Source: NIE
Subject: Mapping
Context: The Indian Army safely neutralised a high-risk World War II-era bomb weighing approximately 227 kg recovered from the Subarnarekha River in East Singhbhum.
About Subarnarekha River:
What it is?
- The Subarnarekha is a major rain-fed river in eastern India, known as the lifeline of the tribal communities in the Chhota Nagpur region. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit words Subarna (gold) and Rekha (line/streak), referring to the tradition of finding gold particles in its sandy bed.
Origin: It originates near Piska/Nagri, close to Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand.
States it Flows Through: The river traverses three Indian states: Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Mouth: After flowing for a total length of 395 km, it joins the Bay of Bengal near Talsari in Odisha.
Tributaries: The river is fed by several prominent tributaries, the most significant being the Kharkai, which meets the Subarnarekha at a confluence known as Domuhani in Jamshedpur.
Other tributaries include:
- Roro and Kanchi
- Harmu Nadi and Damra
- Karru and Chinguru
- Karakari, Gurma, and Garra
- Singaduba, Kodia, Dulunga, and Khaijori.
Key Geological Features:
- Hundru Falls: Created where the river falls from a height of 98 metres (322 ft). Constant erosion has carved spectacular rock formations at the base of the falls.
- Drainage Basin: The river covers a relatively small drainage area of 18,951 square kilometres, yet it is a critical multi-state basin.
- Mining Zones: The river passes through regions rich in copper and uranium ores, which significantly influences the chemical composition of its sediment.
- Flood Hazards: The lower reaches, particularly in Odisha and West Bengal, are prone to flash floods. In 2007, the river reached a record flood level of 12.2 metres.
Significance:
- Historically, gold was mined near its origin, and the riverbed continues to be a site for gold panning by local communities.
- It supports major industrial hubs, most notably the city of Jamshedpur, India’s first planned industrial city.
