Meghna River: Left and Right Bank Tributaries | Dams, Map & Location for UPSC

The Meghna River is one of the major rivers in South Asia, flowing through the countries of Bangladesh and India. It is the largest river in Bangladesh, with a total length of approximately 940 kilometers. The river originates from the hills of the Indian state of Meghalaya and flows through the Sylhet division of Bangladesh before merging with the Brahmaputra River and the Ganges River to form the largest delta in the world, the Ganges Delta.

In this article, we will discuss the geographical, tributaries, dams, economic, and cultural significance of the Meghna River.

Geographical Features of Meghna River

Here are some of the geographical features of the Meghna River:

• The Meghna River is one of the major rivers in South Asia, flowing through Bangladesh and India.
• It originates in the hills of the Indian state of Meghalaya and flows through the Sylhet division of Bangladesh.
• The river is approximately 940 kilometers long and covers an area of 80,000 square kilometers.
• The Meghna River splits into two branches, the Meghna proper and the Padma, which joins the Brahmaputra River.
• The river has a width of about 4 kilometers near its mouth, which widens to approximately 12 kilometers near the Bay of Bengal.
• The major tributaries of the Meghna River include the Surma, Kushiyara, and Old Brahmaputra Rivers.
• The Surma River originates from the hills of Manipur, the Kushiyara River from the hills of Assam, and the Old Brahmaputra River from the Meghalaya hills.
• The Meghna River forms the eastern boundary of the Ganges Delta, which is the largest delta in the world.
• The river is an essential source of water for irrigation, fishery, and transportation in Bangladesh.
• The river basin provides water to more than 60% of the total land area of Bangladesh, contributing to the country’s agricultural production.
• The river also has significant fishery resources, supporting a large number of fishing communities in the region.
• The Meghna River is an important transportation route in Bangladesh, with several major ports located along its banks.
• The port of Chittagong, located near the mouth of the river, is the largest seaport in Bangladesh and handles more than 90% of the country’s international trade.
• The river is facing environmental challenges due to pollution from industrial and domestic waste and the construction of dams and barrages upstream.

Dams on the Meghna River

There are no major dams on the Meghna River. However, there are several small dams and barrages constructed on its major tributaries.

1. Kaptai Dam: The Kaptai Dam is located on the Karnaphuli River, which is a major tributary of the Meghna River. It is the largest hydroelectric dam in Bangladesh and provides about one-third of the country’s electricity. The dam was constructed in the early 1960s with the assistance of the United States.
2. Dhanmondi Dam: The Dhanmondi Dam is a small barrage located on the Buriganga River, which is another tributary of the Meghna River. It was constructed in the early 1960s to control flooding in Dhaka city.
3. Shurma Barrage: The Shurma Barrage is located on the Surma River, which is the largest tributary of the Meghna River. The barrage was constructed in the 1950s to regulate the flow of the river and to provide irrigation water for agriculture.
4. Kushiara Barrage: The Kushiara Barrage is located on the Kushiara River, which is also a major tributary of the Meghna River. The barrage was constructed in the 1960s to provide irrigation water for agriculture and to control flooding.

While these dams and barrages have provided benefits in terms of flood control, irrigation, and electricity generation, they have also caused environmental problems. The construction of dams and barrages has altered the natural flow of the rivers, leading to changes in the riverine ecosystem and the displacement of local communities.

The dams and barrages have also impacted the migration patterns of fish, affecting the livelihoods of fishermen who depend on the river for their livelihoods. The construction of these structures has also led to siltation, which has reduced the capacity of the rivers to carry water, leading to increased flooding in some areas.

Left and Right Bank Tributaries of Meghna River

Left Bank Tributaries

1. Surma River

• The Surma River is the largest left tributary of the Meghna River.
• It originates from the hills of Manipur in India and flows through northeastern Bangladesh before joining the Meghna River near Bhairab Bazar.
• The Surma River has a length of about 480 km and covers an area of about 23,870 square km.
• The river is an important source of water for irrigation, fishery, and transportation in Bangladesh.
• Several small hydroelectric power plants are also located on the Surma River.

2. Kushiyara River

• The Kushiyara River is another major left tributary of the Meghna River.
• It originates in the hills of Assam in India and flows through the Sylhet Division of Bangladesh before joining the Meghna River.
• The Kushiyara River has a length of about 204 km and covers an area of about 6,500 square km.
• The river is an important source of water for irrigation and fishery in Bangladesh.
• Several small hydroelectric power plants are also located on the Kushiyara River.

3. Old Brahmaputra River

• The Old Brahmaputra River is a left tributary of the Meghna River.
• It originates from the hills of Meghalaya in India and flows through the Sylhet Division of Bangladesh before joining the Meghna River.
• The Old Brahmaputra River has a length of about 186 km and covers an area of about 5,280 square km.
• The river is an important source of water for irrigation and fishery in Bangladesh.
• A small hydroelectric power plant is also located on the Old Brahmaputra River.

Right Bank Tributaries

1. Dhaleshwari River

• The Dhaleshwari River is a right tributary of the Meghna River.
• It originates from the hills of the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh and flows through the Manikganj and Dhaka districts before joining the Meghna River near Narayanganj.
• The Dhaleshwari River has a length of about 145 km and covers an area of about 4,200 square km.
• The river is an important source of water for irrigation and fishery in Bangladesh.

2. Shitalakshya River

• The Shitalakshya River is another right tributary of the Meghna River.
• It originates from the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh and flows through the Narayanganj and Munshiganj districts before joining the Meghna River near Bhairab Bazar.
• The Shitalakshya River has a length of about 120 km and covers an area of about 2,520 square km.
• The river is an important source of water for irrigation and fishery in Bangladesh.

Overall, these tributaries play a vital role in the water management and economy of Bangladesh. They contribute to the irrigation and fishery sectors, as well as the country’s hydropower generation. However, the construction of dams and barrages on these rivers has led to environmental problems, affecting the ecosystem and livelihoods of local communities.

Economic Significance

The Meghna River is a vital economic resource for the people of Bangladesh. It is an essential source of water for irrigation, fishery, and transportation. The river basin provides water to more than 60% of the total land area of Bangladesh, contributing to the country’s agricultural production. The fertile deltaic soil is ideal for rice cultivation, and the Meghna River is the primary source of irrigation water for the region’s farmers.

The river also has significant fishery resources, supporting a large number of fishing communities in the region. The fish caught in the river are a significant source of protein for the local population and are also exported to other countries.

Environmental Concerns

The Meghna River faces several environmental challenges, primarily due to pollution from industrial and domestic waste. The discharge of untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents has led to the degradation of water quality, affecting both the aquatic ecosystem and human health.

The construction of dams and barrages upstream has also reduced the river’s water flow, impacting agriculture, fisheries, and navigation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Meghna River is an essential component of the natural and economic landscape of Bangladesh. It is the country’s second-largest river and provides a vital source of water for irrigation, fishery, and transportation. The river and its tributaries also contribute to the country’s hydropower generation.

However, the Meghna River and its tributaries face numerous challenges, including pollution, siltation, and environmental degradation. Moreover, the construction of dams and barrages on the river has had significant environmental impacts, affecting the ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities. Thus, there is a need for sustainable and responsible management of the river, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

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