Largest River Basin in India

The largest river basin in India is the Ganga Basin (Ganges Basin). It is named after the Ganges River, which is the main river within the basin and one of the most significant rivers in the region. The Ganga Basin covers parts of India, Nepal, China, and Bangladesh.

It plays a very important role in the cultural, economic, and ecological scene of the region. Let us learn more about the largest river basin of India.

Largest River Basin in India

Largest river basin in India – Overview

The Ganga basin is the biggest river basin in the country draining an area of 8,61,452 sq. km. which is slightly more than one-fourth (26.3%) of the total geographical area of the country. In total, Ganga has 11 basin states – Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi.

Area	8,61,452 sq. km.
States covered	UP, MP, Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh
Delta Area	60,000 sq. km.
Rainfall	1 million cubic meter (MCM)
Hydroelectric potential	20711 MW

Largest river basin in India – River Ganga

The River Ganga originates in the Himalayan Mountains at Gomukh, the end of the Gangotri Glacier. The Bhagirathi River is formed when the glacier melts. As the Bhagirathi River flows down the Himalayas, it joins the Alaknanda River, officially forming the Ganga River.

The melting water from the Himalayas, as well as water from tributaries and rainfall, all feed the river. Ganga flows south and east from the Himalayas, forming a canyon as it leaves the mountain.

It goes through northern India, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Gangas’ many tributaries originate from the nearby countries of Nepal, Bangladesh, and China.

Largest river basin in India – Tributaries

The Ganga Basin is fed by numerous tributaries, including rivers such as the Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, and Brahmaputra. Given below is the list of the major tributaries that join the basin.

River Name	Origin	Merging Point
Yamuna	Yamunotri Glacier (Himalayas)	Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
Ghaghara	Tibetan Plateau	Chhapra, Bihar
Gandak	Nepal	Patna, Bihar
Kosi	Tibet	Kursela, Bihar
Son	Amarkantak Plateau (Madhya Pradesh)	Patna, Bihar
Chambal	Vindhya Range (Madhya Pradesh)	Etawah, Uttar Pradesh

These are just a few major tributaries of the Ganga River basin. These tributaries together form a complex network of waterways supporting millions of people and different ecosystems across northern India and Nepal.

Largest river basin in India – Agriculture

The agriculture around the Ganga basin is diverse. It plays an important role in the economy and livelihoods of millions of people. Let’s learn more about it.

• Crop Diversity: Rice, wheat, sugarcane, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables are the major crops grown here. Jute and mustard are also cultivated in certain areas.

• Irrigation: There is an extensive network of canals, rivers, and groundwater sources for irrigation purposes. Dams, barrages, and reservoirs help regulate water flow.

• Traditional Farming Practices: Methods of flood irrigation, crop rotation, intercropping, and mixed farming systems are still used by the farmers in the region.

• Challenges Faced: Water scarcity, soil degradation, pollution, and climate change are some threats faced in this region. Additionally, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides contributes to environmental degradation.

• Government initiatives: Investment in irrigation infrastructure, adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices, promotion of organic farming, and support for smallholder farmers through subsidies, credit schemes, and extension services are a few initiatives made.

• Role in Food Security: The basin provides employment opportunities for millions of people and supplies food products to local and national markets.

Largest river basin in India – Flora and Fauna

The Ganga Basin is one of the most fertile and biodiverse regions in the world. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Below is a list of some of the key species found in the basin region.

Serial Number	Name of Species	Scientific Name
1	Sacred Fig (Peepal Tree)	Ficus religiosa
2	Indian Lotus	Nelumbo nucifera
3	Water Hyacinth	Eichhornia crassipes
4	Sandalwood	Santalum album
5	Water Lily	Nymphawa spp.
6	Indian Cork Tree	Millingtonia hortensis
7	Indian Rosewood	Dalbergia latifolia

Now let’s look into a list of fauna species majorly found in the Ganga River Basin region.

Serial Number	Name of Species	Scientific Name
1	Ganges River Dolphin (Susu)	Platanista gangetica
2	Gharial	Gavialis gangeticus
3	Indian Elephant	Elephas maximus indicus
4	Bengal Tiger	Panthera tigris
5	Ganges River Shark	Glyphis gangeticus
6	Indian Skimmer	Rynchops albicollis
7	Indian Flying Fox	Pteropus giganteus

These are just a few examples of the biodiversity found in the Ganga basin. The region’s flora and fauna are not only ecologically significant but also have cultural importance. It is crucial to conserve the ecosystem for the well-being of wildlife and human communities since they depend on the river.

Largest river basin in India – Threats and Conservation Efforts

The Ganga River basin faces several significant threats, which have adverse effects on its ecosystem, biodiversity, and the millions of people who depend on it for their livelihoods. Some of these threats are:

• Pollution
• Deforestation
• Habitat Loss
• Over-extraction of Water
• Climate Change
• Loss of Biodiversity
• Invasive Species (eg: Water hyacinth)
• Poor Governance and Management

Addressing these threats requires concerted efforts from governments, policymakers, civil society organizations, and local communities to promote sustainable development, improve water quality, conserve biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Ganga River basin. The following efforts have been made as of now:

• Namami Gange Programme: Launched in 2014, it was aimed at cleaning the Ganga River and its tributaries. It focused on sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, solid waste management, and public awareness campaigns.

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): It is the implementing agency of the Namami Gange Programme. It monitors activities related to Ganga rejuvenation.

• Ganga Action Plan (GAP): Launched in 1985, it was aimed at reducing pollution in the Ganga River. It involved the construction of sewage treatment plants, interception and divergence of industrial wastage, and public awareness campaigns.

• Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives: These are the efforts aimed at the conservation of flagship species like the Ganges River Dolphin and the Gharial, and critical habitats like the mangrove forests.

• Afforestation and Watershed Management: These programs are implemented to prevent soil erosion, enhance groundwater recharge, and improve the health of the basin ecosystem.

• Riverfront Development Projects: These are undertaken to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Ganga riverfront, improve public access to the river, and promote tourism.

• International Collaboration: The government collaborates with international organizations and governments to exchange knowledge, technology, and best practices to protect and conserve the Ganga River.

Conclusion

The Ganga River basin is the largest in India and plays a very important role in the cultural, economic, and ecological scene of the region. The basin region has a rich biodiversity with plant species like Sandalwood and Water Lily, and wildlife species like Gharial and Bengal tiger. Due to the nutrient-rich soil found in the region, it has a high number of agricultural activities being carried out.

Despite all this, the Ganga River basin faces a few challenges like loss of biodiversity, land degradation, etc. The government and people have made and are still making efforts to protect and conserve the River basin and the associated rivers because millions of people depend on the river for their livelihood.

Largest River Basin in India – FAQs

Which is the smallest river basin in India?

The smallest river basin in India is Arvari river, length of which is 45 kilometers and flows through Arvari district of Rajasthan.

How long is the Ganga River?

The Ganga River is approximately 2,525 kilometers long.

What is the biodiversity of the Ganga River Basin?

It is home to over 140 fish species, 90 amphibian species, and numerous bird species.

How many people live in the Ganga River Basin?

The Ganga River Basin is home to over 600 million people.

How many species of dolphins are found in the Ganga River?

Two species of dolphins are found here: the Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) and the Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor).

What’s the hydroelectric potential of the Ganga basin?

The hydroelectric potential of the Ganga River Basin is 20711 MW.