The Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir is built across which river?

Introduction / Context:
Hydroelectric projects on major Indian rivers are important for both geography and current affairs, particularly when they lie in politically sensitive regions. The Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project is a significant dam and power station in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and is often mentioned in the context of the Indus river system and water sharing issues. Knowing the river on which this project is built helps understand regional hydrology and international agreements.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The project in question is the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project located in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The options list the rivers Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Ravi.
• All these rivers are part of the Indus river system or related Himalayan drainage networks.

Concept / Approach:
The Baglihar project is constructed on the Chenab River near the town of Chanderkote in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chenab is one of the major western rivers of the Indus system, originating in the upper Himalayas and flowing through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir before entering Pakistan. The approach is to recall this association and distinguish it from other rivers such as the Jhelum, Beas, Sutlej, and Ravi, which host their own dams and projects but not Baglihar.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Baglihar Dam is often discussed in the context of the Indus Waters Treaty and the Chenab River. Step 2: Note that the project is located near Chanderkote in Ramban district, which lies along the Chenab valley. Step 3: Recognise that the Beas River mainly flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and is associated with projects like Pong and Pandoh, not Baglihar. Step 4: Jhelum and Sutlej have their own dams such as Mangla and Bhakra, but Baglihar is not one of them. Step 5: Confirm that among the given options, Chenab River is correctly linked with Baglihar.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check in any reference on Indian hydro projects and the Indus Waters Treaty will describe Baglihar Hydroelectric Project specifically as being built on the Chenab River. Maps showing major dams in Jammu and Kashmir also place Baglihar on the Chenab. This consistent information from multiple sources confirms the answer beyond doubt.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Beas River: Associated with different dams and lies mainly in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
• Jhelum River: Hosts projects like Mangla in Pakistan, but Baglihar is not on this river.
• Sutlej River: Known for Bhakra Nangal dam and others, but not Baglihar.
• Ravi River: Another Indus tributary with its own projects, but again not linked to Baglihar.

Common Pitfalls:
Because all the listed rivers are part of the Indus system and have multiple dams, students sometimes mix up specific projects. Some may mistakenly connect Baglihar with Jhelum or Sutlej due to repeated reading about Indus disputes. Keeping a small chart of major dams and their corresponding rivers is an effective way to remember these associations clearly for the exam.

Final Answer:
The Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project is built across the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.