Traditional GK

                       The Flowing Wonders of Deccan Plateau

Introduction:

A vast elevated region in South and Central India known as the Deccan Plateau is known for its unique geographical features and rich biodiversity. The river system of this plateau plays an important role in the region's agriculture, ecological balance, and the livelihoods of millions of people. Primarily dependent on rainfall, these rivers flow through diverse landscapes, including the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, which receive their headwaters from the Deccan Plateau. Most of these rivers flow towards the east, such as Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. But some rivers, like Narmada and Tapi, flow westwards and fall into the Arabian Sea. These rivers cut through rugged hills, fertile plains, and deep valleys to create important river basins essential for irrigation, drinking water, hydroelectric power, and sustainable ecosystems. Besides ecological and economic importance, these rivers have cultural and religious importance.

The Deccan Plateau Rivers:

The rivers that flow through the Deccan Plateau of southern and central India play an important role in the agriculture, ecosystems, and settlement of these regions. The rivers flow through the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats. Here is some basic information about the major rivers of the Deccan Plateau given below:

1. Godavari:

• Origin: The source of Godavari River is the Brahmagiri Mountain in Trimbakeshwar, near Nashik of Maharashtra, India.
• Estuary: It empties into the Bay of Bengal at Antarvadi in Konaseema of Andhra Pradesh.
• Flow Path: From the origin, Godavari flows toward the east through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, then turns southeast, enters Andhra Pradesh, and splits into two distributaries before joining the Bay of Bengal.
• Length: This River is around 1,465 km (910 mi) long.
• Significance: The second-longest river of India, Godavari, also known as the "Dakshina Ganga," helps to provide irrigation and water supply to the states it flows through. The Chevella lift irrigation scheme, Polavaram Dam, and Pranahita are the major projects that highlight its agricultural importance.

2. Krishna:

• Origin: Krishna is sourced in the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar in Satara district of Maharashtra, India.
• Estuary: It meets the Bay of Bengal at Hamsaladevi in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
• Flow Path: The river flows eastward through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before falling into the Bay of Bengal.
• Length: The course of this river is approximately 1,400 km (870 mi) long.
• Significance: Krishna is the fourth largest river in India, according to its water inflow. It is the backbone of some major irrigation projects, such as Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Srisailam Dam. The Krishna river basin is also known for supporting a vast agricultural belt that produces rice, sugarcane, and various other crops.

3.  Tungabhadra:

• Origin: This river rises near Shimoga, from the confluence of Tunga and Bhadra rivers that originates in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India.
• Estuary: It joins the Krishna River near Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• Flow Path: Flows through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh then empties into the Arabian Sea combining with Krishna.
• Length: It is around 531 km (330 mi) long.
• Significance: The river supports agriculture in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Tungabhadra Dam near Hosapete in Karnataka is a major irrigation project constructed in this river.

4.  Bhima:

• Origin: Bhima is sourced near the Bhimashankar hills in Khed Taluka in Pune district, Maharashtra, India.
• Estuary: It joins Krishna River between Karnataka and Telangana near Raichur district, Karnataka, India.
• Flow Path: The River Flows through Maharashtra and Karnataka before joining the Krishna River near Raichur.
• Length: From origin to estuary the stretch of this river is about 861 km (535 mi).
• Significance: The Bhima River is a significant tributary of the Krishna River. It supports agriculture in both Maharashtra and Karnataka states. The river also has historical importance.

5. Narmada:

• Origin: The Narmada is sourced from Amarkantak Plateau in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
• Estuary: It drains into the Arabian Sea at Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat.
• Flow Path: Flows westward through Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra and joins the Arabian Sea.
• Length: The River is 1,312 km (815 mi) in length.
• Significance: It is the largest river of Madhya Pradesh and one of the few major west flowing rivers. The Narmada plays crucial roles for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and water supply. It is known as the “Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat”. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on this river.

6.  Tapi (Tapti):

• Origin: Tapi river rises at Multai in the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh, India.
• Estuary: The river meets the Arabian Sea at Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat, India.
• Flow Path: It flows toward west through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before falling into the Arabian Sea.
• Length: It is around 724 km (450 mi) long.
• Significance: After Narmada it is the second largest west flowing river in Madhya Pradesh. It supports agriculture in the regions of central India and plays vital role for the textile and industrial sectors in Gujarat.

7.  Mahanadi:

• Origin: The Mahanadi originates at Sihawa, Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh, India.
• Estuary: It empties into the Bay of Bengal at False Point in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, India.
• Flow Path: Mahanadi Flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha before draining into the sea via several distributaries.
• Length: This River is 900 km (560 mi) long.
• Significance: The Mahanadi is very important for farming in Odisha and Chhattisgarh region. One of the longest dams in the world the Hirakud Dam is built on this river which serves in multiple purposes including flood control, irrigation, and power generation. This river is also known for its fertile delta.

8.  Kaveri (Cauvery):

• Origin: The Kaveri River rises in Talakaveri, Kodagu district of Karnataka in Western Ghats.
• Estuary: It joins the Bay of Bengal at Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu, India.
• Flow Path: The River flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before falling into the Bay of Bengal.
• Length: The course of this river is 805 km (500 mi) in length.
• Significance: The Kaveri River supports agriculture and supply drinking water in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The river is also have cultural importance. The Kaveri Delta is known as one of the most fertile regions in India.

Conclusion:

The Deccan Plateau rivers system has remarkable impacts on the regions geography, agriculture, economy and tradition. Mostly fed by the monsoon the rivers generally flows in eastward direction and join the Bay of Bengal. Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tapi, Narmada, Mahanadi, Tungabhadra, and Bhima are some Major rivers of this area. However, at present these rivers are getting polluted by various industries and irrigation.  It is necessary to take actions for maintaining this river water safe for sustainable growth to maintain the ecological and cultural value.