Godavari River, Origin, Course, Basin, Tributaries

Godavari River, also called the Dakshin Ganga Godavari, is the longest river of peninsular India and one of the most important east flowing rivers of India. It originates at Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra, and travels about 1,465 km across the Deccan Plateau.

The river flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, forming a large delta before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari River system includes numerous tributaries, dams, and Godavari irrigation projects that support agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.

Its fertile delta, cultural significance, and ecological role make it vital for millions of people and diverse ecosystems across central and southern India.

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Godavari River Origin

The Godavari River originates at Brahmagiri Mountain, Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra. It is about 1,465 kilometers long. It drains India’s third-largest basin, covering 312,812 square kilometers. This Godavari River basin extends through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Smaller parts are in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry. The basin has black, red, and lateritic soils. The Godavari is called the Dakshin Ganga due to its size and importance.

Godavari River Map

Below is the map showing how the river flows from its source to the Bay of Bengal.

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Godavari River Course

Godavari River flows eastward across the Deccan Plateau. It turns southeast into Andhra Pradesh. Near Rajahmundry, it splits into two main streams: the Gautami Godavari and the Vashishta Godavari. These form a large delta before the Godavari River flows into the Bay of Bengal. The delta is rich with river deposits. Before the sea, the river forms seven mouths, collectively called Sapta Godavari.

The river basin divides into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower. The Upper section is from the source to the Manjira confluence. The Middle section is between the Manjira and Pranhita confluences. The Lower section is from the Pranahita confluence to the mouth.

Godavari River Length

The Godavari River length is about 1,465 km, making it one of the longest rivers in peninsular India. It is longer than many other rivers in the south.

Godavari River Tributaries

The Godavari River has many tributaries. Left-bank tributaries are more numerous and larger.

Right Bank Tributaries

These tributaries help drain the basin.

• Manjra River: Flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. It holds the Nizam Sagar reservoir. Its source is in the Balaghat range, near Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. It merges with the Godavari River at the Maharashtra-Telangana border.
• Pravara River: Located in Maharashtra. It originates on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

Left Bank Tributaries

These are generally larger and more numerous.

• Penganga: Originates in the Ajanta ranges, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra. It joins the Wardha River. The Wardha then merges with the Pranahita River, which flows into the Godavari.
• Wainganga: Originates in the Mahadeo Hills, Madhya Pradesh. It flows southward through Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It merges with the Wardha River to form the Pranahita.
• Wardha: Originates from the Satpura Range. It flows through Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It merges with the Wainganga River.
• Indravati: Originates from Thuamul Rampur, Odisha. It is vital for Odisha and Chhattisgarh. It joins the Godavari River at the tri-state junction of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.

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Godavari River System

This river system is large and complex. It includes the main river, many tributaries, and many dams or projects built across its path. This system gives water for irrigation, power, and other needs.

Godavari River in Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, the river flows swiftly across plains and hills. Many people worship the river here. The Godavari River source Trimbakeshwar Nashik marks the origin of this mighty river, making it an important pilgrimage and geographical point.

Godavari River in Telangana: The river enters Telangana next. Here it flows through broad valleys and helps farmers grow crops. It is also important for water storage and farming projects.

Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh: Finally, the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh reaches the coastal plains and forms the Godavari delta region. This area is rich in soil and perfect for growing rice and other crops.

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Godavari River Dams and Projects

Many projects use the Godavari River and its tributaries.

• Completed Projects: Godavari Canal Irrigation Project, Upper Penganga, Jayakwadi, Upper Wainganga, Upper Indravati, Upper Wardha.
• Ongoing Projects: Pranahita-Chevalla and Polavaram (Andhra Pradesh). The Polavaram project Godavari aims to divert water to the Krishna River.
• Godavari and Cauvery Interlinking Project: This project transfers unutilized water from the Godavari to the Cauvery River basin. It aims to provide irrigation facilities to thousands of hectares in Andhra Pradesh.
• Dams:
  • Gangapur Dam: Near Nashik, provides drinking water and supplies a thermal power station.
  • Jayakwadi Dam: One of India’s largest earthen dams near Paithan. It manages floods and addresses droughts in Marathwada.
  • Sriram Sagar Dam: Between Adilabad and Nizamabad districts. It supports irrigation and generates power.

Godavari River Dispute

• Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, formed in 1969, resolved inter-state water conflicts. Agreements were reached between Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
• The Tribunal established rules for water sharing among riparian states. These rules ensure equitable distribution and project implementation. For example, specific allocations were made for the Polavaram and Inchampally projects. These agreements are crucial for interstate cooperation.

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Godavari River Significance

The Godavari River has great importance:

• Agriculture: Supports crops like rice, cotton, and sugarcane. Fertile delta regions are known for rice.
• Water Supply: Provides drinking and industrial water to millions.
• Hydroelectric Power: Harnesses power from its flow.
• Ecology: Supports diverse ecosystems, including nesting sites for olive ridley sea turtles. The Coringa Mangrove Forests are also vital.
• Culture: A sacred river for Hinduism. It hosts the Pushkaram festival (Kumbh of the South).

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