Recently, the Ravi River has witnessed a significant rise in water levels due to continuous heavy rainfall in the hilly regions of its upper catchment area. The increased inflow, driven by the Southwest Monsoon, has raised concerns about potential flooding in low-lying regions of Punjab (India) and eastern Pakistan.
The Ravi River is one of the prominent rivers in northwestern India and northeastern Pakistan. It is one of the five rivers that gave the region of Punjab (literally "Land of Five Rivers") its name and is a key tributary of the Indus River system.
The Ravi River originates from the northern face of the Rohtang Pass in the Himachal Pradesh state of India.
In its upper course, the river flows through the Bara Banghal-Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas as two separate streams—Budhil and Tantgari—which later merge.
It then flows through Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, receiving tributaries like the Siul and Baira rivers.
After entering the plains, it flows southward into Punjab, where it continues toward the India-Pakistan border.
In Pakistan, the Ravi eventually merges with the Chenab River, a major tributary of the Indus River.
Total Length: Approximately 720 km
Length within India: About 320 km
Catchment Area in India: 14,442 sq. km
The Ravi River is seasonal in flow, governed by:
Spring snowmelt from the Himalayas
The South Asian monsoon, which brings heavy rainfall between June and September
These factors result in high discharge volumes during the summer and early monsoon months, making flood control and reservoir regulation essential.
The Ravi River has several tributaries, including:
Siul River
Baira River
Ujh River (important for Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab)
The Ravi is extensively used for hydropower generation and irrigation. Major dam projects include:
Ranjit Sagar Dam (Thein Dam)
Located on the border of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir
Multi-purpose: power generation, irrigation, and flood control
Chamera Dam Complex
Consists of Chamera I, II, and III
Located in Himachal Pradesh
Significant source of hydroelectric power for the northern grid
Under the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed between India and Pakistan in 1960:
The Ravi, along with the Beas and Sutlej rivers, was allocated to India for exclusive use.
India has rights to divert, dam, and utilize the Ravi's waters without restrictions, although downstream flow into Pakistan continues for ecological and hydrological reasons.
Acts as a lifeline for agriculture in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Supports hydroelectric generation, contributing to regional power supply.
Plays a role in flood control and irrigation projects.
Holds geopolitical importance due to its shared flow with Pakistan.
The Ravi River is not just a geographical feature but a strategic water resource, essential for India’s energy security, agriculture, and regional stability. The recent increase in water levels due to monsoonal rains is a reminder of the delicate balance between nature, infrastructure, and cross-border cooperation.
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
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