Bihar, a state in eastern India, is endowed with an extensive network of rivers that play a crucial role in its agrarian economy, cultural heritage, and daily life. The state is situated in the Ganga River Basin, which makes it one of the most fertile regions in India. The rivers of Bihar are vital for irrigation, drinking water, transportation, and fisheries, but they also pose challenges in the form of frequent floods.
This article provides a detailed overview of the major rivers of Bihar, highlighting their origin, course, tributaries, importance, and associated challenges.
1. Ganga River
Origin: The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and enters Bihar at Chausa in Buxar district.
Course: The river flows from west to east across the state, covering a length of approximately 445 km before entering West Bengal.
Tributaries:
Right bank: Son, Punpun, Karmanasa.
Left bank: Ghaghra, Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati.
Significance:
Fertility: Its basin is highly fertile and supports agriculture.
Religious Importance: The Ganga is sacred and hosts festivals like Chhath Puja.
Economy: Supports fishing, transportation, and drinking water needs.
Challenges: Pollution, siltation, and erosion.
2. Ghaghra River
Origin: The Ghaghra originates from the Tibetan Plateau, near Lake Mansarovar.
Course: It flows through Uttar Pradesh and enters Bihar, merging with the Ganga at Doriganj in Saran district.
Tributaries: Sarda, Rapti.
Significance:
Irrigation: Supports farming activities in northern Bihar.
Fisheries: Abundant aquatic life supports the local economy.
Challenges: Flooding during the monsoon season.
3. Gandak River
Origin: The river originates in Nepal near the Tibetan border.
Course: After flowing through Nepal, it enters Bihar and joins the Ganga near Hajipur.
Tributaries: Budhi Gandak, Trijuga.
Significance:
Agriculture: A major source of irrigation in the districts it traverses.
Hydropower: The Valmikinagar Barrage on the Gandak supports irrigation and power generation.
Challenges: Frequent floods and siltation.
4. Kosi River
Origin: The Kosi originates from the Himalayas in Nepal and is formed by three streams: Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi, and Tamur Kosi.
Course: It flows through northern Bihar before merging with the Ganga near Kursela.
Significance:
Fertility: Known as the Sorrow of Bihar due to its flooding, but also enriches the soil.
Water Resources: The Kosi Barrage aids irrigation and flood control.
Challenges: Erosion and frequent change of course causing displacement.
5. Son River
Origin: The Son originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh.
Course: It flows through Uttar Pradesh, enters Bihar, and merges with the Ganga near Patna.
Tributaries: Rihand, North Koel.
Significance:
Irrigation: The Indrapuri Barrage supports agriculture.
Industry: Provides water to several industries.
Challenges: Seasonal flow, with dry conditions in summer.
6. Punpun River
Origin: The river originates from Palamu in Jharkhand.
Course: It flows through Bihar and merges with the Ganga near Fatuha.
Significance:
Irrigation: Supports agriculture in its basin.
Urban Importance: Provides water to towns and villages along its course.
Challenges: Flooding during the monsoon.
7. Bagmati River
Origin: The Bagmati originates from the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.
Course: It enters Bihar and flows through the northern districts, merging with the Kosi River.
Significance:
Agriculture: Supports farming in the Mithilanchal region.
Cultural Importance: Associated with various festivals and rituals.
Challenges: Frequent floods, erosion.
8. Kamala River
Origin: The Kamala originates in the Mahabharat Range in Nepal.
Course: It flows through northern Bihar and merges with the Bagmati.
Significance:
Agriculture: An important source of irrigation.
Fisheries: Supports local livelihood through aquaculture.
Challenges: Flooding and siltation.
9. Adhwara Group of Rivers
Description: A group of interconnected rivers, including the Kamala, Jhim, and Bhutahi Balan.
Course: These rivers traverse northern Bihar, eventually joining the Kosi or Bagmati.
Significance:
Irrigation: Essential for agriculture in floodplains.
Ecology: Rich in biodiversity.
Challenges: Floods and waterlogging.
10. Falgu River
Origin: The Falgu is formed by the merging of the Lilajan and Mohana rivers near Gaya.
Course: It flows through Bihar, merging with the Punpun River.
Significance:
Religious Importance: Associated with Pind Daan rituals in Gaya.
Agriculture: Supports local farming.
Challenges: Seasonal flow, often drying up in summer.
Flooding: A Recurring Challenge
The rivers of Bihar are prone to frequent flooding due to:
Monsoonal Rainfall: Heavy rains upstream, especially in Nepal, lead to flooding.
Siltation: Rivers like the Kosi and Gandak carry a heavy sediment load, reducing their water-carrying capacity.
Topography: The flat terrain exacerbates waterlogging.
Importance of Rivers in Bihar
Agriculture: The rivers make the Gangetic plains one of the most fertile regions in India.
Cultural Heritage: Many rivers are intertwined with rituals and festivals.
Transportation: Historically, rivers have been used for navigation.
Ecology: Rivers support a diverse range of flora and fauna.
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