The River System of Assam: Key Facts and Importance
the extensive river system of Assam, including the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, which are vital for agriculture, culture, and the environment. Learn about the challenges these rivers face.
Assam, a state in northeastern India, is known for its extensive and diverse river system. The rivers of Assam are crucial for the state's agriculture, culture, and environment.
Major Rivers of Assam
1. Brahmaputra River
Overview: The Brahmaputra is one of the largest rivers in India and flows through Assam. It starts in Tibet (China) and moves through Assam before joining the Ganges and flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
Length: About 2,900 kilometers in total, with roughly 700 kilometers flowing through Assam.
Catchment Area: Covers around 194,000 square kilometers, including parts of Assam.
Hydrology: The river gets its water from melting snow in the Himalayas and monsoon rains, leading to high water levels during the rainy season.
2. Barak River
Overview: The Barak River flows through the southern part of Assam, starting in the Manipur hills and merging with the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh.
Length: About 540 kilometers.
Catchment Area: Covers around 39,000 square kilometers.
Hydrology: The Barak has a more consistent flow compared to the Brahmaputra.
Besides the Brahmaputra and Barak, Assam has several other important rivers:
1. Dihing (Dibang) River
Origin: Eastern Himalayas.
Length: About 295 kilometers.
Importance: Supports agriculture in districts like Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.
2. Manas River
Origin: Bhutan.
Length: About 355 kilometers.
Importance: Forms the boundary of Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Lohit River
Origin: Eastern Himalayas.
Length: About 225 kilometers.
Importance: Contributes to the Brahmaputra’s flow and affects flood patterns.
4. Jiri River
Origin: Manipur hills.
Length: About 124 kilometers.
Importance: Key for irrigation in Cachar and Hailakandi districts.
5. Kushiyara River
Origin: Assam-Manipur hills.
Length: About 135 kilometers.
Importance: Forms part of the India-Bangladesh boundary and supports regional agriculture.
6. Dhan Sri River
Origin: Karbi Anglong hills.
Importance: A significant tributary of the Brahmaputra in central Assam.
7. Dikhow River
Origin: Patkai hills.
Importance: A major tributary of the Brahmaputra in eastern Assam.
8. Puthimari River
Origin: Mikir Hills.
Importance: Important for irrigation and agriculture in western Assam.
9. Beki River
Origin: Foothills of Bhutan.
Importance: Contributes to the Brahmaputra and supports agriculture.
10. Kalang River
Origin: Mikir Hills.
Importance: Supports local agriculture and contributes to the Brahmaputra.
Challenges and Issues
Flooding
Flooding is a major issue in Assam due to the heavy rains and the large volume of water from the rivers.
Causes: Monsoon rains, snowmelt, and sediment build-up cause frequent floods.
Erosion
Riverbank erosion, especially along the Brahmaputra, is a serious problem.
Causes: High water flow, sediment load, and human activities like deforestation contribute to erosion.
Assam’s river system, with its major rivers like the Brahmaputra and Barak and numerous tributaries, is vital for the state’s economy, culture, and environment. However, the rivers face challenges such as flooding, erosion, and pollution. Effective management and conservation efforts are essential to sustain these vital water resources and support the well-being of the people and ecosystems in Assam.
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