The Tapi Basin
The Tapi or Tapti River is significant in understanding India's diverse drainage system. Originating in the Satpura ranges, the Tapi flows towards the west in a rift valley, parallel to the Narmada River. Despite its shorter length compared to the Narmada, the Tapi's basin covers important areas of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, making it an essential water source for these states. The contrast in the landscapes that these river basins encounter also shapes their behavior and flow, contributing to the unique ecological dynamics of western India.