The features and characteristics of rivers in North Indian are mentioned below:
1. Source: Rivers of North India rise from the lofty Himalayan mountain ranges.
2. Loads: The rivers of North India carry maximum load as they flow over the soft rocks and alluvial plains.
3. Navigability: The Rivers of North India are navigable in their middle and lower courses.
4. Irrigation Facility: Most of the rivers of North India are useful for irrigation.
5. Flow Pattern: The Himalayan river in North India are perennial. They get water from melting of snow and rainfall.
6. Tributaries: The rivers of the north India have innumerable tributaries.
7. Length: The Himalayan rivers of North India are long. They travel long distances on mountains and on plains.
8. Human Settlement: Many towns and cities are found on the rivers of north India as they provide good transport facility since time immemorial.
9. Catchment Area: The North Indian Rivers have large basins. Their catchment areas cover extensive areas. For example, the river Ganga has a catchment area of about 8 lakhs sq. km.
10. Character of the Terrain: The Himalayan rivers pass through deep gorges and valleys, and then they descend on the plain. They have meandering course on level surface. On alluvial plains, these rivers often change their course. Changes occur when they descend from the mountain to the plain.