With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct?
- (a) Chenab
- (b) Jhelum
- (c) Ravi
- (d) Sutlej ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• In the Punjab river system the Jhelum joins the Chenab at Trimmu, and the Ravi joins the Chenab near Ahmadpur Sial.
• The Chenab (now carrying Jhelum and Ravi) then meets the Sutlej (which has already absorbed the Beas) to form the Panjnad.
• The Sutlej is thus the river into which the other three ultimately pour, and it joins the Indus directly at Mithankot — option (d).
• Chenab (a), Jhelum (b) and Ravi (c) all reach the Indus only via the Sutlej/Panjnad.
• Hence option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Chenab
- Chenab joins the Sutlej, not the Indus directly.
- (b) Jhelum
- Jhelum joins the Chenab.
- (c) Ravi
- Ravi joins the Chenab.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.