tragedy: Flood Dam
at Pir Panjal)
gates of the Larji
dam were opened

T Spiti Proposal to
Bhakra Nangal Punjab, HP, North of
build a 214-kilometer
Project, Harike, the Vindhya Range,
Manasarovar- (133 mi) long heavy
Sirhind, Gobind South of the Hindu)
Rakas Lakes freight canal, to be
Ballabh Sagar, Kush segment of the
Satluj Enters India known as the Sutlej-
Karcham Wangtoo Himalayas, and East
through Shipki la Yamuna Link (SYL) in
Hydroelectric of the Central
Pass India to connect the
Plant, Neptha Sulaiman Range in
Sutlej and Yamuna
Jhakhari Dam Pak
rivers
 Figure: Indus River System
Ganges River System

• Ganges River, Hindi Ganga, River, northern India and Bangladesh. Held sacred by followers of Hinduism, it is
formed from five headstreams rising in Untranchal state.On its 1,560-mi (2,510-km) course, it flows
southeast through the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. In central Bangladesh it is
joined by the Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. Their combined waters (called the Padma River) empty into
the Bay of Bengal and form a delta 220 mi (354 km) wide, which is shared by India and Bangladesh.

• Its plain is one of the most fertile and densely populated regions in the world.

• Milions of Hindus bathe in the river annually at special holy places (tirthas).

• Many cast the ashes of their dead into its waters, and cremation temples are found along its banks in
numerous places.

There are 4 main Tributaries of Ganges River:

1) Ghaghara
2) Punpun River
g Son River
4) Yamuna River
Besides the main, there are also sub-tributaries:
1) Alakmanda River
2) Atrai River 9) Mandakini River
3) Best River 10) Nandakini
4) Bhilangna River 11) Naravani River
5) Gandaki River 12) Ramganga
6) Gangi River 13) Tamsa River
7) Gomti River 14) Varuna River
8) Kosi River

Figure: Ganges River System

 Figure: sub-tributaries of Ganges River System
Braimaputra River System

Bahmaguan River, River, Central and South Asia. From its headsprings in the That Autonomous Region of China
(as the Yarlung River), it flows across swither Ther to break through the Himalayas in great gorges (where it is
Anona as the Dihang). It flows southwest through the Assam Valley and south through Bangladesh (where it is
known as the Jamuna). There it merges with the Caages (Ganga) to form a vast delta. About 1,800 mi (2,900 km)
long, the river is an importaat source for irrigation and transportation. Its upper course was long unknown, and
its identity with the Zangbo was established by exploration in 1884-86.

Figure: Braimaputra River Sistem

Bangladesh River System
• The most significant feature of the Bangladesh landscape is provided by the rivers, which have molded
not only its physiography but also the way of life of the people. Rivers in Bangladesh, however, are
subject to constant and sometimes rapid changes of course, which can affect the hydrology of a large
region; consequently, no description of Bangladesh's topography retains its absolute accuracy for long.
One spectacular example of such a change occurred in 1787, when the Tista River underwent
exceptionally high flooding; its waters were suddenly diverted eastward, where they reinforced the
Brahmaputra. The swollen Brahmaputra in turn began to cut into a minor stream, which by the early
1800s had become the river's main lower course, now known as the Jamuna. A much smaller river (the
Old Brahmaputra) now flows through the Brahmaputra's former course.
• Each year between June and October, the rivers overflow their banks and inundate the countryside,
rising most heavily in September or October and receding quickly in November. The inundations are both
a blessing and a curse.
• Without them, the fertile silt deposits would not be replenished, but severe floods regularly damage
crops and ruin hamlets and sometimes take a heavy toll on human and animal populations.
The rivers may be divided into five systems:
6. The Padma (or Ganges) and its deltaic streams,
7. the Meghna and the Surma river system,
8. the Jamuna and its adjoining channels
9. the North Bengal rivers
10. the rivers of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the adjoining plains
Total River number = 230
Major 3 river systems are:
River comes from India = 54
4. The Brahmaputra-Jamuna
5. The Ganges-Padma and River comes from Myanmar = 03
6. The Meghna (surma-kusiara]
1.Ganges River (Padma):
• The Ganges is one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism and plays a crucial role in the cultural and
religious practices of the people in Bangladesh and India.
• In Bangladesh, the Ganges River is called the Padma. It is formed by the merging of the Bhagirathi and
Alaknanda rivers in India before entering Bangladesh.
• The Padma River is a lifeline for the southwestern region of Bangladesh, providing water for agriculture,
fisheries, and navigation. The river is used for transportation of goods and people

2.Brahmaputra River (Jamuna):

• The Brahmaputra River is one of the major transboundary rivers in South Asia. It originates in Tibet, flows
through India as the Yarlung Tsangpo, and enters Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra.
• In Bangladesh, the Brahmaputra is known as the Jamuna. It contributes significantly to the country's
agriculture, providing fertile soil for crops in the surrounding areas.
• The Jamuna River is prone to flooding during the monsoon season, which can impact the region's
agriculture and communities. Efforts are made for flood control and management.

3.Meghna River:
• The Meghna is formed by the confluence of several rivers, including the Surma and Kushiyara, in
northeastern Bangladesh.
• It is the widest river among the three major river systems in Bangladesh and serves as a major outlet for
water from the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, eventually flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
• The Meghna is a vital waterway for transportation, connecting various parts of the country. It also supports
fisheries and plays a crucial role in the delta's ecosystem.

Agriculture and
Irrigation

Trade and Commerce

Transportation

Fisheries Factors of
Biodiversity and
major river
Ecosystems
system in
Banagladesh

Water Supply
Hydropower
Potential

Flood Control and

Management Cultural and
Religious
Significance

Tourism