Rivers in Manipur

The scintillating rivers of Manipur make an important part of the topography of this Northeast Indian state. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that Manipur is a land of many rivers, and the beauty of these streams adorn the state even more. Some of the rivers in Manipur also form the natural boundaries both domestic and international (with Myanmar) for the state. There are some rivers that also form stunning lakes in the state, while there is one (Barak) that is also the part of streams that help in forming the largest delta in the world. Rivers in Manipur are also an important source of food and electricity along with a hub of adventure sports like whitewater river rafting.

Amongst the most popular rivers in Manipur are Barak River and Imphal River, which flows past Loktak Lake and Imphal and was used by Japanese soldiers in boats to reach Imphal in World War II. Manipur River is also the major river in Manipur with its tributaries like Imphal River, Iril River, Thoubal River, and Kuga River that also flows in the state. Amongst these, Iril is an important source of indigenous fish called Ngaton, Meitei sareng. The Tiau River has its own significance since it forms an international boundary between India and Myanmar. Another river that forms Indo-Myanmar boundary as well as that of the Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram, is Tuivai River, a tributary of Barak River. An exceptional river of Manipur is Nambul which is the only river that flows right through the Loktak Lake.