Budhabalang, Subarnarekha, Jalaka rivers

1. Subarnarekha River

• Origin: Near Nagri village, close to Ranchi, Jharkhand

• Length: ~395 km

• States Covered: Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha

• Mouth: Bay of Bengal (near Talsari in Balasore district, Odisha)

• Tributaries:

  • Left: Kharkai River, Kanchi River

  • Right: Raru River, Karkari River

• Significance:

  • The name Subarnarekha means “streak of gold,” due to traces of gold found in its sands (historically mined by local tribes).

  • Major urban centers on its banks include Jamshedpur and Ghatsila.

  • Important for industrial use, irrigation, and drinking water supply.

• Environmental Concerns: Pollution from mining and industrial discharge, especially around Jamshedpur.

2. Budhabalang River

• Origin: Similipal hills, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha

• Length: ~175 km

• State Covered: Odisha

• Mouth: Bay of Bengal (near Balaramgadi, Balasore district)

• Major Tributaries:

  • Sone, Gangahar, Kani

• Significance:

  • Drains areas of Similipal Biosphere Reserve — an ecologically rich region.

  • Major for irrigation and agriculture in northern Odisha.

  • Frequent flash floods during monsoon season.

• Issues: Sedimentation, seasonal flooding, and siltation near the river mouth.

3. Jalaka River

• Origin: Also from Similipal hills, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha

• Length: Shorter river, approx. ~90–100 km

• State Covered: Odisha

• Mouth: Bay of Bengal, through Balasore district

• Significance:

• Seasonal river prone to flooding in Balasore plains.

• Affects low-lying villages during intense monsoon.

• Supports local agriculture and serves as a flood carrier for the region.

• Location: Northern Odisha, primarily in Balasore district

• Origin: Likely from the eastern slopes of the Similipal hills (like other rivers in the region)

• Course: A seasonal tributary or independent small river draining into the Bay of Bengal

• Length: Relatively short; local river system