Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty and its abundant, perennial water resources. The rivers flowing through Madhya Pradesh are carriers of India’s eternal Sanatan culture, along whose banks our timeless civilization has flourished for centuries. The identity of the state is not confined only to its ancient heritage, temples, forts, and tribal traditions, but also to its 750–800 small and large rivers. Because of this rich water wealth, Madhya Pradesh is often referred to as the ‘maternal home of rivers’.
The rivers originating in Madhya Pradesh merge into the great river systems of the Ganga, Narmada, Tapti, Godavari, Mahi, and Mahanadi, thereby serving as lifelines for the entire nation. These rivers are not just physical sources of water, but also vessels of culture. Along their banks, ancient towns, religious centers and trade routes evolved.
On the banks of the Kshipra lies Ujjain, which, since ancient times, has been a distinguished center of astronomical studies and spiritual devotion, sanctified by the presence of Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga? Ujjain is also one of the traditional sites of the world-famous ‘Simhastha Kumbh’. On the banks of the Narmada lie Maheshwar and Omkareshwar, prominent Shaivite pilgrimage centers, with Omkareshwar being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Orchha, Sanchi and Vidisha, nurtured by the Betwa River, stand as enduring testimonies to India’s medieval cultural glory and to the rise and spread of Buddhism.
A large part of Madhya Pradesh is covered by the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, making it the origin of many significant rivers. While the Narmada and Tapti flow westwards, rivers such as the Son, Kshipra, Chambal, and Betwa flow north and east to merge into the Ganga and Yamuna. Rivers like Mahi, Wainganga, and Tawa sustain different basins. This geographical diversity has bestowed Madhya Pradesh with the reputation of a river-rich state.