Rio Grande River: Water Decline, Migration Hotspot, and Ecological Challenges

Context

The Annual Report, Conducted by American Rivers, classed the Rio Grande River as America’s ‘most endangered river.

• American Rivers focuses on protecting and promoting the health of rivers in the US.

Endangered Rio Grande River: Water Issues and Migration Hotspot

Endangered Rivers: The Rio Grande, along with the San Juan, Gila, and Pecos rivers flowing through the US state of New Mexico, is endangered due to the loss of clean water protections.

• The Rio Grande River is in decline as its waters have been diverted and overutilised by both the US and Mexico. 

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Hotspot of Migration: In recent years, the Rio Grande has become a hotspot of migration into the US from the rest of the Americas as well as around the world.

• Many migrants across South America cross the Darien Gap in Panama and travel through Mexico to arrive at the Mexican-American border on the Rio Grande.

Rio Grande River

The Rio Grande river is one of the longest rivers in North America, running around 1,900 miles (3,060 kilometres) from the Colorado Rockies southeast to the Gulf of Mexico. 

• Etymology: The river’s English and Spanish names mean, respectively, “large” and “rough.” 
• Bordering Countries: Rio Grande River forms the border between the United States state of Texas and Mexico and Mexico.
  • It provides fresh water for seven United States and Mexican states.
• River Course: The San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado are its sources, and the river flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Principal Tributaries:  Pecos, Devils, Chama, and Puerco rivers in the United States and the Conchos, Salado, and San Juan in Mexico. 

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