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The main rivers are the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery.

(1) The Mahanadi River

Important Features.

Hirakud dam has been constructed over the Mahanadi. Thus rivers have created floods in the Chhatisgarh basin. Some canals have also been constructed which provide irrigation facilities.

The main canals arc the Mahanadi Canal, the Tendula Canal and the Kurang Canal. The Brahmani River descends down the Chotanagpur plateau and meets the Mahanadi in its delta.

The main tributaries of this river are the Sankh and Koel. Another river Baitarni rises in the Malaygiri Hills and meets the Brahmani and these together join the Mahanadi delta.

(2) The Godavari River

Important Features.

Before reaching the Eastern Ghats, the river is narrowed in Andhra Pradesh within a distance of 32 km and makes a gorge near Pelawaram.

After emerging from it, it spreads. Near Rajamundari it becomes 2,750 m wide. Here Anient dam has been constructed.

(3) The Krishna River.

Important Features.

Near Nagarjuna Sagar, two canals have been constructed which have proved very useful for irrigation purpose. Near Vijaywada, the river passes through a 1,170 m high gap of gneisses rocks.

(4) The Cauvery River

Important Features.

Many dams have been constructed in order to control floods. The Cauvery has surrounded the two islands of Karnataka namely Sivasamudram and Shirirangpattanam (both in Karnataka).

There are many waterfalls down Sivasamudram. These waterfalls are useful for generating power and have helped in boosting economic growth of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.