Daya River

Daya River Latest News

The 2025 annual bird count at Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary recorded an unprecedented surge in waterfowl, with a total of 1,53,719 birds of 97 species, according to officials. 

About Daya River

• It is a river in the Indian state of Odisha.
• It originates from the Kusabhadra River and flows through the Khurda and Puri districts before emptying into the Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India.
• Length: Approximately 37 km
• Tributaries: Malaguni River
• Supports wetland biodiversity, providing habitat for fish and migratory birds near Chilika Lake.
• Historical Significance:
  • The Daya River is historically important because of its connection to the Kalinga War (261 BCE), fought between Emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga kingdom.
  • It is believed that after the battle, the river turned red with the blood of slain soldiers.
  • This sight deeply moved Ashoka, leading him to embrace Buddhism and adopt a path of non-violence.

Daya River FAQs

Q1. Which river turned red in the Kalinga War?

Ans. The Daya River is said to have turned red with blood during the Kalinga War (circa 261 BCE). 

Q2. Is Daya River a tributary of Mahanadi?

Ans. Yes, the Daya River is a tributary of the Mahanadi River. 

Q3. Which river flows near Jagannath Puri?

Ans. The Bhargavi River, a distributary of the Mahanadi River, flows near Jagannath Puri in Odisha, India.

Source: NIE