Alaknanda River

Last updated

Alakanandā
Alaknanda devprayag.jpg
The sediment-laden Alaknanda river flowing into Devprayag, Uttarakhand.
HeadwatersGanges1.jpg
The Himalayan headwaters of the Ganges river in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The Alaknanda is the left bank tributary of the Ganges at Devprayag.
Location
Country India
State Uttarakhand
Region Garhwal division
District Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pauri Garhwal
Physical characteristics
SourceConfluence of Satopanth Glacier and Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier
 • location Uttarakhand
 • coordinates 30°47′03″N79°26′19″E / 30.7841°N 79.4385°E / 30.7841; 79.4385
 • elevation3,880 m (12,730 ft)
Mouth Ganges
 • location
 Devprayag, Uttarakhand, India
 • coordinates
 30°08′43″N78°35′52″E / 30.1453°N 78.5979°E / 30.1453; 78.5979
 • elevation
475 m (1,558 ft)
Length195 km (121 mi)
Basin size10,882 km2 (4,202 sq mi)
Discharge 
 • average439.36 m3/s (15,516 cu ft/s)
Basin features
Tributaries 
 • left Saraswati, Dhauliganga, Nandakini, Pindar
 • right Mandakini

The Alaknanda is a Himalayan river in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and one of the two headstreams of the Ganges, the major river of Northern India and a river considered holy in Hinduism. In hydrology, the Alaknanda is considered the source stream of the Ganges on account of its greater length and discharge; [1] while, in Hindu tradition and culture, the other headstream, the Bhagirathi, is considered the source stream.

Contents

Course

The Alaknanda rises at the confluence and foot of the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers in Uttarakhand. [2] [3] From its origin, it travels to the village of Mana, meets with the Saraswati River, a right bank tributary, and continues downstream through narrow valleys. It reaches the Badrinath valley, arrives at Hanumanchatti, and meets with the Ghrit Ganga, a right bank tributary. From Hanumanchatti, the river goes to Pandukeshwar and flows through wide valleys and steep terrains. At Vishnuprayag it meets Dhauliganga, a left bank tributary, and travels west to the town of Joshimath. From Joshimath, the Alaknanda crosses the Main Central Thrust near Helang. It then meets with Birahi Ganga, a left bank tributary at Birahi. The river reaches the town of Nandprayag and joins with the Nandakini River, a left bank tributary. At Karanprayag, the Pindar River, a left bank tributary, meets with the Alaknanda River. At Rudraprayag, it meets with the Mandakini River, a right bank tributary. As the Alaknanda flows past Rudraprayag, it enters a wide valley near Srinagar, Garhwal. At Devprayag the Alaknanda River converges with the Bhagirathi River and travels onward as the Ganges River. [4]

The Alaknanda contributes a significantly larger portion to the flow of the Ganges than the Bhagirathi. [4] The Alaknanda system drains parts of Chamoli, Tehri, and Pauri districts. [5]

Religious significance

In ancient Hindu texts, the Alaknanda river has been used synonymously with the Ganges river. In the Vishnu Purana, the Ganges river which surrounds the city of Brahma divides into four and one of rivers is called Alaknanda, which flows south to India. [6]

Five rivers merge with the Alaknanda and are referred to as prayag or 'holy confluence of rivers' and are places of pilgrimage in Hinduism. [7] These include Vishnuprayag, where the Alaknanda meets the Dhauliganga River, Nandaprayag, where it meets the Nandakini River, Karnaprayag, where it meets the Pindar River, Rudraprayag, where it meets the Mandakini River, and Devprayag, where it meets the Bhagirathi River and officially becomes the Ganges. [8]

The Alaknanda also flows through other important places of pilgrimage such as Badrinath and Joshimath. [7]

Recreation

The Alaknanda river is known for river rafting due to its high rafting grade. [9]

Dams

There are 37 hydroelectric dams in operation, under construction or planned to harness the energy of the Alaknanda river and its tributaries and generate electricity. [10]

#NameElectrical output capacity (MW)StatusDam height (m)Full reservoir level (MSL) (m)River bed level at dam site (MSL) (m)Head race tunnel length (km)Tail race tunnel length (m)Tail water level (MSL) (m)
1Badrinath1.25operational
2Tapovan0.8operational
3Tharali0.4operational
4Tilwara0.2operational
5Urgam3operational
6Vishnuprayag400operational1411.323
7Kaliganga-I4under construction
8Kaliganga-II6under construction
9Koti Bhel IB320under construction90521452.5230463.2
10Koti Bhel II530under construction82458.5401.4390411.1
11Madhamaheshwar10under construction
12Tapovan Vishnugad520under construction22803.55131267
13 Srinagar 330operational
14Singoli Bhatwari99under construction

There are 23 other proposed projects in the Alaknanda river basin through which the power-potential of the Alaknanda and its tributaries can be harnessed. The proposed 23 hydel-projects are as follows -

  1. Alaknanda (Badrinath) (300 MW)
  2. Bagoli (72 MW)
  3. Bowla Nandprayag (132 MW)
  4. Chuni Semi (60 MW)
  5. Deodi (60 MW)
  6. Devsari Dam (255 MW)
  7. Gaurikund (18.6 MW)
  8. Gohana Tal (60 MW)
  9. Jelam Tamak (60 MW)
  10. Karnaprayag (160 MW)
  11. Lakshmanganga (4.4 MW)
  12. Lata Tapovan (310 MW)
  13. Maleri Jelam (55 MW)
  14. Nandprayag Langasu (141 MW)
  15. Padli Dam (27 MW)
  16. Phata-Byung (10.8 MW)
  17. Rambara (24 MW)
  18. Rishiganga I (70 MW)
  19. Rishiganga II (35 MW)
  20. Tamak Lata (280 MW)
  21. Urgam II (3.8 MW)
  22. Utyasu Dam (860 MW)
  23. Vishnugad Pipalkoti (444 MW)

See also

Related Research Articles

Prayag is a historical name of the area near the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers in the modern-day city of Prayagraj in northern India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhagirathi River</span> River in Uttarakhand, India

The Bhāgīrathī is a turbulent Himalayan river in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, and one of the two headstreams of the Ganges, the major river of Northern India and the holy river of Hinduism. In the Hindu faith, history, and culture, the Bhagirathi is considered the source stream of the Ganges. However, in hydrology, the other headstream Alaknanda, is considered the source stream on account of its great length and discharge. The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda join at Devprayag in Garhwal and are thereafter known as the Ganges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chamoli district</span> District of Uttarakhand in India

Chamoli district is a district of the Uttarakhand state of India. It is bounded by the Tibet region to the north, and by the Uttarakhand districts of Pithoragarh and Bageshwar to the east, Almora to the south, Pauri Garhwal to the southwest, Rudraprayag to the west, and Uttarkashi to the northwest. The administrative headquarters of Chamoli district is in Gopeshwar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devprayag</span> Town in Uttarakhand, India

Devprayag is a town and a nagar panchayat, near New Tehri city in Tehri Garhwal District in the state of Uttarakhand, India, and is the final one of the Panch Prayag of Alaknanda River where Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi river and both rivers thereafter flow on as the Ganges river or Ganga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karnaprayag</span> Town in Uttarakhand, India

Karnaprayag is a town and municipal board in the Chamoli District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Karnaprayag is one of the Panch Prayag of Alaknanda River, situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rudraprayag</span> City in Uttarakhand, India

Rudraprayag is a city and a municipality in Rudraprayag district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayag of Alaknanda River, the point of confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Kedarnath, a Hindu holy city, is located 86 km from Rudraprayag. The man-eating leopard of Rudraprayag hunted and written about by Jim Corbett lived here.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhilangna River</span>

Bhilangna River is a Himalayan river in Uttarakhand, India, which is the major tributary of the Bhagirathi river, the source stream of the Ganges River of India. Bhilangana is a combination of Bhil and Ganga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dhauliganga River</span> River in Uttarakhand, India

The Dhauliganga is a turbulent Himalayan river which rises in the border regions of India and China and flows south into the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. It joins the Alaknanda, the major source stream of the Ganges river.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Highway 58 (India, old numbering)</span> Old numbering of road in India

This article is about the old number of Delhi-Meerut-Roorkee-Haridwar-Badrinath National Highway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panch Prayag</span> Five sacred river confluences in Uttarakhand, India

Panch Prayag is an expression in Hindu religious ethos, specifically used to connote the five sacred river confluences in the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The five prayags - prayaga meaning "place of confluence of rivers" in Sanskrit - also termed as "Prayag pentad" are Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag, in the descending flow sequence of their occurrence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vishnuprayag</span> Confluence of Indias Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers

Vishnuprayāg is the confluence of India's Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers—the first of five major confluences of the Alakanda known as the Panch Prayag. It is located at an elevation of 1,372 metres (4,501 ft) in the Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the "Devbhoomi" due to its religious significance and numerous Hindu temples and pilgrimage sites found throughout the state. As a result, religious tourism forms a major portion of the tourism in the state. Uttarakhand is known for the natural environment of the Himalayas. 2019 Tourist Arrivals Domestic – 40,000,000 per/year and Foreigner – 150,000 per year. Tourism business in Uttarakhand generated ₹ 23,000 crores during 2013–14.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saraswati River (Uttarakhand)</span> River in India

Saraswati River is a tributary of Alaknanda River flowing in Uttarakhand State, India. It joins Alaknanda River at Keshav Prayag, near Mana village, Badrinath. The confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi at Devprayag in the state of Uttarakhand, forms and flows as river Ganga or the Ganges from the point forward. A natural stone bridge, named Bhim Pul, lays across the flowing Saraswati river, making a passage towards Vasudhara falls and Satopanth Lake. Many locals believe that Bhim Pul is a rock bridge founded by Bhima of Mahabharatha, to help Draupadi cross the rivulet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raghunathji Temple, Devprayag</span> Hindu temple in Devprayag, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, India

Raghunathji Temple in Devprayag, a pilgrimage town in Tehri Garhwal district in Himalayas in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Vishnu. It is located 73 km from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway. Constructed in the Deula style, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Raghunathji (Rama) and his consort Lakshmi as Sita.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhartekunta</span> Mountain in Uttarakhand, India

Bhartekunta is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India.The elevation of Bhartekunta is 6,578 metres (21,581 ft) and its prominence is 280 metres (919 ft). It is 69th highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies between Kirti Stambh and Kedarnath (mountain). Its nearest higher neighbor Kedarnath (mountain) 6,940 metres (22,769 ft) lies 3 km ESE. It is located 2.3 km SE of Kirti Stambh 6,279 metres (20,600 ft) and 6.9 km north lies Meru Peak 6,660 metres (21,850 ft).

Sakram is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India. It's situated on the eastern rim of Nanda Devi Sanctuary on the watershed of Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi basin. The elevation of Sakram is 6,254 metres (20,518 ft) and its prominence is 134 metres (440 ft). It is 129th highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 1.2 km SSW of Lohar Deo 6,267 metres (20,561 ft) its nearest higher neighbor and 3.3 km SSE of Deo Damla 6,620 metres (21,719 ft). Kalanka 6,931 metres (22,740 ft) lies 11.9 km NNW and 8.7 km SW lies Nanda Devi 7,816 metres (25,643 ft).

Mangraon is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India. It is situated in the eastern rim of Nanda Devi Sanctuary on the watershed of Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi basin. The elevation of Mangraon is 6,568 metres (21,549 ft) and its prominence is 563 metres (1,847 ft). It is joint 71st highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 1.8 km SSE of Deo Damla 6,568 metres (21,549 ft) its nearest higher neighbor. Rishi Pahar 6,992 metres (22,940 ft) lies 6.5 km North and it is 11.8 km NNE of Nanda Devi 7,816 metres (25,643 ft). It lies 9.5 km north of Lhatu Dhura 6,387 metres (20,955 ft).

Lhatu Dhura is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the eastern rim of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, on the watershed of the Milam Glacier and the Nanda Devi basin. The elevation of Lhatu Dhura is 6,392 metres (20,971 ft) and its prominence is 229 metres (751 ft). It is joint 103rd highest mountain located entirely within Uttrakhand. It lies 4.6 km south of Sakram 6,254 metres (20,518 ft). Its nearest higher neighbor Nanda Devi East lies 4.5 km to the south west, and Deo Damla lies 7.7 km to the north; it is 6.1 km east-north-east of Nanda Devi, and 9.5 km south of Mangraon.

Lohar Deo is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the eastern rim of Nanda Devi Sanctuary on the watershed of Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi basin. The elevation of Lohar Deo is 6,245 metres (20,489 ft) and its prominence is 222 metres (728 ft). It is joint 133rd highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. Lohar Deo situated between Sakram in the south west and Bamchu on the north west. It lies 1.2 km NNE of Sakram 6,254 metres (20,518 ft). Its nearest higher neighbor Deo Damla 6,620 metres (21,719 ft) lies 2.6 km NW. Bamchu 6,303 metres (20,679 ft) lies 1.8 km NW and it is 9.9 km NE of Nanda Devi 7,816 metres (25,643 ft). It lies 11.6 km SE of Kalanka 6,931 metres (22,740 ft).

Durpata is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India. It is situated in the Kamet range. The elevation of Durpata is 6,468 metres (21,220 ft) and its prominence is 638 metres (2,093 ft). It is 93rd highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 3.8 km east of Gauri Parbat 6,708 metres (22,008 ft) its nearest higher neighbor. Hathi Parbat 6,727 metres (22,070 ft) lies 4.8 km SW and it is 5.1 km SSE of Rataban 6,166 metres (20,230 ft). It lies 11.7 km SSE of Nilgiri Parbat 6,474 metres (21,240 ft).

References

  1. ↑ Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p.  65.
  2. ↑ "eUttaranchal". 10 December 2015.
  3. ↑ In Hindu culture "The Story of Ganga : The River Goddess". 25 January 2010.
  4. 1 2 Singh, Sandeep (2018), Singh, Dhruv Sen (ed.), "Alakhnanda–Bhagirathi River System", The Indian Rivers: Scientific and Socio-economic Aspects, Springer Hydrogeology, Singapore: Springer, pp. 107–108, doi:10.1007/978-981-10-2984-4_8, ISBN   978-981-10-2983-7 , retrieved 13 April 2022
  5. ↑ Singh Negi, Sharad (1995). Uttarakhand: Land and People, page 6. MD Publications Pvt Ltd. ISBN   81-85880-73-5.
  6. ↑ Dalal, Roshen (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books India. p. 19.
  7. 1 2 Sati, Vishwambhar Prasad (21 December 2013). Towards Sustainable Livelihoods and Ecosystems in Mountain Regions. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 95.
  8. ↑ Kapadia, Harish (2001). Trekking and Climbing in the Indian Himalaya, page 89. Stackpole Books. ISBN   0-8117-2953-2.
  9. ↑ "11 Top Destinations for River Rafting in India - Travel News India". travelnewsindia.com. 31 January 2017. Archived from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  10. ↑ Hydroelectric Projects on Alaknanda River Basin, by South Asia Network on Dams Rivers and People, www.sandrp.in
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.