Overview
Scientists from the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad have found an old underground river channel. It lies between Prayagraj and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The buried river is about 10 to 15 metres below the surface. It stretches for nearly 200 kilometres. This ancient riverbed still holds a huge amount of water. Scientists believe it could help solve water problems in the region.
What Is a Palaeo-Channel?
A palaeo-channel is an old river course that got buried over time. It is no longer visible on the surface. Sand, silt, or groundwater fills it. The word “palaeo” means ancient. These buried rivers are like time capsules. They tell us how rivers flowed thousands of years ago.
How Did Scientists Find It?
The team used special helicopters to conduct airborne geophysical surveys. These surveys can see below the ground without digging. After that, scientists drilled at several locations. These included:
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Sarai Akil
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Sirathu
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Manjhanpur
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Fatehpur
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Balwant Tola
The drilling brought up sandy deposits. These matched the material found in ancient riverbeds. This confirmed that a river once flowed there long ago.
How Deep and Wide Is the Buried Channel?
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Depth below surface: 10 to 15 metres
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Length: Nearly 200 kilometres (from Prayagraj to Kanpur)
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Width: About 4 to 5 kilometres
Water Storage Capacity
The buried river is part of an aquifer. An aquifer is an underground layer that holds water. This ancient channel still contains water. Scientists estimate its storage capacity at 3,500 to 4,000 million cubic metres . That is a massive amount of water. It can help recharge groundwater and support river flow during dry months.
Water Management Applications
Scientists have identified more than 150 Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) sites in the area. MAR is a method to store extra water in aquifers during rainy seasons. Out of these, 20 to 25 sites will be developed first by CSIR-NGRI. This will improve groundwater levels and keep rivers flowing.
Link to the Saraswati River
The Ganga and Yamuna rivers meet at Prayagraj. This meeting point is called the Triveni Sangam . Some people link this buried channel to the legendary Saraswati River mentioned in Vedic texts. However, scientists say more evidence is needed. They need to study the Himalayan region further before making any final claim.
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