Myntdu River

Myntdu River of Meghalaya is among the chief rivers in the District Jaintia Hills. The local name of this river is 'ka Tawiar ka Takan' meaning ‘Our Guardian Angel’. The Myntdu River originates at Mihmyntdu, a place very close to Jowai town. This point where it originates is at 1420 meters above the sea level. This river flows through Jowai encircling it on three directions excepting the northern part of the town, thus leaving it open. In its course while flowing forward it experiences a plenty of sharp drops. As such this river forms an ideal site for hydro-power development projects in Meghalaya. The Myntdu Valley formed by this river is situated on the fringes of the Jowai town. The abundant water of Myntdu River serves the irrigation purpose of this valley. It flows across the town of Jowai in the direction of Leshka, from there to Borghat village and gradually advances towards Bangladesh in its course and acquires the name ‘Hari’ as soon as it enters there.

The Myntdu River is a major south flowing river of the state of Meghalaya. It is located in the eastern and central regions of Meghalaya Plateau. This river after being originated from the eastern region gradually flows towards the direction of south in its course. The chief tributaries of the Myntdu River are Umshariang, Lamu and Lynriang River. The two tributaries of the river, namely Umshariang coming from the west and Lamu coming from the east unite with the Myntdu River and form a tri-junction of three tributaries named as Leshka. The Myntdu River after flowing southwards from Leshka joins its major tributary of the Lynriang River at a height of 335 meters. This river flows with a steep gradient and extends up to an elevated range of around 1220 meters. The Myntdu-Leshka Dam is constructed transversely over the river.

The Myntdu River is often described as the guardian and protector of the inhabitants of Jowai region. It is considered as a blessing for the people of the towns and villages that are nourished by its water. The river is thus respected and worshipped as a protector. Ceremonial sacrifices are also arranged in order to appease the river. In spite of this, the pH level of this river is 6.67 which pose a serious threat to the water bodies and aquatic life of that area. The River Myntdu features a highly fragile geology and comes with steep slopes. As such it experiences heavy sediment load in the catchment area.

The Jowai town is the main town situated on the Myntdu River. The river spans around the maximum length of the Jowai town.

Course

The Myntdu River originates at Mihmyntdu close to the Jowai town. Its point of origination is located at an elevated level of 1420 meters. It flows across the town of Jowai in the direction of Leshka, from there to Borghat village and gradually advances towards Bangladesh in its course. After being originated from the eastern region it heads towards the south and extends up to a distance of around 10 kilometers. On that point the river turns sharply eastward and keeps on advancing for about an extent of 11kms before encountering a gradual drop by about 595 meters.

In its due course it gradually streams towards Leshka at an elevation of about 595 meters where it meets its two tributaries, Umshariang and Lamu. The Myntdu River after flowing southwards from Leshka joins its major tributary of the Lynriang River at a height of 335 meters. With a loop up to a height of 30.5 meters the river proceeds towards Kharkhana where it drops by about 564 meters. While advancing towards the plain it reaches Borghat village and gradually surges towards Bangladesh in its course and acquires the name ‘Hari’ as soon as it enters there.

Tributaries

Umshariang River

The Umshariang River is one of the chief tributaries of the Myntdu River in Meghalaya. This Tributary comes from the west and joins the River Myntdu to form a tri-junction known as Leshka. It is a highly fast flowing river. It flows below the natural root bridges in Cherrapunjee.

The water of this fast flowing river is used in the hydroelectricity projects on Myntdu River.Using the Umshariang tributary the Myntdu –Leshka dam is constructed across the Myntdu River.

Lamu River

The Lamu River is another chief tributary of the Myntdu River. This tributary meets River Myntdu from the west side and unites with it to form the tri-junction of tributaries at Leshka. This river is highly utilized in the hydroelectricity power projects on Myntdu River.

The Myntdu –Leshka dam is constructed across the Myntdu River utilizing the Lamu tributary.

Lynriang River

The Lynriang River is a major tributary of the Myntdu River. After flowing from Leshka the Myntdu River joins its major tributary of the Lynriang River at a height of 335 meters.

Dams and hydroelectricity projects are built across the Lynriang tributary of the Myntdu River for the purpose of hydroelectric power generation.

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