Mahi River – Origin, Tributaries, Dams and Basin

Mahi River

The Mahi River is an important river in western India. It starts in the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh and flows for about 583 kilometers through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat before reaching the Arabian Sea. What’s fascinating about the Mahi River is that it crosses the Tropic of Cancer twice, which makes it unique.

The area around the river, known as its basin, is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, making it a valuable ecological treasure. The Mahi River is also essential for the people who live near it. They use its water for farming, fishing, and daily life. Because of its history, culture, and ecological importance, the Mahi River is a topic of great interest and study in India.

Mahi River Origin

The Mahi River starts in the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh, India. It begins near a place called Mhow. This area is high up, about 500 meters above sea level, and has lots of forests and hills. The river flows northward from here, getting bigger as it goes and picking up water from smaller streams. The place where the Mahi River starts is beautiful and natural. The river then enters Rajasthan and later flows through Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The exact location of its origin is at a place with coordinates 22° 35′ N and 74° 58′ E near Minda Village.

Related Topics to River

Mahi River Length

The Mahi River, stretching over a distance of 583 kilometers, begins its journey in the Mahi Kanta hills. Its source can be traced to the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountain range, close to the village of Bhopawar in the Sardarpur tehsil of the Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh, India. From its origin, the river meanders through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, before finally emptying into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea.

Mahi River Tributaries

The Mahi River is joined by many smaller rivers, which are known as tributaries. Some of these include the Som, Anas, Panam, and Jakham rivers. These tributaries merge into the Mahi River from various directions, increasing its water volume. These smaller rivers are significant because they make the Mahi River larger and help it carry more water as it flows towards the sea. Additionally, they provide water to the regions they pass through, which is beneficial for farming and the environment.

The main tributaries of the Mahi River are:

1. Eru Riverh
2. Nori River
3. Chap River
4. Som River
5. Jakham River
6. Moran River
7. Anas River
8. Panam River
9. Bhadar River

Mahi River Map

Mahi River System

The Mahi River System is a network of the Mahi River and its smaller connecting streams. It starts in the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh, India, and then flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat. The length of Mahi river is about 583 kilometers long and ends in the Arabian Sea.

Along the way, the Mahi River gets water from different small rivers, called tributaries. Some important tributaries are the Som, the Anas, the Panam, and the Jakham. These tributaries help the Mahi River grow bigger and carry more water.

The river system is important for many reasons. It gives water for farming, which helps grow crops. People also use the water for their homes and for fishing.

Dams on Mahi River

The Mahi River is host to several dams that fulfill a variety of purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, water supply, and irrigation. Among the noteworthy dams along the Mahi River are:

1. Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam: Situated approximately 16 kilometers from Banswara town in Banswara district, Rajasthan, India, the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam stands as the second-largest dam in the state. It was meticulously constructed over the period of 1972 to 1983 with the primary objectives of hydroelectric power generation and supplying water.
2. Kadana Dam: Nestled in the villages of Kadana in Mahisagar district, Gujarat, India, the Kadana Dam is an earth and masonry dam that was skillfully built between 1979 and 1989. Its multifaceted purpose encompasses irrigation, hydropower generation, and safeguarding against floods.
3. Wanakbori Dam (Weir): Located in proximity to Wanakbori village, this dam primarily caters to the water supply needs of the Wanakbori thermal power station. The station, equipped with eight units, is responsible for electricity production.
4. Mahi Major Irrigation Project JI00897: This ambitious project revolves around the construction of two dams, specifically the Mahi main dam and the Mahi subsidiary dam, near the village of Labriya in Vikarabad district, Telangana, India. The primary aim of the main dam is to facilitate irrigation.

These dams assume pivotal roles in both the local economy and environment, as they provide a vital water source for agriculture, industrial processes, and domestic consumption in the region.

Mahi River Basin

The Mahi River Basin is the area of land where all the water flows into the Mahi River. It covers parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat in India. The Mahi River basin encompasses regions in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, covering a total land area of 34,842 square kilometers. It is bordered by the Aravalli hills to the north and northwest, the Malwa Plateau to the east, the Vindhyas to the south, and the Gulf of Khambhat to the west. This river traverses approximately 538 kilometers across these states before ultimately merging into the Gulf of Khambhat. Notably, the basin boasts a substantial width of around 250 kilometers.