Journey of a River

Where I Begin, Where I Flow

• The Godavari River begins in the Western Ghats at Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra).
• As it flows, small rivers (tributaries) like Manjira, Sabari, and Indravati join it.
• It travels about 1,465 km before reaching the Bay of Bengal, making it India’s second-longest river.
• Known as Dakshina Ganga, it is sacred and holds cultural and religious importance.

Components of Environment

• Natural Environment → Land, water, air, plants, animals.
• Human-made Environment → Parks, buildings, roads, industries, monuments.
• Human Environment → People, families, communities, religion, education, politics.

The Life I Hold

• Godavari is a perennial river, meaning it flows throughout the year.
• It passes through forests rich in wildlife like tigers, barking deer, golden gecko, and red sandalwood.
• At its mouth, it forms a delta where freshwater meets the salty sea.
• The Coringa Mangroves at the delta are rich ecosystems that support biodiversity.

The Many Ways I Support Lives

• Rivers provide drinking water, irrigation, and household needs to people.
• They support farming, fishing, industries, and transport.
• Many towns and villages are built along rivers for easy access to water.
• Rivers also support livelihoods like agriculture, pottery, and trade.

Dams — Storing My Water, Changing My Flow

• India has built 900+ dams on rivers like the Godavari.li>
• Dams store water for drinking, irrigation, and electricity generation.
• However, they also cause flooding of forests, farms, and villages, displacing people.
• Dams alter the natural flow of rivers, affecting aquatic life.

What Pollutes Me and Why it Matters

• Pollution from factories, households, and plastic waste makes rivers unsafe.
• Chemicals, soaps, and fertilisers dissolve in water, harming life.
• Excess fertilisers create a “green blanket” of plants, which suffocates aquatic animals.
• Clean water is essential for people, fish, turtles, and birds to survive.

When a River Floods

• Heavy rains cause rivers to overflow, leading to floods.
• Floods damage houses, crops, roads, and displace people and animals.
• Lack of trees worsens flooding because water runs off quickly.
• Safety steps include moving to higher ground, avoiding floodwaters, and storing essentials.

When a River Runs Dry

• If a river dries, people and animals face water scarcity.
• Families may have to migrate in search of water.
• Drying rivers disrupt farming, drinking water supply, and industries.
• Godavari is perennial, but many rivers in India face this challenge.

Saving Water and Using it Wisely

• We must save water by turning off taps, fixing leaks, and reusing clean water.
• Planting trees helps maintain rainfall and groundwater recharge.
• Avoiding waste and pollution keeps rivers healthy.
• Programmes like the National Water Mission work to conserve water across India.

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