The Chambal River, historically known as Charmanvati, is a prominent tributary of the Yamuna River. Located in Central India, it forms a critical part of the greater Gangetic drainage system. Renowned for its clear waters, it is regarded as one of the cleanest rivers in India.
This perennial river originates from Janapav, situated south of Mhow Town near Indore, in the Vindhya Mountain Range of Madhya Pradesh. The Chambal flows north-northeast through Madhya Pradesh, briefly traverses Rajasthan, and eventually forms a boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh before flowing southeast to merge with the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. The total length of the river is approximately 1,024 kilometers.
The drainage basin of the Chambal is bordered by the Vindhyan mountain ranges to the south, east, and west, while the Aravalli range marks the northwestern boundary. The river and its tributaries primarily drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh. Its notable tributary, the Banas, originates in the Aravalli Range and drains southeastern Rajasthan.
The main tributaries of the Chambal include:
Major dams constructed on the Chambal include:
Established in 1979, the National Chambal Sanctuary spans 5,400 sq.km. across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. It is vital for conserving the critically endangered Gharial crocodile, various turtle species, and a wide range of fish. The sanctuary is also recognized as a significant birdwatching site, home to over 300 bird species, including the endangered Indian Skimmer.
Recent efforts to reclaim degraded land from the Chambal ravines have raised concerns regarding ecological risks, particularly related to erosion and flooding. Ravines, characterized by steep sides and narrow valleys, often result from stream bank erosion, posing threats to both people and local biodiversity. These slopes can reach gradients of 20% to 70%, making the area susceptible to further environmental degradation.
Q1. What are the main tributaries of the Chambal River?
Answer: The main tributaries of the Chambal River include the Banas, Mej, Parbati, Kali Sindh, and Shipra rivers, contributing significantly to its flow and ecological diversity.
Q2. Why is the National Chambal Sanctuary important?
Answer: The National Chambal Sanctuary is crucial for protecting the critically endangered Gharial crocodile and supports diverse wildlife, making it an important ecological site.
Q3. What ecological risks are associated with Chambal ravines?
Answer: Chambal ravines face ecological risks from erosion and flooding, which threaten local biodiversity and human settlements, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Q4. How long is the Chambal River?
Answer: The Chambal River stretches approximately 1,024 kilometers, making it one of the longest rivers in Central India.
Q5. What are the major dams on the Chambal River?
Answer: Major dams on the Chambal River include Gandhi Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, and Kota Barrage, which play essential roles in water management and irrigation.
Question 1: Which river is a tributary of the Yamuna River?
A) Chambal River
B) Ganges River
C) Godavari River
D) Brahmaputra River
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Where does the Chambal River originate?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Gujarat
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the significance of the National Chambal Sanctuary?
A) It protects the Indian Skimmer
B) It is a major tourist attraction
C) It is a hotspot for fisheries
D) It safeguards the Gharial crocodile
Correct Answer: D
Question 4: What is a primary ecological risk associated with Chambal ravines?
A) Deforestation
B) Soil erosion
C) Urbanization
D) Overfishing
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a tributary of the Chambal River?
A) Banas
B) Shipra
C) Yamuna
D) Kali Sindh
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: How long is the Chambal River?
A) 500 kilometers
B) 750 kilometers
C) 1,024 kilometers
D) 1,500 kilometers
Correct Answer: C
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