Narmada River Explained: Source, Course, Tributaries & Map Locations

The Narmada River is the longest west-flowing river in India and one of its largest peninsular rivers. The river, originating from Narmada Kund in Amarkantak (Maikala Range), Madhya Pradesh, flows over a length of about 1,312 km through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat before falling into the Gulf of Khambhat(Arabian...

Narmada River Explained: Source, Course, Tributaries & Map Locations
Narmada River

The Narmada River is the longest west-flowing river in India and one of its largest peninsular rivers. The river, originating from Narmada Kund in Amarkantak (Maikala Range), Madhya Pradesh, flows over a length of about 1,312 km through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat before falling into the Gulf of Khambhat(Arabian Sea). Most peninsular rivers, such as the dammed Narmada between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, flow eastward along a rift valley. The river basin spreads across almost 98,800 sq. km of this region, providing benefits for irrigation, hydropower production, biodiversity and livelihoods over a wide area across central India. The major tributaries are the Tawa, Shakkar, Dudhi, Banjar and Hiran rivers.

Narmada River Origin

Narmada River rises from Narmada Kund, a sacred tank on the Amarkantak Plateau in Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh. The point of origin is located at the Maikala Range at an approximate elevation of 1,057 metres (3,465 ft) above sea level, situated at the confluence of the Vindhya and Satpura mountain systems. The Narmada, one of India’s most sacred rivers which originates in Amarkantak, central India and flows westward to the sea. The origin site is a pilgrimage location of geographical and ecological significance, drawing many devotees and visitors from all over the country. What makes the river stand out from most other major peninsular rivers of India is that it flows westwards.

Major Tributaries of Narmada River

Tributary Bank Origin State(s) Key Feature
Tawa Left Bank Satpura Range Madhya Pradesh Largest tributary of the Narmada; Tawa Dam is built on it.
Shakkar Left Bank Satpura Hills Madhya Pradesh Important seasonal tributary in the middle basin.
Dudhi Left Bank Satpura Hills Madhya Pradesh Supports irrigation and local agriculture.
Ganjal Left Bank Satpura Range Madhya Pradesh Drains parts of Betul and Harda districts.
Kolar Left Bank Vindhya–Satpura Region Madhya Pradesh Known for Kolar Dam, a major water source.
Banjar Right Bank Maikal Hills Madhya Pradesh Flows through forested areas near the Kanha region.
Hiran Right Bank Vindhya Range Madhya Pradesh One of the major northern tributaries.
Barna Right Bank Vindhya Hills Madhya Pradesh Associated with the Barna Dam project.
Orsang Right Bank Vindhya Hills Gujarat Important tributary in the lower Narmada basin.
Kundi Right Bank Vindhya Range Madhya Pradesh Seasonal tributary contributing to basin flow.

Major Dams on the Narmada River

Dam Project River State Purpose Key Feature
Sardar Sarovar Dam Narmada Gujarat Irrigation, Drinking Water, Hydropower Largest and most famous project on the Narmada; supplies water to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
Indira Sagar Dam Narmada Madhya Pradesh Hydropower & Irrigation Largest reservoir in India by water storage capacity.
Omkareshwar Dam Narmada Madhya Pradesh Hydropower & Irrigation Located near the sacred town of Omkareshwar.
Maheshwar Dam Narmada Madhya Pradesh Hydropower Situated near the historic town of Maheshwar.
Bargi Dam (Rani Avanti Bai Sagar Project) Narmada Madhya Pradesh Irrigation, Hydropower & Fisheries First major completed dam under the Narmada Valley Development Project.
Jobat Dam Hathni River (Narmada Basin) Madhya Pradesh Irrigation Important project in the Narmada basin region.
Tawa Dam Tawa (Tributary of Narmada) Madhya Pradesh Irrigation & Hydropower Built on the largest tributary of the Narmada River.
Barna Dam Barna (Tributary of Narmada) Madhya Pradesh Irrigation & Water Supply Important reservoir in central Madhya Pradesh.

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Key Geological Features of Narmada River Basin

  • Through a Rift Valley: One of the few major Indian river which flows through a tectonic rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, the Narmada.
  • West-flowing peninsular river: Flows westward to empty into the arabian sea total of 6 rivers.
  • Origin at Amarkantak Plateau: The river originates from Narmada Kund in the Amarkantak, Maikal hills.
  • Narmada Valley: It demarcates a natural boundary between North and South India.
  • Marble Rocks Formation: The river intersects magnificently at Bhedaghat near Jabalpur through splendid Marble Rocks.
  • Dhuandhar Waterfall: Responsible for the famed Dhuandhar Falls due to sudden changes in rock formation.
  • Alluvial and Black Soils: The basin is primarily made of rich alluvial soils, which can be formed by volcanic rocks or sediments.
  • Seismic Requirements: The Narmada–Son Lineament is one of India’s major geological fault lines.
  • Estuary Formation: The river creates an estuary instead of a delta as it meets the Gulf of Khambhat

FAQs on Narmada River

The Narmada River originates from Narmada Kund at Amarkantak Plateau in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh.
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