About Ravi River

Ravi river in ancient vedas, originally known as Parushani or Iravati to Indians in vedic times. Ravi river just like Chenab flows in both countries. It is one of the major five tributaries of Indus valley. Ravi river is a transboundaryriver which is crossing northwestern India and eastern Pakistan. It is 720kmin length and out of which 320km flows in India. Ravi’s river course consists of 158km in Himachal Pradesh while 162km within Punjab.

Historical Aspect

Earlier, according to the ancient vedas, ravi river was famous as Iravati. It was also spelled as Eeravti. Apart from this, it is also known as Parushani to Indians while Hydraotes to ancient Greeks.
It was also famous as “River of Lahore” since the city is located on its eastern bank and on its western bank, the famous town of Shahdara with tomb of Jahangir and the tomb of Noor Jahan is situated.

Economical Aspect

The earliest project was the Madhopurheadworks in 1902 but the government of India has assessed the pre-partition use in India at 1.821 cubic km.
The hydropower potential of Ravi river system has been assessed at 2294MW.
A proposal for building a huge storage dam on the banks ofravi river was initially planned in 1912 and got its final approval in April 1982.

River Course

The river course of the Ravi river originates from the Himalayas in the Multhantehsil of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the smallest of the five rivers that flow in Punjab. Ravi river forms the biggest sub-micro-region of the Chamba district. From Bara Bangal of Kangra district, it flows through Bara Bansu, Tretha, Chanota, and Ulhansa. Further, it merges with the Chenab river in Pakistan.