East Flowing Rivers in India, List, Map, Features, Key Details

Rivers have played a decisive role in shaping human civilisation, agriculture, and settlement patterns since ancient times. In India, rivers form the backbone of irrigation, drinking water supply, transport, and energy generation. A large number of Indian rivers flow eastward from the Peninsular Plateau into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers carry heavy sediments, form extensive deltas, and support dense populations. East flowing rivers in India have historically sustained agriculture based economies, influenced cultural development, and enabled trade and connectivity along fertile coastal plains.

East Flowing Rivers in India

East Flowing Rivers in India originate mainly from the Western Ghats, Central Highlands, and Chotanagpur Plateau and drain into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers are longer, have large drainage basins, numerous tributaries, and develop broad deltas near their mouths. Major east flowing rivers in India include the Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Mahanadi, Pennar, Subarnarekha, Brahmani, Ponnaiyar, Vaigai, etc. Their extensive river systems support irrigation intensive agriculture, hydropower projects, and urban settlements across eastern and southern India.

East Flowing Rivers in India Features

East Flowing Rivers in India display distinct physical and hydrological characteristics shaped by peninsular geology, monsoonal rainfall, and gentle coastal gradients.

• Direction of Flow: East flowing rivers in India move from west to east due to the slope of the Peninsular Plateau toward the Bay of Bengal.
• Delta Formation: These rivers deposit large quantities of alluvium, forming fertile deltas such as the Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, and Mahanadi deltas.
• Sediment Load: East flowing rivers in India carry heavier sediment loads compared to west flowing rivers due to longer courses and larger catchments.
• Tributary Network: They possess extensive tributary systems that increase basin size and water availability across multiple states.
• Agricultural Dependence: Their waters support intensive agriculture, sustaining food crops and livelihoods for a major share of India’s population.

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East Flowing Rivers in India State Wise List

East Flowing Rivers in India pass through multiple states, supporting inter state irrigation, water sharing, and economic activities. Most east flowing rivers in India traverse two or more states, increasing the importance of basin level management.

• Southern States: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka depend heavily on Cauvery, Krishna, Pennar, Ponnaiyar, and Vaigai rivers.
• Eastern States: Odisha and West Bengal are sustained by Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha, and Damodar systems.
• Central and Eastern Highlands: Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh contribute headwaters to rivers like Subarnarekha and Brahmani.

Godavari River

The Godavari River is the longest East Flowing River in India and is often called the “Dakshin Ganga” due to its vast basin and economic importance.

• Origin and Length: Godavari originates near Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra and flows eastward across peninsular India into the Bay of Bengal.
• Drainage Basin: It drains a large basin covering multiple states, making it one of the most extensive River Systems in India.
• Delta Formation: The Godavari forms a wide and fertile delta along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
• Economic Role: The river supports irrigation, drinking water supply, and inland fisheries across its basin.

Krishna River

The Krishna River is a major East Flowing River in India supporting agriculture and hydropower in southern India.

• Source Region: Krishna originates in the Western Ghats and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
• Tributary System: It receives water from several tributaries, expanding its basin across Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Agricultural Importance: The Krishna delta is one of India’s most productive rice growing regions.
• Water Projects: The river hosts multiple irrigation and storage projects supporting semi arid regions.

Cauvery River

The Cauvery River is a lifeline for southern India, especially Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

• Origin: Cauvery rises in the Western Ghats and flows southeastward into the Bay of Bengal.
• Delta System: It forms a well developed delta supporting intensive agriculture.
• Cultural Significance: The river has historical importance for ancient South Indian kingdoms.
• Irrigation Role: Cauvery waters sustain major agricultural belts in southern India.

Mahanadi River

The Mahanadi River is a major east flowing river in eastern India.

• Source Region: Mahanadi originates in central India and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
• Delta Formation: It forms a broad delta in coastal Odisha.
• Floodplain Agriculture: The fertile plains support extensive rice cultivation.
• Economic Importance: The river is vital for irrigation, fisheries, and water supply.

Pennar River

The Pennar River, also called Uttara Pinakini, is a significant East Flowing River in India of the southern peninsula.

• Origin: Pennar originates from the Chennakasava hill in the Nandidurg range of Karnataka.
• Length: The river flows for about 597 kilometres before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
• Basin Area: Pennar basin covers approximately 55,000 square kilometres across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Topography: The basin is bounded by Erramala, Nallamala, Velikonda, Seshachalam, and Paliconda ranges.
• Land Use: About 58.64% of the basin area is under agriculture.
• Tributaries: Major tributaries include Jayamangali, Kunderu, Chiravati, and Papagni.
• Projects: Somasila project, Mylavaram Dam, and Penna Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir support irrigation.

Subarnarekha River

The Subarnarekha River is an important east flowing river of eastern India.

• Origin: It originates from the Ranchi Plateau in Jharkhand.
• Length: The river flows for about 395 kilometres before entering the Bay of Bengal.
• Inter State Course: It forms part of the boundary between West Bengal and Odisha.
• Tributaries: Dulang, Kanchi, Kharkai, Karkari, Raru, and Garru rivers join the Subarnarekha.
• Physical Feature: Hundru Falls, with a height of about 98 metres, lies on its course.

Brahamani River

The Brahmani River is one of the longest east flowing rivers in Odisha.

• Origin: It is formed by the confluence of Koel and Sankh rivers near Rourkela.
• Length: The river flows for nearly 800 kilometres.
• Basin Extent: The basin is bounded by Chhotanagpur Plateau, Mahanadi basin, and Bay of Bengal.
• States Covered: The river flows through Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• Delta Formation: Along with Baitarani, it forms a large delta near Dhamra.
• Infrastructure: Rengali Dam is constructed across the Brahmani River.

Ponnaiyar River

The Ponnaiyar River, also known as Dakshina Pinakini or Thenpennai, is an important east flowing river of southern India.

• Origin: It rises from the Nandi Hills in Karnataka.
• Course: The river flows through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Drainage: It empties into the Bay of Bengal.
• Basin Boundaries: The basin is surrounded by Eastern Ghats hill ranges.
• Dams: Krishnagiri and Sathanur dams are built across the river.
• Economic Use: The river supports irrigation and agro based industries.

Vaigai River

The Vaigai River is a prominent east flowing river of Tamil Nadu.

• Origin: It originates from Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats.
• Course: The river flows northeast through the Kambam Valley.
• Tributaries: Major tributaries include Suruliyaru, Manjalaru, Mullaiyaru, and Varahanadhi.
• Drainage: It drains into the Palk Strait near Ramanathapuram.
• Historical Significance: The Vaigai flowed through ancient Madurai and is mentioned in Sangam literature dated around 300 BCE.