UPSC Prelims 2015 Question:

Consider the following rivers:

1. Vamsadhara
2. Indravati
3. Pranahita
4. Pennar
   
   

Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari ?

Explanation:

The Godavari is the largest Peninsular River system. It is also called the Dakshin Ganga. It rises in the Nasik district of Maharashtra and discharges its water into the Bay of Bengal.

• The Penganga, the Indravati, the Pranhita, and the Manjra are Godavari’s principal tributaries. So, points 2 and 3 are correct.
  
  
• River Vamsadhara or River Vamsadhara is an important east flowing river between Rushikulya and Godavari, in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states in India. The Vamsadhara river rises in the Eastern Ghats of Orissa State and enters Srikakulam District in Bhamini Mandal and finally falls into the Bay of Bengal near Kalingapatnam. It is not a tributary of Godavari river. So, point 1 is not correct.
  
  
• Pennar: Also known as Uttara Pinakini, it is one of the major rivers of the peninsula. The Pennar basin extends over states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The Pennar rises in the Chennakesava hill of the Nandidurga range, in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka and flows towards east eventually draining into the Bay of Bengal. The total length of the river from origin to its outfall in the Bay of Bengal is 597 km. The principal tributaries of the river joining from left are the Jayamangali, the Kunderu and the Sagileru whereas the Chiravati, the Papagni and the Cheyyeru join it from right. It is not a tributary of Godavari river. So, point 4 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.  

Subject: Geography | Drainage Basins