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Drainage: Flow of water through well-defined channels. Network of such channels is called a Drainage System .
Drainage basin: An area drained by a river and its tributaries.
Watershed: Boundary line separating one drainage basin from other.
River basins are larger watersheds.
Drainage pattern of an area depends on the geological time period, nature and structure of rocks, topography, rocks, slope, amount of water and periodicity of flow.
Important drainage patterns:
- Dendritic: Resembling the branches of a tree. Eg. Northern Plain rivers
- Radial: Originate from a hill and flow in all directions. Eg. Rivers in Amarkantak
- Trellis: Primary tributaries parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at right angles.
- Centripetal: Rivers discharge waters from all directions in a lake or depression
A river drains the water collected from a specific area, which is called its catchment area.
Nearly 77 pc of drainage is towards the Bay of Bengal while about 23 pc is towards the Arabian Sea.
The Himalayan Drainage System
Mainly includes the Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra river basins.
Over the plains, rivers of this system change the course often. River Kosi is also known as the ‘sorrow of Bihar’ due to flooding by its frequent change of course by deposition of sediments.
Evolution
Geologists believe that a mighty river called Shivalik or Indo-Brahma traversed the entire length of the Himalayas some 5-24 million years ago. Over time this got dismembered into the present three major river systems.
The Indus System
Indus river originates from a glacier near Bokhar Chu in Tibet in the Kailash Mountain range. Known as Singi Khamban (Lion’s mouth) in Tibet. It forms a spectacular gorge near Gilgit in J&K. Enters Pakistan near Chillar in the Dardistan region. Flows only through the Leh distt of J&K.
Smaller tributaries: Shyok, Gilgit, Zaskar, Nubra, Hunza, Shigar, Gasting, Dras. On right bank: Kabul river, Khurram, Tochi, Gomal, Viboa and hte Sangar.
Major tributaries: Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum
| Jhelum | Origin: Verinag at foot of Pir Pinjal.
Flows through Srinagar and the Wular lake. Joins Chenab near Jhang in Pakistan |
| Chenab | Origin: Two streams (Chandra and Bhaga) which join at Tandi near Keylong in HP.
Largest tributary of Indus. Aka Chandrabhaga. Flows for 1180 KM before entering Pakistan |
| Ravi | Origin: Kullu hills of HP near Rohtang Pass. Enters Pakistan and joins Chenab near Sarai Sidhu |
| Beas | Origin: Beas Kund near Rohtang pass.
Forms gorges at Kati and Largi in the Dhaoladhar range. Meets Satluj near Harike. |
| Satluj | Origin: Rakas lake near Mansarowar in Tibet. Known as Langchen Khambab in Tibet.
Enters India at Ropar. Antecedent river. Bhakra Nangal Project is on this river. |
The Ganga System
It is the largest river system in India.
Ganga rises in the Gangotri glacier near Gaumukh in the Uttarkashi district. Here it is known as the Bhagirathi. At Devprayag, Bhagirathi meets Alaknanda and is known as Ganga hereafter.
Panchprayag
| Vishnu Ganga | Joshimath
Dhauli and Vishnu Ganga meet to form Alaknanda |
| Alaknanda | Origin: Satopanth glacier above Badrinath. Consists of Dhauli and Vishnu Ganga. |
| Yamuna | Origin: Yamnotri glacier on Banderpunch range. Joins Ganga at Prayag (Allahabad).
RBT: Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken LBT: Hindan, Rind, Sengar, Varuna. Agra canal |
| Chambal | Origin: Mhow in Malwa plateau.
Gandhi Sagar dam, Rana Pratap Sagar dam and Jawahar Sagar dam. Famour for Chambal ravines. |
| Gandak | Origin: In Nepal between Dhaulgiri and Mt. Everest. Enters Ganga plain in Champaran and joins Ganga at Sonpur near Patna.
Two streams: Kaliganfak and Trishulganga.
|
| Ghaghra | Origin: Glaciers of Mapchachungo
Tributaries: Tila, Seti and Beri Deep gorge at Shishpani Sarda (Kali) joint it and meet Ganga at Chhapra. |
| Kosi | Origin: North of Mt. Everest in Tibet.
Tributaties: Son Kosi, Tamur Kosi, Arun Changes course often. Sorrow of Bihar. |
Ganga enters the plains at Haridwar.
Left Bank tributaries (LBT): Ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi and Mahananda.
Right Bank tributaries (RBT): Son
Discharges into Bay of Bengal near Sagar island.,
The Indian subcontinent is home to some of the world’s most important rivers. The Himalayan drainage system is the largest river system in the world, and it includes the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers. The Peninsular drainage system is the second largest river system in India, and it includes the Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery rivers.
The Indus River is the longest river in Pakistan, and it is the fifth longest river in Asia. The Indus River originates in the Tibetan Plateau, and it flows through India and Pakistan before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The Indus River is an important source of water for Irrigation and drinking water.
The Ganges River is the longest river in India, and it is the third longest river in Asia. The Ganges River originates in the Himalayas, and it flows through India before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges River is an important source of water for irrigation and drinking water. It is also a sacred river for Hindus, and millions of people visit the Ganges River each year to bathe in its waters.
The Brahmaputra River is the longest river in India and Bangladesh, and it is the ninth longest river in Asia. The Brahmaputra River originates in the Himalayas, and it flows through India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmaputra River is an important source of water for irrigation and drinking water. It is also a sacred river for Hindus, and millions of people visit the Brahmaputra River each year to bathe in its waters.
The Peninsular drainage system is the second largest river system in India, and it includes the Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery rivers. The Narmada River is the longest river in the Peninsular drainage system, and it is the seventh longest river in India. The Narmada River originates in the Satpura Range, and it flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The Narmada River is an important source of water for irrigation and drinking water.
The Tapi River is the second longest river in the Peninsular drainage system, and it is the eighth longest river in India. The Tapi River originates in the Satpura Range, and it flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The Tapi River is an important source of water for irrigation and drinking water.
The Godavari River is the third longest river in the Peninsular drainage system, and it is the ninth longest river in India. The Godavari River originates in the Western Ghats, and it flows through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari River is an important source of water for irrigation and drinking water.
The Krishna River is the fourth longest river in the Peninsular drainage system, and it is the tenth longest river in India. The Krishna River originates in the Western Ghats, and it flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Krishna River is an important source of water for irrigation and drinking water.
The Cauvery River is the fifth longest river in the Peninsular drainage system, and it is the eleventh longest river in India. The Cauvery River originates in the Western Ghats, and it flows through the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Cauvery River is an important source of water for irrigation and drinking water.
The Indian subcontinent’s rivers are vital to the region’s economy and Environment. They provide water for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. They also support a variety of Ecosystems and are home to many different species of Plants and animals. The Indian subcontinent’s rivers are a precious resource, and it is important to protect them.
What are the major Drainage Systems in India?
The major drainage systems in India are the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage systems. The Himalayan drainage system is the larger of the two, and it is composed of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers. The Peninsular drainage system is composed of the Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery rivers.
What are the characteristics of the Himalayan drainage system?
The Himalayan drainage system is characterized by its large rivers, which are fed by melting snow and ice from the Himalayas. The rivers in this system are also very long, and they flow through a variety of landscapes, including Mountains, plains, and deserts.
What are the characteristics of the Peninsular drainage system?
The Peninsular drainage system is characterized by its shorter rivers, which are fed by rainfall. The rivers in this system are also less variable in flow than the rivers in the Himalayan system.
What are the benefits of having a well-developed drainage system?
A well-developed drainage system has many benefits, including:
- Flood control: A well-developed drainage system can help to prevent or reduce the impact of floods.
- Water supply: A well-developed drainage system can provide a source of water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses.
- Irrigation: A well-developed drainage system can help to irrigate crops and improve agricultural productivity.
- Navigation: A well-developed drainage system can provide a means of transportation for people and goods.
- Hydroelectric power: A well-developed drainage system can be used to generate hydroelectric power.
What are the challenges of having a well-developed drainage system?
There are a number of challenges associated with having a well-developed drainage system, including:
- Cost: The construction and maintenance of a well-developed drainage system can be expensive.
- Environmental impact: The construction and maintenance of a well-developed drainage system can have a negative impact on the environment.
- Social impact: The construction and maintenance of a well-developed drainage system can have a negative impact on the social fabric of a community.
- Political impact: The construction and maintenance of a well-developed drainage system can be a politically sensitive issue.
What are some of the ways to improve drainage systems?
There are a number of ways to improve drainage systems, including:
- Investing in Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE: One of the most important ways to improve drainage systems is to invest in infrastructure. This includes building and maintaining Dams, levees, and other structures that can help to control flooding.
- Managing water Resources: Another important way to improve drainage systems is to manage Water Resources. This includes developing water conservation strategies and implementing water-efficient practices.
- Raising awareness: Finally, it is important to raise awareness about the importance of drainage systems. This includes educating people about the risks of flooding and the benefits of having a well-developed drainage system.
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The largest river in India is:
(A) The Ganges
(B) The Brahmaputra
(C) The Indus
(D) The Narmada -
The Ganges River originates in:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The Peninsular Plateau
(C) The Vindhya Mountains
(D) The Aravalli Mountains -
The Ganges River is a major source of water for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Drinking water
(C) Hydroelectric power
(D) All of the above -
The Brahmaputra River originates in:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The Peninsular Plateau
(C) The Vindhya Mountains
(D) The Aravalli Mountains -
The Brahmaputra River is a major source of water for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Drinking water
(C) Hydroelectric power
(D) All of the above -
The Indus River originates in:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The Peninsular Plateau
(C) The Vindhya Mountains
(D) The Aravalli Mountains -
The Indus River is a major source of water for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Drinking water
(C) Hydroelectric power
(D) All of the above -
The Narmada River originates in:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The Peninsular Plateau
(C) The Vindhya Mountains
(D) The Aravalli Mountains -
The Narmada River is a major source of water for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Drinking water
(C) Hydroelectric power
(D) All of the above -
The Tapti River originates in:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The Peninsular Plateau
(C) The Vindhya Mountains
(D) The Aravalli Mountains -
The Tapti River is a major source of water for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Drinking water
(C) Hydroelectric power
(D) All of the above -
The Godavari River originates in:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The Peninsular Plateau
(C) The Vindhya Mountains
(D) The Aravalli Mountains -
The Godavari River is a major source of water for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Drinking water
(C) Hydroelectric power
(D) All of the above -
The Krishna River originates in:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The Peninsular Plateau
(C) The Vindhya Mountains
(D) The Aravalli Mountains -
The Krishna River is a major source of water for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Drinking water
(C) Hydroelectric power
(D) All of the above -
The Kaveri River originates in:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The Peninsular Plateau
(C) The Vindhya Mountains
(D) The Aravalli Mountains -
The Kaveri River is a major source of water for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Drinking water
(C) Hydroelectric power
(D) All of the above -
The Mahanadi River originates in:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The Peninsular Plateau
(C) The Vindhya Mountains
(D) The Aravalli Mountains -
The Mahanadi River is a major source of water for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Drinking water
(C) Hydroelectric power
(D) All of the above -
The Brahmaputra River is the largest river in India.
(A) True
(B) False -
The Ganges River originates in the Himalayas.
(A) True
(B) False -
The Ganges River is a major source of water for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.
(A) True
(B) False -
The Brahmaputra River originates in the Himalayas.
(A) True
(B) False -
The Brahmaputra River is a major source of water for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.
(A) True
(B) False -
The Indus River originates in the Himalayas.
(A) True
(B) False -
The Indus River is a major source of water for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.
(A) True
(B) False -
The Narmada River originates in the Peninsular Plateau.
(A) True
(B) False -
The N