Daily News Analysis

Krishna River

stylish_lining

The Krishna River basin is currently facing a flood-like situation as continuous heavy rainfall in the region has led to rising water levels, creating widespread concern.

About the Krishna River

The Krishna River is one of India's longest and most significant rivers, spanning across the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Key Facts:

  • Length: The river has a total course of about 1,290 km (800 miles).
  • Source: It originates from the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.
  • Mouth: The river drains into the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi, Andhra Pradesh, on the eastern coast of India.
  • Basin Area: The Krishna River Basin covers an area of 258,948 sq. km, which is nearly 8% of India's total geographical area.

Geography and Tributaries:

  • The river flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • The Krishna River Basin is bordered by:
    • Balaghat Range to the north,
    • Eastern Ghats to the south and east,
    • Western Ghats to the west.
  • Major tributaries of the Krishna River include:
    • Ghataprabha
    • Malaprabha
    • Bhima
    • Tungabhadra
    • Musi

Flood Situation in Krishna River Basin

Due to continuous heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Krishna River, the water levels are rising, triggering floods in various parts of the river basin. As a result, there has been widespread damage, especially in the lower reaches of the river and areas near reservoirs such as Almatti and Nagarjuna Sagar.

Key Impacts:

  • Rising Water Levels: The incessant rainfall has swollen the river, leading to overflowing in certain regions, which could cause flooding of low-lying areas.
  • Increased Pressure on Dams: Reservoirs like Almatti and Nagarjuna Sagar are facing high water inflows, and there is a risk of dam overflows and discharge of excess water downstream.
  • Flooded Areas: The flood situation has affected agriculture, livelihoods, and infrastructure in regions along the river, especially in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana areas.

Management and Response

  • Flood Warning Systems: The Indian government and state authorities have issued flood warnings and are working to manage the excess water released from dams to minimize damage.
  • Relief Operations: Relief teams and emergency services have been deployed in flood-affected areas to assist residents, provide food and shelter, and carry out evacuations where necessary.
  • Monitoring of River Levels: The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and other relevant authorities are actively monitoring the water levels, ensuring coordination between the states for water release and flood control measures.

Conclusion

The current flood situation in the Krishna River Basin highlights the vulnerability of this important watercourse to extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and flash floods. While the region has a robust system of dams and reservoirs, the increased frequency of climate change-induced extreme weather events presents ongoing challenges to flood management.

Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from one culture by members of another, often in ways that exploit, disrespect, or commodify the original culture. This becomes particular
Share It

GIAHS Programme and India’s Agricultural Heritage

India, home to diverse agricultural systems, has recently gained recognition for hosting three Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). This milestone was highlighted by the Minis
Share It

Made in India Label Scheme

The Made in India Label Scheme has recently been supported by a proposed allocation of INR 995 crores over the next three years, a move that highlights the Indian government’s commitment to
Share It

RBI’s 7 Sutras for AI Adoption

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently introduced the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI), outlining 7 guiding sutras for the ethical use of
Share It

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

India’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has seen notable progress, marked by a dramatic reduction in insurgent incidents and a significant contraction of the Red Corridor. The insurg
Share It

Didayi Tribe

The Didayi Tribe in Odisha has made headlines with Champa Raspeda, a student from the tribe, becoming the first member to clear the NEET 2025 exam. About the Didayi Tribe Location: Th
Share It

INS Aridhaman

India is set to significantly strengthen its strategic defence capabilities with the upcoming induction of INS Aridhaman, the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in its fleet.
Share It

Fast Track Special Courts Scheme

The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme, which was introduced by the Ministry of Law & Justice under the Nirbhaya Fund, is an initiative aimed at expediting the trial of rape and child se
Share It

Elephant Conservation in India

World Elephant Day: A Global Conservation Effort On 12th August 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) observed World Elephant Day in Coimbatore, with a focu
Share It

Flash Flood in Dharali Village

The flash flood in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, highlights the growing threat of disasters caused by extreme weather events in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Factors Driving Frequent Disast
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS