Mahi River

In the Padra taluka of Gujarat's Vadodara, a portion of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge collapsed recently, killing 11 people and causing other vehicles to plunge into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River

About Mahi River

The Mahi River is one of the major west-flowing interstate rivers in India, and it plays a crucial role in the geography, economy, and ecosystem of the states through which it flows through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Key Facts about the Mahi River:

• Name: Mahi River is also known as Mahisagar, which reflects the vastness of its course and basin.

  Course of the River:

  • The river originates from the northern slopes of the Vindhya Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh at an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level.

  • It then flows in a southerly direction through Madhya Pradesh for about 120 km.

  • The river enters Rajasthan, where it flows through the Vagad region and the Banswara district.

  • Before entering Gujarat, the river takes a U-shaped loop in Rajasthan.

  • Finally, it empties into the Arabian Sea via a wide estuary near Khambat, in Gujarat.

  Total Length: The river has a total length of 583 km.

  Drainage Area: The river's drainage basin spans about 34,842 sq.km, covering parts of three states.

  Geographical Boundaries:

  • North and Northwest: Aravalli Hills

  • East: Malwa Plateau

  • South: Vindhya Range

  • West: Gulf of Khambhat (where the river meets the sea)

  Significance:

  • The silt brought by the Mahi River has contributed to the thinning of the Gulf of Khambhat, historically impacting the port cities along its coast.

  • The river's silt deposits were once rich, but now the ports have diminished due to the shallowing of the Gulf, which has changed the region's maritime trade dynamics.

• Tributaries: The river is fed by several key tributaries, including Eru, Nori, Chap, Som, Jakham, Moran, Anas, Panam, and Bhadar. These contribute to the river's water volume and its role in the local hydrological system.

• Dam: The Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam is one of the important dams constructed on the Mahi River. It plays a crucial role in water supply, irrigation, and power generation in the region.

Challenges :

• Geographical Challenges: The riverbed of the Mahi River lies considerably lower than the surrounding land levels, making the riverbed less useful for irrigation in certain areas. Despite this, it remains significant for the regional water supply and other uses.

• Flooding and Infrastructure: The Mahi River is prone to flooding and strong currents. Infrastructure built near rivers, especially bridges, needs to be constantly monitored and maintained to ensure safety during periods of high water levels or heavy rainfall.

• Environmental Issues: The sediment load carried by the river has had a lasting impact on the Gulf of Khambhat, contributing to the silting of the once-rich port area, affecting regional economies dependent on maritime trade.