Wednesday 24 February 2016

Two famous rivers of Goa-Zuari and Mandovi


ZUARI RIVER
The Zuari River is the largest river in the state of Goa, India. It is a tidal river. The Zuari originates at Hemad-Barshem in the Western Ghats. The Zuari is also referred to as the Aghanashani in the interior regions. It flows in the southern-western direction through the talukas of Tiswadi, Ponda, Mormugao, Salcete, Sanguem and Quepem.
Zuari is 92 km long, but is connected to other rivers and canals such as Mandovi river (62 km in length) and Cumbarjua Canal (15 km). The other rivers in Goa are shorter such as Terekhol (22 km), Chapora (29 km), Baga (5 km), Sal (16 km), Talpona (11 km), and Galgibag (4 km). Their lengths and widths vary with tidal and other seasonal flooding.
The Zuari and Mandovi Rivers form an estuarine system. They are the backbone of Goa's agricultural industry. The Cumbarjuem Canal linking the two rivers has enabled ships navigate to the interior regions to the iron ore mines. The waters of the Mandovi and Zuari both flush out into the Arabian Sea at Cabo Aguada, a common point forming the Mormugao harbour. The port city of (Vasco da Gama, Goa) lies on the mouth of the Zuari River
Zuari, Goa India.jpg.


 MANDOVI RIVER
The Mandovi River/ Mahadayi River also known as Mahadayi' or Mhadei river, is described as the lifeline of the indian state of Goa. The river has a length of 77 km, 29 km in Karnataka and 52 km in Goa. It originates from a cluster of 30 springs at Bhimgad in the Western Ghats in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. The river has a 2,032 km2 catchment area in Karnataka and a 1,580 km2 catchment area in Goa. With its cerulean waters, Dudhsagar Falls and Varapoha Falls, it is also known as the Gomati in a few places. The Mandovi and the Zuari are the two primary rivers in the state of Goa.
The Mandovi enters Goa from the north via the Sattari Taluka in Goa and from Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka near the Castle Rock Rly. Stn. The Mandovi flows through Belgaum, Uttara Kannada in Karnataka and Cumbarjua, Divadi and Chodné in Goa, eventually pouring into the Arabian Sea. Mandovi joins with the Zuari at a common point at Cabo Aguada, forming the Mormugao harbour. Panaji, the state capital and Old Goa, the former capital of Goa, are both situated on the left bank of the Mandovi. The river Mapusa is a tributary of the Mandovi.
The Cumbarjuem Canal, which links both rivers, has made the interiors of the Mandovi accessible to ships carrying iron ore. Iron ore is Goa's prime mineral and it is mined in the eastern hills. Three large freshwater isles — Divar, Chorao and Vashee are present in the Mandovi near the town of Old Goa. The island of Chorao is home to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, named after the renowned ornithologist Salim Ali. A regular ferry transports the inhabitants between the isles and the mainland.
Spanning across the Mandovi River near Panjim is the majestic Mandovi Bridge. The bridge collapsed in the 1980s before a new bridge was constructed to accommodate heavy transport vehicles. The Mandovi Bridge links the towns of Panjim to Porvorim. On 14 June 2014, the foundation stone for the third bridge, which would be the largest bridge in Goa, was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will span 3 km and will be 15 meters higher than the existing bridges and will be spaced in between the two.
During the winter months, the peak tourist season, special dusk cruises on the Mandovi - complete with serenading bands - add to the charm of the river.
The sharing of the waters of this river is a cause of dispute between the governments of Karnataka and Goa. The Karnataka government proposes to divert some water from the Mahadayi river to the Malaprabha river basin as part of the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project, as approximately 200 tmc feet of water flows into the Arabian Sea now without being used for anything. The Mahadayi Water Tribunal has to decide on the sharing of this river's waters between Karnataka and Goa. There needs to be built a dam in Old Goa and there needs to be allotment of water to the two states. Sharing justice may be 30:70.


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1 comment:

  1. Very well written post about these famous rivers in Goa. Thanks for sharing about this places. These are one of the best places to visit in Goa. Make your trip to Goa by booking your bus tickets in advance in Bus Ticket Booking portal.

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