Key Facts about Kameng River

Oct. 20, 2024

An Indian Air Force (IAF) havildar and his 14-year-old son were swept away by strong currents in the Kameng River recently.

About Kameng River:

  • It is one of the chief tributaries of the Brahmaputra River.
  • It flows in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
  • It is referred to as the "Jia Bharali" in Assam's higher reaches. The river is also known as the Bhareli in some areas.
  • Course:
    • Origin: The river originates in the eastern Himalayan Mountains, in the Tawang district from the glacial lake below snowcapped Gori Chen Mountain at an elevation of 6,300 metres or 20,669 ft on the India-Tibet border in South Tibet.
    • Then it flows through Bhalukpong Circle of West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sonitpur District of Assam, India.
    • It forms the boundary between East and West Kameng Districts and also the boundary between Sessa and Eaglenest sanctuaries in the westside and Pakke Tiger Reserve
    • As it reaches its lower stretches, the river transforms into a braided channel and merges with the Brahmaputra at Tezpur, just east of the Kolia Bhomora Setu bridge.
  • It is about 264 kilometers
  • The drainage basin of the Kameng River is about 11,843 sq.km.
  • Major Tributaries: Tippi River, Tenga River, Bichom River, and Dirang Chu
  • It is home to several ethnic communities, including the Monpa, Sherdukpen, and Aka tribes.