Penganga River
Four women and three children trapped for almost two hours in the gushing water of the Penganga River, near the famous Sahastrakund waterfall, were rescued recently.
About Penganga River
The Penganga River (also known as the Painganga) is a major river in the Maharashtra state of India and a chief tributary of the Wardha River. It eventually flows into the Godavari River basin.
Key Features
- Origin: The Penganga originates in the Ajanta ranges (Ajantha Hills) in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra.
- Course: It flows generally in a southeastern direction, traversing and forming natural boundaries between several districts including Buldhana, Hingoli, Nanded, Yavatmal, Washim, and Chandrapur. It also acts as an inter-state border between Maharashtra and Telangana.
- Length: The total length of the river is approximately 676 km (420 miles).
- Confluence: It merges with the Wardha River near Wadha village in the Chandrapur district. The combined flow of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers forms the Pranahita River, which is the largest tributary of the Godavari River.
- Tributaries: The main tributaries of the Penganga are the Adan, Kas, Arunavati, Kayadhu, and Pus rivers.
Significance and Projects
Irrigation: The river is a vital source of water for domestic and irrigation use, benefiting the Yavatmal, Hingoli, and Nanded districts of Maharashtra.
Dams and Projects:
- The Upper Painganga Dam, also known as the Isapur Dam, is a major earthfill dam on the river that provides significant irrigation potential.
- The Lower Penganga Project is another major inter-state irrigation project with Telangana (formerly Andhra Pradesh) to utilize the river's water for irrigation in both states.
- Construction of barrages, such as the Korata-Chanaka barrage, is also part of ongoing efforts for water management and flood control.
Ecology: A protected forest area known as the Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary is situated along both banks of the river, covering parts of the Yavatmal and Nanded districts. The river is also known for the scenic Sahastrakund Waterfall.
Navigation: The river is generally deeply entrenched and difficult to navigate, with flooding common during the monsoon season.
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