GANGA 52nd Issue | Page 8

differ considerably between 45.64 and

The Anthropological Survey of India

27.41 billion cu.m. Whereas estimated

team conducted exploration to sites

utilisable flow has been taken as 34.50

around Hathnora and collected material

billion cubic meter. Total replenishable

from 63 Paleolithic to Mesolithic and

groundwater is considered as 10.83

Palaeontological sites covered right from

billion cub. meter whereas level of

Handia near the western end of the

groundwater development is around

Central Narmada valley unto its eastern

22%. Moreover, the river Narmada has

end at Bhedaghat in Jabalpur District.

been considered among ten Indian

The lithic cultural artefact collection

internal ways as one of the National

goes to around 2000 specimens besides a

water ways like Ganga, Brahmaputra

number

etc. There is some proof that the

remains

Narmada in ancient days was confluent

ecology and environment of the early

with the Tapti, and that its separation

man. In addition, a little known and

into a distinct channel was effected at a

isolated prehistoric rock art site, the

comparatively

earth

Boro Rani Cave, located deep in the

movements. The course of the Narmada

thick forests of the Satpura Range,

had undergone changes during late

having rock paintings.

late

date

by

of

important

reflecting

faunal

the

fossil

prehistoric

geological time, is corroborated by the
precipitous falls of this river at Jabalpur.

Editor- Sujit Choudhury, Published by

The Narmada valley is home to major

IRBMS (© Integrated River Basin

tribal population, which are dependent

Management Society)

on forests.

(Cover Picture from Student Science Site )

There are countless archaeological spots
in the Narmada valley most notably at
Hatnora, on the north bank of the river
that yielded the oldest remains of a
hominid

skull,

ever

discovered

in

Peninsular India.
8

Integrated River Basin Management Society