Jamshedpur Rivers

Jamshedpur rivers form an important part of the physiography of Jamshedpur. Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers are the two important rivers flowing through Jamshedpur.

Subarnarekha is one of the principle rivers of Jamshedpur. Subarnarekha is the smallest of the inter-state river basins of India. The river covers a drainage area of 1.93 million hectares. Raru, Kharkai, Sankh, Garra, Kanchi and Karkari are some of the tributaries of Subarnarekha which drain the region of Jamshedpur.

Subarnarekha is a rain-fed river that originates about 15 kilometers from the southern part of Ranchi. Before entering the Bay of Bengal, Subarnarekha flows through the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Orissa. The total length of Subarnarekha is estimated to be about 450 kilometers.

Subarnarekha seems to be lifeline of the tribesmen residing in the Chhota Nagpur belt. The tribal communities of the Chhota Nagpur plateau largely depend on fishing. Besides, Subarnarekha possesses a rich resource base. In fact, the right banks of the Subarnarekha River (between the districts of Singhbhum and Mayurbhanj) have the richest deposit of copper. However, this rich resource has proved to be disastrous for the river. Unplanned mining in the region, adjoining the river Subarnarekha has led to environmental degradation and pollution. During the monsoon, residues or quarries from the adjoining areas flow into the river. Subarnarekha also bears radio-active waste from the uranium mines. As a result, the river remains a mute host to the effluents discharged from the adjoining mines.

Furthermore, a study on Jamshedpur rivers seems to be incomplete without a reference to the river Kharkai. River Kharkai is the main tributary of the river Subarnarekha. Kharkai originates from the Chhota Nagpur Plateau and passes through the districts of West Singhbhum, Bokaro, Seraikela, East Sighbhum and Ranchi. Kharkai merges with Subarnarekha at Sankchi. In fact, Jamshedpur is situated at the confluence of the rivers Kharkai and Subarnarekha. The confluence of the rivers Kharkai and Subarnarekha is called Domohani. Domohani is situated in the north-western tip of Jamshedpur. It is one of the most popular spots in Jamshedpur.



Last Updated on 24/06/2013