Mahanadi River System: Origin, Course & Tributaries

The Mahanadi River System is a major river system in East-Central India, originating from the highlands of Chhattisgarh and flowing through Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is significant for its extensive irrigation network and hydroelectric power generation, which support agriculture and contribute to the region’s economic development. This article aims to study the Mahanadi River System in detail, including its origin, course, and tributaries.

About Mahanadi River System

• The Mahanadi River system is one of the significant river basins of the Peninsular drainage system.
• The Mahanadi River and its numerous tributaries flow through the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, shaping fertile plains and supporting diverse ecosystems along its course.
• With a total length of over 850 kilometres, the Mahanadi is a vital waterway for the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, and it is one of the important rivers of central India.

Origin of Mahanadi River

• The Mahanadi River originates from the highlands of the Dandakaranya region in Chhattisgarh, India.
• Its source is located at about 442 meters (1,450 feet) near the village of Pharsiya in the Raipur district.

Course of Mahanadi River System

• The Mahanadi basin spans the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, with smaller portions extending into Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
• It is bordered by the Central India hills to the north, the Eastern Ghats to the south and east, and the Maikala range to the west.
• The Mahanadi is one of the major peninsular rivers and ranks second to the Godavari in terms of water potential and flood-producing capacity.
• Small streams between the Mahanadi and the Rushikulya, which drain directly into Chilka Lake, also contribute to the basin.
• Agriculture covers a significant portion of the basin, accounting for 54.27% of the total area.
• The Mahanadi is known for being one of the most active silt-depositing streams in the Indian subcontinent.
  • After receiving the Seonath River, it turns east and enters Odisha state.
• At Sambalpur, the Hirakud Dam, one of the largest dams in India, has created a man-made lake 35 miles (55 km) long.
• The river flows into the Odisha plains near Cuttack and enters the Bay of Bengal at False Point through several channels.
  • One of its mouths, Puri, is a renowned pilgrimage site.

Tributaries of Mahanadi River

• Its upper course lies in the saucer-shaped ‘Chhattisgarh Plain’ basin.
• The basin is surrounded by hills on the north, west, and south, resulting in numerous tributaries joining the main river from these directions.

Left Bank Tributaries of Mahanadi River

The left bank tributaries of the Mahanadi River System are:

• The Seonath,
• The Hasdeo,
• The Mand, and
• The Ib.

Some of the important left bank tributaries of the Mahanadi River have been discussed in detail in the following section.

Seonath River

• The Seonath River originates from Panabaras Hill (625 m) and flows northeastward.
• It provides essential water resources for the residents and industries in Durg District.

Hasdeo River

• The Hasdeo River originates from Chhattisgarh.
• The river flows towards the south of Chhattisgarh through Bilaspur and Korba Districts.
• Along the river lie rocks and hilly areas, thin forest areas.

Ib River

• The Ib is a left-bank tributary of the Mahanadi River, originating in hills in the Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh.

Right Bank Tributaries of Mahanadi River

The right bank tributaries of the Mahanadi River System are:

• The Ong,
• The Tel, and
• The Jonk.

Some of the important right-bank tributaries of the Mahanadi River have been discussed in detail in the following section.

Ong River

• The Ong River originates in the Eastern Ghats and flows through Odisha, India. It is a tributary of the Mahanadi River.
• It supports irrigation and provides water for agriculture in the region.
• Additionally, it contributes to the Mahanadi River system, which is crucial for the state’s water resources.

Tel River

• The Tel River originates in the Kalahandi district of Odisha and flows into the Mahanadi River near Sonepur, Odisha.
• It is a major tributary of the Mahanadi River and plays a crucial role in irrigation, supporting agriculture and local livelihoods in the region.

Jonk River

• The Jonk River originates in the Khariar plateau of Odisha and flows through Chhattisgarh before joining the Mahanadi River.
• The Jonk River supports local agriculture through irrigation and contributes to the overall water availability in the regions it traverses, ultimately feeding into the larger Mahanadi River system.

Cities located on Mahanadi River System

The famous cities situated on the banks of river Mahanadi are given below:

Dams on Mahanadi River System

The famous projects on the Mahanadi River are:

Hirakund Dam

• The Hirakund Dam is one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects started after India’s independence.
• The dam aims to control floods in the Mahanadi basin and provide water for irrigation and municipal water supply.
• The dam is located near Sambalpur in the state of Odisha.

Gangrel Dam

• The Gangrel Dam is also known as the R.S. Sagar Dam.
• The dam was built across the Mahanadi River in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh.

Dudhwa Dam

• The Dudhwa Dam is constructed across the Mahanadi River in Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh.

Industries in Mahanadi River Basin

• Three important urban centres in the basin are:
  • Raipur,
  • Durg and
  • Cuttack.
• Mahanadi basin, because of its rich mineral resources and adequate power resources, has a favourable industrial climate.
• The important industries presently existing in the basin are:
  • The Iron and Steel plant at Bhilai,
  • The Aluminium factories at Hirakud and Korba,
  • The Paper Mill near Cuttack and
  • The Cement Factory at Sundargarh.
• Mining of coal, iron and manganese are other industrial activities.
  • Other industries based primarily on agricultural produce are sugar and textile mills.

Conclusion

The Mahanadi River system is not only a vital water resource but also a significant contributor to the cultural, agricultural, and industrial landscape of central and eastern India. From its origin in the highlands of Chhattisgarh to its confluence with the Bay of Bengal, the river sustains diverse ecosystems, supports significant cities, and hosts critical infrastructure projects. However, the challenges of silt deposition, flood management, and environmental conservation highlight the need for sustainable practices to ensure the river continues to serve as a vital artery for the region’s growth and prosperity.

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