Previous Year Question

The Lohit and Subansiri rivers flow through Arunachal Pradesh. The Barak flows through Manipur and the Barak Valley of Assam; it does not pass through Arunachal Pradesh.

1. Barak River: Does not flow through Arunachal Pradesh

• The Barak originates in the hills of Manipur.

• Its source is generally identified near the Liyai Khullen region of Senapati district in Manipur.

• It flows from Manipur into the Barak Valley of southern Assam.

• The Barak Valley of Assam includes the Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj districts.

• Silchar is situated on the bank of the Barak River.

• Near the India-Bangladesh boundary, the Barak divides into two principal channels—the Surma and Kushiyara.

• The Surma and Kushiyara subsequently contribute to the Meghna river system in Bangladesh.

• Thus, the Barak forms part of the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna drainage system, but it does not flow through Arunachal Pradesh.

Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.

2. Lohit River: Flows through Arunachal Pradesh

• The Lohit originates in the mountainous region of eastern Tibet.

• It enters India near Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh.

• It then flows through the Anjaw and Lohit regions and across the Mishmi Hills.

• In its mountainous course, it has a steep gradient, rapid flow and a heavy sediment load.

• The famous Parshuram Kund is situated on the Lohit River.

• After entering the plains, it joins the Dibang and Siang river systems.

• Following their confluence, the principal channel is known as the Brahmaputra in Assam.

• The name ‘Lohit’ is associated with redness and is also linked with the reddish-brown sediments carried by the river.

Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.

3. Subansiri River: Flows through Arunachal Pradesh

• The Subansiri originates in the Himalayan region of Tibet.

• It enters Arunachal Pradesh and flows through the Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri regions.

• It then enters the Assam plains and joins the Brahmaputra.

• The Subansiri is one of the most important north-bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra.

• Its catchment extends across the High Himalayas, deep mountain valleys and the alluvial plains of Assam.

• It carries a large quantity of water and Himalayan sediments.

• The Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project is situated near Gerukamukh, close to the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam boundary.

• Its steep upper course is favourable for hydropower generation, while its lower course experiences floods and bank erosion.