The Yamuna River is the largest tributary of the Ganges (Ganga) River.
The Yamuna River: Lifeline of the Indo-Gangetic Plain
The Yamuna River, also known as Jamuna, holds significant importance as the longest and second-largest tributary river by discharge of the Ganges River. Its journey begins from the Yamunotri Glacier, located at an elevation of 6,387 meters (20,955 ft) on the southwestern slopes of the Bandarpoonch peak in the Lower Himalayas, within the Uttarakhand state of India.
Flowing for approximately 1,376 kilometers (855 miles), the Yamuna traverses several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. It eventually merges with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. This confluence is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and marks a sacred union of two of India's most significant rivers.
Key Characteristics of the Yamuna River
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Largest Tributary | Yamuna River |
| Origin | Yamunotri Glacier, Bandarpoonch Peak, Uttarakhand |
| Length | Approximately 1,376 km (855 miles) |
| Confluence | Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (with the Ganges) |
Major Tributaries of the Yamuna
The Yamuna River is fed by several significant tributaries along its extensive course, which contribute substantially to its volume and flow, especially during the monsoon season. These include:
- Chambal River: One of the longest and most notable tributaries, known for its deep ravines and clean waters, joining the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh.
- Betwa River: An important river originating in the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh and flowing northeast through Uttar Pradesh.
- Ken River: This tributary originates in Madhya Pradesh and eventually meets the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh.
- Hindon River: A rain-fed river primarily flowing through the Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar districts of Uttar Pradesh, joining the Yamuna near Delhi.
- Sin River: (Often referred to as Sind River) Another tributary that contributes to the Yamuna's flow.
These tributaries are crucial for the Yamuna's ecosystem, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water resources for agricultural and urban needs across its vast basin.
Ecological and Cultural Significance
The Yamuna River is more than just a geographical feature; it is a vital lifeline for millions. Its basin is one of the most densely populated regions in the world, supporting extensive agricultural lands and major urban centers, including the Indian capital, Delhi. The river holds profound cultural and religious significance in Hinduism, being associated with numerous legends and deities. Due to urbanization and industrialization, the river faces significant pollution challenges, prompting ongoing conservation and rejuvenation efforts.
[[Ganges Tributaries]]
