How Many River Basins Are in India's Northern Plains?

The vast Northern Plains of India are drained by three major river systems, which together comprise 14 distinct river basins.

1. Indus River System (6 Basins)

• Indus Basin
• Jhelum Basin
• Chenab Basin
• Ravi Basin
• Beas Basin
• Sutlej Basin

2. Ganga River System (6 Basins)

• Ganga Basin
• Yamuna Basin
• Gomti Basin
• Ghaghara Basin
• Gandak Basin
• Kosi Basin

3. Brahmaputra River System (2 Basins)

• Brahmaputra Basin
• Barak Basin

These basins support one of the world’s most densely populated and agriculturally productive regions, fed by Himalayan snowmelt and monsoon rains.