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Introduction

The Krishna River, one of the most significant rivers in peninsular India, holds immense cultural, economic, and geographical importance. Originating in the Western Ghats and traversing through diverse landscapes, it supports millions of livelihoods and sustains rich ecosystems. This eBook aims to provide UPSC aspirants with a comprehensive overview of the Krishna River, emphasizing its significance for geography, environment, and regional development topics.

Origin and Course

Origin

  • The Krishna River originates near Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in Maharashtra, from a spring at Jor village.
  • Its source lies at an elevation of approximately 1,337 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats.

Course

  • The river flows southeastward, covering a total length of about 1,400 kilometers.
  • It traverses through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Confluence

  • The Krishna River forms an extensive delta in Andhra Pradesh near Vijayawada before merging into the Bay of Bengal.
  • The river basin covers an area of about 258,948 square kilometers, making it the fourth-largest river basin in India.

Tributaries

The Krishna River has several significant tributaries that contribute to its flow. These include:

  1. Left-Bank Tributaries

    • Bhima River: The longest tributary, originating near Bhimashankar in Maharashtra.
    • Musi River: Flowing through Hyderabad, it plays a key role in urban water needs.
    • Tungabhadra River: Formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers, it is vital for irrigation and hydropower.

  2. Right-Bank Tributaries

    • Ghataprabha River: Known for the Gokak Falls, it supports agriculture and power generation.
    • Malaprabha River: Flows through Karnataka and serves irrigation needs.
    • Koyna River: Known for the Koyna Dam, a major hydroelectric project.

Geographical Features

Drainage Basin

  • The Krishna River basin spans across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • The basin features diverse terrains, from the Western Ghats to coastal plains, supporting varied ecosystems.

Soil and Land Use

  • Fertile alluvial soils dominate the delta region, making it a hub for agriculture, especially rice cultivation.
  • Black soil in the Deccan Plateau supports crops like cotton and sugarcane.

Climate and Rainfall

  • The river basin receives rainfall from the southwest monsoon, with annual precipitation varying from 600 mm in the plains to over 2,000 mm in the Western Ghats.

Economic Importance

Irrigation

  • The Krishna River supports extensive irrigation networks, benefiting millions of farmers.
  • Major crops grown include rice, sugarcane, cotton, and groundnut.

Hydroelectric Projects

  • The river hosts several hydroelectric projects, including the Koyna Dam, Almatti Dam, and Tungabhadra Dam, contributing significantly to power generation.

Agriculture

  • The delta region is often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Andhra Pradesh” due to its high agricultural productivity.

Fisheries

  • The river supports a thriving fisheries sector, providing livelihood to local communities.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Pilgrimage Sites

  • The river is revered in Hinduism, hosting several temples along its course, including the famous Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam and Dattatreya Temple in Gangapur.

Cultural Festivals

  • Pushkaralu, a river festival celebrated every 12 years, attracts thousands of pilgrims to the Krishna River.

Historical Relevance

  • The river has been central to many ancient and medieval kingdoms, including the Satavahanas, Vijayanagara Empire, and Chalukyas.

Environmental Concerns

Pollution

  • Industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff contribute to the river’s pollution.

Over-Extraction of Water

  • Excessive water diversion for irrigation and industrial use has reduced the flow in the lower reaches, affecting ecosystems.

Climate Change

  • Irregular monsoons and reduced rainfall impact water availability and river flow.

Siltation

  • The accumulation of silt in reservoirs and the delta region hampers water storage and navigation.

Major Projects on Krishna River

Irrigation and Water Management Projects

  • Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: One of the largest masonry dams in the world, providing irrigation and drinking water.
  • Prakasam Barrage: Located near Vijayawada, it is crucial for irrigation and flood control.
  • Srisailam Dam: Multipurpose project for irrigation, power, and flood control.

Hydropower Projects

  • Almatti Dam: A major hydroelectric project in Karnataka.
  • Koyna Dam: Contributes significantly to Maharashtra’s power supply.

Conclusion

The Krishna River is a lifeline for millions, contributing to agriculture, power, and cultural heritage. However, it faces significant environmental and inter-state challenges. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the Krishna River’s geographical features, economic importance, and conservation efforts provides a holistic view of India’s water resources management. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that balance development and sustainability.

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