The Chenab River is a tributary of which major river system?

Question

The Chenab River is a tributary of which major river system?

1. A. Ganga
2. B. Yamuna
3. C. Brahmaputra
4. D. Indus (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Indus

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Indus.

Key Points

• The Chenab originates in the Himalayas and flows through J&K and Pakistan, eventually merging with the Indus river system.

Additional Information

• The Chenab rises as two streams, the Chandra and the Bhaga, which meet at Tandi in Himachal Pradesh — hence its older name Chandrabhaga.
• It is the largest of the five Punjab rivers by volume, flowing through Jammu before entering Pakistan and joining the Sutlej, which reaches the Indus.
• Under the Indus Waters Treaty (1960), the Chenab is one of the three western rivers — with the Indus and Jhelum — allotted to Pakistan, while India received the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. India retains non-consumptive and limited hydropower rights on the western rivers.
• Major projects on it include Baglihar, Salal and Ratle, and it is spanned by the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, on the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla link.