Rivers of Tripura: Gomati, Manu, Khowai, Haora & Map
The rivers of Tripura drain a landscape of parallel north-south hill ranges and intervening valleys. Most streams originate in the state's hills and flow generally westward or south-westward into Bangladesh, where they become part of larger transboundary drainage systems.
Government planning documents identify 10 major rivers: Longai, Juri, Deo, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Haora, Gomati, Muhuri and Feni. Among the best-known are the Gomati, Khowai, Manu, Haora and Feni.
Major Rivers of Tripura at a Glance
| River | Approx. Length Cited in State Plan | Associated Hill / Area | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khowai | 166 km | Atharamura | Longest among rivers listed in the cited state table |
| Gomati / Gumti | 163.4 km | Baramura-Deotamura catchment | Major river; Dumbur reservoir and Udaipur region |
| Manu | 140 km | Longtharai | Major northern drainage river |
| Feni | 86.8 km | Baramura-Deotamura | South Tripura and international boundary region |
| Juri | 79 km | Jampui | North Tripura drainage |
| Dhalai | 75.85 km | Atharamura-Longtharai | Gives Dhalai district its name |
| Haora | 35.9 km | Baramura | Flows through Agartala |
Drainage Pattern of Tripura
The parallel hill ranges divide Tripura into elongated drainage basins. Rivers generally cross the valleys toward Bangladesh. Because the rivers are mainly rain-fed, discharge rises sharply during the monsoon and falls during the dry season.
The wider regional context is covered in Major Rivers of Northeast India.
Gomati River
The Gomati, also written Gumti, is one of Tripura's most important rivers. It drains central and southern parts of the state, passes through the Udaipur region and continues into Bangladesh.
The Dumbur reservoir is formed on the Gomati system and has major significance for water storage, fisheries and hydropower. The river also flows through the culturally important landscape associated with Udaipur and the Tripura Sundari Temple region.
Khowai River
The Khowai rises in the Atharamura hill system and flows through Khowai district before entering Bangladesh. The cited State Action Plan table gives it a length of about 166 km, making it slightly longer than the Gomati within that river list.
Manu River
The Manu drains northern Tripura and is associated with the Longtharai hills. It passes through the northern valley system toward Bangladesh and is important for agriculture, settlements and flood management.
Haora River
The Haora is especially important because it flows through Agartala. Urban runoff, encroachment, siltation and flood risk make the Haora a major river-management concern for the capital region.
Feni River
The Feni drains southern Tripura and continues toward Bangladesh. Its basin is linked with the Baramura-Deotamura hill system and the Sabroom area. Because it is transboundary, water management has regional significance.
Other Important Rivers
Dhalai: drains parts of Dhalai district and is associated with Atharamura and Longtharai.
Juri: drains northern Tripura from the Jampui area.
Deo: another northern river associated with the Jampui-Sakhan uplands.
Muhuri: drains southern Tripura and enters Bangladesh.
Longai: occurs in the northern drainage system.
River Comparison
| River | Broad Region | Direction / Outlet |
|---|---|---|
| Gomati | Central-southern Tripura | Flows into Bangladesh |
| Khowai | Central Tripura | Flows west into Bangladesh |
| Manu | Northern Tripura | Flows into Bangladesh |
| Haora | Agartala-West Tripura | Flows west into Bangladesh |
| Feni | South Tripura | Flows toward Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal system |
Importance of Tripura's Rivers
- Rice agriculture and irrigation
- Floodplain and valley formation
- Drinking-water sources
- Fisheries
- Hydropower at Gomati
- Urban drainage
- Wetlands and biodiversity
- Transboundary water connections with Bangladesh
Floods, Erosion and River Management
Heavy monsoon rainfall can quickly raise river levels. Flooding is especially significant in low-lying valleys and urban areas. Siltation, bank erosion, encroachment and reduced channel capacity can intensify risk.
Rivers of Tripura for TPSC
Major river list: Longai, Juri, Deo, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Haora, Gomati, Muhuri and Feni
Longest in cited state table: Khowai – about 166 km
Gomati: about 163.4 km in cited table
Capital-city river: Haora
Major reservoir river: Gomati
General drainage: Mostly toward Bangladesh
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major rivers of Tripura?
Major rivers include Gomati, Khowai, Manu, Haora, Feni, Dhalai, Juri, Deo, Muhuri and Longai.
Which is the longest river of Tripura?
In the state planning table cited here, Khowai is listed at about 166 km, slightly longer than Gomati at 163.4 km.
Which river flows through Agartala?
The Haora River.
Which river is associated with Dumbur reservoir?
The Gomati river system.
Conclusion
The rivers of Tripura mirror the state's hill-and-valley physiography. Their rain-fed flow supports agriculture and settlements but also creates monsoon flood risk. Because most rivers cross into Bangladesh, Tripura's drainage is also inherently transboundary.
Read More from AAMMNEST
Sources Consulted
- Tripura State Action Plan on Climate Change
- Tripura State Disaster Management Plan
- Government of Tripura environmental and geographical publications