Important Rivers of Assam and their Tributaries

Nestled in the captivating northeastern region of India lies Assam, a state graced with a sophisticated network of rivers that intricately weave through its verdant terrain. These rivers are not only geographical features; they are the lifeblood of Assam, influencing its culture, environment, and economic landscape.

Within the pages of this expansive tome, we shall embark on a meticulous exploration of Assam’s exquisite rivers. Our journey will unveil their profound significance, their distinguishing characteristics, and the indispensable role they play in the intricate tapestry of daily life for the discerning inhabitants of this beguiling region.

The Mighty Brahmaputra River:

The Brahmaputra River, commonly referred to as the “Sons of Brahma,” delivers essential life support for Assam. The geology, culture, and economy of Assam are greatly influenced by this river, which springs in Tibet and flows through Bangladesh, China, and Tibet before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. While it offers agriculturally productive plains, it also presents yearly difficulties with catastrophic floods during the monsoon season. The vast array of different species that thrive along its riverbanks can be observed clearly in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Additionally, Assam’s trade, transportation, and ceremonial activities depend on the Brahmaputra. Pollution problems, the impact of dams on the ecosystem of the river, and international water-sharing agreements, however, emphasize how complex Assam’s association with this mighty river is.

Tributaries of the Brahmaputra:

1. Subansiri River: This pristine river originates in Tibet and meanders through the breathtaking Himalayan terrain before entering Assam. Adventurers looking for white-water rafting possibilities will find plenty of opportunities at Subansiri, which is known for its thrilling rapids.

2. Lohit River: Starting in Tibet and flowing through Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and finally meeting the Brahmaputra, the Lohit River is a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra. It is well known for its stunning green scenery and is frequently called a paradise for birdwatchers and environment enthusiasts.

3. Siang River: The Siang River, also known as the YarlungTsangpo in Tibet, is one of the main tributaries of the Brahmaputra. It carves its way through the Eastern Himalayas before entering Assam and merging with the Brahmaputra. The Siang is famous for its challenging rapids and pristine beauty.

4. Dibang River: Venturing further east, we encounter the Dibang River, a key tributary of the Brahmaputra. Due to its natural terrain and breathtaking canyons, this river distinguishes out. It is bounded by dense woodlands and habitat to a number of indigenous tribes whose way of life is intricately connected to the river’s resources.

Other Tributaries of the Brahmaputra river: Sonai, Balsiri, Beki, Puthimari, Pagaladiya, Manas, Tingrai, Godadhar, Jhanji, Kakodonga, Bhorali, Dikhow, Ronganodi, Dibru, Dudhonoi, Dikronh, Jiyadhal, Noa-Nadi, Nanoi,Kulsi, Kapili, Krishnai, Disung, Bolbola, Sampaboti, Dhansiri ,etc

Also Read: List of Chief Ministers of Assam

The Barak River System:

The Barak River: One of the largest rivers in Northeast India, the Barak River passes through the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam. It starts in the Manipur Hills and meanders through a variety of landscapes before joining the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The Barak River is well-known for its clear waters, that nurture an eclectic mix of plants and animals along its path.

Tributaries of the Barak River:

1. Jiri River: Originating in Manipur, the Jiri River is one of the primary tributaries of the Barak. It adds to the flow and character of the Barak as it winds its way through Manipur before joining the main river.

2. Makru River: Another significant tributary, the Makru River, flows through Manipur and adds to the Barak’s water volume.

3. Tuivai River: The Tuivai River originates in Mizoram and joins the Barak in southern Assam. Its course through the lush forests of Mizoram is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

4. Kolodyne River: This river flows through Mizoram and, before merging with the Barak, it plays a pivotal role in the hydrology and ecosystem of the state.

5. Dhaleswari River: The Dhaleswari River is a significant tributary originating in the hilly regions of Assam, and it contributes to the Barak’s flow as it descends towards the plains.

Other Tributaries of the Barak River: Bogapani,Jatinga, Jiri, Jadukata, Sonai, Singra, Longai, etc

The Dhansiri River:

The Dhansiri is a river that flows through the districts of Golaghat in Assam, Chümoukedima in Nagaland, and Dimapur in Nagaland. It flows from Nagaland’s Laisang mountain. Before entering the Brahmaputra on its south bank, it travels 352 kilometers (219 mi) from south to north. 1,220 square.

Tributaries of the Dhansiri River:

1. Daiyang
2. Nambar
3. Koliyani

The Kopili River:

As we head southward, we arrive at the Kopili River, known for its unique blue waters. The Kopili River begins on the plateau of Meghalaya and runs through Central Assam and the hill areas of Assam before joining the Brahmaputra. Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Kamrup, and Nagaon are the districts of Assam that it drains. The catchment area of the river is 16,420 square kilometers (6,340 square miles), and it runs for a total of 180 miles (290 km).

Tributaries of the Kopili River:

1. Jamuna
2. Borapani
3. Kiling etc.

Manas River:

Located in the Himalayan foothills and across southern Bhutan, India, and China, the Manas River is also known as the DrangmeChhu in Bhutan. It is the biggest of these four. Before it debouches into India once more in western Assam, it is met by three more significant streams. A total of 400 km of the river’s course—24 km (15 km) in Tibet, 272 km through Bhutan, and 104 km through Assam—are covered before the river joins the huge Brahmaputra River near Jogighopa. The Aie River, a significant Manas tributary, meets in Assam at Bangpari.

Tributaries of the Manas River:

The Aai River, a significant Manas tributary, meets in Assam at Bangpari.

Kakodonga River:

The size of the Kakodonga River Basin is roughly 1,113 km2. 28.50°C and 18.40°C, respectively, are the standard deviations for maximum and minimum temperatures. The basin receives 1766 mm of rain on average. This  River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam, India. It originates in the Naga Hills near Lio Longidun village of Wokha district of Nagaland state and flows north-west direction in Assam before joining the Gelabil River, Bhogdoi River, and Dhanshiri River finally discharging to the Brahmaputra.

Tributaries of Kakodonga River:

1. Dholi River
2. Ghiladhari River
3. Chelchelinalla
4. Bajalkatenalla,etc.

Buri-Dihing:

The Upper Assam region of northeastern India has the Buri Dihing River, often referred to as the Dihong River, which is a sizable tributary of the Brahmaputra River. The river travels through the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh Districts in Assam before joining the Brahmaputra near Dihingmukh, where it rises at 2,375 meters (7,792 ft) above sea level in the Eastern Himalayas (the Patkai Hills) in Arunachal Pradesh with a total area of 2,300 square miles (6,000 km2). Oxbow lakes have been formed in the region thanks to the Dihing.

Tributaries of the Manas River:

1. Tipling
2. Chencha
3. Tingrai
4. Namchang

Subansiri River:

The name “Subansiri” means “golden river” in the local language. The Subansiri River runs through the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam as well as Tibet’s Lhuntse County in the Shannan District. With a drainage basin measuring 32,640 square kilometers (12,600 square miles), the Subansiri is around 518 kilometers (322 mi) long. It is the Brahmaputra’s greatest tributary, delivering 7.92% of the river’s overall flow. It enters Assam near the town of Taksing and flows south to the Assam Valley at Dulangmukh in the Dhemaji district, where it joins the Brahmaputra River at Jamurighat in Lakhimpur district with one of the main sources of hydroelectric power.

Tributaries of Subansiri River:

1. Jiyadhal
2. Sarikaria
3. Kumotiya

Dibru River:

The name “Dibru” is derived from the Dimasa word “Dibru” which means “blister”. It’s a tributary of the Brahmaputra River. The Dibru River originates in the Patkai Hills of Arunachal Pradesh and flows for about 180 kilometers through the Tinsukia district before joining the Brahmaputra River near Dibrugarh. With a drainage basin of over 4,000 square kilometers, the Dibru River is around 180 km long. The average annual rainfall in the river’s basin is about 2,500 millimeters.

Tributaries of Dibru River:

1. Dumduma
2. Dangari

Conclusion:

Assam’s rivers go beyond being mere waterways; they are the vital pulse that supports the state’s culture, environment, and economic well-being. From the grand Brahmaputra to its myriad tributaries, each river in the region’s natural heritage, from the enormous Brahmaputra to its a multitude tributaries, has a unique narrative to tell and a place to fill in the complex tapestry.