Which River is known as the Gift of Kashmir?

Kashmir is a land of snow-covered mountains, green valleys, and sparkling waters. Rivers play a very important role in shaping its beauty and life. One special river flows through the heart of this region, giving water, food, and support to people, farms, and towns. It has guided trade, culture, and settlement for centuries, making it a true lifeline of the valley.

Which River is known as the Gift of Kashmir?

The river known as the Gift of Kashmir is the Jhelum River. It is the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley. This river provides water for drinking, farming and daily use. It makes the land fertile and helps crops grow. Cities and villages developed along its banks. The Jhelum also supports fishing, transport and tourism, making life in Kashmir possible and prosperous.

Why the Jelum is known as the Gift of Kashmir?

The Jhelum River is called the Gift of Kashmir because it supports almost every part of life in the valley. It provides water for crops, homes and animals. It keeps the land fertile by spreading rich soil. It helps people earn a living through farming, fishing and transport. In simple words, the valley survives and grows because of this river.

Origin of the Jhelum River

The Jhelum River begins at the Verinag Spring in Jammu and Kashmir, near the Pir Panjal Range. From this clear spring, the river starts its long journey. It flows through green meadows, towns and cities of the Kashmir Valley before entering Pakistan. Later, it joins the Chenab River and becomes part of the great Indus River system.

Course Through the Kashmir Valley

After rising at Verinag, the Jhelum flows through Anantnag, reaches Srinagar, and then moves toward Baramulla. It passes through the heart of the valley, touching almost every important area. Along its banks, villages and cities grew because people needed water, fertile land and easy transport.

Role in Agriculture and Food

Farming in Kashmir depends heavily on the Jhelum. The river waters the fields where rice, vegetables and fruits are grown. Over thousands of years, it has spread soft and fertile soil across the valley. This made the land perfect for farming. Because of the Jhelum, Kashmir became known for its rich crops and gardens.

Importance in Daily Life

The Jhelum supplies drinking water to towns and villages. People use it for washing, cooking and other daily needs. Fishermen depend on it for their livelihood. In earlier times, boats were the main way of moving goods and people. Even today, shikaras and small boats remind us of the river’s role in transport.

Jhelum and Srinagar

Srinagar developed along the banks of the Jhelum. The river flows through the city, crossed by many famous bridges. It adds charm and beauty to the city and supports tourism. Markets, homes and gardens grew near its banks, making the river the centre of urban life.

Tributaries of the Jhelum

Several smaller rivers join the Jhelum and make it stronger. Important ones include the Lidder, Sindh, Vishav and Pohru rivers. These bring water from glaciers, springs and rain, helping the Jhelum flow throughout the year.

Environmental and Economic Value

The river supports wetlands, birds and aquatic life. It helps generate electricity through hydropower projects. It also plays a role in controlling floods by spreading excess water over plains, though heavy rains can still cause damage.