Damodar River

Damodar River Latest News

In what locals have described as a miraculous escape, a 65-year-old woman who was swept away by the swollen Damodar River was rescued nearly 45 km downstream in West Bengal recently.

About Damodar River

• The Damodar River flows through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• Located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, it is an important part of the Ganges River System. 
• The river is also known as the “Sorrow of Bengal” because of its devastating floods in the plains of West Bengal.
• Course: 
  • It originates from the Palamau hills of Chota Nagpur in Jharkhand. 
  • From its source, the river flows in a southeastern direction, passing through the Chota Nagpur Plateau, a region known for its rich mineral deposits.
  • In its lower course, it flows through West Bengal’s plains and is joined by several tributaries. 
  • Finally, the Damodar River meets the Hooghly River at Shayampur, which is 48 km from Kolkata.
• Total Length: 592 km
• The basin has a total catchment area of 25,820 sq.km.
• The Damodar River has several tributaries, including:
  • Barakar River
  • Konar River
  • Jamunia River
  • Bokaro River
  • Sali River
  • Ghari River
  • Guaia River
  • Khadia River
  • Bhera River
• Damodar Valley Project:
  • It is a significant river valley project in Eastern India, implemented to supply hydroelectric power to West Bengal and Bihar, as well as to prevent floods effectively. 
  • The project is operated by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), an undertaking of the Indian Government established in July 1948.
  • It is situated on the Konar River in the district of Hazaribagh in Jharkhand.

Source: NIE

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