GANGA RIVER SYSTEM || Panch Prayag ||

The Panch Prayag, literally meaning "five confluences," are a set of five sacred river confluences in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These confluences hold great religious significance in Hinduism and are integral to pilgrimage routes in the region. Here's a brief description of each Prayag:
1. **Vishnuprayag**: This is where the Alaknanda River meets the Dhauliganga River. It is located at an altitude of 1,372 meters (4,501 feet) and is known for its scenic beauty and spiritual aura.
2. **Nandaprayag**: At Nandaprayag, the Alaknanda River merges with the Mandakini River. It is situated at an elevation of 914 meters (2,999 feet) and is named after the king Nanda, who is believed to have performed penance here.
3. **Karnaprayag**: Here, the Alaknanda River joins with the Pindar River. Karnaprayag is located at an altitude of 1,451 meters (4,760 feet) and is associated with the mythological figure Karna from the Mahabharata.
4. **Rudraprayag**: At Rudraprayag, the Alaknanda River converges with the Mandakini River. It is located at an elevation of 895 meters (2,936 feet) and is named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), whose presence is deeply felt in this sacred confluence.
5. **Devprayag**: Devprayag is the most significant of the Panch Prayag as it marks the starting point of the Ganges River. Here, the Alaknanda River meets the Bhagirathi River, forming the Ganges. Devprayag is situated at an altitude of 618 meters (2,028 feet) and is revered as a highly sacred site in Hinduism.
The Panch Prayag are not only important religiously but also hold immense natural beauty, making them popular destinations for both pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual and scenic experiences in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
The Ganga River system is one of the most extensive and significant river systems in India, spanning over 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles) through the northern and central parts of the country. Here's a comprehensive description of the Ganga River system:
1. **Origin and Source**: The Ganga River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand in the Himalayas. It begins as the Bhagirathi River and is joined by the Alaknanda River at Devprayag to form the Ganga.
2. **Course**: From its origin at Devprayag, the Ganga flows through the northern Indian plains, passing through several states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. It eventually empties into the Bay of Bengal through the vast delta region in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
3. **Tributaries**: The Ganga River system is fed by numerous tributaries, both major and minor, which significantly contribute to its flow and water volume. Some of the major tributaries include the Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Son, and Chambal rivers.
4. **Significance**: The Ganga holds immense cultural, economic, and ecological significance in India. It is revered as a sacred river in Hinduism, with millions of people undertaking pilgrimages to bathe in its waters for spiritual purification. Economically, the Ganga Basin supports a large agricultural population and is vital for irrigation and water supply. Ecologically, it is home to diverse aquatic life and supports a rich biodiversity.
5. **Pollution Challenges**: Despite its cultural importance, the Ganga faces severe pollution challenges due to industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff. Efforts such as the Ganga Action Plan and Namami Gange have been launched to clean and rejuvenate the river, aiming to restore its ecological health and maintain its cultural sanctity.
6. **Delta and Estuary**: The Ganga forms one of the largest river deltas in the world, known as the Sundarbans Delta, which is shared between India and Bangladesh. The delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its mangrove forests and diverse wildlife, including the Bengal tiger.

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