The Mahanadi River, one of the major east-flowing peninsular rivers in India, holds immense significance for the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It originates from the Sihawa range of hills in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh and flows a total distance of 860 km before gracefully meeting the Bay of Bengal. As the river passes through various cities and towns, including Raipur, Sambalpur, and Cuttack, it provides essential resources and livelihood opportunities to millions of people in its basin. However, the recent alert by the Odisha government about a “medium” flood in the Mahanadi delta area highlights the importance of understanding and managing the river and its tributaries.
The River Course and Catchment Area
The Mahanadi River flows in a southeastern direction through Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The catchment area of the basin extends over major parts of these two states and comparatively smaller portions of Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. It is bounded by the Central India hills in the north, the Eastern Ghats in the south and east, and the Maikal hill range in the west. This extensive river system sustains agriculture, fishing, and industrial activities in the region, contributing significantly to the economy and the welfare of the people.
The Mighty Tributaries
The river’s flow is augmented by several major tributaries, each playing a crucial role in enhancing its water potential. The main tributaries of Mahanadi include Seonath River, Jonk River, Hasdeo River, Mand River, Ib River, Ong River, and Telen River. These tributaries not only add to the river’s water volume but also enrich the fertile lands they traverse.
The Hirakud Dam and its Significance
The Hirakud Dam, an engineering marvel and the world’s longest earthen dam with a length of 26 km, is constructed across the Mahanadi River, approximately 15 km from Sambalpur in Odisha. The dam’s primary objectives are irrigation, flood control, and power generation. It plays a vital role in regulating the river’s flow during periods of heavy rainfall, preventing devastating floods, and providing water for irrigation purposes to the surrounding agricultural lands. The power generation capacity of the dam also contributes to meeting the region’s energy needs.
Chilika Lake – A Vital Ecosystem
The Mahanadi River system plays a crucial role in supporting the ecological balance of the Chilika Lake, which has been designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Chilika Lake receives approximately 61% of its inland flow from the Mahanadi river system, primarily through its distributaries – Daya and Bhargabi. This inflow is essential for maintaining the lake’s unique biodiversity and supporting various resident and migratory bird species. The river-lake ecosystem interdependence calls for sustainable water management practices to preserve this natural treasure.
Challenges and Concerns
While the Mahanadi River serves as a lifeline for millions, it faces various challenges that demand careful attention and planning:
- Flood Management: The recent flood alert in the Mahanadi delta area underscores the need for robust flood management strategies. Climate change and unpredictable weather patterns necessitate the development of effective flood control infrastructure and early warning systems to safeguard communities and their properties.
- Water Quality: Rapid urbanization and industrialization in the basin area contribute to water pollution. Addressing water quality issues is crucial to maintaining the river’s viability for drinking, irrigation, and sustaining aquatic life.
- Inter-state Water Disputes: As the Mahanadi River traverses through multiple states, water sharing and inter-state disputes can arise. Cooperation and collaborative efforts are essential to ensure equitable distribution of water resources.
- Biodiversity Conservation: The river and its tributaries support diverse flora and fauna. Preserving the biodiversity of the riverine ecosystem is critical to maintaining ecological balance and sustaining the livelihoods of communities dependent on natural resources.