English PSSSB Practice 26

The Himalayan drainage system is one of the most significant river systems in the world, originating from the lofty Himalayan ranges and sustaining millions of people across northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These rivers are perennial in nature, as they are fed not only by monsoon rains but also by melting snow and glaciers, ensuring a continuous flow throughout the year. The system can broadly be divided into three major river basins: the Indus River system, the Ganga River system, and the Brahmaputra River system. The Indus River, rising from Lake Manasarovar near Mount Kailash in Tibet, flows through Ladakh, Pakistan, and finally into the Arabian Sea. Its major tributaries in India include the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, which are vital for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The Ganga River system, considered the lifeline of northern India, originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand where it is known as Bhagirathi. After joining with Alaknanda, it is called Ganga. Flowing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, it finally empties into the Bay of Bengal. Major tributaries of the Ganga include Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Son, and Chambal, each contributing to the fertility of the Indo-Gangetic plains. The Brahmaputra River system originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier in Tibet, where it is known as the Tsangpo. Entering India through Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang or Dihang, it merges with several tributaries like Dibang and Lohit to form the mighty Brahmaputra in Assam. Its vast floodplains enrich the soil but also cause devastating floods during the monsoon. The Himalayan rivers are characterized by long courses, high water volume, and active erosional and depositional activities, leading to the formation of fertile alluvial plains, deltas, meanders, and oxbow lakes. These rivers are the backbone of agriculture, transport, hydroelectric projects, and cultural traditions, but they also pose challenges like floods, siltation, and pollution. The Himalayan drainage system thus plays a central role in shaping not only the physical landscape but also the economic, social, and cultural life of South Asia.