Rivers of Northeast India: Lifelines of the Eastern Himalayas
Rivers of Northeast India: Lifelines of the Eastern Himalayas The rivers of Northeast India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim) and Bhutan are vital to the region’s ecology, culture, and economy. Originating in the Himalayas, or rain-soaked hills, rivers like the Brahmaputra, Teesta, Barak, and others carve through rugged gorges, lush valleys, and fertile plains. Fed by glacial melt (20–40%) and monsoon rains (60–80%), they support agriculture, hydropower, and biodiversity. Major confluences, like the Brahmaputra’s merger with the Ganges and Meghna, form vast deltas in Bangladesh. Hydroelectric projects like Teesta-V and potential ones like Siang Upper drive energy goals, while bridges like Dhola-Sadiya enhance connectivity. Seismic risks, siltation, and environmental concerns challenge infrastructure development. Celebrated by poets and strategists, these rivers shape the region’s identity. “Rivers are the Northeast’s heartbeat,” notes p...