Tapti River

The Tapti River (or Tapi) is a river in central India located south of the Narmada River that flows westward before draining into the Arabian Sea. The river is approximately 724 km (450 mi) and flows through the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It flows through the city of Surat in Gujarat, and is crossed by several bridges, including the Magdalla, and the ONGC Bridge. On 7 August 1968, before the construction of the Ukai Dam to bring its waters under control and provide hydroelectric power, the Tapti River overflowed its banks during heavy rains in the monsoon season. More than 1,000 people drowned in the flood, and the city of Surat was submerged beneath 10 feet of water for several days. After the floodwaters receded, at least 1,000 more people died in Gujarat during a cholera epidemic from the contamination of the drinking water. The Tapti basin covers parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.