Rivers Of Meghalaya

The Dawki River in Meghalaya. Image credit: Vikramjit Kakati via Wikimedia Commons.

Meghalaya has some of the rainiest places in India. So, it is no wonder that many rivers run through this tiny state. Most of these rivers originate in the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills of the state and flow into neighboring Bangladesh or the Indian state of Assam. Here are some of the rivers that flow through this beautiful state.

Simsang River

View upstream from Siju Hanging Bridge over the Simsang River, South Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India. Image credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves via Wikimedia Commons.

The Simsang River originates in the Nokrek Range that forms the backbone of the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. From there, it flows through the Garo Hills, dividing it into two and then enters the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. In the Garo Hills, it is the longest and largest river, supporting agriculture and the ecosystem throughout its basin. In Bangladesh, it is called the Someshwari River.

Umngot River

The Dawki River or Umngot River in Meghalaya. Image credit: Madhumita Das via Wikimedia Commons.

Popular for the extremely clean waters that make boats on it appear to float, the Umngot, also called the Dawki River, is a major river in Meghalaya. The river begins its journey in the eastern part of the Shillong Peak at an elevation of around 1800 m, from where it flows to form a natural border between Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills District and Jaintia Hills District. The river also flows past the town of Dawki, where it invites many travellers who come to admire its beauty. It then flows towards Bangladesh, forming a natural border for some distance between India and Bangladesh. It has a total length of around 82 km. The Umngor River is vital to the economy of the region it flows through, as its waters irrigate crops, support fishermen, and attract tourists. A boat race is held on the river around March-April, and there is also a suspension bridge running along it that is popular with tourists.

Myntdu River

View of the Myntdu River from the Ialong Park, Meghalaya. Image credit: Psihrishi via Wikimedia Commons.

The Myntdu River is a vital water source in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It traces its source to the Mihmyntdu village near the town of Jowai at around 1,420 m. From there, it almost encircles Jowai, where it serves as a lifeline, then flows south through the Jaintia Hills into Bangladesh as the Shari River. In Meghalaya, the river is held sacred by the locals near its source. The Myntdu River supports agriculture and fishing in the settlements based around it.

Kynshi River

The Langshiang Falls of the Kynshi River. Image credit: JoistLNonglait via Wikimedia Commons.

This river starts its journey in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, from where it flows for around 143 km before entering Bangladesh. The river is known for its scenic beauty, complete with rapids and waterfalls along its length. The state’s largest river island, Nongkhnum Island, lies where the Kynshi River bifurcates into the Phanliang and Namliang Rivers. The river irrigates around 2,000 square km. It is also important for fishing and hydroelectric power generation.

Umiam River

The gorgeous Umiam Lake formed by damming the Umiam River. Image credit: Amrutha n arun via Wikimedia Commons.

The Umiam River is famous for the Umiam Lake or Bara Pani formed by the damming of the river in 1965. The river originates in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills District. The Wah Umkhrah and Wah Umshyrpi are two of its major tributaries. The river leaves Umiam Lake and flows into the Kopili River in Assam.

Kopili River

The Khandong Dam on the Kopili River. Image credit: Xorg27, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

This river flows for 290 km through the two states of Meghalaya and Assam. It begins its journey in the Meghalaya Plateau and then flows into Central Assam before joining the Brahmaputra River. Throughout its course, the river features several waterfalls and rapids that lend it great beauty. Sadly, the river suffers from pollution caused by unscientific opencast coal mining, with acidification as a major issue.

Digaru River

The Digaru River traces its origin to the Garo-Khasi Hills and then flows northeast to join the Kopili River, which flows into Assam. It is also known as the Umtrew River. Three dams exist on this river for hydroelectric power generation.

Jadukata River

The Jadukata is another transboundary river. It begins its journey in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya and then flows into Bangladesh before joining the Surma River. The river runs for around 37 km.