Smallest River of Madhya Pradesh, Know Its Name and Distinctive Features

Madhya Pradesh, known for its rich natural beauty and diverse river systems, hosts several rivers of varying sizes. Among these, the Mahi River stands out as one of the smallest rivers in the state. Here’s a closer look at this minor yet significant waterway.

An Overview of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, meaning ‘central province,’ is a major state in central India. Bhopal serves as its capital, while Indore is the largest city. Other significant cities include Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain. It is the second-largest state by area and the fifth by population, with over 72 million residents. The state is bordered by Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

Significant Rivers of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh features several significant rivers, including the Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Godavari, Kali Sindh, Chambal, Dhasan, Ken, Kuno, Shipra, Parvati, and Betwa. The Narmada, Tapi, and Mahi rivers flow westward, while the remaining rivers ultimately join the Ganges Basin. These rivers play a crucial role in the state’s water resources and support its diverse ecosystems.

Smallest River of Madhya Pradesh

The smallest river in Madhya Pradesh is the Mahi River. Although not the tiniest in terms of length, it is notable for its unique features, such as crossing the Tropic of Cancer twice. Originating in the Vindhya Range, the Mahi River stretches over 583 kilometers, flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, before emptying into the Arabian Sea. Its significance lies in its ecological and economic contributions.

Origin and Course of Mahi River

The Mahi River originates in the Vindhya Range near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. Starting at an elevation of about 500 meters, it travels northward, gathering water from various smaller streams. The river flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea. The exact origin coordinates are 22° 35′ N and 74° 58′ E, near Minda Village.

Length and Tributaries of Mahi River, Madhya Pradesh’s Smallest River

Stretching approximately 583 kilometers, the Mahi River meanders through the three states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It is joined by several tributaries, including:

• Eru River
• Nori River
• Chap River
• Som River
• Jakham River
• Moran River
• Anas River
• Panam River
• Bhadar River

These tributaries enhance the river’s water volume and support agriculture and local ecosystems.

Mahi River Basin

The Mahi River Basin covers an area of 34,842 square kilometers across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It is bordered by the Aravalli hills, the Malwa Plateau, and the Vindhya Range. The basin plays a critical role in regional agriculture and water management.

Major Dams on the Smallest River of Madhya Pradesh, Mahi River

Several important dams are situated along the Mahi River:

• Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam: Located near Banswara, Rajasthan, this dam is vital for hydroelectric power and water supply.
• Kadana Dam: Found in Gujarat, this dam is used for irrigation, hydropower, and flood control.
• Wanakbori Dam (Weir): This dam supports the Wanakbori thermal power station’s water needs.
• Mahi Major Irrigation Project JI00897: Located in Telangana, this project includes two dams designed for irrigation.