The main feature of the River Indus under the following heads are as follows-:
a. Source:
- The River Indus originates from the Tibetan Plateau in China.
- Its main source is the Tibetan plateau's northwestern slopes near Lake Mansarovar.
b. Tributaries:
- The Indus River has several major tributaries, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.
- These tributaries join the Indus River in Pakistan and significantly contribute to its flow.
c. Areas Drained:
- The Indus River basin covers a vast area, primarily in South Asia.
- It flows through Tibet (China), India, and Pakistan.
- The river basin is crucial for the livelihoods of people in these regions, supporting agriculture and providing water resources.
d. Extent of Indus Plain:
- The Indus Plain, also known as the Indus Valley, is a fertile region formed by the Indus River and its tributaries.
- It stretches across Pakistan and parts of northwestern India, providing fertile land for agriculture.
e. Indus Water Treaty:
- The Indus Water Treaty is an agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank in 1960.
- It regulates the distribution of the Indus River's waters between the two countries.
- Under the treaty, India has control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej), while Pakistan has control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
- It has been a significant diplomatic effort to manage water resources in the region peacefully.