The Jhelum River, also known as the Vitasta, is a significant river in the Indian subcontinent. It flows through the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir before entering Pakistan, where it becomes a major tributary of the Indus River. Here's some more information about the Jhelum River:

The Jhelum River, also known as the Vitasta in Sanskrit, has a few other names in different languages and historical contexts. Here are some alternative names for the Jhelum River:

Hydaspes: This name was used during ancient times and is commonly associated with the Jhelum River. It gained prominence due to the historic Battle of Hydaspes between Alexander the Great and King Pours which took place on the banks of this river.

Vyeth: This is a local name for the Jhelum River used in the Kashmiri language.

Behat or Behut: These names are used for the Jhelum River in the Pothohar region of Pakistan.

Veth: This is another local name for the Jhelum River, primarily used in the Dogri language spoken in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Vitastā: The Jhelum River is referred to as Vitastā in ancient Sanskrit texts.

Please note that the usage of these names can vary based on historical, cultural, and geographical contexts.

Origin of River Jhelum:

The Jhelum River originates from a spring at Verinag, located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is fed by various tributaries, including Lidder River, Sheshnag Lake, and Vishav River.

Course of River Jhelum:

After its origin, the Jhelum River flows through the Kashmir Valley, passing through towns such as Srinagar, Baramulla, and Uri. It then crosses the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, eventually entering Pakistan-administered territory in Azad Kashmir. In Pakistan, the river traverses through the cities of Muzaffarabad, Mangla, and Jhelum before joining the Chenab River near Trimmu.

Length of River Jhelum:

The Jhelum River has a total length of approximately 725 kilometers (450 miles), with 315 kilometers (196 miles) in India and 410 kilometers (255 miles) in Pakistan.

The Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and Pakistan is fed by several tributaries and has distributaries as well. Here are some of the significant tributaries and distributaries of the Jhelum River:

Tributaries of the Jhelum River:

Kishanganga River (also known as Neelum River): It originates in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir and joins the Jhelum River near Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.

Lidder River: It originates from the Kolhoi Glacier in the Himalayas and merges with the Jhelum River near Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Vishav River: It is a tributary that joins the Jhelum River near Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Sandran River: It is a tributary that merges with the Jhelum River near Jhelum city in Punjab, Pakistan.

Distributaries of the Jhelum River:

Chenab River: After merging with the Chenab, the combined flow becomes the Panjnad River, which further joins the Indus River.

These are some of the prominent tributaries and distributaries of the Jhelum River. It is important to note that the river system is vast and comprises various smaller streams and channels that contribute to its flow.

Importance of River Jhelum:

The Jhelum River is of great importance to the region. It serves as a vital source of irrigation for agriculture, providing water to fields and farms along its course. The river is also significant for hydropower generation. Several dams and barrages have been constructed on the Jhelum River, such as the Uri Dam and Mangla Dam, to harness its hydroelectric potential.

Historical Significance of River Jhelum:

The Jhelum River has played a significant role in the history and culture of the region. It is mentioned in ancient texts, including the Rigveda, and has witnessed the rise and fall of various empires and kingdoms over the centuries. The river has been an inspiration for poets and artists, featuring prominently in Kashmiri literature and folklore.

Tourism: The Jhelum River's scenic surroundings and its association with the beautiful Kashmir Valley attract tourists from around the world. Shikara rides, houseboats, and waterfront gardens along the river are popular attractions for visitors to Srinagar.

Power Projects: The Jhelum River, with its significant flow and hydroelectric potential, has been utilized for the construction of several power projects in both India and Pakistan. Here are some notable power projects on the Jhelum River:

Uri-I Hydroelectric Project (India): Located in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project is one of the oldest power projects on the Jhelum River. It has an installed capacity of 480 MW and consists of four units. The project was commissioned in 1997 and is operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

Uri-II Hydroelectric Project (India): Also situated in Baramulla district, the Uri-II Hydroelectric Project is an extension of the Uri-I project. It has an installed capacity of 240 MW and comprises three units. The project began operations in 2014 and is operated by NHPC.

Upper Jhelum Canal-Rasul Barrage Hydropower Project (Pakistan): The Upper Jhelum Canal-Rasul Barrage Hydropower Project is located near Jhelum city in Pakistan's Punjab province. It utilizes the water of the Jhelum River, which is diverted through the Upper Jhelum Canal. The project has an installed capacity of 22 MW and was commissioned in 1925.

Mangla Dam and Hydropower Project (Pakistan): The Mangla Dam, built on the Jhelum River in Mirpur District of Azad Kashmir, is one of the largest dams in Pakistan. It serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, flood control, and power generation. The hydropower project associated with the dam has an installed capacity of 1,000 MW. It was commissioned in 1967 and is operated by the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

These are just a few notable power projects on the Jhelum River. It is worth mentioning that several other small-scale hydroelectric projects, both in India and Pakistan, harness the river's flow to generate electricity and contribute to the region's power supply.

 Floods in Jhelum: Due to its geography and heavy rainfall in the region, the Jhelum River is prone to flooding. In September 2014, the river experienced severe floods that caused significant damage to infrastructure and affected thousands of people in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jhelum River holds immense cultural, economic, and ecological significance in the region. It continues to be a lifeline for the people living along its banks, supporting their livelihoods and contributing to the natural beauty of the area.