Drainage System | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Drainage systems, also known as river systems, are the patterns formed by the streams, rivers, and lakes in a particular drainage basin.
• They are influenced by the topography of the land, the types of rocks present, and the gradient of the terrain.

Major Rivers in Andhra Pradesh

Godavari River

• The Godavari River originates in northwestern Maharashtra in the Western Ghats and flows generally eastward across the Deccan plateau.
• It passes through central Maharashtra, enters northern Telangana, and forms the border with Madhya Pradesh to the north before turning southeastward.
• The river then flows across Andhra Pradesh, reaching the Bay of Bengal where it splits into two mouths: the Gautami Godavari to the north and the Vasishta Godavari to the south.
• In Andhra Pradesh, it flows through the hilly terrain of the Eastern Ghats, including the Papi hills, where its bed narrows through a gorge and widens again at Polavaram.
• Before entering the plains, it receives its last major tributary, the Sabari River, on its left bank.
• As it reaches Rajamundry, the river further widens. The highest peak in the Godavari river basin and Eastern Ghats is Arma Konda or Jindhagada Peak, located near Paderu at 1,680 meters above mean sea level.
• The Godavari River splits into four branches as it reaches the Bay of Bengal. These branches are Vriddha Gautami, Vasishta, Gautami, and Nilarevu. The region where these branches meet the sea forms a 170 km long delta known as the Konaseema region. This delta, along with the Krishna River delta, is considered the Rice Granary of South India.

Krishna River

• The Krishna River is the fourth-largest river in India in terms of water inflows and basin area. 
• It stretches about 1,300 kilometers long and is a vital source of irrigation for Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. 
• The river enters Andhra Pradesh near Deosugur and flows through various districts before merging into the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi. 
• Two important dams, Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, have been built across the Krishna River.
• Srisailam Dam is a crucial water management structure on the Krishna River, providing irrigation and hydroelectric power to the region.
• Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, standing at 124 meters, is the tallest masonry dam in the world. It plays a significant role in water storage and power generation.

Penna River

• The Penna River is a prominent river in southern India. Originating from Nandi Hills in Karnataka, it flows through Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. 
• The river is 597 kilometers long with a substantial drainage basin covering areas in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• The Kolar Plateau acts as a natural boundary between the Penna watershed and the Kaveri, Ponnaiyar, and Palar rivers to the south.
• The Penna River drains the northern region of the plateau, covering parts of Kolar and Tumkur districts in Karnataka.
• The Krishna River and its tributaries flow from the Deccan plateau to the west and north of the Penna's watershed.
• The Erramala hills form the northern boundary of the Penna basin.
• The upper watershed of the Penna includes regions like Cuddapah, Anantapur, Kurnool, and Chittoor Districts.
• Main tributaries of the Penna include Jayamangali, Kunderu, Sagileru from the north, and Chitravathi, Papagni, Cheyyeru from the south.
• The Penna River flows east through a gap in the Eastern Ghats ranges, reaching Coastal Andhra and finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal near Nellore.

Vedavathi River

• The Vedavathi River originates from the Western Ghats and traverses through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• In certain areas of Andhra Pradesh, the Vedavathi River is known as the Hagari.
• The river is formed by the confluence of two rivers, Veda and Avathi, near Pura.
• The local population along the Hagari region heavily relies on the Vedavathi River for various purposes.
• The Bhairivani Tippa Reservoir is constructed across the Vedavathi River, highlighting its significance for water resource management.

Tungabhadra River

• The Tungabhadra River is a significant river in India that originates in Karnataka and flows through the state for most of its journey.
• It later forms the border between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before eventually meeting the Krishna River along the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Champavathi River

• Champavathi is a small river originating in the Eastern Ghats near Andra village.
• It flows eastwards and joins the Bay of Bengal near the village Konada, passing through several towns and villages in Vizianagaram district.
• The river has four main tributaries: Eduvampula Gedda, Chitta Gedda, Pothula Gedda, and Gadi Gedda.
• The Denkada anicut was built across the Champavathi River in 1965-1968 near Saripalli village to irrigate a vast area of 5,153 acres.

Palar River

• The Palar River is a significant river in southern India, originating in Nandi Hills in the Kolar district of Karnataka.
• It flows through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu before joining the Bay of Bengal near Vayalur.
• Several cities such as Vellore, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu are situated along its banks.
• The chief tributary of the Palar River is the Cheyyar River.

Major Lakes in Andhra Pradesh

• Durgam Cheruvu, also known as the 'Secret Lake,' is a unique water body made of prehistoric rocks. 
• Its hidden location near the craft village of Shilparamam in Madhapur adds to its mysterious charm. 
• The State Tourism Department has undertaken significant efforts to maintain and promote this lake as a tourist attraction. 
• Visitors can engage in various activities such as camping, trekking, pedal boating, and water scooter riding.

Hussain Sagar

• Hussain Sagar, a prominent manmade lake, graces the heart of Hyderabad. Built during the reign of the Qutub Shah dynasty in 1562, this lake serves as a vital water body in the region. 
• Connecting Secunderabad and Hyderabad, it is often referred to as Tank Bund due to its strategic location. 
• Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of this lake and engage in recreational activities.

Kambham Lake

• Kambham Lake, also known as Kambhala Cheruvu or Kambham Vari Cheruvu, is situated in the eastern part of the Godavari district in Rajahmundry. 
• Constructed by Mr. Kambham Narasingarao Pantulu between 1850 and 1850, this lake holds historical significance. 
• It serves as a picturesque spot for locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Kolleru Lake

• Kolleru Lake is formed by the confluence of the Godavari and Krishna river deltas.
• It is renowned as the largest freshwater lake in the region.
• Located approximately 95 km away from Vijayawada.
• During the monsoon season, the lake expands to cover an area of about 260 square kilometers.
• It serves as a crucial habitat for various species of flora and fauna.
• The lake plays a vital role in supporting local biodiversity.
• Over the years, human activities such as pollution and encroachment have threatened the ecological balance of the lake.
• Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the lake's ecosystem for future generations.
• Kolleru Lake attracts tourists and bird watchers, offering a serene environment for leisure activities.
• It provides opportunities for boating and fishing, contributing to the local economy.