Comprehensive Hydro-Geomorphological Analysis of the Beas River Tributary Network in Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract
The Beas River, one of the five major sub-basins of the Indus River System, originates at Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass in the Pir Panjal Range and drains a catchment area of approximately 13,663 km2 within Himachal Pradesh which accounts for 24.5% of the state's total geographical area. This research paper provides an in-depth hydro-geomorphological and eco-hydrological assessment of the Beas River tributary network across its 256 km course in central Himachal Pradesh. The drainage architecture is characterized by asymmetric tributary inputs, where snow-fed, glacial-origin left-bank tributaries (e.g., Parbati, Sainj, Tirthan, and Uhl) originate in high-altitude crystalline massifs of the Great Himalayan and Dhauladhar ranges, delivering high discharge and heavy sediment loads. Conversely, right-bank tributaries (e.g., Solang, Manalsu, Phojal, Sarvari, Binwa, Neugal, Banganga, Gaj, and Chakki) drain steep alpine slopes and low-altitude Shivalik hills, exhibiting flash-flood dynamics during the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM). This paper synthesizes 20 key scientific studies covering snowmelt modeling, GIS-based morphometric prioritization, heavy metal hydrogeochemistry, and bio-monitoring. The study highlights the compound risks of climate change, rapid hydropower construction, and intense urbanization in floodplains.
