Narmada River System Explained, Origin, Drainage Basin & Key Features

The Narmada River System is one of the most prominent river systems in peninsular India. It plays a vital role in the ecology, economy, and culture of central and western India. The river forms a natural boundary between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, shaping the topography of central India. It supports a rich ecosystem and caters to irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower generation. Major cities along its course include Jabalpur, Hoshangabad, Bharuch, and Mandleshwar.

The Narmada Basin covers around 98,796 square kilometers, spreading across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. With a number of tributaries such as the Tawa, Hiran, Orsang, Shakkar, and Dudhi, the Narmada River System sustains diverse life forms and millions of livelihoods. Major projects like the Sardar Sarovar Dam and Indira Sagar Project underline its importance in India’s water resource development.

Narmada River System 

The Narmada River majorly flows through two states, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It is often referred to as the “Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat” due to its major role in supporting agriculture, providing drinking water, powering industries, and generating hydropower in these regions. Flowing westward, the Narmada drains into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Cambay. Uniquely, it is one of the few rivers in India that flows through a rift valley, bordered by the Satpura Range to the south and the Vindhya Range to the north.

Narmada River Origin

The Narmada River, also known as the Rewa, originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh. The source of the river is a small reservoir located at an elevation of about 1,057 meters above sea level. This sacred river holds immense geographical, cultural, and spiritual significance in India. Flowing westward, it is one of the few rivers in the country to travel from east to west, eventually draining into the Arabian Sea.

The origin point at Amarkantak is not only a geographical landmark but also a revered pilgrimage site, surrounded by temples and forests. The river traverses a course of approximately 1,312 kilometers, acting as a natural boundary between the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and later between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Narmada Basin

The Narmada River basin covers an area of about 98,796 square kilometers, which makes up to nearly 3% of India’s total land area. It is surrounded by the Vindhya hills to the north, the Maikala range to the east, the Satpura hills to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. The basin mainly lies in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, with smaller parts extending into Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. 

Narmada River Tributaries

The Narmada River is fed by numerous tributaries that contribute to its flow and enhance the fertility of the surrounding regions. These Narmada River Tributaries are broadly classified into left-bank and right-bank tributaries based on the side they join the main river. Most of them originate in the Satpura Range and are seasonal, flowing predominantly during the monsoon months. Below is a categorized list of major tributaries:

Also Read: Krishna River System

Narmada River Dams

The Narmada River System is home to several important dams that play an important role in irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. These dams have been developed as part of the Narmada Valley Development Project, aiming to harness the river’s potential for sustainable development. The following table highlights the major dams built on the Narmada River, along with their locations, heights, and key purposes: