The Painganga River flows majestically through six districts of Maharashtra, serving as the chief waterway for Buldhana, Hingoli, Nanded, Yavatmal, Chandrapur, and Washim. Stretching an impressive 495 kilometers, this remarkable river has shaped the landscape and lives of countless communities in Central India for generations.

Despite its significance, many remain unaware of the Painganga River’s origin in the historic Ajantha ranges of Cha Sambhaji Nagar district. Also known as the Penganga River, this deeply entrenched waterway begins its journey in Maharashtra before flowing into the Wardha River, eventually joining the Pranhita River, the Godavari River, and finally reaching the Bay of Bengal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from the painganga river starting point to its major tributaries including the Adan, Kas, Arunavati, Kayadhu, and Pus Rivers.

As we examine the painganga river map throughout this article, we’ll discover how this waterway transforms seasonally—experiencing flooding during rainy and winter months while partially flooding in summer—and learn about the controversial dam projects currently under construction that have sparked protests in the Vidarbha region.

Painganga River Origin and Course

Beginning its journey in the historic Ajantha mountain ranges, the Painganga River (also called Penganga River) creates a lifeline across central India. This section explores the river’s source, path, and geographical characteristics in detail.

Where does the Painganga River start?

The Painganga River originates in the Ajantha ranges, with some variation in reported starting points. According to highly reliable sources, the river begins near Madh in the Ajantha ranges in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. However, other sources indicate its origin in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.

The river starts at an elevation of approximately 1,067 meters above sea level, forming a small stream that gradually widens as it collects water from various tributaries throughout its journey. Initially, the river flows as a modest stream before transforming into one of the region’s most significant waterways.

Route through Maharashtra districts

From its source, the Painganga River carves a meandering path through multiple districts of Maharashtra. First, it flows through Buldhana district and enters Washim district. In particular, it passes through Risod Tehsil of Washim where it receives the Kas River as a tributary near Shelgaon Rajgure village.

Subsequently, the river continues along the border between Washim and Hingoli districts. At this point, the Painganga takes on an important geographical role as it forms a natural boundary between:

• Yavatmal district
• Chandrapur district
• Nanded district of Maharashtra

Furthermore, the river extends its boundary-marking role by flowing along the state border between Maharashtra and Telangana. Near Mahur in Nanded, it converges with the Pus River, further enhancing its water volume.

Painganga River length and terrain

The Painganga River’s length is reported differently in various sources, highlighting the complexity of measuring this winding waterway. Most reliable sources indicate a total length of 495 kilometers (308 miles), though some documents report it as 676 kilometers.

Notably, the Painganga River is characterized by its deeply entrenched course, making it particularly difficult to navigate. Its path is winding and meandering, especially along the southeastern boundaries of Yavatmal district. This challenging terrain creates both obstacles and opportunities:

• The deep-rooted nature limits navigation possibilities
• The meandering course creates fertile floodplains in certain areas
• The winding path contributes to its ecological diversity

After its long journey through Maharashtra, the Painganga finally converges into the Wardha River near a small village called Wadha in Chandrapur taluka of Chandrapur district, completing its course as a major tributary in the larger Godavari River system.

Major Tributaries and Confluences

The river network feeding into and from the Painganga forms a complex hydrological system critical to Central India’s ecology and agriculture. As a significant waterway, the Painganga’s tributaries and its ultimate destination play key roles in the larger Godavari basin.

Adan, Kas, Arunavati, Kayadhu, and Pus Rivers

The Painganga River receives water from several major tributaries that significantly enhance its volume throughout its journey. The primary tributaries include:

• Adan River: A significant left-bank tributary that joins the Painganga in its upper reaches
• Kas River: Merges with the Painganga near Shelgaon Rajgure village, contributing substantially to its flow
• Arunavati River: Another important left-bank tributary enhancing the river’s volume
• Kayadhu River: Joins the Painganga along its middle course
• Pus River: Converges with the Painganga near Mahur in Nanded district

Additionally, the river system includes several right-bank tributaries such as Gomutri Vagu, Jella Vagu, Satnala River, and Mathadi Vagu. Another smaller tributary, Khuni, also contributes to the river’s flow as a left-bank tributary.

Confluence with Wardha River

After traversing approximately 495 kilometers, the Painganga River concludes its independent journey by merging with the Wardha River. This significant confluence occurs near Wadha village in the Chandrapur taluka of Chandrapur district.

The meeting point represents an important hydrological junction where the Painganga’s catchment area of 51,000 square kilometers combines with the Wardha River system. The Wardha River itself originates in the Satpura Range near Multai in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul District and is considered one of Maharashtra’s biggest rivers in the Vidarbha region.

Connection to Godavari River system

Following the confluence, the Painganga’s waters continue their journey as part of a larger river network. The Wardha River, now carrying the Painganga’s waters, joins with the Wainganga River to form the Pranahita River[74].

The Pranahita River serves as a major tributary to the Godavari River system, conveying the combined waters of the Painganga, Wardha, and Wainganga. Indeed, it is considered the largest tributary of the Godavari, covering 34% of the Godavari basin.

Ultimately, the waters that begin as the Painganga River flow through this network into the mighty Godavari, which finally reaches the Bay of Bengal east of Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. This connection places the Painganga river within one of India’s largest river systems, highlighting its ecological significance beyond just the districts it directly traverses.

Dams and Irrigation Projects

Two major dams harness the mighty flow of the Painganga River, transforming this natural waterway into a vital resource for agricultural development across Central India.

Upper Painganga (Isapur) Dam

The Isapur Dam, commonly known as Upper Painganga Dam, stands as one of Maharashtra’s largest water infrastructure projects. Located near Kalamnuri, this impressive earthfill dam rises 57 meters above its lowest foundation with a remarkable length of 4,120.1 meters (approximately 13,517 ft). The dam holds a gross storage capacity of 1.254 cubic kilometers, ranking fourth among Maharashtra’s largest dams.

Constructed primarily for irrigation purposes[122], the Isapur Dam effectively divides Maharashtra into two distinct regions: Marathwada and Vidarbha. The administration of this massive structure falls under the purview of Pusad taluka, with nearby talukas including Kalamnuri, Pusad, Umarkhed, and Hadgaon.

Lower Painganga Dam

The Lower Painganga project represents an interstate collaboration between Maharashtra and Telangana (formerly part of Andhra Pradesh). Proposed near Tadsaoli Village in Ghatanji Tehsil of Yavatmal District, this controversial project aims to irrigate approximately 218,129 hectares through both flow and lift irrigation systems.

Although conceived decades ago, the project has faced significant delays. In 2019, the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) extended the completion deadline to 2044, citing multiple obstacles:

• Opposition from project-affected people
• Environmental clearance challenges
• Forest land diversion issues
• Material shortages
• Staff vacancies

The dam design specifies a height of 35.63 meters above riverbed with a gross storage capacity of 1,045.37 Million Cubic Meters at full reservoir level.

Irrigation Benefits to Washim and Yavatmal

The Painganga River serves as a critical irrigation source for Washim and Yavatmal districts, two regions historically vulnerable to agricultural challenges. Once completed, the Lower Painganga project will irrigate 99,723 hectares in Yavatmal District through three Lift Irrigation Schemes and the Left Bank Canal.

Meanwhile, the existing Upper Painganga system already provides water to numerous agricultural communities, supporting crop diversity and economic stability. Consequently, these irrigation projects represent crucial infrastructure for the region’s food security and rural livelihoods, albeit with environmental and social costs reflected in ongoing controversies surrounding their implementation.

Cultural and Environmental Significance

Beyond its physical features, the Painganga River holds profound spiritual and ecological value for communities along its banks. The river’s sacred waters and surrounding landscapes have shaped regional traditions for centuries.

Temples and religious gatherings

Several sacred sites grace the banks of the Painganga River, attracting devotees from across Central India. The ancient Lord Shiva temple at Jugad near Wani city in Yavatmal stands on an island formed by the river’s convergence, drawing worshippers especially during Guru Purnima celebrations each November. Similarly, the Mahadeo temple in Moho sees substantial crowds during ‘Chaitra Amavasya’ gatherings. These sites join other significant temples in the region, including Panchamukhi Mahadev Temple, Ram Temple, and Banganga Mahadev Temple — all considered spiritually powerful locations where devotees seek blessings and inner peace.

Seasonal flooding and ecological impact

The Painganga River experiences dramatic seasonal changes, becoming flooded during rainy and winter months while only partially flooded in summer. These natural cycles create both challenges and benefits for riverside communities. Regrettably, the backwaters frequently inundate villages situated along the banks, damaging standing crops during monsoon seasons. The river’s ecosystem remains vital for regional biodiversity, with the nearby Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary located just 17.5 km downstream from the proposed Lower Painganga dam site. This sanctuary houses 29 faunal species, including endangered tigers, panthers, and four-horned antelopes.

Proposed dam controversies

Recent years have witnessed growing opposition to dam projects on the Painganga River. In 2023, citizens from 24 villages in Vidarbha and 26 villages in Marathwada staged protests including ‘jal-samadhi’ demonstrations at five locations along the river banks. The Lower Painganga project faces particular scrutiny as it would submerge approximately 14,657 hectares from 95 villages in Yavatmal and Nanded districts, displacing nearly 36,809 people based on 2001 census data, including 11,075 tribal residents. Moreover, about 980 hectares of forest land would be submerged, raising serious environmental concerns. Many affected communities have formally opposed the project since 2000, with 85 villages passing resolutions against it.

Conclusion

Throughout this exploration of the Painganga River, we’ve witnessed how this hidden marvel shapes Central India’s landscape and communities. Despite flowing for 495 kilometers through six Maharashtra districts, this waterway remains surprisingly unknown to many travelers and nature enthusiasts. The river’s journey from the historic Ajantha ranges to its confluence with the Wardha River represents a remarkable natural heritage worth preserving.

The Painganga’s ecological significance certainly extends beyond its physical presence. Seasonal flooding patterns create unique habitats while simultaneously challenging riverside communities. Additionally, the network of tributaries—Adan, Kas, Arunavati, Kayadhu, and Pus Rivers—forms a vital watershed supporting countless species and livelihoods throughout the region.

Cultural dimensions further enhance the river’s importance. Religious sites along its banks continue to attract devotees seeking spiritual connection, particularly during traditional gatherings at temples like the ancient Lord Shiva temple at Jugad. Nevertheless, the ongoing controversies surrounding dam projects highlight a familiar tension between development and conservation. The proposed Lower Painganga project specifically raises serious questions about displacing over 36,000 people and submerging nearly 1,000 hectares of forest land.

For travelers interested in exploring Maharashtra’s river systems beyond the Painganga, the Mula Mutha River offers another fascinating waterway with its own rich history and ecological significance.

Therefore, we must consider both the benefits and costs of infrastructure development along these precious waterways. The Painganga River stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur and humanity’s complex relationship with our natural resources—a relationship that demands thoughtful stewardship for future generations to appreciate this hidden marvel of Central India.

FAQs

Q1. How long is the Painganga River? The Painganga River stretches approximately 495 kilometers (308 miles) through central India, though some sources report its length as up to 676 kilometers.

Q2. Where does the Painganga River originate? The Painganga River originates in the Ajantha mountain ranges near Madh in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, at an elevation of about 1,067 meters above sea level.

Q3. What are the major tributaries of the Painganga River? The main tributaries of the Painganga River include the Adan, Kas, Arunavati, Kayadhu, and Pus Rivers, which significantly contribute to its flow.

Q4. What is the cultural significance of the Painganga River? The Painganga River holds spiritual importance, with several temples along its banks attracting devotees. Notable sites include the ancient Lord Shiva temple at Jugad and the Mahadeo temple in Moho, which host religious gatherings.

Q5. What controversies surround the Painganga River? The proposed Lower Painganga dam project has sparked controversy due to its potential environmental impact and the displacement of over 36,000 people, including the submergence of nearly 1,000 hectares of forest land.