Vamsadhara River, Origin, Tributaries, Dispute, Key Details

The Vamsadhara River is an important east-flowing river of India. It originates in Odisha, flows through parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and finally joins the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The river is very important for the north-eastern region of Andhra Pradesh, where agriculture is the main source of livelihood.

Vamsadhara River Origin

The Vamsadhara River originates in the Eastern Ghats region of Odisha.

• The river rises in the Kalahandi district of Odisha.
• It flows in a south-eastern direction.
• For some distance, it flows along the boundary between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
• Finally, it drains into the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The river passes through hilly and tribal regions where rainfall is seasonal. Because of this, storing and managing river water through reservoirs and canals becomes very important for farming and drinking water supply.

Vamsadhara River Tributaries

Tributaries are smaller rivers that join a main river and increase its water flow. The Vamsadhara River has several tributaries that support irrigation and reservoirs.

• Nagavali River (inter-linked with Vamsadhara through projects)
• Suvarnamukhi River – a tributary of the Nagavali River
• Mahendratanaya River
• Gumadra River

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Madduvalasa Reservoir Project

• The Madduvalasa Project is a Medium Irrigation Project.
• It is built across the Suvarnamukhi River, which is a tributary of the Nagavali River.
• Andhra Pradesh wants to expand this project and link the Nagavali River with the Vamsadhara River.
• The main aim is to improve irrigation facilities and make agriculture more reliable.

Vamsadhara River Water Dispute

The Vamsadhara River Water Dispute is an inter-state dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh related to the sharing and use of river water.

Background of the Dispute:

• In February 2006, Odisha submitted a complaint to the Central Government.
• The complaint was filed under Section 3 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956.
• Odisha demanded the formation of an Inter-State Water Disputes Tribunal to resolve the issue.

Grievances of Odisha:

Odisha raised several objections regarding Andhra Pradesh’s projects on the Vamsadhara River:

• Construction of a flood flow canal at Katragada in Andhra Pradesh.
• The canal could dry up the existing river bed, affecting the natural flow of the river.
• Possible lowering of the groundwater table in Odisha due to reduced water flow.
• Failure of Andhra Pradesh to follow the inter-state agreement on use, distribution, and control of Vamsadhara waters.
• Demand for a scientific assessment of available water at Katragada and Gotta Barrage.
• Objection to the basis used for sharing river water between the two states.

Importance of the Dispute:

• The dispute shows how river water sharing is sensitive when rivers flow across state boundaries.
• It highlights the need for cooperation, scientific studies, and legal mechanisms.
• It is an important topic for school exams and competitive examinations.

UPSC CSE Prelims PYQs

1. Consider the following Rivers. [2021]
2. Brahmani
3. Nagavali
4. Subarnarekha
5. Vamsadhara

Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 4
3. 3 and 4
4. 1 and 3

Answer: B 2 and 4

1. Consider the following rivers: [2015]

1. Vamsadhara
2. Indravati
3. Pranahita
4. Pennar

Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 4

(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only