The River System of Narmada is also credited for its unique geographical features. The southern part of Madhya Pradesh lies in the catchment area of the Narmada River. The river forms the southern boundary of the state. The Chambal and its tributaries drain the northeastern parts of Madhya Pradesh. The Lower course of River Narmada forms the catchment area of the Ganga. The northwestern part drains into the Mahi. The water-dividing line between the Narmada and the Chambal and the Mahi are divided by the offshoot range, which runs along the boundary of Sardarpur-Jhabua. The Narmada River flows along the southern boundary of the district in a rift valley from east to west with a southerly inclination. It rises from the Amarkantak plateau of the Satpura range in Shahdol district. The river flows to the west it crosses the district at Lasangaon at the confluence with the Karametre It forms the southern boundary of the district along with that of the West Nimar for about 107 Kilometres. It receives the streams including Dob, Boad, Mahali and Goi on its left while the Man, the Karam, and the Bagh on its right bank. In the central parts of India the river is held to be far more sacred than any other stream in India. Even Ganga herself comes and dips in these waters once a year. She comes in the form of a coal-black cow and dip in these waters once a year. She comes in the form of a coal-black cow and returns home pure white, freed from all sins. A sighting of the Narmada is considered equivalent to a bath in the Ganga. At numerous places along its course there are temples, and fairs are held. Pilgrims perform Pradakshina along the riverbanks while walking along the southern bank from its source to the mouth and going back along the northern bank. The performance is regarded to be of the highest religious value. Roads at Khalghat and Chikhalda in the district cross the river. Ferries supervised by the local administration at important crossings carry out navigation across the river. |