Which is the largest river basin in India?
**The Ganges River Basin: India's Largest River Basin**
The Ganges River Basin is the largest river basin in India. It is a vast drainage basin encompassing a significant part of Northern India, covering an area of about 1,080,000 square kilometers. The basin is named after the mighty Ganges River, which is one of the most sacred and iconic rivers in India.
**Extent and Geography of the Ganges River Basin**
The Ganges River Basin stretches across multiple states in India, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. It also extends into neighboring countries such as Nepal, where the river originates in the Himalayas.
The basin's geography is diverse, ranging from the high-altitude mountain ranges of the Himalayas to the fertile plains of the Ganges Basin. The river flows through a varied landscape, including steep gorges, terraced fields, and dense forests, before finally entering the vast Gangetic plains.
**Importance and Significance of the Ganges River Basin**
The Ganges River Basin holds immense ecological, cultural, and economic significance for India. Here are some of its key attributes:
1. **Water Resource:** The basin is a crucial water resource for millions of people living in the region. The Ganges River and its tributaries provide water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes, supporting agriculture, industries, and the livelihoods of millions of people.
2. **Agriculture:** The fertile Gangetic plains, which lie within the Ganges River Basin, are known as the "rice bowl" of India. The availability of water from the river and its tributaries allows for extensive agricultural activities, including the cultivation of rice, wheat, sugarcane, and other crops.
3. **Biodiversity:** The Ganges River Basin is home to a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna. The river and its surrounding ecosystems support numerous species of fish, turtles, dolphins, and migratory birds. The basin also encompasses several protected areas, such as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, which play a crucial role in preserving the region's biodiversity.
4. **Spiritual and Cultural Significance:** The Ganges River holds deep religious and cultural importance for Hindus in India. It is considered a sacred river, worshipped as the goddess Ganga. Pilgrims from all over the country visit the river to take part in religious ceremonies and rituals, and the river is believed to have the power to cleanse sins and grant salvation.
**Conclusion**
The Ganges River Basin is the largest river basin in India, covering a vast area and playing a pivotal role in the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the region. Its significance as a water resource, agricultural hub, biodiversity hotspot, and spiritual center makes it a vital part of India's natural and cultural heritage.
Which is the largest river basin in India?
Ganga river basin is the largest one in India.
The length of this basin is over 2500 km.
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