Introduction
➥ The term "drainage" describes the river system of an area.
Drainage Basin: The area drained by a single river system is called a drainage basin.
Water Divide: An elevated area, such as a mountain or upland, separating two drainage basins.
Drainage Systems in India
➥ The Indian rivers are divided into two major groups:
- The Himalayan Rivers
- The Peninsular Rivers
| Himalayan Rivers | Peninsular Rivers |
|---|---|
| ➮ Perennial; have water throughout the year. | ➮ Seasonal; flow depends on rainfall. |
| ➮ Receive water from rain and melted snow. | ➮ Receive water mainly from rainfall. |
| ➮ Originate north of mountain ranges. | ➮ Originate in the Western Ghats. |
| ➮ Long courses from source to sea. | ➮ Shorter and shallower courses. |
| Examples: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra. | Examples: Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Kaveri. |
1. The Himalayan Rivers
Indus River System
➥ Source: Tibet near Lake Mansarowar.
➥ Tributaries: Zaskar, Nubra, Shyok, Hunza, Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum.
➥ Length: 2,900 km.
➥ Flows through India (Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab) and Pakistan.
Ganga River System
➥ Source: Gangotri Glacier (Bhagirathi).
➥ Tributaries: Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Chambal, Betwa, Son.
➥ Length: 2,500 km.
➥ Forms the Sunderban Delta with the Brahmaputra.
Brahmaputra River System
➥ Source: East of Lake Mansarowar in Tibet.
➥ Tributaries: Dibang, Lohit.
➥ Forms Majuli, the world's largest riverine island.
2. The Peninsular Rivers
Narmada River
➥ Origin: Amarkantak Hills, Madhya Pradesh.
➥ Flows westward, forming estuaries.
➥ Passes through Marble Rocks (Jabalpur) and Dhuadhar Falls.
Tapi River
➥ Origin: Satpura ranges, Madhya Pradesh.
➥ Flows parallel to Narmada.
➥ Covers parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra.
Godavari River
➥ Origin: Western Ghats, Maharashtra.
➥ Known as Dakshin Ganga.
➥ Tributaries: Purna, Wardha, Pranhita.
Mahanadi River
➥ Origin: Highlands of Chhattisgarh.
➥ Flows through Odisha into the Bay of Bengal.
Krishna River
➥ Origin: Near Mahabaleshwar.
➥ Tributaries: Tungabhadra, Koyana.
➥ Length: 1,400 km.
Kaveri River
➥ Origin: Brahmagri range, Western Ghats.
➥ Tributaries: Amravati, Hemavati.
➥ Length: 760 km.
Lakes in India
⟹ Types of Lakes:- Freshwater Lakes:
➥ Mostly found in the Himalayan region.
Examples: Dal Lake, Wular Lake (largest freshwater lake in India). - Saltwater Lakes:
➥ Examples: Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan) used for salt production. - Seasonal Lakes:
➥ Form during rainy seasons. - Lagoons:
➥ Formed by spits and bars in coastal areas.
Examples: Chilika, Pulicat, Kolleru.
Importance of Lakes
➥ Regulate river flow, prevent flooding, and provide water during dry seasons.
➥ Enhance tourism, aid hydropower generation, and support aquatic ecosystems.
Role of Rivers in the Economy
➥ Water Supply: Provide water for irrigation, domestic use, and industrial processes.
➥ Transportation and Navigation: Rivers are used for inland transportation and trade.
➥ Hydropower Generation: Rivers are essential for generating renewable energy through hydroelectric plants.
➥ Fisheries and Livelihood: Support aquatic ecosystems and fishing communities.
➥ Economic Growth and Tourism: Boost local economies through tourism and agriculture.
➥ Cultural and Spiritual Importance: Rivers like the Ganga are significant in Indian culture and festivals.
River Pollution
Causes of River Pollution:
➥ Untreated Sewage: Direct discharge of waste into rivers.
➥ Industrial Effluents: Harmful chemicals from industries pollute water.
➥ Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides and fertilizers contaminate rivers.
➥ Dumping of Solid Waste: Garbage and plastics are disposed of in rivers.
Consequences of River Pollution:
➥ Impact on Aquatic Life: Reduces biodiversity and destroys aquatic habitats.
➥ Human Health Hazards: Causes diseases like cholera and typhoid.
➥ Economic Losses: Affects livelihoods and increases healthcare costs.
Solutions to River Pollution:
➥ River Cleaning Programs: Initiatives like the Ganga Action Plan aim to clean rivers.
➥ Strict Regulations: Enforce laws to ensure proper waste treatment.
➥ Public Participation: Encourage community involvement in cleanliness drives.
➥ Sustainable Agriculture: Promote organic farming to reduce chemical runoff.
➥ Improved Infrastructure: Build more sewage treatment plants and waste management systems.
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