Krishna River System, Tributaries, Origin, Length

Krishna River System originates in Maharashtra, flows through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh into the Bay of Bengal; essential for irrigation and power.

Krishna River System

The Krishna River System is one of the major river basins in Peninsular India, spanning approximately 1,400 km through the western and southern regions of the country. It plays a major role in agriculture, industry, and sustaining millions of people across multiple states. This article provides a detailed study of the origin, tributaries, and major dams related to the Krishna River initiated by the government of India.

Krishna River System

The Krishna River System is flowing through four states of Peninsular India, originating from Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, it travels 1,400 km, travelling through Karnataka and Telangana, before reaching Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh, where it merges into the Bay of Bengal. The river has the highest flow in Andhra Pradesh and covers 8% of India’s total geographical area, with 75% of its water being used for agriculture and other purposes.

The Krishna River has various tributaries, with Tungabhadra and Bhima being the most significant. Tungabhadra, a right-bank tributary, flows for about 531 km before merging with the Krishna, while Bhima, the largest left-bank tributary, covers 861 km before joining the main river.

Krishna River System Origin

The Krishna River System originates from the Western Ghats, with its source at Jor village in Mahabaleshwar, located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. From there, the river flows through Maharashtra, then enters Karnataka, followed by Telangana. It then forms the border between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh before finally merging into the Bay of Bengal at Hamsaladeevi in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.

Krishna River System Tributaries

The Krishna River System is one of India’s major river systems, with several tributaries classified into left-bank and right-bank tributaries. The Tungabhadra River is the largest right-bank tributary, formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers, and it joins the Krishna River after covering 531 km. Whereas, the largest left-bank tributary is the Bhima River, which flows for 861 km before merging with the Krishna.

Krishna River System Tributaries
Tributary Name Description

Panchganga River

  • Formed by the confluence of five rivers (Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri, and Koyna)
  • Flows for 105 km before joining the Krishna River near Karad
  • Supports irrigation and hydroelectric projects.

Koyna River

  • Originates in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra; flows for 130 km before merging with the Krishna River
  • Home to Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Koyna Dam, a major hydroelectric power station.

Bhima River

  • A major left-bank tributary
  • Originates near Bhimashankar in Maharashtra
  • Flows for 725 km before joining the Krishna River near Raichur, Karnataka
  • Crucial for irrigation and hydropower.

Tungabhadra River

  • A major right-bank tributary
  • Originates in Karnataka near Kudligi
  • Flows for 531 km before meeting the Krishna River in Telangana
  • Known for historical significance and temples along its course.

Ghataprabha River

  • Originates in the Western Ghats near Gokak, Karnataka
  • Flows for 283 km before merging with the Krishna River near Almatti
  • Known for scenic beauty, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Dudhganga River

  • Originates in the Sahyadri Range, Maharashtra
  • Flows for 50 km before joining the Krishna River near Karad
  • Supports irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

Malaprabha River

  • Originates near Khanapur, Karnataka
  • Flows for 304 km before meeting the Krishna River at Kudalasangama
  • Supports agriculture and electricity generation
  • Known for historical sites.

Musi River

  • Originates in the Deccan Plateau near Anantagiri, Telangana
  • Flows for 240 km before merging with the Krishna River near Vadapally
  • Historically significant but affected by pollution.

Krishna River System Dams

The Krishna River is one of India’s longest rivers which originates from the Western Ghats. It flows through seven states before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Check out the table below to learn more about the Krishna River System Dams:

Krishna River System Dams
Dam Name Description

Almatti Dam

Located in Karnataka, this dam is a key component of the Upper Krishna Irrigation Project, providing water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

Srisailam Dam

One of India’s largest hydroelectric projects, located on the border of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, supports irrigation, power generation, and flood control.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, playing a crucial role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation; one of the world’s largest dams.

Prakasam Barrage

Built across the Krishna River in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh; regulates water flow and supports the Krishna Delta irrigation system.

Also Check Other River System
Godavari River System Tapti River System
Kaveri River System Mahanadi River System
Ganga River System Narmada River System
Yamuna River System Krishna River System

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Krishna River System FAQs

Q1. What is the Krishna River system?+

Q2. What is the Narmada river system?+

Q3. What are the tributaries of Krishna's left and right bank?+

Q4. Which state Krishna River does not flow?+

Q5. Which dam is built on Krishna River?+

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