The Subansiri River in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh has recently risen to an unusually high and forceful level, despite no rainfall being reported in the area. The unusual rise has caused concern among local residents.
The Subansiri is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River and is a right-bank tributary. It originates in Tibet and flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before joining the Brahmaputra.
The river is classified as both a trans-Himalayan and an antecedent river. An antecedent river is one that existed before the uplift of the Himalayas and maintained its course as the mountains rose, cutting through the rising mountain ranges.
The Subansiri is also known as the “Gold River” because gold dust is found in its waters.
The river originates in the Tibetan Plateau, where it is formed by the confluence of three small streams—Lokong Chu, Chayal Chu, and Tsari Chu.
From its source, the Subansiri flows eastward through Tibet for about 170 km. It subsequently turns towards the south and enters India near Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh.
After entering Arunachal Pradesh, the river flows generally east and southeast through the Miri Hills. During this journey, it cuts through the mountainous terrain, forming deep gorges and contributing to the rugged landscape of the Eastern Himalayas.
The river covers approximately 250 km in the Eastern Himalayas before descending into the Assam Valley at Dulangmukh in Dhemaji district.
Once it reaches the plains of Assam, its character changes considerably. The river slows down and meanders through the plains for about 86 km. During this stretch, it passes near Majuli, recognised as the world’s largest river island, before finally joining the Brahmaputra River at Jamurighat in Lakhimpur district of Assam.
The Subansiri has a total length of approximately 442 km and drains a basin of around 32,000 sq. km. Because of its considerable length and basin size, it constitutes an important component of the Brahmaputra river system.
The river receives water from two major sources. Its Tibetan headwaters are fed by snowmelt, while the river also receives substantial water from the intense southwest monsoon precipitation occurring over the Himalayan foothills.
The monsoon contribution is particularly important during June to September, when heavy precipitation can significantly increase the river's discharge.
The Subansiri River system is fed by several tributaries. Important tributaries include Laro, Nye, Yume, Tsari, Kamla, Jiyadhol, Ranganadi and Dikrong.
The Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project is a 2,000 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric project being constructed on the Subansiri River.
The project is located at Gerukamukh, along the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam border. Once completed, it is expected to become the single largest hydroelectric power plant in India.
The Subansiri is particularly significant because it links the Tibetan Plateau, Eastern Himalayas and Assam Valley within a single river system. Its course demonstrates the characteristics of an antecedent Himalayan river, while its snowmelt- and monsoon-fed flow makes it an important river for understanding the hydrology of the Eastern Himalayas and Brahmaputra basin.
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
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