Narmada River | Sardar Sarovar Project at Narmada River

The largest river in peninsular India to flow west, the Narmada River, cuts across the nation’s center and has an influence on people’s lives in several states. From its modest beginnings on the Amarkantak Hill to the Gulf of Khambhat, the Narmada is an important waterway for both practical and cultural reasons. It gained attention recently when floods in Gujarat brought attention to its critical role in the ecological and human settlements in the region.

In this article, we will get to know everything there is about the Narmada River, the reason it is the talk of the town, get to know more about the Sardar Sarovar Project in detail, and also learn about the different color-coded alerts issued by the IMD.

Let’s start.

About Narmada River

• The Narmada River is the biggest west-flowing river in peninsular India.
• It starts from a small reservoir called Narmada Kund on Amarkantak Hill in East Madhya Pradesh which is about 1,057 m (3,467.8 ft) high.
• The river travels through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
• It falls into the Gulf of Cambay in the Arabian Sea, about 10 km north of Bharuch, Gujarat.
• The total length of the river from its source to the sea is 1312 kilometers (815 miles).
• It is one of the rivers in a rift valley and acts as a divider between North India and South India.
• The river has many waterfalls, like the Dhuandhar Falls, located southwest of Jabalpur.

Why was Narmada River in the News?

Rivers like Narmada led to extensive flooding in Gujarat. Many villages in the southern and central parts of the state had to be isolated due to the floods.

1. The water level in the Narmada River was higher than the danger mark.
2. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued red and orange alerts in certain areas of Gujarat.
3. The primary cause for the increased water levels was the Sardar Sarovar Dam, a major dam on Narmada River.

Sardar Sarovar Project – Narmada River

One of India’s biggest water resource projects, the Sardar Sarovar Project spans four major states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. The spillway discharge capacity of the dam, at 30.7 lakhs cusecs, would rank third globally.

• The Sardar Sarovar project is a gravity dam located on the Narmada River in Gujarat.
• A gravity dam is built with concrete or stone and is designed to transfer the entire water load downward.
• It is mainly constructed for large-scale irrigation and multi-purpose hydroelectric projects.
• The project was planned in 1979 with the main objectives of supporting agriculture and addressing the power crisis in Gujarat.
• The hydroelectric power generated by the dam is shared among the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Additionally, the irrigation benefits are accessible to Gujarat and Rajasthan.

What are the Different Color-coded Alerts Issued by the IMD?

The IMD (India Meteorological Department) uses four color codes to communicate weather conditions:

1. Green (All is well): No advisory is given when the weather is normal and there are no issues.
2. Yellow (Be Aware): A yellow alert indicates prolonged bad weather, possibly spanning multiple days. It also suggests that the weather might worsen, causing disruptions in day-to-day activities.
3. Orange/Amber (Be prepared): An orange alert serves as a warning for extremely adverse weather conditions. This could lead to disruptions in transportation, such as road and rail closures, as well as potential power supply interruptions.
4. Red (Take Action): The red alert is issued when there is a certainty of extremely severe weather conditions that will significantly impact travel, power supply, and pose a substantial risk to life. It signals the need for immediate action and preparedness.

Some Facts About the Narmada River

About Narmada River

• The Narmada River, also called Rewa, acts as a historic dividing line between North and South India.
• It starts 1,312 km west from the Amarkantak peak of Maikal mountain and eventually flows into the Gulf of Khambhat.
• The river drains a significant area in Madhya Pradesh, as well as parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• Narmada is a west-flowing river in the peninsular region, moving through a rift valley situated between the Vindhya Range in the north and the Satpura Range in the south.

Tributaries of Narmada River

• The main tributaries joining from the right side of the Narmada River include Hiran, Tendori, Barna, Kolar, Man, Uri, Hatni, and Orsang.
• On the left side, the prominent tributaries are Burner, Banjar, Sher, Shakkar, Dudhi, Tawa, Ganjal, Chhota Tawa, Kundi, Goi, and Karjan.

Dams on Narmada River

The Omkareshwar and Maheshwar dams are two of the river’s major dams.

Conclusion on Narmada River

The Narmada River is of great geographical significance to our country. It is ingrained in our everyday lives, from the Sardar Sarovar Project sculpting water resources to the IMD’s color-coded advisories guiding us through weather uncertainty. The river, which shapes the surrounding area and the way of life for people who live along its banks, is a tribute to the delicate balance that exists between human endeavours and the natural world as we investigate its path, tributaries, and dams.

People Also View:

• List of Major Rivers of India – River System, Map, Names, Longest Rivers
• Top 10 Longest Rivers in India: List of Largest Rivers in India
• Role of Rivers in Indian Economy

FAQs on Narmada River

In which states does Narmada River flow?

The river flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat between Vindhya and Satpura hill ranges before falling into the Gulf of Cambay in the Arabian Sea about 10 km north of Bharuch, Gujarat. 

What is the oldest river of India?

Narmada river is regarded as the oldest river of India.

Does Narmada meet Ganga?

Narmada and Ganga have no intersection point. They flow in different parts of India and follow distinct courses.

Why is Narmada River sacred?

Hindus believe the Narmada River sprang from the body of the god Shiva, and in sanctity the Narmada ranks after only the Ganges.

Why Shivling is found in Narmada River?

The Mineralogical composition of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh is thought to have been caused by a meteorite that erupted and dropped over it.