Why in News?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive to halt all mining activities in Son riverbed in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
The directive addresses illegal mining, imposing environmental compensation on mining companies.
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What are the Characteristics of Son River?
About:
The Son River, also known as the Sone River, is a perennial river that flows through central India.
The Son River is the 2nd-largest southern (right bank) tributary of the Ganges after the Yamuna River.
Geography:
It originates near Amarkantak Hill in the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district of Chhattisgarh and finally merges with the Ganges River near Patna in Bihar.
Son forms a series of waterfalls at the edge of Amarkantak plateau.
It flows through four states: Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
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Tributaries:
Ghaghara, Johilla, Chhoti Mahanadi, Banas, Gopad, Rihand, Kanhar and North Koel River.
Prominent Dams and Hydroelectric Projects:
Bansagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh
Rihand Dam near Pipri in Uttar Pradesh on Rihand River.
Indrapuri Barrage in Bihar; it diverts water from the Son River to the Sone Canal System for irrigation purposes.
Koilwar Bridge constructed in 1862 in Bihar; it serves as India’s oldest river bridge, connecting Arrah with Patna.
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