Brahmaputra River System – Important Facts

The Brahmaputra River System, originating in Tibet, spans India and Bangladesh, covering 2,900 km, and supporting diverse ecosystems and communities. The article discusses the Brahmaputra River, its origin, length, tributaries, impact, challenges, dams, and Ganga Brahmaputra Delta, spanning Tibet, India, and Bangladesh.

Brahmaputra River System

Brahmaputra River System

The Brahmaputra River, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, originates from Lake Mansarovar near Mount Kailash. Measuring 3,969 km, it ranks as the 15th longest river globally. It eventually merges with the Ganges before reaching the Bay of Bengal by flying through Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh. The river’s vast drainage area of 712,035 km² spans India, China, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

Features

• The Brahmaputra River is one of the major rivers in Asia, flowing through China, India, and Bangladesh.

• It originates in Tibet and travels through diverse landscapes, including mountains, plains, and valleys.

• The river is known for its dynamic nature, with seasonal variations in water flow and sediment transport.

• The Brahmaputra supports rich biodiversity, hosting various fish species and wildlife along its banks.

• It plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of people in the region, providing water for agriculture and other daily needs.

• The river is prone to flooding during the monsoon season, impacting communities and necessitating flood management measures.

• Brahmaputra is vital for transportation, serving as a key waterway for trade and commerce in the northeastern part of India.

• The river is characterized by its unique geography, forming the world’s largest river island, Majuli, in the Indian state of Assam.

• Hydroelectric projects along the Brahmaputra contribute to regional energy production and development.

• The Brahmaputra River System is of geopolitical significance, with water-sharing agreements and discussions between the countries it traverses.

Tributaries

The Brahmaputra River is enriched by numerous tributaries on both its north and south banks. North bank tributaries like Aie, Sankosh and Siang experience flashy floods and carry a significant silt charge. In contrast, south bank tributaries such as Bhogdoi and Kopili have lower silt charges and meander through flatter grades.

Tributary	Location	Length (Approx.)	Description
Yamuna	India	1,376 km	Joins the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh.
Son	India	784 km	Originates in the Amarkantak Plateau.
Subansiri	India	442 km	Flows through the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Lohit	India	1,126 km	Rises in Tibet, known as the Zayü River.
Teesta	India and Bangladesh	414 km	Flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal. Empties into Brahmaputra in Bangladesh.
Dibang	India	805 km	Originates in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Kameng (Jia Bharali)	India	264 km	Flows through the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Joins Brahmaputra as Jia Bharali in Assam.

Significance and Challenges

The river system plays a vital role in supporting livelihoods, irrigation, transportation, and agriculture for millions in India and Bangladesh. However, challenges such as recurrent flooding, riverbank erosion, and concerns over the construction of the Zangmu Dam in Tibet highlight the need for effective flood control and erosion prevention strategies.

Characteristics

• The Brahmaputra River originates near Kailash ranges in the Himalayas, flowing through Tibet, Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh, ranking second to the Amazon in specific yield.

• The river’s source, Tamchok Khambab Kangri, lies in the Kanglung Kang Glacier, southwest of the Tibetan plateau at an elevation of 5,300 m, near Konggyu Tso Lake.

• With a catchment area of 580,000 sq. km, the Brahmaputra experiences heavy rainfall, especially in Assam, leading to annual floods and riverbank erosion.

• Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the Brahmaputra basin witness snow cover, and the region collectively represents 55.48% of India’s forest cover.

• Majuli, recognized by UNESCO, is the world’s oldest and largest inhabited riverine island in Assam.

• The Brahmaputra river system holds a hydroelectric potential of 66,065 MW.

• The river’s average slope decreases from 2.82 m/Km in Tibet to 0.1 m/Km in Assam, causing braiding in the valley.

• In Assam, the river is joined by numerous tributaries, leading to braiding due to high sediment load from rain-fed tributaries.

• The Brahmaputra valley experiences heavy precipitation during the monsoon months, causing floods, with additional flooding in June due to saturated soil from April and May thunderstorms.

• The coincidence of tributary floods with the Brahmaputra flood results in severe problems and devastation in the region.

Dams on Brahmaputra River System

• Khandong Dam: Strategically built on the Brahmaputra River for hydroelectric power generation.

• Ranganadi Dam: Another key dam, aiding in hydroelectricity, drinking water, and irrigation.

These dams serve to harness the Brahmaputra’s potential for power and water needs. Situated across different states, contributing to regional development. These dams play a crucial role in managing resources and supporting diverse needs in the Brahmaputra River system.

Ganga Brahmaputra Delta

The Ganga Brahmaputra Delta, formed by the confluence of these two mighty rivers, holds the distinction of being the largest river delta globally. Despite being a high-risk flood zone, the delta’s fertile lands and diverse wildlife, including Bengal Tigers and Ganges River Dolphins, make it home to over 100 million people, underscoring its socio-economic importance.

Brahmaputra flows through which states

The Brahmaputra river flows through the following states in India & countries.

• Tibet: It begins in Tibet.

• Arunachal Pradesh: It goes through this part of northeastern India.

• Assam: The river runs across the whole of Assam, affecting places like Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, and Goalpara.

• Bangladesh: The Brahmaputra continues its path through Bangladesh, impacting areas like Kurigram and Jamalpur.

The distances covered in each state can vary, and it’s hard to give exact distances without specific data. The total length of the Brahmaputra river is around 2,900 kilometers, with different lengths in each state.

Conclusion

The Brahmaputra River System is a major river system in Asia, originating from Tibet and flowing through India and Bangladesh. It is one of the world’s most important and dynamic river systems. The Brahmaputra River is approximately 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) long. Its tributaries significantly contribute to the overall flow and dynamics of the Brahmaputra River. Despite facing challenges such as floods, erosion, and sedimentation, impacting communities along its banks, The Brahmaputra River sustains a diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna.

FAQs on Brahmaputra River System

What is the Brahmaputra River System?

The Brahmaputra River System is a major river system in Asia, originating from Tibet and flowing through India and Bangladesh. It is one of the world’s most important and dynamic river systems.

What is the length of the Brahmaputra River?

The Brahmaputra River is approximately 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) long. It is one of the longest rivers in the world and plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of millions of people in the region.

What are the main tributaries of the Brahmaputra River?

The major tributaries of the Brahmaputra include the Subansiri, Siang, Lohit, and Dibang rivers. These tributaries significantly contribute to the overall flow and dynamics of the Brahmaputra River.

How does the Brahmaputra River impact the region’s ecology?

The Brahmaputra River sustains a diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna. Its floodplains support agriculture and contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.

What are the challenges associated with the Brahmaputra River System?

The Brahmaputra faces challenges such as floods, erosion, and sedimentation, impacting communities along its banks. Additionally, water management and international cooperation are crucial for addressing issues related to the shared resources of the river basin.