Consider the following statements regarding River Brahmaputra :

1. It rises in Tibet, near Lake Mansarovar

2. It takes a "U" turn near Namcha Barwa and enters India through a gorge

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Key Points

• The Brahmaputra River originates in the Angsi Glacier, near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, close to the source of the Sutlej River.
• It flows eastwards for about 1,200 km through the Tibetan Plateau before taking a sharp "U" turn near the Namcha Barwa mountain.
• After the "U" turn, it enters India through a deep gorge in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The river is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang or Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, and the Brahmaputra in Assam.
• This river is one of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent, with a total length of about 2,900 km.

Additional Information

• River System and Tributaries
  • The Brahmaputra has several tributaries such as the Subansiri, Manas, and the Teesta.
  • It forms a river system along with the Ganga and Meghna rivers before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• Hydroelectric Projects
  • The river has significant potential for hydroelectric power generation, with projects like the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project underway.
• Floods and Sedimentation
  • The Brahmaputra is notorious for its annual floods, which cause extensive damage in Assam and Bangladesh.
  • High sedimentation rates in the river lead to frequent changes in its course.
• Cultural and Economic Importance
  • The river is crucial for the livelihood of millions of people in its basin, providing water for agriculture, fishing, and transportation.
  • It holds significant cultural and religious importance for communities living along its banks.