Mahanadi: Lifeline of Odisha

The Mahanadi River is one of the major rivers of India, flowing through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It originates in the Sihawa Hills of Chhattisgarh and travels about 858 kilometers before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river supports agriculture, industry, and drinking water needs in the region. The Hirakud Dam, one of the longest earthen dams in the world, is built on the Mahanadi. It plays a vital role in irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.