The Brahmaputra River is one of the most remarkable rivers in the world, known for its vast length, strong currents, and profound impact on the regions it flows through. Originating from the cold, high-altitude Tibetan Plateau, the river makes its way through the rugged terrains of Arunachal Pradesh before entering Assam, where it becomes one of the widest rivers on the planet. The total length of Brahmaputra in Assam is approximately 916 km, making it the backbone of the state’s geographical and economic landscape.
Unlike other rivers in India, which are usually confined within national boundaries, the Brahmaputra is a transboundary river, flowing through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh before finally merging with the Ganges. Its unique nature makes it an essential subject of study for hydrologists, geographers, and environmentalists alike. The river is also of immense cultural and historical importance to Assam, shaping the lives of millions of people dependent on its waters.
In this discussion, we will explore the total length of Brahmaputra in Assam, its course, significance, and the major tributaries that contribute to its mighty flow. Additionally, we will answer key questions such as “What is the name of Brahmaputra River in Tibet?” and “What is the Brahmaputra River called in Arunachal Pradesh?” to understand its journey before reaching Assam.
Origin and Journey of the Brahmaputra
The Tibetan Plateau: Where It All Begins
The Brahmaputra River originates from the Angsi Glacier located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. At this stage, the river is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo, making the answer to the question, “What is the name of Brahmaputra River in Tibet?” quite clear. The Yarlung Tsangpo flows for about 1,700 km through the Tibetan Plateau, moving through steep gorges and high-altitude plains before taking a significant turn near the Namcha Barwa Peak.
The Tsangpo Gorge, which forms in this region, is considered the deepest canyon in the world, even deeper than the Grand Canyon. Here, the river gains tremendous velocity as it prepares to descend into the Indian subcontinent.
Entry into India: Arunachal Pradesh
As the river enters India, it flows through the state of Arunachal Pradesh. In this region, it is known as the Siang River or Dihang River, answering the question, “What is the Brahmaputra River called in Arunachal Pradesh?”. The Siang River is characterized by its strong currents and rocky bed, making it a challenging yet exciting destination for adventure sports such as river rafting.
The river continues to gain volume as several tributaries from Arunachal Pradesh merge with it, increasing its depth and breadth. The Siang River is also known for its pristine blue waters, which change color once it reaches Assam due to increased sedimentation.
Length of Brahmaputra in Assam
After entering Assam, the river is officially called the Brahmaputra, marking a dramatic transformation in its character. The total length of Brahmaputra in Assam is 916 km, making it the longest river in the state. It flows in a westward direction across the plains of Assam before curving southward into Bangladesh.
Unlike most other rivers in India that have a single, well-defined channel, the Brahmaputra is a braided river, meaning it forms multiple channels that split and rejoin over its course. This results in the formation of numerous islands, including Majuli, the world’s largest river island.
The river passes through major cities and towns such as Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur, Guwahati, Goalpara, and Dhubri, playing a significant role in shaping the economy, culture, and livelihood of the people in these regions.
Significance of the Brahmaputra in Assam
The Brahmaputra is not just a river; it is the lifeline of Assam, impacting every aspect of life in the region.
Agriculture and Livelihoods
- Assam’s fertile plains, enriched by alluvial deposits from the Brahmaputra, support extensive cultivation of rice, jute, sugarcane, and mustard.
- The river provides irrigation to thousands of hectares of farmland, ensuring year-round agricultural productivity.
Transport and Trade
- The Brahmaputra is a major inland waterway, designated as National Waterway 2 (NW2). It facilitates cargo movement between Assam, West Bengal, and Bangladesh.
- Passenger ferries are widely used in cities like Guwahati, where they connect different parts of the city and provide an affordable mode of transport.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem
- The river supports a rich variety of wildlife, including the Gangetic dolphin, which is an endangered species.
- The floodplains of the Brahmaputra are home to Kaziranga National Park, known for its one-horned rhinoceros and diverse bird species.
Major Tributaries of the Brahmaputra
Several tributaries feed the Brahmaputra, increasing its volume and power.
The Biggest Tributary of Brahmaputra
The Subansiri River is the biggest tributary of Brahmaputra. It originates in Tibet, and want to know what is the name of Brahmaputra river in Tibet? It is Yarlung Tsangpo, and flows through Arunachal Pradesh, what do you think is the Brahmaputra river called in Arunachal Pradesh? It is called Siang. The Subansiri River collects water from numerous smaller streams before merging with the Brahmaputra in Assam. The Subansiri River plays a vital role in Assam’s hydroelectric power projects and irrigation systems.
Other significant tributaries include:
- Dibang River – A fast-flowing river that adds significant volume to the Brahmaputra.
- Manas River – Known for its contribution to the Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Dhansiri River – A major right-bank tributary that plays a key role in Assam’s drainage system.
Challenges Faced by the Brahmaputra
Despite being a blessing, the Brahmaputra also presents significant challenges.
Flooding and Erosion
- The Brahmaputra is one of the most flood-prone rivers in the world.
- Due to its strong currents and high sediment load, it causes severe riverbank erosion, leading to loss of land and displacement of thousands of people every year.
Impact of Climate Change
- Melting glaciers in Tibet have led to unpredictable water levels, raising concerns about the river’s future stability.
- Unseasonal rainfall patterns are worsening the flood situation in Assam.
Pollution and Human Activities
- Industrial waste and plastic pollution are degrading the river’s ecosystem.
- Deforestation along its banks is leading to increased sedimentation, changing the river’s course over time.
The Brahmaputra’s Role in Assam’s Economy and Livelihoods
The Brahmaputra River is not just a natural wonder, but a critical lifeline for the state of Assam. The river provides vital resources, sustains economic activities, and supports the daily lives of millions of people. Its profound influence extends to agriculture, transportation, fishing, and more, shaping the social and economic fabric of the region. As the biggest tributary of Brahmaputra, the river channels immense amounts of water and sediment, making it an essential part of Assam’s development.
Agriculture: The Backbone of Rural Assam
Agriculture is the largest sector of Assam’s economy, with the Brahmaputra playing a central role. The river’s floodplains are fertile and rich in nutrients, making them ideal for crop production. With a combination of alluvial soil and a generous water supply, the Brahmaputra supports the cultivation of numerous crops, including:
Rice: The staple food of the state, which thrives in the river’s seasonal floodwaters.
Tea: Assam is known for its tea gardens, which benefit from the river’s climatic influence.
Mustard, Jute, and Pulses: Important cash crops grown in areas irrigated by the Brahmaputra.
However, while the river provides immense agricultural benefits, it also poses risks to farming communities. The region frequently experiences devastating floods, which can submerge entire villages, destroy crops, and devastate infrastructure. Farmers are often left with massive losses, especially when these floods occur during critical growing periods. Despite this, the agriculture sector continues to rely on the Brahmaputra’s water, creating a delicate balance between dependence and vulnerability.
Fishing Industry: A Source of Livelihood for Thousands
The Brahmaputra River is home to a rich aquatic ecosystem, supporting over 150 species of fish. The fishing industry is a major contributor to the economy of Assam, particularly for communities living along the river. For these people, fishing is not only a traditional livelihood, but also a source of cultural identity. Some of the prominent fish species found in the Brahmaputra include:
Hilsa (Ilish): Known for its delicate taste, this fish is one of the most commercially valuable species in Assam.
Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal: These freshwater species are commonly found in the river and are staples in local diets.
Chitala: A carnivorous species that is prized for its unique taste.
The river also sustains aquatic life in various protected areas, including the Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. While the fishing industry provides substantial economic benefits, it faces several challenges. The Brahmaputra is increasingly polluted by industrial and domestic waste, which threatens the river’s biodiversity. Overfishing, too, has taken a toll on the fish population. Thus, sustainable fishing practices are becoming essential to ensure the longevity of both the river and the industry.
Trade and Transport: Reviving the Brahmaputra as a Commercial Route
The Brahmaputra has historically been a major trade route, connecting the northeast of India to neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan. In modern times, the government has made efforts to revive inland waterways as a means of enhancing economic trade and reducing road congestion. This has led to the development of National Waterway 2 (NW2), which stretches 891 km from Dhubri in the west to Sadiya in the east.
The river provides an eco-friendly, cost-effective method of transporting goods such as coal, petroleum, tea, and agricultural products. While transport by water has been a traditional method of trade in Assam, infrastructure improvements are required to make it more efficient. The government has undertaken initiatives to modernize river ports in major cities like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat, facilitating the smooth movement of goods and boosting the state’s economy.
However, the revival of inland water transport is not without challenges. The river’s unpredictable flood cycles and shifting courses pose logistical hurdles. Moreover, navigation becomes difficult during the monsoon season when the water level rises dramatically. Environmental concerns related to dredging and port construction have also been raised by environmentalists, highlighting the need for sustainable development in the region.
Environmental Challenges: Floods, Erosion, and Climate Change
The Brahmaputra is an ever-present force in Assam, but its power is not always beneficial. While it nurtures the land and provides resources, it also brings devastating floods, riverbank erosion, and other environmental challenges, particularly exacerbated by the effects of climate change. These challenges have shaped the history and culture of Assam, influencing settlement patterns, agriculture, and livelihoods.
Floods: A Recurring Disaster
The Brahmaputra is one of the most flood-prone rivers in the world. Every year, Assam faces devastating floods that affect millions of people. The annual monsoon brings excessive rainfall to the region, causing the river to overflow. While the floods may bring nutrients to the soil, they also result in:
Destruction of crops.
Displacement of communities.
Loss of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and homes.
In 2020 alone, over 2 million people were affected by floods in Assam, with thousands of acres of farmland submerged. The most significant damage often occurs in the Kaziranga National Park, where wildlife is caught in the floodwaters, and roads are rendered impassable.
Why Does the Brahmaputra Flood So Frequently?
Several factors contribute to the regular flooding of the Brahmaputra:
Heavy Rainfall: The monsoon rains, which occur between June and September, are often excessive, causing the river to swell rapidly.
Glacier Melting in Tibet: As mentioned earlier, the Brahmaputra’s source in the Tibetan Plateau makes it prone to increased water levels, especially during warmer months when glaciers melt.
Shifting Channels: The river’s braided nature results in frequent changes to its course, which leads to unpredictable flooding. Additionally, new channels formed by the river may bypass existing embankments, exacerbating the problem.
Erosion: A Silent Disaster
The Brahmaputra’s riverbanks are constantly eroding, particularly during the rainy season. Riverbank erosion affects the livelihoods of millions of people by swallowing farmland, settlements, and historical sites. The erosion problem is most pronounced in Majuli, the largest river island in the world, which has been rapidly shrinking due to erosion on its banks.
Over the last century, the Brahmaputra has eroded approximately 4.2 million hectares of land.
In recent years, villages like Nimatighat have been lost to the river’s increasing encroachment.
The Indian government, along with local authorities, is undertaking several measures to curb erosion, including the construction of embankments, geo-bagging techniques, and the planting of mangrove forests to strengthen riverbanks.
Brahmaputra’s Role in Assam’s Biodiversity
The Brahmaputra is not only significant for human populations but also for a range of wildlife species that depend on the river’s ecosystem. The river’s fertile banks support rich biodiversity, making Assam a hotspot for conservation efforts.
Kaziranga National Park and the Brahmaputra
One of the most famous national parks in India, Kaziranga, is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra. The park is home to a vast variety of wildlife, including:
The world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
Tigers, elephants, and wild buffaloes.
Migratory birds, including the endangered black-necked crane.
However, the floods that are caused by the river each year also have a significant impact on the wildlife in Kaziranga. Floodwaters often force animals to leave their natural habitats, leading to human-animal conflicts as they migrate to higher ground or nearby areas.
The Endangered Ganges River Dolphin
The Ganges river dolphin, found in the Brahmaputra, is another species that relies on the river’s ecosystem. These dolphins are increasingly threatened by pollution and overfishing in the river. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these dolphins by enforcing stricter fishing regulations and reducing the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture. As part of the Brahmaputra River Basin Project, efforts are also being made to restore aquatic biodiversity and safeguard the river’s unique species.
The Future of the Brahmaputra: Sustainable Development and Conservation
Sustainable management of the Brahmaputra is essential for ensuring that the river continues to serve the people of Assam without compromising the environment. This will require a combination of infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and climate change adaptation strategies. The focus should be on striking a balance between economic development and environmental preservation, with an emphasis on improving the resilience of communities that depend on the river.
Conclusion
The Brahmaputra River is not just a geographical feature but the lifeblood of Assam, influencing its economy, culture, and environment. The total length of Brahmaputra in Assam is 916km and it is integral to the lives of millions of people who depend on its waters for agriculture, fishing, transportation, and more. The river’s significance is further highlighted by the fact that it is home to unique biodiversity, including endangered species like the Ganges river dolphin and the one-horned rhinoceros.
While the biggest tributary of Brahmaputra contributes significantly to the prosperity of the state, challenges such as flooding, erosion, and pollution continue to impact Assam’s communities. These natural disasters, alongside climate change, present a major obstacle to sustainable development. However, efforts to improve infrastructure, protect the river’s ecosystems, and mitigate the effects of flooding and erosion offer hope for the future.
As the Brahmaputra River continues to flow through Assam, it remains a vital component of the region’s economic activities and cultural heritage. The resilience of Assam’s people, alongside efforts to conserve and sustain the river, will determine the future of both the river and the region it nourishes. Sustainable solutions and effective management practices will ensure that the Brahmaputra’s role as a lifeline to Assam endures for generations to come. Loved exploring the Brahmaputra? Wait till you discover the Barak River!