Tripura, a picturesque state in Northeast India, is blessed with a rich network of rivers that nourish its lush valleys and sustain its people. From the mighty Gomati River, often called the lifeline of the state, to the serene Manu, Haora, and Khowai rivers, each waterway plays a vital role in agriculture, biodiversity, and culture.
These rivers not only enhance Tripura’s scenic beauty but also support irrigation, fisheries, and daily livelihoods. In this overview, explore the 10 major rivers of Tripura, their origins, courses, and importance — a complete guide for students, aspirants, and geography enthusiasts. Perfect for those seeking reliable, fact-based insights into Tripura’s river systems.
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The River System of Tripura
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Topography | Originates from five major hill ranges: Baramura, Atharamura, Longtharai, Shakhan, and Jampui. These hills run north to south, separated by valleys. |
| Key Rivers | Gomati, Longai, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Haora, Muhuri, Juri, Feni. |
| Water Resources | Crucial for irrigation, supporting crops like rice, jute, and fruits. Provides drinking water and sanitation across rural and urban areas. |
| Agriculture | Rivers support agriculture, helping in the cultivation of various crops by providing irrigation. |
| Biodiversity | Supports aquatic life, fish, and wildlife, helping maintain Tripura’s ecological balance. Plays a key role in sustaining local fisheries. |
| Flooding & Erosion | Rivers are prone to floods and erosion during the monsoon season, impacting agriculture, infrastructure, and settlements. |
| Economic Activities | Rivers support fisheries, irrigation, and water supply, and are important for the local economy. |
Overview of the 10 Major River of Tripura
| River | Origin | Length (km) | Flows Into/Mouth | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longai | Jampui Hills | 98 | Hakaluki Haor (Bangladesh) | Flows through some parts of Mizoram before entering Assam’s Karimganj district. |
| Juri | Jampui Hills | 79 | Kushiyara River (Bangladesh) | Dharmanagar town is located on the banks of the Juri River, which also gives its name to the Juri Upazila. |
| Deo | Jampui Hills | 132 | Manu River | Flows northward through Kanchanpur valley |
| Manu | Sakhan Range | 167 | Kushiyara River (Bangladesh) | The longest river in Tripura. |
| Dhalai | Atharamura Hill | 117 | Manu River | Popular riverside towns along the Dhalai River include Ambassa, Baralutma, and Kamalpur. |
| Khowai | Atharamura Hill | 166 | Kushiyara River (Bangladesh) | Leaves India at Khowai, and enters Bangladesh at Balla. The Second longest river in Tripura. |
| Haroa | Baramura Range | 53 | Titas River (Bangladesh) | Locally, it’s known as the Saidra River in Kokborok. Agartala, the capital of Tripura, lies on the bank of the Haora River. |
| Gumti | Longtharai and Atharamura Range | 124 | Meghna River (Bangladesh) | Dumbur Dam is located on the Gumti / Gomati river |
| Muhuri | Deotamura Range | 64 | Feni River (Bangladesh) | Also known as the Little Feni. |
| Feni | South Tripura District | 116 | Bay of Bengal | Feni is the lifeline of Sabroom town of Tripura, Right Bank Tributary: Muhuri River |
River Flow Directions and Key Examples in Tripura
| Flow Direction | Rivers | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Flow | Khowai, Juri, Manu, Longai | These rivers originate from the eastern hills of Tripura and flow northward, eventually merging with rivers in Bangladesh. They play a crucial role in the local ecosystem and provide water resources for agriculture and daily use. |
| Western Flow | Gomati, Bijoy, Howrah | These rivers originate from the hills in the western part of the state and flow westward. They support agriculture and are vital for the livelihoods of communities along their banks, also playing a key role in irrigation. |
| Southern Flow | Muhuri, Feni | These rivers flow southward into Bangladesh and eventually join the Bay of Bengal. The Muhuri also serves as part of the border between India and Bangladesh. Both rivers impact water rights discussions and play an essential role in the socio-economic dynamics of the region. |
List Of 10 Major Rivers Of Tripura With Key details
Gomati River (Gumti River)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Gomti, Gumati, Gumti (Bengali: গোমতী) |
| Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| District in Bangladesh | Cumilla |
| Origin | Tripura, India |
| Notable Locations | Flows through Tripura and Cumilla district |
| Dam | Constructed near Dumbur |
| Lake Formed | Covers approximately 40 sq km (15 sq miles) |
| Significance | One of the major rivers of Tripura, crucial for irrigation and water supply |
Longai River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | None |
| Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| Districts in India | Tripura (Jampui Hills), Mizoram, Assam |
| Origin | Jampui Hills, Tripura, India |
| Flow Through | Mizoram, Assam, Bangladesh |
| Confluence | Drains into Hakaluki Haor, Bangladesh |
| Length | Approximately 100 km |
| Significance | Trans-boundary river that plays an important role in local irrigation and ecosystems |
Manu River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | None |
| Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| Districts in India | Kumarghat, Kailasahar, Unokoti |
| Origin | Below Kahosib Chura, Shakhantang Mountains, Tripura, India |
| Flow Through | Tripura, Bangladesh (Moulvibazar district) |
| Confluence | Joins the Kushiara at Manumukh, Bangladesh |
| Length | 167 km (104 miles) |
| Width | ~200 meters near the railway bridge area |
| Basin Area | ~500 km² |
| Significance | Longest river in Tripura, vital for irrigation and local livelihood |
Deo River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | None |
| Country | India |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| Districts in India | North Tripura, Unakoti |
| Origin | Near Indo-Bangladesh border, Rangamati division, Bangladesh |
| Flow Through | Dashda, Kanchanpur |
| Confluence | Merges with Manu River near Kumarghat (Pabiacherra), Unakoti |
| Length | Approximately 90 km |
| Significance | Plays a key role in the region’s water supply, affected by riverbank erosion and floods |
Dhalai River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Dhala River |
| Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| Districts in India | Ambassa, Baralutma, Kamalpur |
| Origin | Atharamura Hills, Tripura, India |
| Flow Through | Kamalganj Upazila, Maulvibazar District, Bangladesh |
| Confluence | Joins the Manu River in Rajnagar Upazila, Bangladesh |
| Length | Approximately 117 km (73 miles) |
| Significance | Important for local water resources and irrigation, heavily affected by floods and erosion |
Khowai River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | None |
| Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| Districts in India | Khowai |
| Origin | Eastern part of Atharamura Hills, Tripura, India |
| Flow Through | Khowai district, enters Bangladesh at Balla, Habiganj District |
| Confluence | Joins the Kushiyara River near Adampur, Lakhai Upazila, Habiganj District |
| Length | Approximately 166 km |
| Significance | Second longest river in Tripura, vital for agriculture and water supply in both Tripura and Bangladesh |
Haora River (Saidra River)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Saidra (in Kokborok language) |
| Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| Districts in India | West Tripura |
| Origin | Western flank of Baramura Hill range, Tripura, India |
| Flow Through | West Tripura, enters Bangladesh |
| Confluence | Joins the Titas River, Bangladesh |
| Length | Approximately 61.2 km (38 miles) |
| Indian Territory Length | 52 km (32 miles) |
| Bangladesh Territory Length | 9.2 km (5.7 miles) |
| Basin Area | 570 km² (220 sq mi), covering 5.43% of Tripura’s surface area |
| Significance | Important river for local irrigation and tribal settlements in Tripura |
Muhuri River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Little Feni (in Bangladesh) |
| Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| Districts in India | Feni, Belonia, South Tripura |
| Origin | Lushai Hills, Tripura, India |
| Flow Through | Parshuram Upazila, Feni District, Bangladesh |
| Confluence | Merges with Feni River near the Bay of Bengal |
| Length | Approximately 70 km |
| Width | 150 to 200 meters |
| Basin Area | 839 km² (8% of Tripura’s area) |
| Significance | A major transboundary river, important for irrigation, fishery, and flood control projects |
| Disputes | Shared water issues between India and Bangladesh, with notable skirmishes over land at Muhurichar island |
Juri River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | None |
| Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| Districts in India | Jampui Hills |
| Origin | Jampui Hills, Tripura, India |
| Flow Through | Enters Kulaura Upazila, Maulvibazar District, Bangladesh |
| Significance | Transboundary river, important for local irrigation and livelihood in both Tripura and Bangladesh |
Feni River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Other Names | None |
| Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Indian State | Tripura |
| Districts in India | South Tripura, Sabroom |
| Origin | South Tripura, India |
| Flow Through | Sabroom, Tripura, enters Bangladesh |
| Confluence | Joins the Muhuri River near the Bay of Bengal |
| Length | Approximately 80 km |
| Navigability | Navigable by small boats up to Ramgarh (80 km upstream) |
| Water Sharing Disputes | Issues over water rights with Bangladesh, especially regarding irrigation |
| Significance | Plays a key role in local agriculture and transportation, with ongoing infrastructure projects like the Maitri Setu bridge |
| Bridge | Maitri Setu bridge connects Sabroom (India) with Ramgarh (Bangladesh), inaugurated in 2021 |
FAQs
Q1. What is the longest river in Tripura?
The Gomati River is the longest river in Tripura, flowing across the state before entering Bangladesh.
Q2. Why are Tripura’s rivers important for agriculture?
Tripura’s rivers provide essential water for irrigation, supporting crops like rice, jute, and fruits.
Q3. Does Tripura face flooding issues?
Yes, rivers like Khowai and Gomati often flood during the monsoon, affecting nearby settlements and farmlands.
Q4. How does the Feni River impact India-Bangladesh relations?
The Feni River serves as a vital waterway between the two countries and plays a role in water-sharing agreements.
Q5. What measures are being taken to protect Tripura’s rivers?
Local governments and communities are working on river cleanup, afforestation, and sustainable water management to protect Tripura’s rivers.
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