INDEX

● East Flowing Rivers:

1. Ganga Drainage System
2. Brahmaputra Drainage system
3. Subarnarekha River
4. Brahmani and Baitarani Rivers
5. Mahanadi River System
6. Godavari River System
7. Krishna River system
8. Pennar River
9. Kaveri drainage system
10. Vaigai River

● West Flowing River:

1. Indus River System
2. Luni River
3. Sabarmati River
4. Mahi River
5. Narmada Drainage System
6. Tapti/Tapi River System
7. Zuari and Mandovi Rivers
8. Sharavati River
9. Bharathapuzha and Periyar Rivers
EAST FLOWING RIVERS WEST FLOWING RIVERS

1. Ganga River 1. Indus River

2. Bhramaputra River 2. Narmada River
3. Godavari River 3. Tapti River
4. Krishna River 4. Mahi River
5. Kaveri River 5. Sabarmati River
6. Subarnarekha River 6. Luni River
7. Brahmani and Baitarni Rivers 7. Bharathapuzha and Periyar Rivers
8. Mahanadi 8. Sharavati river
9. Penna river 9. Zuari and Mandovi rivers
10. Vaigai river

● EAST FLOWING RIVERS(NORTH TO SOUTH)

GANGA DRAINAGE SYSTEM

● The Ganges River originates in the Himalaya Mountains at Gomukh, the terminus
of the Gangotri Glacier.
● When the ice of this glacier melts, it forms the clear waters of the Bhagirathi River.
As the Bhagirathi River flows down the Himalayas, it joins the Alaknanda River,
officially forming the Ganga River(from Devprayag).
● It is joined by the Yamuna at Allahabad.
● The Ganges River Basin is sometimes considered part of a larger river basin
consisting of the nearby Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. Known as the Ganga-
Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) River Basin, it is one of the largest river systems in
the world.
● At Farakka, it bifurcates into Bhagirathi-Hugli in West Bengal and Padma-
Meghna in Bangladesh (it ceases to be known as the Ganga after Farraka).
● Brahmaputra (or the Jamuna as it is known here) joins Padma-Meghna near
Chandpur.
 ● Pollution threatens many fish species and amphibian species(Gharial)and the
endangered Ganges river dolphin (Blind Dolphin).
● The Ganges flows south and east from the Himalayas, forming a canyon as it
leaves the mountain.
● It winds its way through northern India, eventually emptying into the Bay of
Bengal.

Note:
● Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand located on the Bhagirathi river is the highest dam in
the country.

Gharial
The major population of the amphibian occur in three major tributaries of the Ganga
River: Chambal and Girwa(India) and Rapti-Naryani(Nepal).
The Gharial reserves in India are located in three States: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
and Rajasthan.
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.
WPA, 1972: Schedule 1.

1.1. Yamuna River

1. The Yamuna rises on the slopes of the Bandarpunch massif in the Great
Himalayas near Yamunotri (Jamnotri) in western Uttarakhand.
2. It flows in a southerly direction swiftly through the Himalayan foothills and, exiting
Uttarakhand, onto the Indo-Gangetic Plain, along the border between Uttar Pradesh
and Haryana state to the west.
3. The Eastern and Western Yamuna canals are fed from the river at that point.
4. It unites with the Ganga near Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj.
5. The confluence of the two rivers is an especially sacred place to Hindus and is the site
of annual festivals as well as the Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years and is
attended by millions of devotees.
6. Lakhwar dam built on Yamuna river is in Dehradun.
 Peninsular Tributaries Non-Peninsular Tributaries

1. Chambal: Janapao Hills in Vindhya 1. Rishiganga

range

2. Sind: Vidisha Plateau of Madhya 2. Uma

Pradesh

3. Betwa: Bhopal district(Vindhya Range) 3. Hanuman Ganga and Tons

4. Ken: Barner Range of Madhya Pradesh 4. Hindon

a) Chambal River
● It flows through the Malwa Plateau.
● It joins the Yamuna in Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh.
● The river flows much below its banks due to severe erosion because of poor
rainfall and numerous deep ravines have been formed in the Chambal Valley,
giving rise to badland topography. (Arid Landforms)
● Dams on the Chambal
The Gandhi Sagar Dam
The Rana Pratap Sagar
The Jawahar sagar
The Kota Barrage
Jawahar Sagar Dam
● Keoladeo National Park is supplied with water from the Chambal river irrigation
project.

1.2. Son River

● The Son River rises in the Amarkantak Plateau.
● Its source is close to the origin of the Narmada.
● It passes along the Kaimur Range.
● It joins the Ganga near Danapur in Patna district of Bihar.
● The important tributaries of the Son are the Johilla, the Gopat, the
Rihand, the Kanhar and the North Koel. Almost all the tributaries join it
on its right bank.

1.3. Damodar river

1. A river in northeastern India, rising with its many tributaries, notably the Bokaro,
Barakar, Konar and Haharo, in the Chota Nagpur plateau of south-central
Bihar state.
2. Several dams have been constructed in the valley, for the generation of
hydroelectric power. The valley is called “the Ruhr of India”.
3. It used to cause devastating floods as a result of which it earned the name ‘Sorrow
of Bengal’.
4. It follows a generally eastward course for 368 miles (592 km) through West
Bengal to join the Hugli (Hooghly) River southwest of Kolkata (Calcutta).
 5. Panchet Dam and Tenughat Dam exist in Jharkhand while Durgapur
Barrage and Panchet Dam are built in West Bengal.

1.4. Ramganga River

1. The Ramganga river rises in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
2. The Khoh, the Gangan, the Aril, the Kosi, and the Deoha (Gorra) are important
tributaries of Ramganga.
3. It joins the Ganga at Hardoi district of UP.

1.5. Gomti River

1. It is an alluvial river that originates from the Gomat Taal, otherwise called
Fulhaar Jheel, found near the Madho Tanda in Pilibhit district in Uttar
Pradesh, India.
2. After flowing through an incised valley southwards through the districts of Sitapur,
Lucknow, Barabanki, Sultanpur, and Jaunpur, it joins River Ganga near
Varanasi.
3. The river extends to about 900 km with the total drainage area of the river is 30,437
sq. km.
4. The characteristic of the river is perennial. The river is characterised by sluggish
flow throughout the year, except during the monsoon season, when heavy rainfall
causes a manifold increase in the runoff.
5. Tributaries: Kathina, Bhainsi, Sarayan, Gon, Reth, Sai, Pili, and Kalyani.

1.6. Ghaghra River

1. Its source is near Gurla Mandhata peak, south of Mansarovar in Tibet (river of the
trans-Himalayan origin).
2. Its important tributaries are the Sarda, the Sarju (Ayodhya is located on its bank) and
the Rapti.
The river has a high flood frequency and has shifted its course several times.

a) Kali River
1. At the height of 3,600 metres, the River Kali takes birth in the Trans-Himalayan zone
of the Greater Himalayas.
2. It is also called by the names of Mahakali, Kali Ganga and Sharda River.
3. Till the river travels from Kalapaani to Tanakpur, Kali River continuously flows
between India and Nepal, forming a liquid border.

1.6. Gandak River

1. It is formed by the union of the Kali and Trisuli rivers, which rise in the Great
Himalaya Range in Nepal; from this junction to the Indian border the river is
called the Narayani.
 2. It flows southwest into India and then turns southeast along the Uttar Pradesh–
Bihar state border and across the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
3. It enters the Ganges (Ganga) River at Hajipur, opposite Patna after a winding
course of 475 miles (765 km).
4. The Burhi (“Old”) Gandak(originated near Sumesar Hills) flows parallel to and
east of the Gandak River in an old channel.
5. It's important tributaries are the Kali Gandak, the Mayangadi, the Bari and the
Trishuli.

1.7. Kosi River.

1. The river Kosi is formed by the confluence of three streams namely the Sun Kosi,
the Arun Kosi and Tamur Kosi all taking their origin in the Himalayan region
of Nepal(Sapt Kaushik region) and Tibet.
2. River enters Indian Territory about 25 km below the Chatra gorge at Hanuman
nagar.
3. After that Kosi runs in a sandy track and almost in level plains and finds its way
southwards into the River Ganga through a number of channels.
4. The Kosi is well known for its tendency to change its course generally in
westward direction. During the last 200 years, the river has shifted westwards
for a distance of about 112 km and has laid large waste tracts of agricultural
land in Darbhanga,Saharsa and Purnea districts(in Bihar). Also called as
‘Sorrow of Bihar’ due to the devastating floods.
5. Apart from the three streams which form the Kosi, a number of tributaries join the
river in course of its flows through the plains from the right bank. These are
Trijunga, Bhutahi Balan, Kamla Balan and Bagmati.

Note:
Namami Gange Programme
Namami Gange Programme was launched in June 2014 for a period up to 31st March,
2021 to rejuvenate River Ganga and its tributaries. The programme was subsequently
extended up to 31st March, 2026. A total sum of Rs. 16,011.65 crore was released by the
Government of India to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), from Financial
Year 2014-15 till 31st October 2023. NMCG has released/disbursed Rs. 15,015.26 crore to
various agencies during the said period.

Main pillars:
1. Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure
2. River Front Development
3. River Surface Cleaning
4. Biodiversity
5. Afforestation
6. Public Awareness
7. Industrial Effluent Monitoring
8. Ganga Gram

Directions are issued by CPCB for proper management of sewage and industry pollution
from time to time. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is also engaged in
monitoring of Wastewater treatment plants located on the bank of river Ganga and its
tributaries and appropriate directions are issued regarding the compliance and functioning
of Wastewater Treatment Plants.
BRAHMAPUTRA DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Region Name

1. Tibet 1. Tsangpo (meaning ‘The Purifier’)

2. China 2. Yarlung Zangbo Jiang
3. Assam Valley 3. Dihang or Siong, South of Sadiya:
4. Bangladesh Brahmaputra
4. Jamuna River
● Padma River: Combined
Waters of Ganga and
Brahmaputra
● Meghana: From the
confluence of Padma and
Meghna

● The Brahmaputra’s source is the Chemayungdung Glacier, which covers the

slopes of the Himalayas about 60 miles (100 km) southeast of Lake Mansarovar
in southwestern Tibet.
● The three headstreams that arise there are the Kubi, the Angsi, and the
Chemayungdung.
● From its source the river runs for nearly 700 miles (1,100 km) in a generally easterly
direction between the Great Himalayas range to the south and the Kailash
Range to the north.
● Throughout its upper course the river is generally known as the Tsangpo
(“Purifier”).
● After passing Pi (Pe) in Tibet, the river turns suddenly to the north and northeast
and cuts a course through a succession of great narrow gorges between the
mountainous massifs of Gyala Peri and Namjagbarwa (Namcha Barwa) in a series
of rapids and cascades.
● Thereafter, the river turns south and southwest and flows through a deep gorge (the
“Grand Canyon” of the Tsangpo) across the eastern extremity of the Himalayas
with canyon walls that extend upward for 16,500 feet (5,000 meters) and more on
each side.
● During that stretch the river enters northern Arunachal Pradesh state in
northeastern India, where it is known as the Dihang (or Siang) River, and turns
more southerly.
● The Dihang, winding out of the mountains, turns toward the southeast and
descends into a low-lying basin as it enters northeastern Assam state. Just west
of the town of Sadiya, the river again turns to the southwest and is joined by two
mountain streams, the Lohit and the Dibang.
● Below that confluence, about 900 miles (1,450 km) from the Bay of Bengal, the river
becomes known conventionally as the Brahmaputra (“Son of Brahma”).
● In Assam the river is mighty, even in the dry season, and during the rains its
banks are more than 5 miles (8 km) apart. As the river follows its braided 450 mile
(700km) course through the valley, it receives several rapidly rushing Himalayan
streams, including the Subansiri, Kameng, Bhareli, Dhansiri, Manas,
Champamati, Sarabhanga, and Sankosh rivers.
● The main tributaries from the hills and from the plateau to the south are the Burhi
Dihing, the Disang, the Dikhu, and the Kopili.
● The Brahmaputra enters the plains of Bangladesh after turning south around the
Garo Hills below Dhubri, India.
● After flowing past Chilmari, Bangladesh, it is joined on its right bank by the Tista
River and then follows a 150 mile (240km) course due south as the Jamuna River.
● The Jamuna joins with the Ganges north of Goalundo Ghat, below which, as the
Padma, their combined waters flow to the southeast for a distance of about 75
miles (120 km).
● After several smaller channels branch off to feed the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta
to the south, the main body of the Padma reaches its confluence with the
Meghna River near Chandpur and then enters the Bay of Bengal through the
Meghna estuary and lesser channels flowing through the delta.
● The Meghna forms the eastern limit of the Sundarbans, a vast tract of forest and
saltwater swamp that constitutes much of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta.

GANGA-BRAHMAPUTRA DELTA.

1. The Ganges Brahmaputra Delta, also named Ganges Delta,

Sunderban Delta or Bengal Delta is, with a surface area of
some 100,000 km2, the world's largest Delta. Approximately
two-thirds of the delta is in Bangladesh, the rest constitutes the
state of West Bengal, India.
2. The total catchment area of the rivers of Ganga-Brahmaputra
delta is 1.72 million sq km.
3. Downstream of the confluence, the river is named Padma. About
 halfway to the ocean, the Meghna joins the Padma.
4. The Ganga plain of Uttar Pradesh merges with the deltaic
plain in West Bengal through a transitional zone lying in
Bihar and is characterised by the fan-like cones of the
numerous rivers north and south of the Ganga, regarded as the most
fertile regions of the world. Cones are triangular-shaped deposits of
alluvial soil with their base towards plains.
5. On the north of the delta lies the para delta of the Ganga-
Brahmaputra Doab and the Terai belt of the Duars while to the
east it merges into the plains of the Surma and the Meghna
rivers. The delta receives a maximum rainfall of 2269 mm per
year and minimum rainfall of 341 mm per year.

● Sundarbans National Park and Tiger Reserve in West Bengal

contains the world's largest area of mangrove forests and was
declared as UNESCO natural world heritage site in 1987.
● Majuli, an island, also a district of Assam, is known as the oldest
and largest inhabited riverine island of the world, recognised
by UNESCO.
SUBARNAREKHA RIVER

● Subarnarekha River, river in northeastern India, originating at an elevation of 600

metres near Nagri village in the Ranchi region of Jharkhand.
● The Subarnarekha (meaning “Streak of Gold”) flows east through a copper-
mining region and leaves the Chota Nagpur plateau by the Hundrugbagh
waterfall.
● Continuing eastward, it flows across West Bengal state to enter the Bay of
Bengal after a 290-mile (470-km) course.
● The Subarnarekha's major tributaries are the Kharkai, Roro, Kanchi, Harmu
Nadi, Damra, Karru, Chinguru, Karakari, Gurma, Garra, Singaduba,
Kodia, Dulunga, and Khaijori.
● Sonari (Domuhani), a Jamshedpur area, is where the Kharkai joins the
Subarnarekha.
● Getalsud reservoir is located across the Subernarekha, east of Ranchi, and
around 50 kilometers from its source.
BRAHMANI AND BAITARANI

● The basin consisting of Brahmani and Baitarani extends over states of Odisha,
Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh having an area of 51,822 Sq.km which is nearly
1.7% of the total geographical area of the country with a maximum length and
width of 403 km and 193 km.
● The basin is bounded by the Chota Nagpur Plateau on the north, by the ridge
separating it from Mahanadi basin on the west and the south and by the Bay of
Bengal on the east.
● The Brahmani sub basin has a long sausage shape whereas the Baitarani sub basin
extends is roughly circular in shape.
● The Brahmani, known as South Koel in its upper reaches, rises near Nagri
village in Ranchi district of Jharkhand at an elevation of about 600 m. The river
has a total length of 799 km. In its tail reach, the river is known as Maipura.
● The Baitarani River rises near Dumuria village in the hill ranges of Kendujhar
district of Odisha at an elevation of about 900 m and has a length of about 355 km.
The river is known as Dhamra in its lower reaches.
● The important tributaries of Brahmani joining it from left are the Karo, and
the Shakh whereas the Tikra joins from right.
● The main tributaries of Baitarni joining from left are the Salandi and the
Matai. Brahmani and Baitarni form a common delta area before outfalling into the
Bay of Bengal.
● The major part of the basin is covered with agricultural land accounting to
52.04% of the total area and 2.95% of the basin is covered by water bodies.
MAHANADI RIVER SYSTEM

● The Mahanadi basin extends over states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha and
comparatively smaller portions of Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya
Pradesh, draining an area of 1.4 lakh Sq.km.
● It is bounded by the Central India hills on the north, by the Eastern Ghats on
the south and east, and by the Maikala range on the west.
● The Mahanadi (“Great River”) follows a total course of 900 km.
● It has its source in the northern foothills of Dandakaranya in Raipur District
of Chhattisgarh at an elevation of 442 m.
● Other small streams between the Mahanadi and the Rushikulya draining
directly into the Chilka Lake also form part of the basin.
● The major part of the basin is covered with agricultural land accounting to 54.27% of
the total area.
● After receiving the Seonath River, it turns east and enters Odisha state.
● At Sambalpur, the Hirakud Dam (one of the largest dams in India) on the river
has formed a man-made lake 35 miles (55 km) long.
● It enters the Odisha plains near Cuttack and enters the Bay of Bengal at False
Point by several channels.
● Left bank Tributaries are Seonath, the Hasdeo, the Mand, and the Ib.
● Right bank Tributaries include Ong, the Tel, and the Jonk.
● Two important projects completed during the pre-plan period in the basin are the
Mahanadi main canal and Tandula reservoir in Chhattisgarh.

Note:
● Hirakud dam located in Odisha is the longest dam in India.
● Other dams include: Dudhwa Dam; Gangrel dam(both in Chhattisgarh)
GODAVARI RIVER SYSTEM

● The Godavari is the largest river system of the Peninsular India and is revered as
Dakshin Ganga.
● The Godavari basin extends over states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh and Odisha in addition to smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh,
Karnataka and Union territory of Puducherry having a total area of 3,12,812
Sq.km with a maximum length and width of about 995 km and 583 km.
● Accounts for nearly 9.5% of the total geographical area of the country.
● The basin is bounded by Satmala hills, the Ajanta range and the Mahadeo hills
on the north, by the Eastern Ghats on the south and the east and by the
Western Ghats on the west.
● The Godavari River rises from Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of
Maharashtra about 80 km from the Arabian Sea at an elevation of 1,067 m.
● The total length of Godavari from its origin to outfall into the Bay of Bengal is
1,465 km.
● The Godavari is joined by the Dharna, on its right bank and a short distance
downstream the Kadana joins it from the left.
● The river receives the combined waters from the Purna and Dudhna rivers at the
border of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, the waters of the Manjira river
joins it from the South.
● The river Pranhita, conveying the combined waters of Penganga, the Wardha
and Wainganga, which drain Nagpur and southern slopes of the Satpura
ranges, falls into Godavari below its confluence with the Manjira.
● The waters of the Indravathi join the river Godavari downstream.
● The last major tributary is the Sabari, which joins the Godavari, up-stream of
Rajahmundry.
● The largest tributary of the Godavari is the Pranhita with about 34.87%
coverage of drainage area.
 ● The Pravara, Manjira and Maner are right bank tributaries covering about
16.14%, the Purna, Pranhita, Indravathi and Sabari are important left bank
tributaries.
● The major part of the basin is covered with agricultural land accounting to
59.57% of the total area and 3.6% of the basin is covered by water bodies.

Note:
1. The major Hydro Power Stations in the basins are Upper Indravati, Upper
Kolab, Balimela, Jayakwadi, Upper Sileru, Lower Sileru.
2. Important Projects on Godavari River:
● Sriram Sagar Project: Multipurpose project, located across the Godavari
river near Pochampad of Nizamabad district in Telangana.
● Polavaram Project is located in Andhra Pradesh on river Godavari, near
polavaram village.
● The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project or KLIP is a multi-purpose
irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally,
Telangana, India. Currently the world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation
project,its farthest upstream influence is at the confluence of the Pranhita
and Godavari rivers.
(The CAG report highlighted the failed functioning of this project in the
recent report)
● Jayakwadi(Godavari river) Dam in Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra;
Ramagundam Dam in Telangana are some other infrastructures built on the
river.

KRISHNA RIVER SYSTEM

 ● The Krishna Basin extends over Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka
having a total area of 2,58,948 Sq.km which is nearly 8% of the total
geographical area of the country.
● The basin has a maximum length and width of about 701 km and 672 km.
● It is bounded by Balaghat range on the north, by the Eastern Ghats on the
south and the east and by the Western Ghats on the west.
● The Krishna River rises from the Western Ghats near Jor village of Satara
district of Maharashtra at an altitude of 1,337 m just north of Mahabaleshwar.
● The total length of river from origin to its outfall into the Bay of Bengal is 1,400
km.
● Its principal tributaries joining from right are the Ghatprabha, the Malprabha
and the Tungabhadra whereas those joining from left are the Bhima, the Musi
and the Munneru.
● The Koyna is a small tributary but is known for Koyna Dam. This dam was
perhaps the main cause of the devastating earthquake (6.4 on the Richter scale)
in 1967 that killed 150 people.
● The Bhima originates from the Matheron Hills and joins the Krishna near
Raichur after a distance of 861 km.
● The Tungabhadra is formed by the unification of the Tunga and the Bhadra
originating from Gangamula in the Central Sahyadri. Its total length is 531 km.
● At Wazirabad, it receives its last important tributary, the Musi, on whose banks the
city of Hyderabad is located.
● The major part of the basin is covered with agricultural land accounting to
75.86% of the total area and 4.07% of the basin is covered by water bodies.

Note:
Major projects on Krishna River:

1. Tungabhadra Project:
● Located in Hospet, Karnataka
● Producing hydro-electricity, providing irrigation and water supply, and
controlling floods
2. Srisailam Project and Dam:
● Located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
● Irrigation and hydro-electric power generation
3. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam:
● Nalgonda and Guntur districts, Andhra Pradesh
● Irrigation and hydro-electric power generation
4. Prakasam Barrage:
● Located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
● Regulating water flow
5. Ghataprabha Project:
● Located in Chandgad, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra
● Hydro-electric power generation and irrigation
6. Bhima Project:
● Solapur district, Maharashtra
● Irrigation
7. Mylavaram dam:
● Kadapa district, Andhra pradesh
PENNAR RIVER

● Penna (also known as Pinakini, Pennar, Penner, Penneru (Telugu), Pennai (Tamil)) is
a river of southern India.
● This is a unique river in the world where after originating, it flows as two
different streams, one in North and South directions.
● The Penna rises in the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur District of Karnataka
state, and runs north and east through the states of Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh to empty into the bay of bengal in Andhra Pradesh.
● It is 597 kilometers long, with a drainage basin covering 55,213 km.
● Along with this mainstream there is another stream south towards Tamilnadu
with the name then Pennai or south Pennar which further moves towards the
east to empty into the Bay of Bengal.
● The Penna river basin lies in the rain shadow region of Eastern Ghats and
receives 500 mm. average rainfall annually.
● It is bound by the Erramala range in the north, Nallamala and Velikonda
ranges of Eastern Ghats on the east; Nandidurga hills on south and narrow
ridge separating it from Vedavati valley of Krishna basin on west.
● Principal tributaries of Pennar River on the left bank are the Jayamangali, the
Kunderu while on right bank are the Chiravati and the Papagni
● Over time, the Pennar River carved the pink granite rock of Erramala Hills and
formed Gandikota Canyon which is located in Kadapa district of Andhra
Pradesh.
● Somasila Dam is located on Pennar river in Nellore district.

KAVERI DRAINAGE SYSTEM

 ● The Cauvery River/Kaveri River is a significant waterway in the Indian peninsula,
originating at an elevation of 1,341 metres in Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri
range near Cherangala village in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.
● It drains majorly areas of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
● Its total length from source to outfall is 800 km, and it receives important
tributaries from both the left and right sides.
● Principal left Bank tributaries include the Harangi, the Hemavati, the Shimsha,
and the Arkavati.
● The principal right bank tributaries are Lakshmantirtha, the Kabbani, the
Suvarnavati, the Bhavani, the Noyil, and the Amaravati.
● The river then enters the Tiruchirapalli district, where it divides into two parts,
with the northern branch called “The Coleron,” while the southern branch
remains as Cauvery Delta.
● After flowing for around 16 km, the two branches join again to form “Srirangam
Island”.
● On the Cauvery branch lies the “Grand Anicut,” and below it, the Cauvery branch
splits into two, Cauvery and Vennar, which further divide and subdivide into
small branches forming a network all over the delta.
● Kaveri river finally merges into the Bay of Bengal to the South of Cuddalore,
Tamil Nadu.
● The river ultimately drains into the Bay of Bengal.
● Kaveri river, also known as the Ponni river, is famous as the Ganga of the
South.(Godavari is Dakshin Ganga)

Note:

Kaveri Water Dispute:

● The Government of India constituted the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal
(CWDT) on June 2, 1990, to adjudicate the water dispute between the states of
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry with respect to the inter-
state Cauvery water and river basin.
● The Supreme Court on September’ 2023 refused to intervene either in
favor of Karnataka or Tamil Nadu in the Cauvery water dispute, instead it
banked on the combined expertise of the Cauvery Water Regulation
Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority
(CWMA) to manage the water sharing between the two.

Kallanai Dam in Tamil Nadu is the oldest dam in India located on Kaveri River
which was constructed around 100 AD. Other prevalent one’s include Mettur Dam(Tamil
nadu)

VAIGAI RIVER
● South of Kaveri delta, there are several streams, of which the Vaigai is the
longest.
● The basin is bounded by the Varusanadu hills, the Andipatti hills, Cardaman
hills and the Palani hills on the west and by the Palk strait and Palk bay on the
East.
● The Vaigai entirely lies in the state of Tamil nadu.
 ● WEST FLOWING RIVERS(NORTH TO SOUTH)

INDUS RIVER SYSTEM.

● It flows in a north-west direction from its source (Glaciers of Kailash Range in

Tibet near Lake Manasarovar) till the Nanga Parbat Range.
● It’s length is about 2,900 km. Its total drainage area is about 1,165,000 square
km [more than half of it lies in semiarid plains of Pakistan]. It is joined by the
Dhar River near the Indo-China border.
● After entering J&K it flows between the Ladakh and the Zaskar Ranges. It flows
through the regions of Ladakh, Baltistan and Gilgit.
● The river is fed by mighty glaciers on the slopes of the Karakoram range, the
Nanga Parbat and Kohistan highlands. The Indus is joined by Shyok river in
Pakistan’s area of Kashmir. The Shyok, Shigar(on the right bank near Skardu),
Gilgit and other streams carry glacial meltwater into the Indus.
● The Indus receives its most-notable tributaries from the eastern Punjab Plain.
These five rivers—the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—give the name
Punjab (“Five Rivers”) to the region divided between Pakistan and India.
● Near Tatta the Indus branches into distributaries that form a delta and join the
sea at various points south-southeast of Karachi.
● The delta covers an area of 3,000 square miles (7,800 square km) or more
(and extends along the coast for about 130 miles (210 km).
● The uneven surface of the delta contains a network of existing and abandoned
channels. The coastal strip, from about 5 to 20 miles (8 to 32 km) inland, is flooded
 by high tides. The Indus delta has elongated protruding distributaries and low
sandy beaches.
● The river empties in the Arabian Sea, south of Karachi.

Note:
● Harike Barrage, at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej, diverts water into the
Indira Gandhi Canal.
● Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority: Has built Chashma-
Jhelum Link joining the Indus river with Jhelum river. Water from the canal
feeds the Haveli canal and Trimmu-Sidhnai-Mailsi-Bahawal link canal
systems.
● Indus Waters Treaty:
Indus Waters Treaty, treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, between India and
Pakistan and brokered by the World Bank. The treaty fixed and delimited the
rights and obligations of both countries concerning the use of the waters of
the Indus River system.

1.1. Jhelum River

1. The Jhelum rises from a deep spring at Verinag, in western Jammu and Kashmir
union territory, in the Indian-administered portion of the Kashmir region.
2. The river meanders northwestward from the northern slope of the Pir Panjal
Range through the Vale of Kashmir to Wular Lake at Srinagar, which controls
its flow.
3. Emerging from the lake, the Jhelum flows westward and crosses the Pir Panjal in a
gorge at Baramulla.
4. At Muzaffarabad, the Jhelum receives the Kishanganga River and then bends
southward.
5. At the city of Jhelum the river turns southwestward along the Salt Range to
Khushab, where it again bends south to join the Chenab River near Trimmu.
6. Uri Dam situated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district is a major
reservoir.

1.2. Chenab River

1. The Chenab originates from near the BaraLacha Pass in the Lahaul-Spiti.
2. The Chenab is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga, in
the western (Punjab) Himalayas in India’s Himachal Pradesh state.
3. It flows west through Jammu and Kashmir union territory between the steep cliffs of
the Shiwalik Range (south) and the Lesser Himalayas (north).
4. Turning southwest, it continues into Pakistan, descending from the uplands into the
broad alluvial lowlands of Punjab province.
5. After receiving the Jhelum River near Trimmu, the Chenab joins into the Sutlej
and Ravi rivers, tributaries of the Indus River.
6. Its total length is about 605 miles (974 km), and it feeds several irrigation canals.
7. Baglihar Dam and Shalal Dam situated in Jammu and Kashmir are some of the
major dams on the river.
1.3. Ravi River
1. The Ravi has its source in Kullu hills near the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
2. It drains the area between the Pir Panjal and the Dhaola Dhar ranges.
3. It flows west-northwest past Chamba, turning southwest at the boundary of
Jammu and Kashmir union territory.
4. It flows past Lahore and turns west near Kamalia, emptying into the Chenab
River south of Ahmadpur Sial after a course of about 450 miles (725 km).
5. Upper Bari Doab Canal with headworks at Madhopur(Punjab) was completed in
1878-79 which irrigates a large area in India.
6. Concluding the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, which allocated the water of the
Ravi to India, in exchange for which Pakistan received exclusive rights to the
waters of the Indus and its western tributaries.

1.4. Beas River

1. The Beas rises at an elevation of 14,308 feet (4,361 meters) at Pir Panjal range
near Rohtang Pass in central Himachal Pradesh(close to the source of Ravi).
2. From there it flows south through the Kullu Valley, receiving tributaries from the
flanking mountains, and then turns west to flow past Mandi into the Kangra
Valley.
3. After crossing the valley, the Beas enters Punjab state and veers south and then
southwest to its confluence with the Sutlej River at Harike after a course of about
290 miles (470 km).

1.5. Satluj River

1. The Satluj rises from the Manasarovar-Rakas Lakes in western Tibet at a height
of 4,570 m within 80 km of the source of the Indus.
2. Like the Indus, it takes a north-westerly course up to the Shipki La on the Tibet-
Himachal Pradesh boundary.
3. After entering the plain at Rupnagar (Ropar), it turns westwards and is joined by
the Beas at Harike.
4. From near Ferozepur to Fazilka it forms the boundary between India and
Pakistan for nearly 120 km.
5. In Pakistan, it joins Chenab River west of Bahawalpur.
6. It joins the Indus a few kilometers above Mithankot.
7. The combined rivers then form Panjnad.

Note:
The Indira Gandhi Canal(originally Rajasthan Canal) is the longest canal in India. It
starts at Harike Barrage near Harike, a few kilometers downriver from the confluence
of Satluj and Beas rivers in Punjab state and ends in irrigation facilities in the Thar
desert in the northwest of Rajasthan state.

The Bhakra Nangal Dam is situated in Punjab on Sutlej River.

Ranjit Sagar (Thein) Dam is situated on Ravi River in Punjab.

Maharana Pratap Sagar Dam is situated on Beas in Himachal Pradesh.

LUNI RIVER
● The largest river system of Rajasthan, west of the Aravalli.
● Originates near Pushkar in two branches, i.e. the Saraswati and the Sabarmati
● Flows towards the west till Telwara and then takes a southwest direction to join
the Rann of Kutch.

SABARMATI RIVER

● It is a west flowing river which originates from Aravali hill ranges in Udaipur,
Rajasthan and after travelling 371 km meets the Gulf of Cambay (Khambhat)
in the Arabian sea.
● It flows majorly through Gujarat and rest from Rajasthan.
● The tributaries of this river include Sei on the right bank; Wakal, Harnav,
Hathmati, Vartak on the left bank.
● Dharoi dam is located in Mehsana district of Gujarat which was constructed in
1978.
MAHI RIVER

● The Mahi river is also a major interstate west flowing river.

● It originates in the Satmala hills, from northern slopes of Vindhyas at an altitude
of 500m in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.
● It cuts through Tropic of Cancer twice along its course.
● From Ratlam, turning to Northwest enters the Banswara district of Rajasthan
and flows in the south direction.
● Flowing in the southwest direction, it thereafter enters Panchmahal district of
Gujarat.
● After flowing continuously through Kheda district, it falls into the Gulf of Khambhat
in Arabian Sea.
● It is bounded by Aravalli hills in the north and northwest, Malwa plateau on
the east, Vindhyas in the south and by Gulf of Khambhat on west.
● Tributaries of Mahi include, Som on the right, while Anas and Panam on the
left bank.

NARMADA DRAINAGE SYSTEM

 ● Narmada is the largest west flowing river of peninsular India.
● The Narmada originates in the forests of Amarkantak in the Maikala Range.
● Narmada flows westwards through a rift valley between the Vindhya Range on the
north and the Satpura Range on the south.
● The total basin area of the river is 97,410 square kilometers comprising 85,858
square kilometers in Madhya Pradesh, 1658 square kilometers in Maharashtra
and Chhattisgarh, and 9894 square kilometers in Gujarat.
● Its total length from its source in Amarkantak to its estuary in the Gulf of
Khambhat is 1,310 km.
● Dhuan Dhar(Cloud of Mist) Falls waterfall at Bhedaghat near Jabalpur is one of
the largest on the Narmada.
● At Bhedaghat, the river sculpts an impressive rock formation. It is also
characterized by deep gorges at sites like Jabalpur’s famous Marble Rocks.
● It makes two waterfalls of 12 m each at Mandhar and Dardi. Near Maheshwar
the river again descends from another small fall of 8 m, known as the
Sahastradhara Falls.
● There are several islands in the estuary of the Narmada of which Aliabet is the
largest.
● The right bank tributaries are the Hiran, the Orsang, the Barna and the Kolar.
● The predominant left bank tributaries are Burner, Banjar, Sher, Shakkar,
Dudhi, Tawa, Ganjal, Chhota Tawa, Kundi, Goi, and Karjan.
● The major Hydro Power Projects in the basin are Indira Sagar, Sardar
Sarovar, Omkareshwar, Bargi & Maheshwar.

Note:
Recently in September, Narmada and other rivers have caused widespread flooding in
Gujarat and cut off various villages from the mainstream in the southern and central
regions of the State.

Narmada River’s major dam is Sardar Sarovar Dam(Gujarat), which is one of the
important reasons behind the rising levels.
● Gravity dam is constructed of concrete or stone designed to transfer the entire
water load downward.
● It is primarily meant for large scale irrigation and Hydroelectric multi-purpose
projects.
● The Hydro electric Power generated would be shared between the states of
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, whereas the irrigation benefits
can be utilized by Gujarat and Rajasthan.
● Other Dams include: Bargi Dam, Omkareshwar Dam and Indira Sagar Dam.

● Narmada Bachao Andolan is the most powerful mass movement, started in

1985, against the construction of a huge dam on the Narmada river and
dislocation of tribals.
TAPTI/TAPI RIVER SYSTEM

● The Tapti is also known as the Tapi is Peninsular India's second-largest west-
flowing river and is regarded as the Narmada's "twin" or "handmaid."
● It originates at a height of 752 meters in the Multai reserve forest in Madhya
Pradesh.
● Flows for approximately 724 kilometers until emptying into the Arabian Sea via the
Gulf of Cambay.
● The river is a major water resource for Vidarbha and Khandesh.
● The basin spans the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat and
has an area of 65,000 square kilometers.
● The basin is located on the Deccan plateau and is limited on the north by the
Satpura range, on the east by the Mahadev hills, on the south by the Ajanta
Range and the Satmala hills, and on the west by the Arabian Sea.
● The Suki, the Gomai, the Arunavati, and the Aner are all on the right bank.
● The Vaghur, Amravati, Buray, Panjhra, Bori, Girna, Purna, Mona, and
Sipna are all on the left bank.
● The basin is made up of black soils, while Gujarat's coastal plains are made up
of alluvial clays with a layer of black soil on top.

Note:

● Par Tapi Narmada River-linking Project

1. Envisaged under 1980 National Perspective Plan under the former
Ministry of Irrigation and Central Water Commission.
2. The Par Tapi Narmada river-linking project mainly includes the
construction of seven dams:
a) Jheri
b) Mohankavchali
c) Paikhed,
d) Chasmandva
e) Chikkar
f) Dabdar
g) Kelwan.
 3. Jheri reservoir falls in Nashik and is the only one in Maharashtra. The
remaining dams will be in the Valsad and Dang districts of South Gujarat.

4. On May 3, 2010, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between

the Central government and the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

5. In 2015, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) prepared the

Detailed Project Report (DPR), which was later modified with the intervention of
the Gujarat government.

6. In 2022, some tribals intensified their protest against the Par-Tapi-Narmada

river linking project after it was mentioned in the budget speech (2022-23) of the
finance minister.

● Ukai is a 300 MW hydro power project. It is located on Tapi river/basin in

Gujarat, India.

ZUARI AND MANDOVI RIVERS

● The Mandovi and Zuari are rivers in the State of Goa.
● Mandovi is described as the lifeline of the Indian State of Goa.
● Mandovi joins Zuari at a common creek at Caba Aguada, farming the
Mormugao harbour.
● Panaji, the state capital situated on the left bank of the Mandovi.

SHARAVATI RIVER
● Important river in Karnataka flowing towards the west.
● It originates in Shimoga district of Karnataka.

BHARATHAPUZHA AND PERIYAR RIVERS

● The Bharathapuzha is the longest river of Kerala, rises near Anamalai hills. Also
known as Pannani.
● The Periyar is the second largest.
● Mullaiperiyar Dam and Idukki Arch Dam are constructed on Periyar river in
Idukki district of Kerala.
 ● RESERVOIRS IN INDIA:

Reservoir State River

1. Dindi Reservoir Telangana Krishna River

2. Shriram Sagar Telangana Godavari River

Reservoir

3. Gobind Sagar Himachal Pradesh Sutlej River

Reservoir

4. Maharana Pratap Himachal Pradesh Beas River

Sagar Reservoir

5. Ghataprabha Karnataka Ghataprabha River(Tribuary

Reservoir of Krishna River)

6. Hemavathi Reservoir Karnataka Hemavati River(Tributary of

Kaveri)

7. Tawa Reservoir Madhya Pradesh Tawa River(Tributary of

Narmada)

8. Indirasagar Project Madhya Pradesh Narmada River

9. Narmada Dam Madhya Pradesh Narmada River

Project

10. Aliyar Reservoir Tamil Nadu Aliyar River(Tributary of

Bharatpuzha)

11. Manimuthar Tamil Nadu Tamirabarani river

Reservoir

12. Pechiparai Reservoir Tamil Nadu Kodayar River(Tributary of

Tamirbarani)

13. Shoolagiri Chinnar Tamil Nadu Chinnar River(Tributary of

Reservoir Kaveri)

14. Varattu Pallam Tamil Nadu Kaveri River

Reservoir

15. Amaravathi Tamil Nadu Amaravathi River(Tributary

Reservoir of Kaveri)

16. Pambar Reservoir Tamil Nadu Pambar River(Tributary of

Kaveri)

17. Periyar Reservoir Tamil Nadu Periyar River

18. Stanley Reservoir Tamil Nadu Kaveri River

19. Bhavanisagar Tamil Nadu Bhavani River

Reservoir
20. Parambikulam Tamil Nadu Parambikulam River
Reservoir

21. Sholayar Reservoir Tamil Nadu Chalakkud River

22. Thirumurthi Tamil Nadu Parmabikulam and Aliyar

Reservoir River

23. Manjalar Reservoir Tamil Nadu Manjalar River

24. Salal Project Jammu and Kashmir Chenab River

25. Chutak Hydroelectric Jammu and Kashmir Suru River

Project

26. Rihand Project Uttar Pradesh Rihand River and Son River

27. Balimela Reservoir Odisha Sileru River(merges with

Sabari)

28. Gandipalem Andhra Pradesh Manneru River(Tributary of

Reservoir Krishna River)

29. Tatipudi Reservoir Andhra Pradesh Gosthani river(Tributary of

Krishna)