Krishna River: Map, Origin, Course, Dams & Irrigation Projects

Krishna River is a major east flowing river in India, originating from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, and flowing through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before draining into the Bay of Bengal. Spanning about 1,400 km, it supports irrigation, hydropower, and agriculture across its basin. 

Key dams like Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, and Almatti regulate water for farming and electricity. Its tributaries, delta, and irrigation projects make it vital for regional development. The river also faces environmental challenges and inter-state water disputes, highlighting its economic and ecological significance.

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About Krishna River 

The Krishna River is an east flowing river in India. It begins in the Western Ghats and flows eastwards, draining into the Bay of Bengal. It plays a crucial role in irrigation, hydropower, and supporting ecosystems along its banks. The Krishna river system includes its main river, tributaries like Bhima, Tungabhadra, Musi, and Veena, forming a complex network supporting irrigation and hydropower

Krishna River Origin and Source

The Krishna River originates from Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. The river starts as a small stream and gathers volume from tributaries along its journey.

• Origin: Mahabaleshwar
• Initial Flow: South-east direction
• Importance: Provides water for agriculture and local communities in Maharashtra

Krishna River Course

The Krishna River course passes through four major states in India. It begins in Maharashtra, flows into Karnataka, touches Telangana, and finally enters Andhra Pradesh, forming a fertile delta before joining the Bay of Bengal.

Krishna River Basin

The Krishna river basin covers a vast area of 2,58,948 square kilometers. This is about 8% of India’s total geographical area. The basin extends across Maharashtra (69,425 sq km), Karnataka (113,271 sq km), and Andhra Pradesh/Telangana (76,252 sq km). 

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The basin’s geology includes Deccan Traps in the northwest and unclassified crystallines in the central part. The Western Ghats form its western boundary.

Krishna River Delta

The Krishna River delta is located in Andhra Pradesh where the river meets the Bay of Bengal. This delta is fertile and supports a large population with agriculture.

• Significance: Rice production, aquaculture
• Delta Area: Includes Krishna district, Guntur district
• Environmental Importance: Supports wetland ecosystems

Key Krishna River Tributaries

The Krishna River receives water from many tributaries. These rivers increase its flow and contribute to its drainage basin.

Krishna River Irrigation Projects

Many dams and projects are built on the Krishna River to manage water resources. Key Krishna river dams and projects include Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Srisailam Dam, Almatti Dam, Koyna Dam, and Prakasam Barrage.

• Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Krishna river: One of the world’s largest masonry dams, providing irrigation and drinking water.
• Srisailam Dam Krishna river: A multipurpose project for irrigation, power, and flood control.
• Almatti Dam Krishna river: A major hydroelectric project in Karnataka.
• Koyna Dam: Key for Maharashtra’s power supply.
• Prakasam Barrage: Located near Vijayawada, important for irrigation and flood control.

Economic Importance of Krishna River

The Krishna River plays a vital role in supporting the economy of southern India, especially in agriculture and energy production. Its waters sustain livelihoods across multiple states through irrigation, farming, and power generation.

• Supports large-scale irrigation systems, helping millions of farmers cultivate their fields.
• Enables the growth of major crops such as rice, sugarcane, cotton, and groundnut.
• Strengthens agricultural productivity in the Krishna delta, popularly known as the Rice Bowl of Andhra Pradesh.
• Hosts several major irrigation and multipurpose projects that ensure water availability throughout the year.
• Contributes to regional power supply through hydropower projects built on various Krishna River dams.

Krishna River Across Indian States

The Krishna River flows through multiple Indian states, playing a significant role in water supply, agriculture, and regional development.

• Maharashtra: Originates in Mahabaleshwar, main tributaries like Bhima and Panchganga join here
• Karnataka: Flows through northern districts; Almatti Dam regulates water
• Telangana: Provides water for irrigation; Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is a key structure
• Andhra Pradesh: Forms delta; supports agriculture and aquaculture

Other East Flowing Rivers of India

Krishna River is one of the east flowing rivers of India, along with Godavari, Mahanadi, and Kaveri. These rivers flow from the Western Ghats to the Bay of Bengal and are important for irrigation and electricity.

Krishna Water Dispute

The Krishna river dispute between basin states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh/Telangana is a long-standing issue, with tribunals set up to resolve inter-state water allocation. Tribunals are set up to resolve these complex inter-state disputes.

The Krishna River is not just a river but a lifeline for millions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Its dams and irrigation projects support agriculture, electricity, and water supply. Understanding the river, its tributaries, delta, and the Krishna water dispute helps students and citizens appreciate the importance of this major Indian river.

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