Give a brief account of the drainage system of Andhra Pradesh.

Question

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Andhra Pradesh is drained by east-flowing, monsoon-fed rivers led by the Godavari and Krishna, which build fertile deltas, aided by the Penna in Rayalaseema and the Vamsadhara and Nagavali in the north. The Godavari splits at Dowleswaram into the Gautami and Vasishta, and Kolleru Lake lies between the deltas.

**Introduction**

Andhra Pradesh⟦2⟧⟦1⟧ is drained by east-flowing peninsular rivers that cross the Eastern Ghats and the coastal plains to reach the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari and Krishna dominate, building fertile deltas, while the Penna drains the south and smaller rivers drain the north.

**Major River Systems**

1. **Godavari**: The longest peninsular river (about 1,465 km) enters the state after receiving the Sabari and Sileru, cuts a gorge through the Papikonda hills where the ==Polavaram Project== is being built, and splits at Dowleswaram into the Gautami and Vasishta branches, forming the Godavari delta.

2. **Krishna**: Joined by the Tungabhadra near Kurnool, it forms the Telangana boundary along Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar, and below the Prakasam Barrage at Vijayawada builds its delta in Krishna and Guntur districts.

3. **Penna (Penneru)**: Rising in Karnataka, it flows through Anantapur, Kadapa and Nellore, with tributaries such as the Chitravati, Papagni and Kunderu draining Rayalaseema; Somasila stores its water.

4. **Northern and Smaller Rivers**: The Vamsadhara and Nagavali rise in Odisha and drain Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, while the Gostani, Sarada, Gundlakamma and Swarnamukhi are short seasonal rivers.

**Characteristic Features**

1. **East-Flowing and Monsoon-Fed**: Rivers follow the eastward slope of the plateau, and many smaller ones dry up in summer.

2. **Deltas and Wetlands**: The Godavari and Krishna deltas form the state's rice bowl, with ==Kolleru Lake== between them and the Pulicat lagoon in the south.

3. **Inter-State Rivers**: All major rivers rise outside the state, so sharing is governed by tribunals and river boards.

**Significance**

Cotton's delta anicuts and reservoirs like Srisailam and Somasila sustain irrigation and hydropower, and the Pattiseema lift (2015-16) began transferring Godavari water to the Krishna delta. Floods, cyclonic surges and Krishna water disputes remain challenges.

**Way Forward**

Completing Polavaram and its link canals, protecting Kolleru and Pulicat, recharging groundwater in the Penna basin and strengthening the river boards can secure this river wealth.

**Conclusion**

Andhra Pradesh's large east-flowing rivers end in some of India's most fertile deltas. Linking surplus Godavari water to deficit basins and governing shared rivers cooperatively will decide how well they serve the whole state.

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