Auranga River

The study of civilizations showcases that rivers have always been of utmost importance to the human population. Since ancient times cities have come up in the banks of rivers; a phenomenon rather common in most parts of the globe due to the availability of water for agriculture and other activities.

Indian geography if studied closely showcases this natural resource in abundance. From North to South and East to West, Rivers crisscross the landscape giving rise to landforms and supporting livelihood of millions. Now getting into the context of the article, one of the many important rivers that flow across West India is the River Auranga.

This river flowing in the western state of Gujarat originates near Bhervi village and flows towards its mouth to meet up with the Arabian Sea. The Auranga River flows for a distance of roughly 97 kilometers; giving rise to a river basin of around 700 sq. km.

Another common name for this river is Sai River. There are many touristic destinations that are close to the main river course of the Auranga or Sai River as well as the tributaries of the river. Two main tributaries of the Auranga are the Tan and Man streams which meet the river to increase its water capacity.

One of the most renowned tourist spot on the banks of the Auranga River is the ‘Triveni Sangam’ which is the place of confluence of three streams; the Auranga River, the Tan Stream and Man Stream. Bahej, Mrugmal and Bhambha are the surrounding villages to this renowned spot. And Dharampur is the nearest city. This point of confluence is located at 20°35'57"N latitudes and 73°7'37"E longitudes.

Although the western states of India are known for their dry spells, but the numerous rivers that run across the region tend to sustain lives and provide enough water to carry out agriculture and industrial production. The water from Auranga is utilized in irrigation of farmlands besides being used in household works. Although many projects have been thought of on the Auranga River or its two main tributaries, not any major project is being carried out; the basic reason being the lower levels of water in the water streams.

Course

The birth of the Auranga River is near the village of Bhervi in Gujarat. Although considered an important water body in the region, but the course of the river is quite short if compared to some of the mighty rivers in the region or in India as a whole. Creating a catchment area of about 700 sq. km., the Auranga River runs a course of approximately 97 kilometers.

Along its way towards the mouth of the river, it is joined by few tributaries. Two of its main tributaries are the Tan and the Man; both these streams join the main river forming a renowned point of confluence. Known as the Triveni Sangam, it is where the three streams meet to flow towards the river mouth. The Auranga River has its way mapped out to flow out into the Arabian Sea. It is one important river among the west flowing rivers, despite its small course and comparatively lower water content.

Numerous bridges have been constructed across the course of the river connecting major cities like Valsad, Daman and Pardi. Along the later part of the course, the River Auranga takes the form of quite a few meanders that curve out increasing the basin are of the river. Several villages are dependent on this rather small river as their sole source of freshwater.

Tributaries

Man & Tan

Now coming down to the tributaries of Auranga River; two of the main streams that serve as tributaries are the Tan and the Man streams. These two streams flow into the Auranga at a place called ‘Triveni Sangam’ near the city of Dharampur. Increasing the water content of the main river, these flow out into the Arabian Sea at the end of the river’s course.

Besides these two tributaries, there are couple other very small streams that do flow into the Auranga River, but are not very much important in terms of increasing the water content of the main river, not are long enough streams to be taken note of.

Thus, the Man, Tan and the Auranga River’s main stream are considered to form the river basin that support millions of lives and countless industries both big and small in this part of Gujarat.

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