Brahmaputra

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The Brahmaputra River in Assam

Etymology
Nickname(s)
Native name
Country
State
Region
District
Municipality

The Brahmaputra River is one of the major rivers of Asia, flowing through China, India, and Bangladesh. It is known for its vast size and the significant role it plays in the ecology and economy of the regions it traverses.

Etymology

The name "Brahmaputra" means "Son of Brahma" in Sanskrit. The river is known by different names in different regions: it is called the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang or Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, and the Jamuna in Bangladesh.

Course

The Brahmaputra originates from the Angsi Glacier in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It flows eastward through the Tibetan Plateau as the Yarlung Tsangpo River. After entering India, it flows southwest through the state of Arunachal Pradesh, where it is known as the Siang or Dihang. It then enters the state of Assam, where it is simply called the Brahmaputra.

In Assam, the river is joined by several tributaries, including the Subansiri, Manas, and Teesta rivers. It continues its journey southward into Bangladesh, where it merges with the Ganges to form the world's largest delta, the Sundarbans, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Hydrology

The Brahmaputra is one of the few rivers in the world that exhibits a tidal bore. It is also prone to catastrophic flooding in the monsoon season, which can cause widespread damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the region.

Ecology

The river supports a rich biodiversity, including the endangered Gangetic dolphin and several species of turtles. The Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra and is home to the largest population of the Indian rhinoceros.

Economic Importance

The Brahmaputra is vital for the agriculture, transportation, and energy sectors in the regions it flows through. It provides water for irrigation, is a source of fish, and supports inland water transport. The river also has significant potential for hydroelectric power generation.

Challenges

The Brahmaputra faces several challenges, including pollution, sedimentation, and the impact of climate change. The construction of dams and other infrastructure projects along its course has also raised concerns about ecological and social impacts.

See also

• Ganges River
• Indus River
• Himalayas

References

• "Rivers of the World: The Brahmaputra." National Geographic.
• "The Brahmaputra River: A Transboundary Water Resource." World Bank.

External links

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Brahmaputra River
• World Wildlife Fund: The Brahmaputra River Basin