Brahmani River: Left and Right Bank Tributaries | Dams, Map & Location

India is a country that is blessed with several major rivers, including the Brahmani River. This river has a significant role in the life of the people living in the eastern region of India. In this article, we will explore the Brahmani River in detail.

Geographical Features of Brahmani River

The following are the geographical features of the Brahmani River:

• The Brahmani River is a major river in eastern India, located in the states of Odisha and Jharkhand.
• The river originates from the eastern slope of the Bonai Hills in the Sundargarh district of Odisha and flows for about 799 kilometers before it joins the Bay of Bengal near Dhamra.
• The river flows through a diverse topography, including hills, plateaus, and plains.
• It drains an area of 39,033 square kilometers, which includes the mineral-rich regions of Odisha and Jharkhand.
• The river has several tributaries, including the Koel, Sankh, and South Karo Rivers.
• It is one of the major rivers that flows into the Mahanadi River, which is the largest river system in Odisha.
• The river forms the Hirakud Reservoir, one of the largest artificial lakes in Asia, after the construction of the Hirakud Dam in 1957.
• The river flows through several important cities and towns, including Rourkela, Talcher, and Dhenkanal.
• The River is an important transportation route for the people living in the region, and several bridges have been constructed across the river to facilitate movement.
• The river basin is rich in mineral resources, including iron ore, coal, and bauxite.

Dams on the Brahmani River

1. Rengali Dam: The Rengali Dam is located in the Angul district of Odisha. It was built in 1985 and has a height of 47 meters and a length of 4.8 kilometers. The dam is primarily used for irrigation purposes.
2. Mandira Dam: The Mandira Dam is another important dam built on the Brahmani in the Sambalpur district of Odisha. It was constructed in 1957 and has a height of 45 meters and a length of 1.6 kilometers. The dam is mainly used for irrigation purposes.
3. Pitamahal Dam: The Pitamahal Dam is located in the Keonjhar district of Odisha. It was built in 1977 and has a height of 24 meters and a length of 450 meters. The dam is mainly used for irrigation purposes.

Tributaries of the Brahmani River

The Brahmani River, one of the major rivers in eastern India, has several tributaries on its left and right banks. Here are the major tributaries of the Brahmani River:

Tributaries on the Left Bank

1. Sankh River: The Sankh River is a major tributary of the Brahmani River, which originates in the Saraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand. It flows for about 155 kilometers and joins the Brahmani near Rourkela in Odisha.
2. Koel River: The Koel River is another important tributary, that originates in Jharkhand and flows through the districts of Simdega and Gumla. It joins the Brahmani River near Panposh in Odisha.
3. South Karo River: The South Karo River is a small tributary of the Brahmani River, which originates in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. It joins the River near Kalinganagar.

Tributaries on the Right Bank

1. Baitarani River: The Baitarani River is a major tributary of the Brahmani River, which originates in the Keonjhar district of Odisha. It flows for about 360 kilometers and joins the Brahmani River near Dhamra.
2. Salandi River: The Salandi River is another important tributary of the Brahmani River, which originates in the Balasore district of Odisha. It flows for about 150 kilometers and joins the Brahmani near Rajghat in Odisha.
3. Gangadhar River: The Gangadhar River is a small tributary, that originates in the Kendujhar district of Odisha. It joins the Brahmani River near Ghantikhal.

These are some of the major tributaries of the Brahmani River on its left and right banks.

Importance

The Brahmani River is a vital source of water for irrigation, hydropower generation, and industrial use. The Hirakud Dam, located on the river, is one of the largest earthen dams in the world and provides irrigation water to over 7,000 square kilometers of land. The river is also an essential transportation route for the people living in the region.

Ecological Significance

The River and its tributaries support a diverse ecosystem, including several species of fish, reptiles, and birds. The river is home to the critically endangered Ghadial, a species of freshwater crocodile, and the Gangetic River dolphin. The river also supports several migratory birds during the winter months.

Challenges and Threats

This River is facing several challenges and threats, including pollution, sand mining, and dam construction. The river is heavily polluted due to the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents. The construction of dams and barrages has also affected the flow of the river, leading to a decline in fish populations and other aquatic species.

Conclusion

The Brahmani River is a significant river in eastern India and plays a crucial role in the lives of the people living in the region. However, it is facing several challenges and threats that need to be addressed to ensure its sustainability. It is essential to implement effective measures to address pollution, sand mining, and dam construction to preserve the ecological and cultural significance of this river.

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