Which is the second largest basin in India?a)Gangeticb)Godavaric)Krish...
Godavari Basin - Second Largest Basin in India
The Godavari basin is the second largest river basin in India after the Ganges basin. It is located in the southern part of the country and covers states such as Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Here are some key points about the Godavari basin:
Origin and Course:
- The Godavari River originates in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and flows eastwards across the Deccan Plateau before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
- It is known as Dakshin Ganga or the Ganges of the South due to its significance and importance in the region.
- The river has several tributaries such as the Pravara, Manjira, Indravati, and Wardha, which contribute to the flow of the river.
Significance:
- The Godavari basin is vital for agriculture in the region as it provides water for irrigation to a large area of fertile land.
- The river is also of cultural and religious importance, with many temples and pilgrimage sites located along its banks.
- The basin supports a rich biodiversity with several species of flora and fauna dependent on the river and its tributaries.
Challenges:
- Like many other river basins in India, the Godavari basin faces challenges such as water pollution, over-extraction of water for agriculture, and deforestation in the catchment areas.
- Climate change and erratic rainfall patterns also pose a threat to the sustainability of the river basin and its resources.
In conclusion, the Godavari basin plays a crucial role in the ecological, social, and economic fabric of the region, making it the second largest basin in India.