Manawar Tawi River – Overview
Other Names: Rajouri Tawi, Naushera Tawi
Location: Rajouri district, Jammu division, Jammu & Kashmir
Type: Tributary of Chenab River
🌄 Origin & Course
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Formed by the confluence of Neari Tawi & Nowshera Tawi in Pir Panjal Range |
| Districts Covered | Rajouri, Jammu |
| Important Towns | Thannamandi, Rajouri, Nowshera |
| Exit Point | Enters Pakistan from Jammu plains, merges with Chenab near Marala Headworks |
| Length | ~80 km |
| Basin Area | ~2,700 km² |
🌿 Geographical & Cultural Importance
Deep gorges and braided channels are formed near Rajouri.
Traditional name "Tawi" reflects cultural and spiritual significance.
Considered a lifeline for agriculture and daily life in Rajouri–Nowshera belt.
🐟 Ecology and Biodiversity
Noted for 6 fish species, including Labeo boga.
Home to migratory and resident birds, especially near Sunderbani forest range.
Studies on avian diversity highlight its ecological richness.
⚠️ Environmental Issues
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Illegal Mining | Rampant sand and stone mining near Saranoo, Nowshera; damages riverbed |
| Groundwater Impact | Water table dropped by 8–10 ft in nearby villages |
| Agricultural Damage | Over 200 kanals of farmland lost to erosion |
| Flash Floods | Sudden floods in monsoon cause loss of life and property in Bathuni, Dalogra, and Rajouri town |
🧪 Scientific & Research Findings
Remote sensing used to track encroachment & land use change.
Increasing concern over riverbed degradation and urban encroachment.
📜 Manawar Tawi River – Important Points for Exams
Manawar Tawi is a tributary of which river? → Chenab
The river originates in which mountain range? → Pir Panjal
Rajouri Tawi is formed by the confluence of? → Neari Tawi and Nowshera Tawi
Major towns on its course? → Thannamandi, Rajouri, Nowshera
Environmental threat to this river? → Illegal mining and flash floods
❓ MCQ Questions
Q1. The Manawar Tawi River flows through which of the following districts?
A. Baramulla
B. Rajouri
C. Anantnag
D. Kupwara
✅ Answer: B. Rajouri
Q2. Manawar Tawi is a tributary of which river?
A. Jhelum
B. Tawi
C. Chenab
D. Ravi
✅ Answer: C. Chenab
Q3. Which town is not situated along the course of Manawar Tawi River?
A. Rajouri
B. Nowshera
C. Reasi
D. Thannamandi
✅ Answer: C. Reasi
Q4. Which environmental issue is not associated with Manawar Tawi River?
A. Flash Floods
B. Glacier Melting
C. Illegal Mining
D. Groundwater Depletion
✅ Answer: B. Glacier Melting