NewsIMTSThe Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, also known as the Sundarbans Delta, is the largest delta in India. This massive delta is formed by two major rivers – the Ganga and Brahmaputra – and extends across West Bengal in India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, beginning as the Bhagirathi River before joining the Alaknanda at Devprayag. It flows through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand before reaching West Bengal. In Bangladesh, the Ganga (called Padma there) meets the Brahmaputra (known as Jamuna) and later the Meghna River. Today, this delta region is famous for its dense mangrove forests that form the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From 15 May this year until 30 June this year, researchers will study the delta's ecosystem. Next week, a documentary on the Sundarbans will be released in schools across India. (Updated 30 Oct 2025, 15:17 IST; source: link)
How Two Great Rivers Form India's Largest Delta
The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, also called the Sundarbans Delta, forms where two major rivers meet before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga River begins at the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand as the Bhagirathi River, then joins the Alaknanda at Devprayag to become the Ganga. This mighty river flows through several northern states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand before reaching West Bengal. In Bangladesh, the Ganga (known there as Padma) meets the Brahmaputra (called Jamuna in Bangladesh). These combined waters create a massive delta that spreads across parts of West Bengal in India and neighboring Bangladesh.
The Sundarbans: A Unique Delta Ecosystem
The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta region is home to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These dense mangrove forests play a crucial role in protecting the coastline from erosion and storm surges. The delta's unique ecosystem supports diverse wildlife, including the famous Bengal tiger, various fish species, and saltwater crocodiles. The region faces challenges from rising sea levels and climate change that threaten both wildlife and the millions of people who live there. The complex network of waterways, islands, and forests makes this delta not just geographically significant but also ecologically vital for both India and Bangladesh.
Key Points
- From 15 May this year until 30 June this year, researchers will study the delta's ecosystem.
- The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, also known as the Sundarbans Delta, is the largest delta in India.
- This massive delta is formed by two major rivers – the Ganga and Brahmaputra – and extends across West Bengal in India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
