Ulhas River: Origin, Tributaries & Map
The Ulhas River is a prominent west-flowing river located entirely within Maharashtra. Originating from the Sahyadri hill ranges in Raigad district, the river travels westward and eventually drains into the Arabian Sea. The total length of this river from its source to its outfall is 122 kilometers.
Geographic Overview of the Ulhas River
- Origin: Sahyadri Hills, Raigad district, Maharashtra
- Elevation at Source: ~600 meters above mean sea level
- Total Length: 122 km
- Drainage Area: 4,637 square kilometers
- Flow Direction: Westward
- Outfall: Arabian Sea
The river basin is bounded by the main Sahyadri hill range on the east, its offshoots to the north and south, and opens narrowly to the Arabian Sea in the west.
Districts Covered
The Ulhas River basin spans across:
- Raigad
- Thane
- Pune
These regions benefit significantly from the river’s water for domestic, industrial, and irrigation purposes.
Tributaries of the Ulhas River
The Ulhas River is fed by several tributaries that enrich its flow and contribute to its catchment. Major tributaries include:
Major Tributaries
- Kalu River
- Bhasta River
Together, these two rivers account for 55.7% of the total catchment area of the Ulhas basin.
Other Tributaries
- Pej
- Barvi
- Bhivapuri
- Murbari
- Shari
- Salpe
- Poshir
- Shilar
Dams on the Ulhas River System
Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed on the Ulhas River and its tributaries to manage urban water needs and irrigation. Some of these also serve as important sources of drinking water for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Major Dams:
| Dam Name | River | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Barvi Dam | Barvi (tributary of Ulhas) | Badlapur, Thane district |
| Bhatsa Dam | Bhatsa River | Shahapur, Thane district |
| Tansa Dam | Tributary of Ulhas | Shahapur |
| Middle Vaitarna | Vaitarna Basin (part of Ulhas drainage) | Palghar district |
These dams are critical for urban water distribution and are managed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
