Hydrology

Hydrology

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is a major source of water for the rural and urban centres of the region, with four major rivers originating from its glaciers – the westerly flowing JiwaNal, Sainj and Tirthan rivers and the northwesterly flowing Parvati river.

The rivers are also fed by perennial waterfalls and streams, and runoff from GHNP’s oak forests. Three major oak types – Ban, Mohru and Kharsu – help maintain water quality for tens of millions of people living on the Indian plains below.

The cold waters of the park’s rivers harbour a large diversity of aquatic fauna which have yet to be studied.