News: The NGT has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to amend official records and restore the Suav’s classification from a “drain” to a “river” in revenue records and the gazetteer, warning that non-compliance may lead to legal punishment.
About Rapti River
- Origin: It rises south of a prominent E-W ridgeline midway between the western Dhaulagiri Himalaya and the Mahabharat Range in Nepal at an elevation of about 3048 m.
- Course of river: Initially, the river flows westward for nearly 100 km due to the Dundwa Range, a subrange of the Shiwalik Hills.
- After bypassing this natural barrier, it resumes its southward course towards the Ganga Basin.
- After flowing through Nepal, it enters Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- Basin topography: The entire basin’s topography is made up of lofty mountains, inner and outer Tarai, and undulating plain regions.
- Climate: The Rapti River basin has two climatic zones-
- a temperate climate in the Himalayan highlands
- a subtropical climate in the plains
- Major Tributaries: Burhi Rapti, Banganga, Suav Nala, Ami, Rohini, Taraina, Tura, Bhakla, Parasi and Sikri, etc.
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to restore the Suav’s status from “nullah” (drain) to “river” in official revenue records and the gazetteer.
- Tributary of: Rapti River is an important left bank tributary of the Ghaghra River.
- Wildlife: The river supports rich biodiversity, including Indian Skimmer, Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, River Tern, Gangetic dolphin, mugger, gharial, and many species of water-dependent birds.
- Religious significance: The ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site Shravasti, with the remains of Saheth-Maheth, lies on the banks of the Rapti, where Gautama Buddha spent much of his monastic life.
- The Rapti River, also known as “Airavati” in ancient texts, is considered one of the sacred rivers associated with Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
