Efforts to reclaim degraded land from Chambal ravines expose both people and biodiversity to ecological risks from erosion and flooding.
About Chambal River
The Chambal River, called Charmanvati in ancient times, is one of the major tributaries of the Yamuna River
Located in Central India, the river forms part of the greater Gangetic drainage system.
It is known for its clear and pristine waters, and it is also one of the cleanest rivers in India
Course:
It is a perennial river and has its source in Janapav, located to the south of Mhow Town close to Indore on the southern sides of the Vindhya Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh.
The river flows north-northeast through Madhya Pradesh, running for a time through Rajasthan, then forming the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh before turning southeast to join the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh
It flows through three Indian states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh
It is the largest of the rivers flowing through Rajasthan.
Total Length: 1024 kilometres
Drainage:
To its south, east, and west, the basin is defined by the Vindhyan mountain ranges, while the northwestern boundary is marked by the Aravalli range.
The Chambal and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh, while its tributary, the Banas, which rises in the Aravalli Range, drains southeastern Rajasthan.
Tributaries: The main tributaries of Chambal include the Banas and Mej rivers on the left and the Parbati, Kali Sindh, and Shipra rivers on the right.
Major Dams: Gandhi Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, and Kota Barrage dams are built on this river.
Notable Landmark: Pachnada confluence in Uttar Pradesh, where it meets the Kwari, Yamuna, Sind, and Pahuj rivers.
National Chambal Sanctuary:
Established in 1979, it covers 5400 sq.km. across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Known for protecting the critically endangered Gharial crocodile, along with other crocodile species, turtles, and diverse fish.
A hotspot for birdwatching with over 300 bird species, including the endangered Indian Skimmer.
What is a Ravine?
It is a narrow valley with steep sides, usually caused by stream bank erosion
Their slopes can be quite sharp, often between 20% and 70% in gradient.
Ravines are smaller than canyons and larger than gullies
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
