Krishna River System – Origin, Course, Tributaries & Basin Area

The Krishna River System is one of the major river systems in Peninsular India, holding significant biological, cultural, and economic importance for the southern region of the country. Originating in the Western Ghats, the river flows through multiple states, supporting a wide range of activities including agriculture, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply. It also holds considerable religious significance in the region. Spanning over 1,300 kilometers, the Krishna River and its network of tributaries, irrigation channels, dams, and water supply projects play an important role in sustaining livelihoods and promoting regional development.

Krishna River Origin

The Krishna River originates in the Western Ghats at Mahabaleshwar, located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters. Flowing eastward, the river travels through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, before ultimately draining into the Bay of Bengal near Hamsaladeevi in Andhra Pradesh. Primarily fed by seasonal monsoon rains, the Krishna River is a lifeline for agriculture and irrigation across the Deccan Plateau, playing a crucial role in the region’s agrarian economy.

Krishna River Tributaries

The Krishna River System is enriched by numerous tributaries that originate in the Western Ghats and the Deccan Plateau. These Krishna River Tributaries contribute significantly to the river’s discharge and play a crucial role in sustaining diverse ecosystems, agricultural practices, and human settlements across the basin. For better understanding and hydrological management, these tributaries are broadly categorized into two types: right-bank tributaries and left-bank tributaries, based on the direction from which they join the main river.

Left-Bank Tributaries:

• Bhima River: The Bhima River, the largest Krishna River Tributaries, originates in the Bhimashankar Hills of Maharashtra. Before joining the Krishna close to Raichur, it passes through the towns of Pune and Solapur in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• Musi River: The Musi River originates in the Ananthagiri Hills of Telangana and flows eastward through the city of Hyderabad. It eventually joins the Krishna River near Wazirabad, playing a significant role in the region’s drainage and urban water management.
• Dindi River: Telangana is home to the Dindi River, a more minor tributary of the Krishna. It flows through parts of the state and joins the Krishna River near Nalgonda, contributing to local irrigation and water supply.

Right-Bank Tributaries:

• Tungabhadra River: Formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in Karnataka, the Tungabhadra River is one of the most significant right-bank tributaries of Krishna. It flows through historic regions such as Hampi, known for its cultural and religious heritage, before merging with the Krishna River near Alampur in Telangana. The river is vital for irrigation, hydropower generation, and regional water supply.
• Koyna River: Originating in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, the Koyna River is a key tributary of the Krishna River. It is best known for the Koyna Dam, one of India’s largest hydroelectric power projects. The river plays a critical role in water storage and electricity production in the region.
• Ghataprabha River: The Ghataprabha River flows through Karnataka and supports agriculture through the Ghataprabha Irrigation Project. This tributary significantly contributes to irrigation and the overall agricultural development of northern Karnataka.
• Malaprabha River: A tributary of the Ghataprabha River, the Malaprabha is especially important for the agricultural needs of the arid and semi-arid regions of northern Karnataka. It plays a key role in water supply and irrigation for drought-prone areas.

Krishna River System State Covered

• In Maharashtra, the Krishna River System originates in the Western Ghats, with major dams like the Koyna Dam playing a significant role in hydroelectric power generation.
• In Karnataka, the river and its tributaries are vital for irrigation, supported by key infrastructure such as the Almatti Dam and Narayanpur Dam.
• In Telangana, the Krishna flows through important regions including Nalgonda and Hyderabad, with tributaries like the Dindi and Musi Rivers enhancing water availability and regional development.
• In Andhra Pradesh, the river forms one of the most fertile delta regions in India, supported by major projects like the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and the Prakasam Barrage, which are crucial for irrigation, water supply, and flood control.

Also Read: Godavari River System

Krishna River System Projects

The Krishna River has several major irrigation and hydroelectric projects that have significantly transformed the economy and agricultural landscape of South India.

1. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: One of the world’s largest masonry dams, it is built on the Krishna River and serves the irrigation, power, and drinking water needs of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
2. Srisailam Dam: A key hydroelectric project on the Krishna River, it provides power generation, irrigation, and water supply to parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
3. Almatti Dam: Located in Karnataka, this dam is constructed on the Krishna River and is crucial for supporting irrigation in the northern regions of the state.
4. Prakasam Barrage: Situated across the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, it supports extensive irrigation in the fertile Krishna delta, boosting agricultural productivity.
5. Koyna Dam: Though located on the Koyna River, a tributary of the Krishna in Maharashtra, it is a major hydroelectric power project and significantly contributes to the state’s energy infrastructure.

Krishna River System Importance

The Krishna River System plays a crucial role in the development of southern India, offering wide-ranging benefits across multiple sectors. It irrigates millions of hectares of agricultural land, supporting the cultivation of major crops such as rice, sugarcane, cotton, and pulses. The river also serves as a lifeline for drinking water to numerous urban and rural communities across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. With several major dams and reservoirs constructed along its course, the Krishna River is a key source of hydropower generation, contributing significantly to regional energy needs. It sustains fisheries, enhances local livelihoods, and supports millions of people who depend on its waters for their daily living and economic activities.

Water Disputes and Inter-State Agreements

The Krishna River has been the subject of long-standing interstate water disputes, primarily between Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. To address these conflicts, the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) was established in 1969. Although several rulings have been issued, disputes over water allocation and dam projects continue, particularly during periods of drought when water resources are limited.