Yamuna River System, Tributaries, Origin, Length, Map

The Yamuna River System is a vital component of the Ganga River System, one of the three major river basins in the Himalayan region. Flowing through the northern Indian subcontinent, the Yamuna and its multiple tributaries play a significant role in shaping the landscape and sustaining diverse ecosystems. Spanning over 1,300 kilometers, the Yamuna is a crucial river in India and a key tributary of the Ganga.

Yamuna River System Origin

The Yamuna River System originates from the Yamunotri Glacier, located near Bandarpoonch Peak in the Mussoorie range of the Lower Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of approximately 6,387 meters in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, this glacier marks the source of the Yamuna, one of India’s most significant rivers.

• Source: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand (Lower Himalayas)
• Elevation at Source: ~3,291 meters (10,800 feet)
• Initial Flow: Begins as a small glacial stream
• Tributaries Joining Early: Tons River, Giri River, Hanuman Ganga
• Course: Flows through Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
• Religious Significance: Sacred river in Hinduism; part of pilgrimage circuit
• Confluence: Joins the Ganga at Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh

Yamuna River System Map

The Yamuna River System Map presents a detailed visual representation of the Yamuna River, one of the major tributaries of the Ganga and a vital component of the northern Indian river network. The map highlights the river’s origin, course, major tributaries, states covered, and confluence points, offering valuable insights into its geographical and hydrological importance.

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Yamuna River System Tributaries

The Yamuna River spans a total length of 1,376 km, with a catchment area of approximately 69,000 sq km. Over time, the river, along with its tributaries, has shaped the landscape of its basin.

States through which Yamuna River Flows

The Yamuna River, one of the major tributaries of the Ganga, originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and flows through several northern states of India. It traverses Uttarakhand, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh before joining the Ganga at Prayagraj (Allahabad).

1. Uttarakhand 
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Uttar Pradesh
4. Haryana
5. Delhi

Cities located on the banks of Yamuna River

Several important cities and towns have developed along the banks of the Yamuna River due to its water resources and fertile plains. Key cities include Yamunotri, Paonta Sahib, Delhi, Mathura, Agra, and Allahabad (Prayagraj), which are significant for religion, culture, industry, and agriculture.

1. Noida 
2. Mathura
3. Agra
4. Firozabad
5. Etawah
6. Kalpi
7. Hamirpur
8. Prayagraj (Allahabad).

Economic Importance of the Yamuna River System

The Yamuna River System plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture, industry, fisheries, and inland navigation across northern India. It also boosts tourism and cultural activities, provides water for irrigation and hydropower, and contributes significantly to the regional economy.

• The Yamuna River supports irrigation across northern states like Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, enabling cultivation of wheat, rice, sugarcane, and other crops.
• Its fertile floodplains contribute significantly to the agricultural productivity of the Indo-Gangetic plains.
• The river provides water for industries in cities like Delhi, Mathura, Agra, and Yamunanagar, supporting textiles, chemicals, and paper production.
• It supports fisheries along its course, providing livelihoods for local communities and contributing to regional food supply.
• Navigable stretches of the Yamuna facilitate local transport and trade, connecting towns and smaller cities along its banks.
• Several hydroelectric and multipurpose projects on the Yamuna and its tributaries generate electricity, supply irrigation water, and help with flood management.
• The river’s ghats, pilgrimage sites, and cultural centers attract millions of tourists annually, boosting the economy through tourism and religious activities.
• Sand and gravel extracted from the Yamuna are used in construction, contributing to local economies.