Longest River of Peninsular India: An Exploration of Godavari

January 17, 2024

10 Minutes

Godavari River: The Longest River in Peninsular India

Introduction

The Godavari River, also known as the 'Dakshin Ganga,' is the longest river of peninsular India. It has a massive impact on the landscape and culture of the region. Flowing through states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, the Godavari plays a crucial role in the lives of millions of people.

Significance of Godavari

As the longest river in peninsular India, the Godavari symbolizes not only the physical and geographical diversity but also the resilience of the people who depend on its waters. Its role in agriculture, culture, and industrial development is undeniable, shaping the very fabric of life in the region.

The Geography of Godavari

• Diverse Landscape: The Godavari basin is the second-largest in India, right after the Ganges basin. It showcases a variety of landscapes, surrounded by the Satmala hills to the north, Ajanta range, and Mahadeo hills to the south, Eastern Ghats to the east, and Western Ghats to the west. The river flows through a beautiful blend of terrains.

• Source and Journey: The Godavari River, which is the longest river of peninsular India, starts its course from Trimbakeshwar near Nasik in Maharashtra, tumbling down from an elevation of 1,067 meters. It embarks on a majestic journey, covering a distance of 1465 km, before elegantly joining the Bay of Bengal.

• Drainage Basin: The Godavari basin is extensive, covering significant portions of the Indian subcontinent. It spans across states such as Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Additionally, it receives smaller contributions from Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. This basin plays a crucial role in shaping the geographical expanse of the region.

• Cultural Importance: The Godavari River is not just a physical entity; it holds great cultural value. In Nashik, people gather for the Kumbh Mela, a special event where millions come seeking purity and spiritual upliftment. 

• Urban Centers: Cities like Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik, and Rajahmundry thrive along the river's course, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between human settlements and natural resources.

• Industries: Nashik and Aurangabad grow as important industrial areas, particularly in automobiles. But, most businesses in the basin focus on farming, like processing rice, making cotton into thread, and producing sugar and oil. Some companies also work with cement and small engineering projects, adding to the area's economy.

Credits: Ministry of Jal Shakti

Water Management Projects

The Godavari, the longest river of peninsular India with its vast basin, has been harnessed for various water management projects, reflecting the region's commitment to sustainable development.

Key Projects: Projects like the Polavaram Irrigation Project, Kaleshwaram, Sadarmatt Anicut, Inchampalli project, and Sriram Sagar Project stand as pillars of water resource management, ensuring a judicious distribution of the river's bounty.

Sub-Basins/Tributaries of the Longest River of Peninsular India

1. Upper Godavari (G-1)

• From source to Manjira confluence with entire drainage in Maharashtra.
• Projects: Gangapur dam, Darna dam, Nandur – Madhameshwar Pickup weir, Jaikwadi dam, Majalgaon dam

2. Pravara (G-2)

• Originates in Western Ghats and flows eastward, joins Godavari upstream of Jaikwadi dam, having entire drainage in Maharashtra.
• Projects: Bhandardara dam, Nilvande dam, Mula dam

3. Purna (G-3)

• Originates in Ajanta Range and flows south-easterly, joins Godavari near Purna town with entire drainage in Maharashtra.
• Projects: Khadakpurna dam, Yeldari dam, Siddheshwar dam, Dudhana dam.

4. Manjira (G-4)

• It is the longest tributary of the longest river in peninsular India.
• Flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and originates in Balaghat hills, ends at Manjira barrage.
• Projects: Manar, Lendi, Terna dams in Maharashtra; Karanja dam in Karnataka; Singur and Nizam Sagar dams in Telangana.

5. Middle Godavari (G-5)

• From Manjira confluence to Pranahita confluence.
• Projects: Pochampad dam, Kadam dam, Sripad Yellampalli barrage, Sundilla barrage, Annaram barrage.

6. Maner (G-6)

• Right bank tributary, which originates in Telangana, joins Godavari upstream of Annaram barrage with entire catchment in Telangana.
• Projects: Upper Maner, Middle Maner and Lower Maner dams.

7. Penganga (G-7)

• Inter-State sub-basin: Telangana and Maharashtra
• Forms boundary between the two states.
• Projects: Upper Penganga dam, Upper Pus, Lower Pus, Arunavati dam, Waghadi dam, Saikheda dam

8. Wardha (G-8)

• From source to Wainganga confluence and forms boundary between Maharashtra and Telangana
• Projects: Bembla dam, Upper Wardha dam, Lower Wardha dam

9. Pranahita (G-9)

• Largest tributary covering 34% of Godavari's drainage basin.
• Inter-State sub-basin: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana
• Projects: Upper Wainganga, Dhuti weir, Thanwar dam, Bawanthadi dam, Bagh dam, Totaladoh dam, Itiadoh dam, Lower Chulband dam, Gosikhurd dam

10. Lower Godavari (G-10)

• Lower part from Pranahita confluence to sea, which includes direct catchment and tributaries except Indravati and Sabari.
• Projects: Medigadda barrage, Godavari LIS, Tupakulagudem barrage, Sitaram LIS, Dummugudem barrage, Polavaram dam, Pattisema LIS, Pushkar LIS, Purushottapatnam LIS, Chintalpudi LIS, Chagalnadu LIS, Venkatanagaram LIS, Arthur Cotton barrage on main Godavari; Laknawaram dam, Taliperu dam, Peddavagu dam, Kinnerasani dam on tributaries

11. Indravati (G-11)

• 2nd largest tributary, which originates in Odisha, joins Godavari 40 km downstream of Pranhita confluence.
• Projects: Upper Indravati dam in Odisha.

12. Sabari (G-12)

• Last tributary of Godavari, which originates in Odisha's Eastern Ghats
• Projects: Upper Kolab dam, Jalaput dam, Machkund PH, Balimela dam, Balimela PH, Potteru weir, Guntwada weir, Upper Sileru PH, Donkarayi dam, Lower Sileru Powerhouse

Credits: Ministry of Jal Shakti

Godavari River Management Board (GRMB)

Established as an autonomous body under the Central Government, the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) plays a pivotal role in regulating and managing the river's resources.

Inception and Jurisdiction

Constituted under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, the GRMB exercises jurisdiction over the Godavari and Krishna rivers, ensuring the administration, regulation, maintenance, and operation of notified projects.

Functions and Apex Council

• The board's functions range from regulating water and power supply to appraising new projects and ensuring compliance with interstate agreements.

• An Apex Council, under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Water Resources, supervises the GRMB's functioning.

Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal

Understanding the complexities of sharing water from the Godavari River led to the formation of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal in April 1969, headed by Justice Bachawat. The Tribunal, right from its inception, started a process to make fair decisions and solve the disputes among the states.

Bilateral and Tripartite Agreements (1978-79): Later, in 1978-79, the states reached more agreements about various irrigation projects. The Tribunal considered all these agreements while making its final decisions. The Tribunal accepted and added these agreements into its final decision, known as the Final Award.

Implications of Agreements: These agreements meant that the states agreed on how to use the Godavari River and its smaller rivers up to certain points. For example, Maharashtra could use the river up to Paithan, and Andhra Pradesh could use it below Paithan. In addition to discussing water-sharing tributaries of Godavari, they also mentioned building special projects like Inchampally and Polavaram with specific rules about the water levels.

Tribunal's Award (July 1980)

In July 1980, the Tribunal made its last decision to end the arguments and provide a fair solution. The highlights of the Tribunal's award were:

• The Polavaram Project agreement under the Tribunal allowed diverting 80 TMC of Godavari Water to Krishna River upstream of Vijayawada Anicut. The shared water allocation for diversion in Krishna River is Andhra Pradesh: 45 TMC, Karnataka & Maharashtra: 35 TMC.
• The execution and operation of Inchampalli Multipurpose Project, a joint venture involving Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, to be overseen by a Tripartite Inter-State Control Board. It was also agreed upon that the costs related to storage, power, and benefits will be shared among the three states in agreed proportions.
• Andhra Pradesh was permitted to divert 85 TMC of waters from Inchampalli Reservoir for its use. The remaining available water at Inchampalli Reservoir was allocated for power generation at the Inchampalli Power House.
• After power generation, the water was available for utilisation by Andhra Pradesh as needed.
• The tribunal's award stated that alterations, amendments, or modifications to its provisions can be made through agreements between the party states or by parliamentary legislation.

Conclusion

The Godavari River is like a lifeline for peninsular India. It flows through different places, helping the land and the people. The river shows how nature and people can live together peacefully. It tells a story of strength and life that will continue for many years. The Godavari has a long history, is culturally important, and helps the economy. It's more than just a river; it's a source of life for millions of people.

Practice Questions

Practice MCQs

Q1: Consider the following statements regarding the Godavari River:

A. The Godavari basin is the largest in India.

B. The river flows through the Ajanta range and Mahadeo hills.

C. Godavari is known as 'Dakshina Ganga.'

Select the statements that are true using the code given below:

1. A&B

2. B&C

3. A only

4. B only

Q2: Which of the following statements about the Godavari River's tributaries is/are correct?

A. Pravara originates in the Eastern Ghats.

B. Manjira flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.

C. Purna joins the Godavari near Purna town.

Select the statements that are true using the code given below:

1. A&B

2. B&C

3. A only

4. B only

Q3. Concerning water management projects in the Godavari basin, identify the correct statements:

A. The Sriram Sagar Project is located on the Pranahita River.

B. The Polavaram Irrigation Project is a key initiative for water resource management.

C. Nashik and Aurangabad are primarily industrial areas in the Godavari basin.

Select the statements that are true using the code given below:

1. A&B

2. B&C

3. A only

4. B only

Answers and Explanations:

1. Option 2 (B&C) is correct. The Godavari basin is the second-largest in India, and the river flows through the Ajanta range and Mahadeo hills. It is also known as 'Dakshina Ganga.'
2. Option 1 (A&B) is correct. Pravara originates in the Western Ghats, and Manjira does flow through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. Purna indeed joins the Godavari near Purna town.
3. Option 2 (B&C) is correct. The Sriram Sagar Project is not located on the Pranahita River; it is on the Manjira River. The Polavaram Irrigation Project is indeed a key water resource management initiative, and Nashik and Aurangabad are significant industrial areas in the Godavari basin.

Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the role of the Godavari River in shaping the geographical, cultural, and economic landscape of peninsular India. Elaborate on the significance of water management projects, the structure and functions of the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), and the historical context of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal in ensuring sustainable utilisation of the river's resources. (250 words)

Model Answer

The Godavari River, also known as the 'Dakshina Ganga,' is the longest river in peninsular India. It influences the land, people, and economy in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Geography of Godavari: The Godavari basin, the second-largest in India, has a mix of hills and ranges. It starts in Maharashtra and travels a long way before reaching the Bay of Bengal. Hills like Satmala, Ajanta, and Mahadeo surround it, creating a beautiful landscape.

Cultural Significance: In Nashik, people gather for the Kumbh Mela, a special event showing the cultural importance of the river. The Godavari is not just water; it means purity and follows cultural traditions for the people along its path.

Economic Impact: Cities like Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik, and Rajahmundry grow along the river. They have industries like farming, making cars, and small projects, helping the local economy. Water projects like Polavaram and Kaleshwaram help in farming and industry, making the area grow.

Water Disputes Tribunal: In the year 1969, the inception of a specialized body, recognized as the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, marked a significant development. Tasked with the resolution of disputes arising among states concerning water allocation, this tribunal played a pivotal role in mediating conflicts. The culmination of this effort manifested in crucial agreements forged in the years 1975 and 1978-79, delineating the principles governing the utilization of the river by respective states. These accords were instrumental in ensuring an equitable distribution of resources, effectively bringing an end to contentious debates by the year 1980.

Conclusion The Godavari River assumes a role akin to a benevolent companion to the communities it touches. Its undulating hills, life-sustaining waters, and cultural traditions contribute to the distinctive tapestry of existence. Supported by strategic projects, the regulatory mechanisms of the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), and judicious agreements, a sense of fairness prevails. Beyond being a mere watercourse, the Godavari stands as a steadfast ally, aiding both the land it traverses and the people who depend on its benevolence.