Sukapaika River System: Map & Tributaries

Sukapaika River is one of the several distributaries of the Mahanadi River in Odisha, India. The river is an essential component of the Mahanadi River system and plays a critical role in controlling floodwater and maintaining the flow in the river and the Bay of Bengal.

The Sukapaika River covers three blocks, including Cuttack Sadar, Raghunathpur, and Nichintakoili of Cuttack. The river is an important source of irrigation and water for the region, and its presence is crucial to the livelihood of the local communities who depend on it for their daily needs.

River	Sukapaika River
Origin	Ayatpur village
Mouth	Bay of Bengal
Total Length	40 km
Tributary of	Mahanadi River

Geographical Location of Sukapaika River

The Sukapaika River branches away from the Mahanadi River at Ayatpur village in the Cuttack district and flows for about 40 kilometers before rejoining its parent river at Tarapur in the same district. The river is approximately 100 meters wide and flows through three blocks in Cuttack. The blocks covered by the river are Cuttack Sadar, Raghunathpur, and Nichintakoili of the Cuttack district.

Role in Controlling Floodwater and Maintaining Flow

The Sukapaika River is an important component of the Mahanadi River system, and its role in controlling floodwater and maintaining flow in the river and the Bay of Bengal is critical. The river helps in maintaining the ecological balance of the region and is a crucial source of irrigation for agricultural purposes. The river’s presence is essential for ensuring the availability of water for both human consumption and agricultural activities.

Ecological Significance

The Sukapaika River is home to a diverse array of aquatic life, including several species of fish, reptiles, and mammals. The river provides an important habitat for several endangered and threatened species of flora and fauna. The river’s ecological significance is further heightened by the fact that it is one of the few remaining habitats for the endangered Gangetic dolphin in the region.

However, the River is facing several threats from human activities and climate change. The river is subject to pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and domestic waste. Climate change has also affected the flow and water quality of the river. These threats pose significant risks to the ecological health of the river, the surrounding communities, and the region’s biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts

Efforts are being made to protect and conserve the Sukapaika River. The state government, in partnership with various NGOs, has undertaken measures to mitigate pollution and promote sustainable water management practices. The government is also working on projects to restore the river’s natural flow and to reduce the impact of climate change on the river’s ecology.

Additionally, several awareness campaigns and programs have been initiated to educate the local communities about the importance of the river’s conservation. These programs aim to encourage local communities to take an active part in protecting the river and its ecosystem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sukapaika River is a crucial lifeline for Odisha’s ecology and communities. The river’s ecological significance, role in controlling floodwater, and providing water for irrigation and other purposes make it a vital component of the region’s ecosystem.

However, the river is facing several threats from human activities and climate change, and it is essential to take steps to protect and conserve the river. The conservation of the Sukapaika River is critical to preserving the region’s ecology and maintaining the livelihoods of the local communities. It is therefore imperative to increase efforts toward its preservation for future generations.

Thank You!

Related Links:

Mekong River	Barak River
Krishna River System	Sukapaika River