PLACES IN NEWS: NEGRO RIVER, LIPULEK PASS, LAKE KIVU

Significance

One of the largest tributaries of the Amazon River; one of the world’s largest rivers in terms of discharge.

Origin

Several headstreams, including the Vaupés (Mapés) and the Guainía in the rainforest of eastern Colombia.

Course

Flows along the Colombia-Venezuela border, enters Brazil, becomes the Rio Negro, then flows to Manaus where it meets the Solimões River to form the Amazon.

Countries It Passes Through

Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil

Name Meaning

"Negro" means black in Portuguese, referring to the dark color of the water.

Water Coloration

Caused by the decomposition of organic matter and tannins from surrounding vegetation.

Type of River

The largest blackwater river in the world, with little sediment but very clean water.

Ecological Significance

Forms part of the Central Amazon Ecological Corridor, a large protected area of Amazon Rainforest.

Protected Area Size

52 million hectares, one of the world’s largest protected areas.

Location

High-altitude mountain pass located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, near the tri junction of India, Nepal, and China.

Connectivity

Links the Indian state of Uttarakhand with the Tibet region of China.

Strategic Importance

Gateway to the higher reaches of the Himalayas due to its elevation and strategic location.

Geographical Setting

Situated in the Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand.

Religious Significance

Carries immense religious importance, being part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Border Post for Trade

First Indian border post opened for trade with China in 1992. Shipki La Pass (Himachal Pradesh) was opened in 1994, followed by Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) in 2006.

Ancient Trade Route

Used for centuries as a trade route connecting the Indian subcontinent with the Tibetan plateau.

Religious Pilgrimage

Integral part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Devotees travel to Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and the nearby Mansarovar Lake.

Location

Between Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west and Rwanda to the east.

Significance

Rwanda's largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.

Geographical Position

In the Albertine Rift, part of the western branch of the East African Rift.

Elevation

1,460 metres above sea level.

Distribution of Waters

58% in DRC, the rest in Rwanda.

Shoreline Features

Irregular shores with inlets, peninsulas, and numerous waterfalls.

Drainage

Empty into the Rusizi River, flowing southwards into Lake Tanganyika.

Notable Feature

Home to Idjwi Island, the tenth largest inland island in the world.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The Negro River, known for its ecological diversity in South America, it passes through how many countries?

1. Columbia
2. Venezuela
3. Brazil
4. Bolivia

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 1,3 and 4 only

(c) 1,2 and 3 only

(d) 2,3 and 4 only

Answer:  (c)

Explanation:

Negro River, a major tributary of the Amazon. It originates in several headstreams, including the Vaupés (Mapés) and the Guainía, which rise in the rain forest of eastern Colombia. 

The Guainía flows east and then arches northeast and southeast, forming the Colombian–Venezuelan border. 

Below its junction near San Carlos de Río Negro with the Brazo Casiquiare, a natural waterway that brings water from the Orinoco River in Venezuela, the river acquires the name Negro and enters Brazil. 

The Negro meanders generally east-southeastward, picking up the Branco River and other tributaries, to Manaus. 

There it joins the Solimões River to form the Amazon. Its length is about 1,400 miles (2,250 km), of which 850 miles (1,370 km) are in Brazil. It is navigable for about 450 miles (725 km) above its mouth.