10 Major Rivers That Flows In Tripura

Tripura, a northeastern state of India, is blessed with a dynamic river system that significantly impacts its cultural heritage, agriculture, and ecology. Surrounded by lush hills and dense forests, Tripura’s rivers are essential to its life and economy.

Flowing from the highlands of Tripura or neighboring states, these rivers traverse diverse terrains, including plains, hills, and forests, before draining into the Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh.

In Tripura, some places are named after its rivers, which are connected to many myths and folktales. A few of these rivers are the Gomati, Khowai, Manu, Haora, and Muhuri. Gomati is the largest river in Tripura, and people consider it sacred, just like the Ganga.

Let’s explore the ten major rivers of Tripura, each contributing uniquely to the state’s life and environment.

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The River System of Tripura

The river network in Tripura is unique, with most rivers originating in the state’s mountainous terrain. Tripura has five major hill ranges—Baramura, Atharamura, Longtharai, Shakhan, and Jampui—that run from north to south, separated by valleys.

These hills are the source of many of Tripura’s rivers, which support the cultivation of rice, jute, and various fruits. The rivers also provide freshwater for drinking and sanitation. Importantly, they help maintain Tripura’s biodiversity, supporting fish and wildlife crucial to the region.

Overview of the Tripura’s 10 Major Rivers

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

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River Flow Directions and Key Examples in Tripura

Northern flow rivers

• Tripura is home to various rivers that flow in distinct directions, contributing significantly to the region’s geography and ecology.

• Among these, the northern flow rivers include the Khowai, Juri, Manu, and Langai.

• These rivers primarily originate from the eastern hills of Tripura and traverse northward, eventually merging with rivers in Bangladesh.

• Their northern courses play an essential role in the local ecosystem and provide water resources for agriculture and daily use.

Western flow rivers

• In contrast, the western flow rivers like the Gomati, Bijoy, and Howrah make their way across the western part of the state.

• These rivers originate from the hills and flow westward, often encountering diverse terrains.

• They support agriculture and are crucial for the livelihoods of communities situated along their banks, as well as playing a vital role in irrigation.

Southern flow rivers

• The southern flow rivers, including the Muhuri and Feni, highlight the unique hydrology of Tripura.

• These rivers begin in Tripura and flow south into Bangladesh, where they ultimately join the Bay of Bengal.

• The Muhuri, in particular, serves as part of the border between India and Bangladesh, leading to significant discussions about water rights and management.

• Both rivers are integral to the region, influencing not only the physical landscape but also the socio-economic dynamics of the bordering areas.

List Of 10 Major Rivers Of Tripura

1. Gomati River

• Gumti River (also known as Gomti, Gumati, or Gomati in Bengali: গোমতী, gomtī/gomôtī) is a river in northeastern India and Bangladesh.

• It flows through the state of Tripura in India and the district of Cumilla in Bangladesh.

• A dam has been constructed near Dumbur on the Gumti River.

• This dam has created a lake with an area of approximately 40 square kilometers (15 square miles).

2. Longai River

• The Longai River is a trans-boundary river flowing through India and Bangladesh.

• It originates in the Jampui Hills of Tripura, India.

• The river flows through parts of Mizoram before entering the Karimganj district of Assam.

• After entering Bangladesh, it ultimately drains into Hakaluki Haor.

3. Manu River

• Manu River is an Indo-Bangladesh transboundary river.

• It originates below the Kahosib Chura in the Shakhantang Mountains in Tripura, India.

• The river flows northeast through Kumarghat and Kailasahar in Tripura.

• It enters Bangladesh through the Moulvibazar district and flows into the Sylhet Plain.

• The Dholai River joins the Manu, which then flows northwest to meet the Kushiara at Manumukh.

• Length: 167 km (104 miles), making it the longest river in Tripura.

• Width: Around 200 meters near the railway bridge area.

• Basin area: Approximately 500 square kilometers.

• The river flows throughout the year.

• Legend: It is believed the river is named after Hindu Shastrakar Manu, who worshipped Shiva on its banks.

4. Deo River

• The Deo River is significant in North Tripura, India.

• It originates near the Indo-Bangladesh border close to the Rangamati division in Bangladesh and flows northward.

• Dashda and Kanchanpur are notable villages/towns along its banks.

• The Deo River merges with the Manu River near Kumarghat (or Pabiacherra) in Unokoti district, Tripura.

• It is one of the ten major rivers in Tripura, along with the Dhalai, Gumti, Juri, Khowai, Manu, Muhuri, and Saidra Rivers.

• The Manu-Deo River basin spans the Unakoti, North Tripura, and Dhalai districts.

• Riverbank erosion along the Deo is a concern for both the government and local communities.

• Floods from the Deo and Manu Rivers frequently impact nearby cities, causing challenges for human settlements and the local economy.

5. Dhalai River

• The Dhalai River (also known as Dhala River) is a trans-boundary river flowing through India and Bangladesh.

• It originates in the Atharamura Hill in the Indian state of Tripura.

• The river flows into Kamalganj Upazila in Maulvibazar District, Bangladesh.

• It joins the Manu River in Rajnagar Upazila, Bangladesh.

• Coordinates at Ambassa: 23.55’128” N, 91.51’204” E (DMS).

• The Dhalai River is approximately 117 kilometers (73 miles) long.

• Notable riverside towns along the Dhalai include Ambassa, Baralutma, and Kamalpur.

6. Khowai River

• The Khowai River is a transboundary river originating in the eastern part of the Atharamura Hills in Tripura, India.

• The Khowai River is approximately 166 kilometers long, making it the second-longest river in Tripura.

• The river flows north-north-west and exits India at Khowai, entering Bangladesh at Balla in Habiganj District.

• It passes to the east of Habiganj town, facing challenges from encroachment and pollution.

• North of the town, the river turns west and joins the Kushiyara River near Adampur in Lakhai Upazila, Habiganj District.

7. Haora River

• The Haora River is locally known as the Saidra River in the Kokborok language.

• The Haora River is one of the major rivers in the West Tripura District of Tripura, India.

• It is located between latitudes 23°37′N and 23°53′N, and longitudes 91°15′E and 91°37′E.

• Known by the name Saidra in the Kokborok language, it is recognized by the indigenous people of the state.

• The Saidra River is one of the ten major rivers in Tripura, along with Longai, Juri, Deo, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Gumati, Muhuri, and Feny.

• The basin area of the Saidra River in Tripura is 570 km² (220 sq mi), accounting for 5.43% of the total surface area of the state.

• The river originates from the western flank of the Baramura Hill range.

• It flows southwestward and eventually joins the Titas River in Bangladesh.

• The length of the Saidra River is approximately 61.2 km (38.0 miles), with 52 km (32 miles) flowing within Indian territory and 9.2 km (5.7 miles) in Bangladesh.

8. Muhuri River

• The Muhuri River is a transnational river flowing between India and Bangladesh.

• It rises in Tripura, India, and flows into Bangladesh, where it merges with the Feni River near the Bay of Bengal, also known as the Little Feni.

Course of the River

• The Muhuri originates in the Lushai Hills of Tripura and flows westward into Bangladesh, entering through Parshuram Upazila in Feni District.

• In Bangladesh, it separates the Feni and Chittagong districts before flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

Indo-Bangladesh Border

• The river serves as part of the border between India and Bangladesh in the Tripura-Noakhali sector.

• The shifting course of the Muhuri complicates the demarcation of the boundary, with India insisting on the 1974 Accord, while Bangladesh prefers an 1893 map that would provide it with an additional 44 acres.

Muhurichar

• The Muhurichar is a 140-acre island on the river, significant for rice cultivation, which has led to disputes between the two nations and skirmishes between their border security agencies.

• In 2011, during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Bangladesh, both countries agreed to demarcate the land boundary and construct embankments along the river to stabilize it.

Hydrology

• The Muhuri has a total basin area of 839 km² in Tripura, accounting for 8% of the state’s geographical area.

• It has an annual flow of 76,247,000 cubic meters, contributing to 9.6% of Tripura’s total river flows.

• In Bangladesh, the Muhuri basin spans 40,080 hectares, covering parts of Feni Sadar, Sonagazi, Chhagalnaiya, and Mirersarai Upazilas, with an irrigable area of over 23,000 hectares.

• The river experiences wild nature and flash floods, with a width of 150 to 200 meters, increasing as it approaches the sea, where it is influenced by tidal action.

• The river is shallow and navigable by 4-tonne boats for only half the year and can be forded during the lean season.

Waterworks

• This project has aided in developing inland fisheries, limiting saline water intrusion, and protecting upstream areas from storm surges during cyclones.

• The Government of India constructed an impermeable spur before 1975 to protect Belonia from riverine erosion.

• The Joint River Commission restricts either country from constructing spurs on the river.

• The Muhuri Irrigation Project, completed by Bangladesh in 1986, includes a closure dam and a 20-vent regulator to provide irrigation and prevent saline water from entering the river.

9. Juri River

• The Juri River is a trans-boundary river that flows between India and Bangladesh.

• It originates in the Jampui Hills of Tripura, India.

• The river enters Kulaura Upazila of Maulvi Bazar District in Bangladesh.

• Juri Upazila is named after this river, highlighting its significance in the region.

10. Feni River

• Location: Southeastern Bangladesh and Tripura, India.

• Type: Trans-boundary river involved in ongoing disputes over water rights.

• Origin: Rises in the South Tripura district of India and flows through Sabroom before entering Bangladesh.

• Confluence: Joins the Muhuri River (also known as Little Feni) near its mouth.

Key Features

• Navigability: The river is navigable by small boats up to Ramgarh, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) upstream.

Historical Context

• Water Sharing Disputes: Discussions on sharing the river’s waters began in 1958, continuing after the 1971 independence of Bangladesh.

• Concerns: Reports indicated India sought to withdraw water from the Feni for irrigation, affecting Bangladesh’s interests.

Infrastructure

• Inland Port Potential: There were proposals to develop an inland harbor at Sabroom, potentially facilitating transportation to the Bay of Bengal, though this has yet to be realized.

• Bridge Construction: A 150-meter bridge over the Feni was initiated in December 2010, linking Sabroom with Ramgarh.

• Foundation Stone: Laid by Indian PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in June 2015.

• Inauguration: Completed and inaugurated on 9 March 2021, named Maitri Setu to symbolize India-Bangladesh relations.

Feni Dam

• Construction: Built-in 1985 to control flooding caused by cyclones and improve agricultural land.

• Characteristics: The river becomes tidal between the dam and the Bay of Bengal.

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