Q. Consider the following rivers:
- Barak
- Lohit
- Subansiri
Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh? (UPSC Prelims 2014)
Answer:
2 and 3 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[B] 2 and 3 only. This question tests your knowledge of the drainage systems of Northeast India, specifically the tributaries of the Brahmaputra River versus other independent river systems.Analysis of the Rivers:
- Lohit (2 — Correct): The Lohit River is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra. It rises in eastern Tibet and flows through the Anjaw and Lohit districts of Arunachal Pradesh before entering the Assam plains. It is known for its turbulent waters and is often called the "River of Blood" due to its lateritic red soil.
- Subansiri (3 — Correct): Also known as the "Gold River," it is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra. It originates in the Tibet Plateau and flows through the Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri districts of Arunachal Pradesh before joining the Brahmaputra in Assam.
- Barak (1 — Incorrect): The Barak River originates in the Manipur Hills (near Mao Songsang). It flows through Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam (Cachar Valley) before entering Bangladesh, where it splits into the Surma and Kushiyara rivers. It does not flow through Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Tributaries of the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh:
| Bank | River Name |
| Right Bank | Subansiri, Kameng, Manas (further downstream in Assam) |
| Left Bank | Dibang, Lohit, Dihing |