Question

Write some important facts about the Narmada basin.

Answer 1

HintThe Narmada is the fifth largest river in the country. It travels along with the Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat states. It is also known as Reva.

Complete step by step answerThe largest west flowing river of the Indian Peninsula is the Narmada River. It originates at the Amarkantak hills located in Madhya Pradesh. This river flows from West to East in the Rift valley due to faulting. This river flows through a deep gorge, forming a picturesque location – the Dhuandhar falls. Most of the tributaries of Narmada are short and join at right angles. Narmada basin approximately covers $3\% $ of the total geographical area of the country i.e., 98,796 sq. kilometer. There are 41 tributaries of the Narmada River. The Burner is the first major tributary that joins Narmada from the left. It receives the Banjar from the left further downstream. It receives the Hiran on the right bank as it enters the upper fertile plains. Moving on, the river receives several other tributaries – the Sher, the Dudhi, the Tawa, the Barna, etc. There are four major dams built on the Narmada River. They are the Bargi Dam, Indirasagar Dam, Omkareshwar Dam, and the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The upper part of the basin covers the hilly regions, whereas the lower middle covers the broad and fertile areas which are well suited for cultivation. The total length of the river is 1312 kilometers (815 miles) from source to the sea. The Narmada finally merges into the Gulf of Khambhat (Arabian Sea).

NoteNarmadeeya Brahmins also worship the Narmada River as the mother goddess. It is also known as the ‘Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh’.