Rivers of Meghalaya

Table of Contents

Meghalaya, with its rich hydrological resources, is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and streams that play a vital role in the state’s ecology and economy. Here are some of the most significant rivers in Meghalaya:

List of Rivers of Meghalaya

Umngot River

Source: The Umngot River originates in the eastern part of the Khasi Hills near the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Course in the State: Flowing through the Dawki area, the river is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, especially near Dawki village, making it a popular tourist spot. It meanders through the hills and lush landscapes of the Jaintia Hills.
Major Tributaries: Several small streams and tributaries join the Umngot River as it passes through the hills.
Mouth: It flows southward into Bangladesh, where it merges with larger river systems.
Important Points: The Umngot River is famous for its boating experiences, where boats seem to float on air due to the clear water. It also plays a crucial role in local livelihoods through fishing and tourism.

Read More: Important Facts about Meghalaya – Useful for Competitive Exams

Umiam River

Source: The Umiam River originates from the hills of Shillong, East Khasi Hills District.
Course in the State: Flowing northward, it forms the Umiam Lake (Barapani) near Shillong, which is a significant water reservoir and a major tourist attraction. The river continues through the Ri-Bhoi District.
Major Tributaries: Key tributaries include the Umkhrah and Umshyrpi Rivers, which merge into the Umiam Lake.
Mouth: It ultimately joins the Kopili River in the Brahmaputra basin.

Myntdu River

Source: The Myntdu River originates from the Jowai Hills in the West Jaintia Hills District.
Course in the State: It flows through Jowai, forming a natural boundary around the town and continuing its journey through the Jaintia Hills.
Major Tributaries: It is fed by numerous small streams and rivulets from the surrounding hills.
Mouth: The river eventually flows into Bangladesh, contributing to the Surma-Meghna river system.
Important Points: The Myntdu River is central to the water supply and agriculture in the Jowai region. Its banks are dotted with traditional Khasi villages and sacred groves.

Kynshi River

Source: The Kynshi River begins in the West Khasi Hills, near the Nongstoin area.
Course in the State: Flowing westward, it cuts through the hills and valleys of the West Khasi Hills District.
Major Tributaries: Key tributaries include the Umngi River and smaller streams from the Khasi hills.
Mouth: The river flows into Bangladesh, where it becomes part of the larger river systems.
Important Points: The Kynshi River is significant for its potential in hydroelectric power generation and its scenic waterfalls like the Langshiang Falls, making it a focal point for both energy and tourism.

Waikhyrwi River

Source: Originates in the hilly terrains of the East Khasi Hills.
Course in the State: It flows predominantly through the East Khasi Hills District, enhancing the lush landscapes it traverses.
Major Tributaries: Smaller streams and rivulets contribute to its flow as it makes its way through the hills.
Mouth: It joins larger rivers in the southern parts of the Khasi Hills, eventually contributing to the drainage system leading towards Bangladesh.
Important Points: The Waikhyrwi is less famous compared to others but is crucial for local agriculture and supports several small communities along its banks.

Jinjiram River

Source: The Jinjiram River originates in the West Garo Hills, near the foothills of the Himalayas.
Course in the State: It flows westward through the West Garo Hills.
Major Tributaries: Fed by numerous streams from the Garo Hills, enhancing its volume and flow.
Mouth: It empties into the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
Important Points: The Jinjiram River is vital for the Garo Hills’ agriculture and supports the local economy by providing irrigation and fishing resources.

Someshwari (Simsang) River

Source: The Someshwari River, known locally as the Simsang, originates from the Nokrek Range in the East Garo Hills.
Course in the State: It flows eastward through the East and South Garo Hills, passing through towns like Williamnagar and Baghmara.
Major Tributaries: Includes the Chibok, Didram, and Rongdik Rivers.
Mouth: The river continues into Bangladesh, merging with larger river systems.

Kopili River

Source: The Kopili River starts in the Jaintia Hills near the border of Assam and Meghalaya.
Course in the State: It flows northward, marking part of the boundary between Meghalaya and Assam before entering Assam.
Major Tributaries: The Myntriang and Myntang Rivers.
Mouth: It joins the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
Important Points: The Kopili River is crucial for hydroelectric power, with several power projects harnessing its flow.