Key Facts about Mahanadi River

SEO Title: Mahanadi River: Origin, Tributaries, Hirakud Dam, States and Important Facts

Category: Indian Geography | Rivers | Water Resources

UPSC Notes

The Mahanadi is one of India's major east-flowing peninsular rivers. It flows mainly through Chhattisgarh and Odisha before entering the Bay of Bengal.

Key Pointers

  • Origin: Sihawa region, Chhattisgarh.

  • Flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

  • Drains into the Bay of Bengal.

  • Major tributaries include:

    • Seonath

    • Hasdeo

    • Mand

    • Ib

    • Ong

    • Tel

  • Hirakud Dam is constructed across the Mahanadi.

  • Hirakud is important for:

    • Irrigation

    • Hydroelectricity

    • Flood control

  • Important delta-forming river of eastern India.

  • The Mahanadi basin is important for agriculture and industry.

Prelims Focus: Sihawa → Chhattisgarh → Odisha → Bay of Bengal → Hirakud.