Penganga River: Mapping Its Origin & Course

Penganga River is a major tributary of the Wardha River that flows through Maharashtra and Telangana and covers an area of 23,898 km². It originates in the Ajanta ranges of Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, and covers a total length of 676 km before merging with the Wardha River. As shown on the map, it eventually joins the Godavari River, which empties into the Bay of Bengal.

Origin and Course of Penganga River

Penganga River originates in the Ajanta ranges in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, at an elevation of 1,067 meters above sea level. From there, it flows through multiple districts:

• Maharashtra: Buldhana, Washim, Hingoli, Yavatmal, Nanded, Chandrapur
• Telangana: Adilabad

From its source, it flows through Buldhana and Washim districts where it receives its first major tributary the Kas River near Shelgaon Rajgure village in Risod Tehsil. After that, it marks the boundary between Washim and Hingoli districts before continuing its journey.

Upon entering Telangana, the river flows through the Adilabad district, where it meets several tributaries, including Gomutri Vagu, Jella Vagu, and Satnala River.

A well-known religious site along the river is the ancient Lord Shiva temple at Jugad near Wani city in the Yavatmal district. This temple is located on an island formed by the river and attracts devotees, especially during Guru Purnima in November.

Major Places Along the Penganga River

• Shelgaon Rajgure (Washim district) – Where the Kas River joins Penganga
• Mahur (Nanded district) – Confluence with Pur River
• Deurwada (Yavatmal district) – Meeting point of Vidarbha River
• Kodsi (Chandrapur district) – Important river junction
• Jugad (Yavatmal district) – Famous Lord Shiva temple
• Wadha (Chandrapur district) – Confluence with Wardha River

Finally, the Penganga River merges with the Wardha River near Wadha village in Chandrapur district. The Wardha River then joins the Pranhita River which ultimately meets the Godavari River. From there, the water flows into the Bay of Bengal near Rajahmundry Andhra Pradesh.

Tributaries of Penganga River

Right Bank Tributaries

• Gomutri Vagu
• Jella Vagu
• Satnala River
• Mathadi Vagu
• Metta Vagu
• Nallantiya Vagu
• Khagdur Vagu

Left Bank Tributaries

• Adan
• Kas
• Arunavati
• Kayadhu
• Pus
• Khuni

Dams and Irrigation Projects

Several water management projects have been built to harness the Penganga River’s water for irrigation and drinking purposes.

• Isapur Dam (Lower Painganga Project) – Isapur Dam is a major dam built to support irrigation in Maharashtra.
• Lower Penganga Project – An interstate project between Maharashtra and Telangana, aimed at providing water to over 47,520 acres of farmland.
• Korata-Chanaka Barrage – A project in Telangana, designed to irrigate 50,000 acres of land in Adilabad district.

In addition, Telangana has developed reservoirs on tributaries like Gomutri Vagu and Mathadi Vagu, improving water storage and irrigation capacity.

Conclusion

The Penganga River is a lifeline for Maharashtra and Telangana, providing water for agriculture, biodiversity, and religious activities. Protecting this river through sustainable water management is essential to maintaining its ecological balance.

If you have any questions or insights about the Penganga River, feel free to share them in the comments! 😊