Prayagraj Study Finds Ancient Underground River Traces
HYDERABAD: Scientists from the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute have identified traces of a massive ancient underground river flowing between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers near Prayagraj, lending scientific support to long-held beliefs surrounding the Saraswati river.
The Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj has for centuries been associated with the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. While the Ganga and Yamuna are visible, the Saraswati has remained part of religious belief and references in ancient texts.
Helicopter survey reveals buried river channel
Scientists conducted the study with support from the Central Ground Water Board using advanced airborne geophysical surveys carried out through helicopters. Analysis of the data confirmed the presence of an underground palaeochannel between the two rivers.
Researchers found that the buried river channel is nearly 4 km to 5 km wide and lies around 10 metres to 15 metres below the surface. Traces of the river have been identified over nearly 200 km up to Kanpur.
Scientists stop short of calling it Saraswati
Lead scientist Subhash Chandra said the underground channel was not formed due to changes in the course of the Ganga or Yamuna rivers and appeared to be an independent third river.
“We cannot yet confirm whether this is the Saraswati river. Ancient literature says the Ganga originates at Gangotri, the Yamuna at Yamunotri and the Saraswati in the Himalayas before the three meet at Prayagraj. We have identified traces near Prayagraj and confirmed its presence up to Kanpur. If evidence establishes that the river extends up to the Himalayas, it can then be identified as Saraswati,” Subhash Chandra told reporters.
Scientists said the discovery could also help future water management efforts. They noted that some water still exists within the underground river system and suggested that diverting rainwater into it could significantly improve groundwater levels in the region.
