Mahanadi River System, Tributaries, Origin, Length

The Mahanadi River System is one of the prominent river systems in East-Central India. It originates from the highlands of Chhattisgarh and travels through Odisha before merging into the Bay of Bengal. This river is very important for the region, playing a key role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, both of which are crucial for supporting agriculture and economic growth. This article provides details about the Mahanadi River System, exploring its origin, tributaries that contribute to its flow.

Mahanadi River System

Mahanadi River System plays a crucial role in the east-central states of India, particularly in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, while also extending into parts of Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Originating in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh, the river travels approximately 851 kilometers before merging with the Bay of Bengal. The Mahanadi River System is serving as a primary water source for local communities, it supports irrigation and various other economic activities.

Mahanadi River System Origin

The Mahanadi River originates in the highlands of the Dandakaranya region in Chhattisgarh, India. Its source is located near Pharsiya village in the Raipur district, at an elevation of approximately 442 meters (1,450 feet) above sea level.

Mahanadi River System Tributaries

The Mahanadi River is the third-largest river in central India, following the Godavari and Krishna rivers. Its tributaries are classified into two categories: right-bank and left-bank tributaries. The right tributaries of the Mahanadi include Jonk, Ong, and Tel, while the left tributaries consist of Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, and Ib.

Hirakud Dam

Hirakud Dam is the longest dam in India, constructed on the Mahanadi River. It spans a total length of 25.79 km, with the main dam measuring 4.8 km. The dam has a water storage capacity of 4,779,965 acre-feet. Its construction began with the foundation stone laid by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on 12 April 1948, and it was completed in June 1955. The primary objective of the Hirakud Dam was to mitigate drought conditions in the plains of Chhattisgarh and to prevent agricultural damage caused by floods in the lower delta regions. Over the years, the dam has significantly contributed to agricultural productivity and flood control, playing a crucial role in the economic development and prosperity of the region.

Mahanadi Basin

The Mahanadi Basin is the eighth-largest river basin in India, covering a total area of 139,681 sq km, which accounts for approximately 4.28% of the country’s geographical area. It is geographically positioned between 80° 30′ and 86° 50′ east longitudes and 19° 21′ to 23° 35′ north latitudes.

The Mahanadi Basin primarily spans Chhattisgarh and Odisha, with smaller portions extending into Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. It is divided into three sub-basins: Upper Mahanadi, Middle Mahanadi, and Lower Mahanadi. The upper basin, resembling a saucer shape, is predominantly located in Chhattisgarh. The Mahanadi Basin itself has a circular form, with a circumference of about 400 km, including the exit channel measuring approximately 160 km in length and 60 km in width.

The region receives the majority of its rainfall during the monsoon season, with the southwest monsoon arriving by mid-June and remaining active until the end of September.

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