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Rivers in Uttar Pradesh, Drainage System, List of Rivers in UP

Rivers in Uttar Pradesh are an important part of the competitive examinations. Get details of Rivers in Uttar Pradesh, Drainage, and a List of major rivers in UP.
authorImagePriyanka Gupta24 Jul, 2024
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Rivers in Uttar Pradesh

Rivers in Uttar Pradesh: Not only are rivers essential to a region, but they also have a big impact on its socioeconomic and cultural landscape. The northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is endowed with an extensive river system that cuts through its lush plains. The Rivers in Uttar Pradesh serve as a source of livelihood, a transportation hub, a center of religious significance, and water for cultivation. Except for the Bundelkhand region, several rivers adequately drain Uttar Pradesh. Both Peninsular and Himalayan rivers drain the state. The drainage system, or river basin, is formed by the main river and its tributaries.

Economy of Uttar Pradesh

Rivers in Uttar Pradesh

According to geology, the southern Plateau region, which is composed of Vindhyan rocks that were produced in the pre-Cambrian era, is an extension of peninsular India towards the north, and Uttar Pradesh is a part of old Gondwana territory. The situation may be split into three geographical regions: the Ganga-Yamuna plain, the southern Plateau region, and the Bhabar and Tarai belt. A river is a naturally occurring freshwater stream that flows in the direction of another body of water, such as a lake, the ocean, or another river. The source of a river is its origin. There are about thirty-one rivers in total, both large and minor RIvers in Uttar Pradesh. The three regions of the Vindhya ranges, the Himalaya ranges, and the plain lands can be used to examine the Rivers in Uttar Pradesh in general.

Folk Music of Uttar Pradesh

Rivers in Uttar Pradesh Drainage Regions

The drainage regions of the rivers in Uttar Pradesh have been mentioned below. Based on their river systems, Uttar Pradesh's main drainage regions can be roughly divided into four categories. Ganga Basin: The Ganga Basin, which occupies about two-thirds of the state, is Uttar Pradesh's major drainage region. It includes the Yamuna, Ghaghara, and Gomti, among other significant tributaries of the Ganga. Known for its bountiful alluvial plains, this area is home to some of the state's most populated towns, including as Varanasi, Allahabad, and Kanpur. Betwa Basin: Situated in the southern region of Uttar Pradesh, the Betwa Basin encompasses the districts of Hamirpur, Jalaun, and Lalitpur. The Betwa, a significant tributary of the Yamuna, is the principal river in this basin. The topography of this region is hilly, with some places covered in trees.

Neighboring States of Uttar Pradesh

Sone Basin: The Son Basin, which includes the districts of Sonbhadra and Mirzapur, is located in southeast Uttar Pradesh. The primary river in this basin is the Son, which rises in Madhya Pradesh and passes through this area. The area is hilly and has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Gomti Basin: Situated in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, the Gomti Basin encompasses the districts of Lucknow, Sitapur, and Faizabad. This area is traversed by the Gomti River, a significant Ganga tributary. Rich cultural legacy and lush alluvial plains are the region's defining features.

List of Rivers in Uttar Pradesh

The List of Rivers in Uttar Pradesh has been mentioned in the table given below. Uttar Pradesh's rivers have created a sizable irrigation basin, which increases the land's fertility and suitability for agriculture. Because of the main rivers, including the Yamuna, Gomti, Son, Ghagra, Ganges, and others, several pilgrim cities have sprung up along the banks of the water.
List of Rivers in Uttar Pradesh
River Name Length (km) Originates From
Ganga 2,525 Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand
Yamuna 1,376 Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand
Ghaghara 1,080 Near Mapchachungo Glacier in Tibet
Gomti 900 Gomat Taal in Pilibhit
Betwa 590 Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh
Chambal 960 Janapav Hill in Madhya Pradesh
Ken 427 Near village Ahirgawan in Madhya Pradesh
Rapti 525 Sisarma Hill in Nepal
Sharda 350 Milam Glacier in Uttarakhand
Saryu 540 Near Sarmool in Tibet
Son 784 Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh
Varuna 30 Near Bhurh Jheel in Varanasi
Tons 250 Bandarpunch Range in Uttarakhand
Dhasan 318 Lalitpur Hills in Madhya Pradesh
Sai 213 Ajgain Hills in Madhya Pradesh
Gerua 150 Kannauj district in Uttar Pradesh
Kali 350 Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand
Kuwana 130 Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh
Rihand 600 Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh
Gori Ganga 150 Milam Glacier in Uttarakhand

Rivers in Uttar Pradesh FAQs

Q1. What are the major rivers flowing through Uttar Pradesh?

Ans. Major rivers in Uttar Pradesh include the Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna, Ghaghara, Rapti, and Gomti. These rivers play a crucial role in the state's agriculture, economy, and cultural practices.

Q2. How does the Ganges River impact Uttar Pradesh?

Ans. The Ganges River is of immense significance to Uttar Pradesh. It provides water for agriculture, supports local ecosystems, and is central to religious and cultural practices. Major cities like Varanasi and Allahabad (Prayagraj) are located on its banks.

Q3. What is the importance of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh?

Ans. The Yamuna River is an important tributary of the Ganges, flowing through major cities like Agra and Delhi. It is vital for agriculture, provides water for domestic use, and holds religious significance in Hinduism, particularly in the city of Mathura.

Q4. Which river is known as the "Sorrow of Uttar Pradesh"?

Ans. The Ghaghara River is often referred to as the "Sorrow of Uttar Pradesh" due to its tendency to cause devastating floods in the region.
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