Source: TH
Context: Over 50,000 people were affected in Balasore, Odisha, after a flash flood in the Subarnarekha River caused by heavy rain and release of water from Chandil Dam in Jharkhand.
About Subarnarekha River:
- Origin of River:
- The river originates near Piska/Nagri, close to Ranchi, Jharkhand.
- The name ‘Subarnarekha’ means “Streak of Gold,” linked to historical gold mining at its origin.
- States it flows through: Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
- Tributaries of Subarnarekha:
- Kharkai (joins at Jamshedpur), Kanchi, Roro, Harmu Nadi, Dulunga, Karru, Karakari, Singaduba, Kodia, and Dhamra.
- It is an independent river system and not a tributary of any larger river.
- Mouth of River: The river empties into the Bay of Bengal near Talsari, Odisha.
- Features of River:
- Length: 395 km.
- Drainage area: 18,951 sq. km — smaller among multi-state Indian river basins.
- Hundru Falls: A famous waterfall on its course in Jharkhand — falls from 98 metres.
- Course: After originating in Jharkhand, the river traverses Paschim Medinipur (West Bengal) and Balasore (Odisha) before reaching the sea.
- Cultural Significance: Known for gold traces in the sands of its riverbed.
About Chandil Dam:
- What it is?
- A multi-purpose dam known for tourism and irrigation, built across Subarnarekha River.
- Located in: Chandil, Seraikela Kharsawan district, Jharkhand.
- Located on River: Built on the Subarnarekha River, near its confluence with Karkori River (which originates from Hundru Falls).
