Tawi

Tawi is a river in the northern Indian subcontinent, primarily associated with the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a right-bank tributary of the Chenab River and is most closely identified with the city of Jammu, through which it flows.

Geography and course: The river rises in the foothills of the western Himalayas, in the Shivalik range, and flows southeast through Jammu. It is crossed by several bridges and forms part of the city’s waterfront, contributing to local water supply and recreation. A notable feature along the river is the Tawi Barrage, constructed to regulate flow for irrigation and municipal water supply, and to support flood management.

Ecology and environment: The Tawi supports riverine habitats and urban ecosystems. In recent decades parts of the river have experienced pollution from urban runoff and domestic waste, prompting local water-management and conservation efforts.

History and culture: Jammu’s growth and history are closely linked to the Tawi; the river’s banks have hosted settlements, markets, and religious sites, and the waterfront remains a focal point for tourism and local life.

Etymology: The origin of the name ‘Tawi’ is not definitively established in available historical sources; it appears in local usage across the region.