Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s river systems are broadly categorized into Himalayan-fed and Peninsular rivers. While the majority of India’s rivers flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal, a significant number flow westward into the Arabian Sea. These west-flowing rivers, originating from the Western Ghats and associated hills, play a crucial role in the hydrology and ecology of the western coast of India. They are characterized by shorter courses, steeper gradients, and limited drainage basins compared to their eastern counterparts. Understanding their salient features is vital for effective water resource management and regional development.
Geographical Location and Origin
The west-flowing rivers of India are primarily concentrated in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Gujarat. They originate from the Western Ghats mountain range, which acts as a major watershed. The slopes of the Western Ghats facilitate the westward flow of these rivers. Unlike the eastward flowing rivers which have larger basins formed by the Indo-Gangetic plain, the western rivers have comparatively smaller basins.
Key Rivers and their Characteristics
Several prominent rivers characterize this system. Some of the major west-flowing rivers include:
- Narmada: The largest west-flowing river, originating from Amarkantak plateau. It flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea. It’s known for its unique rift valley formation.
- Tapi (Tapti): Originating from the Multai hills in Madhya Pradesh, it flows through Maharashtra and Gujarat. It’s known for its relatively faster flow and shorter course compared to Narmada.
- Mahi: Originating from the Mahendragiri hills in Rajasthan, it flows through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
- Sabarmati: Originating in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan, it flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat. It’s a seasonal river, heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall.
- Brahmaputra (West-flowing stretch): A small stretch of the Brahmaputra river flows westward before turning south and east.
- West-flowing rivers of Kerala: Periyar, Pamba, Achankovil, and Chalakkudy are important rivers of Kerala, known for their swift flow and numerous waterfalls.
Drainage Patterns and Features
The drainage patterns of these rivers are largely dendritic and radial, reflecting the topography of the Western Ghats. Key features include:
- Short Courses: Due to the proximity of the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea, these rivers have relatively short courses.
- Steep Gradients: The steep slopes of the Western Ghats result in fast-flowing rivers with significant erosional power.
- Limited Tributaries: Compared to the east-flowing rivers, these rivers have fewer tributaries, resulting in smaller drainage basins.
- Estuarine Formations: Many of these rivers form estuaries at their mouths, where they meet the Arabian Sea. These estuaries are ecologically significant and support diverse marine life.
- Formation of Waterfalls: The steep gradients contribute to the formation of numerous waterfalls, such as Jog Falls (Sharavathi River) and Dudhsagar Falls (Mandovi River).
Challenges and Issues
The west-flowing rivers face several challenges:
- Seasonal Flow: Many of these rivers are heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall, leading to seasonal fluctuations in flow.
- Pollution: Industrial and domestic effluents pollute these rivers, particularly in urban areas.
- Dam Construction: Construction of dams for irrigation and hydropower has altered the natural flow regimes of these rivers.
- Siltation: Deforestation and soil erosion contribute to siltation, reducing the storage capacity of reservoirs.
- Water Conflicts: Inter-state water disputes over the sharing of river water resources are common.
| Feature | West-Flowing Rivers | East-Flowing Rivers |
|---|---|---|
| Basin Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Course Length | Shorter | Longer |
| Gradient | Steeper | Gentler |
| Tributaries | Fewer | More |
Conclusion
The west-flowing rivers of India, though smaller in size compared to their eastern counterparts, are vital for the socio-economic development of the western coastal regions. Addressing the challenges of pollution, seasonal flow, and water conflicts is crucial for sustainable water resource management. Integrated river basin management, coupled with community participation, can ensure the long-term health and productivity of these valuable rivers. Further research and monitoring are needed to understand the impacts of climate change on these river systems and develop appropriate adaptation strategies.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.