Why in news?
During the Chhath festival, two people drowned in the Sone River near Palamu district in Jharkhand, drawing attention to safety concerns on this major watercourse. The river’s seasonal fluctuations and shallow channels often make it hazardous for bathing and navigation.
Background
The Sone River—also spelled Son—is one of the longest rivers in central India and a principal southern tributary of the Ganga after the Yamuna. It originates in the Amarkantak highlands of Madhya Pradesh, east of the source of the Narmada, and flows roughly 784 kilometres before joining the Ganga just above Patna in Bihar. The river initially runs north‑northwest through Madhya Pradesh and then turns east‑northeast, skirting the Kaimur range through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Physical characteristics
- Wide and shallow course: The Sone has a wide sandy bed and forms numerous pools and islands, especially during the dry season. Its floodplain is only about 3–5 kilometres wide.
- Seasonal flow: The river’s discharge varies greatly between the monsoon and dry periods, which limits its navigability.
- Tributaries: Its main tributaries are the Rihand and North Koel rivers; other tributaries include the Gopad and Kanhar rivers. These streams drain forested highlands and contribute to the river’s flow during the rainy season.
- Valley: The Sone valley is geologically an extension of the Narmada valley. It is flanked by the Kaimur range to the north and the Chota Nagpur plateau to the south and remains sparsely populated and largely forested.
Human use
- Dams and barrages: Major hydraulic structures include the Bansagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh for irrigation and hydroelectricity, the Rihand Dam in Uttar Pradesh, and the Indrapuri Barrage near Dehri in Bihar. These projects regulate the river’s flow and supply water to canals.
- Settlements: Towns such as Dehri‑on‑Sone in Bihar are located on its banks. Historically the river frequently changed course, leading to erosion and flood damage before modern dams stabilised it.
Significance
- The Sone’s waters irrigate fertile plains and support agriculture in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Despite its size, the river is unimportant for navigation because of its shallow depth and seasonal variations.
- Flood control and dam operations must balance irrigation needs with ecological considerations and local livelihoods.
Conclusion
The Sone River exemplifies the challenges of managing a large, seasonal waterway. While it sustains agriculture and electricity generation, unregulated bathing and inadequate safety measures pose recurring risks during festivals and high‑flow periods.
Source: Britannica, Indianetzone