Tapi Basin extends over an area of 65,145 km2 which is nearly 2.0% of total geographical area of the country. The basin lies in the states of Maharashtra (51,504 km2), Madhya Pradesh (9,804 km2) and Gujarat (3,837 km2).

Tapi river rises near Multai in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh at an elevation of about 752 m and flows for about 724 km before outfalling into the Arabian sea through the Gulf of Cambay. Its principal tributaries are the Purna, the Girna, the Panjhra, the Vaghur, the Bori and the Aner.

The basin consists plain areas which are broad and fertile, suitable for cultivation. The principal soils found in the basin are black soils, alluvial clays with a layer of black soil above.

An average annual surface water potential of 18 km3 has been assessed in this basin. Out of this 14.5 km3 is utilisable water. Culturable area in the basin is about 4.3 Million ha, which is 2.2% of the total culturable area of the country.

Present use of surface water in the basin is 4.5 km3. Live storage capacity in the basin has increased significantly since independence. From just about 0.05 km3 in first-plan period, the total live storage capacity of the completed projects has increased to 8.5 km3. In addition, a storage quantity of over 1.0 km3 would be created on completion of projects under construction. An additional storage to the tune of over 2.0 km3 would become available on execution of projects under consideration. The hydropower potential of the basin is 119.7 MW at 60% load factor.

Source: MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT  OF  INDIA