Devika River – Key Points for Exams
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Devika River (also called Gupt Ganga) |
| Origin | Sudh Mahadev, Udhampur district |
| Length | Approx. 55–60 km |
| Flows through | Sudh Mahadev → Udhampur → Vijaypur → Samba → merges into Ravi River |
| Mouth/End | Confluence with Ravi River near Punjab-J&K border |
| Religious Significance | Called “Sister of Ganga”; considered sacred in Hinduism |
| Special Feature | The river flows underground in some parts of Samba, hence called Gupt Ganga |
| Projects | Devika River Rejuvenation Project under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), launched by PM Modi in 2019 |
| Pollution Issues | Increasing urban pollution; efforts for cleanliness under river revival projects |
📌 Importance of Devika River
-
One of the sacred rivers of Jammu region.
-
Known for ritual baths especially during Shivratri & other Hindu festivals.
-
People believe bathing in Devika is equivalent to bathing in the Ganges.
-
It holds mythological and religious value, often compared with Varanasi.
-
Source of local water and culture in Samba and Udhampur.
❓MCQ Questions on Devika River (Samba District)
-
Devika River is believed to have originated from which place?
A) Mansar Lake
B) Sudh Mahadev
C) Patnitop
D) Surinsar Lake
✅ Answer: B) Sudh Mahadev -
Devika River is also known by what other name?
A) Vitasta
B) Tawi
C) Gupt Ganga
D) Vasuki
✅ Answer: C) Gupt Ganga -
Which major river does the Devika River merge into?
A) Chenab
B) Tawi
C) Ravi
D) Jhelum
✅ Answer: C) Ravi -
Devika River flows through which of the following districts?
A) Kathua and Jammu
B) Samba and Udhampur
C) Doda and Kishtwar
D) Rajouri and Poonch
✅ Answer: B) Samba and Udhampur -
Devika River is considered the sister of which holy river?
A) Yamuna
B) Brahmaputra
C) Saraswati
D) Ganga
✅ Answer: D) Ganga -
Devika River Rejuvenation Project was launched under which national scheme?
A) Smart Cities Mission
B) Namami Gange
C) National River Conservation Plan
D) Jal Jeevan Mission
✅ Answer: C) National River Conservation Plan -
In which year was the Devika Rejuvenation Project launched by the Prime Minister?
A) 2017
B) 2019
C) 2020
D) 2022
✅ Answer: B) 2019