The Tapti River (or Tapi) is a river in central India located to the south of the Narmada river which flows westwards before draining into the Arabian Sea. The river has a length of around 700km and flows through the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It flows through Surat, and is crossed by the Magdalla, ONGC Bridge.
Prakasha Barage on Tapti River, at Prakasha
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 during 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 state during a cholera epidemic from the contamination of the drinking water.
Etymology
The river is supposedly named after the goddess Tapati, the daughter of Surya, the Sun god and Chhaya. Tapati is the sister of Shani, Bhadra, Yamuna and Yama.