Overview
This lecture covers the key rivers of Uttarakhand, their origins, main tributaries, important facts, and locations relevant for competitive exams.
Kali River
- Originates from Lipulekh glacier in Pithoragarh.
- Pithoragarh shares boundaries with Tibet (north) and Nepal (east), forming the longest natural international boundary.
- Kali River length: 252 km.
- Major tributaries: Lad Ya (Thali glacier), Saryu (Sarmal glacier), Gauri (Milam glacier), Kuti (Lapla Dhara glacier), Dhauliganga East (Govan Khana glacier), Ramganga East/Rath Vahini.
Bhagirathi River
- Originates from Gaumukh glacier in Uttarkashi (Garhwal).
- Uttarkashi's old names: Saumya Kashi, Bada Hat; Barkot's old name: Rajgadhi.
- Length: 205 km.
- Main tributaries: Kedarkantha, Dhari Garh, Jalandhar Garh (and others).
Alaknanda River
- Originates from Satopanth glacier.
- Length: 195 km.
- Major tributaries: Dhauliganga (Dhar Pani), Mandakini, Nandakini (Nanda Ghunti glacier), Bhagirathi, and others (total seven).
Bhilangana River
- Originates from Khatling glacier in Tehri (old name: Tri Hari).
- Main tributaries: Bal Ganga, Dharm Ganga (originates from Kausani).
Other Important Rivers
- Kosi River: Khat glacier, location asked in exams.
- Tons River: Originates from Rupin Supin glacier in Uttarkashi.
- Yamuna: Originates from Yamunotri in Uttarkashi.
- Ganga: Originates from Devprayag (old name: Sudarshan Tirtha).
- Alaknanda, Saraswati: Originate from Devtalab.
- Ramganga West: Origin from Ponting glacier (Pithoragarh).
- Ramganga East/West, Nair Nivar: Originate from Duda Toli glacier (Chamoli).
- Dhauli River: Originates from Dio Forest.
- Dhauli Ganga & Gaula River: Originate from Phar Pani (Almora, Kumaon); Dhauli Ganga tributaries: Girth Ganga, Rishi Ganga.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Glacier — A large body of ice from which rivers often originate.
- Tributary — A smaller river or stream that feeds into a larger river.
- International Boundary — A border between two countries.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize origins, lengths, and tributaries of the main Uttarakhand rivers.
- Review old and local names of districts and important locations.
- Prepare for next class on waterfalls formed by these rivers.