Krishna River System: Location, Map, Tributaries, Key Facts

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Are you preparing for exams like SSC, RRB, NTPC, or UPSC? The Krishna River System is an important topic often included in these tests. In this post, we’ll explain its location, provide a map, discuss its tributaries, and share key facts to help you succeed. Let’s explore one of India’s major river systems in a simple and effective way!

The Krishna River flows for over 1,400 kilometers, passing through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. It is fed by major tributaries like the Tungabhadra River and the Bhima River. This river system is crucial for agriculture, water management, and hydropower generation, making it a key topic for competitive exams.

There’s even more to learn! From its historical importance to its modern uses, this article covers everything you need to know about the Krishna River. Understanding this river system will boost your knowledge for exams and deepen your understanding of India’s geography.

Let’s explore the fascinating details of the Krishna River System to prepare you for success!

Krishna River Overview

  • Second-largest east-flowing river in the Indian Peninsula.
  • Source: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, at 1,336 meters near Jor village.
  • Course: Flows eastward for 1,400 km before emptying into the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Geography:
    • North: Bordered by the Balaghat Range.
    • South & East: Bordered by the Eastern Ghats.
    • West: Bordered by the Western Ghats.
  • Ecological Impact:
    • Causes severe soil erosion during monsoons.
    • Noted for environmental challenges.
  • Agriculture:
    • 75.86% of the basin is used for farming.
    • Seasonal monsoon rains lead to flow fluctuations, affecting irrigation.
  • Delta: Forms a large delta with a shoreline of 120 km.
  • Dams:
    • Major ones include Almatti Dam, Srisailam Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, and Prakasam Barrage.
  • Urban Centers:
    • Key locations: Satara, Karad, Sangli, Bagalkot, Srisailam, Amaravati, and Vijayawada.
Krishna River System Key facts
Krishna River System Key facts

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Major Tributaries of Krishna River

The Krishna River is nourished by several key tributaries from both its right and left banks, making it a vital water system in the Indian Peninsula.

Right Bank Tributaries

  • Venna River
  • Koyna River
    • Known for the Koyna Dam, linked to the 1967 earthquake (6.4 Richter scale), causing 150 deaths.
  • Panchganga River
  • Dudhganga River
  • Ghataprabha River
  • Malaprabha River
  • Tungabhadra River
    • Formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers.
    • Length: 531 kilometers.
    • Originates from Gangamula, Central Sahyadri.

Left Bank Tributaries

  • Bhima River
    • Originates from Matheron Hills.
    • Length: 861 kilometers.
    • Merges with Krishna near Raichur.
  • Dindi River
  • Peddavagu River
  • Halia River
  • Musi River
    • Meets Krishna at Wazirabad.
    • Hyderabad is situated along the Musi River.
  • Paleru River
  • Munneru River

These tributaries significantly enhance the water flow, support irrigation, and contribute to the agriculture and livelihoods in the Krishna River basin.

Detailed Insights Into Major Tributaries of the Krishna River

Bhima River

  • Origin: Bhimashankar Hills, near Karjat, Maharashtra.
  • Length: 725 km, flowing through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Key Temples Along the River:
    • Bhimashankar Temple: A Jyotirlinga shrine.
    • Siddhatek Temple: Part of the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage.
    • Pandharpur Vithoba Temple: Dedicated to Vithoba.
    • Sri Kshetra Rasangi Balibheemasena Temple.

Musi River

  • Origin: Anantagiri Hills, near Vikarabad, Telangana.
  • Key Features:
    • Osmansagar Reservoir: Built in 1920 for water supply.
    • Hussain Sagar Lake: A prominent water body in Hyderabad.
  • Cultural Role: Hosts boating races, decorated contests, and swimming tournaments.

Koyna River

  • Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Satara, Maharashtra.
  • Flow: North to south, meeting Krishna River at Karad.
  • Significance:
    • Koyna Dam: Largest hydroelectric project in Maharashtra, creating Shivasagar Lake.
  • Width: 100 meters, with a slow flow.

Panchganga River

  • Formation: Confluence of Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, and Bhogawati rivers at Prayag Sangam.
  • Flow: Traverses Kolhapur and joins Krishna at Kurundvad.

Dudhganga River

  • Region: Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.
  • Key Infrastructure: Kallammawadi Dam, aiding water management and irrigation.

Ghataprabha River

  • Origin: Western Ghats at 884 meters.
  • Length: 283 km, flowing through Karnataka and Maharashtra.
  • Notable Sites:
    • Gokak Waterfall: A tourist attraction in Belgaum.
    • Ghataprabha Project: Major irrigation and hydroelectric dam.

Malaprabha River

  • Origin: Kanakumbi, Belgaum District, Karnataka.
  • Length: 304 km, meeting Krishna at Kudalasangama.
  • Key Highlights:
    • Navilatirtha Dam: Creates Renukasagara Reservoir.
    • UNESCO Heritage Sites: Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami temples along the river.

Tungabhadra River

  • Formation: Confluence of Tunga and Bhadra rivers.
  • Length: 531 km, joining Krishna at Gondimalla, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Key Tributaries: Varada, Hagari, Handri.
  • Cultural and Historical Centers: Harihar, Hospet, Hampi, and Kurnool.
  • Raichur Doab: Fertile region between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers.

Key Infrastructure Projects and Hydropower Stations in the Krishna River Basin

The Krishna Basin is a hub of irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control projects. These initiatives play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the regions they serve.

Key Projects

  • Tungabhadra Project
    • Location: Tungabhadra River near Hospet, Karnataka.
    • Significance:
      • Supports hydroelectric power, irrigation, and flood control.
      • Supplies municipal water to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Srisailam Project
    • Location: Krishna River, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh.
    • Reservoir: Srisailam Sagar (Neelam Sanjjeva Reddy Sagar).
    • Purpose: Provides irrigation and generates hydroelectric power.
  • Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
    • Construction Initiated: 1950.
    • Location: Krishna River, between Nalgonda and Guntur districts.
    • Significance:
      • One of India’s earliest large-scale irrigation projects.
      • Played a key role in the Green Revolution.
  • Prakasam Barrage
    • Location: Krishna River near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
    • Designed by: Major Cotton of the East India Company.
    • Purpose: Focused on flood control and irrigation.
  • Ghataprabha Project
    • Location: Ghataprabha River, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra.
    • Purpose: Water resource management and irrigation.
  • Bhima Project
    • Location: Bhima River, Solapur District, Maharashtra.
    • Significance: Enhances water availability for agriculture.

Major Hydropower Stations

  • Koyna Power Station:
    • Known for its substantial contribution to the region’s energy needs.
  • Tungabhadra Hydropower Station
    • Plays a crucial role in power generation.
  • Srisailam Hydropower Station
    • Supports both power production and water supply.
  • Nagarjuna Sagar Hydropower Station
    • Integral for irrigation and electricity generation.
  • Almatti Dam
    • Strengthens the region’s hydropower and irrigation network.
  • Narayanpur Dam
    • Supports hydropower generation within the basin.
  • Bhadra Project
    • Facilitates irrigation and contributes to electricity needs.

Importance of these Projects

  • Irrigation: Enhances agricultural productivity.
  • Electricity Generation: Addresses power requirements of the region.
  • Flood Management: Prevents floods and ensures water resource efficiency.
  • Water Supply: Meets the drinking and industrial water needs of cities and towns.

These projects form the backbone of the Krishna Basin’s infrastructure, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Industrial Potential and Challenges in the Krishna Basin

Industrial Potential in the Krishna Basin

The Krishna Basin holds vast industrial potential due to its rich natural resources and growing urban centers.

Key Industries in the Basin

  • Iron and Steel Production: Abundant mineral deposits support steel manufacturing.
  • Cement Manufacturing: Proximity to limestone reserves makes this industry thrive.
  • Sugar Processing: The basin’s fertile lands contribute to sugarcane cultivation.
  • Vegetable Oil Extraction: Based on agricultural produce from the region.
  • Rice Milling: A significant industry in agricultural zones.

Recent Developments

  • The discovery of oil in the basin is expected to significantly enhance its industrial landscape, fostering economic growth and enabling energy-based industries.

Urban Industrial Hubs

  • Hyderabad (Telangana)
    • A leading IT industry hub, attracting global tech companies and professionals.
    • Also supports pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
  • Pune (Maharashtra)
    • Renowned for its automobile and IT industries.
    • Recognized as an education hub with premier universities and institutions.

Environmental Challenges in the Krishna Basin

Drought-Prone Regions

Some areas in the Krishna Basin frequently experience water scarcity, impacting agriculture and industries:

  • Rayalaseema (Andhra Pradesh).
  • Districts in Karnataka: Bellary, Raichur, Dharwad, Chitradurga, Belgaum, and Bijapur.
  • Districts in Maharashtra: Pune, Solapur, Osmanabad, and Ahmednagar.

Flood-Prone Regions

The Krishna Delta faces frequent flooding due to:

  • Silt deposition: Raises riverbed levels, reducing water-carrying capacity.
  • Coastal cyclones: Trigger intense rainfall, worsening flood conditions.

Flooding poses significant risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy in these areas.

Conclusion

The Krishna Basin is a region of industrial promise and economic growth, driven by its natural resources and urban centers. However, managing drought and flooding challenges is crucial for ensuring sustainable development.

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As a professional blogger and passionate educator, I am driven by a deep-seated desire to share knowledge and empower others. With years of experience in the field, I am committed to providing valuable insights and guidance to aspiring learners. My passion lies in helping individuals discover their potential and achieve their goals. I am also a firm believer in the power of motivation and strive to inspire others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

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