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2. Drainage system of India – Indus and Ganga Drainage System, Civil Services Examination | RAS RPSC Prelims Preparation - Notes, Study Material & Tests - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Drainage System

  • Drainage: Flow of water through well-defined channels. Network of such channels is called a drainage system .
  • Drainage basin: An area drained by a river and its tributaries.
  • Watershed: Boundary line separating one drainage basin from other.
  • River basins are larger watersheds.
  • Drainage pattern of an area depends on the geological time period, nature and structure of rocks, topography, rocks, slope, amount of water and periodicity of flow.

Important drainage patterns:

  1. Dendritic: Resembling the branches of a tree. Eg. Northern Plain rivers
  2. Radial: Originate from a hill and flow in all directions. Eg. Rivers in Amarkantak
  3. Trellis: Primary tributaries parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at right angles.
  4. Centripetal: Rivers discharge waters from all directions in a lake or depression

A river drains the water collected from a specific area, which is called its catchment area.

Nearly 77 pc of drainage is towards the Bay of Bengal while about 23 pc is towards the Arabian Sea.

1.The Himalayan Drainage System

Mainly includes the Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra river basins.

Over the plains, rivers of this system change the course often. River Kosi is also known as the ‘sorrow of Bihar’ due to flooding by its frequent change of course by deposition of sediments.

Evolution

Geologists believe that a mighty river called Shivalik or Indo-Brahma traversed the entire length of the Himalayas some 5-24 million years ago. Over time this got dismembered into the present three major river systems.

The Indus System

Indus river originates from a glacier near Bokhar Chu in Tibet in the Kailash Mountain range. Known as Singi Khamban (Lion’s mouth) in Tibet. It forms a spectacular gorge near Gilgit in J&K. Enters Pakistan near Chillar in the Dardistan region. Flows only through the Leh distt of J&K.

Smaller tributaries: Shyok, Gilgit, Zaskar, Nubra, Hunza, Shigar, Gasting, Dras. On right bank: Kabul river, Khurram, Tochi, Gomal, Viboa and hte Sangar.

Major tributaries: Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum

Jhelum

Origin: Verinag at foot of Pir Pinjal.

Flows through Srinagar and the Wular lake. Joins Chenab near Jhang in Pakistan

Chenab

Origin: Two streams (Chandra and Bhaga) which join at Tandi near Keylong in HP.

Largest tributary of Indus. Aka Chandrabhaga. Flows for 1180 KM before entering Pakistan

Ravi

Origin: Kullu hills of HP near Rohtang Pass. Enters Pakistan and joins Chenab near Sarai Sidhu

Beas

Origin: Beas Kund near Rohtang pass.

Forms gorges at Kati and Largi in the Dhaoladhar range. Meets Satluj near Harike.

Satluj

Origin: Rakas lake near Mansarowar in Tibet. Known as Langchen Khambab in Tibet.

Enters India at Ropar. Antecedent river. Bhakra Nangal Project is on this river.

 

The Ganga System

It is the largest river system in India.

Ganga rises in the Gangotri glacier near Gaumukh in the Uttarkashi district. Here it is known as the Bhagirathi. At Devprayag, Bhagirathi meets Alaknanda and is known as Ganga hereafter.

Panchprayag

Vishnu Ganga

Joshimath

Dhauli and Vishnu Ganga meet to form Alaknanda

 

 

 

Alaknanda

Origin: Satopanth glacier above Badrinath. Consists of Dhauli and Vishnu Ganga.

Yamuna

Origin: Yamnotri glacier on Banderpunch range. Joins Ganga at Prayag (Allahabad).

RBT: Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken

LBT: Hindan, Rind, Sengar, Varuna.

Agra canal

Chambal

Origin: Mhow in Malwa plateau.

Gandhi Sagar dam, Rana Pratap Sagar dam and Jawahar Sagar dam.

Famour for Chambal ravines.

Gandak

Origin: In Nepal between Dhaulgiri and Mt. Everest. Enters Ganga plain in Champaran and joins Ganga at Sonpur near Patna.

Two streams: Kaliganfak and Trishulganga.

 

Ghaghra

Origin: Glaciers of Mapchachungo

Tributaries: Tila, Seti and Beri

Deep gorge at Shishpani

Sarda (Kali) joint it and meet Ganga at Chhapra.

Kosi

Origin: North of Mt. Everest in Tibet.

Tributaties: Son Kosi, Tamur Kosi, Arun

Changes course often. Sorrow of Bihar.

 

 

 

  • Ganga enters the plains at Haridwar.
  • Left Bank tributaries (LBT): Ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi and Mahananda.
  • Right Bank tributaries (RBT): Son

Discharges into Bay of Bengal near Sagar Island.

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FAQs on 2. Drainage system of India – Indus and Ganga Drainage System, Civil Services Examination - RAS RPSC Prelims Preparation - Notes, Study Material & Tests - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan)

1. What is the significance of the Indus and Ganga drainage systems in India?
Ans. The Indus and Ganga drainage systems are of great importance to India. The Indus River, which originates in Tibet and flows through Northern India, provides water for irrigation, supports agriculture, and is a vital source for hydropower generation. The Ganga River, originating in the Himalayas, is considered sacred and is revered by millions of people. It serves as a lifeline for people living along its course, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and transportation.
2. How does the Indus drainage system contribute to India's agriculture?
Ans. The Indus drainage system plays a crucial role in India's agriculture. The rivers in this system, such as the Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej, provide water for irrigation in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. These states are known for their agricultural productivity, especially in the cultivation of wheat, rice, and cotton. The Indus drainage system ensures a steady supply of water for irrigation, promoting agricultural growth and food security in the region.
3. What are the main challenges faced by the Indus and Ganga drainage systems?
Ans. The Indus and Ganga drainage systems face several challenges. One significant challenge is water pollution due to industrial and domestic waste discharge. This pollution affects the quality of water and poses health risks to people and ecosystems dependent on these rivers. Another challenge is the depletion of water resources due to excessive extraction for irrigation and other purposes. Climate change and deforestation also impact the flow and sustainability of these rivers.
4. How does the Ganga drainage system contribute to transportation in India?
Ans. The Ganga drainage system is crucial for transportation in India. The Ganga River serves as a major waterway, facilitating the movement of goods and people. It connects various cities and towns along its course, including Kolkata, Varanasi, and Allahabad, providing an affordable and efficient mode of transportation. The National Waterway-1, also known as the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River, is a designated inland waterway that further enhances transportation and trade in the region.
5. What measures are being taken to protect and conserve the Indus and Ganga drainage systems?
Ans. Several measures are being taken to protect and conserve the Indus and Ganga drainage systems. The government has implemented pollution control measures to prevent the discharge of untreated waste into these rivers. Efforts are underway to promote sustainable water management practices, including rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques. The cleaning and conservation of the Ganga River under the Namami Gange program is a significant initiative aimed at rejuvenating the river and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
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