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Detailed Chapter Notes - Drainage

Table of contents

Introduction

Drainage System in India

The Himalayan Rivers

The Peninsular Rivers

Lakes

Role of Rivers in Economy

View More
Introduction
The term "drainage" refers to the river system within a specific area. On a physical map, the
convergence of small streams from various directions is evident, forming the main river that
eventually empties into a larger water body, such as a lake, sea, or ocean. The region drained
by a single river system is termed a "drainage basin." A detailed map examination reveals
that elevated features, such as mountains or uplands, act as dividers between two distinct
drainage basins.

Types of Drainage Patterns

 Try yourself: Which of the following describes drainage patterns resembling branches
of a tree?

a. Radial

b. Centrifugal

c. Dendritic

d. Trellis

View Solution

Drainage System in India

The Drainage systems of India are mainly controlled by the broad relief features of the
subcontinent. accordingly, the Indian rivers are divided into two major groups:

(i) The Himalayan Rivers and

(ii) The Peninsular Rivers.
The Himalayan Rivers
The major Himalayan Rivers are the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. These rivers are
long and are joined by many large and important tributaries.

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1. The Indus River System

The river Indus rises in Tibet, near Lake Mansarovar.
Flowing west, it enters India in the Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir. Several
tributaries, the Zaskar, the Nubra, the Shyok and the Hunza, Join it in the Kashmir
region.
The Indus flows through Baltistan and Gilgit and emerges from the mountains at
Attock.
The Satluj, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab and the Jhelum join together to enter the
Indus near Mithankot in Pakistan.
Beyond this, the Indus flows southwards eventually reaching the Arabian Sea, east of
Karachi.
With a total length of 2900 km, the Indus is one of the longest rivers in the world. a little
over a third of the Indus Basin is located in India in the states of Jammu and Kashmir,
Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab and the rest are in Pakistan.
 Try yourself: What is the term used to describe the river system within a specific area?

a. Tributaries

b. Drainage basin

c. Convergence

d. Relief features

View Solution

2. The Ganga System

The headwaters of the Ganga called the ‘Bhagirathi' is fed by the Gangotri Glacier and
Joined by the Alaknanda at Devprayag in Uttaranchal. At Haridwar, the Ganga emerges
from the mountains onto the plains.
The Ganga is joined by the many tributaries from the Himalayas such as the Yamuna, the
Ghaghara, the Gandak and the Kosi. The river Yamuna rises from the Yamunotri Glacier
in the Himalayas and meets the Ganga at Allahabad. The Ghaghara, the Gandak and the
Kosi rise in the Nepal Himalaya.
The main tributaries from the peninsular uplands are the Chambal, the Betwa and the
Son.
The Ganga flows eastwards till Farakka in West Bengal, the northernmost point of the
Ganga delta. The river bifurcates here; the Bhagirathi-Hooghly flows southwards
 through the deltaic plains to the Bay of Bengal. The mainstream flows southwards into
Bangladesh and is joined by the Brahmaputra. Further downstream, it is known as the
Meghna and finally flows into the Bay of Bengal. The delta formed by these rivers is
known as the Sunderban Delta.

Ganga River System and Brahmaputra River System

3. The Brahmaputra System

The Brahmaputra rises in Tibet east of Mansarovar Lake. It is slightly longer than the
Indus. It flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas.
On reaching the Namcha Barwa (7757 m), it takes a ‘U’ turn and enters India in
Arunachal Pradesh through a gorge. Here, it is called the Dihang and it is joined by the
Dibang, the Lohit, the Kenula and many other tributaries to form the Brahmaputra in
Assam.
In India, it passes through a region of high rainfall. Here the river carries a large volume
of water and a considerable amount of silt. The Brahmaputra has a braided channel in its
entire length in Assam and forms many riverine islands (Majuli, in the Brahmaputra
River, is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world).
During the rainy season, the river overflows its banks, causing widespread devastation
due to floods in Assam and Bangladesh. Unlike other north Indian rivers, the
Brahmaputra is marked by huge deposits of silt on its bed causing the river bed to rise.
The river also shifts its channel frequently.
 Try yourself: Which place is located on the water divide between the Indus and the
Ganga river system ?

a. Ambala

b. Nainital

c. Haridwar

d. Allahabad

View Solution

Also read: NCERT Solutions: Drainage

The Peninsular Rivers

The Peninsular drainage system is older than the Himalayan one. This is evident from the
broad, largely-graded shallow valleys, and the maturity of the rivers. Peninsular rivers are
characterized by fixed course, absence of meanders, small drainage basins and non-
perennial flow of water. The main water divide in peninsular Indian is formed by the
Western Ghats. Most of the major rivers of the Peninsula flow eastwards and drain into the
Bay of Bengal.
1. The Narmada Basin
The Narmada originates on the western flank of the Amarkantak plateau at a height of
about 1,057m. It falls into the Arabian Sea south of Bharuch. The Sardar Sarovar Project
has been constructed on this river.
Flowing in the rift valley between the Satpura in the south and the Vindhya range in the
north the Narmada creates many picturesque locations. the ‘Marble Rocks’, near
Jabalpur where the Narmada flows through a deep gorge, and the ‘Dhuadhar Falls’
where the river plunges over steep rocks, are some of the notable ones.
All the tributaries of the Narmada are very short and most of these join the mainstream
at right angles. The Narmada basin covers parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

2. The Tapi Basin

The Tapi originates from the Satpura ranges in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh.
Nearly 79 percent of its basin lies in Maharashtra, 15 percent in Madhya Pradesh, and
the remaining 6 percent in Gujarat.
The Tapi flows in a rift valley parallel to the Narmada but it is much shorter in length.
 Try yourself: Which river is known as the Dakshin Ganga?

a. Godavari

b. Mahanadi

c. Krishna

d. Kaveri

View Solution

3. The Godavari Basin

The Godavari is the largest peninsular river system. it rises from the slopes of the
Western Ghats in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. its length is about 1500 km.
Because of its length and the area it covers, it is also known as the Dakshin Ganga. its
basin cover parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
The Godavari is joined by a number of tributaries such as the Penganga, the Preheat,
the Manjira, the Wainganga, and the Wardha. It finally drains into the Bay of Bengal.

4. The Mahanadi Basin

The Mahanadi rises near Sihawa in the Raipur district of Chattisgarh and runs through
Orissa to discharge its water into the Bay of Bengal.
Fifty-three percent of the drainage basin of this river lies in Madhya Pradesh and
Chattisgarh, while 47 percent lies in Orissa.
5. The Krishna Basin
The Krishna is the second-largest east-flowing peninsular river which rises near
Mahabaleshwar in Sahyadri.
Its total length is 1,401 km. the Koyna, the Tungbhadra, and the Bhima are its major
tributaries.

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6. The Kaveri Basin

The Kaveri rises in Brahmagiri hills (3,341m) of Kogadu district in Karnataka.
Since the upper catchment area receives rainfall during the southwest monsoon season
(summer) and the lower part during the northeast monsoon season (winter), the river
carries water throughout the year with comparatively less fluctuation than the other
Peninsular rivers.
Its important tributaries are the Kabini, the Bhavani and the Amravati.

Lakes
Sambhar Lake is the largest inland salt lake in India situated in Rajasthan. Other salt
lakes in Rajasthan are Didwana, Degana, Pachadra, Kucha man, and Lunkaransar.
Lunar Lake situated in Maharashtra is a crater lake.
Chilka Lake situated in the Puri district of Orissa & south of the Mahanadi delta is the
biggest lake in the country.

Loktak Lake

Kolleru Lake is a deltaic Lake of Andhra Pradesh situated between the Krishna &
Godavari delta.
Pulicat Lake situated in the north of Chennai is a shallow lagoon. it has been barred by a
long sandpit which is actually Sri Harikota island.
Loktak Lake situated in Manipur is the largest freshwater lake in North East India.
Keibul lamjao, the only floating National Park of the country is situated here.
Vembanad Lake is a lagoon in Kerala and is an important tourist spot. coconut islands
are located in it.
Gohna Lake situated near Devprayag in Garhwal has been formed by a huge landslide
across a tributary of the Ganga.
Wular Lake & Dal Lake are tectonic lakes formed by faulting activities.
 Try yourself: What is the main cause of river pollution mentioned in the passage?

a. Flood

b. Agricultural runoff

c. Heavy rainfall

d. Climate change

View Solution

Importance of Lakes
Lakes are vital for regulating rivers, preventing floods in heavy rainfall, and ensuring a
steady water flow during dry spells.
They serve as sources of hydropower, and freshwater, and contribute to climate
moderation.
Lakes also support diverse ecosystems, enhance natural beauty, and provide
recreational opportunities, making them indispensable and multifunctional components
of the environment.

Also read: NCERT Solutions: Drainage

Role of Rivers in Economy
Rivers have formed fertile northern plains and deltas containing alluvial soils, India's
most productive agricultural lands.
Water from rivers is a basic natural resource essential for the survival of humans, plants
and animals, for agricultural and industrial activities.
The banks of rivers have been cradles of civilization all over the world. For example
Indus civilization in India.
Rivers have provided cultural and economic progress since ancient times.
Rivers provide an inland transportation system. They also dilute and transport wastes
from settlements.
Industrial development has flourished along rivers. Most industrial processes depend
on water as raw material, as a coolant, and for generating hydroelectricity.
 Try yourself: What is the world's largest and fastest-growing delta?

a. The Sundarban Delta

b. The River Amazon

c. The Brahmaputra River

d. The Kaveri River

View Solution

River Pollution
Rapidly growing domestic, Municipal, industrial, and agricultural demand for water from
rivers naturally affects the quality of water. Today more and more water is drained out of the
rivers. It has resulted in reducing their volume. A heavy load of untreated sewage and
industrial effluents is emptied into the rivers.

This affects not only the quality of water but also the self-cleansing capacity of the river.
For example, if there is adequate streamflow, the Ganga water is able to dilute and
assimilate pollution loads of large cities within 20 km.
The result is that the pollution level of many rivers is rising.
Concern over the rising pollution of our rivers has launched of various action plants to
clean the rivers.
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase-I commenced in 1985 and concluded on March 31,
2000.
Following a review by the steering committee of the National River Conservation
Authority, adjustments based on lessons learned were incorporated into the National
River Conservation Program (NRCP).
GAP Phase-II has been integrated into the NRCP, which now encompasses 152 towns
along 27 interstate rivers in 16 states. Pollution abatement initiatives are underway in
57 towns, with 215 schemes sanctioned.
Currently, 69 schemes have been successfully completed, aiming to intercept, divert,
and treat one million liters of sewage.

For a detailed understanding of this chapter, check the video below.

Drainage - Chapter 3 Geography NCERT class 9

13:50

Some Interesting Knowledge

 The world’s largest drainage basin is the River Amazon which is situated in South
America.
According to the regulation of the Indus Water Treaty (1960), India can use only 20 per
cent of the total water carried by the Indus River system. This water is used for
irrigation in the Punjab, Haryana, and the southern and western parts of Rajasthan.
The Sundarban Delta derived its name from the Sundari tree which grows well in
marshland. it is the world’s largest and fastest-growing delta. it is also the home of the
Royal Bengal Tiger.
The Brahmaputra is known as the Tsang Po in Tibet and Jamuna in Bangladesh.
The river Kaveri is the second biggest waterfall in India. it is known as Sivasmudram. the
fall supplies hydroelectric power to Mysore, Bangalore, and the Kolar Gold Field.
71 percent of the world’s surface is covered with water, but 97 percent of that is
saltwater. Of the 3 percent that is available as freshwater, three-quarters of it is trapped
as ice.
Lakes of large extent are called the seas, like the Caspian, the Dead, and the Arab seas.

Difficult Words
1. Drainage Basin: The area of land where precipitation collects and drains off into a
common outlet, such as into a river, bay, or other body of water.

2. Tributary: A river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake.

3. Rift Valley: A large elongated depression with steep walls formed by the downward
displacement of a block of the earth's surface between nearly parallel faults or fault
systems.

4. Braided Channel: A network of river channels separated by small, often temporary,

islands called braid bars. These typically form in rivers with high sediment loads and
strong currents.
 5. Riverine Island: An island formed by the course of a river. Majuli in the Brahmaputra
River is an example of such an island.

6. Alluvial Soil: Soil deposited by rivers. It is typically fertile and good for agriculture.

7. Peninsular Plateau: A plateau in India making up the majority of the southern part of
the country. It is bordered by two mountain ranges, the Eastern and Western Ghats.

8. Sundarban Delta: The large delta formed at the mouth of the Ganges and Brahmaputra
River systems. It is noted for its wide mangrove forests and is home to the Royal Bengal
Tiger.

9. Indus Water Treaty: A water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered
by the World Bank, to use the water available in the Indus River and its tributaries.

10. Hydroelectric Power: Electricity generated by hydropower, the use of falling or fast-
running water to produce electricity.

11. National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): A governmental initiative in India aimed at
the prevention of pollution and conservation of rivers by intercepting, diverting, and
treating domestic sewage.

12. Ganga Action Plan (GAP): An initiative by the Government of India to clean up the
Ganga river and improve the water quality by intercepting, diverting, and treating
domestic sewage.

13. Intercept, Divert and Treat: Strategies used in water management to collect sewage
before it enters water bodies, reroute it for treatment, and remove harmful
contaminants before releasing it back into the environment.

14. Marble Rocks: A gorge along the Narmada River in central India, noted for its dramatic
white cliffs that are composed of marble.
 15. Dhuadhar Falls: A waterfall located on the Narmada River in central India, famous for
its powerful plunge over steep rocks.

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FAQs on Detailed Chapter Notes - Drainage

1. What is the importance of the drainage system in India?

Ans. The drainage system in India is crucial for agriculture, transportation, and water supply. It
helps in managing floods and preventing waterlogging in urban areas.

2. How do the Himalayan rivers contribute to India's drainage system?

3. What are some of the major peninsular rivers in India?

4. How do lakes contribute to the drainage system in India?

5. What are some of the challenges faced in managing river pollution in India?

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