Are you preparing for competitive exams and want a clear understanding of the Barak River System? This article is your one-stop guide! But have you ever thought about what makes this river system so special in India’s geography, especially in the northeastern region?
The Barak River System is vital for northeast India, playing a key role in the region’s hydrology, ecosystems, and local economies. Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know—from its origin and tributaries to its environmental importance. We’ve also included key facts and a detailed map to make your learning easy and exam-focused.
Ready to explore? Learn how the Barak River shapes the environment and supports life across its path. Let’s uncover the secrets of this important river system together!
Journey of the Barak River
- The Barak River, often referred to as the Meghna River, begins its journey in the Japvo Mountain of the Manipur Hills, standing at an impressive height of 3,015 meters.
- Flowing through Manipur, the river cuts across rugged terrains, heading southward to Tipaimukh—a significant location that forms the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram.
- At Tipaimukh, the Barak River takes a dramatic turn and enters the Cachar district of Assam. It then meanders along the Assam-Manipur border, passing through notable spots like Jirimat near Lakhimpur, adding to the natural beauty and geographical importance of the region.
- This major river system in Northeast India plays a vital role in the culture, agriculture, and biodiversity of the surrounding areas, making it an essential part of the Barak Valley ecosystem.
Course Through the Barak Valley
- The Barak River flows gracefully through the Barak Valley in Assam, covering a stretch of 564 kilometers before entering Bangladesh.
- Once across the border, the river divides into two significant branches: the Surma and the Kushiyara. These branches later rejoin to form the mighty Meghna River, which eventually merges with the waters of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. Together, they create one of the largest and most vital river systems in South Asia, supporting millions through its rich biodiversity, irrigation, and transportation.
- This seamless connection of rivers highlights the geographical importance of the Barak River system, linking India and Bangladesh while contributing to the region’s economic and ecological balance.
The River’s Journey Across Borders
- The Barak River travels an impressive distance of 900 kilometers, flowing through the Indian states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam before crossing into Bangladesh.
- Within India, the river covers 524 kilometers, with 31 kilometers forming the India-Bangladesh border.
- The remaining section continues its journey through Bangladesh, becoming an integral part of the country’s river network.
- In 2016, a 121-kilometer stretch of the Barak River, running between Lakhipur and Bhanga, was designated as National Waterway 6 (NW-6). This section plays a crucial role in navigation and trade, boosting economic connectivity in the region.
- The river’s extensive course highlights its importance as a lifeline for agriculture, transportation, and livelihoods across Northeast India and Bangladesh.

The Barak River Basin
The Barak River Basin spans an area of 52,000 square kilometers, with 41,723 square kilometers situated in India, making up approximately 1.38% of the country’s total land area.
Geographical Boundaries
- North: The basin is bordered by the Barail Range, separating it from the Brahmaputra sub-basin.
- East: It is flanked by the Naga Hills and Lushai Hills.
- South and West: The basin extends into Bangladesh, marking its international significance.
States and Countries
- The Barak sub-basin stretches across the Indian states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland, while also extending into Bangladesh and parts of Burma (Myanmar).
This vast and diverse basin is crucial for the region’s biodiversity, water resources, and agricultural development, playing a key role in the lives of millions across its reach.
Key Tributaries of the Barak River
- The Barak River is nourished by several important tributaries, all located within India. These include the Irang, Tuivai, Sonai, Jiri, Tlawng, Katakhal (also known as Dhaleshwari), Chiri, Rukni, Singla, and Jatinga rivers. Smaller streams like the Longai and Madhura rivers also contribute to the flow of the Barak.
- These tributaries play a crucial role in managing the rainfall runoff from the valley and surrounding hills. The collected water flows downstream and eventually crosses into Bangladesh, making it an essential part of the India-Bangladesh river system.
- Since these rivers are mostly rain-fed, they often swell during heavy rainfall, leading to frequent flooding in the Barak Valley region.
The Flow of the Barak River and Its Tributaries
- In Manipur, the Barak River flows southwest until it reaches Tipaimukh, where it merges with the Tuivai River.
- From Tipaimukh, the river turns northward and meets the Jiri River at Jirimukh.
- Moving west, the Barak River passes through the Cachar and Karimganj districts of Assam, eventually crossing into Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Once in Bangladesh, the Barak River splits into two major distributaries:
- The Surma River
- The Meghna River
- The Surma River eventually merges back into the Meghna, which joins the Padma River (the Ganga). This combined flow contributes to the formation of the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta, one of the largest river deltas in the world.
Importance of the Barak River System
Agriculture and water supply
The Barak River and its network of tributaries not only support agriculture and water supply but also play a vital role in the ecosystem of Northeast India. Additionally, the river system serves as a lifeline for the Barak Valley region in Assam, making it significant for both environmental sustainability and regional development.
Hydropower Potential of the Barak River
The Barak River offers immense potential for hydropower generation, with an estimated capacity of 3,908 MW at a 60% load factor. This makes it a vital resource for meeting the growing energy demands of Northeast India and contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
Major Infrastructure Projects on the Barak River
Several infrastructure projects have been planned or are under construction to utilize the Barak River’s resources effectively:
Tipaimukh Dam Project
- The Tipaimukh Dam is one of the most prominent projects on the Barak River.
- It is designed for power generation, irrigation, and flood control, addressing critical needs in the region.
Teesta Champamati Barrage
- This project focuses on improving irrigation facilities and managing water resources effectively.
Dhansiri Barrage
- Aimed at both irrigation support and flood mitigation, this project highlights the Barak River’s role in regional water management.
Importance of Barak River Infrastructure
The development of hydropower and irrigation projects on the Barak River ensures:
- Enhanced electricity supply for residential, industrial, and agricultural use.
- Improved water availability for irrigation, boosting agriculture in the Barak Valley.
- Mitigation of flood risks, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the region.
Challenges and Issues in the Brahmaputra-Barak Basin
The Brahmaputra-Barak Basin faces several challenges that impact the environment and livelihoods:
Flooding:
- Approximately 4.33 million hectares of land in this basin are prone to annual flooding, causing significant damage to crops, property, and infrastructure.
- Flooding disrupts the lives of thousands of residents every year.
Erosion:
- The river’s erosive action affects towns and villages along its banks, leading to loss of land and forcing people to relocate.
Environmental Importance and Concerns
The Barak River is not only crucial for irrigation and hydropower but also plays a vital role in supporting aquatic biodiversity. However, its ecosystem faces severe threats:
Impact on Aquatic Life
Destructive Practices
- Local tribal communities along the Barak River have adopted harmful fishing methods using gelatin sticks, illegally sourced from Mizoram.
- These explosives kill thousands of fish, including juvenile and mature species, and harm other aquatic creatures like turtles and river dolphins.
The Endangered Ganges River Dolphin
- The Ganges river dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal, is at high risk of extinction due to:
- Poaching for oil and meat.
- Accidental deaths in fishing nets.
- Habitat degradation caused by embankments and sluice gates.
- Disturbances from motorboats and aquatic pollution.
Tipaimukh Dam Concerns:
- The proposed Tipaimukh Dam on the Barak River has raised alarms among environmentalists.
- Researchers warn that the dam could worsen the dolphin’s situation, leading to its local extinction in the Barak River system.
Call for Conservation
Environmental organizations like the Society for Activists for Forest and Environment (SAFE) and researchers have emphasized the need for:
- Strict anti-poaching measures.
- Sustainable fishing practices to protect aquatic life.
- Comprehensive policies to mitigate the negative impacts of infrastructure projects like the Tipaimukh Dam.
FAQs
Answer: The Barak River is in the Barak Valley.
Answer: The Barak River flows through the states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam.
Answer: The Barak River originates from the state of Manipur.
Answer: The Barak River originates from Japvo mountain in Manipur hills.
Answer: The Barak River flows through three states of India: Manipur, Mizoram, and, Assam.
Answer: The Barak River flows through the Cachar district in Assam.
Answer: The Barak River is a tributary of the Meghna River in Bangladesh.
Answer: The Barak River is called the Surma River in Bangladesh
Answer: The Barak River is located in Northeastern India, flowing through Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam, and eventually entering Bangladesh.
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