Tawi River

Tawi River, Jammu

Tawi is a river that flows through the city of Jammu. Tawi river is also considered sacred and holy, as is generally the case with most rivers in India.

Origin from Kali Kundi glacier

Tawi river originates from the lapse of Kali Kundi glacier and adjoining area southwest of Bhadarwah in Doda District. Its catchment is delineated by latitude 32°35'-33°5'N and longitude 74°35'-75°45'E. The catchment area of the river up to Indian border (Jammu) is 2168 km² and falls in the districts of Jammu, Udhampur and a small part of Doda. Elevation in the catchment varies between 400 and 4000 m.

The flow of water in the river has been decreasing in recent years as the source glacier (Kali Kundi glacier) has been retreating.

Mythological views

It is a belief of the Hindus of Jammu city that the river was brought to Jammu by 'Raja Pehar Devta' to cure his father and was given the throne of Jammu City and was declared as 'Raja', i.e. KING of JAMMU with the blessings of 'BAWE WALI SHRI MATA KALI JI'. Most Hindus of Jammu city at present perform 'MUNDAN' ceremony of their children at DEV STHAN of 'PEHAR DEVTA JI' also called with love as 'BAWA PEHAR' having HIS sthans (places) at various places in Jammu region but main place at near village KATAL BATAL near Nagrota.

Confluence with Chenab

The length of Tawi river is about 141 km (88 mi). The river in general flows through steep hills on either side excepting the lower reach for about 35 km (22 mi). The river is about 300 m (980 ft) wide at the bridge in Jammu city.

After transversing Jammu city, the river crosses into Pakistan's Punjab and joins Chenab river. Tawi is a major left bank tributary of river Chenab.

Passage through Jammu city

Tawi river transverses through and divides Jammu city in two parts. The old Jammu town is located on the hill overlooking river Tawi. The new town is across the river. Tawi river is a major source of drinking water for the old city. Untreated sewage in Jammu pollutes Tawi river as it passes through the city.

Four bridges have been built over Tawi river in Jammu city: Two joins Gumat with Vikram Chowk and the other connects Gujjar Nagar with Bahu fort area, third join Bhagwati Nagar with Ratnuchak. A fifth bridge has been built on the river on the city bypass near Nagrota.

Difference from Manawar Tawi River

Tawi river should not be confused with Manawar Tawi which is a small rivulet that originates in Thana Mandi area in Rajouri district, flowis through Chingus, Nowshera and enters Pakistan’s Punjab at Manawar to join Chenab river.

Artificial lake project

Jammu and Kashmir government is in the process of constructing an artificial lake on River Tawi at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu for promotion of tourism and providing water supply to dry areas of the city. A team of Pakistani officials visited the site and studied the details of the project which will help allay any apprehensions about violation of provisions of Indus Water Treaty^[1]

References

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