Narmada River: India's West-Flowing Enigma Explained

• Unlike most Indian rivers flowing east to the Bay of Bengal, the Narmada flows west into the Arabian Sea.
• Its unique westward path is due to a rift valley formed by Earth's crust movements between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
• Originating near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada traverses 1,312 km through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
• The river is culturally significant, considered one of Hinduism's seven holy rivers, and is called the "Life Line of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat."
• Major projects like Sardar Sarovar Dam and Indira Sagar Dam utilize Narmada's waters for irrigation, power, and development.

Why It Matters: The Narmada River's westward flow is a geological anomaly, vital for culture, economy, and ecology.