Introduction
Maharashtra is divided into five major river basins—Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, Tapi, and Western Flowing Rivers. These rivers are crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric projects in the state.
In the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam, questions on rivers, their origin, tributaries, and the districts they flow through are commonly asked under the Geography and Environment sections.
List of Major Rivers in Maharashtra & Their Districts
1. Godavari River – "Dakshin Ganga"
- Origin: Trimbakeshwar, Nashik District
- Length: 1,465 km (largest river in Maharashtra)
- Flowing Through Districts: Nashik, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli, Nanded
- Tributaries:
- Left: Pravara, Purna, Manjira
- Right: Darna, Kadva, Sindphana
🔹 Significance: Second-longest river in India after the Ganga, supports the Jayakwadi Dam.
2. Krishna River
- Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Satara District
- Length: 1,400 km
- Flowing Through Districts: Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Solapur
- Tributaries:
- Left: Koyna, Warna, Panchganga
- Right: Bhima, Ghataprabha
🔹 Significance: Major water source for Western Maharashtra, famous for Koyna Dam.
3. Bhima River (Tributary of Krishna)
- Origin: Bhimashankar, Pune District
- Length: 861 km
- Flowing Through Districts: Pune, Solapur, Ahmednagar, Osmanabad
- Tributaries: Mula, Mutha, Nira, Sina, Indrayani
🔹 Significance: Supplies water to Pune, Solapur, and Ahmednagar.
4. Tapi (Tapti) River
- Origin: Satpura Hills, Madhya Pradesh
- Length: 724 km
- Flowing Through Districts: Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon
- Tributaries: Girna, Purna, Panjhra
🔹 Significance: One of the few west-flowing rivers in India.
5. Narmada River
- Origin: Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
- Length: 1,312 km
- Flowing Through Districts: Border of Nandurbar District
- Tributaries: Tawa, Hiran
🔹 Significance: Known as the "Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat," flows along Maharashtra’s northern border.
6. Mula-Mutha River (Tributary of Bhima)
- Origin: Pune District (Mula and Mutha Rivers meet in Pune)
- Length: 200 km
- Flowing Through Districts: Pune, Ahmednagar
- Tributaries: Pavana, Ramnadi
🔹 Significance: Main river system in Pune city.
7. Purna River (Tributary of Tapti)
- Origin: Ajanta Hills, Aurangabad District
- Length: 373 km
- Flowing Through Districts: Jalgaon, Buldhana, Akola, Amravati
- Tributaries: Katepurna, Nirguna
🔹 Significance: Important for irrigation in Vidarbha.
8. Wardha River
- Origin: Satpura Hills, Madhya Pradesh
- Length: 528 km
- Flowing Through Districts: Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal, Chandrapur
- Tributaries: Penganga, Erai
🔹 Significance: Major river of eastern Maharashtra.
9. Wainganga River
- Origin: Mahadeo Hills, Madhya Pradesh
- Length: 579 km
- Flowing Through Districts: Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Nagpur
- Tributaries: Andhari, Kanhan
🔹 Significance: Supports Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
10. Panchganga River (Tributary of Krishna)
- Origin: Kolhapur District
- Length: 80 km
- Flowing Through Districts: Kolhapur, Sangli
- Tributaries: Kumbhi, Bhogavati
🔹 Significance: Major water source for Kolhapur.
Key Facts for MPSC Exam Preparation
- Longest river in Maharashtra? → Godavari River (1,465 km)
- West-flowing rivers in Maharashtra? → Tapi, Narmada, and many small coastal rivers
- Which river originates from Trimbakeshwar? → Godavari River
- What is the main tributary of the Krishna River in Maharashtra? → Koyna River
- Which river supplies drinking water to Pune? → Mula-Mutha River
- Which river flows through Nagpur? → Wainganga River
Final Thoughts
Maharashtra’s rivers are crucial for irrigation, drinking water, hydroelectricity, and biodiversity. Since MPSC frequently asks questions about rivers, their origins, and tributaries, revising them properly will help you score well in Geography and Environment sections.
Pro Tips for MPSC Preparation:
Got any doubts? Drop them in the comments below! Happy studying! 📚😊