Subansiri
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Overview
The Subansiri is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra, joining it from the left after flowing through Arunachal Pradesh into Assam.
It hosts the Lower Subansiri hydro project, part of the large hydropower potential of the north-east.
It rises in Tibet and enters India in Arunachal Pradesh, crossing into Assam near Gerukamukh.
The Lower Subansiri project (2,000 MW) on the Assam–Arunachal border has faced protests over downstream flood and safety concerns.
The river is known for gold traces in its sand and for the endangered Gangetic river dolphin in its lower course.
Geography and key facts
- Largest tributary of the Brahmaputra
- States: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam
- Lower Subansiri hydro project
- Rises in Tibet
- Lower Subansiri project, 2,000 MW
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on rivers flowing through Arunachal Pradesh (2014).
Note for UPSC
The largest Brahmaputra tributary; site of the Lower Subansiri hydro project.
Prelims asks about tributaries, the states a river flows through, its basin and the projects on it, so trace the course on the map.
Asked in PYQs
- UPSC Prelims 2014 · Q45Consider the following rivers : Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?…
Questions from our Prelims bank whose text names Subansiri.
Key facts
- Type
- River
- States / UTs on its course
- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam
- River system
- Himalayan
- Basin
- Brahmaputra
- Extent on map
- 26.9°–28.6°N, 91.7°–94.4°E
- Asked in Prelims
- 1 question · 2014
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Drainage Systems of India: Himalayan and Peninsular Rivers
- Mineral and Energy Resources and the Location of Industries in India
- Physical Features and Drainage of India (map lesson)
- The Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilisation (map lesson)
- Harappan Civilisation: Sites, Town Planning and Phases (map lesson)
- Mahajanapadas and the Rise of Magadha (map lesson)