- Drainage System The Ganga and Brahmaputra River System
- The Ganga river system is the largest in India and has a number of perennial and non-perennial rivers originating in the Himalayas in the north and the Peninsula in the south, respectively. It accounts for 26.3% of the geographical area of the country and is shared by ten states.
- Ambala is located on the water divide between Indus and Ganga.
- Origin: It rises in the Gangotri glacier near Gaumukh in the Uttarkashi district of Uttaranchal. Here, it is known as the Bhagirathi. At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda; hereafter, it is known as the Ganga.
- The river-course:
- The Ganga enters the plains at Haridwar.
- From here, it flows first to the south, then to the south-east direction to reach Allahabad. Here it is joined by the Yamuna.
- Further, near Rajmahal hills, the Ganga turns south-east and bifurcates at Farakka into Bhagirathi–Hugli in West Bengal and as the Padma in Bangladesh.
- The river finally discharges it self into the Bay of Bengal near the Sagar Island.
- Important left bank tributaries of the Ganga:
- Ramganga
- Gomati
- Ghaghara
- Gandak
- Kosi
- Mahananda
- Important right bank tributaries of the Ganga:
- Son
- Yamuna
Some important tributaries and their characteristic features:
The Brahmaputra River System:
- Origin: The Brahmaputra has its origin in the Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake. Mariam La separates the source of the Brahmaputra from the Manasarovar Lake.
- The river-course:
- Most of the course of the Brahmaputra lies in Tibet, popularly known as Tsangpo. It flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas. It receives a large number of tributaries in Tibet. The first major tributary is the Raga Tsangpo which meets the Tsangpo near Lhatse Dzong.
- After reaching Namcha Barwa, it takes a “U” turn (also known as the Hair Pin turn) and enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh through the deep Dihang or Siang gorge of the Himalayas. Here initially it is called Siang and then Dihang.
- It is joined by Dibang, Lohit, Kenula and many other tributaries and finally forms the Brahmaputra in Assam.
- It then enters Bangladesh near Dhubri and flows southward. In Bangladesh, the Tista joins it on its right bank from where the river is known as the Jamuna. [Note: The Tista was a tributary of the Ganga before the floods of 1787 after which it diverted its course eastwards to join the Brahmaputra.]
- The Jamuna and Ganga confluence at Goalundo and afterwards are called as the Padma. Further south, Padma is joined by Meghna (Barak River in India) and thence onward it is known as Meghna to finally merge in the Bay of Bengal.
- It is called:
- The Tsangpo in Tibet ( Tsangpo = ‘the purifier.’)
- The Brahmaputra in India
- The Jamuna in Bangladesh
- Major left bank tributaries:
- Burhi Dihing,
- Dhansari (South)
- Kalang
- Major right bank tributaries:
- Subansiri ( It has its origin in Tibet and is an antecedent river.)
- Kameng
- Manas
- Sankosh
- Characteristic Features:
- River Brahmaputra is a little longer than the river Indus.
- It forms a spectacular Grand Canyon–like a canyon in Tibet.
- The river is nearly 16 km wide at Dibrugarh and forms many islands, the most important of which is Majuli. Majuli is the world’s largest riverine island and India’s first island district.
- The Brahmaputra has a braided channel. It carries a lot of silt and there is excessive meandering.
- The Brahmaputra is well-known for floods, channel shifting and bank erosion. This is because most of its tributaries are large, and bring a large quantity of sediments owing to heavy rainfall in its catchment area.
The Role of the Ganga and Brahmaputra River Systems in India’s Drainage
India’s drainage systems are significantly shaped by two mighty river systems: the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. These rivers not only provide water for agriculture, drinking, and industry but also support diverse ecosystems. The Ganga, originating from the Himalayas, flows through the northern plains and is a crucial lifeline for millions. Similarly, the Brahmaputra, flowing from Tibet into Assam and beyond, contributes to one of the world’s largest river deltas. Together, they influence the country’s geography, agriculture, and culture, making them indispensable to India’s economy and way of life.
FAQs on The Ganga and Brahmaputra River Systems
1. What is the Ganga River System?
The Ganga River System refers to the network of rivers and tributaries that flow through northern India, with the Ganga River being the primary watercourse. Originating from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, it flows through states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
2. Where does the Brahmaputra River originate?
The Brahmaputra River originates from Tibet, where it is called the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It flows through Assam and other northeastern states in India before entering Bangladesh, where it is known as the Jamuna.
3. How are the Ganga and Brahmaputra Rivers interconnected?
Both rivers are important to the Indian subcontinent’s drainage system, though they do not directly connect. However, they share similar characteristics in terms of providing fertile soil for agriculture and supporting large populations. They also contribute to the formation of the world’s largest river delta—the Sundarbans Delta.
4. Why are the Ganga and Brahmaputra Rivers important for India?
These rivers are crucial for agriculture, water supply, transportation, and religious significance. They sustain millions of people living along their banks and are key to the regional economies of many states.
5. What environmental challenges do the Ganga and Brahmaputra Rivers face?
Both rivers are faced with pollution, reduced water quality, and the impacts of climate change, including shifting water flows and reduced glacial meltwater. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure sustainable water resources and protect biodiversity.
6. How do the Ganga and Brahmaputra Rivers influence Indian culture?
The Ganga is considered sacred in Hinduism, with many cultural practices and pilgrimages revolving around it. The Brahmaputra, while also culturally significant, plays a central role in the livelihood of the people of Assam and the northeast.
7. What are the major tributaries of the Ganga and Brahmaputra?
The Ganga has several important tributaries, such as the Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi. The Brahmaputra’s key tributaries include the Teesta, Subansiri, and Manas rivers.
Related Articles read here
Northern Plains of India Indian Geography Important Topic
Major River System in India- Indian Geography
Basic Terminology used for the study of rivers UPSC IAS 2021
INDIAN GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS AND SOURCES
World Water Day on March 22 : Important Topics for UPSC Exams
