Jhelum River: Detailed with Map and Origin

Introduction

The Jhelum River, stretching over 725 kilometers from its source at Vernag in Jammu and Kashmir, holds a pivotal place in the geography of the Punjab region. As it flows through the picturesque landscapes of the Kashmir Valley, it not only shapes the terrain but also influences the socio-economic dynamics of the region.

Course of the Jhelum River

1. Source and Flow:
   • Originating at Vernag, the river flows northwestward from the Pir Panjal Range to Srinagar’s Wular Lake.
   • Exiting the lake, it cuts through the Pir Panjal in a deep gorge before continuing westward.
2. Geographical Features:
   • The river receives the Kishanganga River at Muzaffarabad, serving as the border between Pakistani-administered Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.
   • The river then enters Punjab province, forming broad alluvial plains near Mangla before joining the Chenab River near Trimmu.
3. Catchment Area and Tributaries:
   • Up to the Line of Control (LOC), the catchment area is about 15,856 km².
   • The Jhelum River has 24 tributaries, originating from the Pir Panjal and Himalayan ranges.

Infrastructure & Power Generation

1. Dams:
   • Mangla Dam, completed in 1967, is a massive earth-fill dam with a storage capacity of 5,900,000 acre-feet.
   • Rasul Barrage, built in 1967, has a maximum flow of 850,000 feet per second.
   • Trimmu Barrage, completed in 1939, has a maximum discharge capacity of 645,000 ft³/s.
   • Victoria Bridge (Haranpur) and Uri Dam contribute to the region’s hydroelectric potential.
2. Hydroelectric Power Plants:
   • Uri Dam and Uri Dam II in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant, collectively contribute to power generation in the region.

Environmental Threats and Challenges

Point Source of Pollution: Industrial Estates lack proper pollution control measures, jeopardizing water quality; a direct threat to the Jhelum River’s ecological balance.

Lake Pollution: Dal and Wular, prominent lakes in the Jhelum basin, suffer from eutrophication; untreated domestic wastewater and fertilizer application degrade water quality.

Hydroelectric Power and Environmental Costs: Hydropower development, though potent, carries environmental consequences; an urgent need for sustainable practices to balance energy generation and ecological preservation in the Jhelum basin.

Also read: Beas River

Conclusion

The journey of the Jhelum River encapsulates a delicate balance between development and environmental preservation. While dams and hydroelectric plants harness their power, challenges like pollution, urbanization, and climate change loom. The way forward necessitates a thoughtful approach, emphasizing sustainable practices and international cooperation to ensure the continued vitality of this vital watercourse.