Chambal River

Chambal River Latest News

Efforts to reclaim degraded land from Chambal ravines expose both people and biodiversity to ecological risks from erosion and flooding.

About Chambal River

• The Chambal River, called Charmanvati in ancient times, is one of the major tributaries of the Yamuna River. 
• Located in Central India, the river forms part of the greater Gangetic drainage system.
• It is known for its clear and pristine waters, and it is also one of the cleanest rivers in India. 
• Course: 
  • It is a perennial river and has its source in Janapav, located to the south of Mhow Town close to Indore on the southern sides of the Vindhya Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh.
  • The river flows north-northeast through Madhya Pradesh, running for a time through Rajasthan, then forming the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh before turning southeast to join the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. 
  • It flows through three Indian states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. 
  • It is the largest of the rivers flowing through Rajasthan.
  • Total Length: 1024 kilometres 
• Drainage: 
  • To its south, east, and west, the basin is defined by the Vindhyan mountain ranges, while the northwestern boundary is marked by the Aravalli range.
  • The Chambal and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh, while its tributary, the Banas, which rises in the Aravalli Range, drains southeastern Rajasthan.
• Tributaries: The main tributaries of Chambal include the Banas and Mej rivers on the left and the Parbati, Kali Sindh, and Shipra rivers on the right.
• Major Dams: Gandhi Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, and Kota Barrage dams are built on this river.
• Notable Landmark: Pachnada confluence in Uttar Pradesh, where it meets the Kwari, Yamuna, Sind, and Pahuj rivers.
• National Chambal Sanctuary: 
  • Established in 1979, it covers 5400 sq.km. across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Known for protecting the critically endangered Gharial crocodile, along with other crocodile species, turtles, and diverse fish.
  • A hotspot for birdwatching with over 300 bird species, including the endangered Indian Skimmer.

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What is a Ravine?

• It is a narrow valley with steep sides, usually caused by stream bank erosion. 
• Their slopes can be quite sharp, often between 20% and 70% in gradient.
• Ravines are smaller than canyons and larger than gullies.

Source: DTE