In News:

A flash flood in the Subarnarekha River affected over 50,000 people in Balasore district, Odisha. The flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall and the release of water from Chandil Dam in Jharkhand.

About Subarnarekha River

Origin:

• Arises near Piska/Nagri, close to Ranchi, in Jharkhand.
• The name "Subarnarekha" means “Streak of Gold”, referring to traces of gold once found in the river’s origin area.

Geographical Course:

• States Covered: Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha.
• Mouth: Empties into the Bay of Bengal near Talsari, in Odisha.
• Total Length: Approx. 395 km.
• Drainage Basin Area: 18,951 sq. km, making it a relatively small multi-state river basin.
• Course Details: Flows through Paschim Medinipur (WB) and Balasore (Odisha) after originating in Jharkhand.

Key Features:

• Hundru Falls: A well-known waterfall on Subarnarekha, located in Jharkhand, with a drop of 98 metres.
• The river system is independent, not a tributary of any larger river.
• Known for its historical and cultural significance due to gold particles in its sands.

Major Tributaries:

• Kharkai (joins at Jamshedpur)
• Kanchi, Roro, Harmu Nadi, Dulunga, Karru, Karakari, Singaduba, Kodia, Dhamra

About Chandil Dam

Location:

• Situated in Chandil, Seraikela Kharsawan district, Jharkhand.
• Built near the confluence of the Subarnarekha River and Karkori River (originating from Hundru Falls).

Purpose:

• Multi-purpose project serving irrigation, flood control, and tourism.
• Plays a significant role in managing water flow in the Subarnarekha basin.