GK: This Is The Only River In India That Flows Westwards. Do You Recall Which One?

The rivers of India flow eastwards and meet the Bay of Bengal. The Narmada River is an exception; it flows westwards and meets the Arabian Sea. It is the only major river in the country that flows from east to west. What is the geological mystery? Most of the Indian peninsula slopes towards the east. This is why rivers like the Godavari and Krishna flow eastwards. However, the main reason the Narmada River flows westwards is that it flows through a rift valley.

This valley was formed due to the subsidence of the land between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. These rifts were formed due to the bending of the northern peninsula during the formation of the Himalayas. Since these valleys slope towards the west, the river flows in that direction. This particular geographical reason is applicable only to the Narmada and its parallel Tapti River.

The Narmada River originates in the Amarkantak Hills of the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, located at the junction of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. Originating from this holy place, the river flows for a total distance of 1,312 km. It passes through deep valleys, rocky terrain, and dense forests. The three important states through which the river flows are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

It passes a long distance in Madhya Pradesh and touches the border of Maharashtra before entering Gujarat. Finally, it joins the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambat near Bharuch. The rivers flowing westwards also include smaller rivers like Tapti, Mahi, Sabarmati, and Luni. Narmada is not only a geological wonder but also one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism. It is revered as the goddess of the river. The river is mentioned in the Puranas. Devotees believe that bathing in it washes away sins. The Narmada River is also called the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It provides water for drinking, agriculture, and industrial needs.

Major projects like the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Indira Sagar Dam have been built on it. The surrounding land is used for growing crops like wheat, cotton, and sugarcane. The flow of the Narmada River has also created many beautiful natural landscapes. At Bheraghat near Jabalpur, the river flows through the high marble rocks. Many tourists come here to see the smoky waterfalls. The valley is also recognised as an important geological region for its discovery of ancient fossils and stone tools related to human life at that time.