Shyok River

Location: The Shyok River flows through the Ladakh region in India, originating from the Rimo Glacier in the Karakoram Range. The total length of the river is around 550 km (340 mi).

Main Tributary: The Nubra River, which joins it at Diskit.

Name Meaning: The name "Shyok" is derived from the Tibetan word for "turquoise," reflecting the color of its waters.

Course: The river flows eastwards into the Siachen Glacier, then curves westward to join the Indus River near the town of Skardu in Pakistan-controlled Gilgit-Baltistan.

Glacial Origin: Like many rivers in the region, the Shyok is largely fed by glacial meltwaters, making its flow highly seasonal, with peak discharge during the summer months.

Importance:

●Strategic Importance: The Shyok River valley is strategically significant as it provides access to several important passes in the Karakoram Range, including the famous Karakoram Pass.

●Economic Activities: Along its banks, the river supports agriculture and provides water for local communities and livestock, although the harsh climate and rugged terrain limit extensive farming.

●Tourism: The Shyok River valley has gained popularity among adventure tourists for trekking, camping, and exploring the stark landscapes of Ladakh.

●Geopolitical Context: Given its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, the Shyok River valley has strategic implications for border security and military operations in the region.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) Consider the following statements about Shyok River:

1. The Shyok River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
2. The main tributary of the Shyok River is the Zanskar River, which joins it near Leh.
3. The name "Shyok" is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning "gold," signifying the rich mineral deposits found along its banks.
4. The Shyok River flows southwards and joins the Ganges River near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Options:

A) Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

B) Statements 2 and 3 are correct.

C) Statements 3 and 4 are correct.

D) All statements 1, 2, 3, and 4 are correct.

Answer: A) Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation:

●Statement 1 is incorrect. The Shyok River does not originate from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas. Instead, it originates from the Rimo Glacier in the Karakoram Range. The Gangotri Glacier is located in Uttarakhand, India, and feeds the Bhagirathi River, a tributary of the Ganges. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.

●Statement 2 is also incorrect. The main tributary of the Shyok River is the Nubra River, which joins it at Diskit. The Zanskar River is a tributary of the Indus River, not the Shyok River. Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.

●Statement 3 is incorrect. The name "Shyok" is actually derived from the Tibetan word for "turquoise," not from Sanskrit and not meaning "gold." This reflects the color of its waters due to mineral content. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect.

●Statement 4 is incorrect. The Shyok River flows eastwards into the Siachen Glacier and then turns westward to join the Indus River near Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan, not southwards to join the Ganges River near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, Statement 4 is incorrect.