Rivers play a crucial role in shaping the geography and sustaining life across regions. One such significant river in Southern India is the Tungabhadra River, renowned for its historical and ecological importance.
Overview of the Tungabhadra River
The Tungabhadra River, originating from the Western Ghats in Karnataka, flows eastward through the Deccan Plateau, eventually merging with the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. Known for its historical significance, the river passes through the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire’s erstwhile capital, Hampi. Its tributaries play a pivotal role in the overall hydrological system of the region.
Haridra River
- Location and Origin: The Haridra River is a crucial tributary of the Tungabhadra, originating in the hilly terrains of the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
- Contribution to Tungabhadra: Flowing southeastward, the Haridra River joins the Tungabhadra, augmenting its flow and contributing significantly to the river’s water volume.
- Ecological Significance: The Haridra River brings along rich biodiversity, sustaining various flora and fauna along its course. This tributary’s waters also support agriculture in the adjacent regions.
Bhadra River
- Origin and Path: The Bhadra River, another significant tributary, has its source in the Western Ghats near Chikmagalur in Karnataka. It meanders through diverse landscapes before merging with the Tungabhadra.
- Impact on Tungabhadra’s Flow: The Bhadra River contributes substantial water to the Tungabhadra, especially during the monsoon season, enhancing the overall water availability in the downstream areas.
- Irrigation and Agriculture: Apart from its hydrological significance, the Bhadra River supports extensive irrigation activities in the regions it traverses, fostering agricultural practices.
Hagari River
- Geographical Overview: The Hagari River, originating in the Bellary district of Karnataka, serves as a vital tributary to the Tungabhadra.
- Role in Water Recharge: As the Hagari River converges with the Tungabhadra, it brings sediments and nutrients, replenishing the riverbed and maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
- Human Settlements Along Hagari: Several human settlements have developed along the banks of the Hagari River, relying on its waters for various domestic and agricultural purposes.
Handri River
- Origin and Path: The Handri River, originating in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, joins the Tungabhadra downstream, near Kurnool.
- Transformation into a Canal: In a unique engineering feat, the Handri River has been transformed into the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) canal, diverting its waters for irrigation and drinking purposes in the arid regions of Rayalaseema.
- Impact on Tungabhadra’s Delta: The altered flow of the Handri River affects the deltaic regions of the Tungabhadra, influencing the distribution of sediments and nutrients.
Table: Key Data on Tungabhadra River Tributaries
| Tributary | Origin | Significance |
| Haridra River | Western Ghats, Karnataka | Augments Tungabhadra’s water volume |
| Bhadra River | Chikmagalur, Karnataka | Enhances Tungabhadra’s flow, supports agriculture |
| Hagari River | Bellary district, Karnataka | Recharges Tungabhadra’s riverbed |
| Handri River | Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh | Transformed into HNSS canal, alters deltaic regions |
The tributaries of the Tungabhadra River weave a narrative of ecological interdependence, influencing the socio-economic fabric of the regions they traverse.
