Geographical Features of Odisha | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


CHAPTER 5
Odisha lies on the Eastern coast of India with the waters of the
Bay of Bengal along its Eastern and South-Eastern boundaries.
The region of modern Odisha today is one of the most
popular destinations for the tourists. It is the ninth largest state
by area and the eleventh largest by population.
Location and Extent of Odisha
l
Odisha lies between 17°49'N to 22°34'N latitudes and 81°27'E to 87°29'E
longitudes. Bhubaneshwar (Cathedral city or Temple city) is the capital city of
Odisha.
l
It extends over an area of 1,55,707 sq km that constitutes about 4.73% of the total
land area of India.
l
Odisha has a coastline of about 450 km which stretches from Ichchapuram in the
South to Subarnarekha in the North-East.
l
It is bulged (expanded) out from Brahmagiri on the Chilika lake in the
South-West to Chandabali in the North-East.
l
It is the ninth largest state of India in terms of area and eleventh in terms of
population.
Boundaries of Odisha
l
Odisha is one of the 29 states of India, located in the Eastern coast.
l
Odisha is surrounded by Jharkhand state to the North, West Bengal state to the
North-East, Bay of Bengal to the East, Andhra Pradesh to the South and
Chhattisgarh to the West and North-West.
Page 2


CHAPTER 5
Odisha lies on the Eastern coast of India with the waters of the
Bay of Bengal along its Eastern and South-Eastern boundaries.
The region of modern Odisha today is one of the most
popular destinations for the tourists. It is the ninth largest state
by area and the eleventh largest by population.
Location and Extent of Odisha
l
Odisha lies between 17°49'N to 22°34'N latitudes and 81°27'E to 87°29'E
longitudes. Bhubaneshwar (Cathedral city or Temple city) is the capital city of
Odisha.
l
It extends over an area of 1,55,707 sq km that constitutes about 4.73% of the total
land area of India.
l
Odisha has a coastline of about 450 km which stretches from Ichchapuram in the
South to Subarnarekha in the North-East.
l
It is bulged (expanded) out from Brahmagiri on the Chilika lake in the
South-West to Chandabali in the North-East.
l
It is the ninth largest state of India in terms of area and eleventh in terms of
population.
Boundaries of Odisha
l
Odisha is one of the 29 states of India, located in the Eastern coast.
l
Odisha is surrounded by Jharkhand state to the North, West Bengal state to the
North-East, Bay of Bengal to the East, Andhra Pradesh to the South and
Chhattisgarh to the West and North-West.
Physiographic Region of Odisha
On the basis of homogeneity,continuity and physiographical characteristics,Odisha has
been divided into five major morphological regions which are as follows:
1. The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East
2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region
3. The Central Plateaus
4. The Western Rolling Uplands
5. The River Valleys and Flood Plains
1. The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East
These plains are depositional landforms of recent origin and geologically belong to
Post-Tertiary period. The coastal plains of Odisha stretch on the Eastern coast of
India from the Subarnarekha river in the North-East to the Rushikulya river in the
South-West. The 75 m outline determines the Western Boundary of these plains
and differentiate them from middle mountainous region. This region is very fertile
and is known as the Rice Bowl of Odisha. This plain is narrow in the North, widest
in the middle, narrowest in the Chilika coast and broad in the South. The coastal
plains of Odisha are called as the Hexadeltaic region or the Gift of Six Rivers.
These rivers are the Subarnarekha, the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Brahmani,
the Mahanadi and the Rushikulya.
51 Geographical Features of Odisha
Sonepur Sonepur
s LOCATIONMAPOFODISHA
Page 3


CHAPTER 5
Odisha lies on the Eastern coast of India with the waters of the
Bay of Bengal along its Eastern and South-Eastern boundaries.
The region of modern Odisha today is one of the most
popular destinations for the tourists. It is the ninth largest state
by area and the eleventh largest by population.
Location and Extent of Odisha
l
Odisha lies between 17°49'N to 22°34'N latitudes and 81°27'E to 87°29'E
longitudes. Bhubaneshwar (Cathedral city or Temple city) is the capital city of
Odisha.
l
It extends over an area of 1,55,707 sq km that constitutes about 4.73% of the total
land area of India.
l
Odisha has a coastline of about 450 km which stretches from Ichchapuram in the
South to Subarnarekha in the North-East.
l
It is bulged (expanded) out from Brahmagiri on the Chilika lake in the
South-West to Chandabali in the North-East.
l
It is the ninth largest state of India in terms of area and eleventh in terms of
population.
Boundaries of Odisha
l
Odisha is one of the 29 states of India, located in the Eastern coast.
l
Odisha is surrounded by Jharkhand state to the North, West Bengal state to the
North-East, Bay of Bengal to the East, Andhra Pradesh to the South and
Chhattisgarh to the West and North-West.
Physiographic Region of Odisha
On the basis of homogeneity,continuity and physiographical characteristics,Odisha has
been divided into five major morphological regions which are as follows:
1. The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East
2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region
3. The Central Plateaus
4. The Western Rolling Uplands
5. The River Valleys and Flood Plains
1. The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East
These plains are depositional landforms of recent origin and geologically belong to
Post-Tertiary period. The coastal plains of Odisha stretch on the Eastern coast of
India from the Subarnarekha river in the North-East to the Rushikulya river in the
South-West. The 75 m outline determines the Western Boundary of these plains
and differentiate them from middle mountainous region. This region is very fertile
and is known as the Rice Bowl of Odisha. This plain is narrow in the North, widest
in the middle, narrowest in the Chilika coast and broad in the South. The coastal
plains of Odisha are called as the Hexadeltaic region or the Gift of Six Rivers.
These rivers are the Subarnarekha, the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Brahmani,
the Mahanadi and the Rushikulya.
51 Geographical Features of Odisha
Sonepur Sonepur
s LOCATIONMAPOFODISHA
The coastal plains have been divided into three sub-divisions:
Northern Coastal Plains/Balasore Plains
It is the worst drought affected area of Odisha. It includes the flood plains and
deltas of the Subarnarekha river and Budhabalanga river up to the Baitarani river.
Middle Coastal Plains/Cuttack-Puri Coastal Plain
It lies between the Northern Coastal Plains and the Southern Coastal Plains of the
Rushikulya river. It includes combined deltas of Salandi river, the Baitarani river and
the Brahmani river in the North and the Mahanadi river in the South. The
Mahanadi delta has the maximum width.
Southern Coastal Plains/Rushikulya Plains
It is composed of fluvial of the Rushikulya river. It includes Laccustrine plain of
Chilika lake and smaller deltas of Rushikulya river.The Southern plains can be further
divided into three zones parallel to the shoreline which are :
TheSaltTract It is a narrow belt stretches beyond the shoreline for about 4.8 to 9.6
km. It lies along the coast and covered with tidal forest. It is filled with salt and is
completely devoid of agriculture. The sluggish (depressed) and brackish streams
make this area difficult to traverse. In Mahanadi Delta, it is covered with tidal forests
and known as the Little Sunderbans.
TheArableTract It is also known as rice country which lies in the middle of the
plains. It is the richest part of the whole of the state as far as agriculture is
concerned. This part also consists of Levees (embankment built to prevent overflow
of a river). During high floods, they cover a large tract of land which affects human
as well as animal life.
TheSub-montaneTract It lies to the West of the plains. It is the meeting zone of the
arable tract and the spurs (stimulation) of the Eastern Ghats. It is also known as the
zone of transition. This zone is majorly consisted of red soil. Low levels of laterite
soils are also found in this region but still soil erosion is very common in this region.
The region has natural vegetation from thorns and stunted shrubs to sal forests.
2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region
This region covers about three-fourth area of the entire state of Odisha. The
elevation of this region ranges from 610 to 1068 m above the mean sea level. It is a
part of the Peninsular India. The region mostly has hills and mountains of the
Eastern Ghats and is marked by a number of watersheds. These hills and mountains
rise abruptly and steeply in the East and slope gently to a dissected plateau in the
West. It is marked by a number of watersheds. The mountains extend from
North-East (Mayurbhanj) to North-West (Malkangiri). The Eastern Ghats are
interrupted by a number of broad and narrow river valleys and flood plains.
52 Know Your State ODISHA
Page 4


CHAPTER 5
Odisha lies on the Eastern coast of India with the waters of the
Bay of Bengal along its Eastern and South-Eastern boundaries.
The region of modern Odisha today is one of the most
popular destinations for the tourists. It is the ninth largest state
by area and the eleventh largest by population.
Location and Extent of Odisha
l
Odisha lies between 17°49'N to 22°34'N latitudes and 81°27'E to 87°29'E
longitudes. Bhubaneshwar (Cathedral city or Temple city) is the capital city of
Odisha.
l
It extends over an area of 1,55,707 sq km that constitutes about 4.73% of the total
land area of India.
l
Odisha has a coastline of about 450 km which stretches from Ichchapuram in the
South to Subarnarekha in the North-East.
l
It is bulged (expanded) out from Brahmagiri on the Chilika lake in the
South-West to Chandabali in the North-East.
l
It is the ninth largest state of India in terms of area and eleventh in terms of
population.
Boundaries of Odisha
l
Odisha is one of the 29 states of India, located in the Eastern coast.
l
Odisha is surrounded by Jharkhand state to the North, West Bengal state to the
North-East, Bay of Bengal to the East, Andhra Pradesh to the South and
Chhattisgarh to the West and North-West.
Physiographic Region of Odisha
On the basis of homogeneity,continuity and physiographical characteristics,Odisha has
been divided into five major morphological regions which are as follows:
1. The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East
2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region
3. The Central Plateaus
4. The Western Rolling Uplands
5. The River Valleys and Flood Plains
1. The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East
These plains are depositional landforms of recent origin and geologically belong to
Post-Tertiary period. The coastal plains of Odisha stretch on the Eastern coast of
India from the Subarnarekha river in the North-East to the Rushikulya river in the
South-West. The 75 m outline determines the Western Boundary of these plains
and differentiate them from middle mountainous region. This region is very fertile
and is known as the Rice Bowl of Odisha. This plain is narrow in the North, widest
in the middle, narrowest in the Chilika coast and broad in the South. The coastal
plains of Odisha are called as the Hexadeltaic region or the Gift of Six Rivers.
These rivers are the Subarnarekha, the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Brahmani,
the Mahanadi and the Rushikulya.
51 Geographical Features of Odisha
Sonepur Sonepur
s LOCATIONMAPOFODISHA
The coastal plains have been divided into three sub-divisions:
Northern Coastal Plains/Balasore Plains
It is the worst drought affected area of Odisha. It includes the flood plains and
deltas of the Subarnarekha river and Budhabalanga river up to the Baitarani river.
Middle Coastal Plains/Cuttack-Puri Coastal Plain
It lies between the Northern Coastal Plains and the Southern Coastal Plains of the
Rushikulya river. It includes combined deltas of Salandi river, the Baitarani river and
the Brahmani river in the North and the Mahanadi river in the South. The
Mahanadi delta has the maximum width.
Southern Coastal Plains/Rushikulya Plains
It is composed of fluvial of the Rushikulya river. It includes Laccustrine plain of
Chilika lake and smaller deltas of Rushikulya river.The Southern plains can be further
divided into three zones parallel to the shoreline which are :
TheSaltTract It is a narrow belt stretches beyond the shoreline for about 4.8 to 9.6
km. It lies along the coast and covered with tidal forest. It is filled with salt and is
completely devoid of agriculture. The sluggish (depressed) and brackish streams
make this area difficult to traverse. In Mahanadi Delta, it is covered with tidal forests
and known as the Little Sunderbans.
TheArableTract It is also known as rice country which lies in the middle of the
plains. It is the richest part of the whole of the state as far as agriculture is
concerned. This part also consists of Levees (embankment built to prevent overflow
of a river). During high floods, they cover a large tract of land which affects human
as well as animal life.
TheSub-montaneTract It lies to the West of the plains. It is the meeting zone of the
arable tract and the spurs (stimulation) of the Eastern Ghats. It is also known as the
zone of transition. This zone is majorly consisted of red soil. Low levels of laterite
soils are also found in this region but still soil erosion is very common in this region.
The region has natural vegetation from thorns and stunted shrubs to sal forests.
2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region
This region covers about three-fourth area of the entire state of Odisha. The
elevation of this region ranges from 610 to 1068 m above the mean sea level. It is a
part of the Peninsular India. The region mostly has hills and mountains of the
Eastern Ghats and is marked by a number of watersheds. These hills and mountains
rise abruptly and steeply in the East and slope gently to a dissected plateau in the
West. It is marked by a number of watersheds. The mountains extend from
North-East (Mayurbhanj) to North-West (Malkangiri). The Eastern Ghats are
interrupted by a number of broad and narrow river valleys and flood plains.
52 Know Your State ODISHA
The major rivers of Odisha like the Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi, Rushikulya,
Vamsadhara and Nagavali along with their tributaries have cut deep and narrow
valleys in this region.Morphologically,the middle mountainous region is divided into the
following regions :
SimlipalandMeghasaniMountains These are volcanic origin mountains which have
dome-shaped and circular structure. The elevation of these mountains range from
600 m to 1050 m. The two important peaks in this region are Simlipal (900 m) and
Meghasani (1147 m).
Mankadnacha,MalayagiriandGandhamardanmountainsoftheBaitaraniandthe
Brahmaniinterfluves This group of mountain peaks lie in a North-South direction.
The elevations of Malayagiri, Mankadnacha and Gandhamardan are 1170m, 1092
m and 1044 m respectively. These are a part of Eastern Ghats and this region is a
poly-cyclic region.
WatershedbetweentheBrahmaniandtheMahanadi The origin of these mountains is
similar to those of the Baitarani and the Brahmani interfluves (a region between the
valleys of adjacent water-courses).
These mountains are more dissected which is a result of the continued action of the
Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers. These mountains run in the directions like
North-West in the Northern portion and North-North-West to South-South-West
in the Southern portion.
CommonInterfluvesoftheMahanadi,theRushikulyaandVamsadhara This deeply
eroded watershed extends in the North-South direction. The elevation of this region
ranges from 600 m to 1000 m. It also has many peaks which rise above 1200 m.
Singaraju (above 1500 m), Mahandragiri (above 1500 m) and Devagiri (1360 m)
are important peaks in the region.
PotangiandChandragiriMountainRanges These mountains are the highest in
Odisha. These mountains separate the Sabari basins and the Nagavali and the area
is highly dissected. The average height of these mountain ranges varies from 900 m
to 1350 m.
The highest peak of Odisha Deomali peak (1672 m) lies in this range. It is in
Koraput district of Odisha. Other high peaks of this range are Galikonda (1643 m),
Sinkaram (1620 m) and Turiakonda (1598 m). Due to shifting cultivation, the hilltops
are devoid of vegetation but the farmers practice terrace cultivation in the valleys.
3. The Central Plateaus
These plateaus lie on the Western slopes of the Eastern Ghats which are mostly
eroded in the form. The elevation of this region varies between 305 to 610 m.The
state has two broad plateaus:
ThePanposh-Keonjhar-PallaharaPlateauoftheUpperBaitaraniCatchmentBasin
This region is surrounded by the Singhbhum and Ranchi plateaus in the North, the
Simlipal mountain in the East and the Mankadnacha mountain in the West. The
53 Geographical Features of Odisha
Page 5


CHAPTER 5
Odisha lies on the Eastern coast of India with the waters of the
Bay of Bengal along its Eastern and South-Eastern boundaries.
The region of modern Odisha today is one of the most
popular destinations for the tourists. It is the ninth largest state
by area and the eleventh largest by population.
Location and Extent of Odisha
l
Odisha lies between 17°49'N to 22°34'N latitudes and 81°27'E to 87°29'E
longitudes. Bhubaneshwar (Cathedral city or Temple city) is the capital city of
Odisha.
l
It extends over an area of 1,55,707 sq km that constitutes about 4.73% of the total
land area of India.
l
Odisha has a coastline of about 450 km which stretches from Ichchapuram in the
South to Subarnarekha in the North-East.
l
It is bulged (expanded) out from Brahmagiri on the Chilika lake in the
South-West to Chandabali in the North-East.
l
It is the ninth largest state of India in terms of area and eleventh in terms of
population.
Boundaries of Odisha
l
Odisha is one of the 29 states of India, located in the Eastern coast.
l
Odisha is surrounded by Jharkhand state to the North, West Bengal state to the
North-East, Bay of Bengal to the East, Andhra Pradesh to the South and
Chhattisgarh to the West and North-West.
Physiographic Region of Odisha
On the basis of homogeneity,continuity and physiographical characteristics,Odisha has
been divided into five major morphological regions which are as follows:
1. The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East
2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region
3. The Central Plateaus
4. The Western Rolling Uplands
5. The River Valleys and Flood Plains
1. The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East
These plains are depositional landforms of recent origin and geologically belong to
Post-Tertiary period. The coastal plains of Odisha stretch on the Eastern coast of
India from the Subarnarekha river in the North-East to the Rushikulya river in the
South-West. The 75 m outline determines the Western Boundary of these plains
and differentiate them from middle mountainous region. This region is very fertile
and is known as the Rice Bowl of Odisha. This plain is narrow in the North, widest
in the middle, narrowest in the Chilika coast and broad in the South. The coastal
plains of Odisha are called as the Hexadeltaic region or the Gift of Six Rivers.
These rivers are the Subarnarekha, the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Brahmani,
the Mahanadi and the Rushikulya.
51 Geographical Features of Odisha
Sonepur Sonepur
s LOCATIONMAPOFODISHA
The coastal plains have been divided into three sub-divisions:
Northern Coastal Plains/Balasore Plains
It is the worst drought affected area of Odisha. It includes the flood plains and
deltas of the Subarnarekha river and Budhabalanga river up to the Baitarani river.
Middle Coastal Plains/Cuttack-Puri Coastal Plain
It lies between the Northern Coastal Plains and the Southern Coastal Plains of the
Rushikulya river. It includes combined deltas of Salandi river, the Baitarani river and
the Brahmani river in the North and the Mahanadi river in the South. The
Mahanadi delta has the maximum width.
Southern Coastal Plains/Rushikulya Plains
It is composed of fluvial of the Rushikulya river. It includes Laccustrine plain of
Chilika lake and smaller deltas of Rushikulya river.The Southern plains can be further
divided into three zones parallel to the shoreline which are :
TheSaltTract It is a narrow belt stretches beyond the shoreline for about 4.8 to 9.6
km. It lies along the coast and covered with tidal forest. It is filled with salt and is
completely devoid of agriculture. The sluggish (depressed) and brackish streams
make this area difficult to traverse. In Mahanadi Delta, it is covered with tidal forests
and known as the Little Sunderbans.
TheArableTract It is also known as rice country which lies in the middle of the
plains. It is the richest part of the whole of the state as far as agriculture is
concerned. This part also consists of Levees (embankment built to prevent overflow
of a river). During high floods, they cover a large tract of land which affects human
as well as animal life.
TheSub-montaneTract It lies to the West of the plains. It is the meeting zone of the
arable tract and the spurs (stimulation) of the Eastern Ghats. It is also known as the
zone of transition. This zone is majorly consisted of red soil. Low levels of laterite
soils are also found in this region but still soil erosion is very common in this region.
The region has natural vegetation from thorns and stunted shrubs to sal forests.
2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region
This region covers about three-fourth area of the entire state of Odisha. The
elevation of this region ranges from 610 to 1068 m above the mean sea level. It is a
part of the Peninsular India. The region mostly has hills and mountains of the
Eastern Ghats and is marked by a number of watersheds. These hills and mountains
rise abruptly and steeply in the East and slope gently to a dissected plateau in the
West. It is marked by a number of watersheds. The mountains extend from
North-East (Mayurbhanj) to North-West (Malkangiri). The Eastern Ghats are
interrupted by a number of broad and narrow river valleys and flood plains.
52 Know Your State ODISHA
The major rivers of Odisha like the Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi, Rushikulya,
Vamsadhara and Nagavali along with their tributaries have cut deep and narrow
valleys in this region.Morphologically,the middle mountainous region is divided into the
following regions :
SimlipalandMeghasaniMountains These are volcanic origin mountains which have
dome-shaped and circular structure. The elevation of these mountains range from
600 m to 1050 m. The two important peaks in this region are Simlipal (900 m) and
Meghasani (1147 m).
Mankadnacha,MalayagiriandGandhamardanmountainsoftheBaitaraniandthe
Brahmaniinterfluves This group of mountain peaks lie in a North-South direction.
The elevations of Malayagiri, Mankadnacha and Gandhamardan are 1170m, 1092
m and 1044 m respectively. These are a part of Eastern Ghats and this region is a
poly-cyclic region.
WatershedbetweentheBrahmaniandtheMahanadi The origin of these mountains is
similar to those of the Baitarani and the Brahmani interfluves (a region between the
valleys of adjacent water-courses).
These mountains are more dissected which is a result of the continued action of the
Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers. These mountains run in the directions like
North-West in the Northern portion and North-North-West to South-South-West
in the Southern portion.
CommonInterfluvesoftheMahanadi,theRushikulyaandVamsadhara This deeply
eroded watershed extends in the North-South direction. The elevation of this region
ranges from 600 m to 1000 m. It also has many peaks which rise above 1200 m.
Singaraju (above 1500 m), Mahandragiri (above 1500 m) and Devagiri (1360 m)
are important peaks in the region.
PotangiandChandragiriMountainRanges These mountains are the highest in
Odisha. These mountains separate the Sabari basins and the Nagavali and the area
is highly dissected. The average height of these mountain ranges varies from 900 m
to 1350 m.
The highest peak of Odisha Deomali peak (1672 m) lies in this range. It is in
Koraput district of Odisha. Other high peaks of this range are Galikonda (1643 m),
Sinkaram (1620 m) and Turiakonda (1598 m). Due to shifting cultivation, the hilltops
are devoid of vegetation but the farmers practice terrace cultivation in the valleys.
3. The Central Plateaus
These plateaus lie on the Western slopes of the Eastern Ghats which are mostly
eroded in the form. The elevation of this region varies between 305 to 610 m.The
state has two broad plateaus:
ThePanposh-Keonjhar-PallaharaPlateauoftheUpperBaitaraniCatchmentBasin
This region is surrounded by the Singhbhum and Ranchi plateaus in the North, the
Simlipal mountain in the East and the Mankadnacha mountain in the West. The
53 Geographical Features of Odisha 54 Know Your State ODISHA
Baitarani is the main river which drains this region. This is the region which gets
high rainfall both during monsoon and winter seasons.
TheNabarangpur-JayapuroftheUpperSabariBasin The Bastar mountain lies on its
Western boundary whereas the Chandragiri and Potangi mountains lie on its
Eastern boundary. The Sabari is the main river which drains this region along with
its tributaries. This area lies under the maximum rainfall region of the state, which
gets more than 178 cm of rainfall annually. Thus, fine variety of rice is cultivated
here.
Important Mountain Peaks of Odisha
Important Peaks Height (in metres)
Deomali 1672 m
Sinkaram 1620 m
Golikonda 1617 m
Yendrika 1582 m
Niamgiri 1515 m
Mahendragiri 1501 m
Badam Pahar 1075 m
Badamgarh 1074 m
Kunaratir 1064 m
Gandhmardan 1060 m
Nrusighanath 986 m
Deva Giri 964 m
Balia Pahar 950 m
Other important peaks in Odisha are Mankarnacha, Amjhori, Badam Pahar,
Gandhamardan, Nrusinghanath and Deva Giri.
4. The Western Rolling Uplands
These are lower in elevation than the plateaus having elevation ranging from 153
to 305 m.The Western rolling uplands are grouped into the following morphological units:
l
Rajgangpur-Panposh uplands of the Koel and the Sankh rivers.
l
Jharsuguda uplands of the Ib basin.
l
Baragarh uplands of the Jira and Jhaun basins.
l
Balangir-Titilagarh-Patnagarh uplands of Northern Tel basin.
l
Bhawanipatna uplands of the Southern Tel basin.
l
Malkangiri uplands of the Sabari basin.
5. The River Valleys and Flood Plains
These valleys are the result of the fluvial action of the major rivers of the state. The
average elevation of the river valleys and flood plains ranges from 75 m to 150 m.
These valleys are narrow and deep in the Upper reaches, slightly wide in the middle
part and become widest in the lower part where they meet the plains of the state.