•  INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

 

The Shyok River, a tributary of the Indus River, recently made headlines when a mishap took the life of five army personnel during their withdrawal

from a military training exercise. The soldiers were in their T-72 tank at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) area of eastern Ladakh when the equipment was swept away due to a sudden rise in the river's water levels.

 

  •  ABOUT SHYOK RIVER:

 

-Originated from the Rimo Glacier situated in the Karakoram Range within Ladakh, a union territory in India.

-The  river  has  a  unique  southeasterly  to northwest-southeast direction which are crucial in the determination of the river's upstream course.

-The geographical location and characteristics of the Shyok River and its tributaries hold strategic importance given they are in a region that is often a subject of territorial disputes.

In summary, the study of Shyok River offers valuable insights into the geographical complexity of the Ladakh region, the challenges faced by the defence forces, and the intricacies of territorial disagreements in these areas.

northwestern flow pattern. Initially, it moves in the southeast direction, but after joining the Pangong range, it takes a northwestern turn.

-The Shyok valley, encompassing the river, shares proximity with the Nubra Valley. The gateway to both these valleys is Khardung La, located north of Leh on the Ladakh range.

 

  •  TRIBUTARIES OF SHYOK RIVER:

 

-The Nubra River, a significant tributary of the Shyok River, originates from the Siachen glacier. It also imitates the unusual southeast-to-northwest flow pattern of Shyok.

-Other tributaries include the Chang Chen Mo River (merging with Shyok) and the Galwan River that locations its origin in the southern Aksai Chin to later join Shyok.

 

  •  CURRENT RELEVANCE:

 

-The reported incident underscores the difficult terrain and harsh environmental condition that the Indian armed forces work in, especially in the border areas.

-It also shines light on the geographical significance of the Shyok River and its tributaries.

 

  •  GEOGRAPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

 

-The Shyok river's unusual flow pattern indicates the  presence of Palaeolithic fault lines in the