Table of Contents
India's drainage system is diverse, featuring Himalayan rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, along with peninsular rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, and unique inland and coastal features.
1. Himalayan Rivers:
- Indus River System: Originates from the Tibetan plateau and flows through Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, finally entering Pakistan. Major tributaries include Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- Ganga River System: Originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. Flows through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Major tributaries include Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi.
- Brahmaputra River System: Originates in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, flows through Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh. Known for its braided channels and annual flooding.
2. Peninsular Rivers:
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East Flowing Rivers: These rivers drain into the Bay of Bengal.
- Godavari: Originates in Maharashtra, flows through Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and empties into the Bay of Bengal. Known as the 'Dakshin Ganga.'
- Krishna: Originates in Maharashtra, flows through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and empties into the Bay of Bengal. Major tributaries include Tungabhadra and Bhima.
- Kaveri: Originates in Karnataka, flows through Tamil Nadu, and empties into the Bay of Bengal. Known for its extensive irrigation.
- West Flowing Rivers: These rivers drain into the Arabian Sea.
- Narmada: Originates in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Gujarat, and empties into the Arabian Sea. Known for the Narmada Valley.
- Tapi: Originates in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Maharashtra and Gujarat, and empties into the Arabian Sea.
3. Coastal Rivers:
- Numerous short and swift rivers originate in the Western Ghats and drain into the Arabian Sea. Examples include Mandovi and Zuari in Goa.
4. Inland Drainage:
- Some rivers in the arid regions of Rajasthan, such as the Luni, do not reach the sea but form inland drainage basins.
5. Lakes and Backwaters:
- India also has a significant number of lakes and backwaters, notably in Kerala. The Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India.
Summary
India’s drainage system is characterized by a network of rivers originating from the Himalayas, peninsular plateaus, coastal areas, and arid regions. Major river systems like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra shape the northern plains, while the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri define the southern plateau. Coastal and inland rivers add to the complexity, ensuring water resources and supporting diverse ecosystems.
