Godavari River System, Origin, Flow Route, Major Tributaries & Basin Detail

Q: What is the length of the Godavari River?

The Godavari River is approximately 1,465 kilometers long, making it the second-longest river in India.

Q: Which states does the Godavari River flow through?

The Godavari flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Q: What is the Godavari Pushkaram?

The Godavari Pushkaram is a religious festival celebrated every 12 years, where people gather to take a holy dip in the river, believing it will cleanse their sins.

Q: What are the major tributaries of the Godavari River?

Some major tributaries include the Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, Sabari, Manjira, and Pravara rivers.

Q: What challenges does the Godavari face?

The Godavari faces challenges such as water pollution, unsustainable water extraction, and fluctuating water levels due to climate change.

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The Godavari River is Second Longest River in India, originating from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra and flowing eastward for about 1,465 kilometers before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It passes through several states, including Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Known as the ‘Dakshin Ganga’ or ‘Ganges of the South’, its main tributaries include the Indravati, Pranhita, Manjira, and Purna rivers. Several dams and barrages have been constructed on the Godavari River, such as the Jayakwadi Dam, Dowleswaram Barrage, and the under-construction Polavaram Project.

Godavari River System

The Godavari River is not only known for its geographical and ecological importance but also for its deep religious significance. It originates from Trimbak, near the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, making it an important pilgrimage site. The river is central to the Godavari Pushkaram festival, which is believed to purify sins and is mentioned in several ancient scriptures and epics, symbolizing purity, life, and spiritual cleansing. The Godavari River System plays a vital role in supporting agriculture, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power in southern India.

Godavari River System Origin

The Godavari River System originates in the Brahmagiri Hills near Trimbak in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, at an elevation of about 1,067 meters in the Western Ghats. Flowing eastward across the Deccan Plateau, the river eventually empties into the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari River supports one of the largest river basins in India, and its origin point is considered a sacred site in Hinduism.

Other Related Post: Tapti River System

Godavari River System Tributaries

The Godavari River System is sustained by various tributaries that significantly enhance its flow and utility. Prominent left-bank tributaries include the Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, and Sabari rivers, while the major right-bank tributaries are the Manjira, Manair, Pravara, and Darna rivers. These tributaries collectively support the river’s vast drainage basin, contributing to agricultural irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation across the regions the Godavari traverses.

Godavari River System Tributaries
Tributary Name	Brief Description
Purna	Originating from the Ajanta Hills in Maharashtra, joins the Godavari in Purna city; major dams include Yeldari, Khadakpurna, and Siddheshwar.
Pranhita	Formed by the confluence of Wardha and Wainganga rivers on the Maharashtra-Telangana border, the largest tributary of Godavari covering 34% of the basin.
Indravati	Originating from the Dhandarkanya Ghats in Odisha, it flows through Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Indravati Dam is one of India’s largest.
Sabari	Originating from the Eastern Ghats in Odisha, it flows through Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh; major tributaries include the Sileru and Pateru rivers.
Pravara	Originating from the Sahyadris in Maharashtra, major tributaries include Waki, Mahalungi, and Mula; Bhandardara and Nilwande dams are built on it.
Manjira	Originates from Beed district in Maharashtra; flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka; merges with Godavari forming Triveni Sangam.

Godavari River System Projects

Several key projects have been initiated under the Godavari River System to promote sustainable water resource management, improve irrigation, enhance water supply, and ensure environmental conservation:

Godavari River Basin Management Project: This project focuses on enhancing the sustainable management of the river’s water resources. It aims to improve irrigation efficiency, ensure equitable water distribution, and strengthen environmental protection measures across the basin.
Godavari-Penna Link Project: Designed to interlink the Godavari and Penna rivers, this project seeks to facilitate the transfer of surplus water from the Godavari to water-scarce regions of the Penna basin. It aims to support irrigation, drinking water supply, and drought mitigation in southern Andhra Pradesh.

Polavaram Project: A major multi-purpose irrigation and hydropower project, the Polavaram Dam provides benefits such as flood control, irrigation to over 2.9 lakh hectares of farmland, drinking water supply to nearby regions, and hydroelectric power generation. It is one of the flagship river development projects in India.