Yamuna River: Detailed Overview

1. General Characteristics

• Sanskrit name: Yamuna is commonly referred to as Yamuna in Sanskrit literature.  
• Vedic name: The Yamuna is also known by its Vedic name Kalindi.
• The Yamuna is the largest tributary of the Ganga River.
• It has a significant religious and mythological importance in Hinduism, often associated with the Sun god.
• In Himachal Pradesh, it’s the easternmost river.

2. Origin and Course

• The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri glacier in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand.
• It enters Himachal Pradesh at Khadar Majri in the Sirmaur district.
• The river forms a part of the eastern boundary of Himachal Pradesh with Uttarakhand.
• It leaves Himachal Pradesh near Tajewala and enters Haryana.
• The total length of the Yamuna is approximately 1,376 kilometers.
• It meets the Ganga at the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh.

3. Tributaries in Himachal Pradesh

• The main tributaries of the Yamuna in Himachal Pradesh are:
  • Tons
  • Pabbar
  • Giri 

4. Tributary Details

• Tons River:
  • It is a significant tributary of the Yamuna.
  • It rises from the Yamunotri region.
  • The Tons is formed by the confluence of the Supin and Rupin rivers.
• Pabbar River:
  • It is another important tributary.
  • It originates from the Chandernahan Lake near the Chanshal peak in the Chirgaon tehsil of Shimla district.
  • A tributary of the Pabbar is the Andhra, Shikri &  Patsari River.
• Giri River (Giri Ganga):
  • It rises near the Kupar peak, above Jubbal town in the Shimla district.
  • It flows in a south-eastern direction and divides the Sirmaur district into Cis-Giri and Trans-Giri regions.
  • Tributaries of the Giri include the Jalal and Ashni rivers.
• Jalal River:
  • It is a small tributary of the Giri.
  • It rises from the Dharthi ranges and joins the Giri (and Yamuna) near Dadahu.
• Ashni River:
  • It is a tributary of the Giri river.
• Bata River:
  • While not a direct tributary of the Yamuna, it’s relevant because the Giri River’s water is diverted to it.
  • It originates below the Nahan ridge.
  • Tributaries of the Bata include the Khara-Ka-Khala and Kanser Khala.
• Markanda River:
  • It is a small river in the Nahan area of Sirmaur district.
  • It rises from the southern face of the lower Himalayas.

5. Catchment Area and Flow

• The total catchment area of the Yamuna river system in Himachal Pradesh is approximately 2,320 square kilometers.
• The river flows for a relatively short distance (approximately 22 km) within Himachal Pradesh.

6. Significance

• The Yamuna’s water is used for irrigation.
• It also plays a role in the transportation of timber logs.
• The river is harnessed for hydroelectric power generation.

7. Geological/Geomorphological Features

• The Yamuna valley exhibits features like interlocking spurs, gorges, steep rock benches, and terraces.