Indus is one of the longest rivers in Asia which flows through three different countries: Tibet, northern India and Pakistan. This river travels 3,180 kilometres from the Himalayas to the Vindhyas. Starting from Tibet, the river flows through through Ladakh, where it meets its first major tributary- the Zanskar river.
Villages near this river are entirely dependent on it for their sustenance. It provides water for irrigation and livestock; silt that gives rich minerals to their crop field, and feeds the spring to provide fresh drinking water.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
This is a point where Indus meets its first tributary, the Zanskar. The river was an important source of livelihood for the Aryans who migrated to India.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
The mountain river flows through gorges as seen at Skurbuchan village in this photograph. It is a backbone of agriculture and portable water in the region.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
Most of the residential areas in Ladakh lie along the Indus and are irrigated by its waters.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
Nimu, the south east region of Ladakh, is a good example of fertile Alluvial land that supports farming and horticulture, as the river deposits rich silt in this area.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
The Indus sustains life in this cold desert, as it enriches poplars, apricot trees and the irrigation fields.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
Wheat, barley, peas, beans, buckwheat, millets and turnips are mainly grown in this region.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
The soil of Ladakh was formerly the floor of the ancient Tethys sea. The fertile lands of the region do not require manure or fertilizers to support irrigation.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
Farmers use primitive methods of farming in the region. They manually irrigate and hoe their fields prior to sowing. Terraces and bunds are built using stones to make the soil easier to cultivate.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
In order to make the whole process convenient, farmers rout irrigation channels to their fileds.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
The river flows from concrete channels to earthen channels and feeds new branches of poplar trees which provide timber and fuel to the people.
(Photo courtesy: India Water Portal) (Photo courtesy: India Water Portal)
This beautiful view has attracted the attention of number of dam-builders. Though ‘Indus Water Treaty’ does not allow the construction of dams, but speculations are rife over the plans of three hydroelectric projects on this site.
- TAGS
- Indus
- Ladakh
- Pakistan
- Tibet