Odisha: 50,000 people affected by flash flood in Subarnarekha river

22 Jun 2025 GS 1 Geography
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Odisha: 50,000 people affected by flash flood in Subarnarekha river Click toview full image

Subarnarekha River 

Overview

  • Length: 395 km

  • States Covered: Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha

  • Origin: Near Piska/Nagri, Ranchi district, Jharkhand (~600 m elevation)

  • Drainage: Flows into the Bay of Bengal near Talsari, Odisha

  • River Basin Area: ~18,951 sq km

  • Known As: “Golden Line” or “Streak of Gold” (due to gold traces in its sands)

Etymology

  • ‘Subarna’ means gold, ‘Rekha’ means line or streak in several Indian languages.

  • Legend: Gold particles were found in the sandy riverbed near the source (Piska village).

  • Even today, locals search for gold in its sands.

Course

  • Jharkhand: Ranchi, Seraikela Kharsawan, East Singhbhum

  • West Bengal: Paschim Medinipur (~83 km stretch)

  • Odisha: Balasore district (~79 km stretch)

  • Important Cities Along Its Path: Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Chaibasa, Bhadrak, and Talsari

Major Tributaries

  • Right Bank: Kharkai, Kanchi, Karru, Raru, Karkari, Roro, Garra, Gurma, Chinguru

  • Left Bank: Dulunga, Khaijori, Damra, Harmu Nadi, Singaduba, Kodia

  • Notable Confluence: Domuhani (Sonari, Jamshedpur) – meeting point of Subarnarekha and Kharkai

Landmarks and Scenic Spots

  • Hundru Falls: Located near Ranchi; water falls from ~98 meters, forming a major tourist attraction.

  • Chandil Dam: Scenic location near Jamshedpur; adjacent rock inscription museum.

  • Bhavnatha Mahadev Temple: On its banks, a spiritual hub dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  • Chhotanagpur Plateau: Through which the river flows, known for rich mineral reserves.

Environmental and Disaster Relevance

  • Flash Flood : Affected ~50,000 people in Balasore (Odisha) due to sudden water release from Chandil Dam following heavy rains in Jharkhand.

  • Climate Change: Affects rainfall patterns and water levels, increasing flood risks.

  • Pollution:

    • Mining of copper and uranium ores in Jharkhand contaminates the river.

    • Industrial discharge, especially from Muri aluminium factory, adds to the pollution.

    • Adverse impact on tribal communities, aquatic life, and agriculture.

Importance for UPSC Prelims

  • East-flowing Peninsular River, not Himalayan or snow-fed

  • Hundru Falls – frequently asked static geography question

  • Chandil Dam – often in news (flood control and tourism)

  • Tristate Flow – Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha

  • Confluence Point Domuhani – important physical geography location

  • Pollution and tribal livelihood – relevant to Environment & Society questions



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