Narmada River

GS 1 – geography 

The Narmada River, also known as the Reva, is one of the most prominent rivers in India. Originating from the central highlands, it flows westward, cutting through the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, making it a vital geographical and cultural landmark.

1. Origin:
   • Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh (elevation ~1057 m).
2. Length:
   • Approximately 1,312 km.
3. States Covered:
   • Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat.
4. Drainage Basin:
   • Covers ~98,796 sq km.
5. Tributaries:
   • Right-bank: Hiran, Tawa, Sher, Shakkar.
   • Left-bank: Burhner, Banjar, Choral.
6. Mouth:
   • Arabian Sea, at the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat.

Geographical Significance

1. Flow Direction:
   • Flows westward, unlike most peninsular rivers.
2. Rift Valley:
   • Flows between the Vindhya Range (north) and Satpura Range (south) through a rift valley.
3. Waterfalls:
   • Notable waterfalls include Dhuandhar Falls near Jabalpur.

Cultural and Historical Importance

1. Sacred River:
   • Revered in Hinduism as a goddess.
   • Associated with various legends and pilgrimage.
2. Narmada Parikrama:
   • A spiritual practice involving circumambulation of the river.
3. Archaeological Significance:
   • Sites along the river reveal Stone Age artifacts and evidence of early human settlements.

Major Dams and Projects

1. Sardar Sarovar Dam:
   • Located in Gujarat, one of India’s largest water resource projects.
2. Indira Sagar Dam:
   • Located in Madhya Pradesh, provides hydroelectric power and irrigation.
3. Omkareshwar Dam:
   • Multi-purpose project for irrigation and power generation.
4. Tawa Dam:
   • Located on the Tawa River, a tributary of the Narmada.