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Jamuna (called Brahmaputra in India)

Jamuna (called Brahmaputra in India)

Medium⏱️ 7 min read95% Verified
geography

📖 Introduction

<h4>Understanding the Jamuna River</h4><p>The <strong>Jamuna River</strong> is a significant <strong>distributary</strong> of the <strong>Brahmaputra River</strong>, primarily flowing through <strong>Bangladesh</strong>.</p><p>It plays a crucial role in the deltaic region, influencing the geography and livelihoods of millions.</p><h4>Course and Confluence of Jamuna</h4><p>The <strong>Jamuna</strong> separates from the main channel of the <strong>Brahmaputra River</strong> at the point where the <strong>Brahmaputra</strong> converges with the <strong>Teesta River</strong> in <strong>Bangladesh</strong>.</p><p>It continues its journey under the name <strong>Jamuna</strong> until it reaches <strong>Goalundo Ghat</strong>, also in <strong>Bangladesh</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>At <strong>Goalundo Ghat</strong>, the <strong>Jamuna River</strong> merges with the <strong>Padma River</strong>. The <strong>Padma River</strong> is known as the <strong>Ganga River</strong> in <strong>India</strong> before it enters <strong>Bangladesh</strong>.</p></div><h4>Trans-border Rivers between India and China</h4><p>Several major rivers flow across the international border from <strong>China</strong> into <strong>India</strong>, forming vital river systems for both nations.</p><p>These trans-border rivers are broadly categorized into two principal groups based on their geographical location and river basin.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>Understanding these <strong>trans-border river systems</strong> is crucial for comprehending geopolitical and environmental dynamics in the region.</p></div><h4>The Brahmaputra River System</h4><p>Located on the <strong>eastern side</strong> of the India-China border, this system is a lifeline for northeastern <strong>India</strong> and <strong>Bangladesh</strong>.</p><ul><li>The main stream of the <strong>Brahmaputra River</strong> in <strong>India</strong> is known as <strong>Siang</strong> when it enters from <strong>China</strong>.</li><li>Key tributaries include <strong>Subansiri</strong> and <strong>Lohit</strong>, which significantly contribute to its volume.</li></ul><div class='info-box'><p>In <strong>China</strong>, the <strong>Brahmaputra River</strong> is known by its Tibetan names, primarily <strong>Yaluzangbu</strong> or <strong>Tsangpo</strong>.</p></div><h4>The Indus River System</h4><p>Situated on the <strong>western side</strong> of the India-China border, this system is vital for the arid regions of <strong>India</strong> and <strong>Pakistan</strong>.</p><ul><li>The primary rivers in this system, originating from <strong>China</strong> and flowing into <strong>India</strong>, are the <strong>Indus River</strong> itself and the <strong>Sutlej River</strong>.</li></ul><h4>Hydrological Information Sharing</h4><p>To facilitate better water management and flood forecasting, <strong>India</strong> and <strong>China</strong> have established mechanisms for data exchange.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Two significant <strong>Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)</strong> have been signed between <strong>India</strong> and <strong>China</strong> for the provision of <strong>hydrological information</strong>. These MoUs cover data sharing for both the <strong>Brahmaputra</strong> and <strong>Indus River Systems</strong>, particularly concerning upstream flow data from <strong>China</strong> to <strong>India</strong>.</p></div>
Concept Diagram

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Jamuna is a Brahmaputra distributary in Bangladesh, meeting Padma (Ganga) at Goalundo Ghat.
  • India-China share two major trans-border river systems: Brahmaputra (eastern) and Indus (western).
  • Brahmaputra is known as Yaluzangbu/Tsangpo in China and Siang in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • India and China have MoUs for hydrological data sharing on Brahmaputra and Sutlej.
  • Transboundary river management is crucial for regional water security and geopolitical stability.

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