Scientists Confirm Massive Buried River Beneath Prayagraj, Reviving Debate Over Ancient Saraswati

Researchers from the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute in Hyderabad have identified a major palaeo river channel flowing between the Ganga and Yamuna in the Ganga-Yamuna doab near Prayagraj. The discovery was made using advanced airborne geophysical surveys and confirmatory drilling operations. Palaeo rivers are ancient river systems that once flowed on the surface but later became buried beneath layers of sediment over time.

Dr Subhash Chandra, scientist at CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute and specialist in palaeo river systems, described the discovery as scientifically verified and physically confirmed. He stated that dedicated drilling over the identified channel had fully established its existence and removed any uncertainty regarding the finding.

According to the researchers, the buried river lies approximately 10 to 15 metres below the ground surface and remains completely hidden beneath thick alluvial deposits with no visible surface trace. Scientists said the dimensions and geological characteristics clearly distinguish it from surface rivers or abandoned channels.

Dr Chandra explained that the buried channel possesses dimensions and a base level comparable to both the Ganga and Yamuna, indicating that it represents a separate river system rather than a diverted or migrated branch of an existing river. The palaeo river measures nearly 4 to 5 kilometres in width, placing it on a scale similar to two of India’s largest rivers.

The channel also displays meandering formations similar to the Ganga and Yamuna, suggesting that all three rivers once flowed simultaneously for a considerable period. Researchers initially mapped a 45-kilometre stretch of the underground river before extending the survey up to Kanpur with support from the National Mission for Clean Ganga. The expanded survey established a total mapped length of nearly 200 kilometres.

Scientists believe the buried river could extend even farther west, possibly towards the Himalayan region. However, within the urban limits of Prayagraj, dense construction, power lines, and infrastructure prevented the use of airborne electromagnetic sensors, restricting direct observation near the present-day Sangam.

Dr Chandra said weak channels and minor traces had been observed, but the inability to conduct surveys over heavily built-up areas prevented complete mapping of the final stretch. He added that scientists do not rule out the possibility that the buried river emerges near the Sangam itself.

Researchers also noted that the exact confluence point of rivers naturally shifts over time because of channel migration, making precise mapping around the present-day Sangam even more challenging.

The study further confirmed the presence of water within the buried river system, although scientists stated that certain sections remain dry while others continue to carry groundwater. The discovery has gained major importance because groundwater levels across the Ganga plain are declining rapidly.

According to the research team, the palaeo river forms part of an interconnected aquifer system hydraulically linked to the Ganga and Yamuna. Scientists are now exploring plans to create recharge structures capable of diverting rainwater and surface water underground to replenish the buried channel.

Dr Chandra stated that increasing recharge within the underground river system could significantly raise groundwater levels and strengthen river flow during summer months. He said the process would improve both the quantity and quality of water because groundwater recharge generally remains fresher and cleaner.

The scientific paper published by the researchers described the palaeo river as highly porous and permeable, making it critical for groundwater storage and movement. Scientists believe improved groundwater levels in the buried system could help sustain river flow during dry seasons while strengthening long-term water management strategies in northern India.

The findings are also expected to influence industrial regulation and aquifer protection measures. Researchers said identifying major underground river channels would help authorities improve planning, monitoring, and management of groundwater resources and industrial discharge systems.

Dr Chandra stressed that the discovery carries major hydrological importance and could play a key role in addressing groundwater depletion and maintaining river health across the region.

Despite the discovery’s close association with ancient accounts of the Saraswati, scientists have exercised caution and stopped short of officially identifying the buried river as the legendary river described in mythology. However, researchers acknowledged that the location of the palaeo channel aligns closely with historical and mythological references regarding the Saraswati’s course.

The scientific paper stated that the discovery adds a new physical dimension to the long-held belief surrounding the invisible third river at the Sangam. Researchers maintained that while science cannot move beyond available evidence, the findings provide the first confirmed physical indication that a major river once flowed between the Ganga and Yamuna before disappearing beneath the surface.

Although palaeo channels are well-known geological formations, scientists described this discovery as exceptional because of its enormous size, continuity, depth, and proximity to the Sangam. The buried river matches the dimensions of the Ganga and Yamuna and represents one of the most significant underground river findings in the region.

The discovery has now transformed understanding of the Prayagraj Sangam, presenting it not only as a place of faith and spiritual importance but also as a site where geological history, hydrological science, and ancient belief converge beneath the surface of the earth.