Rivers and Drainage in India

A system of rivers and streams that drain a specific area.

The area drained by a single river system.

A high point or ridge that separates two drainage basins.

Rivers that flow throughout the year.

The major drainage systems in India are classified based on their origin, being either Himalayan or Peninsular.

Himalayan rivers get their water from rain and melted snow from the Himalayas.

Peninsular rivers flow across the Deccan Plateau, often with seasonal variations in water levels.

The amount of water a river carries, influenced by factors like rainfall and climate.

Fine particles carried by flowing water, especially in rivers.

A type of river channel with multiple, interconnected streams, often found in areas with large sediment deposits.

A large island formed by a river's sediment deposits.

A specific area where a river originates and collects water, often encompassing the entire region drained by that river.

The process of a river's bed rising due to accumulated sediments.

The shifting and changing of a river's course over time.

A type of river that flows along a valley created by tectonic activity.

The Ganga river system, one of the major drainage systems in India, stretches from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, flowing through northern India and Bangladesh.

The Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi, originating in the Nepal Himalaya, are the tributaries responsible for annual flooding on the northern plains, despite enriching the soil for agriculture.

The Chambal, Betwa, and Son, originating from the peninsular uplands, are tributaries of the Ganga, characterized by shorter courses and lower water volume.

A distinct pattern formed by the flow of water in a river system, shaped by geological formations and geographical features.

The gradual descent in elevation of a river from its origin to its mouth, influencing the river's velocity and the formation of features like meanders.

Large bends or curves formed in a river as it flows over its gently sloping course, often occurring in the Ganga River, impacting its path.

The Brahmaputra, with its origin in Tibet, is a significant river system that flows eastwards, entering India through Arunachal Pradesh and eventually joining the Ganga in Bangladesh.

The Brahmaputra River, known as Tsang Po in Tibet and Jamuna in Bangladesh, is characterized by distinct names in different regions along its course.

The Krishna River rises near Mahabaleshwar and flows for about 1400 km, eventually reaching the Bay of Bengal. It's fed by rivers like the Tungabhadra, Koyana, Ghatprabha, Musi, and Bhima.

The Kaveri River originates in the Western Ghats and flows roughly 760 km before reaching the Bay of Bengal near Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. It's known for its significant tributaries like the Amravati, Bhavani, Hemavati, and Kabini.

The area drained by a river and its tributaries is called a drainage basin. It's like a giant funnel collecting water from the surrounding land.

The Krishna River's drainage basin spans across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

The Kaveri River's basin covers parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, signifying its importance to these areas.

The Kaveri River is known for its beautiful Shivasamudram Falls, the second largest waterfall in India. This adds to the river's natural beauty and significance.

Large bodies of water that are so vast they are often called seas, like the Caspian Sea, are not actually seas but lakes. They are distinguished by their massive size.

Lakes can be formed through various natural processes over time, including glacial activity, wind, and river action. This highlights the diversity of how lakes come into existence.

Lakes that only hold water during the rainy season are called seasonal lakes. These lakes are often found in regions with limited rainfall.

Oxbow lakes are formed by meandering rivers cutting off a loop of their channel. This creates an isolated body of water, like a forgotten river bend.

A plan implemented in 1995 to improve the water quality of rivers in India by reducing pollution. It focuses on cleaning up rivers, not just the Ganga.

Lakes act as natural flood control during heavy rainfall and help maintain a consistent water flow during droughts. They also prevent water shortages.

Rivers provide a vital source of water for irrigation, transportation, hydroelectric power generation, and drinking water, all of which are essential for human life and development.

Untreated sewage and industrial waste discharged into rivers severely impact water quality and the river's natural ability to purify itself.

The capacity of a river to dilute and breakdown pollutants is limited. Increased urbanization and industrialization contribute to escalating pollution levels.