The Indian holy River Godavari is considered to be one of the 7 sacred Indian rivers in which Godavari is the second-longest river which flows across 1465 km. the river originates from Nashik, Maharashtra. Godavari River is considered of being the largest river in the Indian peninsula with respect to its length, area, and discharge. It is the most important river in our country, it has been serving as a lifesaver for most of the cities or towns of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. If you have heard about the Pushkar Mela, then it is a major bathing festival that is held on the banks of the river, after every 12 years.
The Origin of the Godavari River is in Brahmagiri Mountain at Triambakeshwar in Nashik district of Maharashtra. From the origin, it starts the course of the Godavari River. Godavari River starts its journey eastwards across the Deccan Plateau through Maharashtra. The river then turns southeast and enters the West and east Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, until it divides into two parts. Godavari River finally merges itself into the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh.
If we talk about the geology of the Godavari River, relates to the soil with rich alluvium deposits and rich mineral deposits. Some of the minerals in the Godavari River Basin are coal, manganese, iron, copper, and bauxite however, the Godavari River flows for a length of about 1,465 kilometers. It covers 8 Indian states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry (Yanam), Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh and possesses about 313,000 square kilometers of drainage area.
The major Tributaries of Godavari River are Manjira, Manair, Penganga River, Pranahita River, Sabari River, and Indravati River. The tributaries of the Godavari River are responsible for the supply of water in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. It has been very helpful for the towns for irrigation purposes.
Also Visit: Top 10 Beaches on weekends near Pune & Mumbai
If we talk about the religious Significance of the Godavari River, as it relates to the existence of different places of pilgrimages along with the river. With the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, Godavari also holds exceptional religious value and is a holy river of the Hindus. The most prominent pilgrimage spot at the river site is Triambakeshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nanded Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is the holy place for the Sikhs. The Bhadrachalam Rama temple is the temple of Lord Rama situated at the river site. Whereas, many famous Indian mythological characters like Baladeva which was around 5000 years ago, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu around 500 years ago took bath in this river as part of worship. And according to the Indian Puranas, River Ganga should be visited by someone, after visiting the Godavari River.
The Ecological Significance of River Godavari and its states ranks 5th position in India in the section of biodiversity. Godavari River Basin is one of the most cultivable lands in India and It supports about 10% of the world’s biodiversity, which coincides with only 2 % of the world’s land area. This bestows a great responsibility on the government of India to protect and conserve the rich flora and fauna and ecological diversity of the Godavari River basin.
Well, the Godavari River splits into 2 streams which widen into a large river delta offering an extremely navigable canal irrigation system, below Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. The irrigation canals are a part of Dowleswaram Barrage (it is a structure built on the lower stretch of the river before it merges into the Bay of Bengal). They link the delta of the Godavari River with the River Krishna Delta in the southwest, which makes the region one of the richest rice-growing areas in India. In the Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh, there is a multipurpose project on the sacred river called the Sriramsagar Project. Some of the other developments on the Godavari River are the dams that have been built over it including Ghatghar Dam, Gangapur Dam, and Jayakwadi Dam.
But these days there are some Threats to the Godavari River, the river is under serious threat as a result of the growing civilization and industries. The river is been drying at a disturbing rate due to the pollution done by the factories. The main reason behind the pollution of the Godavari River is the small Nakavaggu streamlet, that flows through the industrial estate that joins the Manjira River. And, the Nakavaggu rivulet is not a source of life in the course of the river. Domestic waste is also another reason that caused pollution in the river.
Also Visit: 15 Best Waterfalls near Pune & Mumbai
