Q. The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?

  1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
  2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
  3. The land slopes to the west from Central India

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  • 1 only
  • 2 and 3
  • 1 and 3
  • None

Answer: (a) 1 only

Narmada
  • The river Narmada originates on the western flank of the Amarkantak plateau at a height of about 1,057m.
  • Unlike most of the peninsular rivers, Narmada and Tapi rivers flow to the west. 
  • Also unlike most of the peninsular rivers, Narmada is a perennial river and meanders through the rich plain of Bharuch district of Gujarat.
  • The river Narmada and Tapi flow through the rift valley, caused due to upheaval of the Himalayas, between the Satpura in the south and the Vindhyan range in the north.  Flowing in the rift valley it forms a picturesque gorge in marble rocks and Dhuandhar waterfall near Jabalpur.
    •  Statement 2 is factually correct however, is not the reason for the rivers to flow to the west.
  • The river covers a distance of approx. 1,312 km before it meets the Arabian Sea south of Bharuch, forming a broad 27km long estuary.
  • Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on the river Narmada.
  • The river is known as the ‘Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat‘.

Peninsular River

  • The Peninsular Drainage System is older than the Himalayan Drainage System.
  • The rivers like Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken, Son originate in the northern part of the peninsula and belong to the Ganga river system.
  • Other prominent rivers of the peninsular region are – Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
  • Common characteristics of peninsular rivers include – fixed course, absence of meanders, and non-perennial flow.