West Flowing Rivers in India, Name, Origin, Length, Tributaries
West Flowing Rivers in India originate from the Western Ghats, the Aravalli Range, & the central highlands to drain into the Arabian Sea. Check List of West Flowing Rivers in India.
Nigam Sharma17 Jul, 2024
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West Flowing Rivers in India: India is home to a diverse range of rivers that flow in various directions across its vast landscape. While the majority of Indian rivers flow eastwards into the Bay of Bengal, there are significant rivers that flow westwards and empty into the Arabian Sea. These west-flowing rivers play a crucial role in the ecology, agriculture, and economy of the regions they traverse. Here in this article we will learn about west flowing rivers in India in detail.
List of West Flowing Rivers in India
India is home to several west-flowing rivers that hold significant ecological and economic importance. These rivers, which include the Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati, Luni, Sharavati, Mandovi, Zuari, and Periyar, originate from various ranges such as the Western Ghats and the Aravalli, eventually draining into the Arabian Sea. Despite being fewer in number compared to their east-flowing counterparts, these rivers play a vital role in the regions they traverse, supporting agriculture, sustaining ecosystems, and enriching local cultures. Check List of West Flowing Rivers in India below:| River | Length (km) | Origin | States Covered | Major Tributaries | Mouth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narmada | 1,312 | Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat | Burhner, Banjar, Hiran, Shakkar, Tawa | Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat) |
| Tapi (Tapti) | 724 | Satpura Range, Madhya Pradesh | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat | Purna, Girna, Panjhra, Waghur, Bori | Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat) |
| Mahi | 583 | Vindhyas, Madhya Pradesh | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat | Som, Anas | Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat) |
| Sabarmati | 371 | Aravalli Range, Rajasthan | Rajasthan, Gujarat | Wakal, Harnav, Hathmati, Watrak | Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat) |
| Luni | 495 | Aravalli Range, Rajasthan | Rajasthan, Gujarat | Jawai, Sukri, Mithri, Bandi, Sagi | Rann of Kutch (Arabian Sea) |
| Sharavati | 128 | Western Ghats, Karnataka | Karnataka | Haridravathi, Yenneholé, Chandragiri | Arabian Sea |
| Mandovi | 77 | Western Ghats, Karnataka | Karnataka, Goa | Surla, Ragada | Arabian Sea |
| Zuari | 92 | Western Ghats, Karnataka | Goa | Sanguem, Kushavati | Arabian Sea |
| Periyar | 244 | Western Ghats, Kerala | Kerala | Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti | Arabian Sea |
Major West Flowing Rivers of India
India's west-flowing rivers, though fewer compared to their east-flowing counterparts, hold significant geographical, ecological, and economic importance. The Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati, Luni, Sharavati, Mandovi, Zuari, and Periyar rivers are some of the most prominent ones. These rivers originate primarily from the Western Ghats, Aravalli Range, and the central highlands, traversing diverse landscapes before emptying into the Arabian Sea. They play a crucial role in supporting agriculture, providing water for domestic and industrial use, sustaining biodiversity, and contributing to the cultural and spiritual life of the regions they flow through. Despite their relatively shorter courses, these rivers are lifelines for millions, shaping the livelihoods and histories of the states they pass through, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, and Goa.1. Narmada River
- Length : 1,312 km
- Origin : Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh
- States Covered : Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
- Major Tributaries : Burhner, Banjar, Hiran, Shakkar, Tawa
- Mouth : Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat)
2. Tapi (Tapti) River
- Length : 724 km
- Origin : Satpura Range, Madhya Pradesh
- States Covered : Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
- Major Tributaries : Purna, Girna, Panjhra, Waghur, Bori
- Mouth : Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat)
3. Mahi River
- Length : 583 km
- Origin : Vindhyas, Madhya Pradesh
- States Covered : Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Major Tributaries : Som, Anas
- Mouth : Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat)
4. Sabarmati River
- Length : 371 km
- Origin : Aravalli Range, Rajasthan
- States Covered : Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Major Tributaries : Wakal, Harnav, Hathmati, Watrak
- Mouth : Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat)
5. Luni River
- Length : 495 km
- Origin : Aravalli Range, Rajasthan
- States Covered : Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Major Tributaries : Jawai, Sukri, Mithri, Bandi, Sagi
- Mouth : Rann of Kutch (Arabian Sea)
6. Sharavati River
- Length : 128 km
- Origin : Western Ghats, Karnataka
- States Covered : Karnataka
- Major Tributaries : Haridravathi, Yenneholé, Chandragiri
- Mouth : Arabian Sea
7. Mandovi River
- Length : 77 km
- Origin : Western Ghats, Karnataka
- States Covered : Karnataka, Goa
- Major Tributaries : Surla, Ragada
- Mouth : Arabian Sea
8. Zuari River
- Length : 92 km
- Origin : Western Ghats, Karnataka
- States Covered : Goa
- Major Tributaries : Sanguem, Kushavati
- Mouth : Arabian Sea
9. Periyar River
- Length : 244 km
- Origin : Western Ghats, Kerala
- States Covered : Kerala
- Major Tributaries : Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti
- Mouth : Arabian Sea
Dams on Major West Flowing Rivers of India
Dams constructed on India's major west-flowing rivers play a crucial role in regional development and sustainability. These structures, such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada and the Ukai Dam on the Tapi, provide essential services including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and drinking water supply, significantly enhancing the livelihoods of millions.. Here's a table listing some major dams on the west-flowing rivers in India:| River | Dam | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narmada | Sardar Sarovar Dam | Gujarat | Irrigation, Hydro Power, Drinking Water |
| Indira Sagar Dam | Madhya Pradesh | Irrigation, Hydro Power | |
| Bargi Dam | Madhya Pradesh | Irrigation, Hydro Power, Flood Control | |
| Tapi (Tapti) | Ukai Dam | Gujarat | Irrigation, Hydro Power, Flood Control |
| Kakrapar Dam | Gujarat | Irrigation, Flood Control | |
| Mahi | Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam | Rajasthan | Irrigation, Hydro Power, Drinking Water |
| Kadana Dam | Gujarat | Irrigation, Hydro Power, Flood Control | |
| Sabarmati | Dharoi Dam | Gujarat | Irrigation, Drinking Water, Flood Control |
| Hathmati Dam | Gujarat | Irrigation, Flood Control | |
| Luni | Jawai Dam | Rajasthan | Irrigation, Drinking Water |
| Sharavati | Linganamakki Dam | Karnataka | Hydro Power |
| Mandovi | Salaulim Dam | Goa | Irrigation, Drinking Water |
| Zuari | Anjunem Dam | Goa | Irrigation, Drinking Water |
| Periyar | Idukki Dam | Kerala | Hydro Power |
| Mullaperiyar Dam | Kerala | Irrigation, Drinking Water |
West Flowing Rivers in India FAQs
Q1. What are the major west-flowing rivers in India?
Ans. The major west-flowing rivers in India include the Narmada, Tapi (Tapti), Mahi, Sabarmati, Luni, Sharavati, Mandovi, Zuari, and Periyar rivers.
Q2. Where do these west-flowing rivers originate?
Ans. These rivers originate from various ranges such as the Western Ghats, the Aravalli Range, and the central highlands of India.
Q3. Into which body of water do the west-flowing rivers drain?
Ans. The west-flowing rivers of India drain into the Arabian Sea.
Q4. What is the significance of the Narmada River?
Ans. The Narmada River is significant for its extensive irrigation support, hydroelectric power generation, and cultural importance. It also hosts several major dams like the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Q5. Which river is known as the "lifeline of Gujarat"?
Ans. The Sabarmati River is often referred to as the "lifeline of Gujarat" due to its importance in providing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes in the state.
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