Ravi River

The river emerges from the height of a glacier of 14,000 ft., on the southern part of the middle of the Himalayas. The river flows via the districts of Barabhangal, Bara Bansu and Chamba. The river flows on the outset in rapids over boulders, strewn in the bed of the River Ravi is found in Kashmir and Pakistan. It is one of the five rivers, christening the name the Punjab- The land of the five rivers. Did you know that this river Ravi, in ancient Vedic era was called Parushani or Iravati to Indians during that time?  Even Hydraotes to the ancient people of Greece. The River Ravi emerges in the Himalayas, in the Chamba district, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It follows a north-westerly route. It changes course south-west, very close to Dalhousie, cutting a gorge at the same time in Dhaola Dhar range, to enter The Punjab plain, at Madhopur. From here, the river moves along –side the Indo –Pak perimeter, before mixing with the Chenab River. The entire length of the Ravi River is approx 720 kilometres. While the waters of this river are given to India, via the Indus Waters Treaty formulated for India and Pakistan, to create the Indus Basin Project. The Ravi River is also sometimes known as the River of Lahore. It is named so because the city of Lahore was born on the river’s eastern bank. On the western bank, the famous town of Shahdara emerged. Here students of history may want to pay a visit. The tombs of Jahangir and Noor are relics of Indian and Pakistani history. After the division of Indian sub continent in August, 1947, the water of the River Ravi, in addition to the other five rivers, namely Indus, Jhelum, Beas, Chenab and the Sutlej that constitute the Indus System, were shared by Pakistan and India, as per the treaty of Indus Water, sponsored by the World Bank. Consequently, the Project of Indus Basin had been started in Pakistan. Many multi-purpose schemes have been constructed in India, especially, the Inter Basin Water Transfers, Hydropower and Irrigation, have been created with the help of engineers.

Course

The Ravi begins its journey in the Himalayas, in the district of Chamba, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It follows the north westerly route and is a permanent river. It is smallest amongst the five rivers of the Punjab. The river originates from the south of Mid Himalayas, on the glacier domain of the north, at a height of 14,000ft. It flows past the districts of Chamba, Barsbhangal and Bara Bansu. The river comes in rapids in its preliminary stage. One may find scattered stones and rocks in the river bed. The river at this stage flows in a ravine, with its bed sloping at 1:185 Ft per Mile. It is fed by the melting snow. This region comes under the rain shade zone. The Main River Ravi, flows along the bottom of the Dalhousie hill leaving behind the town of Chamba. It starts at a height of 2,807 ft. It flows into the south-west part very close to Dalhousie.  It cuts a ravine in the Dhauladhar Range just before entering the Punjab plain, near Madhopur and Patankot. Then it meanders past the border of India and Pakistan, foe about 80 km. Then it enters Pakistan and joins the River Chenab. The entire journey taken by the river is about 725 km.

Photo Gallery