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Which rivers are the main rivers of Odisha?
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Odisha
Jagannatha temple, Puri, Odisha, India.
The state of Odisha, India, is drained by several significant rivers that flow toward the Bay of Bengal, contributing to the formation of its fertile coastal plains.1
The primary rivers of Odisha include:
- Mahanadi River: The most prominent river in the state, historically known as the sorrow of Odisha due to its periodic flooding. It features the Hirakud Dam, which is vital for irrigation and hydroelectric power.21
- Brahmani River: Formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers, it flows through the state and cuts across the Eastern Ghats.31
- Subarnarekha River: A major river flowing through the region.1
- Baitarani River: Another key river contributing to the state's drainage system.1
- Budhabalanga, Rushikulya, and Vamsadhara rivers: These also serve as significant waterways within Odisha.1
These rivers are essential for the state's agriculture and environmental integrity, with their alluvial deposits shaping the coastal landscape.21