{"id":9467,"date":"2025-10-22T09:56:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T09:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/?p=9467"},"modified":"2025-11-19T07:28:40","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T07:28:40","slug":"ganga-river-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Ganga River System: Origin, Course &amp; Tributaries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>The <strong>Ganga River System<\/strong> is one of the major river systems in India, originating from the Himalayas and flowing across the northern and eastern parts of the subcontinent. It is vital for the sustenance of millions of people, providing water for agriculture, drinking, and supporting diverse ecosystems. This article aims to study in detail the origin, course, and tributaries of the Ganga River System.<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#About_Ganga_River\" title=\"About Ganga River\">About Ganga River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Origin_of_Ganga_River_in_India\" title=\"Origin of Ganga River in India\">Origin of Ganga River in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Course_of_Ganga_River\" title=\"Course of Ganga River\">Course of Ganga River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Tributaries_of_Ganga_River\" title=\"Tributaries of Ganga River \">Tributaries of Ganga River <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Alaknanda_River\" title=\"Alaknanda River\">Alaknanda River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Bhagirathi_River\" title=\"Bhagirathi River\">Bhagirathi River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Dhauliganga_River\" title=\"Dhauliganga River\">Dhauliganga River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Rishiganga_River\" title=\"Rishiganga River\">Rishiganga River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Ramganga_River\" title=\"Ramganga River\">Ramganga River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Gomti_River\" title=\"Gomti River\">Gomti River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Ghaghara_River\" title=\"Ghaghara River\">Ghaghara River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Sharda_River\" title=\"Sharda River\">Sharda River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Sarayu_River\" title=\"Sarayu River\">Sarayu River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Rapti_River\" title=\"Rapti River\">Rapti River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Gandak_River\" title=\"Gandak River\">Gandak River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Kosi_River\" title=\"Kosi River\">Kosi River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Son_River\" title=\"Son River\">Son River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Rihand_River\" title=\"Rihand River\">Rihand River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#North_Koel_River\" title=\"North Koel River\">North Koel River<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Cities_on_the_Banks_of_Ganga_River\" title=\"Cities on the Banks of Ganga River\">Cities on the Banks of Ganga River<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Dams_on_Ganga_River_System\" title=\"Dams on Ganga River System\">Dams on Ganga River System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Panch_Prayag_Ganga_River\" title=\"Panch Prayag (Ganga River)\">Panch Prayag (Ganga River)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Ganga-Brahmaputra_Delta\" title=\"Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta\">Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Facts_about_the_Ganga_Longest_River_in_India\" title=\"Facts about the Ganga Longest River in India\">Facts about the Ganga Longest River in India<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#What_are_the_significant_tributaries_of_the_Ganga_River_System\" title=\"What are the significant tributaries of the Ganga River System?\">What are the significant tributaries of the Ganga River System?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#What_is_the_Ganga_River_System\" title=\"What is the Ganga River System?\">What is the Ganga River System?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#What_is_the_Origin_of_the_Ganges_River_System\" title=\"What is the Origin of the Ganges River System?\">What is the Origin of the Ganges River System?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Which_drainage_pattern_is_formed_by_the_Ganga_River_System\" title=\"Which drainage pattern is formed by the Ganga River System?\">Which drainage pattern is formed by the Ganga River System?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ganga-river-system\/#Which_place_divides_the_Ganga_and_Indus_river_systems\" title=\"Which place divides the Ganga and Indus river systems?\">Which place divides the Ganga and Indus river systems?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68adc47e7fbb6091fbd1d3c2f6a1af88\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Ganga_River\"><\/span><strong>About Ganga River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Ganga River System is one of the three major river basins that comprise the Himalayan Drainage System.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ganga River and its numerous tributaries flow through the northern and eastern parts of the Indian subcontinent, shaping the landscape and sustaining diverse ecosystems along its course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With a total length of over 2,500 kilometres, the Ganga is the most important river in India and one of the longest in Asia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8fcebc51597cff7cfea713b3d26361a6\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Origin_of_Ganga_River_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Origin of Ganga River in India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Ganga River is a major river of the Indian subcontinent rising in the Himalayan mountains and flowing about 2,525 km generally eastward through a vast plain to the Bay of Bengal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flowing through a vast length, it crosses five states of India namely:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Uttarakhand,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uttar Pradesh,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bihar,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jharkhand and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>West Bengal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has a catchment area of <strong>8,61,404 sq. km (26.4%)<\/strong> of India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finally, it drains into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga River basin is among the most densely populated in the world, housing about half of India&#8217;s population.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supplies over one-third of India&#8217;s surface water and accounts for more than half of the country&#8217;s water use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beyond its vital role in daily life, the Ganga is also revered as one of India&#8217;s holiest rivers, with cultural and spiritual significance extending far beyond the basin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1caf53fbf00638d364c30aad96783eff\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Course_of_Ganga_River\"><\/span><strong>Course of Ganga River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Bhagirathi, considered to be the source stream of the Ganga, emanates from Gangotri Glacier at Gaumukh at an elevation of 3, 892 m (12,770 feet).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many small streams comprise the headwaters of the Ganga. The important among these are:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alaknanda,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dhauliganga,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pindar,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mandakini and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bhilangana.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At Devprayag, where the Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi, the river is named Ganga.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As it flows into the Gangetic Plains at Haridwar, a barrage channels a substantial portion of its water into the Upper Ganga Canal for irrigation purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Another barrage at Bijnore directs water into the Madhya Ganga Canal, but this occurs only during the monsoon season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At Narora, water is further diverted into the Lower Ganga Canal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additionally, the Ramganga River joins the Ganga near Kannauj, contributing extra water to the river.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yamuna confluences Ganga at the Sangam in Prayagraj (Allahabad), making a major contribution to the river flow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beyond Prayagraj, Ganga is joined by several tributaries, most of which are from the north and a few from the south.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Farakka barrage in West Bengal regulates the flow of the Ganga River, diverting a portion of its water into a feeder canal that connects to the Hooghly River, helping to keep it relatively free of silt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Below the Farakka barrage, the Ganga River divides into two branches:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bhagirathi (Hooghly) is on the right and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Padma is on the left.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Bhagirathi (Hooghly) River meets the Bay of Bengal approximately 150 km downstream from Kolkata.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Padma enters Bangladesh and meets rivers Brahmaputra and Meghna before finally joining the Bay of Bengal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5e3ed7dbe87083851ef278ec4d145ac9\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tributaries_of_Ganga_River\"><\/span><strong>Tributaries of Ganga River <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The major tributaries of the Ganga River are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yamuna,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ramganga,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gomti,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ghaghara,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gandak,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damodar, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kosi etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Some important tributaries of the Ganga River System have been discussed in detail in the section that follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b29bafc3e322c068ec26e5ea4b1e46c6\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alaknanda_River\"><\/span><strong>Alaknanda River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Alaknanda River is one of the primary headstreams of the Ganga River.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It originates at the confluence of the Satopanth and Bhagirath glaciers in Uttarakhand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It meets the Bhagirathi River at Devprayag after which it is called as the Ganga River.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its main tributaries are the:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mandakini<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nandakini, and<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pindar rivers.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Hindu pilgrimage centre of Badrinath and the natural spring Tapt Kund lie along the banks of the Alaknanda River.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At its origin, <strong><em>Lake Satopanth<\/em><\/strong> is a triangular lake named after the Hindu trinity Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19edf7b7d1d7dd675ae957f46b39791f\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhagirathi_River\"><\/span><strong>Bhagirathi River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Bhagirathi River is one of the two major headstreams of the Ganga.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It converges with the Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga River.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It rises at the foot of Gangotri Glacier, at Gaumukh, at the base of Chaukhamba peak in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The upper catchment of the river is glaciated. It cuts spectacular gorges in its middle course where it cuts through granites and crystalline rocks of the central Himalayas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"566\" height=\"437\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/1-1.png\" alt=\"bhagirathi river\" class=\"wp-image-9476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/1-1.png 566w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/1-1-334x258.png 334w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/1-1-544x420.png 544w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/1-1-150x116.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 566px) 100vw, 566px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e8c7149583db6cb5298485532072145b\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dhauliganga_River\"><\/span><strong>Dhauliganga<\/strong> <strong>River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Dhauliganga River <\/strong>originates from <strong>Vasundhara Tal,<\/strong> perhaps the<strong> largest glacial lake<\/strong> in Uttarakhand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Dhauliganga is a significant tributary of the Alaknanda, alongside the <strong>Nandakini, Pindar, Mandakini, and Bhagirathi.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is joined by the <strong>Rishiganga River at Raini.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It merges with the <strong>Alaknanda at Vishnuprayag.<\/strong> There it loses its identity and the Alaknanda flows southwest through <strong>Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag<\/strong> until it <strong>meets the Mandakini River,<\/strong> which comes from the north at Rudraprayag.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After subsuming the Mandakini, the Alaknanda continues past Srinagar before merging with the <strong>Ganga at Devprayag.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Alaknanda <\/strong>then fades into the Ganga, which proceeds first southward and then westward through notable pilgrimage sites like <strong>Rishikesh <\/strong>before entering the <strong>Indo-Gangetic plains at Haridwar.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Additionally, the <strong>Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Project<\/strong> is under construction on the <strong>Dhauliganga<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-08b06868be2078ce3f9678261cdb3dd5\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rishiganga_River\"><\/span><strong>Rishiganga River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rishiganga River originates from the <strong>Uttari Nanda Devi Glacier on Nanda Devi Mountain<\/strong> and is also nourished by the <strong>Dakshini Nanda Devi Glacier.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It flows through the <strong>Nanda Devi National Park<\/strong> and merges into the <strong>Dhauliganga River<\/strong> near the village of <strong>Raini<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1688cd1ee1c556f6dbf851e2d3a0bce4\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ramganga_River\"><\/span><strong>Ramganga River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Ramganga River originates on the southern slopes of <strong>Dudhatoli Hill <\/strong>in the <strong>Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is <strong>fed by springs <\/strong>that rise from <strong>underground water reservoirs.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The river&#8217;s course through the lower Himalayan hills features distinct geomorphic characteristics such as incised meanders, paired and unpaired terraces, interlocking spurs, waterfalls, rock benches, cliffs, and towering ridges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It flows through the <strong>Dun Valley of Corbett National Park<\/strong> and is dammed at <strong>Kalagarh<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ramganga ultimately joins the <strong>Ganga near Kannauj<\/strong>, with <strong>Bareilly City<\/strong> situated along its banks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d88ec4936e012c59d17843cd5c083bcd\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gomti_River\"><\/span><strong>Gomti River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Gomti River originates from <strong>Gomat Taal<\/strong> which formally is known as <strong>Fulhaar Jheel, near Madho Tanda, Pilibhit<\/strong> in Uttar Pradesh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It meets the <strong>Ganges River in Ghazipur.<\/strong> At the confluence of the Gomti and Ganga rivers, the renowned <strong>Markandey Mahadeo Temple<\/strong> is located.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Sai River,<\/strong> a significant tributary, merges with the <strong>Gomti near Jaunpur.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cities of <strong>Lucknow, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sultanpur, and Jaunpur<\/strong> are situated along the banks of the Gomti River.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-652acbee64345de48cb36b08aa3c251a\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ghaghara_River\"><\/span><strong>Ghaghara River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Ghaghara originates in the <strong>glaciers of Mapchachungo.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is also known as <strong>Karnali or Kaurial.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a <strong>transboundary perennial river<\/strong> originating from the <strong>Tibetan plateau near Lake Mansarovar.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It flows through the <strong>Himalayas in Nepal<\/strong> and is joined by the <strong>Sharda River at Brahmaghat in India.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a major<strong> left-bank tributary<\/strong> of the Ganga and merges with it at <strong>Chhapra in Bihar.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rapti, Chhoti Gandak, Sharda, and Saryu<\/strong> are the major tributaries of this river.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8d2f738ba5657b9ece95d7d6ad0a0e9c\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sharda_River\"><\/span><strong>Sharda River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Sharda River originates from the <strong>Milam Glacier <\/strong>in the <strong>Nepal Himalayas,<\/strong> where it is known as the <strong>Goriganga<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In <strong>Uttarakhand\u2019s Pithoragarh District,<\/strong> it is also referred to as the <strong>Kali River<\/strong> and rises from Kalapaani, a significant site on the route of the <strong>Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The river flows in a gorge section in the upper region of Himalayas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Mahakali after it descends into the plains of India is known as <strong>Sarda, which meets the Ghaghara.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-07ddb403606d01d2b6d5f332e54c1fb8\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sarayu_River\"><\/span><strong>Sarayu River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Sarayu<\/strong> is a river that flows through <strong>Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sarayu <\/strong>is a river that originates from a ridge south of <strong>Nanda Kot Mountain in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This river holds ancient significance and is mentioned in the <strong>Vedas and the Ramayana.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a <strong>left-bank tributary of River Sharda.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bee3e55af12cd009020a23bb86d9d525\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rapti_River\"><\/span><strong>Rapti River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Rapti River originates south of the western <strong>Dhaulagiri Himalayas <\/strong>and the<strong> Mahabharat Range in Nepal.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its main channel emerges from springs on the <strong>southern slopes of the lower Himalayas.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The river is essentially fed by underground water. It has the tendency of recurrent floods or flood situation near Rapti river that led to its nickname <strong>Gorakhpur\u2019s Sorrow.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ea22ffed396ce4808803fb0d9f43d9e7\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gandak_River\"><\/span><strong>Gandak River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Gandak River<\/strong> is formed by the union of the <strong>Kali and Trisuli rivers,<\/strong> which rise in the <strong>Great Himalayan Range in Nepal.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From this junction to the Indian border, the river is known as the <strong>Narayani<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It enters the <strong>Ganga River opposite Patna<\/strong> in a place called <strong>Sonepur<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The middle and the lower courses of the river flow through the V-shaped valleys, incised meanders, and have paired and unpaired terraces on either side.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0a682fcb8b1e8faa332ef4f6dda2d2ff\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kosi_River\"><\/span><strong>Kosi River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Kosi River<\/strong> is also known as Saptakoshi for its 7 Himalayan tributaries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is an antecedent transboundary river that flows through both <strong>Nepal and India.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This river is one of the largest tributaries of the Ganga and joins it at Kursela in the Kathiar district.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Kosi River\u2019s catchment includes the highest peak in the world, <strong>Mount Everest, and Kanchenjunga.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its unstable nature, attributed to the heavy silt it carries during the monsoon season, has earned it the nickname <strong>Sorrow of Bihar.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-505337a3bc81b6a81b76fb85507641e6\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Son_River\"><\/span><strong>Son River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Son River<\/strong> originates near <strong>Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh,<\/strong> just east of the Narmada River&#8217;s headwaters, and flows north-northwest through <strong>Madhya Pradesh.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Son parallels the Kaimur hills, flowing east-northeast through <strong>Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar <\/strong>states to join the<strong> Ganga just above Patna.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Note: <\/strong><br><br><strong>The Right-bank tributaries are:&nbsp;<br><\/strong><br>&#8211; Gopat River,&nbsp;<br>&#8211; Rihand River,&nbsp;<br>&#8211; Kanhar River, and<br>&#8211; North Koel River.<br><br><strong>The Left-bank tributaries are:&nbsp;<br><\/strong><br>&#8211; Ghaggar River,&nbsp;<br>&#8211; Johila River, and<br>&#8211; Chhoti Mahanadi River<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"988\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/final--988x1024.jpg\" alt=\"ganga river system in india\" class=\"wp-image-9576\" style=\"width:732px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/final--988x1024.jpg 988w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/final--249x258.jpg 249w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/final--768x796.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/final--696x722.jpg 696w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/final--1068x1107.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/final--405x420.jpg 405w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/final--150x156.jpg 150w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/final-.jpg 1363w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 988px) 100vw, 988px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><code><strong>The Ganga River Basin Map<\/strong><\/code><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7fd4f0a52772fb3cfc720806159e43ba\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rihand_River\"><\/span><strong>Rihand River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Rihand rises from<strong> Matiranga Hills<\/strong> in the region southwest of the <strong>Mainpat plateau, in Chhattisgarh.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Rihand Dam<\/strong> was constructed across the Rihand River, the reservoir impounded behind the dam is called <strong>Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4c1bf68b9a4514472174ab99c9c64b1e\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"North_Koel_River\"><\/span><strong>North Koel River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The North Koel River rises on the <strong>Ranchi plateau<\/strong> and enters the <strong>Palamau division near Rud.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The North Koel, together with its tributaries, meanders through the northern region of <strong>Betla National Park.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ac0d83f7d17efdc6c3670cecd15094e8\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cities_on_the_Banks_of_Ganga_River\"><\/span><strong>Cities on the Banks of Ganga<\/strong> <strong>River<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ganga River flows through major cities\/towns like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Srinagar,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rishikesh,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Haridwar,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roorkee (in Uttarakhand),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bijnor,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Narora,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kannauj,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kanpur,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allahabad,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varanasi,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mirzapur (in Uttar Pradesh),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patna,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bhagalpur (in Bihar)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beharampore,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serampore,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Howrah and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kolkata (in West Bengal).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dams_on_Ganga_River_System\"><\/span><strong>Dams on Ganga River System<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Dam \/ Project<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>River<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Location<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>State<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Purpose \/ Features<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tehri Dam<\/strong><\/td><td>Bhagirathi River (Ganga\u2019s headstream)<\/td><td>Tehri<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>Hydropower (2400 MW), irrigation &amp; drinking water supply; world\u2019s 5th tallest dam<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Koteshwar Dam<\/strong><\/td><td>Bhagirathi River<\/td><td>Koteshwar<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>Downstream balancing reservoir for Tehri project<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Maneri Bhali-I &amp; II<\/strong><\/td><td>Bhagirathi River<\/td><td>Uttarkashi<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>Hydroelectric generation (90 MW + 304 MW)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ramganga Dam (Kalagarh Dam)<\/strong><\/td><td>Ramganga River (tributary of Ganga)<\/td><td>Kalagarh<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>Multipurpose: irrigation, hydropower, flood control<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Narora Barrage<\/strong><\/td><td>Ganga River<\/td><td>Bulandshahar<\/td><td>Uttar Pradesh<\/td><td>Irrigation &amp; water control structure near Narora Atomic Power Station<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Kanpur Barrage<\/strong><\/td><td>Ganga River<\/td><td>Kanpur<\/td><td>Uttar Pradesh<\/td><td>Provides water supply &amp; irrigation regulation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Farakka Barrage<\/strong><\/td><td>Ganga River<\/td><td>Murshidabad<\/td><td>West Bengal<\/td><td>2304 m long barrage to divert water for Kolkata port maintenance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gandak Project<\/strong><\/td><td>Gandak River<\/td><td>Valmikinagar<\/td><td>Bihar<\/td><td>Joint India\u2013Nepal irrigation &amp; power project<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Kosi Project<\/strong><\/td><td>Kosi River<\/td><td>Birpur<\/td><td>Bihar<\/td><td>Flood control &amp; irrigation; Indo\u2013Nepal collaboration<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rihand Dam<\/strong><\/td><td>Rihand River (tributary of Son)<\/td><td>Pipri, Sonebhadra<\/td><td>Uttar Pradesh<\/td><td>Largest reservoir in India by volume; hydroelectric &amp; irrigation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bansagar Dam<\/strong><\/td><td>Son River<\/td><td>Shahdol<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>Multi-state (MP, UP, Bihar) irrigation &amp; hydropower project<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Matatila Dam<\/strong><\/td><td>Betwa River (tributary of Yamuna)<\/td><td>Lalitpur<\/td><td>Uttar Pradesh<\/td><td>Power and irrigation supply<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Chambal Project (Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar &amp; Jawahar Sagar Dams)<\/strong><\/td><td>Chambal River (Yamuna tributary)<\/td><td>MP\u2013Rajasthan<\/td><td>Hydroelectric &amp; irrigation system<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Damodar Valley Project<\/strong><\/td><td>Damodar River<\/td><td>Jharkhand &amp; West Bengal<\/td><td>Multi-purpose flood control, power generation &amp; irrigation project<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Durgawati Dam<\/strong><\/td><td>Durgawati River (tributary of Karmanasa)<\/td><td>Kaimur<\/td><td>Bihar<\/td><td>Under construction; irrigation &amp; drinking water project<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38fedda5a51833f35b70967241579d83\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Panch_Prayag_Ganga_River\"><\/span><strong>Panch Prayag (Ganga River)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The five places of confluence of the Ganga river system (Prayag) as shown below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Place of Confluence<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>River System<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Devprayag<\/strong><\/td><td>Bhagirathi and Alaknanda&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rudraprayag&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td>Mandakini and Alaknanda&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nandaprayag<\/strong><\/td><td>Nandakini and Alaknanda&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Karnaprayag<\/strong><\/td><td>Pindar and Alaknanda<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Vishnuprayag<\/strong><\/td><td>Dhauliganga and Alaknanda&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"342\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/3-1.png\" alt=\"panch prayag\" class=\"wp-image-9479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/3-1.png 461w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/3-1-348x258.png 348w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/3-1-80x60.png 80w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/3-1-265x198.png 265w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/3-1-150x111.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7a22dfd1de46e0209e5cc807154b7d27\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ganga-Brahmaputra_Delta\"><\/span><strong>Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Before entering the Bay of Bengal, the Ganga, along with the <strong>Brahmaputra<\/strong>, forms the largest delta of the world between the <strong>Bhagirathi, Hugli and the Padma or Meghna.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The coastline of the delta is characterized by a highly <strong>indented and complex<\/strong> terrain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The delta is made of a web of distributaries and islands and is covered by dense forests called mangroves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A significant portion of the delta consists of<strong> low-lying swamps <\/strong>that become inundated with marine water <strong>during high tides.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Facts_about_the_Ganga_Longest_River_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Facts about the Ganga Longest River in India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Fact<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Local\/International Name<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ganga (Ganges internationally)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Total Length<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2,525 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Origin<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Mouth\/Confluence<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Bay of Bengal (as Padma in Bangladesh)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Indian States Covered<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Basin Area in India<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">About 861,404 sq. km (26% of India\u2019s area)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Total Basin Area<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">About 1,080,000 sq. km (includes Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Major Tributaries<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Gomti<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Major Cities on Banks<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Haridwar, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Cultural Significance<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Holiest Hindu river, revered as Goddess Ganga<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Population Supported<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Basin is among world\u2019s most densely populated regions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Source of water, irrigation, religious rituals, rich biodiversity<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Endangered Species<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Gharial, Ganges river dolphin<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1ba26816a4b696f5145417d32f4818fd\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, the Ganga River System is more than just a waterway, it is a vital artery that nourishes life across a vast and densely populated region. From its glacial origins in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/the-himalayas\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/the-himalayas\/\"><strong>the Himalayas<\/strong><\/a> to its confluence with the Bay of Bengal, the Ganga and its tributaries shape the landscape and sustain countless ecosystems. The river&#8217;s cultural and spiritual significance resonates deeply within Indian society, making it a symbol of unity and reverence. However, as urbanization, pollution, and climate change pose increasing threats to this vital resource, it is imperative to prioritize conservation efforts to protect the Ganga for future generations. By safeguarding this iconic river system, we ensure the continuation of its ecological, cultural, and economic importance, preserving its legacy as a cornerstone of life in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36e582f5505cc73c4cdb9700b969ac3b\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1721640457117\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_significant_tributaries_of_the_Ganga_River_System\"><\/span><strong>What are the significant tributaries of the Ganga River System?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The significant tributaries of the Ganga Drainage System include the Yamuna, which joins the Ganga at Prayagraj; the Ramganga, which merges near Kannauj; and the Gomti, joining in Ghazipur. Ghaghara and Gandak flow into the Ganga in Bihar, while the Kosi contributes heavy silt and joins in Bihar as well.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1721640467042\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Ganga_River_System\"><\/span><strong>What is the Ganga River System?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Ganga River System is a major river basin in northern India, consisting of the Ganga River and its extensive network of tributaries.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1721640483890\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Origin_of_the_Ganges_River_System\"><\/span><strong>What is the Origin of the Ganges River System?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Ganges River system originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1721640490203\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_drainage_pattern_is_formed_by_the_Ganga_River_System\"><\/span><strong>Which drainage pattern is formed by the Ganga River System?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Ganga River system forms a <strong>dendritic drainage pattern<\/strong>. This pattern is characterized by a tree-like, branching structure where the tributaries spread out from the main river in a manner similar to the branches of a tree.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1761241260626\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_place_divides_the_Ganga_and_Indus_river_systems\"><\/span><strong>Which place divides the Ganga and Indus river systems?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Ambala region in Haryana divides the Ganga river drainage system and Indus river systems. It acts as a water divide, separating the drainage of the Indus basin to the west and the Ganga basin to the east.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ganga River System is one of the major river systems in India, originating from the Himalayas and flowing across the northern and eastern parts of the subcontinent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":9473,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[832,67],"tags":[73],"class_list":["post-9467","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-indian-geography","category-geography","tag-gs-1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9467","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9467"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9467\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23027,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9467\/revisions\/23027"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9473"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9467"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9467"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9467"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}