Drainage System of Odisha | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


CHAPTER7
The state of Odisha is drained by a number of rivers which are
the lifelines for every living being. They are drainage channels
for surface water and also help to boost the economy of the
state. Important rivers of the state are Mahanadi, Brahmani,
Baitarani, Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Rushikulya,
Vamsadhara, Indravati and so on. Apart from rivers Odisha has
many lakes, waterfalls and springs.
The rivers of Odisha are primarily Peninsular rivers. They are non-perennial as they
are rainfed. Rivers of Odisha play an important role in the development of the state.
These rivers are also an important source of irrigation and hydroelectricity in
the state.
Rivers of Odisha
Odisha has many important rivers which flow into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers
are divided into six groups on the basis of their sources or origin.They are asfollows:
i. ChotaNagpurPlateau The Subarnarekha and the Brahmani.
ii. AmarkantakPlateau The Mahanadi river sourcing.
iii. MahanadiDelta The Soamoli, the Gobari, the Prachi, the Kadua, the Dhanua,
the Ratnachira and the Nuna river.
iv. KeonjharPlateau The Baitarani river.
v. EasternSlopesofEasternGhats The Budhabalanga, the Rushikulya the Salandi
river.
vi. OtherRiversfromEasternGhats The Bahuda, the Nagavali, the Vamsadhara and
the Godavari system.
Page 2


CHAPTER7
The state of Odisha is drained by a number of rivers which are
the lifelines for every living being. They are drainage channels
for surface water and also help to boost the economy of the
state. Important rivers of the state are Mahanadi, Brahmani,
Baitarani, Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Rushikulya,
Vamsadhara, Indravati and so on. Apart from rivers Odisha has
many lakes, waterfalls and springs.
The rivers of Odisha are primarily Peninsular rivers. They are non-perennial as they
are rainfed. Rivers of Odisha play an important role in the development of the state.
These rivers are also an important source of irrigation and hydroelectricity in
the state.
Rivers of Odisha
Odisha has many important rivers which flow into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers
are divided into six groups on the basis of their sources or origin.They are asfollows:
i. ChotaNagpurPlateau The Subarnarekha and the Brahmani.
ii. AmarkantakPlateau The Mahanadi river sourcing.
iii. MahanadiDelta The Soamoli, the Gobari, the Prachi, the Kadua, the Dhanua,
the Ratnachira and the Nuna river.
iv. KeonjharPlateau The Baitarani river.
v. EasternSlopesofEasternGhats The Budhabalanga, the Rushikulya the Salandi
river.
vi. OtherRiversfromEasternGhats The Bahuda, the Nagavali, the Vamsadhara and
the Godavari system.
Rivers of Chota Nagpur
Plateau
The riversthat originate from Chota
NagpurPlateau are asfollows:
Subarnarekha River
l
It originates from the Southern slopes
of Chota Nagpur plateau in Bihar.
The total length of this river is 433 km
and in Odisha it is about 70 km long.
l
The total catchment area of this river
is 19,500 sq km and in Odisha is
3,200 sq km.
l
It is a multi-state river which flows
from the states of Jharkhand, Odisha
and West Bengal.
l
It forms the boundary between Odisha
and West-Bengal. It enters Odisha at
Lakshmannath which is located to the
North-East of Jaleshwar and finally
drains into the Bay of Bengal.
l
It flows from the districts of
Mayurbhanj and Balasore in Odisha.
Important right bank tributaries of
this river are Kanchi, Karkari, Kharkai
(longest tributary), Raru, Garru and
left bank tributary is Dulang.
Brahmani River
l
It originates from the Southern slope
of Chota Nagpur plateau in Bihar and
enters Odisha from the Sundargarh
district. Brahmani is an inter-state
river and flows through Jharkhand and
Odisha.
l
The total length of this river is 799 km
and in Odisha, it is about 480 km
long. The catchment area of this river
is 39,055 sq km in Odisha.
l
It is the second largest river in
Odisha. Two smaller rivers, rivers
Sankh (right bank) and Koel (left
bank) join at Vedvyasa near Rourkela
in Sundargarh district to form the
Brahmani river.
l
The river Brahmani forms a minor
gorge at Rengali.  From Rourkela to
Talcher it has a North-South course,
and at Rengali, South of Barkot its
water is used for irrigation and hydel
power. It flows from the districts of
Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal,
Deogarh, Jajapur, Kendrapara and
Cuttack.
l
Brahmani’s right bank tributary i.e.
Sankh meets the Mahanadi’s left bank
tributary i.e. Birupa.
l
The Brahmani and Mahanadi have a
common outlet for their flood water
through Maipura. They have formed
the Wheeler islands.
l
Before discharging into the Bay of
Bengal near Dhamra, the river receives
flood spills from the adjacent Baitarani
river. Other important left bank
tributaries of this river are Ramial,
Samakoi, Mankada, Kurali and right
bank tributaries are Gohira,
Lingarajara, Tikra, Singda, Nandia.
River of Amarkantak
Plateau
Mahanadi River
l
It originates from the Amarkantak
hills of the Bastar plateau in
Raipur district of Chhattisgarh.
l
The total length of this river is 858 km
and in Odisha it is about 494 km long.
72 Know Your State ODISHA
Page 3


CHAPTER7
The state of Odisha is drained by a number of rivers which are
the lifelines for every living being. They are drainage channels
for surface water and also help to boost the economy of the
state. Important rivers of the state are Mahanadi, Brahmani,
Baitarani, Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Rushikulya,
Vamsadhara, Indravati and so on. Apart from rivers Odisha has
many lakes, waterfalls and springs.
The rivers of Odisha are primarily Peninsular rivers. They are non-perennial as they
are rainfed. Rivers of Odisha play an important role in the development of the state.
These rivers are also an important source of irrigation and hydroelectricity in
the state.
Rivers of Odisha
Odisha has many important rivers which flow into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers
are divided into six groups on the basis of their sources or origin.They are asfollows:
i. ChotaNagpurPlateau The Subarnarekha and the Brahmani.
ii. AmarkantakPlateau The Mahanadi river sourcing.
iii. MahanadiDelta The Soamoli, the Gobari, the Prachi, the Kadua, the Dhanua,
the Ratnachira and the Nuna river.
iv. KeonjharPlateau The Baitarani river.
v. EasternSlopesofEasternGhats The Budhabalanga, the Rushikulya the Salandi
river.
vi. OtherRiversfromEasternGhats The Bahuda, the Nagavali, the Vamsadhara and
the Godavari system.
Rivers of Chota Nagpur
Plateau
The riversthat originate from Chota
NagpurPlateau are asfollows:
Subarnarekha River
l
It originates from the Southern slopes
of Chota Nagpur plateau in Bihar.
The total length of this river is 433 km
and in Odisha it is about 70 km long.
l
The total catchment area of this river
is 19,500 sq km and in Odisha is
3,200 sq km.
l
It is a multi-state river which flows
from the states of Jharkhand, Odisha
and West Bengal.
l
It forms the boundary between Odisha
and West-Bengal. It enters Odisha at
Lakshmannath which is located to the
North-East of Jaleshwar and finally
drains into the Bay of Bengal.
l
It flows from the districts of
Mayurbhanj and Balasore in Odisha.
Important right bank tributaries of
this river are Kanchi, Karkari, Kharkai
(longest tributary), Raru, Garru and
left bank tributary is Dulang.
Brahmani River
l
It originates from the Southern slope
of Chota Nagpur plateau in Bihar and
enters Odisha from the Sundargarh
district. Brahmani is an inter-state
river and flows through Jharkhand and
Odisha.
l
The total length of this river is 799 km
and in Odisha, it is about 480 km
long. The catchment area of this river
is 39,055 sq km in Odisha.
l
It is the second largest river in
Odisha. Two smaller rivers, rivers
Sankh (right bank) and Koel (left
bank) join at Vedvyasa near Rourkela
in Sundargarh district to form the
Brahmani river.
l
The river Brahmani forms a minor
gorge at Rengali.  From Rourkela to
Talcher it has a North-South course,
and at Rengali, South of Barkot its
water is used for irrigation and hydel
power. It flows from the districts of
Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal,
Deogarh, Jajapur, Kendrapara and
Cuttack.
l
Brahmani’s right bank tributary i.e.
Sankh meets the Mahanadi’s left bank
tributary i.e. Birupa.
l
The Brahmani and Mahanadi have a
common outlet for their flood water
through Maipura. They have formed
the Wheeler islands.
l
Before discharging into the Bay of
Bengal near Dhamra, the river receives
flood spills from the adjacent Baitarani
river. Other important left bank
tributaries of this river are Ramial,
Samakoi, Mankada, Kurali and right
bank tributaries are Gohira,
Lingarajara, Tikra, Singda, Nandia.
River of Amarkantak
Plateau
Mahanadi River
l
It originates from the Amarkantak
hills of the Bastar plateau in
Raipur district of Chhattisgarh.
l
The total length of this river is 858 km
and in Odisha it is about 494 km long.
72 Know Your State ODISHA Drainage System of Odisha
l
This river is also known as Sorrow of
Odisha due to its frequent floodings.
The catchment area of this river in
Odisha is 65,580 sq km.
l
It is the largest  river of Odisha and
the sixth largest river in India. It flows
through Chhattisgarh and enters into
Odisha near Padigan. Hirakud is the
longest dam in the world which is
built over the Mahanadi river.
l
The course of the Mahanadi river from
Sambalpur upto Sonepur is almost
North-South and here a number of right
bank tributaries meet the main river.
The most important among them are
Jira and Jhaun rivers which drain the
Baragarh plain.
l
At Sonepur, Tel river meets the
Mahanadi on its right bank, which is
the largest tributary of this river.
l
The Mahanadi river flows from the
districts of Sambalpur, Sonepur,
Cuttack, and cities like
Bhubaneshwar, Subalaya, Kantilo,
Boudh and Banki of Odisha. Before
entering Cuttack it forms a
distributary called Kathajodi.
l
From Boudh to Banki cities, the
Mahanadi crosses right through the
Eastern Ghats and forms a Gorge at
Satkosia.
l
The Mahanadi river comes at plain
region at Naraj in Cuttack district
where it meets the old shoreline of the
Bay of Bengal and forms a delta.
l
From Jagatsingpur it empties into Bay
of Bengal important right bank
tributaries of Mahanadi are Silari,
Sondur, Jonk, Sukha, Kharkhara,
Brutanga and left bank tributaries are
Chhinar, Seonath, Hasdeo, Son,
Mand, Kelo, Surli, Bhidan.
l
All these rivers including Mahanadi
fall into the Bay of Bengal except
Daya and Bhargavi rivers which fall
into Chilika lake.
Rivers of Mahanadi Delta
There are many riversthat originate from
the Mahanadidelta.These are
distributariesof Mahanadiriver.These are
asfollows:
SoamoliRiver It originates from
Hirapur village and flows into Bay of
Bengal.
GobariRiver It starts from Devidola. It
is also known as Gobardhana river.
PrachiRiver It starts from Kuakhai.
Now, it flows from Phulnakhara and
drain the area between Kandal and
Kushabhadra.
KaduaRiver It drains interfloves
between Prachi and Kushabhadra.
DhanuaRiver It is a small river which
originate from Balipatna.
RatnachiraRiver It originates near
Mukundapur village and drains into the
Bhargavi river.
NunaRiver It starts near Ghoradia hills
and drains into Daya river near
Sahupara.
River of Keonjhar Plateau
The Baitarani River
l
It originates from Gonasika or
Guptaganga hills in Mayurbhanj
district of Odisha. It is Eastward
flowing river of the Peninsular India.
l
Initially, this river acts as the boundary
between Odisha and Jharkhand.
l
Its total length is 365 km. The total
catchment area of this river is
12,190 sq km.
73
Page 4


CHAPTER7
The state of Odisha is drained by a number of rivers which are
the lifelines for every living being. They are drainage channels
for surface water and also help to boost the economy of the
state. Important rivers of the state are Mahanadi, Brahmani,
Baitarani, Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Rushikulya,
Vamsadhara, Indravati and so on. Apart from rivers Odisha has
many lakes, waterfalls and springs.
The rivers of Odisha are primarily Peninsular rivers. They are non-perennial as they
are rainfed. Rivers of Odisha play an important role in the development of the state.
These rivers are also an important source of irrigation and hydroelectricity in
the state.
Rivers of Odisha
Odisha has many important rivers which flow into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers
are divided into six groups on the basis of their sources or origin.They are asfollows:
i. ChotaNagpurPlateau The Subarnarekha and the Brahmani.
ii. AmarkantakPlateau The Mahanadi river sourcing.
iii. MahanadiDelta The Soamoli, the Gobari, the Prachi, the Kadua, the Dhanua,
the Ratnachira and the Nuna river.
iv. KeonjharPlateau The Baitarani river.
v. EasternSlopesofEasternGhats The Budhabalanga, the Rushikulya the Salandi
river.
vi. OtherRiversfromEasternGhats The Bahuda, the Nagavali, the Vamsadhara and
the Godavari system.
Rivers of Chota Nagpur
Plateau
The riversthat originate from Chota
NagpurPlateau are asfollows:
Subarnarekha River
l
It originates from the Southern slopes
of Chota Nagpur plateau in Bihar.
The total length of this river is 433 km
and in Odisha it is about 70 km long.
l
The total catchment area of this river
is 19,500 sq km and in Odisha is
3,200 sq km.
l
It is a multi-state river which flows
from the states of Jharkhand, Odisha
and West Bengal.
l
It forms the boundary between Odisha
and West-Bengal. It enters Odisha at
Lakshmannath which is located to the
North-East of Jaleshwar and finally
drains into the Bay of Bengal.
l
It flows from the districts of
Mayurbhanj and Balasore in Odisha.
Important right bank tributaries of
this river are Kanchi, Karkari, Kharkai
(longest tributary), Raru, Garru and
left bank tributary is Dulang.
Brahmani River
l
It originates from the Southern slope
of Chota Nagpur plateau in Bihar and
enters Odisha from the Sundargarh
district. Brahmani is an inter-state
river and flows through Jharkhand and
Odisha.
l
The total length of this river is 799 km
and in Odisha, it is about 480 km
long. The catchment area of this river
is 39,055 sq km in Odisha.
l
It is the second largest river in
Odisha. Two smaller rivers, rivers
Sankh (right bank) and Koel (left
bank) join at Vedvyasa near Rourkela
in Sundargarh district to form the
Brahmani river.
l
The river Brahmani forms a minor
gorge at Rengali.  From Rourkela to
Talcher it has a North-South course,
and at Rengali, South of Barkot its
water is used for irrigation and hydel
power. It flows from the districts of
Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal,
Deogarh, Jajapur, Kendrapara and
Cuttack.
l
Brahmani’s right bank tributary i.e.
Sankh meets the Mahanadi’s left bank
tributary i.e. Birupa.
l
The Brahmani and Mahanadi have a
common outlet for their flood water
through Maipura. They have formed
the Wheeler islands.
l
Before discharging into the Bay of
Bengal near Dhamra, the river receives
flood spills from the adjacent Baitarani
river. Other important left bank
tributaries of this river are Ramial,
Samakoi, Mankada, Kurali and right
bank tributaries are Gohira,
Lingarajara, Tikra, Singda, Nandia.
River of Amarkantak
Plateau
Mahanadi River
l
It originates from the Amarkantak
hills of the Bastar plateau in
Raipur district of Chhattisgarh.
l
The total length of this river is 858 km
and in Odisha it is about 494 km long.
72 Know Your State ODISHA Drainage System of Odisha
l
This river is also known as Sorrow of
Odisha due to its frequent floodings.
The catchment area of this river in
Odisha is 65,580 sq km.
l
It is the largest  river of Odisha and
the sixth largest river in India. It flows
through Chhattisgarh and enters into
Odisha near Padigan. Hirakud is the
longest dam in the world which is
built over the Mahanadi river.
l
The course of the Mahanadi river from
Sambalpur upto Sonepur is almost
North-South and here a number of right
bank tributaries meet the main river.
The most important among them are
Jira and Jhaun rivers which drain the
Baragarh plain.
l
At Sonepur, Tel river meets the
Mahanadi on its right bank, which is
the largest tributary of this river.
l
The Mahanadi river flows from the
districts of Sambalpur, Sonepur,
Cuttack, and cities like
Bhubaneshwar, Subalaya, Kantilo,
Boudh and Banki of Odisha. Before
entering Cuttack it forms a
distributary called Kathajodi.
l
From Boudh to Banki cities, the
Mahanadi crosses right through the
Eastern Ghats and forms a Gorge at
Satkosia.
l
The Mahanadi river comes at plain
region at Naraj in Cuttack district
where it meets the old shoreline of the
Bay of Bengal and forms a delta.
l
From Jagatsingpur it empties into Bay
of Bengal important right bank
tributaries of Mahanadi are Silari,
Sondur, Jonk, Sukha, Kharkhara,
Brutanga and left bank tributaries are
Chhinar, Seonath, Hasdeo, Son,
Mand, Kelo, Surli, Bhidan.
l
All these rivers including Mahanadi
fall into the Bay of Bengal except
Daya and Bhargavi rivers which fall
into Chilika lake.
Rivers of Mahanadi Delta
There are many riversthat originate from
the Mahanadidelta.These are
distributariesof Mahanadiriver.These are
asfollows:
SoamoliRiver It originates from
Hirapur village and flows into Bay of
Bengal.
GobariRiver It starts from Devidola. It
is also known as Gobardhana river.
PrachiRiver It starts from Kuakhai.
Now, it flows from Phulnakhara and
drain the area between Kandal and
Kushabhadra.
KaduaRiver It drains interfloves
between Prachi and Kushabhadra.
DhanuaRiver It is a small river which
originate from Balipatna.
RatnachiraRiver It originates near
Mukundapur village and drains into the
Bhargavi river.
NunaRiver It starts near Ghoradia hills
and drains into Daya river near
Sahupara.
River of Keonjhar Plateau
The Baitarani River
l
It originates from Gonasika or
Guptaganga hills in Mayurbhanj
district of Odisha. It is Eastward
flowing river of the Peninsular India.
l
Initially, this river acts as the boundary
between Odisha and Jharkhand.
l
Its total length is 365 km. The total
catchment area of this river is
12,190 sq km.
73 74 Know Your State ODISHA
l
This river flows in a Northerly
direction, then it changes its path
suddenly by 90 degrees and flows
Eastward.
l
It flows from the districts of Keonjhar,
Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Bhadrak,
Jajpur, and Kendrapara of Odisha.
l
Important tributaries of this river are
Salandi and Matai rivers. Other
tributaries are Kangira, Ardei, Khairi
Bhandan, Deo, Kanjhari, Sita, Musal,
Kusei.
l
It enters into Bay of Bengal after
joining Brahmani at Dhamra at
Bhadrak district.
Rivers of Eastern Slopes of
Eastern Ghats
The Budhabalanga River
l
It originates from the Simlipal massif (a
compact group of mountains) to the
South of the Simlipal Garh in
Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The
total length of this river is 175 km.
l
The total catchment area of this river is
4,840 sq km. There are palaeolithic and
neolithic sites situated in the valley of
the river.
l
It flows from two districts of Odisha i.e.
Mayurbhanj and Balasore. Important
tributaries of this river are Sanjo, Deo
Kalo, Sone, Palpala, Katra, Gangadhar.
l
It drains into the Bay of Bengal off the
Balasore coast which lies slightly to the
North of Chandipur.
The Rushikulya River
l
It originates from the Rushimal
mountain of Kandhamal district of
Odisha.
l
Its total length is 165 km and its
total catchment area is about
8,963 sq km.
l
It flows from the cities of
Berhampur, Chhatrapur, Asika,
Bhanjanagar and Sarada of Odisha.
l
This river flows in South-East
direction through Ganjam district
and covers all the above mentioned
cities of Odisha. Finally it flows
through Chhatrpur block and drains
into the Bay of Bengal.
l
It is also known as lifeline of the
Ganjam district. This river has no
delta at its mouth. This river basin is
almost a pear-shaped with
well-developed dendritic (branched)
tributary system.
l
Important right bank tributaries of
this river are Padma and Ghodahada
and left bank tributaries are Baghua
and Dhanei.
The Salandi River
l
It originates from the Southern
slopes of the Simlipal massif at the
Meghasani mountain which lies in
the Keonjhar district of Odisha.
l
Its total length is about 144 km. Its
total catchment area is about 1,790
sq km. The river flows in the
Bhadrak district.
l
It is a tributary of Baitarani river,
thus, it does not directly drain into
the Bay of Bengal, but discharges its
water into the Baitarani river a few
kilometres upstream of Chandbali.
l
Salandi Dam is built on this river
under the name Salandi Project.
Its water is used for irrigation
purposes.
Page 5


CHAPTER7
The state of Odisha is drained by a number of rivers which are
the lifelines for every living being. They are drainage channels
for surface water and also help to boost the economy of the
state. Important rivers of the state are Mahanadi, Brahmani,
Baitarani, Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Rushikulya,
Vamsadhara, Indravati and so on. Apart from rivers Odisha has
many lakes, waterfalls and springs.
The rivers of Odisha are primarily Peninsular rivers. They are non-perennial as they
are rainfed. Rivers of Odisha play an important role in the development of the state.
These rivers are also an important source of irrigation and hydroelectricity in
the state.
Rivers of Odisha
Odisha has many important rivers which flow into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers
are divided into six groups on the basis of their sources or origin.They are asfollows:
i. ChotaNagpurPlateau The Subarnarekha and the Brahmani.
ii. AmarkantakPlateau The Mahanadi river sourcing.
iii. MahanadiDelta The Soamoli, the Gobari, the Prachi, the Kadua, the Dhanua,
the Ratnachira and the Nuna river.
iv. KeonjharPlateau The Baitarani river.
v. EasternSlopesofEasternGhats The Budhabalanga, the Rushikulya the Salandi
river.
vi. OtherRiversfromEasternGhats The Bahuda, the Nagavali, the Vamsadhara and
the Godavari system.
Rivers of Chota Nagpur
Plateau
The riversthat originate from Chota
NagpurPlateau are asfollows:
Subarnarekha River
l
It originates from the Southern slopes
of Chota Nagpur plateau in Bihar.
The total length of this river is 433 km
and in Odisha it is about 70 km long.
l
The total catchment area of this river
is 19,500 sq km and in Odisha is
3,200 sq km.
l
It is a multi-state river which flows
from the states of Jharkhand, Odisha
and West Bengal.
l
It forms the boundary between Odisha
and West-Bengal. It enters Odisha at
Lakshmannath which is located to the
North-East of Jaleshwar and finally
drains into the Bay of Bengal.
l
It flows from the districts of
Mayurbhanj and Balasore in Odisha.
Important right bank tributaries of
this river are Kanchi, Karkari, Kharkai
(longest tributary), Raru, Garru and
left bank tributary is Dulang.
Brahmani River
l
It originates from the Southern slope
of Chota Nagpur plateau in Bihar and
enters Odisha from the Sundargarh
district. Brahmani is an inter-state
river and flows through Jharkhand and
Odisha.
l
The total length of this river is 799 km
and in Odisha, it is about 480 km
long. The catchment area of this river
is 39,055 sq km in Odisha.
l
It is the second largest river in
Odisha. Two smaller rivers, rivers
Sankh (right bank) and Koel (left
bank) join at Vedvyasa near Rourkela
in Sundargarh district to form the
Brahmani river.
l
The river Brahmani forms a minor
gorge at Rengali.  From Rourkela to
Talcher it has a North-South course,
and at Rengali, South of Barkot its
water is used for irrigation and hydel
power. It flows from the districts of
Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal,
Deogarh, Jajapur, Kendrapara and
Cuttack.
l
Brahmani’s right bank tributary i.e.
Sankh meets the Mahanadi’s left bank
tributary i.e. Birupa.
l
The Brahmani and Mahanadi have a
common outlet for their flood water
through Maipura. They have formed
the Wheeler islands.
l
Before discharging into the Bay of
Bengal near Dhamra, the river receives
flood spills from the adjacent Baitarani
river. Other important left bank
tributaries of this river are Ramial,
Samakoi, Mankada, Kurali and right
bank tributaries are Gohira,
Lingarajara, Tikra, Singda, Nandia.
River of Amarkantak
Plateau
Mahanadi River
l
It originates from the Amarkantak
hills of the Bastar plateau in
Raipur district of Chhattisgarh.
l
The total length of this river is 858 km
and in Odisha it is about 494 km long.
72 Know Your State ODISHA Drainage System of Odisha
l
This river is also known as Sorrow of
Odisha due to its frequent floodings.
The catchment area of this river in
Odisha is 65,580 sq km.
l
It is the largest  river of Odisha and
the sixth largest river in India. It flows
through Chhattisgarh and enters into
Odisha near Padigan. Hirakud is the
longest dam in the world which is
built over the Mahanadi river.
l
The course of the Mahanadi river from
Sambalpur upto Sonepur is almost
North-South and here a number of right
bank tributaries meet the main river.
The most important among them are
Jira and Jhaun rivers which drain the
Baragarh plain.
l
At Sonepur, Tel river meets the
Mahanadi on its right bank, which is
the largest tributary of this river.
l
The Mahanadi river flows from the
districts of Sambalpur, Sonepur,
Cuttack, and cities like
Bhubaneshwar, Subalaya, Kantilo,
Boudh and Banki of Odisha. Before
entering Cuttack it forms a
distributary called Kathajodi.
l
From Boudh to Banki cities, the
Mahanadi crosses right through the
Eastern Ghats and forms a Gorge at
Satkosia.
l
The Mahanadi river comes at plain
region at Naraj in Cuttack district
where it meets the old shoreline of the
Bay of Bengal and forms a delta.
l
From Jagatsingpur it empties into Bay
of Bengal important right bank
tributaries of Mahanadi are Silari,
Sondur, Jonk, Sukha, Kharkhara,
Brutanga and left bank tributaries are
Chhinar, Seonath, Hasdeo, Son,
Mand, Kelo, Surli, Bhidan.
l
All these rivers including Mahanadi
fall into the Bay of Bengal except
Daya and Bhargavi rivers which fall
into Chilika lake.
Rivers of Mahanadi Delta
There are many riversthat originate from
the Mahanadidelta.These are
distributariesof Mahanadiriver.These are
asfollows:
SoamoliRiver It originates from
Hirapur village and flows into Bay of
Bengal.
GobariRiver It starts from Devidola. It
is also known as Gobardhana river.
PrachiRiver It starts from Kuakhai.
Now, it flows from Phulnakhara and
drain the area between Kandal and
Kushabhadra.
KaduaRiver It drains interfloves
between Prachi and Kushabhadra.
DhanuaRiver It is a small river which
originate from Balipatna.
RatnachiraRiver It originates near
Mukundapur village and drains into the
Bhargavi river.
NunaRiver It starts near Ghoradia hills
and drains into Daya river near
Sahupara.
River of Keonjhar Plateau
The Baitarani River
l
It originates from Gonasika or
Guptaganga hills in Mayurbhanj
district of Odisha. It is Eastward
flowing river of the Peninsular India.
l
Initially, this river acts as the boundary
between Odisha and Jharkhand.
l
Its total length is 365 km. The total
catchment area of this river is
12,190 sq km.
73 74 Know Your State ODISHA
l
This river flows in a Northerly
direction, then it changes its path
suddenly by 90 degrees and flows
Eastward.
l
It flows from the districts of Keonjhar,
Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Bhadrak,
Jajpur, and Kendrapara of Odisha.
l
Important tributaries of this river are
Salandi and Matai rivers. Other
tributaries are Kangira, Ardei, Khairi
Bhandan, Deo, Kanjhari, Sita, Musal,
Kusei.
l
It enters into Bay of Bengal after
joining Brahmani at Dhamra at
Bhadrak district.
Rivers of Eastern Slopes of
Eastern Ghats
The Budhabalanga River
l
It originates from the Simlipal massif (a
compact group of mountains) to the
South of the Simlipal Garh in
Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The
total length of this river is 175 km.
l
The total catchment area of this river is
4,840 sq km. There are palaeolithic and
neolithic sites situated in the valley of
the river.
l
It flows from two districts of Odisha i.e.
Mayurbhanj and Balasore. Important
tributaries of this river are Sanjo, Deo
Kalo, Sone, Palpala, Katra, Gangadhar.
l
It drains into the Bay of Bengal off the
Balasore coast which lies slightly to the
North of Chandipur.
The Rushikulya River
l
It originates from the Rushimal
mountain of Kandhamal district of
Odisha.
l
Its total length is 165 km and its
total catchment area is about
8,963 sq km.
l
It flows from the cities of
Berhampur, Chhatrapur, Asika,
Bhanjanagar and Sarada of Odisha.
l
This river flows in South-East
direction through Ganjam district
and covers all the above mentioned
cities of Odisha. Finally it flows
through Chhatrpur block and drains
into the Bay of Bengal.
l
It is also known as lifeline of the
Ganjam district. This river has no
delta at its mouth. This river basin is
almost a pear-shaped with
well-developed dendritic (branched)
tributary system.
l
Important right bank tributaries of
this river are Padma and Ghodahada
and left bank tributaries are Baghua
and Dhanei.
The Salandi River
l
It originates from the Southern
slopes of the Simlipal massif at the
Meghasani mountain which lies in
the Keonjhar district of Odisha.
l
Its total length is about 144 km. Its
total catchment area is about 1,790
sq km. The river flows in the
Bhadrak district.
l
It is a tributary of Baitarani river,
thus, it does not directly drain into
the Bay of Bengal, but discharges its
water into the Baitarani river a few
kilometres upstream of Chandbali.
l
Salandi Dam is built on this river
under the name Salandi Project.
Its water is used for irrigation
purposes.
Drainage System of Odisha 75
Rivers of Eastern Ghats
The Bahuda River
l
It originates from the Singharaj hills
of the Eastern Ghats in Gajapati
district of Odisha. Its total length is 96
km.
l
The river flows in the North-East
direction upto 55 km, then South-East
direction for 17 km in Odisha. Then it
enters into Andhra Pradesh, to flow for
18 km.
l
Again it turns in North-East direction
for 6 km in Odisha state and finally
meets the Bay of Bengal near the
Sunapurapeta village in Odisha.
l
Important tributaries of this river are
Poichandia, Bogiriadi, Batrada Nalla
and Kantajura Nalla.
The Nagavali River
l
It originates from the Eastern slopes
of the Eastern Ghats near Lakhbahal,
located at Kalahandi district of
Odisha. Its another name is Langulya
river.
l
Its total length is 256 km of which 161
km lies in Odisha and the remaining in
Andhra Pradesh. The total catchment
area of the river in Odisha is about
4,500 sq km.
l
The river passes through Vizianagaram
and Srikakulam and finally drains into
the Bay of Bengal close the Mofaz
Bandar.
l
Its important right bank and its left
bank tributaries are Pitadar, Satnala,
Barha, Srikona Nadi, Vegavati, Baldiya
Nadi, Jhanjavathi, Sitagurha,
Gumudugedda, Vonigedda.
The Vamsadhara River
l
It originates from the Niyamagiri
hill in the Kalahandi district of
Odisha. Its total length is about
230 km of which 150 km lies in
Odisha.
l
The total catchment area of the river
in Odisha is about 8,960 sq km. It is
a major East flowing river between
Mahanadi and Godavari rivers, in
Southern Odisha and North-Eastern
Andhra Pradesh. After flowing for a
distance of 150 km, it enters in
Andhra Pradesh.
l
It flows from the cities of Paralakhe-
mundi, Gunupur, Kashinagar and
Bissam Cuttack of Odisha.
l
The river finally drains into Bay of
Bengal at Kalingapatnam in Andhra
Pradesh.
l
Important right bank tributaries of
this river are Poladi, Bhangi, and
Pedagoda and left bank tributaries
are Badanalla, Chauladhua, Pandaka
Nalla, Badajhar, Harbhangi,
Sananadi, Mahendratanaya.
The Godavari System
l
This system includes the tributaries
of Godavari river.
l
These tributaries are Indravati,
Kolab, Machkund and Sileru rivers.
The Indravati River
l
It originates from a small rivulet of
Dandakaranya range of Eastern
Ghats in Kalahandi district of
Odisha. Its total length is about
530 km and in Odisha, it flows for
167 km.