Why in News?
- Heavy monsoon rainfall has caused flooding in the Mahanadi and Brahmani river basins, affecting several districts of Odisha.
Mahanadi River – Key Facts
- Source: Sihawa Hills, Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh.
- Length: Approximately 851 km.
- States Covered: Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
- Outfall: Empties into the Bay of Bengal near Paradip, forming a large delta.
- Major Dam: Hirakud Dam (Sambalpur, Odisha) – one of the world’s longest earthen dams.
Major Tributaries
Left-bank Tributaries
- Seonath
- Hasdeo
- Mand
- Ib
Right-bank Tributaries
- Ong
- Tel
- Jonk
Brahmani River – Key Facts
- Formation: Formed by the confluence of the South Koel and Sankh rivers near Rourkela (Vedavyasa), Odisha.
- States Covered: Jharkhand and Odisha.
- Outfall: Joins the Baitarani River before entering the Bay of Bengal through the Dhamra estuary.
Major Tributaries
- Sankh
- South Koel
- Karo
- Tikra
Important Protected Areas
- Bhitarkanika National Park – Located in the delta region of the Brahmani–Baitarani river system.
- Satkosia Tiger Reserve – Located along the Mahanadi River.
Prelims Facts
- Mahanadi Delta is formed mainly by the Mahanadi, Brahmani and Baitarani river systems.
- Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River.
- Paradip Port is located near the Mahanadi Delta.
- Dhamra Port is located near the Brahmani–Baitarani estuary.
UPSC Prelims Question
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers:
- The Mahanadi originates in the Sihawa Hills of Chhattisgarh.
- The Brahmani River is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers.
- Hirakud Dam is built across the Brahmani River.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation
- Statement 1: Correct. The Mahanadi originates from the Sihawa Hills in Chhattisgarh.
- Statement 2: Correct. The Brahmani River is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers at Vedavyasa (Rourkela).
- Statement 3: Incorrect. Hirakud Dam is constructed across the Mahanadi River, not the Brahmani.
