The Ancient Swat River: More Than Just a Body of Water

Have you ever been to Swat Valley? If yes; you must have noticed that the whole valley revolves around the ancient Swat River and depends on it for natural beauty.

The Ancient Swat River as a Reflection of Relationship between Nature and Humanity:

The ancient Swat River is more than just a a body of water. Its journey is a tale of natural beauty and a symbol of cultural richness, a source of life and inspiration. Right from the heights of Hindu Kush mountains down to its confluence with River Kabul, there is a reflection of the intricate relationship between nature and humanity.

Origin of Swat River

Swat River originates from the lofty peaks of Hindu Kush range and the territories of Swat Kohistan by the merging of Usho River and River Utror at Kalam. River Usho emerges from Mahodand Lake in the north-east and drains Matiltan and Ushu valleys. Whereas, River Utror and its tributaries (Gabral, Batal, etc.) drain the western and the northwestern sub-valleys of Kohistan. 

Downstream Kalam

Downstream Kalam, various streams and water channels join the ancient Swat River. The major sources of Swat River include Jalga at Kalam Kohistan, Mahodand and Kundal (Kandol) lakes and a number of streams from the fascinating valleys of Gabral, Gahil, Mankial, Daral and Chail. 

The total number of the tributaries that join the river as a whole, before it finally reaches Chakdara down in the South, is around nineteen. These tributaries fall into the mainstream river and become a lifeblood for Swat, making it a hub of human civilization for thousands of years. It sustains the fertile and densely populated regions of the northern Pakistan from the ancient times that dates back to early Buddhist civilizations and still sustaining them to the more recent time.

Flow of Water

Regarding the flow of water in Swat River, it is fast in the Upper Part of the watershed, where the river winds through the iron walls of the deep gorges and narrow canyons, lush forests, and snow-capped mountains, creating a dramatic and serene landscape. The upper reaches of the Swat River are known for crystal-clear waters, which reflect the surrounding greenery and sky, offering a breathtaking sight. 

Swat River in Madyan and Downstream

Reaching the central valley of Madyan, the river basin spreads to loosens its tight grip and steadify the water flow. Here, the ancient Swat River enters into a changed version with an extended basin. The river basin further widens down in the Lower Part of the watershed and swells into alluvial plains, with reduced flow speed, wider watercourse and shallow basin that characterize this zone of watershed. 

Weather Reflection by Swat River:

The water position in the Swat River also reflects the weather conditions in the valley. The areas around the Rushing Water Zone (RWZ) of the watershed are generally cold and cloudy. The terrains at high elevation provoke cloudiness, rainfall and snowfall by forcing a mass of air upwards. That’s why the winds are stronger at the high altitudes. They are less affected or slowed down by the frictional drag of the ground. While, downstream the mercury level gradually rises in the Sluggish Water Zone (SWZ), with wider water basin.

Journey Through Nature's Splendor

Melting snow and glaciers keep the ancient Swat River flowing on throughout the year. Welcoming the precious water resources by hosting them in its hospitable table, the magnificent river remains a perpetual source of water to immortalize the natural attraction of Swat. Almost all the worth seeing sites of the River Valley of Swat, from mountains to plains, are situated next to the river or depending on it for its richness and unmatched beauty. 

Scenic Beauty About Swat River

If we take the examples of Utror, Gabral, Usho, Matiltan, Glaciers, Kalam, Bahrain, Madyan, Bagh Dherai, Khwazakhela, Sheen, Manglawar, Mingora, Barikot or the areas at the opposite side on its right belt, such as Matta, Ningolai, Bandai, Kanju, Kabal etc, they are all situated beside it. 

Moreover, its aesthetic charm also serves to feed in further earning the Valley the names of Udyana (garden) and Suvastu (crystal clear water) from the ancient sources and the labels of Paradise and the Switzerland of Asia from modern sources. 

The river is a fountainhead of beauty, the reflection of which can be seen virtually in every nook and cranny of the Riverine Merchandise, up from Kalam and down to Barikot.

Swat Green River: A Lifeline for the Valley

The giant river not only invest in the breathtaking beauty of the valley, but also provides water for irrigation, drinking, or other needs. The Swat River's abundant waters support a rich agricultural tradition, with fields of rice, wheat, and fruit orchards, flourishing along its banks. It irrigates vast areas, recharges water wells and springs through seepage. 

Economic Benefits of The Swat River

The Swat River brings with it a number of economic benefits to the dwellers in the form of its countless bounties, ranging from extractive to non-extractive benefits. It gives a number of ecological, social and economic benefits by draining the valley to provide water for irrigation, fisheries, marble industries, water mills, drinking, hydroelectric power generation and production of the best quality of fruits and vegetables. As such, the river plays an important role in the economy of Swat. 

Fish, Waterfowl and Aquatic Wildlife

It is a major source of production of fish and waterfowl, habitat for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, as well as a resting and feeding site for migratory birds. What's more, the river has a great untapped hydropower potential, which can be harnessed for green power generation. 

Unfortunately, the precious water resources are yet to be utilized for the purpose, except near Batkhela, where the water has been diverted for irrigation and power generation purposes. There are also some micro hydro-electric power projects on the rivers and canals  to generate electricity for local usage, but in view of the acute power shortage in the area, there is a dire need for some mega project to tackle this issue.

A Hub of Biodiversity

Besides a source of sustenance for humans, the ancient Swat River is a critical habitat for a diverse array of flora and fauna. The river and its surrounding areas are home to various species of fish, including the Swati trout, which thrives in the cold and fast-flowing waters. 

The riverbanks are lined up with lush vegetation, providing shelter for a variety of bird species, insects, and mammals. The surrounding mountains, which are home to pine, deodar, and oak trees, teem with wildlife. These forests are part of the larger Hindu Kush mountain ecosystem, which is recognized for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance.

Trout Fish:

Trout is a special kind of treat that is present in most parts of the valley. There are also hatcheries both government and private for the nourishment of trout fish. Nonetheless, they are exotic and reportedly enemies to the endemic fish, which they eat for food. Hence the endemic fishes, which are perhaps more delicious than any other kinds of fishes outside the valley, are in danger not only by the tout but also by increasing water pollution and floods. 

Out of endemic fishes, the commonly known is kareray. They are the favourite hunt for the dwellers, who resort to catch them. They are tastier than any other kind of fishes and especially cooked on steel or iron plate and also roughly measured by it. When you ask a locals how much Kareray he has caught he would tell you by the measurement of Tabai, which they mean Tabakhay (the iron or silver plates) used for cooking.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage

The perennial river is a main source of attraction, not only for the locals, but also for the tourists to the valley, who come from far and wide to enjoy the serene environment of the Riverine Resort. It draws tourists towards a range of recreational activities, from fishing and boating to hiking along its scenic trails. 

The valley is also dotted with historical sites, including the ruins of ancient Buddhist monasteries and stupas, which bear witness to the rich cultural past of the region, and the role of the Swat River in it.

Molding Cultures

Like Swat Valley, the ancient river always played an important role in molding cultures through generations for thousands of years, with its unique status. Here, histories, cultures, civilizations and religions grew in the basins of the river, spread to the valley bowls and reached the alpine lakes in high peaked mountains - Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram. 

The Swat River in the Eyes of Historians

The historians who came with Alexander the Great especially hinted to  Swat River. The Buddhists, the Chinese and the greatest Muslim scientist Alberuni also made description to the neat water of Swat Valley. It is also said that the valley gets its name after the clean white water. In the ancient times the valley was called Suvasto or Suveta due to the crystal clear water, which later on became Sawad and then Swat. 

Spini Oba (white water)

In the present day, there is a village by the name of Spini Oba (white water), which may be an additional proof to this fact. Some history books, which can reportedly be traced back to four thousand years ago, the name of Swat River was described as Daryaye Soto, Soti, Suvastu or Soltas. It was also named as Gori (white) in Sansakrat. It is also reported that the river has been described in Maha Bharat. Moreover, the Greek philosopher Aryan also described Swat River in his writings. 

Swat River uring the Golden days of Buddhism:

During the Golden days of Buddhism, the banks of the river and mountains were suitable sites for monks. Hundreds of monasteries and institutions of Buddhists were established beside the river. The whole of the surrounding areas echoed, when the bells rang at the monasteries. 

In this context, besides many other sites, Joggiano Sar at the Mount Elum is especially famous for the Buddhists and Sikhs. There are myths that Gurunanak visited the place, besides other monks.

The Muslims and The Swat River:

Regarding the Muslims, they also used the Swat River and the mountains for their spiritual practices. They still have their places for chella in the various mountains where the saints used to come for spiritual practices. The river is especially famous for the practices like controlling Jinn. 

Swat Nama:

The great Pashto poet, Khushal Khan Khattak also came to Swat Valley in 1050 AD. During his stay, he wrote ‘Swat Nama’ in verse. It was a great contribution to Pushto literature. ‘Swat Nama’ contains geographical, cultural, political and historical aspects of Swat that time. Though disappointed with the behavior of Yousaf Zai for not supporting him in his struggle for power, Khushal Khan especially hinted to Swat Valley's beauty as a royal place.

Environmental Challenges:

Despite its natural beauty and cultural significance, Swat River faces several environmental challenges. Deforestation, pollution, encroachments, and unregulated tourism have taken a toll on the river's health. The River's waters, once pristine, are now threatened by industrial and agricultural runoff, as well as the increasing pressure from human settlements along its banks. 

As we look to the future, it is crucial that we protect this precious water resource of the valley and preserve the unique beauty and heritage of the ancient Swat River for future generations.