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Major Rivers of India: Origin, Tributaries, and Importance

India is called the "Land of Rivers" because its agriculture, culture, and economy depend on them. From the holy Ganga to the mighty Brahmaputra, rivers shape India’s geography and civilization.

This article covers:

✔ 7 Major Rivers of India (Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, etc.)
✔ Origin, Tributaries & Basin States
✔ Economic & Cultural Importance
✔ Threats & Conservation Efforts

By the end, you’ll understand why rivers are called India’s lifelines—perfect for UPSC, SSC, and school exams.


🗺️ 7 Major Rivers of India

RiverOriginLength (km)TributariesStates Covered
GangaGangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand)2,525Yamuna, Son, GhagharaUP, Bihar, WB
YamunaYamunotri Glacier (Uttarakhand)1,376Chambal, BetwaDelhi, UP, Haryana
BrahmaputraMansarovar Lake (Tibet)2,900Teesta, SubansiriAssam, Arunachal
GodavariNasik (Maharashtra)1,465Pranhita, IndravatiTelangana, AP
KrishnaMahabaleshwar (Maharashtra)1,400Tungabhadra, BhimaKarnataka, AP
NarmadaAmarkantak (MP)1,312Tawa, HiranMP, Gujarat
TaptiSatpura Range (MP)724Purna, GirnaMaharashtra, Gujarat

🏔️ Detailed Look at Key Rivers

1. Ganga River – The Holiest River

  • Origin: Gangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand).
  • Tributaries: Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Son.

Importance:
  • Religious: Hindus consider it sacred (Kumbh Mela, Varanasi ghats).
  • Agricultural: Feeds Indo-Gangetic Plains (rice, wheat).
  • Economic: Supports cities like Kanpur, Patna, Kolkata.

2. Brahmaputra – The Mighty Himalayan River

  • Origin: Angsi Glacier (Tibet), enters India in Arunachal.
  • Tributaries: Subansiri, Teesta, Manas.

Importance:
  • Biodiversity: Home to Kaziranga National Park (rhinos).
  • Flood & Erosion: Causes destruction in Assam annually.

3. Godavari – The Dakshin Ganga

  • Origin: Nasik, Maharashtra.
  • Tributaries: Pranhita, Indravati, Manjira.

Importance:
  • Longest Peninsular River (1,465 km).
  • Supports Telangana & Andhra agriculture.

🌾 Importance of Rivers in India

1. Agriculture

  • Ganga & Indus basins produce 60% of India’s food grains.
  • Krishna & Godavari irrigate South Indian farms.

2. Hydropower & Drinking Water

  • Bhakra Dam (Satluj), Tehri Dam (Ganga) supply electricity.
  • Chenab & Jhelum power Jammu & Kashmir.

3. Cultural & Religious Significance

  • Kumbh Mela (Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari).
  • Varanasi, Haridwar, Allahabad are holy cities.

4. Transportation & Economy

  • National Waterway 1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly) boosts trade.
  • Sunderbans Delta (Ganga-Brahmaputra) supports fishing.


⚠️ Threats to Indian Rivers

1. Pollution

  • Ganga & Yamuna are among the most polluted rivers.
  • Industrial waste (Kanpur tanneries), sewage, plastic dumping.

2. Dams & Displacement

  • Sardar Sarovar Dam (Narmada) caused tribal displacement.
  • Reduced water flow harms ecosystems.

3. Climate Change Impact

  • Glacier melting (Gangotri) threatens water supply.
  • Erratic monsoons cause floods & droughts.


♻️ River Conservation Efforts

1. Namami Gange Programme (2014)

  • Budget: ₹20,000 crore.
  • Goal: Clean Ganga by treating sewage & industrial waste.

2. National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

  • Covers 34 rivers including Yamuna, Godavari.

3. Legal Protection

  • Ganga & Yamuna declared "Living Entities" (2017 Uttarakhand HC).

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