Vaitarna Explained

Vaitarna
Subdivision Type1:Country
Subdivision Name1:India
Length:154km (96miles) approx.
Source1:Trimbakeshwar, Nashik
Source1 Location:Maharashtra
Mouth:Arabian Sea
Mouth Location:Palghar district, Maharashtra

The Vaitarna River (IAST: Vaitarṇā, pronunciation: [ʋəit̪əɾɳaː]) is a river in Nashik and Palghar district of Maharashtra. The Tansa is its left bank tributary and the Pinjal, Dehraja, and Surya are its right bank tributaries. Upper stretches of the Vaitarna are clean but in lower stretches it is polluted due to untreated industrial and civic waste. The Vaitarna is one of the most polluted rivers in India.[1]

Course

It originates in Sahyadri mountain ranges near Trimbakeshwar. The Vaitarna is just 2 km away from India’s second longest river, the Godavari. Vaitarna has a confluence with the Tanasa just before it enters the Arabian Sea. Jhow and Wadhiv islands lie in its estuary. Arnala Island lies off its mouth. It has three major dams which supply water to Mumbai.

Significance

The Vaitarna supplies much of Mumbai's drinking water. It is the largest river in the Northern Konkan region and drains Maharashtra's whole Palghar district.

Legacy

The, a steamship, was named after the river.

References

19.7°N 128°W

Notes and References

  1. News: Maharashtra has the most polluted rivers in India: Report. Badri Chaterjee. 4 October 2017. 18 October 2017. Mumbai. Hindustan Times.