brahmaputra river system for 18 November 2025

The Brahmaputra River System is one of Asia's largest and most significant river systems. It originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier, near Mount Kailash, in the Angsi Glacier region in southwestern Tibet. It then passes through Assam and Bangladesh, eventually merging with the Bay of Bengal. 

The river spans across the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and plays a crucial role in the northeastern region of India. The Brahmaputra River rises in the eastern Tibetan Plateau course through India and Bangladesh. The river supports a diverse ecosystem, serving as shelter to a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.

Brahmaputra River System

The Brahmaputra River System is surrounded by the Himalayas to the north, the Patkai Hills to the east, the Assam Hills to the south, and the Himalayas again to the west. The Himalayan regions of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, which form part of the Brahmaputra Basin, experience heavy snowfall. These regions also account for 55.48% of India’s total forest cover, making them some of the greenest areas in the country.

One of the most remarkable features of the Brahmaputra River System is Majuli, an island in Assam, which holds the distinction of being the world’s largest and oldest inhabited river island, recognized by UNESCO. The river system also has a significant hydropower potential of 66,065 MW, making it a crucial resource for renewable energy development.

As the Brahmaputra River flows from Kobo to Dhubri in Assam, it accumulates a large amount of sediment from its 20 tributaries on the north bank and 13 on the south bank. The region receives the majority of its annual rainfall during the South-West monsoon season, with 85% of the total precipitation occurring between May and September.

Brahmaputra River System Origin

The Brahmaputra, meaning "Son of Brahma," originates from the Chemayungdung glacier in southwestern Tibet. Its source lies in proximity to the origins of the Indus and Sutlej rivers. Despite its location at a remarkably high altitude, the Tsangpo River maintains a gentle gradient. It flows at a slow pace, forming a broad river channel that stretches for nearly 640 kilometers.

Brahmaputra River System Map

The Brahmaputra River has its origin in the Chemayungdung Glacier in southwestern Tibet. From there, it flows eastward across the Tibetan Plateau as the Yarlung Tsangpo River. This majestic river later enters India through Arunachal Pradesh, marking the beginning of its long journey across Northeast India. The Brahmaputra River System Map has been shared below.

Brahmaputra River System Tributaries

The Brahmaputra River System Tributaries play a significant role in shaping its flow and water volume. The rivers in the Himalayan region are primarily glacier-fed, experiencing a rise in water levels during the monsoon season. Heavy rainfall, occurring between May and September due to the southwest monsoon, often leads to flooding in these rivers, impacting the Brahmaputra’s overall flow. The tributaries of the Brahmaputra are classified into two categories: northern (left-bank) tributaries and southern (right-bank) tributaries. These rivers contribute significantly to the river’s strength, often causing seasonal flooding.

Brahmaputra River System Tributaries
Northern (Left-bank) Tributaries	Southern (Right-bank) Tributaries
Lhasa River	Kameng River
Nyang River	Manas River
Parlung Zangbo River	Beki River
Lohit River	Raidak River
Dhanashri River	Jaldhaka River
Kolong River	Teesta River
	Subansiri River

Brahmaputra River System Left Tributaries

The Brahmaputra River is fed by several significant tributaries that originate across Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Northeast Indian region. These rivers not only enrich the water volume of the Brahmaputra but also support hydropower generation, agriculture, flood regulation, and ecological balance. Below is a detailed table including the Brahmaputra River System Left Tributaries, their origins, the states or regions they pass through, and their key contributions to the river system and surrounding ecosystems.

Brahmaputra River System Left Tributaries
Tributary Name	Origin	States/Regions Covered	Key Significance
Lhasa River	Tibet (Lhasa Plateau)	Tibet	Major tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo; contributes to Brahmaputra's upper flow
Nyang River	Nyangtri Prefecture, Tibet	Tibet	Enhances flow in Tibet; important for hydro development
Parlung Zangbo River	Tibet	Tibet	One of the easternmost contributors to the Tsangpo system
Subansiri River	Tibet	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam	Largest tributary; site of major hydropower projects
Kameng River	Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam	Supports agriculture and biodiversity in West Kameng
Lohit River	Eastern Tibet	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam	Joins Siang & Dibang to form Brahmaputra; prone to floods
Dhanashri (Dhansiri)	Laisang Peak, Nagaland	Nagaland, Assam	Important for irrigation; passes through ecologically sensitive zones
Kolong River	Distributary of Brahmaputra	Assam	Supports inland navigation and local livelihoods

Brahmaputra River System Right Tributaries

The Brahmaputra River System is enriched by various tributaries that originate in the Eastern Himalayas and the hills of Northeast India. These tributaries, flowing through diverse terrains and states like Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and even Bhutan and Bangladesh, play an important role in shaping the region’s ecology, economy, and culture. Each river contributes uniquely, be it through hydroelectric potential, biodiversity support, irrigation, or transboundary cooperation. The following table highlights the Brahmaputra River System Right Tributaries detailing their origin, the regions they flow in, and their key significance.

Brahmaputra River System Right Tributaries
Tributary Name	Origin	States/Regions Covered	Key Significance
Manas River	Bhutan Himalayas	Bhutan, Assam	A UNESCO World Heritage Site; supports rich biodiversity and wildlife sanctuaries.
Beki River	Himalayas in Bhutan	Assam	Important for fisheries, floodplain cultivation, and a tributary of the Manas River.
Raidak River	Northern Bhutan	Bhutan, West Bengal, Assam	Supports irrigation and hydropower; merges with the Brahmaputra near Dhubri.
Jaldhaka River	Bitang Lake (Sikkim-Bhutan border)	Sikkim, West Bengal, Bangladesh	Transboundary river; key for farming, hydroelectricity, and cross-border cooperation.
Teesta River	Pauhunri Glacier, Eastern Himalayas	Sikkim, West Bengal, Bangladesh	Major eastern Himalayan river; vital for hydro projects and Indo-Bangladesh water sharing.
Kopili River	Meghalaya Hills (Sapong Reserve)	Meghalaya, Assam	Major source for power and irrigation; joins Brahmaputra near Nagaon.
Kulsi River	Khasi Hills, Meghalaya	Meghalaya, Assam	Seasonal river; known for river dolphins; prone to flooding during monsoon.
Dhansiri (South)	Patkai Hills, Eastern Himalayas	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam	Important for floodplain agriculture and biodiversity; passes through Golaghat.
Krishnai River	West Garo Hills, Meghalaya	Assam	Seasonal river supporting agriculture; joins with Dudhnoi before meeting Brahmaputra.
Dudhnoi River	East Garo Hills, Meghalaya	Assam	Converges with Krishnai River; crucial for local irrigation systems.
Jinjiram River	East Garo Hills, Meghalaya	Meghalaya, Assam	Seasonal waterway; significant for flood management in the Goalpara district.
Sonkosh (Sankosh)	Bhutan	Bhutan, Assam	Borders Assam and West Bengal; joins Brahmaputra near Srirampur; irrigation support.

States Through Which the Brahmaputra River Flows

The majestic Brahmaputra River, one of the longest and most important rivers in India, flows through several northeastern states before entering Bangladesh. In India, the Brahmaputra River passes through the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Originating from the Angsi Glacier in Tibet (where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo), the river enters India through Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang or Dihang River, flows majestically across Assam, and finally travels toward West Bengal before entering Bangladesh as the Jamuna River.

Cities Located on the Brahmaputra River

The Brahmaputra River flows through several important cities that play a key role in the cultural, economic, and geographical landscape of Northeast India. Major cities situated along the banks of the Brahmaputra River include Pasighat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Guwahati, and Goalpara.

• Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh): One of the oldest towns in Arunachal Pradesh, Pasighat lies near the entry point of the Brahmaputra into India and is known for its scenic beauty.
• Dibrugarh (Assam): Often called the "Tea City of India," Dibrugarh is a major commercial hub located on the banks of the Brahmaputra.
• Tezpur (Assam): A historical and cultural city, Tezpur sits gracefully along the river, surrounded by lush landscapes.
• Guwahati (Assam): The largest city in Assam, Guwahati is an important river port and urban center along the Brahmaputra.
• Goalpara (Assam): Located in Lower Assam, Goalpara is another significant town positioned along the river’s fertile plains.

Brahmaputra River System List of Dams and Hydro Projects

Brahmaputra River System has its vast network of tributaries, it sustains diverse ecosystems and human settlements, contributing significantly to agriculture, culture, and the economy. Below in the table includes the Brahmaputra River System List of Dams and Hydro Projects:

Brahmaputra River System List of Dams and Hydro Projects
Dam	Location	Status
Zangmu Dam	Tibet, China	Operational
Jiacha Dam	Tibet, China	Under construction
Dagu Dam	Tibet, China	Proposed
Jiexu Dam	Tibet, China	Proposed
Upper Subansiri Hydroelectric Project	India	Under construction
Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project	India	Under construction
Teesta-V (NHPC) Dam	India	Completed
Teesta-III Dam	India	Under construction
Rangit Dam	India	Completed
Jaldhaka Hydroelectric Project	India and Bhutan	Operational
Kurichu Hydroelectric Project	Bhutan	Operational
Chukha Hydroelectric Project	Bhutan	Operational
Tala Hydroelectric Project	Bhutan	Operational
Daguchu Hydroelectric Project	Bhutan	Operational

Different Names of Brahmaputra River

The Brahmaputra River is known by different names across its journey through various regions, reflecting diverse linguistic and cultural identities. Originating from Tibet, where it is revered as Tsangpo meaning "The Purifier," the river flows through China, India, and Bangladesh. In each of these regions, it adopts unique names.

Different Names of Brahmaputra River
Region	Name
Tibet	Tsangpo (meaning ‘The Purifier’)
China	Yarlung Zangbo, Jiangin
Assam Valley	Dihang or Siang, South of Sadiya: Brahmaputra
Bangladesh	Jamuna River
	Padma River: Combined Waters of Ganga and Brahmaputra
	Meghana: From the confluence of Padma and Meghna