INDIAN RIVER SYSTEM (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Ganges, Indus and Brahmaputra basins showed the lowest levels of governance and environmental performance, potentially increasing water security risks, according to a new study.

Ganga River System

• About: The Ganga is formed from six headstreams and their five confluences.
• Total Length: 2,525 km.
• Tributaries: Alaknanda, Ramganga, Kali, Yamuna, Gomti, Ghagra, Gandak, Kosi and Sone, draining 11 states of the country join River Ganga at different confluence points during its journey. 
• Mouth: The Ganga fans out into the 350km wide Ganga delta and finally empties into the Bay of Bengal.
• Source: The Bhagirathi, considered the source stream, rises at the foot of Gangotri Glacier, at Gaumukh, at an elevation of 3892m.

Brahmaputra River System

• About: It spans about 80 kilometers in width, providing a broad and fertile landscape.
• Major River: The Brahmaputra is one of the world's largest rivers by discharge, ranking fifth globally.
• Source: Originates from the Kailash ranges in the Himalayas at an elevation of 5,300 meters.
• Path: Flows through Tibet, enters India via Arunachal Pradesh, travels through Assam and Bangladesh, and ultimately drains into the Bay of Bengal.
• Major North Bank Tributaries: Includes Subansiri, Ronganadi, Dikrong, Buroi, Borgong, Jiabharali, Dhansiri (North), Puthimari, Manas, Beki, Aie, and Sonkosh.
• Major South Bank Tributaries: Includes Noadehing, Buridehing, Desang, Dikhow, Bhogdoi, Dhansiri (South), Kopilli, Kulsi, Krishnai, Dhdhnoi, and Jinjiran.

Indus River System

• Origins: It begins in the Himalayas, Tibet region of China.
• Length: 2,900 kilometers.
• Path: The river flows through northwestern India, Kashmir, and northern Pakistan.
• Significance: It has been a crucial geographic feature for India and Pakistan.
• Joining Rivers: The Indus is joined by the Zaskar River at Leh and the Shyok River.
• Eastern Tributaries: Near Mithankot, it receives waters from the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj rivers.