Beas River & Tributaries

Geographic Location and Source

The Beas River is one of the significant rivers of Northern India, particularly in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. It originates in the Himalayas, specifically from the Beas Kund, which lies near the Rohtang Pass in the state of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of about 4,361 meters (14,308 feet).

Course and Tributaries

The river flows for approximately 470 kilometers (292 miles) before merging with the Sutlej River at Harike in Punjab. Along its journey, the Beas River passes through several key towns and cities, including Manali, Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, and finally enters the plains of Punjab.

Major Tributaries:

The Parbati River
The Suketi Khad

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Beas River holds substantial historical and cultural significance:

Ancient History:

The river is mentioned in various ancient texts and is believed to be the Hyphasis River mentioned in Greek texts during Alexander the Great’s campaign in India.

Religious Importance:

The river is sacred to Sikhs and Hindus. It is mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.

Economic Importance

The Beas River is vital for the agricultural economy of the region:

Irrigation:

It plays a crucial role in irrigating the fertile plains of Punjab, contributing significantly to the agrarian economy.

Hydropower:

The river is harnessed for hydroelectric power generation, with notable projects like the Pong Dam and the Pandoh Dam, which are part of the larger Beas Project aimed at irrigation and power generation.

Environmental Aspects

The river flows through diverse ecosystems, from the high-altitude Himalayan regions to the plains of Punjab, supporting various flora and fauna. However, it faces several environmental challenges:

Pollution:

Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and domestic waste contribute to the pollution of the river, affecting its water quality.

Ecological Degradation:

Deforestation and urbanization along the river’s course have led to habitat loss and reduced biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts

Several initiatives are underway to preserve and restore the ecological health of the Beas River:

Government Projects:

Various state and central government projects focus on cleaning the river, reducing pollution, and managing its water resources sustainably.

Community Involvement:

Local communities and NGOs are increasingly involved in conservation efforts, including afforestation programs and awareness campaigns to protect the river.

FAQ’s

Q1: Where does the Beas River start and end?

Ans: The Beas River starts from the Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, India, and ends at its confluence with the Sutlej River at Harike in Punjab, India.

Q2: Does the Beas River flow in Pakistan?

Ans: No, the Beas River does not flow in Pakistan. It flows entirely within the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before merging with the Sutlej River.

Q3: What is the real name of Beas River?

Ans: The ancient name of the Beas River is Vipasha.

Q4: Why is Beas famous?

Ans: The Beas River is famous for its historical significance, as it marked the easternmost boundary of Alexander the Great’s invasion of India. It is also known for its contribution to irrigation, hydroelectric power, tourism (especially in Kullu-Manali), and its ecological importance.

Q5: What are the 5 rivers of India?

Ans: The five rivers traditionally referred to in the context of Punjab (the Land of Five Rivers) are the Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum.

Q6: Which animal is found in Beas River?

Ans: The Beas River is home to the endangered Indus River dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor), also known as the Bhulan.

Q7: Which river is near to Manali?

Ans: The Beas River flows near Manali.

Q8: Is Beas only in India?

Ans: Yes, the Beas River flows exclusively within India.

Q9: What are the 5 rivers of Punjab?

Ans: The five rivers of Punjab are the Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum.

Q10: Is Beas a Himalayan River?

Ans: Yes, the Beas River is a Himalayan River as it originates from the Himalayas, specifically from the Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass.

Q11: Which is the longest river in India?

Ans: The Ganges (Ganga) River is the longest river in India. It flows for about 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles) from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal.