Formed by the union of two headwaters, the Chenab River is one of the five major rivers of the Punjab region.The river plays a very significant role in both the countries- India and Pakistan. While the waters of this particular river are being moved to numerous canals of India, it is also widely used for irrigation in many regions of Pakistan.One of the longest rivers of India, the Chenab River which is about 605 mi (974 km) long, originates from the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh Snowbound mountains. It is the river found both in the Indian state and along the Pakistan border. Chenab confluences with the Sutlej River to form the Panjnad River (five rivers), which is itself the merger of five Punjab rivers, namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Alexander the Great founded the town of Alexandria near the Panjnad River in 325 BC. The Chandra river flows from glaciers east of Bara-lacha la pass near Chandra Taal while the Bhaga river originates from Surya taal lake near Himachal Pradesh. Chandra meets with Bhaga at Tandi and thereafter the united stream flows towards the northwest region where it founds its first major tributary named the Miyar Nalla. The other chief tributaries of this river are- the Thirot, the Sohal, the Bhut nallah, and the Marusudar. The Marusudar is one of the biggest tributaries of Chenab and meets the Chenab at Bhandalkot.The Chenab River rises in the Himalayas and flows towards Sutlej in Pakistan. Tributaries such as the Tawi and the Manawar Tawi join it in Pakistan. The water level of this river rises from the month of June through October and is low during winter. Cities in Pakistan that are in the densely populated valley are Wazirabad, Chiniot, and Multan respectively.If you really like reading about Chenab River facts, also find out articles on Chicago River facts and Chattahoochee River facts.Fun Facts About Chenab RiverThe Chenab River occupies a different position for the people of Punjab. It is as same as the Rhine occupies for Germans and the Danube for Austrians.Besides being a source of inspiration for many of the native writers and poets, the river is also mentioned in one of the famous epics of Punjab. It plays a very important role in the tale of ‘Heer Ranjha’ (the national epic of Punjab). The Punjabi consciousness revolves around this iconic river. It was known as ‘Asikni’ in Rigveda because it was believed to be seen as dark-colored water. It is also mentioned in Mahabharata as " Chandrabhaga" because it is formed from the convergence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga. Chandrabhaga was also very much popularized among the ancient Greeks. The name ‘Chenab’ probably occurred with the influence of the Persians in the early medieval age.The river is also known as the ‘River of Romance’, the term basically used by Punjabi folklore. Legendary poets of Pakistan such as Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Allama Iqbal both originally hail from Sialkot, located on the scenic banks of the Chenab.Geographical Facts About Chenab RiverOne of the beautiful rivers of India and Pakistan, the River Chenab flows through the valley of Jammu and Kashmir and ends its journey by giving in its alluring glory to the mighty river Indus near the city of Uch Sharif, a city in Pakistan.In India, the waterbody of the Chenab River basin covers part of the two states- Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. In Himachal Pradesh state, the Chenab River basin covers the Lahoul area and Pangi Tehsil of Chamba district whereas, in Jammu and Kashmir state, the basin covers the districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, Jammu, and Rajouri respectively.Of the five rivers that flow through Marala, Chenab is by far the most famous one. The river continues its journey through Behlolpur, Shaher Sultan, Dhool Kalan, Garh Maharaja, and finally completes its journey at Mithankot. Before draining out into the Arabian Sea, the rivers Ravi, Jhelum, and Sutlej also join the Chenab River at various intervals.Chenab River’s SignificanceThe River Chenab covers a very long journey in both India and Pakistan by nourishing various villages, valleys, and towns.Meandering through some of the major cities, the fast-flowing river deposits silt and rich sediments along its banks that were being carried from the plains and plateaus along the way. Thus, the River Chenab makes the soil fertile for irrigation and plantation and therefore provides a good source of livelihood to the native people. It also plays a crucial role in several irrigation canals on its way. The Indus water treaty helped a great deal in deciding upon the water share of the Chenab River. The waters of the river were given to Pakistan under the treaty.The river is not only the source of fertile soil but it is also the source of creativity and imagination as it creates a mesmerizing backdrop against the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, which we can find reflected in many artworks and poetry.Facts About Dams On Chenab RiverThe Chenab River is one of the last comparatively free-flowing, healthy rivers of the state, Himachal Pradesh. The state is planning and implementing 49 hydropower projects on the River Chenab. Baglihar Dam is built on the Chenab River in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir under the Indus water treaty. The dam is one of nine hydropower projects on this river.The project, ‘Baglihar Power Project’, is a run-of-the-river power project on the Chenab River. The project was planned in 1992, approved in 1996, and subsequently, the construction began in the year 1999. Pakistan raised several objections to this project at that time. India has resolved to use its legal rights in the Indus water treaty to the fullest.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 61 Chenab River facts: water body that flows through India And Pakistan then why not take a look at Chang Jiang River facts, or Cape Fear River facts?
Formed by the union of two headwaters, the Chenab River is one of the five major rivers of the Punjab region.
