Tributaries of Ganga

The Tributaries of Ganga and Ganga River system is India’s largest river system, covering ​​1,086,000 square kilometres. It is composed of many perennial and non-flowing rivers. The Ganga River holds immense significance in India, both in terms of its basin and cultural importance. Tributaries of Ganga, it originates in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, near Gurumukhi at an elevation of 3,900 meters, where it is known as the Bhagirathi. Several major tributaries contribute to the Ganga’s flow, including the Ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, and Mahananda.

Ultimately, the Ganga flows into the Bay of Bengal near Sagar Island, completing its journey through the heart of India. Tributaries of Ganga In actuality, reverence for the Ganga is fundamental to Indian identity and culture. The tributaries of the Ganga River have a rich history of supporting indigenous culture within its basin, tributaries of Ganga. absorbing the civilization of the Indus-Sarasvati basin, and fostering cultural fusion to develop Indian civilization.

Ganga Drainage System 

The Ganga Drainage System is a vast and complex network of rivers, tributaries, and streams that drain into the Ganga River, which is one of the most significant river systems in India tributaries of Ganga. This system plays a crucial role in the hydrology, ecology, and economy of the northern Indian plains tributaries of Ganga. Here are the key components and features of the Ganga Drainage System:

River Name	Source Location	Length (km)	Major Places It Passes Through	Confluence Point with Ganga
Ganga	Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand	2,525	Haridwar, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata	Bay of Bengal
Yamuna	Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand	1,376	Delhi, Mathura, Agra, Prayagraj	Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Son	Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh	784	Shahdol, Son Nagar, Patna	Patna, Bihar
Gomti	Gomti Tal, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh	900	Lucknow, Jaunpur, Ghazipur	Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh
Ghaghra	Near Mansarovar, Tibet	1,080	Ayodhya, Chhapra	Chhapra, Bihar
Kosi	Himalayan Region, Nepal	729	Saharsa, Purnia	Kursela, Bihar
Gandak	Himalayan Region, Nepal	630	Triveni, Sonepur	Sonepur, Bihar
Ramganga	Garhwal, Uttarakhand	596	Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur	Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh
Damodar	Chhota Nagpur Plateau, Jharkhand	541	Ranchi, Dhanbad, Asansol	Hooghly River, West Bengal
Mahananda	Darjeeling Himalayas, West Bengal	360	Siliguri, Purnia, Katihar	Katihar, Bihar
Bagmati	Shivpuri, Nepal	587	Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga	Khagaria, Bihar

1. Main River: Ganga

• The Ganga River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and flows through several states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• The river is approximately 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles) long, making it one of the longest rivers in the world.

2. Major Tributaries:

The Ganga River has numerous tributaries that contribute to its flow. Some of the major tributaries of Ganga include:

• Yamuna: Originating from the Yamunotri Glacier, it is the largest tributary of the Ganga and joins it at Allahabad (Prayagraj).
• Gandak: Originates in Nepal and flows through Bihar, joining the Ganga near Patna.
• Kosi: Known for its unpredictable behavior and flooding, it merges with the Ganga in Bihar.
• Ghaghara: Flows from Tibet and joins the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.
• Saraswati: A seasonal river that is believed to be a tributary of the Ganga, although its existence is more mythological and historical.
• Tons: A tributary that joins the Yamuna, which in turn feeds into the Ganga.

3. Geographical Features:

• The Ganga Drainage System covers a vast area known as the Ganga Basin, which is characterized by fertile alluvial plains, making it one of the most agriculturally productive regions in India.
• The basin spans across several states and includes important cities such as Varanasi, Kanpur, Allahabad, Patna, and Kolkata.

4. Ecological Importance:

• The Ganga River and its tributaries support a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the Ganges river dolphin.
• The river system provides habitats for various aquatic and terrestrial species and plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

5. Cultural and Religious Significance:

• The Ganga is considered sacred by Hindus and is often referred to as “Ganga Ma” (Mother Ganga). It is central to many religious rituals, pilgrimages, and festivals.
• Numerous temples and ghats (riverfront steps) are situated along its banks, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists.

6. Economic Significance:

• The Ganga Drainage System is crucial for agriculture, as it provides irrigation to vast agricultural lands in the Ganga Basin.
• It also supports fishing, transportation, and tourism, contributing significantly to the local and national economy.

7. Environmental Challenges:

• The Ganga River faces severe pollution challenges due to industrial discharge, sewage, and religious offerings, which impact water quality and aquatic life.
• Climate change, deforestation, and urbanization pose additional threats to the river and its ecosystem.
• Government initiatives like the “Namami Gange” program aim to clean and preserve the Ganga, focusing on pollution reduction and sustainable development.

8. Hydrological Aspects:

The Ganga Drainage System is characterized by a monsoon-driven hydrology, with significant seasonal variations in flow. The river experiences heavy flooding during the monsoon season, which can lead to both benefits (fertile silt deposition) and challenges (flooding damage).

There are four main tributaries of the Ganga River in the drainage system of Ganga:

Alakhnanda River

The Alaknanda River rises at the confluence and feet of the Satopanth and Bhagirath glaciers in Uttarakhand. It meets the Bhagirathi River at Devprayag, where it is known as the Ganga. The Alaknanda River’s main tributaries, which are part of the tributaries of Ganga, include the Mandakini, Nandakini, and Pindar rivers. The Alaknanda system drains parts of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, Tehri, and Pauri districts. The triangular Lake Satopanth is situated at the Alaknanda River’s origin at 4402 metres.

Bhagirathi

The Bhagirathi River joins the Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga. It rises near Gaumukh at the base of the Gangotri Glacier at an elevation of 3892 meters at the base of Chaukhamba Peak in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, and is one of the important tributaries of Ganga.

The river’s upper watershed is covered in glaciers. Its middle course passes through granites and creates breathtaking gorges and crystal rocks of the Himalayan center axis, along with the various tributaries of Ganga that contribute to its flow.

Dhauliganga

The Dhauliganga River originates in the Dhauliganga Valley and eventually joins the Alaknanda River, which is one of the major headstreams of the Ganges and an important tributary of Ganga. The ecological significance of Dhauliganga includes maintaining biodiversity and habitat, erosion control, and flood regulation.

The Dhauliganga is one of the tributaries of the Ganges and flows through the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. As one of the important tributaries of Ganga, the confluence of the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers occurs near Vishnuprayag, and from there, the combined flow continues as the Ganges River.

Rishiganga River

The Rishiganga River, located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, is one of the significant tributaries of Ganga, contributing to the river system’s flow and ecology. This river plays a vital role as it emerges from the Nanda Devi Mountain’s Uttari Nanda Devi Glacier. The Rishiganga River passes through the National Park of Nanda Devi before joining the Dhauliganga River close to the settlement of Raini.

Ganga River System Map

Tributaries of Ganga: The Ganga River is spread over 286,000 sq. km in India, Tibet (China), Nepal, and Bangladesh. This river lies east in 73° 2′ and between 89° and 5’N. The Ganga River has a maximum length and width of about 1,543 km and 1,024 km, respectively. The Himalayas bound the river to the north, the Aravalli to the west, the Vindhya and Chotanagpur plains to the south, and the Brahmaputra Plateau to the eastern side of India. Numerous tributaries of Ganga enhance its flow and contribute to its vast drainage system.

Name the tributaries of River Ganga

A tributary is a small stream whose water, in the end, flows into a bigger river. The tributaries of Ganga play a significant role in water delivery, monsoon water storage, groundwater recharge, nutrient delivery, and sediment shipping, all of which are essential for preserving the flow of the river Ganga.

The Ganga River has numerous tributaries, with a total of around 17 major tributaries. The left-bank tributaries include the Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, and Mahananda, while the right-bank tributaries consist of the Yamuna, Son, and several others. Any movement that enters a river from the right side is considered a right-bank tributary, while any flow that enters from the left is classified as a left-bank tributary. Understanding the tributaries of Ganga is essential for grasping the river’s hydrology and ecological significance.

Right Bank Tributaries of Ganga

Verify whether Yamuna is a Ganga tributary; explore eleven right-bank tributaries:

• Yamuna: Yamuna is the largest tributary of the Ganga and one of the right bank tributaries of the Ganga. It originates from Yamuna glaciers that stretch 6316 km.
• Son: Amarkantak plateau receives water from this Ganga tributary, forming waterfalls before entering Arrah.
• Punpun: The Punpun River goes through Chatra, Aurangabad, Gaya, and Patna after rising in the Jharkhand region of Palamu.
• Falgu: The Falgu, also known as Phagu, is the river that passes by the Bihar state district of Gaya.  Another name for the Falgu River is the “Niranjana River.”
• Kiul: The Kiul River rises in Jharkhand and is a tributary of the Ganga.  This river, which is 110 kilometres long, drains roughly 16,500 km³.
• Chandan: The Chandan River flows through the Bihar district of Bhagalpur. Locals call this river Champa because they founded a village called Champa along its banks.
• Ajoy: The Ajoy, also known as the Ajay River in Jharkhand, rises from a small hill near Deoghar, roughly 300 meters high. The Ajay River flows through Bihar from Jharkhand to Simjuri in West Bengal. This is one of the tributaries of the river Ganga from west to east.
• Damodar: The Ganga River’s major tributary is the Damodar. The Chhota Nagpur Plateau in the Bihar district of Palamau traces the origin of Damodar.
• Rupnarayan: The Rupnarayan River rises in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau’s foothills at Dhalkisor and flows through Bankura, which merges with the Dwarkeshwar River.
• Tamsa: It passes through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Tamsa River comes from the Kaimur range’s Tamkund.
• Karamnasa: The Kaimur region is the source of this Ganga River tributary, which flows through the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Left Bank Tributaries of Ganga

The six left-bank tributaries of River Ganga are given below:

• Ramganga: The Ramganga tributary drains the southwest part of Kumaun and is one of the left-bank tributaries of the river Ganga. Its source is the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, on the southern slopes of Dudhatoli Hill.
• Garra: The Garra River flows through important industrial areas in the Uttar Pradesh district of Shahjahanpur.
• Gomti: In Pilibhit, near Madho Tanda, is Gomti Taal, also known as Fulhaar Jheel. It is the source of the Gomti River. It passes over 900 kilometres of Uttar Pradesh before entering Ghazipur.
• Ghaghara: The Ghaghara River rises from the glaciers at Mapchachungo. Tributaries of Ganga, It passes through the Himalayas of Nepal and meets the Sharada River at Brahma Ghats, India. Its length is 1080 kilometers. This river’s main tributaries are the Serja, Sharda, Rapt, and Chute Gandaki rivers.
• Gandak: The Kali and Trisuli rivers, which have their source in Nepal’s massive Himalayan range, converge to form the Gandak River. It makes a meandering 765 kilometres until it meets the Ganga in Sonepur, near Patna.
• Kosi: The Saptakoshi, with seven Himalayan tributaries, is a historic transboundary river traversing India and Nepal, joining the Ganga near Kursela.

What is the Ganga River System?

The expansive Ganga River System spans Bangladesh, Nepal, Tibet, and India, encompassing an impressive area of almost 10,86,000 square kilometers. Tributaries of Ganga, This vast river system constitutes nearly one-fourth of India’s total land area, representing the country’s largest river basin, covering an extensive 8,61,452 square kilometers. 

The Ganga River System is one of the most significant river systems in India, both geographically and culturally. It primarily consists of the Ganga River and its tributaries of Ganga, which together form a vast and intricate network that supports millions of people and a diverse ecosystem. Here are some key points about the Ganga River System:

1. Source and Course:

• The Ganga River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, specifically at a place called Gaumukh in Uttarakhand.
• It flows through several states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

2. Major Tributaries:

• The Ganga has several important tributaries, including:
  • Yamuna: One of its largest tributaries, it joins the Ganga at Allahabad (Prayagraj).
  • Gandak: Originates in Nepal and joins the Ganga in Bihar.
  • Kosi: Known for its changing course and flooding, it also merges with the Ganga in Bihar.
  • Ghaghara: Another significant tributary that flows from Tibet and joins the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.

3. Cultural and Religious Significance:

• The Ganga is considered sacred by Hindus and is often referred to as “Ganga Ma” (Mother Ganga). It is a central element in Hindu rituals, ceremonies, and festivals.
• Many important pilgrimage sites, such as Haridwar, Varanasi, and Allahabad, are located along its banks.

4. Economic Importance:

• The Ganga River System supports agriculture in the fertile plains of northern India, providing water for irrigation.
• It also serves as a vital transportation route for goods and people.

5. Environmental Concerns:

• The Ganga faces significant environmental challenges, including pollution from industrial waste, sewage, and religious offerings.
• Efforts have been made to clean and preserve the river, including government initiatives like the “Namami Gange” program aimed at rejuvenating the Ganga and its tributaries.

6. Biodiversity:

• The Ganga River System is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered Ganges river dolphin and various fish species.

7. Hydrology:

• The river system plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the region, influencing the climate, groundwater recharge, and the ecosystem of the plains.

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National Mission for Clean Ganga

In June 2014, the Union Government designated the Navami Ganga Programmed as a “Flagship Programmed for Tributaries of Ganga.” It has the dual goals of conserving and revitalizing the National River Ganga and effectively reducing pollution.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and its state equivalent organizations, Tributaries of Ganga the State Programmer Management Groups (SPMGs), are in charge of carrying out the programmer.
The Union Government established the National Ganga Council (NMCG) in 2016 to oversee implementation, taking over from the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NRGBA). It comprises over 288 projects with a centrally supported, non-lapsable corpus of Rs. 20,000 crore.

Tributaries of Ganga UPSC 

Tributaries of Ganga or Ganga ki Sahayak Nadiyan is crucial topic for UPSC. On November 4, 2008, Tributaries of Ganga the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, officially designated the Ganga River, also known as the Ganges River, as the nation’s official river.

• The Ganga River, also known as the Ganges River, is the national river of India, a designation proclaimed by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 4, 2008. It flows through both India and Bangladesh, ultimately discharging into the Bay of Bengal after traversing the Himalayas and the Gangetic plains.
• The river is deeply embedded in Indian cultural beliefs, with the widely held conviction that bathing in the Ganga washes away sins and channels salvation. Numerous holy sites are located along its banks, including Gangotri, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Kali Ghat.
• The Gangotri Glacier is the source of the Bhagirathi River, which is considered the origin of the Ganga. The Ghaghara River, which is the largest tributary of the Ganga, also originates from the Himalayas under the name Bhagirathi.
• The Ganga Action Plan Phase-I was initiated in June 1985 to address pollution and conservation of the river. Additionally, a cultural connection exists with the Ganga in Thailand, where the Siamese holiday “Loy Krathong” involves floating candles into rivers while praying to Goddess Ganga.

Tributaries of Ganga: The Ganga, a revered national river flowing through India and Bangladesh, saw the initiation of the Ganga Action Plan Phase-I in June 1985. Originating from the Himalayas and traversing the Gangetic plains, the river ultimately converges into the Bay of Bengal. Tributaries of Ganga, Deeply ingrained in cultural beliefs, the Ganges is considered purifying, and bathing in its waters is believed to cleanse sins and offer salvation. A cultural tradition observed in Thailand during the “Loy Krathong” festival involves floating candles into rivers as a form of prayer to Goddess Ganga.

The Bhagirathi River, originating from the Gangotri Glacier, is a significant tributary, with the Ghagra River being its largest contributor. The banks of the Ganga River boast numerous holy sites, including Gangotri, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Kali Ghat, underscoring the spiritual and cultural significance of this majestic river.

The Bottom Line

The current administration has also been actively working to build dams in the Himalayan upper levels of the Ganga River in recent years. Concerns arise among experts that hydroelectric projects may negatively impact the flow of the Ganga.

As of 2019, 1,000 dams in the Ganga watershed were impeding the rivers’ ability to flow freely and causing the continuous flow. Tributaries of Ganga: However, the issues remain unanswered when dams start to take on symbolic meaning in the development discourse. Continuous water flow requires careful consideration of the latest hydroelectric developments, particularly relying on the significant tributaries of the Ganga.

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