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Sutlej River
The Sutlej River, a prominent watercourse in the Indian subcontinent, holds great geographical, historical, and cultural significance. Originating from the Tibetan Plateau near China’s Lake Rakshastal, this mighty river swiftly crosses the Himalayas, entering India in Himachal Pradesh. As the longest among the five rivers of Punjab that traverse the fertile plains of Punjab, the Sutlej plays a vital role in supporting agriculture, irrigation, and diverse ecosystems. It eventually joins the Beas River in Punjab and merges with the Indus River in Pakistan, contributing to the extensive Indus River
Sutlej River Origin
The Sutlej river originates from Tibet, near a spot known as Lake Rakshastal. It starts up in the high mountains and travels into India, passing through Himachal Pradesh state. This river is significant because it provides water for agriculture and the natural environment in the regions it passes through.
Sutlej River Old Name
The Sutlej River, previously called “Shutudri” or “Sutudri” in ancient times according to the Rigveda, is an important river that flows into the Indus River. It is unique because it starts in Tibet and enters India through the Shipki La pass. The Sutlej River is the most eastern tributary of the Indus River.
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Sutlej River Length
The Sutlej River is the furthest eastern river that joins the Indus River. It stretches for a total of 1,550 kilometers, with 529 kilometers flowing through Pakistan. This river starts in the Himalayas, near Tibet’s Lake Rakshastal, and then flows towards the west and southwest through the Punjab region in both India and Pakistan.
Sutlej River Map
Sutlej River Tributaries
The Sutlej River, a tributary of the Indus River, is fed by several significant tributaries. These tributaries contribute to the overall flow and hydrology of the Sutlej River.
Here are the Tributaries of Sutlej River
- Spiti River: It meets the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh, India. The Spiti River starts from the Spiti valley, which is known for its beautiful but harsh landscapes.
- Baspa River: This river also joins the Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh. It’s famous for the pretty Baspa Valley.
- Beas River: Even though it’s not technically a small river that joins the Sutlej, the Beas River combines with the Sutlej at the Harike Wetlands in Punjab, India.
- Satluj River: In Pakistan, the Sutlej River is connected to the Panjnad River, which is formed by the merging of the five major rivers of Punjab, including the Sutlej itself.
All these smaller rivers are crucial for the environment and the people living near the Sutlej River. They make the Sutlej River very important in the region.
Sutlej River Dam
The Sutlej River is an important river in northern India and Pakistan. People have built dams on it to do two things: help with farming and make electricity. Some of the big dams on the Sutlej River are:
- Bhakra-Nangal Dam: This dam is in Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s the biggest concrete dam in India. It’s really tall and long, with a big lake behind it. They use it to make electricity, water the fields, and give people water to drink.
- Kol Dam: This dam is also in Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s the second-largest earth dam in the world. It’s not as tall, but it’s still pretty big. They use it to make electricity and water the fields.
- Nathpa Jhakri Project: This is like a group of small power plants. They are also in Himachal Pradesh, India. These power plants have three dams. Together, they can make 150 MW of electricity.
- Baspa Hydel Scheme: This dam is in the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s the highest hydroelectric power project in the world. It’s really tall and has a big lake behind it. They use it to make electricity.
These dams help make energy and help farmers. But sometimes, the Sutlej River gets too full, and it can cause big floods. This happens because of the dams and people building things near the river.
Sutlej River in India Map
Sutlej-Yamuna Link
The Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal is a proposed waterway in India. Its main purpose is to distribute river water between the states of Punjab and Haryana. The plan is to take water from the Sutlej River in Punjab and transfer it to the Yamuna River in Haryana. This is because Haryana needs more water for farming and drinking.
However, there is a lot of disagreement about this project. Punjab argues that it doesn’t have enough water to share. Both states have been fighting about this in court for many years. The canal has not been built yet because of these disagreements.
If it is ever completed, the canal would be about 214 kilometers long. It is considered important for managing water resources in the region. But, finding a solution that works for both states remains a challenge.
Facts about the Sutlej River
- Geographical Origin: The Sutlej River, also known as Satluj, starts from Lake Rakshastal in Tibet near Mount Kailash, and it mainly flows through the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
- Part of Indus River: It’s a big side river of the Indus River, which is super important for farming and water in the area.
- Length and Path: The river is about 1,500 kilometers long and goes through different places like mountains and flat areas.
- Historical Importance: The Sutlej River is very important in history and culture. People talked about it in ancient writings, and it helped civilizations grow along its banks.
- Hydroelectric Power: There are many power projects on the river that make electricity and help the local economy.
- Nature and Wildlife: The Sutlej River area has lots of different plants and animals. It’s important to keep the natural balance there.
- Problems and Protection: The river has some problems like pollution and not enough water. People are working to protect it and use its resources wisely.
FAQs on Sutlej River
Sutlej River in Which City?
The Sutlej River flows through several cities, notably including Ludhiana and Ferozepur in Punjab, India, before entering Pakistan.
Where is Sutlej River Located?
The Sutlej River is located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, originating from the Tibetan Plateau and flowing through India and Pakistan.
Sutlej River in Which State?
In India, the Sutlej River primarily flows through the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Where Does Sutlej River Start and End?
The Sutlej River starts at the Rakshastal in Tibet and ends in the Chenab River in Pakistan, joining it at the Panjnad confluence.
Why is Sutlej River Important?
The Sutlej River is important for its significant role in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and as a vital water source for the regions it flows through.
