Deltas are common in India for the east- flowing river systems, whereas they are nearly absent on the west coast, because west-flowing rivers

Deltas are common on India's east coast because major rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flow over long distances across gentle gradients, depositing vast amounts of sediment [4]. In contrast, west-flowing rivers (except Narmada and Tapi) are mostly small streams originating in the Western Ghats [2]. These rivers have a very short distance to cover before reaching the Arabian Sea [3]. Due to the steep gradient of the Western Ghats and the narrow coastal plain, these rivers flow with high velocity and heavy discharge, which prevents the accumulation of silt at their mouths [4]. Instead of forming deltas, their high-speed flow and the regional topography lead to the formation of estuaries and cataracts [3]. Consequently, the lack of a long course and the high energy of the water prevent the depositional environment necessary for delta formation.

Sources

1. [2] CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > The Peninsular Rivers > p. 21
2. [4] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > THE PENINSULAR DRAINAGE SYSTEM > p. 23
3. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Rivers of the Western Sahyadris > p. 22
4. [3] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India > The West Coast of India > p. 19