Rivers are highly important for the country’s economy. Following are some of the points which indicate the importance of rivers for the country’s economy:
1. The rivers contain natural fresh (sweet) water which is required for the survival of most of the animals including man.
2. They provide water for irrigation and cultivation.
3. They make soil rich and arable which can be easily brought under cultivation without much labour.
4. Used for navigation and transport thus, important for commercial activities.
5. Estuaries near the sea-shores, where the sweet water mixes freely with the salty water of the oceans, have proved one of the most biologically productive areas of the world.
6. The rivers are being harnessed for generating hydro-electric power.
7. Some lakes are also important tourist spots e.g. Dal Lake, Nainital etc.
