Rivers - Basics

Explore

• Indian mythology is replete with legends on the origins of its rivers.  Click Here for fascinating lore on India’s most famous rivers.
  India’s many rivers criss-cross the expanse of the nation. Wikipedia provides an overview of India’s rivers and its uses. Click Here

• The unrestrained discharge from agricultural fields, industries and sewage pipes are polluting India’s rivers. What impact do these pollutants have on India’s rivers? The Young People’s Trust for the Environment has developed content that facilitates an easy understanding of environmental issues, that are of special interest especially to children. Their website has information on ways to detect pollution in rivers and guides on steps to prevent it.  Click Here

• The first dam of India, built by the Chola dynasty in the 1st century A.D. was made of stone and meant to harness the Cauvery river. Since then, dams have undergone several avatars. From being titled as the ‘Temples of Modern India’ to now being regarded as the death knell for rivers, the debate over dams are as separate as the banks of a river. Click Here for a presentation on the evolving perception about dams.

• Rivers are indispensable to local communities, industries and the government. Rivers are used for generating hydro-electricity and are the main source of livelihoods for many fishermen. A growing number of tourists are taking to river based sports.  On the other hand, over-exploitation and pollution are having an adverse impact on rivers. This document by Dr.Joseph M.L on Periyar lake transcends the localized perspective to provide a comprehensive understanding of issues faced by most rivers in India today. Click Here

• The Chhattisgarh government handed over a stretch of the Sheonath river to a private company. What are the implications, in a larger context, of selective stretches of rivers being managed by private companies? The use of rivers for meeting socio-economic needs has to be balanced with its sustainability. To know more about what private river management signifies read a research paper by Binayak Das and Ganesh Pangare (Courtesy EPW). Click Here

• India’s Himalayan rivers are proposed to be merged with the peninsular rivers through interlinking canal systems. How will this proposed move impact on India’s diverse river heritage? Will the move ensure equitable distribution and sustainable river bodies? Click Here  This informtion has been sourced from Down To Earth, India Environmental Portal