Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s river systems are broadly classified into Himalayan-fed and Peninsular rivers. The east-flowing rivers of India originate from the Western Ghats and the Chota Nagpur plateau, draining a significant portion of the Deccan Plateau and eastern India. These rivers, unlike their west-flowing counterparts, generally have larger drainage basins and are perennial in nature due to the monsoon rainfall they receive. They play a crucial role in irrigation, hydropower generation, and sustaining the livelihoods of millions. Understanding their salient features is vital for effective water resource management and regional development.
Geographical Classification and Origin
The major east-flowing rivers can be broadly categorized into those originating from the Western Ghats and those from the Chota Nagpur Plateau. The Western Ghats give rise to rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, while the Chota Nagpur Plateau is the source of rivers like the Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Subarnarekha.
Major East-Flowing Rivers: A Detailed Look
1. Mahanadi River
Originating in the Dandakaranya hills of Chhattisgarh, the Mahanadi flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Key tributaries include the Seonath, Hasdeo, and Ib. The Hirakud Dam, built on the Mahanadi, is one of the longest dams in the world and provides significant irrigation and hydropower benefits. The river is prone to floods during the monsoon season.
2. Godavari River
Known as the ‘Dakshin Ganga’ (Ganges of the South), the Godavari originates in the Trimbakeshwar hills of Maharashtra. It flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha before joining the Bay of Bengal. Major tributaries include the Penganga, Wardha, Pranhita, and Indravati. The Godavari basin is known for its rich agricultural productivity, particularly cotton and sugarcane. The Polavaram Project, a multi-purpose irrigation project, is under construction on the Godavari.
3. Krishna River
Rising in the Mahabaleshwar hills of Maharashtra, the Krishna flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal. Important tributaries include the Tungabhadra, Koyna, and Bhima. The Krishna basin is also agriculturally significant, with rice and sugarcane being major crops. The river has been a source of inter-state water disputes, particularly between Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, regarding water sharing.
4. Kaveri (Cauvery) River
Originating in the Brahmagiri hills of Karnataka, the Kaveri flows through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry before draining into the Bay of Bengal. Major tributaries include the Kabini, Bhavani, and Amaravati. The Kaveri basin is known as the ‘rice bowl of South India’ due to its fertile soil and extensive irrigation facilities. The river is also a source of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with disputes over water allocation being a long-standing issue. The Grand Anicut, built in the 19th century, is a significant irrigation structure on the Kaveri.
5. Brahmani & Subarnarekha Rivers
These rivers originate from the Chota Nagpur Plateau. The Brahmani is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers. The Subarnarekha flows through Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. These rivers are important for irrigation and industrial development in the region. They are also prone to flooding during the monsoon season.
Salient Features – A Comparative Overview
| River | Origin | Major Tributaries | State(s) Flowing Through | Economic Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahanadi | Dandakaranya Hills, Chhattisgarh | Seonath, Hasdeo, Ib | Chhattisgarh, Odisha | Irrigation, Hydropower (Hirakud Dam) |
| Godavari | Trimbakeshwar Hills, Maharashtra | Penganga, Wardha, Pranhita | Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha | Agriculture (Cotton, Sugarcane), Irrigation |
| Krishna | Mahabaleshwar Hills, Maharashtra | Tungabhadra, Koyna, Bhima | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh | Agriculture (Rice, Sugarcane), Irrigation |
| Kaveri | Brahmagiri Hills, Karnataka | Kabini, Bhavani, Amaravati | Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry | Agriculture (Rice), Irrigation (Grand Anicut) |
Recent Issues and Challenges
East-flowing rivers face several challenges, including increasing water demand due to population growth and agricultural expansion, pollution from industrial and domestic sources, and the impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall patterns and increased frequency of floods. Inter-state water disputes remain a major concern, hindering effective water resource management. Deforestation in the catchment areas also contributes to increased sedimentation and reduced water flow.
Conclusion
The east-flowing rivers of India are vital lifelines for millions, supporting agriculture, industry, and livelihoods. Their unique geographical characteristics and hydrological regimes necessitate a holistic and integrated approach to water resource management. Addressing the challenges of increasing water demand, pollution, and inter-state disputes is crucial for ensuring the sustainable development of the regions they serve. Collaborative efforts between states and effective implementation of water conservation measures are essential for safeguarding these precious resources for future generations.
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.