The river is the naturally occurring stream of fresh water that runs toward the other water bodies at the lower levels like lakes, oceans, and rivers. When the river comes out of the water it may dry before reaching the end or only flow into the specific seasons. The rivers are controlled by the water cycle, or the mechanisms through which water circulates across the planet. Some examples of precipitation initially get into rivers: Rainfall, snow or melting of the glacier, and seepage from the aquifers.
The river is the lifeline of the planet. For millions of years, the river has been necessary for the growth of human civilization which in influenced by the landscapes and sustaining ecosystems. The river gives all the food, transportation, water, and fertile soil to all the civilizations. The information about the rivers like their origin, destinations, and functions helps in supporting life and increases respect for the natural resources.
For a moment, picture a world without rivers. It would be a bleak and desolate place, lacking vibrancy both figuratively and literally. Such a world would face severe droughts and famines. Fortunately, we are not living in that reality—yet the threat looms large. Reports of major cities approaching ‘Day Zero,’ when they may run out of water, serve as a stark reminder of this risk.
The government has taken several steps to rejuvenate our rivers. The “Namami Gange” initiative, aimed at cleaning the Ganges, is a notable example. However, this raises an important question—should the responsibility rest solely with the government? What role do we, as citizens, play in protecting our rivers? Are we mindful of how our actions impact them? For instance, each time we carelessly discard a plastic bottle, we risk polluting these vital water bodies.
A crucial step toward protecting our rivers is raising awareness about them. This awareness should go beyond textbook knowledge—it should involve building a meaningful connection with rivers. It is especially important for today’s youth, including high school and college students, to cultivate this bond.
To promote such awareness, the ‘Nadi ko Jano’ initiative was launched. Organized by the Research for Resurgence Foundation, this nation-wide competition encourages participants, particularly the youth, to gather extensive information about rivers they can access. This data can include cultural, social, ecological, religious, and other aspects of rivers. The findings are uploaded to the ‘Nadi ko Jano’ mobile application, which was inaugurated by Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25, 2021. An added benefit of this competition is the creation of a comprehensive database that could reveal new insights about our rivers.
College students in Delhi have shown great enthusiasm for this initiative. In conversations with them, I have sensed their excitement as they uncover fascinating details about their rivers. These interactions also remind me of my childhood in Patna, especially during Chatth Puja celebrations. My family would gather at the riverbank to offer ‘argh’ to the setting and rising sun, honoring the Ganges. One can only hope that future generations continue to experience the immense joy and cultural richness that our rivers provide.
Length of some important Indian Rivers
| Indus | 2900 KM |
| Brahmaputra | 2,900 KM |
| Godavari | 1,450 KM |
| Ganga | 2,510 KM |
| Mahanadi | 890 KM |
| Narmada | 1,290 KM |
| Kaveri | 760 KM |
| Krishna | 1,290 KM |
1. The Ganges (Ganga) River
The length of the river is 2,525 kilometers. The main source of this river is Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand. The Ganges is the most famous river in India and keeps a deep religious significance in Hinduism where it is considered as the Scared. It has various Tributaries like Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Others.
2. The Yamuna River
The length of the Yamuna River is 1,376 kilometers (854 miles). Its source is Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand. It mainly flows from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand which joins at the Ganges at Allahabad. The Yamuna is the second largest tributary of the Ganga. It is considered sacred in Hinduism. Its tributaries like Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, and Ken Rivers.
3. The Brahmaputra River
The length of the Brahmaputra River is 2,900 kilometers. Its source is Angsi Glacier, Tibet (China). It mainly flows from the Tibet (China), Arunachal Pradesh (India), Assam, and Bangladesh. For the northeastern states of India, the Brahmaputra is the lifeline. It is important for irrigation, transportation, and as a water resource. It mainly holds the tributaries of the Subansiri, Manas, Teesta, and others.
4. The Indus River
The Indus river is 3180 km lomg. Its main source is Tibet. It floes from the Jammu and Kashmir in India. It is one of the largest and longest rivers in the world. It mainly supports the Indus Valley Civilization. This river is very important for Pakistan’s agriculture but faces many challenges. Its tributaries are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.
5. The Godavari River
The Godavari River is about 1,465 kilometers long. It is the second-largest river in India. The main source of those rivers is Trimbak Hills, Maharashtra. It mainly flows from the Deccan Plateau through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. It is an important river for irrigation. It is mainly associated with the various religious and cultural sites. Its tributaries are Penganga, Pranahita, Manjira.
6. The Sabarmati River
The Sabarmati is about 371 Km long. The main source of the Sabarmati River is the Aravalli Range, Rajasthan. It mainly flows from the Gujarat, including Ahmedabad. The importance of this river in Gujarat is both culturally and economically. The river is mainly associated with Mahatma Gandhi, as the Sabarmati Ashram which is launched the Salt March.
7. The Tapi (Tapti) River
The length of this river is 724 KM. The main source of this river is Satpura Range, Madhya Pradesh. It mainly flows from the Maharashtra and Gujarat before draining into the Arabian Sea. It is one of the major rivers in Western india which gives water for drinking and irrigation to states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. It includes the tributaries like Purna, Girna, and Penganga rivers.
The Importance of Rivers to Humans
The Rivers are very important for humans for the various reasons:
- Freshwater: Rivers are an important source of drinking water for people all over the world. They give the water for the growing food and the irrigation.
- Transportation: The rivers are also used for the routes of transport for the people and goods.
- Biodiversity: The rovers are home to wildlife including 50% of all fish species. They also give support to the marshes and the wetlands which are home to an estimated 40% of the world’s species.
- Flood control: Over time, the Rivers, canyons, and flood plains accommodate the changes in the water levels.
- Recreation: The rivers are mainly popular destinations for boaters and anglers.
- Culture and history: The rivers played an important role in human history and culture like trading rotes, ceremonial sites, and more.
- Livelihoods: For their livelihoods, the people depend on the rivers.
The rivers are also sacred in many religions like Hinduism, the Ancient Celtic religion, and more.
Threats to Rivers
From human activities and climate change, the river faces many threats. Some of the threats are as follows:
- Habitat loss: The activities of humans can destroy or degrade the habitats of the rivers by digging channels, paved surfaces, and more.
- Dams: They damage the rivers and block the route for fish migration.
- Climate change: The changes in the climate can lead to floods, droughts, and rivers drying up.
- Energy development: The development of energy harms the river like hydropower and mining.
- Pollution: Toxic chemicals, medications, and nutrients from farms and animals are dumped into the rivers.
- Grazing: Overgrazing and cattle trading increase erosion and weaken the streambank stability.
- Introduced species: It can also harm native plants and animals.
- Overharvesting: It Can also threaten rivers
FAQ:
Q: What is the length of the Indus River?
Ans: 2900 KM
Q: From where do the Godavari Rivers flow?
Ans: It flows across the Deccan Plateau through Maharashtra, Telangana, AP.