The Five tributaries of River Ravi

The River Ravi, known for its historical and present significance, is enriched by several important tributaries. These tributaries, namely Ujh, Bein, Basantar, Deg, and Hudiara, have shaped the landscape and contributed to the vitality of the river throughout history. Let's explore each of these tributaries in detail to understand their characteristics and contributions.

1. Baein:

Originating in Jammu to the north of Shakargarh, the Baein is a substantial sandy torrent that traverses through the heart of the Tahsil Falls before merging with the River Ravi. Formed by the combined waters of the Tarnah and Bhabban, it receives additional inflow from the Hodla at Khanna and the Dehr at Saroch. The riverbed of the Baein expands to over a mile wide in certain sections, predominantly comprising deep sand. During colder seasons, only a shallow narrow stream of water flows through it. However, owing to its rapid slope, the Baein is prone to sudden and violent floods during the rainy season, resulting in frequent loss of life.

2. Basantar Nallah:

Adjacent to Deg Nallah on the left, Basantar Nallah is another significant tributary of the River Ravi. Its catchment area shares proximity with Deg Nallah. The mainstream of Basantar Nallah possesses a steeper slope and eventually joins the River Ravi approximately seven kilometers south of Narowal City, about 95 kilometers upstream from the outfall of Deg Nallah into the River Ravi. The contribution of Basantar Nallah adds to the volume and flow of the River Ravi.

3. Ujh River:

The Ujh River holds tremendous importance as the second most significant river in the Kathua district. It originates from the Domal Structure of Seojdar in the middle Himalayan ranges. Stretching 65 kilometers within the district, with an average width of about 1.2 kilometers, the Ujh River serves as a lifeline for the region. The main tributaries of the Ujh River are the Naaz and Bhinni Nullahs of Billawar. To harness its water resources, the Ujh Barrage has been constructed at Village Jasrota. The Ujh River caters to various needs, including drinking water supply. It also feeds several small canals and Khuls, enabling irrigation of agricultural lands in the district. Moreover, the river facilitates the transportation of timber from the hills to the plains in large quantities. Additionally, it provides essential construction materials such as sand and stones. Originating from the Ramkot Fort side of Jammu, the Ujh River flows through Kathua before entering Pakistan.

4. Deg Nallah:

Originating in Jammu and Kashmir, Deg Nallah comprises two branches known as the Devak River and the Basantar River. These branches merge to form Deg Nallah near the Lehri check post, approximately 14 kilometers northeast of Zafarwal town. From there, it follows a southwesterly course, crossing significant landmarks such as Zafarwal-Chawinda Road, Pasrur-Narowal Road, and the railway line near Qila Soba Singh. It further crosses the Marala-Ravi (M.R.) link canal, the Bambanwala-Ravi-Bedian-Dialpur (BRBD) Canal, and the Muridke Distributary. As it progresses downstream, it crosses the Pakistan Railways Lahore-Peshawar main line, the G.T. Road, the Motorway M-2, the Lahore-Faisalabad section of Pakistan Railways, and the Lahore-Sheikhupura road. Deg Nallah terminates at the Deg Diversion channel, where it joins the River Ravi, 18 kilometers downstream from Shahdara town. Notably, Deg Nullah holds prominence among the tributaries due to its remarkable length of 256 kilometers and a catchment area encompassing 730 square kilometers.

5. Hudiara Drain:

The Hudiara Drain stretches over a length of 98.6 kilometers, with 44.2 kilometers located in India and 54.4 kilometers in Pakistani territory. Although technically referred to as a drain, it plays a significant role as a tributary of the River Ravi, contributing to its overall flow and water resources.

The tributaries of the River Ravi collectively enhance the river's vitality and have shaped the region's landscape throughout history.