Chhattisgarh: Geographical Location, Relief, and Structure | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Geographic Location of Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh is geographically situated between 17° 46′ to 24° 5′ north latitude and 80° 15′ to 84° 20′ east longitude, occupying a central position in India with a total area of 135,194 square kilometers. The state is bordered by Odisha to the east, Maharashtra to the west, Andhra Pradesh to the south, Madhya Pradesh to the northwest, and Jharkhand to the northeast. Approximately 44% of Chhattisgarh is covered by forests, making it one of the richest biodiversity regions in India.
• The northern part of Chhattisgarh lies on the edge of the expansive Indo-Gangetic plain, while the central region encompasses the fertile upper basin of the Mahanadi River and its tributaries. The southern part of the state is situated on the Deccan plateau. The Mahanadi is the principal river in Chhattisgarh, with other significant rivers including the Iravati, Hasdeo, and Rihand. Chhattisgarh is one of India's few landlocked states, featuring a diverse geography with hilly regions in the north and south, and fertile plains in the center. The state's highest point is the Bailadila Range.
• Deciduous forests, particularly those of the Eastern Highlands, cover a significant portion of the state. Chhattisgarh’s state animal is the wild water buffalo (van bhainsa), the state bird is the hill myna (pahari myna), and the state tree is the Sal (Sarai), predominantly found in the Bastar division.
• The northern part of Chhattisgarh forms the edge of the Indo-Gangetic plain, drained by the Rihand River, a tributary of the Ganges. The eastern end of the Satpura Range and the western edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau create an east-west belt of hills, separating the Mahanadi River basin from the Indo-Gangetic plain. The shape of Chhattisgarh is often compared to that of a seahorse.

Central and Southern Regions

• The central part of Chhattisgarh is located in the fertile upper basin of the Mahanadi River and its tributaries, an area known for extensive rice cultivation. The upper Mahanadi basin is separated from the upper Narmada basin to the west by the Maikal Hills (part of the Satpuras) and from the plains of Odisha to the east by various hill ranges. 
• The southern region of the state lies on the Deccan plateau, within the watershed of the Godavari River and its tributary, the Indravati River. The Mahanadi remains the primary river of the state, with other major rivers including the Hasdo (a tributary of the Mahanadi), Rihand, Indravati, Jonk, Arpa, and Shivnath. Chhattisgarh is located to the east of Madhya Pradesh.

Natural Attractions and Rich Mineral Deposits

• Koriya district in Chhattisgarh is renowned for its natural beauty, including dense forests, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Among the most famous waterfalls in the region is the AmritDhara Waterfall, located in Koriya. 
• Historically, Koriya was a princely state during British rule in India and is also known for its rich mineral deposits, particularly coal, which is abundant in this area. The dense forests in Koriya are home to a diverse array of wildlife.
• The AmritDhara Waterfall originates from the Hasdo River and is situated seven kilometers from Koriya. The waterfall is ideally located along the Manendragarh-Baikunthpur road, cascading from a height of 27 meters with a width of approximately 3 to 4.5 meters. The point where the water falls creates a misty, cloud-like atmosphere all around. Another notable location in Chhattisgarh is Chirimiri, which is popular for its pristine beauty and healthy climate, making it a favored destination in the state.

Relief and Structure of Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh covers an area of 135,194 square kilometers, which constitutes 4.14% of India's total geographical area. It is geographically located between 17.43′ to 24.5° North latitude and 80.15° to 84.20° East longitude. The state was officially formed on November 1, 2000, when 16 Chhattisgarhi-speaking southeastern districts of Madhya Pradesh were partitioned to create Chhattisgarh. 
• Raipur serves as the capital city of the state. Chhattisgarh shares its borders with Uttar Pradesh to the north, Jharkhand to the northeast, Odisha to the east, Andhra Pradesh to the south, Maharashtra to the southwest, and Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra to the west. Presently, Chhattisgarh is divided into 27 districts, with 43% of its land area covered by forests.
• Chhattisgarh's relief and structure can be categorized into three main geographical zones: the Northern Hills, the Central Plains, and the Bastar Plateau.

Northern Hills

• The Northern Hills zone accounts for 21% of Chhattisgarh's total geographical area. This region includes the districts of Koriya, Sarguja, Surajpur, Balrampur, Jashpur, Raigarh, and Korba. 
• The terrain in this area is characterized by hilly landscapes, which play a significant role in the region's agroclimatic conditions.

Central Plain Zone

• The Central Plain zone is the largest geographical zone in Chhattisgarh, covering 50% of the state's total area. The districts located in this fertile plain region include Raipur, Balodabazar-Bhathapara, Gariyaband, Bilaspur, Mungeli, Janjgir-Champa, Kabirdham, Rajnandgaon, Durg, Balod, Bemetara, Dhamtari, and Mahasamund. This zone is particularly important for agriculture due to its expansive and fertile plains.

River System

• Chhattisgarh's river system is extensive, comprising four main river networks: the Mahanadi, Godavari, Ganga, and Narmada rivers. 
• These rivers, along with their 31 large and small tributaries, flow primarily from east to west, covering a total length of approximately 3,573 kilometers within the state. This network of rivers is crucial for the region's water resources and agricultural activities.

Bastar Plateau Zone

• The Bastar Plateau zone covers 29% of Chhattisgarh's geographical area. This region includes the districts of Kanker (North Bastar), Bastar, Kondagaon, Dantewada (South Bastar), Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur. 
• The Bastar Plateau is characterized by its unique topography, with hilly terrains and dense forests that contribute to the region's distinct agroclimatic conditions.

Soil and Water Retention Capacity

Chhattisgarh's soil varies across its different regions, with a general water retention capacity ranging from light to medium, approximately 55% to 65%.
The soil types and their water retention capacities in different regions of Chhattisgarh are as follows:

The soil characteristics and water retention capacities across these regions significantly influence the agricultural productivity and land use patterns in Chhattisgarh.