Which river is known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar' due to its frequent course changes?

The Correct answer is River Kosi.

Key Points

• The Kosi River is famously known as the "Sorrow of Bihar" due to its frequent and devastating floods.
• The river originates in Tibet, traverses through Nepal, and finally flows into India, where it becomes a left-bank tributary of the Ganga River.
• One of the reasons for its notorious flooding is the heavy sediment deposition, causing the river to frequently change its course.
• The Kosi River is a part of the Kosi basin, which is one of the most flood-prone areas in India.
• These floods have been responsible for large-scale displacement of people and damage to crops and infrastructure in Bihar over centuries.
• Efforts have been made to control the flooding through projects such as the Kosi Barrage and embankments, but the challenges persist due to the dynamic nature of the river.
• The Kosi River is also a valuable source of water for irrigation and supports the agricultural economy of the region, despite its destructive tendencies.

 Additional Information

• River Ghaghara
  • The Ghaghara River is a major left-bank tributary of the Ganga River.
  • It originates from Tibet, near the Mapchachungo Glacier, and flows through Nepal and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
  • The river is known for its significant contribution to irrigation and water supply in the northern plains of India.
  • Although it can cause floods, it is not as destructive or unpredictable as the Kosi River.
• River Yamuna
  • The Yamuna River is the largest tributary of the Ganga River and originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
  • It flows through important cities like Delhi, Agra, and Mathura, making it a vital river for both cultural and economic reasons.
  • While pollution is a significant issue in the Yamuna, it does not change its course frequently or cause the same level of destruction as the Kosi River.
• River Ganga
  • The Ganga River is the most sacred river in India and originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
  • It flows through several states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Although the Ganga faces challenges like pollution, it does not have the same history of unpredictable course changes as the Kosi River.