Krishna River: South India's 1,400 Km Lifeline - Key Facts Revealed

• The Krishna River, a vital lifeline for four states, originates near Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats, flowing 1,400 km across the Deccan Plateau to the Bay of Bengal.
• It is India's fourth-largest river, with a vast drainage basin covering 258,948 sq km across Karnataka (44%), Maharashtra (26%), Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh (15% each).
• Key tributaries include Koyna, Warna, Musi, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and the significant Tungabhadra and Bhima rivers.
• Major dams like Koyna, Srisailam, and Nagarjuna Sagar on the main river, and Tungabhadra Dam on its tributary, are crucial for irrigation and water supply.
• Despite significant water storage in reservoirs, the region faces summer shortages and monsoon flooding, highlighting complex water management challenges.

Key Questions Answered

Where does the Krishna River originate and what is its course?

The Krishna River originates near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra's Satara district, at an altitude of approximately 1337 meters.

Which states benefit from the Krishna River's extensive basin coverage?

The Krishna River's basin coverage benefits Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

What are the major dams constructed along the Krishna River and its tributaries?

Major dams constructed along the Krishna River include Koyna, Dhom, Hippargi, Basavasagar, Srisailam, and Nagarjuna Sagar.