Exams

Indus River: The Indus River is one of the most important rivers in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of the Indian Sub-continent. The river Indus flows through India, China and Pakistan. The river originates in the Tibetan Plateau near the Mansarovar lake and flows through the Ladakh area of India and then flows along the entire length of Pakistan and at the end merges with the Arabian Sea.

Top 10 Largest Rivers in India, you would also find the details about Indian River Systems and major rivers of India.

Indus River Details

Origin	Originates from the Tibetan Plateau near Lake Manasarovar.
Other Names	Sindhu, Sindh or Mehran
Length	3,180 Kilometres or 1,980 Miles
Size of Basin	11,65,000 Sq. Kilometres or 4,50,000 Sq. Miles.
Average Annual Water Flow	58 cubic miles or 243 cubic kilometres
Importance	It serves as the major source of irrigation and food production in Pakistan. Serves as the main source of water resources to Punjab.
Reasons For Pollution	Industrial Activities, Industrial waste disposal and Plastic waste.

About Indus River

Indus River is one of the most important rivers of the Indian Subcontinent. It flows through three different Countries, i.e. India, China and Pakistan. The river Indus originates in the Tibetan Plateau near the lake Manasarovar. After flowing through China and India, it flows through the full length of Pakistan and finally merges with the Arabian sea near Karachi in Sindh.

The level of the river Indus varies throughout the course of its flow. The River Indus has been given different names by the people of Different countries through which it flows. It has names such as Indus, Sindhu, Sindh or Mehran. It is one of the most important rivers of the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

The estimated annual water flow of the river Indus is about 243 cubic kilometres which is twice than that of river Nile and thrice as compared to River Tigris and River Euphrates combined. This makes the river Indus as one of the largest rivers in the world in terms of water flow.

The Indus river serves as a significant source of water supply in Pakistan. It also supports a lot of heavy industries in Pakistan. The Indus acts as an essential source of water supply for Punjab as well.

Indus River History

The river was first described in the Rigveda which was written in 1500 BCE, where it is described by the name of “Sindhu”. The word India comes from Indus as in earlier days India referred to those areas which were located near the east bank of river Indus.

The major Indian Civilizations such as Indus Valley, Harappa and Mahenjodaro were situated on the banks of river Indus which date back to 3,300 BC. Till date around 1,052 settlements have been discovered along river Indus.

The river Indus must have been initiated by the early Tibetan uplift following the collision of India and Asia. The river Indus has remained since the early Eocene Times. The river Indus is still located in its original position and has moved only 100 kilometres east since the early Eocene times.

Indus River Map

The Origin of the river Indus lies in the Tibetan Plateau near the lake of Manasarovar. It arises at the junction of the river Sengge Zangbo and river Gar Tsangpo. The River flows through three countries of the Asian continent which are namely India, China and Pakistan. The overall length of the river is approximately 3,180 kilometres which is nearly 1,980 miles. The total drainage area of the river Indus is around 11,65,000 sq. kilometres.

The river flows from the Tibetan plateau and enters into India through the Ladakh region and flows towards Gilgit-Baltistan. The river Indus then changes its course toward the southern region to enter into Pakistan where it runs along the total length of Pakistan. Finally, it drains into the Arabian Sea near Karachi.

The Northern part of the Indus River and its tributaries lies in the Punjab region of South Asia, while the southern part ends in Sindh in Pakistan. The Indus river feeds the world’s 2nd largest underwater delta which is the Indus Submarine fans. The underwater delta so formed consists of 5 million cubic kilometres of sediment materials eroded by the Indus river in the course of its flow.

Indus River System

The Indus River is considered as one of the longest rivers of the world in terms of water discharge as it discharges 243 cubic kilometres of water which is twice as compared to the water flow of river Nile. The total length of the Indus river system is around 3180 kilometres. It flows 320 kilometres or 200 miles towards the northwest and enters Ladakh where it joins one of its tributaries, the Zanskar River. Then it continues to flow 240 kilometres before it enters into Pakistan, where it runs along the total length of Pakistan.

The Indus River System has many tributaries that join the river in the course of its flow. The first tributary that joins river Indus is the Zanskar river which is Ladakh. Then the river Indus is joined by the Panjnad river in the left near Punjab which has 5 tributaries of its own, namely, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.

The tributaries that join the river Indus on the right are Shyok, Gilgit, Kabul, Gomal and Kurram. The Indus river system consists of glaciers and snows as it has tributaries that flow through the glaciers of Himalayas, Karakoram ranges and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges.

The width of flow of the river is determined by the seasonal changes, i.e. In winter season the flow of the river diminishes or decreases drastically. While in the rainy season the banks of the river are heavily flooded.

Indus River Pollution

The Indus river serves as the major source of water supply for Pakistan and Punjab. However, with the rapid industrialisation and unmanaged disposal of sewage into the river system has led to the degradation in the quality of water of River Indus. Water pollution in the Indus river is because of many reasons. Out of which the main reason being the dumping of industrial wastes into the river.

The presence of factories near the bank of river Indus as a major cause of pollution of the river. The disposal of industrial wastes in high quantities has led to the death of many aquatic animals in the Indus river, mainly the Indus dolphins.

The other factors that contribute to the pollution in the river Indus are agricultural wastes which include, sodium nitrate, sodium phosphate and other pesticides that increases water pollution. This pollution affects marine animals.

The river is also polluted by unmanaged and untreated wastes that are discharged into it from the cities. The pollution of the Indus has also affected human health in the city of Karachi. Most of the population of Karachi depends on the Indus for drinking water, and boiling the water will not help in reducing chemical wastes. If no proper action is taken to conserve the purity of the river Indus, then it may lead to a drastic downfall in the number of aquatic animals present in the river.

Indus River Importance

River Indus serves as the major source of water for around 180 million people of Pakistan. The river supplies water throughout the year to parts of Punjab and the whole of Pakistan. The agriculture and food production of Pakistan depends mostly on the water supply from river Indus.

The Indus Basin Irrigation System is the most extensive irrigation system ever constructed in the world. This Irrigation system benefits many farmers in Pakistan for agriculture. The Indus River also acts as a medium of transportation for many people.

The Mangla dam built on the river Jhelum and the Tarbela Dam constructed on river Indus acts as a major source of irrigation and flood control. The two dams were built under the Indus Basin Project.

Short Essay on Indus River

India is a land of many rivers, and the Indus river is one of the most important rivers of the Indian Subcontinent. The Indus river originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through countries like India, China and Pakistan. The Course of flow of the river ends in the Arabian sea.

The River Indus is considered as the largest river in the world in terms of water flow. The river is approximately 3,180 kilometres in length and has a total drainage area of 11,65,000 km2. The river has different names such as Sindh, Sindhu or Mehran.

The river Indus flows from the Tibetan Plateau and enters India through the Ladakh region. It then enters Pakistan and runs along the full length of Pakistan. The River has many tributaries on both sides. The left tributaries of Indus river are Zanskar river, Panjnad River whose branches are River Jhelum, River Ravi, River Beas, River Sutlej and River Chenab. The right tributaries of river Indus include Shyok, Gilgit, Kabul, Gomal and Kurram rivers.

The Indus River serves as an important source of water supply to Punjab. It is considered as the backbone of water supply for Pakistan. Entire Pakistan depends on the Indus river for irrigation and food production. It also supports many heavy industries in Pakistan.

The River Indus acts as a habitat to a large number of aquatic animals. The Indus river dolphin is the species of dolphin that are found only in the Indus river. The Indus also serves as a home to almost 180 freshwater fish species.

However, the growing industrial activities near the bank of river Indus has highly contributed to its pollution. Unmanaged industrial waste disposal is the main reason for Indus river pollution. The agricultural activities also add to the pollution in river Indus. The pollution has affected the lives of many aquatic animals living in the river. If no action is taken to protect the river water from pollution, it can cause severe damage to all the aquatic animals as well as the humans that consume the water from Indus.

10 Lines on Indus River

• Indus River is one of the most important rivers of the Indo-Gangetic plain in the Indian Subcontinent.
• It is the largest river in the world in terms of water flow. The average annual water flow of River Indus is 243 cubic kilometres.
• The Length of river Indus is approximately 3,180 kilometres.
• The Indus Originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through three Asian Countries, that are India, China and Pakistan.
• The Indus Flows through the full length of Pakistan.
• The River Indus has many tributaries on the left as well as on the right side.
• The Indus acts as the main source of water supply for Pakistan.
• The Indus river ends in the Arabian Sea.
• The total drainage area of River Indus is approximately 11,65,000 km2.
• The Indus serves as a home to 180 species of freshwater fish, out of which 22 species of fishes are not found in any other river or sea.

Frequently Asked Questions on Indus River

Question 1.
Where is the Origin of River Indus?

Answer:
The origin of Indus river lies in the Tibetan Plateau near the Mansarovar Lake. It begins at the junction of two rivers, namely, Sengge Zangbo and Gar Tsangpo.

Question 2.
What is the length of River Indus?

Answer:
The Length of river Indus is approximately 3,180 kilometres or 1,980 miles.

Question 3.
What is the importance of Indus river?

Answer:
The Indus river is one of the most important rivers of India as it supplies water to many parts of Punjab and neighbouring states for irrigation and other activities. It also serves as the major source of water supply for Pakistan. The whole of Pakistan depends on the river Indus for irrigation and other agricultural activities.

Question 4.
What are the reasons for pollution of river Indus?

Answer:
The growth of industries in and around the Indus river banks are the major sources of pollution of River Indus. The untreated sewage disposal is also a reason contributing to Indus river pollution.

Godavari River is the second most sacred river which is located in Central and Southeastern India. The Godavari River is one of the longest rivers of the Indian Peninsular. It is approximately 1,465 kms. The Arabian Sea is 80 kms away from the Godavari River. Originating from Nasik in Maharashtra the river passes through many states of the country before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Top 10 Largest Rivers in India, you would also find the details about Indian River Systems and major rivers of India.

Godavari River Details

Name of the River:	Godavari River
Source of Origin:	Nashik, Maharashtra
Location:	West India and South India
Tributaries:	Pravara, Purna, Manjira and Manair.
Length:	1,465 kms
Importance:	Agriculture, Irrigation and Transportation
Pollution: Industrial waste, coal mining, and thermal plants	Industrial waste, coal mining, and thermal plants
Another Name:	Ganga of the South

About Godavari River

Godavari River is known as the Godavari is a river in Central India, rising in Nashik, a district of Maharashtra. It flows in the Deccan plateau and then, to the south of India before it joins the Bay of Bengal The Godavari river rises in the Sahyadris near Trimbakeshwar. It is located around 80 kms away from the Arabian Sea. It flows south-easterly for sound 1,465kms direction through the states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh before it falls into the Bay of Bengal.

The river extends over an area of 3,12,813 kms², which is almost 10% of the area of the country. There are many hills that surround the river on all four sides. The banks of the Godavari river are rich in aluminium soil and are great for agricultural activities.

Godavari River History

The history of the Godavari river is from the Kotirudar Samhita of the Shiva Purana. The origin of the river Godavari, according to the Hindu culture, is due to Shiva and Ganga. It is said that Ganga said that she will agree to stay on the Brahmagiri Mountain if Shiva manifests himself in the area too.

Shiva manifested himself as the Triambakeshwara, one of the twelve of the country and Ganga agreed to stay as a new river. At first, the river was called Gautami river but later it was known as Godavari river.

The Godavari river is the largest river in the Peninsular and the third largest in India. Another name given to the Godavari River is “Ganga of the South”. There are many holy places that are located on the banks of the Godavari River. Every twelve years there is a Kumbh Mela which takes places in the holy areas along the river.

Godavari River Map

Godavari River, known as the Ganga of the South is the largest river of the Indian peninsular. It originates at Nashik, Maharashtra. The Godavari River stretches for 1,465 kms and is one of the most important rivers of the country.

The Godavari River basin covers a territory of 3,12,812 km², which is 9.5% of the total geographical area of India. Godavari river flows through three main states of the country- Maharashtra with a drainage area of 1,52,199 kms², Andhra Pradesh with a drainage area of 73,201 kms² and Madhya Pradesh with a drainage area of 31,821 kms².

Godavari River Basin is bounded by several hills. In the north, it is surrounded by Satmala Hills, in the east by the Eastern Ghats, in the west by the Western Ghats and in the south by Ajanta Hills.

The Godavari River drainage basin briefly covers small districts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before draining into Bay of Bengal.

Godavari River System

Godavari River System originates in Central India and is one of the main rivers of South India. The Godavari River stretches for around 1,465 kms and is the largest river of the Indian peninsular.

Godavari River is a river that runs through many states of the country. Some of the major states that the Godavari River flows through are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It shifts from Central India to Southern India.

The Godavari River is 80 kms away from the Arabian Sea and it drains out in the Bay of Bengal. There are 16 tributaries of the Godavari River on both sides of the bank.

Godavari River Pollution

One of the biggest reasons for pollution is industrial pollution that is growing every year. Companies along the banks of the river and its various tributaries, release tonnes of untreated industrial waste into the river. Due to the vast amounts of industrial waste, it is harming the life of the animals living underwater.

Other sources of pollution that the Godavari River faces is urban and rural sewage and agricultural runoff. Due to these reasons, the Godavari River is critically polluted. In regions such as the Wardha basin, due to the coal mining and thermal power plants, the river is severely polluted.

People that take a dip in the water contact skin diseases and the people that drink the Godavari River water face stomach problems. The main reason for these diseases is the industrial waste which is released by companies along the bank of the river.

Godavari River Importance

There is a lot of economic as well as spiritual and cultural significance of the Godavari River. The importance of the Godavari River has been growing over the years. One of the biggest significance of the Godavari River is that it is the largest river of the Indian Peninsular. Due to this reason, it contributes a lot towards the agricultural activities which happen around the river.

The Godavari River and the Krishna River have their deltas very close to each other. Both the rivers together support more than a crore people of the country. Another importance of the Godavari River is that it is an important inland and national waterway.

Trimbakeshwar, where the Godavari River originates is one of the  twelve of its kind in the country. It holds a great amount of importance for religious communities. Trimbakeshwar is one of the four places in the country where the Kumbh Mela takes place. This Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years.

The tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, on the banks of the river Godavari declared Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism’s eternal Guru. Godavari River is the one where India’s most well-known Saraswati Temple is located.

Many of the great dynasties which rules the country grew along the banks of the second largest river in the country.

Short Essay on Godavari River

The Godavari River is one of the many rivers in India. It is a river that originates in the district of Nashik in Maharashtra. The river is the second largest river of the country and flows for 1,465 kms before it drains into the Bay of Bengal. Another name the River Godavari is known is ” Ganga of South India”. It flows through central and south India.

The Godavari river provides for very fertile land on its bank. Due to the fertile land, there are many agricultural activities which happen on the banks of the river Godavari. It is one of the third largest rivers in the country. It flows through Central India and then through South India before it flows into the Bay of Bengal.

The Godavari River holds a lot of religious importance. One of the main reasons for the religious importance is that on the banks of the river is located, Trimbakeshwar, which is one of the twelve of it’s kind in the country. There is a Kumbh Mela that happens once in every twelve years in Trimbakeshwar.

10 Lines on Godavari River

1. In India, the Godavari River is the second largest and sacred river.
2. The direction that the Godavari River flows is from the central part of the country to the south-eastern part of the country.
3. Godavari river is the largest river on the Indian Peninsular in comparison to the length, area it covers and the water flow
4. The origin on the Godavari River in Nashik in the state of Maharashtra.
5. The Godavari River is 80kms away from the Arabian Sea
6. Godavari River is one that splits into two distributaries before it falls into the Bay of Bengal.
7. Some of the tributaries of the Godavari River are Pravara, Purna, Manjira and Manair.
8. The Indian Navy has a warship named “INS Godavari” due to the Godavari River.
9. It is one of the rivers which originates in the Western Ghats.
10. A name that the river is known for is the “Ganga of South India”.

FAQs on Godavari River

Question 1.
Name the four hills that surround the Godavari River?

Answer:
Godavari River Basin is bounded by several hills. In the north, it is surrounded by Satmala Hills, in the east by the Eastern Ghats, in the west by Western Ghats and in the south by Ajanta Hills.

Question 2.
Where is the Godavari River located?

Answer:
The Godavari River is located in Central and Southeastern India.

Question 3.
Which are some reasons for the pollution of the Godavari River?

Answer:
Companies along the banks of the river and its various tributaries, release tonnes of untreated industrial waste into the river. Due to the vast amounts of industrial waste, it is harming the life of the animals living underwater. Other sources of pollution that the Godavari River faces is urban and rural sewage and agricultural runoff.

Question 4.
What is the importance of the Godavari River?

Answer:
One of the biggest significance of the Godavari River is that it is the largest river of the Indian Peninsular. Due to this reason, it contributes a lot towards the agricultural activities which happen around the river. Another importance of the Godavari River is that it is an important inland and national waterway. Trimbakeshwar, where the Godavari River originates is one of the twelve of its kind in the country.

The river Krishna originates from the Western Ghats and empties into the Bay of Bengal. In terms of water inflows and river basin, Krishna is the fourth biggest river after Ganga, Godavari and Brahmaputra. Krishna river is one of the essential sources of irrigation for many southern states.

Top 10 Largest Rivers in India, you would also find the details about Indian River Systems and major rivers of India.

The Krishna River Details

One of the longest rivers in India, the Krishna river is around 1300km long. It originates near Mahabaleshwar in the western ghats in the state of Maharashtra. Most of the area under the Krishna basin is arable due to the presence of Krishna river. It provides water for irrigation to states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The Krishna river originating from Maharashtra flows through Karnataka before entering Telangana state and finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal at Koduru in Andhra Pradesh. The river delta of the Krishna river is one of the most fertile regions in the country. The flow of the river is highly fluctuating as it is dependent upon the seasonal monsoon rains.

The river passes through four states and witnesses cultural and religious diversity. The river is worshipped in the state of Maharashtra among others and is lined with ghats on its banks. The river is named after Lord Krishna who is worshipped all over the country. The Krishna river basin rich in cultural heritage, flora and fauna is roughly triangular in shape.

A weir at Vijayawada district controls the flow of the river. The major tributaries of the river are Bhima(north) and Tungabhadra(south). The other branches of river Krishna are given below:

Left Bank Tributaries	Right Bank Tributaries
Kolamba river	Venna River
Yerla river	Urmodi river
Doni River	Tarali river
Bhima River	Mand river
Dindi River	Koyna River
Haliya River	Warna River
Musi River	Panchganga River
Paleru River	Malaprabha River
Munneru River	Ghataprabha River
Polavaram right bank canal	Tungabhadra River
	Srisailam temple
	Kondaveeti vagu

About Krishna River

Krishna river is one of the longest rivers in India with its approximate length around 1300km( 800 miles). Krishna river is fed with seasonal rains during monsoon, which makes its flow fast and furious. Krishna river has several tributaries with Tungabhadra being its largest tributary. In terms of length, Bhima river is the longest tributary of the Krishna river with an approximate size of more than 800km.

Vijayawada district, the largest city on the river, controls its flow of water into a system of canals that is further used for irrigation purposes. A number of hydroelectric plants are also situated on the river which harnesses its energy potential.

The river also has cultural importance and is revered as sacred by Hindus. It is believed that all the sins committed can be removed by taking a bath in the river. It attracts people for its Krishna Pushkaram fair, which takes place after twelve years.

Krishna River History

The river bears the name of Lord Krishna- the beloved lord who is worshipped all around the country. A common saying in Marathi which translates into “quiet and slow flows Krishna” is ironic to the mighty Krishna river.

States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are blessed to have the Krishna river which provides water for irrigation. Especially in the case of Maharashtra, the river Krishna has a rich cultural and religious significance. It is due to river Krishna that agriculture and economy thrive in the districts of Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur.

The river Krishna is an eastern flowing peninsular river and is the fourth largest river in India. The river basin formed is triangular in shape and receives most of its rainfall during the south-west monsoon. The riverbank is lined with ghats along the stretch of the river. It was beloved that Lord Rama and Goddess Sita once inhabited it during their fourteen years of exile.

Krishna River Map

The river Krishna originates from the heights of western ghats near Mahabaleshwar and flows majorly through the state of Maharashtra. It then moves into Karnataka before entering the state of Telangana from where it moves towards Andhra Pradesh. Lastly, the river empties herself into the Bay of Bengal.

The river Krishna is a southern flowing river, but it does make a move towards north for a very short period, and the region is thus called “Uttar Vahini” which translates into Northern flow. The flow of the mighty river Krishna fluctuates due to seasonal monsoon rains when its flow becomes both fast and furious.

With the presence of dams in the river, specific issues also arise in the Krishna Basin. The backwater effect which causes flood in the upper Krishna basin system because of the presence of the Almatti dam has been a critical issue. Also, the Koyna dam is said to induce seismic activity in the entire area and is a unique place to study the relation of reservoir induced earthquakes and the correlation between dams and earthquakes.

Krishna River System

The Krishna river is approximately 1300km long and has several tributaries. The largest branch Tungabhadra runs for about 531 km long. The river Bhima is the longest tributary with a total length of around 861 km. This makes the Krishna River the fourth largest river in the country in terms of water inflow and river basin after Ganga, Godavari and Brahmaputra.

The Krishna river has a mighty flow which is fed by the seasonal rains during monsoon. It provides water for irrigation to the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The river system has a rich cultural heritage.

Krishna River Pollution

The river Krishna and its tributaries are polluted in certain urban stretches due to urban pollution and release of the waste directly into the river. As most of the water of the river is being used for agriculture, it is on the verge of death. The river barely reaches the sea owing to urban pollution and use in sugarcane production.

The districts of Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur are sugarcane producing districts. Sugarcane is a water-intensive crop, and the production has doubled in the last decade, putting heavy stress on the river Krishna. Also, effluents from sugarcane mills and refineries release their effluents into the river further polluting the water.

The issue of deteriorating water quality of Krishna river is identified by the Central pollution control board and prioritizes restoration of the river Krishna and its tributaries. Discharge of highly alkaline water from the power stations increases the alkalinity of the water, which is already highly alkaline due to the presence of basalt rock formations in the basin.

Krishna River Importance

The river Krishna has cultural and religious importance in the state of Maharashtra. The river provides for the agricultural economy in the state as it allows for water for irrigation for sugarcane production. Also, the weir at Vijayawada district distributes the water for irrigation and acts as the control system.

The river has several dams and hydroelectric power project plants on it which harness the potential energy of the river. The presence of wildlife sanctuaries also helps in preserving flora and fauna in the Krishna basin system. A few famous sanctuaries and reserves include Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam tiger reserve and Krishna Wildlife sanctuary which is home to a number of migratory birds.

The river basin also has rich mineral deposits of coal, oil, limestone, gold, uranium, diamond etc. in the deposits of Krishna Godavari Basin, Nalgonda, Kudremukh, Donimalai and Yellur. The seasonal rains feed the river during monsoon which increases the level and flow of the mighty Krishna river. The river witnesses an outstanding cultural and religious significance with diversity in language, lifestyle and food.

Short Essay on Krishna River

The mighty river Krishna is the fourth-longest river in the country after Ganga, Godavari and Brahmaputra. It flows through four states, namely Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The river originating from the heights of Western ghats near Mahabaleshwar empties herself in Bay of Bengal in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

The river Krishna hosts Krishna pushkaram fair which happens after every twelve years. It is believed that anyone who takes a bath in the river Krishna will have all of his sins washed away. The river has cultural and religious significance in the state of Maharashtra, where the river is perceived in a feminine form and is called “Krishna mai” which means Mother Krishna.

The river Krishna provides a lifeline to sugarcane producing districts like Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur. Sugarcane is a water-intensive crop and therefore has led to the drying of the Krishna river. The presence of sugarcane mills, refineries and power stations which release effluents in the river Krishna. It has led to an increase in the alkalinity levels of the water. Also, the river Krishna is no longer able to reach the sea due to degradation and overconsumption.

10 Lines on Krishna river

1. The river Krishna originates near Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats and empties herself in the Bay of Bengal
2. The river Krishna is the fourth largest river in India in terms of water inflow and river basin.
3. The largest tributary, Tungabhadra, has a total length of 531 km approximately.
4. The river has both cultural and religious importance and additionally is a boost to the agricultural economy in districts of Sangli, Kolhapur and Satara.
5. The Krishna delta is one of the most fertile regions in the country due to the deposits brought by the river
6. The Krishna Pushkaram river which takes place once every twelve years is a significant tourist attraction.
7. The Krishna Wildlife sanctuary in the estuaries of the Krishna river is home to a large number of migratory birds.
8. The Krishna basin is triangular in shape surrounded by the Western ghats, Balaghat range and the eastern ghats.
9. The majority of the region in the Krishna basin system is arable due to the availability of water.
10. The river has hydroelectric power plants on it which harness its potential water energy.

Frequently Asked Questions on Krishna River

Question 1
Comment on the tributaries of the Krishna river.

Answer:
The river Krishna has a number of Tributaries. In terms of size, Tungabhadra is the largest tributary, and in terms of length, Bhima river is the longest tributary.

Question 2
Explain the importance of Krishna river in the state of Maharashtra.

Answer:
The river Krishna has cultural and religious significance in the state of Maharashtra. The river provides water for irrigation and promotes agricultural economy in the districts of Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur.

Question 3.
What are some of the problems that have arisen in the Krishna river system due to the presence of dams?

Answer:
The presence of Almatti dam causes floods due to the backwater effect in the upper Krishna river basin. Also, the entire region feels seismic activity due to the fact of the Koyna dam in the area, which also helps in the study of the correlation between dams and earthquakes.

Question 4.
Comment on the Cultural heritage of the River Krishna.

Answer:
The river Krishna is named after Lord Krishna. It is lined with ghats throughout its length and is revered as being sacred by Hindus. It was also believed that Lord Rama and Goddess Sita stayed in the region during their exile.

Chilika Lake lies towards India’s East Coast, in the districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam of Orissa. While we call it a lake, it is a lagoon, and the largest coastal lagoon in India as well as the largest brackish water lagoon in the world. It spans an area of 1100 square kilometres and is home to several hundred species of birds and animals.

Chilika Lake Details

Name of the Lake	Chilika Lake
Surface Area	Approx 1100 sq km
Type of Lake	Brackish or Brack Water Lake
Location	Districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam, Odisha, India
Sources	Various streams
Outflows	Two outflows into Bay of Bengal- Mouth at Arakhakuda Mouth at Satapada

About Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is in Orissa or Odisha and is the largest coastal lagoon in all of India and the largest brack water lagoon in the world. Brack water or brackish water refers to water bodies that are highly saline in nature, but not as much as ocean or seawater, and is usually the result of the mixing of seawater and freshwater. This is often seen in water bodies that originate from freshwater rivers and then open out into the sea, such as coastal lakes and lagoons like Chilika Lake.

This lake spans over a few hundred square kilometres, precisely 1100 square kilometres, and is an ecological temple. Over 160 species of birds come to Chilika lake during the migration season, and it is also the endemic home of several species of plants and animals that are now also under threat. Several endangered dolphins have been reported found at this lake, and various species of amphibians and reptiles, too, have been found.

Chilika Lake happens to be the first of various wetlands that are to be protected under the norms of the Ramsar Convention. According to this Convention, Chilika Lake as a wetland is deemed internationally important as of the year 1981. Aside from this, Chilika Lake is also tentatively a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further enhancing and emphasising upon the importance of this water body.

Have a look at the List of Important Lakes in India that you need to know for your competitive exams to score well.

Chilika Lake History

The history of the Chilika Lake has been extensively documented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) through its three stages, as the ASI has divided it. It has been looked at from the point of view of Golabai Sasan, which is a village in the Khurda district of Odisha. It is situated on the banks of Malaguni River (a tributary of Daya River) and the prevalence of woodworking tools and shops here show that it was a boat-building centre, since the river connects the lake to other water bodies. It has even been deciphered that Golabai was a major maritime harbour and a port was located at Chilika Lake.

There is evidence to support this in a 10th century text known as the Brahmanda Purana, which mentions Chilika Lake in context with it being an important centre of trade and commerce. It has been vigilantly documented that several ships would park themselves at Chilika Lake, and many ships would make their way to Southeast Asia from here. To corroborate this, the “Bali Yatra” festival is still celebrated in the villages surrounding Chilika Lake – a festival commemorating a ‘journey to Bali’. These journeys to Southeast Asia commencing at Chilika Lake have also been documented by the Greek geographer Ptolemy.

While scientifically, it has been found through geological evidence, that Chilika Lake was a part of the Bay of Bengal, a 4th century legend tells us otherwise. It is quite worth it to hear what this legend is about, as it adds to the cultural significance of this lake.

This 4th century legend pertains to a pirate king called Raktabahu who had planned to attack Puri with his fleet, and to avoid his plans coming into the open, he took a detour into the mouth of the Bay of Bengal. What gave his intentions away was that the fleet didn’t dock, and this waried the villagers to gather their belongings and run away before they were attacked. At this, Raktabahu directed his anger to the sea, which opened up and swallowed his army, and thus, the legend says, led to the birth of the Chilika Lake.

Chilika Lake Map

Chilika Lake is located such that the Eastern Ghats hills are right by the western and southern parts of the lake. Towards the north is Rejhansa, a barrier beach between the lake and the Bay of Bengal. The northern shore of the lake lies in Khurda and the western shore lies in Ganjam district in Odisha. There is an outer channel of about 32 kilometres which connects Chilika Lake with the Bay of Bengal somewhere near Arakhuda village, at an opening called Magarmukha, but this is the old channel. A new one was artificially created by the local fishermen to gain regular access to the sea, at Satpada.

Here, it is important to note that the Chilika Lake is an ephemeral lake, meaning that its surge is constantly changing, especially seasonally. The depth of the lake varies between 0.3 metres to 4.2 metres. During the dry summer seasons, the depth falls to a minimum of 0.3 metres and maximum of 0.8 metres, while the rainy seasons sees heights like 1.8 metres to 4.2 metres.

There are several islands in and around Chilika Lake, which come together with the Peninsula of Malud to create what is termed the Krishnaprasad Revenue Block. The islands of Chilika Lake that hold the most significance are Parikud Island, Barahpura Island, Nalbana Island, Phulbari Island, Nuapada Island and Tampara Island. These channels are connected to the shores of the lake through narrow, shallow channels.

Chilika Lake System

The Chilika Lake is supplied its water by various sources from different directions. On the northern side, tributaries of the Mahanadi River provide a water supply to the lake. The Mahanadi River trifurcates at the city of Cuttack, and two out of three of its branches connect with the Chilika Lake. From the Mahanadi River is where Chilika Lake receives its highest amount of freshwater supply, which is 61 percent.

On the western side, there are approximately 52 river channels which feed Chilika Lake, from different sources including those from Tarimi River, Kusumi River, Janjira River and also Kansari River. Thirdly and lastly, the Bay of Bengal feeds the lake from the eastern side, which is where the saline part of the lake comes from. Thus, the Chilika Lake is brackish in nature, because of its different inflows.

Chilika Lake Pollution

Chilika Lake faces various threats to its ecosystem because of the pollutants brought in from the rivers that feed it. Since there are only smaller villages that surround Chilika Lake, the amount of industrial effluent and other similar pollutants is relatively less, and the pollutants which are there are majorly resultant of the rivers that bring them in.

The largest threat is, of course, plastic waste, because plastic waste exists everywhere, unlike factory waste. The amount of microplastics has severely increased over the last few years, which is mostly residual from the rivers and channels flowing into the lake.

To add to the pollutants that now exist in the lake, there is also a high level of turbidity in the water of Chilika Lake. Turbidity refers to when water bodies lose their translucency and become less and less see-through as they become more polluted.

Chilika Lake Importance

Chilika Lake is important in ecology because of the large number of species to which it is an endemic home. Fauna that flourishes in brackish water includes microalgae, marine seaweeds, sea grasses, fish, crab, etc. which are commonly found in Chilika Lake. Research finds that about 152 endangered dolphins have also been found swimming around the Chilika Lake, along with the 37 species of reptiles and amphibians to which it is home.

Chilika Lake is also an important place of bird migration, where species of birds all the way from places like Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Aral Sea, Russia, the Himalayas, and several other places fly here. This includes about a 160 different species of birds, out of which almost half are terrestrial birds. There are 225 species of fish including phytoplanktons, and also more than 350 species of non-aquatic plants in the Chilika Lake.

The lake is an important place for humans along with animals and plants, as it provides sustenance in the form of fishing grounds for several fishermen in the surrounding villages of the lake. Chilika Lake was the first wetland of international importance which came under the provisions of the Ramsar Convention of 1981, and is also a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Short Essay on Chilika Lake – 200 Words

Chilika Lake is the largest brackish lake in the world and the largest coastal lake in India, spanning a surface area of about 1100 square kilometres. The Chilika Lake was the first wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1981, and is even a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is situated spanning three districts of Odisha, which are Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts. It flows out into the Bay of Bengal from two mouths; one is situated at Arakhakuda, a small village, and the other at Satapada, another village.

The proportions of the lake change seasonally, where it is about 0.3 metres in depth at minimum during the dry summers, and goes to about 4.2 metres during the rainy seasons.

The Chilika Lake is fed by the offshoots of the Mahanadi River on the north, several river channels on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east, which all contribute to the brackish nature of the water.

Because of its brackish nature, it is home to several flora and fauna including microalgae, sea grasses, seaweeds, birds, reptiles and amphibians. It is also an important resource for fishermen that live in the surrounding villages of the lake.

10 Lines about Chilika Lake

1. Chilika Lake is situated in Odisha, India, spanning 3 districts namely Puri, Khurda and Ganjam.
2. Chilika Lake was the first wetland covered under the Ramsar Convention of 1981 and holds international importance.
3. At its maximum, Chilika Lake rises 4.2 metres in depth and 0.3 metres in depth at its minimum.
4. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the largest brackish lagoon in the world.
5. It attracts over 150 migratory birds every year from around the world.
6. Chilika Lake has 37 species of reptiles and amphibians present, and also many species of flora which thrive in brackish waters.
7. It is fed by tributaries of the Mahanadi River, several other river channels and also the Bay of Bengal.
8. There are many islands in the lake connected to the mainland by narrow and shallow channels.
9. The lake has 2 mouths opening to the Bay of Bengal, one is the older Arakhakuda mouth and the other is the newer Satapada mouth.
10. Most of the pollution of Chilika Lake consists of pollutants brought from the rivers which feed it.

FAQs on Chilika Lake

Question 1.
What is the size of Chilika Lake?

Answer:
The size of Chilika Lake depends upon the season it is at the time:

• In dry seasons:
  • It is 0.3 metres to 0.8 metres in depth
  • The surface area reduces to around 900 sq kms
• In rainy seasons:
  • It is 1.8 metres to 4.2 metres in depth
  • The surface area surges to about 1100 sq kms

Question 2.
Where is Chilika Lake located?

Answer:
Chilika Lake is located in three districts of Odisha, India, which are Puri, Khurda and Ganjam. It opens at Arkhakuda village and also in Satapada village to the Bay of Bengal.

Question 3.
What kind of flora and fauna does Chilika Lake have?

Answer:
Chilika Lake, since it has brackish water, has a lot of microalgae, seaweed, etc. and also has several species of birds. It i widely known for its endemic and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, which attract many tourists. There are also many species of reptiles and amphibians that are found in Chilika Lake.

Question 4.
Does Chilika Lake come under the Ramsar Convention?

Answer:
Yes, Chilika Lake was the first wetland that was declared to have international importance under the Ramsar Convention in the year 1981.

Kaveri is like a lifeline to two South Indian states- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which runs to the Bay of Bengal. It is the basic source of water for utilisation for most purposes, including drinking, electricity, and irrigation. People in South India believe it to be Goddess for the farmers to serve their crops throughout the year. Also, it falls in the category of being holy rivers of India.

Top 10 Largest Rivers in India, you would also find the details about Indian River Systems and major rivers of India.

Kaveri River Details

Name of the River	Kaveri River
Source of Origin	Talakaveri in Brahmagiri, in Kodagu district, Karnataka
Location	Western Ghats of Karnataka
Tributaries	Harangi River Arkavathi River Noyyal River Hemavati River Kabini River Lakshmana Tirtha Bhavani River Amaravathi River
Length	800 Kilometer
Importance	Drinking-Water, Domestic Use, Irrigation, Sacred river as Goddess Kaveriamma
Pollution	Domestic water discharge, Nitrates in sediment samples, sewage waste, and agricultural runoff

About Kaveri River

Kiver Raveri is also famous with the name of River Cauvery, which originates from the Western Ghats in Karnataka in south India. The elevation of the river is 1,341 meters above sea level and flows for 800 kilometres. It flows from Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. People worship it in the name of Goddess Kaveriamma. In South India, it falls as the third largest river after Krishna and Godavari. It has many tributaries flowing along with it.

The direction of the flow of water with Kaveri river is southeast originating from Kodagu district in Karnataka. Also, it flows through the Chamarajanagar district, which gives rise to the island Shivanasamudra. It is the basic source of water for the people residing in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Also, it is the source of hydroelectricity for them. For centuries, this river serves for irrigating crops. It is like lifeblood to the major cities in the states.

Kaveri River History

Flowing for 800 kilometres before entering the Bay of Bengal, River Kaveri has major historical significance. This river has been a sign of inspiration for major civilizations. The course of River Kaveri is the birthplace for many forms of art, philosophy, and culture. The journey through the Western Ghats from its birth from Talakaveri is believed to high historical and cultural importance. It is an eastern flowing river that forms a delta on the eastern coastline before it falls into the Bay of Bengal.

The history of the Kaveri River is associated with Sivasamudram Waterfalls and Hogennekkal waterfalls. Also, it is famous for The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary built by its side. The meaning of the river Kaveri is Ponni. Kaveri has major significance for its sacred importance as believed by the people. People of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu associate this river with Goddess Kaveriamma. Thus it has major, major significance in Hinduism.

Kaveri River Map

Kaveri River stretches for 800 kilometres before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. The major part of the river flows through two states of India- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It flows for 320 Kilometers in Karnataka and 416 Kilometres in Tamil Nadu. The river flow direction is from North West to South East, built since the 2nd century AD. It is a dense river that forms the delta before joining the Bay of Bengal.

There are several tributaries formed by River Kaveri, which further form small sub-tributaries. Some of the known tributaries formed by river Kaveri in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are:

• Arakavathy (area covered 4351 sq. km)
• Hemavathy (area covered 5410 sq. km)
• Harangi (area covered 717 sq. km)
• Kabini (area covered 7040 sq. km)
• Shimshal (area covered 8469 sq. km)
• Lakshmana Thirtha
• Suvarnavathy (area covered 1787 sq. km)

Kaveri River System

River Kaveri is the sacred river of South India, which flows over 800 kilometres in the Peninsular region of Western Ghats. It has a great association with Hinduism as Hindus believe it to associate with Goddess Kaveriamma. It falls in the category of holy rivers in India. This river is the basic source of everyday water usage in the two major states of India. Kaveri is an astern flowing river that has a catchment area of around 81,155 square kilometres.

The major part of the river flows from Tamil Nadu, around 420 kilometres, and the rest from Karnataka and Kerala. Over the decades, this river has provided livelihood to many people. The largest temple is built at the place of its origin for Goddess Kaveri.

Kaveri River Pollution

Untreated effluents have been the major cause of polluting river water. Also, Kaveri has become one of the victims of it. This untreated waste becomes the reason for polluting water, which is the major source for domestic use. There have been noticed changes in the Kaveri River due to waste disposal in it over the years.

Not only this, there is one more reason for the cause of water pollution that is depleting forests that resided on the banks of the river. Also, people are disposing of their untreated sewage waste in the river. In the last 20 years, there has been a decline in 28 per cent of forest area on the banks of the river Kaveri. One reason behind such is an urban settlement. It is has deprived of the water quality of the river. The untreated waste from the paper mill of Madhya Pardesh is also one reason for polluting Kaveri water.

Kaveri River Importance

Kaveri River has spiritual and historical importance in India’s history. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu believe it to be a sacred and holy river associated with Goddess Kaveri. Also, a huge temple is built on the river’s birthplace to pay tribute to Goddess Kaveri. Without a doubt, this river has provided livelihood to many people. Also, it has been the basic source of drinking water and for domestic use. This eastern flowing river is the third largest South India river that flows through the Western Ghats from North West to South East.

There are several dams built over Kaveri, and thus it is the basic source of hydroelectricity for the two major states- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The importance and tales for this river remain unlimited to discuss.

Short Essay on Kaveri River

Kaveri River is the basic source of water for two major states of South India. It provides livelihood to the farmers for irrigation and agriculture. Also, the good number of dams built over the river generates good hydro-power. The river covers three states and a union territory and flows towards the south-east, originating in the Northwest direction.

The origin of the river is at Brahmagiri Hills in Kodagu district of Karnataka. At the origin of the river at Talakaveri, a huge temple is built in association with Goddess Kaveri. Thus for Hindu people, it is a holy and sacred river of South India. Extending to 800 kilometres, this river drains into the Bay of Bengal and forms a delta at its end.

This river forms two islands after it splits in Karnataka- Shivanasamudra, and Srirangapatna. The third island is formed in Tamil Nadu named Srirangam. It is a dense river that spreads over the area of 81,155 sq. km. Major tributaries formed by river Kaveri includes Arakavathy, Hemavathy, Harangi, Kabini, Shimshal, Lakshmana Thirtha, and Suvarnavathy.

The major water source for Banglurur, the IT city, is the Kaveri River, which stores water at Torekandanahalli. The major dams built over the Kaveri River include Upper Anicut in Tamil Nadu, the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam (KRS) built-in Mandya, and three other dams Amaravati Dam, Mettur Dam, and Kalani Dam constructed in Tamil Nadu.

10 Lines On Kaveri River

• Kaveri River is the sacred river of South India that originated from Karnataka and flowed through Tamil Nadu.
• It is the basic water source for irrigation, agriculture, domestic use, and electricity generation in the two states.
• The river extends to 800 kilometres forming a delta before it falls to the Bay of Bengal.
• It is the third-largest South Indian river that gives birth to several tributaries, which further form sub-tributaries.
• Kaveri forms islands of Srirangapatnam and Sivanasamudra in Karnataka.
• It has the greatest importance in Indian history for Hindu people. They associate it with Goddess Kaveri.
• The catchment of the Kaveri River covers the area of 81,155 sq. km.
• The head of the Kaveri river is TalaKaveri, which is the birthplace of the river.
• About 28 percent of forest clearance is observed near the Kaveri River banks for the last 20 years.
• There are many stories associated with Kaveri. However, the tale of Lopamudra is the major one.

FAQs On Kaveri River

Question 1.
From where Kaveri originates?

Answer:
Beginning from Talakaveri, Kodagu district of Karnataka, Kaveri flows through the Western Ghats in the South-East direction. The river flows through the two major South Indian states- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Some part of it flows through Kerala and one Union Territory.

Question 2.
What is the historical importance of the Kaveri River?

Answer:
River Kaveri is famous as a holy and sacred river of South India. People, especially in Tamil Nadu, associate it with Goddess Kaveri. Another historical importance of the river is the tale of Lopamudra and Agastya’s Wife.

Question 3.
What is the other name of the Kaveri River?

Answer:
Kaveri has another name as Cauvery. This is an anglicised name of the Kaveri River. This river has been serving people for the past many decades.

Question 4.
What is the name of the Kaveri River in Karnataka?

Answer:
The river is famous with the name of Lopamudra in its origin state. Also, it is famous as Agastya’s Wife. Agastya married Lopamudra for her beauty. He kept Lopamudra hidden in the water pot and hence famous for this historical story.

The Yamuna river is one of the largest tributaries of the Ganges and originates from Champasar (Yamunotri) Glacier. It is widely known for its historical significance related to Lord Krishna. The Yamuna River runs through Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, meeting the Ganga River at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, UP.

Top 10 Largest Rivers in India, you would also find the details about Indian River Systems and major rivers of India.

Name of the River	Yamuna River
Source of Origin	Yamunotri Glacier, Bandarpunch Peak, Uttarkashi district in Uttaranchal
Location	Northern India – Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
Tributaries	Tons, Hindon, Sindh, Kens, Chambal,
Length	1376 kilometres (855 mi) approx.

About Yamuna River

The Yamuna River is the longest tributary in all of India, running a length of approximately 1376 kilometres, which is about 855 miles. It is also the second largest tributary of the river Ganga and is highly responsible for maintaining the alluvial fertility of the soil in the regions through which it passes.

The Yamuna River originates in the Himalayas, at the Yamunotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand close to Dehradun, at the mighty altitude of 6387 metres. In a town called Yamunotri, this glacier starts and extends for 1376 kilometres as the river Yamuna that brings great solace and fertility to the lands that it passes on its way to Prayagraj.

At the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj or Allahabad, the Kumbh Mela is held every twelve years, as it is the place where Lord Ganesha was said to have offered penance. The occurrence of the festival here majorly adds to the sacredness of the river, which is often equated to that of the Ganga as well.

To add to the river’s sacredness, one of the many notable things about the Yamuna River is that at its origin, there is a hot water body emerging from it, which is said to be so hot that if a bag of potatoes or rice is put in it, it will cook. People often use the water of the Yamuna at Yamunotri for this purpose as well.

Yamuna River History

There are a few stories that have been told about how the Yamuna River was given its name. One story is closely linked to the river Ganga and goes that “yama” is the Sanskrit word for “twin,” and the sacredness of both rivers is equated in that the ganga and Yamuna Rivers can be called twins.

The other, more widely told story, relates to the goddess Yamuna. She was the daughter of Surya, the sun god; her brother was Yama, the god of death. Because Yamuna’s brother was the god of death, it was believed, and still is, to this day, that taking a dip in the holy water of the Yamuna River will rid one of the fear of death.

The history of the Yamuna River is also very closely linked with Lord Krishna, who, as a young child, crossed the river with his father Vasudev. Lord Krishna spent a lot of his time by the Yamuna River as he was growing up and, thus, the river is also very significant to the followers of Hinduism and especially those of Lord Krishna.

Yamuna River Map

One of the most major rivers in Northern India, the Yamuna River originates in the lower Himalayas, specifically in the Bandarpunch Peak in the Uttarkashi district of Uttaranchal. The origin of the Yamuna River lies in the Yamunotri Glacier in the town of Yamunotri in this Uttarkashi district. From here, the river makes its way to Himachal Pradesh at Paonta Sahib and enters Haryana.

In Haryana, at the Hathni Kund Barrage, the Yamuna River splits into the Western Canal and Eastern Canal, and then the river enters the city of Delhi. From Delhi, the Yamuna makes its way to Uttar Pradesh, passing through various important cities like Mathura, Agra, Etawah, and then on to its final destination, Prayagraj or Allahabad. At Allahabad lies the Triveni Sangam, where the sacred Yamuna River meets the sacred Ganges.

All throughout, the Yamuna River stretches to about 1376 kilometres and is responsible for taking care of approximately 57 million people along its way. This not only includes sustaining people for drinking water and water to be used for cooking and cleaning, but also for irrigation purposes in the fields on the banks of the Yamuna River as well.

Yamuna River System

The Yamuna River itself is a tributary of the Ganga River, but the Yamuna also has several tributaries of its own. The following are the most important tributaries of the Yamuna River:

• Tons River: This river also originates at the Bandarpunch Peak in the lower Himalayas and is the Yamuna River’s largest tributary. Tons River meets the Yamuna close to Dehradun, under Kalsi.
• Sindh River: This river originates on the Malwa Plateau from Central India and flows north-eastwards to meet Yamuna in Etawah in Uttar Pradesh.
• Hindon River: Originating in Saharanpur between the Shivalik and Himalayan mountain ranges, the Hindon River meets the Yamuna just outside of Delhi towards the Uttar Pradesh side.
• Ken River: This river finds its origin in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and meets the Yamuna in a village called Chilla near Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh.
• Chambal River: Originating in the Vindhya Ranges of Madhya Pradesh, Chambal River merges with the Yamuna near Sohna Gaon in Etawah.
• Betwa or Vetravati River: This river originates in the Vindhya Ranges and meets the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh at Hamirpur Town.

Yamuna River Pollution

In recent years, more than its sacredness, the Yamuna River has come to be known for how polluted it has gotten. Owing to many years of dumping city waste such as the propelling of sewage, drainage, garbage and dirt into the river, the Yamuna is one of the most polluted rivers in the world today. Industries are also responsible for having dumped their waste in the Yamuna River, adding to its desecration and pollution.

Efforts have been made over the years to clean up the river, but only in vain due to corruption, dirty politics and laziness of the people in charge of cleaning the Yamuna that came in the way. Thus, the river remains a dumping ground for all sorts of waste. This is due to lack of awareness, or lack of care despite awareness.

Toxic waste emptied into the river is not only harmful for the people, households and crops that are dependent on the river, but also the aquatic life that lives in the river. The oxygen levels of the river are reduced, leading to the killing of aquatic life in the river, terrible odours and also a high amount of turbidity of the water.

Importance of the Yamuna River

The Yamuna River is incredibly important for Northern India for several reasons, one of them being that its deposits help maintain the fertility of the soil in the regions it passes, as mentioned before. People living near to the banks of the Yamuna use its flowing water for several purposes, which mostly accounts for irrigation purposes. The Yamuna River is responsible for providing water supply to all four states through which it passes, and it is accountable for approximately 70 percent of Delhi’s water system.

Aside from providing sustenance to tonnes of people, the Yamuna River is also home to a lot of wildlife, such as the Asian Elephant. The forests in the Shivalik Mountains through which Yamuna passes is home to many herds of Asian Elephants and the river acts as a safe passageway for the elephants to cross between forests and such.

For stringent devotees of Hinduism, the Yamuna River holds immense importance, as it is one of the most important places associated with Lord Krishna, Yama the god of death, Surya the sun god, and Yamuna the goddess of the river herself. Taking a dip in the Yamuna River is considered very holy and a true spiritual event, as the river is considered to be almost as holy as the Ganga herself.

Short Essay on Yamuna River

The Yamuna River is one of the largest tributaries of the Ganga and also one of the longest. It has a length of about 1376 kilometres from the point where it starts to the point where it meets the Ganga. The origin of the Yamuna River is at Bandarpunch Peak in the lower Himalayas from Yamunotri Glacier and it meets Ganga River at Triveni Sangam at Allahabad.

Yamuna is considered to be a very holy river as a large part of its history is attached to Lord Krishna. Alongside, the river was named after goddess Yamuna, who was the daughter of Surya (the sun god) and Yama (the god of death). Because of this, it is also historically significant to Hindu devotees.

The Yamuna River has several tributaries, the most important of which are the Tons River, Sindh River, Hindon River, Ken River, Betwa River and Chambal River. Some of these rivers originate from the Himalayas or Shivalik Mountains and the others come from the Vindhya Ranges and other parts of Central India.

Recently, the Yamuna River has been found to be very polluted because of all the city waste that is being dumped in it. While the river provides sustenance to 57 million people along its way, the people do not give it the appropriate respect. Sewage, garbage, toxic industrial waste, etc. is dumped in the Yamuna without any remorse. Even with government plans to rehabilitate the river, it has not yet worked out and remains in the same dirty condition.

10 Lines of Yamuna River

1. The Yamuna River is the longest tributary of the Ganga.
2. The length of the Yamuna River is approximately 1376 kilometres (855 miles).
3. The Yamuna River has a lot of religious significance as Lord Krishna spent his childhood beside it.
4. Yamuna originates at Bandarpunch Peak in Uttaranchal at the Yamunotri Glacier.
5. The Yamuna River meets the Ganga at Triveni Sangam in Allahabad, where the Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years.
6. The Yamuna River has several tributaries and its main ones are Tons River, Hindon River, Ken River, Betwa River, Sindh River and Chambal River.
7. The Yamuna River was named after the goddess Yamuna who was the daughter of the sun god Surya and the god of death Yama.
8. Recently, the Yamuna River has become highly polluted due to the dumping of waste by the cities.
9. The Yamuna passes through several states, namely Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
10. The Yamuna River provides sustenance to about 57 million people for drinking water, non-drinking water and for irrigation for crop fields.

Frequently Asked Questions about Yamuna River

Question 1.
How did Yamuna River get its name?

Answer:
Yamuna River is named after the goddess Yamuna, who was the daughter of Surya, the sun god, and the sister of Yama, the god of death. Another story says that because the Yamuna and Ganga are both considered to be very sacred, and “yama” is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘twin’, the origin of the name of the river lies here.

Question 2.
Where does the Yamuna River start and end?

Answer:
The Yamuna River originates in the lower Himalayas, at the Bandarpunch Peak in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand as the Yamunotri Glacier. It makes its way down to Himachal Pradesh from there, then to Haryana, Delhi and then Uttar Pradesh. It finally culminates in Uttar Pradesh at Allahabad, at the Triveni Sangam.

Question 3.
How did the Yamuna River get so polluted?

Answer:
Over recent years, the Yamuna River has become extremely polluted. Yamuna pollution is all we now associate with the river rather than how sacred it is to Hindus or important to the people it sustains. It has become this polluted because of the consistent dumping of untreated sewage and garbage into the river, and also industrial waste that comes from several factory units nearby in Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Question 4.
What is being done to reduce pollution in the Yamuna River?

Answer:
The government has tried to put in measures to reduce the pollution in the Yamuna River, but none have worked. A few years ago, a large fund was allocated to clean up the river but it disappeared due to corruption and the river was left untouched. The government now levies fines on companies whose factories do not treat their waste before disposing of it.