10 Major Rivers That Flows In Tripura

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Tripura, a beautiful state in northeastern India, is home to a vibrant river system that plays a vital role in its culture, agriculture, and ecology. Surrounded by hills and forests, the rivers of Tripura are essential to the state’s life and economy.

These rivers begin in the highlands of Tripura or nearby states and flow through various landscapes, including plains, hills, and forests, before entering Bangladesh and eventually reaching the Bay of Bengal.

Some places in Tripura are named after these rivers, which are often linked to myths and stories passed down through generations. Among the prominent rivers are the Gomati, Khowai, Manu, Haora, and Muhuri. Gomati, the largest river in Tripura, holds a special place in the hearts of the people and is considered sacred, much like the Ganga.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the 10 Major Rivers That Flow In Tripura, each contributing to the state’s environment and daily life in its own unique way.

The River System of Tripura

The river system in Tripura is special, with most rivers starting from the state’s hilly areas. Tripura is home to five major hill ranges—Baramura, Atharamura, Longtharai, Shakhan, and Jampui—that stretch from north to south and are separated by valleys.

These hills are the starting point for many of the state’s rivers, which are essential for farming rice, jute, and various fruits. The rivers also supply fresh water for drinking and sanitation. Most importantly, they play a key role in preserving Tripura’s wildlife and biodiversity, providing a habitat for fish and animals that are important to the region.

Overview of the Tripura’s 10 Major Rivers

RiverOriginLength (km)Flows Into/MouthKey Points
LongaiJampui Hills98Hakaluki Haor (Bangladesh)Flows through some parts of Mizoram before entering Assam’s Karimganj district.
JuriJampui Hills79Kushiyara River (Bangladesh)Dharmanagar town is located on the banks of the Juri River, which also gives its name to the Juri Upazila.
DeoJampui Hills132Manu RiverFlows northward through Kanchanpur valley
ManuSakhan Range167Kushiyara River (Bangladesh)The longest river in Tripura.
DhalaiAtharamura Hill117Manu RiverPopular riverside towns along the Dhalai River include Ambassa, Baralutma, and Kamalpur.
KhowaiAtharamura Hill166Kushiyara River (Bangladesh)Leaves India at Khowai, and enters Bangladesh at Balla. The Second longest river in Tripura.
HaroaBaramura Range53Titas River (Bangladesh)Locally, it’s known as the Saidra River in Kokborok. Agartala, the capital of Tripura, lies on the bank of the Haora River.
GumtiLongtharai and Atharamura Range124Meghna River (Bangladesh)Dumbur Dam is located on the Gumti / Gomati river
MuhuriDeotamura Range64Feni River (Bangladesh)Also known as the Little Feni.
FeniSouth Tripura District116Bay of BengalFeni is the lifeline of Sabroom town of Tripura, Right Bank Tributary: Muhuri River

River Flow Directions and Key Examples in Tripura

Northern flow rivers

  • Tripura is home to several rivers that flow in different directions, playing an important role in the region’s geography and ecology.
  • The rivers that flow to the north include the Khowai, Juri, Manu, and Langai. These rivers mostly begin in the eastern hills of Tripura and flow north, eventually joining rivers in Bangladesh.
  • Their northern flow is vital for the local ecosystem, as they provide water for farming and daily activities, supporting the region’s agriculture and the community’s needs.

Western flow rivers

  • In contrast, the rivers that flow westward, such as the Gomati, Bijoy, and Howrah, travel across the western part of Tripura.
  • These rivers start in the hills and flow west, passing through different types of landforms.
  • They are essential for farming and provide important water resources for the people living along their banks, playing a key role in irrigation and supporting the local economy.

Southern flow rivers

  • The rivers that flow south in Tripura, such as the Muhuri and Feni, are important to the state’s unique water system.
  • These rivers start in Tripura and flow south into Bangladesh, eventually reaching the Bay of Bengal.
  • The Muhuri River is especially significant as it forms part of the border between India and Bangladesh, sparking important discussions about water rights and management.
  • Both rivers play a crucial role in shaping the landscape and have a big impact on the economy and society in the border regions.

List Of 10 Major Rivers Of Tripura

1. Gomati River

  • Gumti River (also called Gomti, Gumati, or Gomati in Bengali: গোমতী, gomtī/gomôtī) is a river located in northeastern India and Bangladesh.
  • It flows through the state of Tripura in India and the district of Cumilla in Bangladesh.
  • A dam has been built near Dumbur on the Gumti River.
  • The dam has created a lake that covers an area of about 40 square kilometers (15 square miles).

2. Longai River

  • The Longai River is a trans-boundary river that flows through both India and Bangladesh.
  • It originates in the Jampui Hills of Tripura, India.
  • The river flows through parts of Mizoram before entering the Karimganj district of Assam.
  • After crossing into Bangladesh, it eventually drains into Hakaluki Haor.

3. Manu River

  • Manu River is an Indo-Bangladesh transboundary river.
  • It originates below Kahosib Chura in the Shakhantang Mountains in Tripura, India.
  • The river flows northeast through Kumarghat and Kailasahar in Tripura.
  • It enters Bangladesh through the Moulvibazar district and flows into the Sylhet Plain.
  • The Dholai River joins the Manu River, which then flows northwest to meet the Kushiara at Manumukh.
  • Length: 167 km (104 miles), making it the longest river in Tripura.
  • Width: About 200 meters near the railway bridge area.
  • Basin area: Approximately 500 square kilometers.
  • The river flows year-round.
  • Legend: It is believed that the river is named after Hindu Shastrakar Manu, who is said to have worshipped Shiva on its banks.

4. Deo River

  • The Deo River is important in North Tripura, India.
  • It originates near the Indo-Bangladesh border, close to the Rangamati division in Bangladesh, and flows northward.
  • Dashda and Kanchanpur are notable villages along its banks.
  • The Deo River joins the Manu River near Kumarghat (or Pabiacherra) in Unokoti district, Tripura.
  • It is one of the ten major rivers in Tripura, along with the Dhalai, Gumti, Juri, Khowai, Manu, Muhuri, and Saidra Rivers.
  • The Manu-Deo River basin covers Unakoti, North Tripura, and Dhalai districts.
  • Riverbank erosion along the Deo is a concern for both the government and local communities.
  • Floods from the Deo and Manu Rivers often affect nearby cities, creating challenges for human settlements and the local economy.

5. Dhalai River

  • The Dhalai River (also called Dhala River) is a trans-boundary river flowing through India and Bangladesh.
  • It originates in the Atharamura Hill in the Indian state of Tripura.
  • The river flows into Kamalganj Upazila in Maulvibazar District, Bangladesh.
  • It joins the Manu River in Rajnagar Upazila, Bangladesh.
  • Coordinates at Ambassa: 23.55’128” N, 91.51’204” E (DMS).
  • The Dhalai River is about 117 kilometers (73 miles) long.
  • Notable riverside towns along the Dhalai include Ambassa, Baralutma, and Kamalpur.

6. Khowai River

  • The Khowai River is a transboundary river that begins in the eastern part of the Atharamura Hills in Tripura, India.
  • The Khowai River is about 166 kilometers long, making it the second-longest river in Tripura.
  • The river flows north-north-west and exits India at Khowai, entering Bangladesh at Balla in Habiganj District.
  • It passes to the east of Habiganj town, facing issues like encroachment and pollution.
  • North of the town, the river turns west and joins the Kushiyara River near Adampur in Lakhai Upazila, Habiganj District.

7. Haora River

  • The Haora River is locally known as the Saidra River in the Kokborok language.
  • The Haora River is one of the major rivers in the West Tripura District of Tripura, India.
  • It is located between latitudes 23°37′N and 23°53′N, and longitudes 91°15′E and 91°37′E.
  • Known as Saidra in the Kokborok language, it is recognized by the indigenous people of the state.
  • The Saidra River is one of the ten major rivers in Tripura, along with Longai, Juri, Deo, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Gumati, Muhuri, and Feny.
  • The basin area of the Saidra River in Tripura is 570 km² (220 sq mi), making up 5.43% of the total surface area of the state.
  • The river originates from the western flank of the Baramura Hill range.
  • It flows southwestward and eventually joins the Titas River in Bangladesh.
  • The length of the Saidra River is about 61.2 km (38.0 miles), with 52 km (32 miles) flowing within Indian territory and 9.2 km (5.7 miles) in Bangladesh.

8. Muhuri River

  • The Muhuri River is a transnational river flowing between India and Bangladesh.
  • It rises in Tripura, India, and flows into Bangladesh, where it merges with the Feni River near the Bay of Bengal, also known as the Little Feni.
  • The Muhuri originates in the Lushai Hills of Tripura and flows westward into Bangladesh, entering through Parshuram Upazila in Feni District.
  • In Bangladesh, it separates the Feni and Chittagong districts before flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
  • The Muhuri River serves as part of the border between India and Bangladesh in the Tripura-Noakhali sector.
  • The shifting course of the Muhuri River complicates the demarcation of the boundary, with India insisting on the 1974 Accord, while Bangladesh prefers an 1893 map that would provide it with an additional 44 acres.
  • The Muhurichar is a 140-acre island on the Muhuri River, significant for rice cultivation, leading to disputes between India and Bangladesh, as well as skirmishes between their border security agencies.
  • In 2011, during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Bangladesh, both countries agreed to demarcate the land boundary and construct embankments along the river to stabilize it.
  • The Muhuri River has a total basin area of 839 km² in Tripura, accounting for 8% of the state’s geographical area.
  • It has an annual flow of 76,247,000 cubic meters, contributing to 9.6% of Tripura’s total river flows.
  • In Bangladesh, the Muhuri basin spans 40,080 hectares, covering parts of Feni Sadar, Sonagazi, Chhagalnaiya, and Mirersarai Upazilas, with an irrigable area of over 23,000 hectares.
  • The river experiences wild nature and flash floods, with a width of 150 to 200 meters, increasing as it approaches the sea, where it is influenced by tidal action.
  • The river is shallow and navigable by 4-tonne boats for only half the year and can be forded during the lean season.
  • This project has helped in developing inland fisheries, limiting saline water intrusion, and protecting upstream areas from storm surges during cyclones.
  • The Government of India constructed an impermeable spur before 1975 to protect Belonia from riverine erosion.
  • The Joint River Commission restricts either country from constructing spurs on the river.
  • The Muhuri Irrigation Project, completed by Bangladesh in 1986, includes a closure dam and a 20-vent regulator to provide irrigation and prevent saline water from entering the river.

9. Juri River

  • The Juri River is a trans-boundary river that flows between India and Bangladesh.
  • It originates in the Jampui Hills of Tripura, India.
  • The river enters Kulaura Upazila of Maulvi Bazar District in Bangladesh.
  • Juri Upazila is named after this river, highlighting its significance in the region.

10. Feni River

  • The Feni River flows through southeastern Bangladesh and Tripura, India.
  • The river is a trans-boundary river involved in disputes over water rights.
  • It rises in the South Tripura district of India and flows through Sabroom before entering Bangladesh.
  • The river joins the Muhuri River (also called Little Feni) near its mouth.
  • The river is navigable by small boats up to Ramgarh, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) upstream.
  • Water Sharing Disputes: Discussions on sharing the river’s water began in 1958 and continued after Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
  • Concerns: India wanted to take water from the Feni River for irrigation, which affected Bangladesh‘s water supply.
  • Inland Port Potential: There were ideas to build an inland port at Sabroom to help transport goods to the Bay of Bengal, but it has not been built yet.
  • Bridge Construction: A 150-meter bridge over the Feni River started in December 2010, connecting Sabroom with Ramgarh.
  • Foundation Stone: The foundation stone for the bridge was laid by Indian PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in June 2015.
  • Inauguration: The bridge was completed and opened on 9 March 2021, named Maitri Setu to symbolize India-Bangladesh relations.
  • Construction: The Feni River dam was built in 1985 to control flooding caused by cyclones and help with agriculture.
  • Characteristics: The river becomes tidal between the dam and the Bay of Bengal.

FAQs

Q1. What is the longest river in Tripura?

The Gomati River is the longest river in Tripura, flowing through the state and eventually entering Bangladesh.

Q2. Why are Tripura’s rivers important for agriculture?

The rivers of Tripura are crucial for irrigation, helping to grow crops such as rice, jute, and fruits.

Q3. Does Tripura face flooding issues?

Rivers like Khowai and Gomati frequently flood during the monsoon, impacting nearby settlements and farmlands.

Q4. How does the Feni River impact India-Bangladesh relations?

The Feni River is an important waterway between India and Bangladesh, and it plays a key role in water-sharing agreements between the two countries.

Q5. What measures are being taken to protect Tripura’s rivers?

Local governments and communities are focusing on river cleanup, afforestation, and sustainable water management to protect the rivers of Tripura.

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