{"id":14547,"date":"2026-11-02T10:11:26","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T04:41:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=14547"},"modified":"2026-11-02T13:09:35","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T07:39:35","slug":"krishna-river-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/krishna-river-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Krishna River, Origin, Course, Tributaries, Dams, Importance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Krishna River System is one of the major river systems of peninsular India, sustaining agriculture, cities, industries and ecosystems across the Deccan Plateau. Rising in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, the Krishna flows eastward through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh before draining into the Bay of Bengal. Its approximately 1,400-kilometre course and basin of nearly 258,948 square kilometres support extensive irrigation networks, hydropower projects, fisheries and important cultural centres.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major tributaries, including the Bhima, Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha and Malaprabha, contribute to its drainage network. However, irregular rainfall, growing water demand, pollution, reservoir sedimentation and interstate water-sharing disputes pose significant challenges to the river\u2019s long-term sustainability. Understanding the Krishna River System requires examining its geography, hydrology, tributaries, economic value and conservation needs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Origin and Source<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Krishna River originates in the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, where high rainfall and hilly terrain provide water to its upper catchment.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The river rises near Mahabaleshwar, in the Satara district of Maharashtra, at an elevation of approximately 1,337 metres above sea level.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The source is traditionally associated with the Krishnabai Temple, which stands near the origin area.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Course and Length<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Krishna travels eastward from the Western Ghats across the Deccan Plateau, receives major tributaries along its course and forms a fertile delta before entering the Bay of Bengal. The river is approximately 1,400 kilometres long. Its course can be understood through three broad stretches:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Upper course<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The river begins near Mahabaleshwar and flows through the western part of Maharashtra, receiving water from tributaries such as the Koyna and other streams draining the Western Ghats.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Middle course:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Krishna continues through Maharashtra and Karnataka, where the Ghataprabha, Malaprabha and Bhima river systems contribute substantially to its flow. Reservoirs and irrigation projects regulate much of the river\u2019s water.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lower course<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The river flows through the Telangana\u2013Andhra Pradesh region, receives the Tungabhadra, Musi and other tributaries, and passes through major water-resource projects before reaching the coastal plains of Andhra Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Basin and Statewise Distribution<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Krishna River Basin covers approximately 258,948 square kilometres across four states, linking the Western Ghats, the Deccan Plateau and the coastal delta through one interconnected drainage system.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The basin occupies nearly 8% of India\u2019s geographical area, according to the Krishna River Management Board.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It includes humid uplands in the west, semi-arid plateau regions inland and fertile alluvial areas near the river\u2019s mouth.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The basin\u2019s approximate statewise distribution is shown below.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<table style=\"width: 83.7584%\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 25.6785%\">\r\n<p><b>State<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 40.2923%\">\r\n<p><b>Approximate basin area<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 103.303%\">\r\n<p><b>Approximate share<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 25.6785%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Karnataka<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 40.2923%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">113,271 sq. km<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 103.303%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">43.7%<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 25.6785%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maharashtra<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 40.2923%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">69,425 sq. km<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 103.303%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">26.8%<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 25.6785%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Andhra Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 40.2923%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">46,587 sq. km<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 103.303%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">18.0%<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 25.6785%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Telangana<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 40.2923%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">29,665 sq. km<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 103.303%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">11.5%<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 25.6785%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Total<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 40.2923%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">258,948 sq. km<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 103.303%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">100%<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-31632 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/31173553\/KRISHNA-1.png\" alt=\"Krishna River System\" width=\"868\" height=\"647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/31173553\/KRISHNA-1.png 1452w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/31173553\/KRISHNA-1-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/31173553\/KRISHNA-1-890x664.png 890w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Tributaries<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Krishna River receives water from numerous tributaries draining the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/western-ghats\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Western Ghats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and Deccan Plateau, with the Bhima and Tungabhadra among its largest and most important tributary systems.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The basin\u2019s major tributaries carry monsoon runoff from different parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Their contributions are crucial for river flow, irrigation, reservoir storage and groundwater recharge.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Left-Bank Tributaries of the Krishna River<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following rivers are important left-bank tributaries or tributary systems joining the Krishna River, including major rivers draining the northern and eastern parts of its basin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bhima River (861 km)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: One of the largest tributaries of the Krishna River, originating near Bhimashankar in Maharashtra.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Musi River (265 km):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Originates in the Ananthagiri Hills of Telangana, flows through Hyderabad and joins the Krishna near Wadapally.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Munneru River (195 km)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Drains parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh before joining the Krishna near the Muktyala region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Paleru River (152 km)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A tributary in the middle and lower Krishna drainage system that contributes runoff from the plateau.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dindi River (178 km)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Drains parts of Telangana and joins the Krishna drainage system.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right-Bank Tributaries of the Krishna River<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following rivers are important right-bank tributaries of the Krishna River, draining parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka before joining the main river or its tributary network.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ghataprabha River (283 km)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Rises in the Western Ghats and flows through Karnataka before joining the Krishna.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Malaprabha River (304 km)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Originates in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and joins the Krishna near the Kudalasangama region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Panchganga River (74 km)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Drains parts of western Maharashtra and joins the Krishna near the Narsobawadi\u2013Kurundwad region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dudhganga River (103 km)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Drains the Kolhapur region and joins the Krishna system in Maharashtra.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Koyna River (118 km):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Originates near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra and joins the Krishna near Karad.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tungabhadra River (531 km<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">): Formed by the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in Karnataka; it joins the Krishna near the Alampur region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31635 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/10\/31180007\/Krishna-2.png\" alt=\"Krishna River System\" width=\"711\" height=\"540\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Important Dams and Irrigation Projects<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dams, barrages and irrigation projects regulate the Krishna\u2019s seasonal flows, support electricity generation and provide water for agriculture, cities and industries across the basin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"width: 95.1897%\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><b>Dam or project<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><b>River<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><b>State<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><b>Main purpose<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Koyna Dam<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Koyna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maharashtra<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hydropower generation and reservoir storage.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dhom Dam<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maharashtra<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irrigation and regional water supply.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Almatti Dam (Lal Bahadur Shastri Dam)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Karnataka<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major irrigation and hydropower project associated with the Upper Krishna Project.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Narayanpur Dam (Basava Sagar)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Karnataka<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irrigation and regulated water releases.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tungabhadra Dam<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tungabhadra<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Karnataka<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irrigation, hydropower and water supply.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Srisailam Dam<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Andhra Pradesh \u2013 Telangana region<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hydropower, irrigation support and water regulation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nagarjuna Sagar Dam<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Telangana \u2013 Andhra Pradesh region<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major irrigation and hydropower project.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Priyadarshini Jurala Project<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Telangana<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hydropower and irrigation-related water management.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pulichintala Project<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Andhra Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Water regulation, irrigation support and balancing flows downstream.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.9459%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prakasam Barrage<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3206%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0421%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Andhra Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.8798%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Diverts river water into the Krishna Delta canal system for irrigation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Important Waterfalls<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Waterfalls across the Krishna basin and its tributaries reflect the region\u2019s steep Western Ghats terrain, seasonal rainfall and rocky river valleys, attracting visitors and supporting local tourism.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Gokak Falls - Ghataprabha River, Karnataka<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Gokak Falls is formed where the Ghataprabha River drops over a rocky cliff near Gokak in Belagavi district. It is known for its gorge, historic bridge and early hydroelectricity development.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ethipothala Falls - Andhra Pradesh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Ethipothala Falls is a scenic cascade in the Nagarjuna Sagar region, commonly associated with the Chandravanka stream system in the Krishna basin. It is a well-known regional tourism site.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kapila Theertham - Andhra Pradesh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Located near Tirupati, Kapila Theertham is a seasonal waterfall associated with the Tirumala foothills. It is a nearby regional attraction but should not be described as a waterfall on the main Krishna channel.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Major Protected Areas<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The report lists the following protected areas within the Krishna River Basin, highlighting their role in conserving forests, grasslands, wetlands and wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Nagarjunasagar\u2013Srisailam Tiger Reserve<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Protects extensive forest habitats and wildlife in the Nallamala Hills region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Known for grassland habitats and conservation of the Great Indian Bustard.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Conserves forest ecosystems and diverse wildlife in Karnataka.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Protects bird habitats associated with the Ghataprabha River and nearby wetlands.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Conserves Western Ghats forests and their rich biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Established to protect the endangered Great Indian Bustard and its grassland habitat.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kudremukh National Park:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Protects montane forests, grasslands and headwater ecosystems in Karnataka.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Protects forest and lake <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/ecosystem\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ecosystems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in Telangana.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kolleru Lake:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Kolleru Lake is an important freshwater wetland situated between the Krishna and Godavari river deltas in Andhra Pradesh. It was designated as a Ramsar Site in 2002. The Krishna River does not feed the lake directly.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Cultural and Religious Significance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Krishna River holds deep religious and cultural importance across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, connecting pilgrimage centres, historic settlements, festivals and regional traditions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The source region is associated with the Krishnabai Temple and local traditions connected with the river\u2019s origin.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Pandharpur, Maharashtra<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Located on the Bhima River, a major tributary, Pandharpur is an important pilgrimage centre associated with Lord Vithoba.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Srisailam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple complex is an important religious destination in the Krishna valley.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hampi, Karnataka<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Situated on the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is associated with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/vijayanagara-empire\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vijayanagara Empire<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and its celebrated temple architecture.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Alampur, Telangana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Navabrahma temples reflect the region\u2019s religious and architectural heritage near the Tungabhadra\u2013Krishna confluence area.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Kanaka Durga Temple and the riverfront are important cultural landmarks.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Krishna Pushkaralu<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This festival, observed once every 12 years according to the traditional calendar, attracts pilgrims to river bathing sites.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Importance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Krishna River is vital to peninsular India because it supports agriculture, drinking-water supplies, hydropower generation, industries, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">biodiversity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and cultural traditions across its extensive river basin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Agricultural Importance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Krishna River is a major source of irrigation in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Its waters support the cultivation of crops such as rice, sugarcane, cotton, maize, jowar and pulses.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major irrigation projects and canal networks help sustain agricultural production, rural livelihoods and food security across the basin.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Drinking Water Supply<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The river and its tributaries provide water to numerous towns, cities and rural settlements.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reservoirs and water-supply schemes support domestic consumption in urban centres and villages across the basin.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The river is particularly important in regions where rainfall is seasonal, and groundwater resources are under pressure.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hydroelectric Power Generation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Krishna River system contributes to electricity generation through major dams and hydropower projects.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Structures such as the Srisailam Dam and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam support hydropower production alongside irrigation and water storage.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These projects contribute to regional energy supplies, although their operation requires balancing electricity generation with downstream water needs.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Industrial Development:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Reliable water supplies from the Krishna and its tributaries support industries located throughout the basin.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Water is required for manufacturing, food processing, sugar production and other industrial activities. However, industrial development also increases pressure on river water resources and makes effective wastewater treatment essential.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ecological Importance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Krishna River Basin contains diverse ecosystems, ranging from Western Ghats forests and freshwater streams to reservoirs, wetlands, riparian habitats and coastal <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/mangroves\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">mangroves<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These environments support fish, birds, reptiles and mammals. The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly important for conserving mangrove habitats and estuarine biodiversity near the river\u2019s delta.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Economic Importance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The river contributes to the regional economy by supporting agriculture, fisheries, industries and tourism.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irrigation infrastructure improves agricultural productivity, while reservoirs create opportunities for fisheries and recreation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">River-dependent activities also generate employment and sustain communities throughout the basin.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Major Challenges<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Krishna River faces growing pressure from pollution, over-extraction, drought, reservoir sedimentation, altered river flows and competing demands among basin states for limited water resources.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Water pollution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Untreated sewage, industrial effluents, urban waste and agricultural runoff affect the main river and several tributaries.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 2024 basin report identifies concerns around urban stretches, including Wai, Sangli, the Bhima near Pandharpur, the Musi around Hyderabad and parts of the Tungabhadra system.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These findings reflect the report\u2019s assessment and historical sources; they should not be interpreted as a complete statement of present-day water quality.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Excessive water withdrawal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Agriculture, urban water supply, and industry compete for river water, particularly during dry months. Large irrigation networks and reservoir operations can reduce downstream flows when inflows are low.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Drought and rainfall variability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The basin contains semi-arid and drought-prone areas. Weak monsoons and long dry spells can affect reservoirs, crop production, drinking-water availability and livelihoods.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Reservoir sedimentation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Soil erosion and sediment accumulation reduce the effective storage capacity of reservoirs over time. Sedimentation is a concern for reservoirs such as Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, although the rate varies by reservoir and assessment period.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Changes to natural river flows<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Dams, barrages and diversions alter the timing and volume of downstream flows. Reduced flows can affect aquatic habitats, sediment transport, river connectivity and the ecological condition of downstream stretches.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Inter-state water-sharing disputes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh depend on the Krishna and its tributaries for multiple uses.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal framework and the Krishna River Management Board are important to allocation and project management, but long-term coordination remains essential.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Degradation of habitats: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Encroachment on floodplains, loss of riverbank vegetation, sand mining and damage to wetlands can increase erosion and weaken habitats for fish, birds and other wildlife.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Impact of Climate Change:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Climate change threatens the Krishna basin through uncertain monsoons, prolonged droughts, intense floods and increased evaporation.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These changes may intensify water scarcity, raise irrigation demand, reduce agricultural productivity and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reduced sediment supply, altered freshwater inflows and coastal pressures may further threaten the Krishna delta\u2019s wetlands and agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River Conservation Efforts<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Government action for the Krishna River focuses on pollution abatement, basin assessment, water conservation, regulated water sharing and improvements in wastewater and catchment management.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National River Conservation Plan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) supports state governments and local bodies in implementing pollution-abatement works on identified polluted river stretches, excluding the Ganga and its tributaries.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its interventions can include sewage interception and diversion, sewage-treatment plants, sanitation infrastructure and other measures to reduce pollution loads.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Condition Assessment and Management Plan:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Ministry of Jal Shakti\u2019s river-management work includes a Condition Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) covering six river basins, including the Krishna.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The programme is intended to strengthen understanding of river condition and support evidence-based restoration and management.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The government\u2019s 2025 year-end update reported progress on the CAMP project during that year.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Krishna River Management Board<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) was constituted under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. It has a role in the administration, regulation, maintenance and operation of notified projects, helping manage water-resource arrangements involving Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Jal Shakti Abhiyan <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">-<\/span><b> Catch the Rain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This nationwide initiative promotes rainwater harvesting, water-body restoration, groundwater recharge, afforestation and public participation.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its catchment-level measures are relevant to water-stressed parts of the Krishna basin, where conserving rainfall can reduce pressure on rivers and reservoirs.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tank and lake restoration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Initiatives such as Mission Kakatiya in Telangana aim to restore tanks and traditional water bodies.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Such interventions can improve local storage and groundwater recharge when supported by sound catchment management and maintenance.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Pollution monitoring and enforcement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards monitor river water quality and regulate pollution sources under applicable environmental laws.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Current restoration priorities include improving sewage collection and treatment, enforcing industrial discharge standards and checking whether pollution-abatement measures produce measurable water-quality improvements.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Krishna River UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Consider the following statements:<\/span><b> (UPSC Prelims 2023)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How many of the statements given above are correct?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) Only one<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) Only two<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) All three<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) None<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?<\/span><b> (UPSC Prelims 2016)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) Godavari and Krishna<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) Mahanadi and Sone<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) Narmada and Tapti\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (b)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Krishna River System originates in Maharashtra, flows through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh into the Bay of Bengal; essential for irrigation and power.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":14554,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,24],"tags":[1484,40,620],"class_list":["post-14547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-geography-notes","tag-krishna-river-system","tag-quest","tag-upsc-geography-notes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14547"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14547\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31650,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14547\/revisions\/31650"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}