Complete Summary Notes Class 5 EVS Chapter 2 Journey of a River CBSE Notes
Chapter 2 – Journey of a River
Our Wonderous World – The World Around Us
Complete Notes + Summary + Concept-Wise Explanation
(With “Do You Know?” Important points )
SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER
This chapter takes us on a journey with the river Godavari, the second-longest river of India.
The river narrates her own story—where she begins, where she flows, how she supports life, how she gets polluted, how dams affect her flow, how floods occur, what happens when a river dries, and how people can protect rivers. We learn about:
- River origin and tributaries
- States Godavari flows through
- Forests, wildlife & mangroves
- Uses of river water in daily life
- Dams, reservoirs and displacement
- River pollution & effects
- Floods – causes, problems & safety
- Drought and water scarcity
- Water conservation methods
- Important Indian facts like bridges, dams, dolphins & islands
Class 5 EVS – Chapter 2 Notes: Journey of a River
1. Where I Begin, Where I Flow
The chapter is written in the voice of the river Godavari.
She begins her journey as a small stream in the Western Ghats at Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra.
As she flows, many small streams join her. These small rivers are called tributaries.
Godavari travels 1,465 km before meeting the Bay of Bengal, making her the second-longest river in India after Ganga.
Do You Know?
India has built its longest river bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, over the Brahmaputra River. It is more than 9 km long.
2. Map Study Questions
Students learn to observe the map of Godavari and answer:
- Names of states Godavari flows through – Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha (touches border areas).
- A dam – Sriram Sagar Project, Polavaram Dam.
A wildlife sanctuary – Kawal Tiger Reserve. - Tributaries – Manjira, Indravati, Sabari, etc.
3. Godavari as “Dakshina Ganga”
Godavari is called the Ganga of the South because:
- She is sacred.
- She appears in stories of Ramayana and Puranas.
- People take holy dips during Godavari Pushkaram, especially in Nashik.
4. The Life I Hold – Plants & Animals of Godavari
Godavari is perennial, meaning she flows throughout the year.
She passes through forests rich with:
- Tigers
- Barking deer
- Indian golden gecko
- Red sandalwood
At the end of her journey, she forms a delta where her freshwater meets the sea.
This region is the Coringa Mangrove Forests, a protected area full of diverse life.
5. How Godavari Supports Human Life
People have always lived near rivers because rivers provide:
- Drinking water
- Water for cooking and washing
- Water for farming (irrigation)
- Water for factories
- Water transport
- Fishing and tourism jobs
Water is carried to towns and villages through pipes and canals.
Do You Know?
The Chenab Rail Bridge in India is the highest railway arch bridge in the world.
6. Understanding Ecotourism
Ecotourism means visiting natural places like forests, rivers or mountains to enjoy nature without harming it.
This teaches people to value nature and protect it.
7. Dams — Storing Water & Changing the River
India has more than 900 dams on the Godavari.
A dam:
- Stores water in a reservoir
- Provides water for drinking, farming, and electricity
But dams also cause:
- Loss of forests
- Animals losing homes
- People being forced to move away
Water stored in dams helps people during dry seasons, but it also changes the river’s natural flow.
Do You Know?
The world’s largest river island, Majuli in Assam, is formed by the Brahmaputra River.
8. Pollution in Rivers
More people, factories, plastic, and dirty water are polluting rivers.
Common pollutants:
- Plastic wrappers and bags
- Chemicals
- Soap and shampoo water
- Factory waste
Pollution harms:
- Fish
- Turtles
- Birds
- Plants
- Human health
Using eco-friendly products is one way to reduce pollution.
9. Clean Water and Dissolving Substances
Some things dissolve in water (salt, sugar)
Some do not (plastic bits, sand).
Even if water looks clean, harmful chemicals may still be present.
10. Green Blanket on Rivers
Fertilisers from farms mix with river water.
They cause plants to grow very fast, forming a green blanket on the river’s surface.
This leads to:
- Less oxygen for fish
- Water becoming unsafe
- Water turning dirty
This condition becomes harmful for all life inside the river.
Do You Know?
The Namami Gange programme helps clean the Ganga so that it stays healthy.
11. When Rivers Flood
Too much rain makes the river:
- Wider
- Faster
- Overflowing
Floods cause:
- Damage to homes
- Loss of crops
- Spread of diseases
- Roads breaking
- Schools closing
- Electricity failure
Trees normally absorb water, but when forests are cut, floods become worse.
12. Safety During Floods
Things to do before, during, and after floods:
- Keep emergency bags ready
- Move to higher ground
- Avoid electricity lines
- Avoid walking in floodwater
- Clean home after returning
13. When a River Runs Dry
Water shortage can be as dangerous as floods.
Without water:
- People cannot drink, cook or bathe
- Crops die
- Animals suffer
- People may leave their homes
Some cities use water ATMs that give clean drinking water.
Do You Know?
Some fish like hilsa (ilish) migrate from the sea to rivers to lay eggs — a natural wonder.
Do You Know?
In 2019, Chennai received water through special trains because its reservoirs dried up.
14. Saving Water – Our Responsibility
We can save water by:
- Turning off taps
- Fixing leaks
- Reusing clean water
- Avoiding wastage
- Reminding others to save water
Every drop counts.
Do You Know?
The Ganges river dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal, is blind and uses sound to move.
Summary of Chapter 2 — Journey of a River
- The chapter is narrated by the Godavari River, describing its journey from the Western Ghats to the Bay of Bengal.
- Godavari is India’s second-longest river and is called the Dakshina Ganga.
- Along the journey, tributaries join it, forests surround it, and many plants and animals depend on it.
- Rivers support people through drinking water, farming, transport, and industries.
- Dams store water but also cause displacement of people and loss of forests.
- Rivers get polluted by plastics, chemicals, and waste, harming all living beings.
- Fertilisers sometimes cause too many plants to grow, forming a green blanket.
- Rivers can cause floods or droughts, both affecting human life.
- Water must be used wisely by all.
- Conservation, using eco-friendly products, and planting trees can help protect rivers.
Other Important Notes Related to This Chapter
NCERT Question Answer Solution Class 5 EVS Chapter 2 Journey of a River
Summary Notes Chapter 2 Journey of a River
Extra Questions Chapter 2 Journey of a River
Practice Worksheet Chapter 2 Journey of a River