The Tungabhadra River is a prominent river in southern India, formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers at Koodli, near Shivamogga in Karnataka. It flows for approximately 531 kilometers before merging with the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh.
The Tungabhadra River originates in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, where two rivers, the Tunga and Bhadra, converge. The Tunga River originates near Bhimgad, while the Bhadra River begins at Gangamoola near Kudremukha in the Western Ghats. These two rivers meet at Koodli, a town in Shimoga district of Karnataka, to form the Tungabhadra River.
The Tungabhadra River flows through two states in India: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It originates in Karnataka, where the Tunga and Bhadra rivers converge, and flows for a significant distance before entering Andhra Pradesh, where it merges with the Krishna River.
After the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers near Shimoga, the Tungabhadra River flows for approximately 531 kilometers (330 miles) before it merges with the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
The old name of the Tungabhadra River is Pampa. This name highlights the river's ancient significance and is mentioned in Hindu mythology, particularly in the Ramayana. Additionally, the river is sometimes referred to as Tunga-Bhadra, derived from the names of its two origin streams, Tunga and Bhadra.
Several cities and towns are located along the Tungabhadra River, making it an important geographical feature in the region. Some of the prominent cities and towns along its course include:
Hospet
Hampi
Koppal
Bellary
The Tungabhadra River is also home to some beautiful waterfalls, including:
Hampi Waterfalls
Tungabhadra Dam Waterfalls
The river is fed by several important tributaries, which contribute to its flow. Some of the major tributaries include:
Tunga River
Bhadra River
Varada River
Hagari River
Numerous dams and reservoirs have been constructed along the river to harness its potential for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and water supply.
Tungabhadra Dam: Located near Hospet in Karnataka, it has a reservoir capacity of 64.229 TMC and supports irrigation across vast agricultural lands.
Other dams include:
Tunga Anicut Dam
Bhadra Dam
Hemavathy Dam
The river has a catchment area of 69,552 sq. km (26,856 sq. miles), with 28,177 sq. km (10,880 sq. miles) contributing to the Tungabhadra Dam.
The Tungabhadra is a perennial river, but its flow dwindles during summer due to reduced rainfall. It is predominantly influenced by the South-West monsoon.
The river supports diverse flora and fauna, making it an essential ecological hotspot in South India. Efforts are ongoing to preserve its rich biodiversity against threats like pollution and habitat destruction.
The Tungabhadra River is a lifeline for agriculture, irrigating fertile lands that grow crops such as:
Rice
Sugarcane
Cotton
The hydroelectric projects on the river, including the Tungabhadra Dam, generate renewable energy and drive industrial development in the region.
The river faces several challenges, including:
Pollution: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage.
Climate Change: Erratic rainfall patterns and reduced water flow.
Government Programs: Implementing stricter pollution controls and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Community Participation: Local communities actively engage in clean-up drives and conservation efforts.
The Tungabhadra River is a major river in the southern part of the Indian peninsula.
It is a significant tributary of the Krishna River.
The river is formed by the confluence of two rivers: Tunga and Bhadra.
Tunga River originates from the Western Ghats near Bhimgad in Karnataka.
Bhadra River originates from the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka.
The two rivers meet near Koodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, forming the Tungabhadra River.
The river flows northwest and eventually joins the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
The total length of the Tungabhadra River is 531 kilometers (330 miles).
The river has a catchment area of about 28,000 square kilometers.
It flows through the Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Major tributaries of the Tungabhadra include Varada River and Hagari (Vedathy) River.
The river is supported by various dams, including the Tunga Anicut Dam, Bhadra Dam, Hemavathy Dam, and the Tungabhadra Dam.
The river holds cultural and religious significance in Hinduism, often referred to as Pampa in ancient texts like the Ramayana.
The Tungabhadra River was formerly known as the Varada River.
During the reign of the Vijayanagar Empire, the river was a crucial source of water for the empire, with its capital, Hampi, located on its banks.
The Virupaksha Temple, a prominent pilgrimage site, is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
The river's course primarily flows through the southern part of the Deccan Plateau.
The Tungabhadra has a monsoonal regimen, with high water levels during the summer due to rain.
The river ultimately joins the Krishna River, which flows towards the Bay of Bengal.
The river is 531 km (330 miles) long.
It flows through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
The river was historically known as Pampa.
The dam supports irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water supply for millions.
It merges with the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
The Tungabhadra River is a significant river in southern India, originating from the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers. It flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and is a major tributary of the Krishna River.
The Tunga and Bhadra rivers meet at Koodli, near the town of Shimoga in Karnataka. This confluence forms the Tungabhadra River.
The Tungabhadra River originates from the merger of two rivers: Tunga and Bhadra, both of which arise from the Western Ghats mountain range in Karnataka.
The Tungabhadra River stretches approximately 531 kilometers in length.
The river flows primarily through the state of Karnataka and then enters Andhra Pradesh before joining the Krishna River.
The Tungabhadra River joins the Krishna River at Kudal Sangam, located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka.
Key tributaries of the Tungabhadra include the Tunga and Bhadra rivers, which merge to form it.
The Tungabhadra Dam, located near Hospet in Karnataka, is an important reservoir for irrigation, water supply, and electricity generation in the region.
The river is vital for agricultural irrigation in southern India, particularly in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It also holds cultural and historical significance in the region.
The river starts at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in Koodli, flows through Karnataka, enters Andhra Pradesh, and eventually merges with the Krishna River.
The river starts at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in Koodli, flows through Karnataka, enters Andhra Pradesh, and eventually merges with the Krishna River.
The Tungabhadra River has played a significant role in the development of ancient kingdoms, particularly the Vijayanagara Empire, which flourished on its banks.
The Tungabhadra is one of the largest tributaries of the Krishna River, significantly contributing to its flow and helping sustain the river system.
The Tungabhadra River Basin covers parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, supporting a wide range of agricultural and ecological activities.
The Hampi ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located near the Tungabhadra River, showcasing the historical significance of the region.
The river, particularly through the Tungabhadra Dam, provides water for extensive irrigation in the region, supporting agriculture in the southern part of India.
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