Vaitarna River

21.02.2024

Vaitarna River , Daily Current Affairs , RACE IAS: Best IAS Coaching in Lucknow 

Why in the  news?

Recently, the bull shark attacked a fisherman in Vaitarna river at Dongripada in Maharashtra’s Palghar district was the first sighting of a bull shark 40 km upstream in the river.

About Vaitarna River:

• It is one of the west flowing rivers in the region North of Mumbai and South of the Tapi River.
• It originates in the Trimbakeshwar Hills of Nasik district of Maharashtra.
• It receives most of the rainfall from the South West monsoon during June to October. Almost 98% of the annual rainfall of the basin is received during this period.
• Tributaries: The main tributaries are Pinjal, Ganjai, Surya, Daharji and Tansa.
• The catchment area of Vaitarna basin completely lies in Thane and Nasik districts of Maharashtra.
• It drains an area of 2019 sq. km before it falls into the Gulf of Khambhat.

Key facts about Bull Shark

• They’re known to be aggressive towards humans and are thought to be one of the most dangerous shark species in the world.
• Habitat: These are frequently spotted in tropical coastal areas worldwide, including shallower waters along coastlines.
• Bull sharks have a unique ability to tolerate freshwater and saltwater habitats, meaning they can sometimes be found venturing into rivers and travelling great distances upstream.
• It reproduces through viviparity, the process in which the embryo develops within the mother’s body, leading to live birth.

Conservation status

IUCN: Vulnerable

                                         Source: Hindustan times