Bhima River

Source: TOI

Subject: Mapping

Context: Karnataka has urged the Centre/Central Water Commission (CWC) to intervene, alleging excess and unauthorised use of Bhima river water by Maharashtra, contrary to agreed allocations.

About Bhima River:

• What it is?

• The Bhima River is a major perennial river of western and southern India and a key tributary of the Krishna River. It is also locally known as the Chandrabhaga River, especially near Pandharpur.

• The Bhima River is a major perennial river of western and southern India and a key tributary of the Krishna River.

• It is also locally known as the Chandrabhaga River, especially near Pandharpur.

• Origin:

• Originates near the Bhimashankar hills in the Western Ghats (Sahyadris), close to the Bhimashankar Temple in Pune district, Maharashtra.

• States it flows through:

• Flows southeast for about 861 km through Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana before joining the Krishna River.

• Bhima as a tributary of:

• Krishna River, at the Karnataka–Telangana border, about 24 km north of Raichur. Notably, at the confluence, Bhima is longer than the Krishna.

• Krishna River, at the Karnataka–Telangana border, about 24 km north of Raichur.

• Notably, at the confluence, Bhima is longer than the Krishna.

• Major tributaries of Bhima:

• Left bank: Sina, Nira, Ghod, Vel Right bank: Indrayani, Mula–Mutha, Pavana, Man, Bhogavati Important tributaries also include Kagna (Karnataka) and Bori rivers.

• Left bank: Sina, Nira, Ghod, Vel

• Right bank: Indrayani, Mula–Mutha, Pavana, Man, Bhogavati

• Important tributaries also include Kagna (Karnataka) and Bori rivers.

• Other key features:

• Drainage basin: ~70,614 sq km; about 75% lies in Maharashtra. Hydrology: Highly monsoon-dependent—flood-prone during rains and near-stagnant in summer. Agriculture: Supports irrigated crops like sugarcane, and rainfed crops such as jowar, bajra and oilseeds. Socio-cultural significance: Hosts major religious sites including Pandharpur (Vitthal Temple) and Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.

• Drainage basin: ~70,614 sq km; about 75% lies in Maharashtra.

• Hydrology: Highly monsoon-dependent—flood-prone during rains and near-stagnant in summer.

• Agriculture: Supports irrigated crops like sugarcane, and rainfed crops such as jowar, bajra and oilseeds.

• Socio-cultural significance: Hosts major religious sites including Pandharpur (Vitthal Temple) and Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.