India has many rivers, but some are differently from others. While most rivers flow into sea, some vanish before reaching any large water body. One such river starts in Rajasthan and flows through dry lands before disappearing in Gujarat. This unique river plays an important role in the regions it passes through, providing water for farming and wildlife despite its unusual nature.
River that Originates in Rajasthan and Disappears in Gujarat
The Luni River is the largest river in the Thar Desert, located in northwest India. It starts in Rajasthan and disappears in Gujarat. The river originates from the Pushkar Valley in the Aravalli Range near Ajmer. It flows through the desert region of Rajasthan and finally ends in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The Luni River is an important source of water for the dry regions it passes through its water becomes salty in some parts.
Origin and Course of the Luni River
The Luni River starts in the Pushkar Valley, near Ajmer, Rajasthan. In the beginning, it is called the Sagarmati River. After meeting its tributary Saraswati, which comes from Pushkar Lake, the river is then called Luni. It flows in a southwest direction through Rajasthan, covering a distance of 495 km. The river finally disappears into the marshy lands of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat instead of reaching the sea.
Luni River Basin
The total area of the Luni River is 37,363 square kilometers. It covers parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The river flows through the districts of Ajmer, Barmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, Nagpur, Pali and Sirohi in Rajasthan. It also touches Banaskantha and Patna districts in Gujarat.
Tributaries of the Luni River
The main tributaries of the Luni River are:
Left Bank Tributaries:
- Sukri
- Mithri
- Bandi
- Khari
- Jawai
- Guhiya
- Sagi
Right-Bank Tributaries: Jojari
All tributaries except Jojari originate from the Aravalli Range.
Dams and Irrigation Projects
Several dams and irrigation projects have been built on the Luni River and its tributaries to store water and support agriculture. The major dams and irrigation projects are:
- Jaswant Sagar Dam
- Sardar Samand Dam
- Jawai Dam