Nestled in the eastern part of India, Bihar boasts a rich tapestry of rivers, drawing life from the Himalayas in the north and the plateau in the south. Despite being landlocked, Bihar thrives on its abundant water resources, both on the surface and underground.
Bihar’s River Network:
| River Name | Origin | Confluence |
|---|---|---|
| Ganga | Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand | Joins the Bay of Bengal |
| Ghaghra/Saryu | Nampa, Nepal | Joins River Ganga at Chhapra |
| Gandak | Dhaulagiri, Tibet/Nepal | Joins River Ganga at Patna |
| Burhi Gandak | Someshwar Hills, Nepal | Joins River Ganga at Khagaria |
| Bagmati | Shivpuri Hills, Nepal | Joins River Kosi at Badlaghat |
| Kamla | Mahabharta Hills, Nepal | Joins River Bagmati near Janakpur |
| Mahananda | Sikkim | Joins River Ganga in Bangladesh |
| Son | Amarkantak Hills, Madhya Pradesh | Joins River Ganga at Maner |
| Kosi | Hanuman Nagar, Nepal | Joins River Ganga at Kursela |
| Punpun | Hazaribagh Plateau, Jharkhand | Joins River Ganga at Fatuha |
| Phalgu | Rohtas Plateau, Bihar | Joins River Ganga at Gaya |
| Karmanasa | Rohtas Plateau, Bihar | Joins River Ganga at Chausa |
Ganga:
The lifeline of Bihar, Ganga, courses into the state from Chausa, delineating the boundary between Bhojpur and Saran districts. Its tributaries, including Gandak, Bagmati, Kosi, Kali, Sone, Karmanasa, and Punpun, nourish the land. The iconic Mahatma Gandhi Setu, a part of National Highway 19, stands as a testament to the connectivity it provides.
Ghaghra/Saryu:
Flowing from Nampa, Nepal, Ghaghra/Saryu graces Bihar at Gopalgunj, merging gracefully with the Ganga at Chhapra. This river holds sacred significance for both Hindus and Buddhists alike.
Gandak:
Originating near Dhaulagiri in Tibet, Gandak meanders southward, delineating the border between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It traverses through West Champaran, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Gopalgunj, Siwan, Saran, and Vaishali districts, contributing to their prosperity.
Burhi Gandak:
Running parallel to Gandak, Burhi Gandak emerges from the Someshwar Hills, enriching the lands of West Champaran, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and Begusarai before converging with the Ganga at Khagaria.
Bagmati:
With its source in the Shivpuri range of hills, Bagmati graces Bihar at Shorwatia village, Sitamarhi. It traverses Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Samastipur districts, perennially feeding the region’s vitality. Lalbakeya and Lakhendei are among its esteemed tributaries, culminating in its meeting with the Kosi River at Badlaghat.
Kamla:
Originating near Sindhuliagarhi in Nepal, Kamla enters Bihar at Jainagar, Madhubani district. The Kamala Barrage, a testament to human ingenuity, stands near Jainagar, harnessing its flow for the region’s benefit.
Mahananda:
Flowing from Sikkim, Mahananda enters Bihar at Purnia, marking an essential linguistic boundary between Bengali and Hindi-speaking regions. Its tributaries, Balason, Ratwa, and Kankai, contribute to its grandeur before it merges with the Ganga in Nawabgunj district, Bangladesh.
Son:
Embracing its journey from the Amarkantak Hills in Madhya Pradesh, Son merges with the Ganga at Maner, receiving homage from tributaries like Rihand and North Koel. Infrastructure like the Dehri Anicut and Indrapuri Barrage stands testament to human efforts to tame its might.
Kosi:
Known as the ‘sorrow of Bihar,’ Kosi’s entry from Hanuman Nagar in Nepal marks both challenge and opportunity. Its convergence with the Ganga near Kursela in Katihar district epitomizes the state’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Punpun:
Originating from Hazaribagh Plateau, Punpun enriches the Ganga at Fatuha, traversing through districts like Chatra, Aurangabad, Gaya, and Patna. Its tributaries, including Dordha, Butane, Madar, and Morhar, contribute to its vitality, entwining it with local legends and lore.
Phalgu:
Also known as Niranjana, Phalgu holds deep spiritual significance for Hindus and Buddhists. Its tributary, Mohane, adds to its sacred aura, where rituals like pindadan seek spiritual solace.
Karmanasa:
Originating from the Rohtas Plateau, Karmanasa merges with the Ganga near Chausa, marking the border between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Tributaries like Durgavati, Chandraprabha, Karunuti, Nadi, and Khajuri enrich its journey, echoing the harmony of nature.