Narmada River

News: A viral video of thousands of litres of milk poured into the Narmada River during a ritual has sparked outrage, renewing debate on faith, environment, and resource use.

About Narmada River

• The Narmada is the fifth largest west-flowing river of peninsular India.
• It is also known by other names such as Rewa, Amarja, Mekalkanya, and Rudrakanya. 
• Origin: It rises from the Maikala range near Amarkantak in Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, at an elevation of about 1057 m.
• Course: It flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat through the Vindhya and Satpura ranges before merging into the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Khambhat.
• It is bounded by the Vindhyas on the north, by the Maikala range on the east, by the Satpuras on the south and by the Arabian Sea on the west.
• Length: It stretches for about 1,312 km.
• Catchment area: It has a catchment area of 97410 sq. km.
• Tributaries 
  • Left bank tributaries: Burhner, Banjar, Sher, Shakkar, Dudhi, Tawa, Ganjal, Kundi, Goi and Karjan. 
  • Right bank Tributaries: Hiran, Tendoni, Barna, Kolar, Man, Uri, Hatni and Orsang.
• Hydro Power Project: The major Hydro Power Projects in the basin are Indira Sagar, Sardar Sarovar, Omkareshwar, Bargi & Maheshwar.
• Historical Context: The Narmada River valley is believed to have supported ancient human settlements, as evidenced by Palaeolithic stone tools and dinosaur fossils found in the region. 
  • Historically, the river also served as a political boundary, separating the Mughal Empire from the Deccan Sultanates.
• Religious context: It is one of the holiest rivers in India, and people believe bathing in it washes away sins. 
  • Pilgrimage places such as Mahewswar and Omkareshwar temples are located on the banks of the river.