Drainage And Drainage System

‘Drainage’ refers to the flow of water through well-defined channels, which is essential for managing excess water, especially during the rainy season. An organised network of these channels is termed as a ‘drainage system’. Drainage patterns are influenced by geological factors, the nature and structure of rocks, topography, and the amount and frequency of water flow.

River Basin And Watershed

A specific area drained by a river is called its catchment area, and the complete area drained by a river and its tributaries is known as a ‘drainage basin’. The term ‘watershed’ refers to the boundary line that separates one drainage basin from another. The key difference between a watershed and a river basin lies in their sizes; watersheds are generally smaller.

Unity In River Basins And Watersheds: What occurs in one part of a basin or watershed often has direct effects on its other parts, making these areas ideal for planning at micro, meso, or macro levels.

Classification Of Indian Drainage System

India’s drainage system is classified based on different criteria:

1.Orientation To The Sea: The two main orientations are towards the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. These are separated by geographical features like the Delhi ridge, the Aravalis, and the Sahyadris.