The Godavari

Inspiration

Kunds-Puja
The Godavari is, in terms of length, catchment area and discharge, the largest in peninsular India, and had been dubbed as the Dakshin Ganga (Southern Ganges). It is India’s second longest river after the Ganga and drains the third largest basin covering about 10% of India’s total geographical area. Originating at Trimbakeshwar (Nashik District, Maharashtra), it flows east for 1,465 kilometres, draining the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The river ultimately empties into the Bay of Bengal through an extensive network of distributaries.
The Godavari holds immense cultural, economic, and ecological significance. As per traditional belief, the holy waters of the Godavari are said to have been brought from the head of Shiva by the Rishi Gautama, and the seven branches by which it is traditionally supposed to have reached the sea are said have been made by seven great ancient rishis (Sapta Rishis) and are named after them. Nashik is also the site of the Simhasta Kumbha Mela.

Ecologically, the Godavari basin hosts a variety of ecosystems, ranging from dense forests in the Western Ghats to fertile plains in its lower reaches. The river sustains numerous species of fish, including several endemic varieties, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on fishing and agriculture. The Godavari basin is also home to several critically endangered species. Additionally, the river and its tributaries provide crucial habitats for a wide range of migratory birds, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.

However, the ecological health of the Godavari River faces significant challenges due to human activities such as pollution, deforestation, and unsustainable water extraction. Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage have degraded water quality, impacting both aquatic life and human communities dependent on the river for drinking water and irrigation.

The Aviral Godavari Mission aims to address these challenges through various conservation initiatives, including river cleaning projects, afforestation programs, and sustainable water management practices. These include collaborative efforts between NGOs, local communities and government agencies for safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Godavari River and ensuring its sustainable management for future generations.

Partners

Jal biradari logo
tarun bharat sangh logo
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nashik municipal corporation logo
sagar mitra logo
Jal biradari logo
tarun bharat sangh logo
TSF-logo-new-dark
nashik municipal corporation logo
sagar mitra logo