CH-5

What is a Drainage System?

 A drainage system is the pattern formed by rivers, streams, and smaller water channels in an
area.
 These rivers and streams flow from different directions and eventually join to form a main
river.
 The main river then flows into a larger water body like a lake, sea, or ocean.

What is a Drainage Basin?

 The area of land where all the water from rain, streams, and rivers drains into a single main
river is called a drainage basin.

What is a Water Divide?

 A water divide is a highland or elevated area like a mountain or hill.

 It separates two drainage basins. So, water on one side flows into one river system, and
water on the other side flows into another.

Drainage Systems in India

India has two main types of drainage systems, based on geography:

1. Himalayan Rivers
2. Peninsular Rivers

Himalayan Rivers

 These rivers start from the Himalayan mountains.

 They are perennial, meaning they have water all year round.
 They are fed by both:
o Rainwater
o Melting snow from the mountains.
 They have long courses from the mountains to the sea.
 Examples: Indus, Brahmaputra
 These rivers cut deep valleys or gorges as they flow through the mountains.

FACT: The Amazon River in South America has the largest drainage basin in the world. This
means it collects water from a huge area of land
River Systems and Their Features
Himalayan Rivers – Features and Landforms
 In the upper course (mountain region), Himalayan rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra
do intensive erosion.
 They carry a huge amount of silt and sand.
 In the middle and lower courses, they form:
o Meanders (curvy paths)
 o Ox-bow lakes (cut-off parts of meanders)
o Floodplains (flat fertile land)
o Deltas (triangular land where the river meets the sea)
A river along with its tributaries is called a river system.
The Indus River System
 Origin: Near Lake Mansarowar in Tibet.
 Enters India through Ladakh, forming deep gorges.
 Major tributaries in India: Zaskar, Nubra, Shyok, Hunza.
 The main tributaries joining the Indus near Mithankot (Pakistan) are:
o Satluj
o Beas
o Ravi
o Chenab
o Jhelum
 Flows through Pakistan and empties into the Arabian Sea.
 Total length: 2,900 km – one of the longest rivers in the world.
 The Indus plain has a gentle slope, helping in agriculture.
FACT: As per the Indus Water Treaty (1960), India can use only 20% of the Indus water – mainly
for irrigation in Punjab, Haryana, and western Rajasthan.
Peninsular Rivers – Features
 These rivers are seasonal – they depend on rainfall.
 During the dry season, even large rivers have low water.
 Their courses are usually shorter and shallower than Himalayan rivers.
 Many originate in the Western Ghats and flow eastwards to the Bay of Bengal.
The Ganga River System
 Headwaters (starting point) is called Bhagirathi, fed by the Gangotri Glacier.
 Joined by the Alaknanda at Devaprayag in Uttarakhand.
 At Haridwar, the Ganga emerges from the mountains and enters the plains.
Summary Table

Feature Himalayan Rivers Peninsular Rivers

Water Supply Perennial (snow + rain) Seasonal (rainfall)

Course Long and deep Short and shallow

Feature Himalayan Rivers Peninsular Rivers

Landforms Gorges, meanders, deltas Small valleys, some deltas

Example Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus Godavari, Krishna, Narmada

The Ganga and Brahmaputra River Systems

Ganga River System – Detailed View

 The Ganga is over 2,500 km long.
 At Farakka (West Bengal), the Ganga splits into two:
1. Bhagirathi-Hooghly (in India) – flows south into the Bay of Bengal.
2. Mainstream – flows into Bangladesh, joins the Brahmaputra, and becomes the
Meghna river.
Sundarban Delta
 The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna together form the Sundarban Delta.
 It's the largest and fastest-growing delta in the world.
 Named after the Sundari tree, which thrives in marshy areas.
 Famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Major Tributaries of the Ganga
From the Himalayas:
 Yamuna – rises from Yamunotri Glacier, meets Ganga at Allahabad (Prayagraj).
 Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi – come from Nepal Himalayas, often cause floods, but
enrich the soil.
From the Peninsular Uplands:
 Chambal, Betwa, and Son – rise from semi-arid areas; carry less water and have shorter
courses. The slope of the Ganga plain is very gentle:
From Ambala to Sundarbans (1800 km), the land falls only 300 metres — i.e., 1 metre for
every 6 km.
This causes the river to develop large meanders (bends in the river).
Brahmaputra River System
 Origin: Rises in Tibet, near Lake Mansarowar, close to sources of the Indus and Satluj.
 Called Tsang Po in Tibet.
 Flows eastwards along the Himalayas.
 Takes a U-turn near Namcha Barwa (7757 m) and enters India through Arunachal
Pradesh.
 In Arunachal Pradesh, it is called the Dihang.
 Joined by Dibang, Lohit, and many tributaries to become the Brahmaputra in Assam.
  Flows into Bangladesh, where it is known as the Jamuna.
 Eventually joins the Ganga to form the Meghna before reaching the Bay of Bengal.
Namami Gange Programme
 A flagship conservation project started in June 2014 by the Indian Government.
 Aims to:
o Clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River.
o Control pollution.

River Local Names Origin Ends In Key Points

Bhagirathi (source), Hooghly Bay of Has many tributaries

Ganga Gangotri Glacier
(distributary) Bengal and a large delta

Joins Ganga to form

Tsang Po (Tibet), Dihang Meghna
Near Lake Bay of
Brahmaputra (Arunachal), Jamuna
Mansarowar Bengal
(Bangladesh)

Worksheet:1 Drainage Systems in India

A. Fill in the Blanks
1. The term __________ describes the river system of an area.
2. The area drained by a single river system is called a __________.
3. An upland that separates two drainage basins is called a __________.
4. The two major groups of rivers in India are __________ and __________ rivers.
5. The Indus River originates near Lake __________.
6. The largest drainage basin in the world is of the __________ River.
7. The Ganga is joined by the Yamuna at __________.
8. The Sundarban Delta is home to the __________.
9. During the dry season, many Peninsular rivers become __________.
10. The Brahmaputra is called the __________ in Tibet and the __________ in Bangladesh.
B. Answer the following questions
1. What is a water divide? Give an example from India.
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2. Name any four major tributaries of the Ganga River.

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3. How are the Himalayan rivers different from Peninsular rivers? (Give two points)
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4. Mention two features formed by rivers in their middle and lower courses.
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5. Where does the Brahmaputra enter India and by what name is it known there?
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C. Answer the following questions

1. Describe the course of the Indus River System and name its major tributaries.
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2. Explain the Ganga River System. Include details of its origin, tributaries, and delta.
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3. Write the key differences between Himalayan and Peninsular river systems.
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4. What are the causes and impacts of floods in the northern plains caused by Himalayan
tributaries?
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5. Describe the origin and course of the Brahmaputra River. Mention its names in different
countries.
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D. Critical Thinking
1. Why do you think rivers originating from the Himalayas are perennial, while those from
the Peninsular region are seasonal?
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2. If the slope of a river is very gentle (like from Ambala to the Sunderbans), how does it
affect the river’s behavior and the landforms it creates?
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3. How can floods caused by rivers like Kosi and Gandak be managed more effectively to
reduce damage?
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 4. How does the drainage system of an area affect agriculture and settlement?
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5. Research and explain one key feature of the Namami Gange programme and how it
helps preserve river health.

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Brahmaputra River – Unique Features

 In Tibet, it flows through a cold and dry region, so it carries less water and silt.
 In India, especially Assam, it receives heavy rainfall, so the river:
o Carries more water and a large amount of silt.
o Has a braided channel (divided into many streams).
o Forms many riverine islands.
FACT: The world’s largest riverine island, Majuli, is formed by the Brahmaputra in Assam.
 During the rainy season, it floods regularly, causing damage in Assam and Bangladesh.
 Unlike most rivers, it deposits silt on its own bed, raising the riverbed.
 It changes its course frequently, making it unpredictable.
Peninsular Rivers – Key Features
 The main water divide in Peninsular India is the Western Ghats.
 Most major rivers flow eastwards into the Bay of Bengal, forming deltas.
 Examples: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri.
 A few rivers flow westwards into the Arabian Sea, forming estuaries.
o Examples: Narmada and Tapi.
 The coastal rivers (between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea) are short due to the narrow
plain.
Important Peninsular River Systems
1. Narmada River
 Originates in the Amarkantak hills (Madhya Pradesh).
 Flows westwards in a rift valley (caused by faulting).
 Notable sites:
o Marble Rocks (near Jabalpur)
o Dhuandhar Falls (steep drop)
 Joined by short tributaries at right angles.
 Flows into the Arabian Sea.
 A conservation mission: Namami Devi Narmade (Govt. of Madhya Pradesh).
2. Tapi River
 Originates in the Satpura ranges (Betul district, Madhya Pradesh).
 Flows westwards in a rift valley, like Narmada.
 Shorter than the Narmada.
 Flows through parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
3. Godavari River (Dakshin Ganga)
 Longest Peninsular river (~1500 km).
 Originates in Nasik district (Maharashtra).
 Drains into the Bay of Bengal.
 Its basin is the largest among Peninsular rivers, covering:
o Maharashtra (50% of basin), Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
 Major tributaries: Purna, Wardha, Pranhita, Manjra, Wainganga, Penganga.
4. Mahanadi River
 Originates in the highlands of Chhattisgarh.
 Flows through Odisha to reach the Bay of Bengal.
 Known for its flooding potential, especially during monsoons.
Summary Chart

River Origin Direction Ends In Notable Feature

Tibet (near Lake East → U-turn Bay of Bengal Largest riverine island
Brahmaputra
Mansarowar) → South (via Meghna) (Majuli), frequent floods

Amarkantak Hills Flows in rift valley, Marble

Narmada West Arabian Sea
(MP) Rocks, estuary
River Origin Direction Ends In Notable Feature

Satpura Ranges
Tapi West Arabian Sea Rift valley, estuary
(MP)

Dakshin Ganga, largest

Godavari Nasik (MH) East Bay of Bengal
Peninsular basin

Mahanadi Chhattisgarh East Bay of Bengal Flood-prone, fertile plains

Importance of Lakes and Rivers in India

Why Are Lakes Important?
 Lakes make places beautiful and attractive for tourists.
o Example: Srinagar (Dal Lake), Nainital, Bhimtal
o Tourists enjoy boating, shikaras, houseboats, and water games.
 Lakes are useful to humans in many ways:
o Store water for drinking and farming
o Support fisheries
o Provide hydroelectric power
o Help with navigation and transport
o Some are used for salt production (e.g. Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan)
Types and Origins of Lakes in India
1. Glacial Lakes (Himalayan Region)
 Formed by glaciers carving basins, later filled with snowmelt.
 Mostly freshwater lakes.
 Examples:
o Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir)
o Bhimtal, Nainital (Uttarakhand)
o Barapani (Meghalaya)
o Loktak Lake (Manipur)
2. Tectonic Lakes
 Formed by earth movements (like faulting).
 Example: Wular Lake – largest freshwater lake in India (Jammu & Kashmir)
3. Ox-bow Lakes
 Formed when a meandering river cuts off a curve.
 Common in floodplains.
4. Wind-formed Lakes
 Found in desert or semi-arid regions.
 Sometimes seasonal.
5. Saltwater Lakes
 Water is salty and often used to produce salt.
 Example: Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan
6. Lagoons (Coastal Lakes)
 Formed by spits and bars near the sea.
 Examples:
o Chilika Lake (Odisha) – Largest lagoon in India
o Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu)
o Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh)
Other Key River Basins
1. Krishna Basin
 Origin: Near Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra)
 Length: About 1400 km
 Flows into: Bay of Bengal
 Tributaries: Tungabhadra, Koyana, Ghatprabha, Musi, Bhima
 States: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
2. Kaveri Basin
 Origin: Brahmagiri Hills (Western Ghats)
 Length: About 760 km
 Flows into: Bay of Bengal (south of Cuddalore)
 Tributaries: Amravati, Bhavani, Hemavati, Kabini
 States: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
 Famous for: Shivasamudram Falls – India’s second largest waterfall
o Supplies power to Mysuru, Bengaluru, Kolar Gold Fields
Find Out:
What is the largest waterfall in India?
(Answer: Jog Falls, Karnataka)
Other East-flowing Rivers
 Damodar
 Brahmani
  Baitarni
 Subarnrekha
FACT:71% of Earth is covered by water.
 97% of this water is saltwater.
 Of the remaining 3% freshwater, ¾ is frozen as ice in glaciers.
Quick Comparison Table

Type of Lake Example Feature

Glacial Dal Lake, Nainital Formed by glaciers

Tectonic Wular Lake Earth movements

Saltwater Sambhar Lake Produces salt

Lagoons Chilika, Pulicat Formed near coasts

Ox-bow (Various) Cut-off meanders

Freshwater Bhimtal, Loktak Useful for drinking, tourism

Artificial Lakes and River Dams

 Not all lakes are natural! Some are man-made.
 Damming rivers (building dams) for hydroelectric power creates artificial lakes.
o Example: Guru Gobind Sagar Lake was formed by the Bhakra Nangal Dam.
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)
 Started as the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in 1985 to clean the Ganga River.
 Expanded in 1995 into the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) to cover other rivers
too.
 Goal: Improve water quality of rivers by controlling pollution.
Why Lakes Are Valuable
Lakes help human beings in many ways:

Benefit Description

Flood Control Lakes absorb extra rainwater, preventing floods.

Water Supply Help maintain steady water flow in dry seasons.

Hydroelectric Power Water stored in lakes can be used to produce electricity.

Climate Regulation Help moderate temperatures of nearby areas.

Tourism & Beauty Attract tourists, support recreation like boating.

Benefit Description

Ecosystem Support Provide habitats for fish, birds, and aquatic life.

Role of Rivers in the Economy

Rivers have been central to human civilization since ancient times:
 Settlements began along rivers → These became cities.
 Rivers provide freshwater for:
o Drinking
o Irrigation (farming)
o Navigation (transport)
o Hydropower (electricity)
In India, rivers are especially important because agriculture is a major livelihood.
River Pollution: A Growing Threat
Causes of Pollution:
 Sewage, industrial waste, and chemical run-off from agriculture are dumped into rivers.
 This makes rivers toxic and unsafe for use.
Effects of Pollution:
 Reduces river's self-cleaning ability.
 Affects human health, wildlife, and aquatic life.
 Example: Ganga river can clean itself if flow is strong, but urbanisation & pollution
reduce this ability.
FACT:
 Natural Lakes: Dal Lake, Chilika Lake, Sambhar Lake, etc.
 Artificial Lakes: Guru Gobind Sagar, Nagarjuna Sagar, etc.
 Delhi – Yamuna
 Varanasi – Ganga
 Ahmedabad – Sabarmati
[Link] is it important to conserve rivers and lakes?
Rivers and lakes provide us with freshwater for drinking, farming, electricity, and daily use. They
also support fish, birds, and other wildlife. Conserving them helps maintain a healthy environment,
protects biodiversity, and ensures clean water for future generations.
2. How does water pollution affect our daily life?
Water pollution can make water unsafe to drink, cause diseases, and harm crops if used for
irrigation. It also affects aquatic animals and damages the environment. Polluted water can ruin the
beauty of natural places and reduce tourism and recreation.
3. What steps can we take to keep our water bodies clean?
 Avoid throwing garbage or chemicals into rivers or lakes.
 Treat sewage and industrial waste before releasing it into water.
 Use eco-friendly products and reduce plastic use.
 Plant trees and protect wetlands.
 Educate people about saving water and keeping it clean.
WORKSHEET – RIVERS AND LAKES OF INDIA
A. Fill in the blanks
1. The __________ river forms the world's largest riverine island in Assam.
2. The Narmada and Tapi rivers flow westward and form __________ at their mouths.
3. The __________ lake in Rajasthan is a saltwater lake used for producing salt.
4. The Godavari is also known as the __________ because of its size and significance.
5. The Narmada rises in the __________ hills in Madhya Pradesh.
6. __________ lake is the largest freshwater lake in India formed by tectonic activity.
7. The main water divide in Peninsular India is formed by the __________.
8. Most Peninsular rivers drain into the __________.
9. The Brahmaputra has a __________ channel and forms many riverine islands.
10. The National River Conservation Plan was launched in the year __________.
B. Short Answer Questions
1. Why do rivers in Assam cause floods during the rainy season?
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2. Name any two tributaries of the Krishna river.

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3. What is the importance of lakes in preventing floods?
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4. Mention any two tourist attractions created by the Narmada river.
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 5. Why is the Godavari considered an important river in Peninsular India?
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C. 5 Marks
1. Explain any five differences between Himalayan rivers and Peninsular
rivers.______________________________________________________________________
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2. Describe the importance of lakes to human beings with examples.

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3. Write a short note on the Godavari river. Mention its origin, length, major tributaries,
and why it is called "Dakshin Ganga."
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4. What is river pollution? Explain any three major causes of river pollution in India and
mention one action plan taken to control it.
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C. Critical Thinking / Long Answer Questions

1. "Rivers are essential for the development of civilization." Justify this statement with
examples from Indian rivers.
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2. How does pollution affect rivers, and what steps can be taken under the National River
Conservation Plan to improve their condition?
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3. Compare the east-flowing and west-flowing rivers of Peninsular India with examples.
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4. Discuss the different ways in which lakes are formed. Mention the importance of both natural
and artificial lakes.
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5. Describe the role of rivers in agriculture, electricity generation, and tourism in India.
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