Tapti River System, Tributaries, Origin, Length

The Tapti River, also known as the Tapi, is a significant west-flowing river in central India. Originating from the Satpura range in Madhya Pradesh, it flows through Maharashtra and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea. With a total length of approximately 724 kilometers, the Tapti is one of the few rivers in peninsular India that flows from east to west, along with the Narmada and Mahi rivers. 

It serves as an essential water source for agriculture, industry, and domestic use in the regions it travels. The river’s basin is characterized by fertile plains, and it plays a crucial role in the economy of the surrounding areas. Major cities along its course include Burhanpur, Bhusawal, and Surat. The Tapti River, along with its tributaries, supports diverse ecosystems and contributes significantly to the region’s hydrology.

Tapti River System Origin

The Tapti River, also known as the Tapi, is the second-largest west-flowing river in Peninsular India and is often regarded as the “twin” or “handmaid” of the Narmada River. It originates from the Multai reserve forest in Madhya Pradesh at an elevation of 752 meters and flows for approximately 724 kilometers before emptying into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Cambay. 

The river and its tributaries travel the plains of Vidarbha, Khandesh, and Gujarat, covering large parts of Maharashtra and smaller sections of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The Tapti River basin spans an area of 65,000 square kilometers across these three states. It is located on the Deccan Plateau and is bordered by the Satpura Range to the north, the Mahadev Hills to the east, the Ajanta Range and Satmala Hills to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. 

Tapti River System Tributaries

The Tapti River System includes the Tributaries spans over 50km, with a greater drainage area on the left bank than on the right. The table below includes the list of Tapti River System Tributaries:

Tapi River Basin

1. The Tapti River Basin extends across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, covering an area of 65,145 square kilometers, with a maximum length of 534 kilometers and a breadth of 196 kilometers. 
2. Situated on the Deccan Plateau, the basin is bordered by the Satpura Range to the north, the Mahadev Hills to the east, the Ajanta Range and Satmala Hills to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. 
3. The upper reaches of the basin are steep and densely forested, while the lower areas consist of vast, fertile lands suitable for agriculture. 
4. Farming dominates the basin, covering approximately 66.19% of the total area, while water bodies account for around 2.99%.

Tapi River Soil Type

• The Tapti River basin primarily consists of black soils, while the coastal plains of Gujarat feature alluvial clays with a top layer of black soil. 
• The soil composition in the basin, up to the Ukai Dam, can be categorized into three types: coarse shallow soils, medium black soils, and deep black soils. 
• These soil variations influence the region’s agricultural productivity, with black soils being particularly suitable for cotton cultivation and other crops.

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