Eastern Himalayas' Lifeline - About The River You Must Know
Kazi Nasir | Oct 29, 2025, 18:00 IST
River Through Which life Flows
( Image credit : Freepik )
The article explores the Brahmaputra River often called the lifeline of the Eastern Himalayas which originates in Tibet and flows over 2,900 km through India and Bangladesh. Beginning at the Chemayungdung Glacier, the river carves the world’s deepest gorge before nourishing vast ecosystems and millions of people. From creating fertile valleys and supporting rare wildlife to inspiring centuries-old Assamese traditions the Brahmaputra is both a natural wonder and cultural symbol.
Highlights
- The Brahmaputra Riveroriginates from the Chemayungdung Glacier in Tibet at an altitude of 5,300 meters.
- Flows over 2,900 km, through Tibet, India and Bangladesh, supporting millions of lives.
- Carves the world’s deepest gorge near Namcha Barwa peak.
- Nurtures Majuli Island, the world’s largest river island.
- Contributes to 30% of India’s total water resources in the Northeast.
The mountain range Himalaya, is the mother that cradles some of Asia's life-giving rivers. These rive not only provide breathtaking valleys but also sustain millions of lives across India, Tibet, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet, where it is known as Yarlung Tsangpo and then travels more than 2900 km, providing nourishment to the most densely populated and biodiverse regions on the earth. That is the region it is also known as the lifeline of the eastern Himalayas.
The Chemayungdung Glacier located in southwestern Tibet gave birth to the mighty river Brahmaputra. This glacier is located at an altitude of 5300 meters and when the Brahmaputra flows eastward and bends dramatically around at Namcha Barwa peak where forms the world's deepest gorge (a narrow valley with steep sides and a river running through it). The moment it enters India through Arunachal Pradesh, it is known as the Siang or Dihang. Later in Assam the river is joined by another two rivers Dibang and Lohit and forms the Brahmaputra.
Rivers are the channels through which life flows. Brahmaputra nurtures numerous floodplains, rainforests and wetlands like Majuli Island, which is world's largest river island. Through the Brahmaputra rare species like Gangetic dolphin breathe.
Brahmaputra's print is found in the deep past of Indian tradition, for example in Assam there are multiple folklore, songs and rituals like Luit, the red river which symbolise the Brahmaputra's continuity. It made one wonder that the Brahmaputra contributes to over 30% of India's total water resources in the northeast alone. Major Hydroelectric power projects like Subhansiri and Siang run through this river.
As the world is facing serious climate change, every natural organ of the planet is suffering. The glacials are melting and Brahmapura is impacting 40% of Assam annually. The river valleys are experiencing siltation, erosion and continuous floods. Biodiversity is threatened by hydropower dams and deforestation. Government initiative like the Brahmaputra River Basin Management Project is an attempt to promote community led conservation in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Brahmaputra is not only a river, it is a thread that bind people with cultures, sustaining livelihoods and shapes the destiny of North East provinces. To preserve the purity of this river means protecting future of millions who depend on it.
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1. Why is Brahmaputra River called Blood River?
Brahmaputra is known as the Red River in India becasue it turns blood red for 3 days in every June.
2. Which Country owns Brahmaputra River?
The River flows through three country China, India, and Bangladesh.
3. Is Brahmaputra a clean river?
No, as it flows through densely populated areas its water quality diluted.
The Mighty Origin
Origin of River
( Image credit : Freepik )
The River's Ecological and Cultural Significance
Culture and River
( Image credit : Freepik )
Brahmaputra's print is found in the deep past of Indian tradition, for example in Assam there are multiple folklore, songs and rituals like Luit, the red river which symbolise the Brahmaputra's continuity. It made one wonder that the Brahmaputra contributes to over 30% of India's total water resources in the northeast alone. Major Hydroelectric power projects like Subhansiri and Siang run through this river.
Challenges And Conservation
Climate Change Impacting Rivers
( Image credit : Freepik )
Final Thought
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FAQs
Brahmaputra is known as the Red River in India becasue it turns blood red for 3 days in every June.
2. Which Country owns Brahmaputra River?
The River flows through three country China, India, and Bangladesh.
3. Is Brahmaputra a clean river?
No, as it flows through densely populated areas its water quality diluted.