Rivers and drainage system of Meghalaya

Rivers and Drainage System of Meghalaya

One of the world’s wettest regions is found in Meghalaya. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji (Sohra) in the East Khasi Hills district are geographically considered as the rainiest places in the World. — Cherrapunji, which has an Average annual Precipitation of about 11,430 mm (450 inches) during monsoon season (from May to September) and Mawsynram, a village directly west of Cherrapunji, where rainfall of around 17,800 mm (700 inches) per year has been recorded. The area receives rainfall on an average for 160 days in a year, spread over 6 to 8 months from March to October.

Physiographically, Meghalaya represents a remanant of an ancient plateau of Pre-Cambrian Peninsular shield, block lifted to its present height and is referred as Meghalaya Plateau or as Shillong-Mikir massif. It is the detached northeastern extension of Indian Peninsular shield, part of which lies beneath the alluvium deposited by Ganga Brahmaputra system of rivers. The rivers of the State are rainfed and therefore their discharge dwindles during summer. Important rivers in Garo Hills region are Daring, Sanda, Bugi, Dareng and Simsang. In the central and eastern part of the plateau are Umkhri, Digaru, Umngot and Myntdu rivers.

The surface water resource is tapped in a number of places by constructing Dams across the rivers. The reservoirs, like the Umium and Kopili, so developed are not only used for Irrigation and drinking water but also for generating electricity. Inspite of this, the area experiences shortage of water during the summer resulting in crisis for drinking water. This is mainly due to topographical and geomorphological conditions apart from alterations of the natural land surface by way of development, mining and Urbanization.

Moreover, the characteristic hilly and steep sloping terrain condition in the area with localized small valleys results in very high surface run-off during the monsoon.

Some of the important rivers of Meghalaya are as follows:

Digaru

Digaru is a river originating in the Garo-Khasi hills of Meghalaya state in India, flowing towards the northeast and then meeting the Kolong river and then merging with the Brahmaputra river. The name Digaru originated from a Kachari/Mech word ‘Di’ which means water and ‘Garo’ means the people living in the Garo hills. Hence Digaru literally means “water of the Garo”.

Kopili River

The Kopili originates in the Meghalaya plateau and flows through southern Assam before its confluence with the Brahmaputra. In Assam it drains the districts of Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Kamrup and Nagaon. The river flows for a total length of 290 kilometres (180 mi) and has a catchment area of 16,420 square kilometres (6,340 sq mi). It is noted for several spectacular waterfalls along its course which has several deep gorges and rapids in the 120 kilometres (75 mi) of its flow before debouching into the plains at Nagaon district.

Myntdu River

Myntdu River is one of the major water bodies in Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, locally known as ‘ka Tawiar ka Takan’ (Our Guardian Angel) in the Pnar dialect. It is a blessing to the residents of the town of Jowai and adjacent places. Its abundant water is used to irrigate the Myntdu Valley, located on the outskirts of Jowai town. The river, originating at 1,420 metres (4,660 ft) above sea level, is fit for hydro-power development.

The river flows across Jowai, and then through Leshka (where a Hydro Project Dam is being constructed) to reach a village Borghat, within Jaintia Hills, before finally entering Bangladesh, where it is locally called ‘Shari’.

Piyain River

Piyain River a trans-boundary river of India and Bangladesh. It is a tributary of the Surma river, which is originates from the Umgat river of Assam. The river enters Bangladesh through Sylhet district. The length of the river is 145 km. Piyain river has emerged from the river om or Umagat river or Assam.

Someshwari River

Someshwari River, known as Simsang River in the Indian state of Meghalaya, is a major river in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya and Netrakona District of Bangladesh. It divides the Garo Hills into two parts.

Meghalaya is a state in northeastern India. It is the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of over 11,871 mm (467 in). The state is drained by a number of rivers, including the Brahmaputra, the Meghna, and the Barak.

The Brahmaputra is the largest river in Meghalaya. It originates in the Himalayas and flows through the state for about 200 km (120 mi). The Brahmaputra is a major source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power in Meghalaya.

The Meghna is the second largest river in Meghalaya. It originates in the Garo Hills and flows through the state for about 100 km (62 mi). The Meghna is a major source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power in Meghalaya.

The Barak is the third largest river in Meghalaya. It originates in the Khasi Hills and flows through the state for about 80 km (50 mi). The Barak is a major source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power in Meghalaya.

The rivers of Meghalaya are important for a number of reasons. They provide water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water. They are also important for transportation and recreation.

The rivers of Meghalaya are facing a number of challenges. These include pollution, deforestation, and Climate change. Pollution is a major problem in the rivers of Meghalaya. The main sources of pollution are sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff. Deforestation is also a major problem in the rivers of Meghalaya. Trees help to filter water and prevent erosion. Climate Change is also a major problem in the rivers of Meghalaya. Climate change is causing the Glaciers in the Himalayas to melt, which is leading to an increase in the flow of water in the rivers of Meghalaya. This increase in flow can cause flooding and erosion.

There are a number of things that can be done to protect the rivers of Meghalaya. These include:

Reducing pollution: This can be done by treating sewage, controlling industrial waste, and using less fertilizer.
Reforestation: This can be done by planting trees along the banks of rivers.
Adapting to climate change: This can be done by building flood control structures and by planting trees that are tolerant of drought.

The rivers of Meghalaya are an important part of the state’s economy and Environment. It is important to protect them from pollution, deforestation, and climate change.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about rivers and Drainage Systems:

What is a river?
A river is a natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake or another river.
What is a drainage system?
A drainage system is a Network of rivers, streams, and other watercourses that collect and carry water away from the land.
What are the different types of rivers?
There are three main types of rivers: perennial rivers, ephemeral rivers, and intermittent rivers. Perennial rivers flow year-round, while ephemeral rivers only flow during the rainy season. Intermittent rivers flow only during certain times of the year, such as during spring snowmelt or after heavy rains.
What are the different types of drainage systems?
There are two main types of drainage systems: dendritic and radial. Dendritic drainage systems are characterized by a branching network of rivers, while radial drainage systems are characterized by a single river that flows from a central point.
What are the factors that affect the formation of rivers?
The formation of rivers is affected by a number of factors, including climate, geology, and topography. Climate affects the amount of precipitation that falls in an area, which in turn affects the amount of water that is available to flow in rivers. Geology affects the type of rock that is present in an area, which in turn affects the way that water flows over the land. Topography affects the slope of the land, which in turn affects the speed of the water flow.
What are the benefits of rivers?
Rivers provide a number of benefits, including water for drinking, irrigation, and Industry; transportation; recreation; and flood control.
What are the challenges of rivers?
Rivers also face a number of challenges, including pollution, flooding, and climate change. Pollution can come from a variety of sources, including agriculture, industry, and sewage. Flooding can occur when rivers overflow their banks, causing damage to property and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE. Climate change can affect the amount of precipitation that falls in an area, which in turn can affect the amount of water that is available to flow in rivers.
What are some ways to protect rivers?
There are a number of ways to protect rivers, including reducing pollution, managing flooding, and adapting to climate change. Reducing pollution can be done by implementing regulations on polluters, investing in clean energy, and promoting Sustainable Agriculture. Managing flooding can be done by building levees and dams, and by restoring wetlands. Adapting to climate change can be done by developing drought-resistant crops, and by building seawalls and other infrastructure to protect coastal areas from flooding.

The longest river in Meghalaya is:
(A) Brahmaputra
(B) Barak
(C) Umngot
(D) Myntdu
The largest river island in Meghalaya is:
(A) Umiam
(B) Nokrek
(C) Shillong Peak
(D) Mawphlang
The main source of water for the rivers in Meghalaya is:
(A) Rainfall
(B) Snowmelt
(C) Glaciers
(D) Underground water
The rivers in Meghalaya are important for:
(A) Irrigation
(B) Hydropower generation
(C) Navigation
(D) All of the above
The rivers in Meghalaya are also important for:
(A) Fishing
(B) Tourism
(C) Water supply
(D) All of the above
The rivers in Meghalaya are facing the following threats:
(A) Deforestation
(B) Pollution
(C) Dam construction
(D) All of the above
The following are some of the measures that can be taken to protect the rivers in Meghalaya:
(A) Afforestation
(B) Waste Management
(C) River conservation
(D) All of the above
The following are some of the benefits of protecting the rivers in Meghalaya:
(A) Improved water quality
(B) Increased fish Population
(C) Reduced flooding
(D) All of the above
The following are some of the ways in which you can help to protect the rivers in Meghalaya:
(A) Reduce your water consumption
(B) Recycle and reuse water
(C) Do not pollute the rivers
(D) All of the above
The following are some of the things that you can do to learn more about the rivers in Meghalaya:
(A) Visit the Meghalaya State Museum
(B) Read books and articles about the rivers
(C) Watch documentaries about the rivers
(D) All of the above