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?

Correct Option (D)

Sutlej

Explanation

The Sutlej River is the only river among the given options that directly joins the Indus River. The major rivers of the Indus system in the Punjab region follow a specific confluence pattern before their combined waters meet the Indus.

• The Jhelum River merges with the Chenab River.
• The Ravi River also merges with the Chenab River.
• Subsequently, the Chenab River, carrying the waters of Jhelum and Ravi, merges with the Sutlej River.
• Finally, the Sutlej River, now carrying the combined flow of these rivers, joins the Indus River directly near Mithankot in Pakistan.

Incorrect Options

The other rivers listed are indirect tributaries of the Indus River, as they merge with other rivers before their waters eventually reach the Indus via the Sutlej.

• Chenab: The Chenab River receives the waters of both Jhelum and Ravi. However, it does not join the Indus directly; instead, it merges with the Sutlej River.
• Jhelum: The Jhelum River flows into the Chenab River, making it an indirect tributary of the Indus.
• Ravi: The Ravi River also flows into the Chenab River, thus being an indirect tributary of the Indus.