Betwa River

Source: NDTV

Context: The Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh is drying up due to illegal sand mining, deforestation, and over-extraction through borings.

About Betwa River:

• Origin:

• The Betwa River originates from Jhiri village in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh. It rises at an elevation of 470 metres in the Vindhya Range.

• States Flow Through:

• Flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, covering districts like Bhopal, Vidisha, Orchha, and Hamirpur. The river travels 590 kilometres before meeting the Yamuna.

• Flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, covering districts like Bhopal, Vidisha, Orchha, and Hamirpur.

• The river travels 590 kilometres before meeting the Yamuna.

• Tributaries of Betwa:

• Major tributaries: Halali and Dhasan rivers.

• Halali River is the longest tributary, measuring 32 kilometres in length.

• The basin includes 14 tributaries, with 11 entirely in Madhya Pradesh and 3 partially shared with Uttar Pradesh.

• Betwa is a Tributary of: The Betwa River is a right-bank tributary of the Yamuna River, meeting it near Hamirpur in Uttar Pradesh.

• Causes of River Betwa’s Slow Death: Illegal Sand Mining: Rampant sand extraction from the riverbed has disrupted natural water flow and damaged the river’s ecological balance. Deforestation in Catchment Areas: Unchecked cutting of forests around the river’s origin has reduced natural water recharge and soil retention. Excessive Groundwater Borings: Over-extraction of water through illegal borewells has depleted the river’s natural sources and blocked surface flow. Encroachment and Concrete Construction: Cement walls and construction near the river’s origin have choked the natural channels, affecting the river’s ability to replenish itself.

• Illegal Sand Mining: Rampant sand extraction from the riverbed has disrupted natural water flow and damaged the river’s ecological balance.

• Deforestation in Catchment Areas: Unchecked cutting of forests around the river’s origin has reduced natural water recharge and soil retention.

• Excessive Groundwater Borings: Over-extraction of water through illegal borewells has depleted the river’s natural sources and blocked surface flow.

• Encroachment and Concrete Construction: Cement walls and construction near the river’s origin have choked the natural channels, affecting the river’s ability to replenish itself.