{"id":14547,"date":"2026-01-04T11:01:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T05:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=14547"},"modified":"2026-01-07T13:06:57","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T07:36:57","slug":"krishna-river-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/krishna-river-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Krishna River System, Tributaries, Origin, Length"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Krishna River System<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Krishna River System Origin<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Krishna River System Tributaries<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Krishna River System Tributaries<\/b><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Tributary Name<\/strong><\/td>\r\nDescription<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
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Panchganga River<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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    \r\n\t
  • Formed by the confluence of five rivers (Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri, and Koyna)<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Flows for 105 km before joining the Krishna River near Karad<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Supports irrigation and hydroelectric projects.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
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Koyna River<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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    \r\n\t
  • Originates in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra; flows for 130 km before merging with the Krishna River<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Home to Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Koyna Dam, a major hydroelectric power station.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
\r\n

Bhima River<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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    \r\n\t
  • A major left-bank tributary<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Originates near Bhimashankar in Maharashtra<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Flows for 725 km before joining the Krishna River near Raichur, Karnataka<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Crucial for irrigation and hydropower.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
\r\n

Tungabhadra River<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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    \r\n\t
  • A major right-bank tributary<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Originates in Karnataka near Kudligi<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Flows for 531 km before meeting the Krishna River in Telangana<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Known for historical significance and temples along its course.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
\r\n

Ghataprabha River<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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    \r\n\t
  • Originates in the Western Ghats near Gokak, Karnataka<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Flows for 283 km before merging with the Krishna River near Almatti<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Known for scenic beauty, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
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Dudhganga River<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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    \r\n\t
  • Originates in the Sahyadri Range, Maharashtra<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Flows for 50 km before joining the Krishna River near Karad<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Supports irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
\r\n

Malaprabha River<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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    \r\n\t
  • Originates near Khanapur, Karnataka<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Flows for 304 km before meeting the Krishna River at Kudalasangama<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Supports agriculture and electricity generation<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Known for historical sites.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
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Musi River<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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