Dear Aspirants,
In this article, we will explore the Mahanadi River System in detail. We’ll discuss important facts about the river, its tributaries, the industries it supports, the crops grown along its banks, and the various dams and projects connected to it.
The Mahanadi River is one of the most important rivers in India. It plays a crucial role for millions of people and is a symbol of prosperity and tradition. In this post, we will explore how the river impacts industries, supports farming, and powers major projects. We’ll also discover some interesting details about the Mahanadi River.
The Mahanadi River is the longest river in East-Central India. It stretches around 560 miles and has a drainage area of about 51,000 square miles. This river is an essential water source for drinking, farming, and industrial use. It also supports various industries like agriculture, mining, and tourism.
Many dams and projects are built along the Mahanadi River to make use of its water for different needs. The most well-known dam on this river is the Hirakud Dam, which is the largest dam in India. It provides water for irrigation, generates hydroelectric power, and helps control floods.
The Mahanadi River holds great importance for both India’s natural environment and cultural heritage. It is vital for the livelihood of many people and is a place of immense beauty. The Mahanadi River is truly special, and I hope you find this information as fascinating as I do.
Origin, Length, and Basin of Mahanadi River
- The Mahanadi River begins near Pharsiya village, in Nagri town, Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, at an elevation of 442 meters above sea level.
- The river flows for about 900 km (560 miles) from where it starts to where it meets the Bay of Bengal.
- The river’s journey of about 900 km is shared between the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

- The Mahanadi River is the second largest river in terms of water potential among the rivers of peninsular India, with only the Godavari River having more.
- The area of the Mahanadi River basin is about 1,41,589 square kilometers, which is about 4.3% of India’s total land area.
- The Mahanadi basin is surrounded by natural features, including the Central India hills to the north, the Eastern Ghats to the south and east, and the Maikala range to the west.
- The river basin flows through several states, such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
Name of State | Catchment Area |
---|---|
Chhattisgarh | 75,136 |
Orissa | 65,580 |
Bihar | 635 |
Maharashtra | 238 |
- The basin also includes smaller streams that flow directly into Chilka Lake.
- A large portion of the basin, about 54.27% of the total area, is covered by farmland.
- The Mahanadi River is famous for carrying a lot of silt, which is deposited in the Indian subcontinent. After it meets the Seonath River, it turns east and flows into the state of Odisha.
- At Sambalpur, the Hirakud Dam blocks the river, forming a 55 km long artificial lake.
- The Mahanadi River eventually enters the plains of Odisha near Cuttack and flows into the Bay of Bengal at False Point through several branches.
- Puri, a popular pilgrimage destination, is located at one of the river’s mouths.
Mahanadi River in a Nutshell | |
---|---|
River Name | Mahanadi |
Origin | Pharsiya village, Nagri town, Raipur district, Chhattisgarh |
Length | 900 kilometres (560 mi) |
States it Flows Through | Chhattisgarh and Odisha |
Length in Chhattisgarh | 357 Km |
Length in Odisha | 494 Km |
Water Potential Ranking | Second among peninsular rivers (after Godavari) |
Ranking | Third largest river of peninsular India after Godavari and Krishna, and the largest river of Odisha state |
Catchment Area | 132,100 square kilometres (51,000 sq mi) |
Percentage of India’s Total Geographical Area Covered | 4.3% |
Boundaries of Basin | North: Central India hills |
South & East: Eastern Ghats | |
West: Maikala range | |
States in Mahanadi Basin | Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh |
End Point | Bay of Bengal |

◾ Read Also: 10 Major Rivers of Tripura
Geographical Features of the Mahanadi River Basin
- The upper part of the Mahanadi basin is on a hilly plateau with small hills scattered across it.
- To the south of this plateau, there is a wide open area, with hill ranges on both the east and west sides.
- These hill ranges have steep slopes, allowing water to flow directly into the Mahanadi River.
- Additionally, the Mahanadi basin, up to Manibhadra, has a steady slope towards the main valley, which helps the water flow smoothly without getting blocked.
Geology and Economic Activities in the Mahanadi Basin
- The catchment area of the Mahanadi River, up to Manibhadra, is mainly made up of ancient land and gneiss rock formations.
- In this area, the hills are made of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including types like quartzite, phyllite, quartz schist, mica schist, and granite.
- Also, the sub-basin has layers of recent alluvial deposits, which vary in thickness. This mix of different rocks and landforms helps create the Mahanadi River system.

Urban Centers and Industries in the Mahanadi Basin
- The Mahanadi basin is home to several important cities, including Raipur, Durg, and Cuttack, which are centers of economic activity and growth in the area.
- The basin also has many industries that are crucial for the local economy. For example, Bhilai has an Iron and Steel plant, while Hirakud and Korba are known for their large aluminium factories. There is also a paper mill near Cuttack and a cement factory in Sundargarh.
- The region’s economy is supported by other industries like sugar and textile mills, as well as mining for coal, iron, and manganese. These industries help create jobs and support economic growth in the Mahanadi Basin.
Urban centers and industries in the Mahanadi Basin in a Nutshell
Urban Center | State | Industry |
---|---|---|
Raipur | Chhattisgarh | Iron and steel, cement, power generation, IT, education |
Bhilai | Chhattisgarh | Iron and steel |
Durg | Chhattisgarh | Textiles, engineering, power generation |
Cuttack | Odisha | Port, education, tourism, IT |
Rourkela | Odisha | Steel, mining, power generation |
Sambalpur | Odisha | Education, healthcare, tourism |
Jharsuguda | Odisha | Coal mining, power generation |
Korba | Chhattisgarh | Coal mining, power generation |
Major Dams/Projects on Mahanadi and Its Tributaries
The Mahanadi River basin has many important dams, barrages, and reservoirs that are used for different purposes like irrigation, generating hydroelectric power, and controlling floods. Let’s take a look at some of the major dams on the Mahanadi River and its tributaries:
List of dams on Mahanadi River
Dam/Project | State (District) | River | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|
Hirakud Dam | Odisha (Sambalpur) | Mahanadi | Irrigation, hydroelectric power generation |
Hasdeo Bango Dam | Chhattisgarh (Bilaspur) | Hasdeo | Irrigation, hydroelectric power generation |
Ravishankar Sagar Dam (Pandit Ravishankar Sagar) | Chhattisgarh ( Dhamtari ) | Mahanadi | Irrigation, drinking water |
Dudhawa Reservoir | Chhattisgarh (Kanker) | Mahanadi | Irrigation, drinking water |
Sondur Reservoir | Chhattisgarh ( Dhamtarid) | Sondur River | Irrigation, drinking water |
Tandula Project | Chhattisgarh (Balod) | Mahanadi | Irrigation, drinking water |
Gangrel Hydroelectric Project | Chhattisgarh (Raipur) | Mahanadi | Hydroelectric power generation |
Sikaser Hydroelectric Project | Chhattisgarh (Bastar) | Pairi river | Hydroelectric power generation |
Hirakud Dam
- The Hirakud Dam, located on the Mahanadi River in Odisha, is one of the largest dams in India.
- Built in 1953, the dam helps with flood control, irrigation, and generating power.
- The dam is 4.8 km long and 60 meters high, creating the Hirakud Reservoir, which is the largest man-made lake in Asia and attracts many tourists.
- It is also the longest earthen dam in the world.
- The Hirakud Reservoir was declared a Ramsar site on 12 October 2021.
What is the main use of projects in the Mahanadi River Basin at present?
- Many dams and multipurpose projects on the Mahanadi River are mainly used for irrigation and producing hydroelectric power.
- The Mahanadi basin has several large irrigation projects, like the Hirakud Dam and the Rengali Dam, which provide water to more than 2 million hectares of farmland.
- There are also hydropower projects in the basin, such as the Indravati Hydroelectric Project and the Upper Indravati Hydroelectric Project, which produce over 10,000 MW of electricity.
- Besides irrigation and power generation, the projects in the Mahanadi River Basin are also important for controlling floods, providing drinking water, and helping with navigation.
Soil Types and Agricultural Features in Mahanadi River Basin
Odisha
- The Mahanadi river basin in Odisha mainly has red and yellow soils.
- In some areas, like parts of Bolangir, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh districts, you can also find a mix of red and black soils.
- In the lower regions of Odisha, laterite soil is common. Along the coastal plains of the Mahanadi, deltaic soil is found, which helps create the region’s unique agricultural landscape.
Chhattisgarh
- The main soil types found in the Mahanadi basin of Chhattisgarh are black and sandy soils, with some areas having “Kankar” soil.
- The basin has a large forest cover, except in the regions of Chhattisgarh and the coastal plains of Odisha.
- In the inner parts of the Mahanadi basin, agriculture and forests are the main sources of income and support the economy.
Agriculture in Chhattisgarh and Odisha
- Chhattisgarh and the coastal plains of Odisha receive a lot of rainfall, making them ideal places for growing rice.
- The fertile soil and plenty of water from the Mahanadi River create perfect conditions for rice farming, which plays a big role in the agriculture of these areas.
Major Tributaries of the Mahanadi River System
Tributary | Joining Side | Length (km) |
---|---|---|
Seonath | Left | 383 |
Jonk | Right | 292 |
Hasdeo | Left | 452 |
Mand | Left | 405 |
Ib | Left | 292 |
Ong | Right | 265 |
Tel | Right | 254 |
Pairi | Left | 170 |
Shivnath | Left | 156 |
Tributaries of the Mahanadi River Facts
Left Bank tributaries:
- Seonath
- Hasdeo
- Mand
- Ib.
Right Bank tributaries:
- Ong
- Tel
- Jonk.

The Largest Tributary of Mahanadi
• The Hasdeo River is the largest tributary of the Mahanadi River.
• It starts in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh.
• It flows for 333 kilometers before joining the Mahanadi River at Shiladehi (Birra).
• The Hasdeo River drains an area of about 9,856 square kilometers.
• The river is an important source of water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower.
• It also flows through the Hasdeo Arand forest, one of the largest and most biodiverse forests in Central India.
Facts about Left Bank Tributaries
Seonath
- The Seonath River, also called the Shivnath River, is an important waterway.
- It is the longest tributary of the powerful Mahanadi River.
- The river meets the Mahanadi in the Janjgir-Champa district of Chhattisgarh, India.
Origin and Course
- The Seonath River begins its journey in the peaceful village of Godari in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.
- It flows northeast for about 300 kilometers (190 miles) before it joins the Mahanadi River near Shivrinarayan in Chhattisgarh.
- Some sources mention that the river might also start from Panabaras Hill, which is 624 meters (2,047 feet) above sea level, located in the Ambagarh Chowki division of Rajnandgaon District in Chhattisgarh.
Significance and Name Origin
- The name “Shivnath” is important because it is linked to the respected Hindu deity, Lord Shiva.
- As the river’s name, it holds deep spiritual meaning and cultural importance for the local people.
Main Tributaries and Drainage Area
- On its right bank, Shivnath River receives contributions from the tributaries:
- Kharhara
- Tandula
- Kharun.
- On the left bank, the notable sub-tributaries are:
- Surh
- Hanp
- Agar
- Arpa.
- The total drainage area of the Seonath River covers about 30,761 square kilometers, making up roughly 22% of the entire drainage area of the Mahanadi basin.
- The Shivnath River flows through a varied landscape with small hills near Kotgal, which stands at an elevation of about 533 meters, showcasing the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and human heritage.
- As it continues its path, nourishing the lands it flows through, the river symbolizes the vibrant spirit of India’s waterways and their essential role in shaping the country’s cultural and ecological diversity.
Hasdeo River
Hasdo River Overview
- The Hasdo River, also called the Hasdeo River, is the largest tributary of the Mahanadi River.
- It flows through the state of Chhattisgarh, India.
- The river begins near Sonhat in the Sarguja district, at an elevation of about 915 meters (3,002 feet) above sea level.
- From its source, the river travels a distance of around 333 kilometers (207 miles) before joining the Mahanadi River near the village of Mahuadih.
Drainage Area and Tributary
- The total drainage area of the Hasdo River covers 9,856 square kilometers, making up about 6.96% of the Mahanadi basin area.
- The main sub-tributary of the Hasdo River is the Gej River.
Project and Route
- The Hasdo River is controlled by the Hasdo Bango Dam, built along its path.
- The river flows through the scenic Hasdeo Arand forest, enhancing its natural beauty.
Confluence Point
- The Hasdo River joins the Mahanadi River in Chandarpur, Chhattisgarh, about 28 kilometers (17 miles) before the Mahanadi River reaches the Hirakud Dam.
Mand River
Mand River Overview
- The Mand River, an important tributary of the Mahanadi in India, merges with the Mahanadi near Chandarpur in Chhattisgarh, about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the Odisha border and before the river reaches the Hirakud Dam.
Origin and Length
- The Mand River originates in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, rising to an elevation of about 686 meters (2,251 feet).
- It travels a total distance of 241 kilometers (150 miles) from its source to where it merges with the Mahanadi on its left bank, near Chandarpur.
Catchment Area
- The Mand River‘s catchment area covers approximately 5,200 square kilometers (2,008 square miles).
Principal Tributaries
- The main tributaries of the Mand River are as follows:
- Koirja nalla
- Gopal nalla
- Chhindai nalla
- Kurket river
Ib River
Ib River Overview
- The Ib River, a significant tributary of the Mahanadi River, flows through North-Eastern Central India and eventually joins the Mahanadi by directly flowing into the Hirakud Reservoir.
- This convergence plays a key role in maintaining the water levels and ecosystem of the Hirakud Dam, which serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, flood control, and power generation for the region.
Origin and Course
- The Ib River originates in the hills near Pandrapet at an elevation of approximately 762 meters (2,500 feet).
- It flows through the Raigarh and Jashpur districts of Chhattisgarh, as well as the Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts of Odisha.
- The river’s journey culminates when it merges with the Mahanadi at the Hirakud Dam in Odisha, contributing to the region’s vital water system.
Industrial Significance
- The Ib River valley is renowned for its rich coal deposits, particularly the Ib Valley Coalfield, which plays a vital role in India’s energy sector.
- The valley hosts major sections of the Mahanadi Coalfields, contributing significantly to the nation’s coal production.
- The presence of abundant natural resources has spurred the growth of various industries along the Ib River, cementing the Ib Valley as a crucial industrial hub in Eastern India.
River Length and Drainage Area
- The Ib River stretches for about 252 kilometres (157 miles) and drains a vast area of approximately 12,447 square kilometres (4,806 square miles).
Perennial Inspiration and Folklores
- The Ib River has long been a perennial source of inspiration for various tribal communities in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, who established permanent settlements along its banks in ancient times.
- The river’s cultural significance is deeply rooted in the region, with numerous folklores and myths surrounding it, contributing to its mythological importance among the local people.
Rain-fed River
- The Ib River is mainly rain-fed, with about 80% of its runoff occurring during the monsoon season.
Important Tributaries
▪ The main tributaries of the Ib River include:
- Maina
- Sapal
- Bheden
Facts about Right Bank Tributaries
Ong River
Ong River Overview
- The Ong River is a significant tributary of the Mahanadi River, flowing through the scenic landscapes of Odisha, India.
Origin and Course
- The Ong River begins its journey at an elevation of 457 meters (1,499 feet) on a hill in the northern outskirts of the Gandhamardan ranges, situated to the right of the Jonk River.
- It flows for a distance of 204 kilometers (127 miles) before joining the Mahanadi River on its right bank, approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Sonepur.
Drainage Area
- The Ong River drains an expansive area of approximately 5,128 square kilometers (1,980 square miles).
Major Tributaries
- The major tributaries that contribute to the flow of the Ong River include:
- Chira nalla
- Surangi
- Utalioe
- Khira
Nearby Rivers
- The Ong River is bordered by several other rivers, enhancing the region’s water network:
- Tel Nadi – 76 kilometres (47 miles) away
- Gorkha Nadi – 171 kilometers (106 miles) away
- Subarnarekha River – 431 kilometres (268 miles) away
- Godavari – 485 kilometers (301 miles) away
- Manairu Vagu – 508 kilometres (316 miles) away
Climate and River Basin
- The climate of the Ong River basin is mostly dry and sub-humid, which affects the river’s flow and the surrounding ecosystem.
Tel River
Tel River overview
- The Tel River flows beautifully through the scenic districts of Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Balangir, Boudh, and Sonepur in Odisha, India, and is an important tributary of the Mahanadi River.
Origin and Course
- The river starts in the open plains of Nabarangpur district in Odisha, near the Amravati forest range, close to the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border.
- Beginning in Koraput district, Odisha, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) west of Jorigam, it travels 296 kilometers (184 miles) before joining the Mahanadi River on its right bank, around 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) downstream from Sonepur.
Meeting Point and Scenic Beauty
- The Tel River flows into the Mahanadi River at Sonepur or Subarnapur, providing a stunning view in a colorful landscape.
- On the left bank of the Tel River, you can find the Baidyanath Temple, famous for the Kosaleshwar Shiva temple, which adds a spiritual vibe to the beautiful surroundings.
Principal Tributaries
- The Tel River gets its water from several main tributaries, including:
- Udanti
- Indra
- Lant
- Sutkel
- Hatti
- Ret
- Uttei
- Raul
- Khadago
River Sub-basin and Drainage Area
- The Tel River sub-basin is shaped like a rectangle and covers a large area of about 22,818 square kilometers (8,802 square miles).
Jonk river
Jonk River Overview
- The Jonk River, an important tributary of the Mahanadi River, flows through the Nuapada and Bargarh districts in Odisha, and the Mahasamund and Raipur districts in Chhattisgarh, India.
Origin and Course
- The Jonk River begins at the Sunabeda plateau in the Nuapada district of Odisha, at a height of 700 meters (2,297 feet).
- It flows for about 210 kilometers (130 miles) and enters the Maraguda Valley, where it meets a stream called Gaidhas-nala near Patora village.
- Along the way, the river creates two beautiful waterfalls, Beniadhas Fall (80 feet) and Kharaldhas Fall (150 feet), making the area even more scenic.
- Finally, the Jonk River joins the Mahanadi River at Shivrinarayan.
Tributaries
- The Jonk River gets water from several important smaller rivers, including:
- Machkanalla
- Sukha nalla
- Kantra nalla
- Kermel nadi
- Ranidhara nalla
Drainage Area
- The Jonk River covers an area of around 3,484 square kilometers (1,344 square miles), making up about 2.46% of the total area of the Mahanadi River basin.
Conclusion
The Mahanadi River is very important to Odisha, affecting its history, economy, and environment. To solve the problems it faces, everyone — the government, local communities, and other groups — needs to work together. Sustainable practices like managing waste properly, planting more trees, and using responsible farming methods can help protect the river and its resources, benefiting both today and in the future.
To protect the river’s wildlife, it’s important to manage the dams and reservoirs carefully, ensuring they are used in a fair and sustainable way. The Mahanadi River is a vital part of India’s natural heritage, and we must all make efforts to protect it for the future. With the right conservation steps, the river will continue to support people and nature for many years, showing how responsible resource management can make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Mahanadi River flows through the Indian states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
The Mahanadi River passes through the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh in India.
The Mahanadi River begins in the state of Chhattisgarh, India.
The Mahanadi River begins at the Sunabeda plateau in Chhattisgarh, India.
The Mahanadi River has been called different names at different times, including Kanak Nandini, Chitrotpala, Nilotpala, Mahananda, and Mahanadi or Mahashweta. In the Vayu Purana, the river was called Nilotpala, while in the Matsya Purana, it was referred to as Chitrotpala.
The Mahanadi River is the longest river in Odisha.
The Hirakud Dam is constructed on the Mahanadi River.