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East Flowing Rivers in India, Name, Origin, Length, Tributaries

Knowing about East Flowing Rivers in India is important for GK Section of your Exam. Check the list of East Flowing Rivers in India and important related details.
authorImageNigam Sharma9 Jul, 2024
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East Flowing Rivers In India

East Flowing Rivers in India: India is a land of diverse geographical features, and its river systems play a vital role in shaping its landscape, culture, and economy. Among these, the east-flowing rivers hold significant importance due to their vast catchment areas and their contribution to the agricultural and industrial sectors. These rivers primarily drain into the Bay of Bengal and cover a substantial part of the eastern and southern regions of the country. This article provides an in-depth overview of the east-flowing rivers in India, highlighting their significance, key features, and the major rivers that fall under this category.

East Flowing Rivers in India

East-flowing rivers in India are characterized by their direction of flow towards the east, ultimately draining into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers originate from various mountain ranges, including the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, and the central highlands. The major east-flowing rivers include the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, among others. These rivers not only support a large population through irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use but also play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.

East Flowing Rivers in India Details

India's river systems are an integral part of its geographical and cultural landscape, shaping the lives and livelihoods of millions. Among these, the east-flowing rivers are particularly significant, as they primarily drain into the Bay of Bengal, creating fertile plains and supporting diverse ecosystems. Originating from various mountain ranges and plateaus, these rivers traverse through multiple states, providing essential water resources for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. They also hold immense cultural and religious significance, being revered in local traditions and histories. Understanding these rivers is crucial for competitive exams, as they form a vital part of India's General Knowledge (GK). This article explores the major east-flowing rivers in India, detailing their origins, courses, and contributions to the regions they flow through.
River Origin Length (km) States Covered Major Tributaries Major Cities Along the River
Ganges Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand 2,525 Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal Yamuna, Son, Ghaghara Haridwar, Kanpur, Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata
Brahmaputra Angsi Glacier, Tibet 2,900 Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya Teesta, Subansiri, Manas Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Tezpur
Mahanadi Sihawa, Chhattisgarh 858 Chhattisgarh, Odisha Seonath, Jonk, Hasdeo Sambalpur, Cuttack, Paradip
Godavari Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra 1,465 Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Indravati, Pranahita, Manjira Nashik, Nizamabad, Rajahmundry
Krishna Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 1,400 Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh Tungabhadra, Bhima, Koyna Vijayawada, Sangli, Hyderabad
Kaveri Talakaveri, Karnataka 805 Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Bhavani, Hemavati, Kabini Mysore, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur
Subarnarekha Ranchi, Jharkhand 395 Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha Kanchi, Kharkai, Karru Jamshedpur, Balasore
Pennar Nandi Hills, Karnataka 597 Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh Chitravati, Papagni, Kunderu Nellore, Cuddapah
Vamsadhara Eastern Ghats, Odisha 254 Odisha, Andhra Pradesh Vatti Vagu, Bahuda Srikakulam
Nagavalli Eastern Ghats, Odisha 256 Odisha, Andhra Pradesh Suvarnamukhi, Vegavati Parvatipuram, Vizianagaram

Major East Flowing Rivers in India

India is blessed with numerous rivers that flow across its vast landscape, playing a crucial role in its agricultural, economic, and cultural spheres. Among these, the east-flowing rivers hold particular significance as they primarily drain into the Bay of Bengal, nourishing the fertile plains and supporting millions of livelihoods. These rivers originate from various mountain ranges and plateaus, flowing through diverse terrains before reaching their deltaic regions. The major east-flowing rivers include the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, and others. Each of these rivers has its unique characteristics and importance, contributing to the socio-economic fabric of the regions they traverse.

1. Ganges (Ganga)

  • Origin : Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
  • Length : 2,525 km
  • States Covered : Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
  • Major Tributaries : Yamuna, Son, Ghaghara, Gandak
  • Significance :
    • Sacred river in Hinduism, worshipped by millions.
    • Supports agriculture in the fertile Gangetic plains.
    • Major cities: Haridwar, Kanpur, Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata.

2. Brahmaputra

  • Origin : Angsi Glacier, Tibet
  • Length : 2,900 km
  • States Covered : Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya
  • Major Tributaries : Teesta, Subansiri, Manas, Lohit
  • Significance :
    • Major river in Northeast India, crucial for agriculture and transportation.
    • Prone to annual flooding, which rejuvenates soil fertility.
    • Major cities: Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Tezpur.

3. Mahanadi

  • Origin : Sihawa, Chhattisgarh
  • Length : 858 km
  • States Covered : Chhattisgarh, Odisha
  • Major Tributaries : Seonath, Jonk, Hasdeo, Mand
  • Significance :
    • Supports rice cultivation in the fertile deltaic region.
    • Major cities: Sambalpur, Cuttack, Paradip.
    • Hirakud Dam on Mahanadi is one of the largest earthen dams in the world.

4. Godavari

  • Origin : Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
  • Length : 1,465 km
  • States Covered : Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
  • Major Tributaries : Indravati, Pranahita, Manjira, Purna
  • Significance :
    • Referred to as the 'Dakshin Ganga' or 'Ganges of the South'.
    • Supports extensive irrigation and agriculture in the Deccan Plateau.
    • Major cities: Nashik, Nizamabad, Rajahmundry.

5. Krishna

  • Origin : Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
  • Length : 1,400 km
  • States Covered : Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
  • Major Tributaries : Tungabhadra, Bhima, Koyna, Musi
  • Significance :
    • Vital for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
    • Major cities: Vijayawada, Sangli, Hyderabad.
    • Krishna River basin is one of the most fertile regions in India.

6. Kaveri (Cauvery)

  • Origin : Talakaveri, Karnataka
  • Length : 805 km
  • States Covered : Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
  • Major Tributaries : Bhavani, Hemavati, Kabini, Noyyal
  • Significance :
    • Supports extensive irrigation systems, contributing to the prosperity of the Cauvery delta.
    • Major cities: Mysore, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur.
    • Known for its ancient and historical significance, with several temples along its course.

7. Subarnarekha

  • Origin : Ranchi Plateau, Jharkhand
  • Length : 395 km
  • States Covered : Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha
  • Major Tributaries : Kanchi, Kharkai, Karru
  • Significance :
    • Known for its mineral-rich basin, supporting several mining and industrial activities.
    • Major cities: Jamshedpur, Balasore.

8. Pennar (Penneru)

  • Origin : Nandi Hills, Karnataka
  • Length : 597 km
  • States Covered : Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
  • Major Tributaries : Chitravati, Papagni, Kunderu, Sagileru
  • Significance :
    • Essential for irrigation and drinking water supply in the arid regions of Andhra Pradesh.
    • Major cities: Nellore, Cuddapah.

9. Vamsadhara

  • Origin : Eastern Ghats, Odisha
  • Length : 254 km
  • States Covered : Odisha, Andhra Pradesh
  • Major Tributaries : Vatti Vagu, Bahuda, Bansadhara
  • Significance :
    • Vital for irrigation in the regions it traverses.
    • Major city: Srikakulam.

10. Nagavalli

  • Origin : Eastern Ghats, Odisha
  • Length : 256 km
  • States Covered : Odisha, Andhra Pradesh
  • Major Tributaries : Suvarnamukhi, Vegavati, Janjavathi
  • Significance :
    • Supports agriculture and provides drinking water in its basin.
    • Major cities: Parvatipuram, Vizianagaram.

Factors Affecting the East Flowing Rivers in India

Several factors influence the flow, volume, and utility of the east-flowing rivers in India. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective water resource management and sustainable development.

1. Monsoon Rainfall

The monsoon rainfall significantly impacts the water volume in these rivers. Most east-flowing rivers rely on the southwest monsoon for their water supply. Variability in monsoon patterns can lead to floods or droughts, affecting agriculture and water availability.

2. Geographical Features

The origin and course of these rivers are shaped by the geographical features they traverse. For instance, rivers originating from the Western Ghats or the Himalayas carry different volumes of water and sediments compared to those originating from the central highlands.

3. Human Activities

Human activities such as dam construction, irrigation projects, and urbanization significantly alter the natural flow and health of these rivers. While dams and reservoirs provide water for agriculture and electricity, they can also disrupt the ecological The east-flowing rivers of India are lifelines that sustain millions of people by providing water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. They also hold cultural and religious significance, being revered and worshipped by the local populations. Understanding the characteristics and significance of these rivers is essential for sustainable management and conservation efforts. As these rivers continue to play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the regions they flow through, it becomes imperative to address the challenges they face due to human activities and climate change, ensuring their health and vitality for future generations.

East Flowing Rivers in India FAQs

Q1. What are east-flowing rivers?

Ans. East-flowing rivers in India are those that flow from various mountain ranges and plateaus in a generally eastward direction, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers create fertile plains and support a wide range of ecosystems along their courses.

Q2. Why are east-flowing rivers significant in India?

Ans. East-flowing rivers are significant because they provide essential water resources for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. They support major irrigation projects, contribute to hydropower generation, and sustain various ecosystems. Additionally, many of these rivers hold cultural and religious importance.

Q3. Which is the longest east-flowing river in India?

Ans. The Godavari River is the longest east-flowing river in India, with a length of approximately 1,465 kilometers. It is often referred to as the 'Dakshina Ganga' or 'Ganges of the South.'

Q4. Name some major east-flowing rivers in India.

Ans. Some major east-flowing rivers in India include the Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Kaveri, and Brahmani. These rivers play a crucial role in the geography and economy of the regions they flow through.
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