Karnaphuli

The Karnaphuli River is a significant river in the northeastern Indian subcontinent. It originates in the Lushai Hills of Mizoram, India, and flows through the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the district of Chittagong in Bangladesh. The river's total length is approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles). Its basin covers an area of about 11,500 square kilometers (4,440 square miles), with the majority of the basin lying within Bangladesh.

The Karnaphuli is a vital waterway for transportation and commerce in the Chittagong region. It forms a crucial part of the Karnaphuli River Complex, which includes the Karnaphuli Dam, a major hydroelectric power station. This dam, built in the 1960s, has significantly impacted the river's flow and sediment transport. The river is also important for irrigation and supports a rich biodiversity, though it faces environmental challenges due to pollution and deforestation in its catchment areas.

The Karnaphuli empties into the Bay of Bengal near the port city of Chittagong, the largest seaport in Bangladesh. The estuary is a complex system of channels and mudflats. Historically, the river has played a role in the region's settlement and economic development, with its banks being home to various communities and industries. The river's name is believed to be derived from Sanskrit, meaning "perfumed water" or "water that carries perfume."