Kosi River – The Hindu

Context:
Several regions of Bihar are facing severe flooding due to the heavy release of water from the Kosi Barrage in Birpur, following intense rainfall.

• Kosi River:
  • About: A transboundary river that flows through China, Nepal, and India, and is a prominent tributary of the Ganges.
  • Origin: Formed by the confluence of three streams - Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi, and Tamur Kosi, originating in the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet.
  • Area: It drains an area of 74,500 sq.km, of which only 11,070 sq.km lie within Indian territory.
  • Course: Known for its erratic flow due to the great outflushing of debris, the Kosi has no permanent channel in its course through the great plain of northern India.
  • Known as the "Sorrow of Bihar": The river has caused widespread destruction in the past due to flooding and frequent course changes as it flows from Nepal to Bihar.
  • Tributaries: Sun Koshi, Tama/Tamba Koshi, Dudh Koshi, Indravati, Likhu, Arun, and Tamore (Tamar).