Geography of Odisha, Major Rivers, Lakes and Wetlands

Geography of Odisha: Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a state located in the eastern part of the Indian peninsula. It is bounded by the Bay of Bengal to the east, Chhattisgarh to the west and northwest, West Bengal to the northeast, Jharkhand to the north, and Andhra Pradesh to the south. The state covers an area of 155,707 square kilometers and stretches for approximately 700 kilometers from north to south and 500 kilometers from east to west, with a coastline of about 450 kilometers.

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Geography of Odisha

Odisha, situated on India's eastern coast, boasts a diverse geography with a 485 km long coastline along the Bay of Bengal. The state features lush plains, dense forests, and rolling hills, with the Mahanadi River flowing through its heart. Odisha’s rich ecosystems include wetlands, beaches, and the Eastern Ghats, offering a mix of natural beauty and agricultural fertility.

Physiographic Divisions of Odisha

Odisha can be divided into five major physiographic regions:

1. Coastal Plains (Utkal Plains): These are the fertile plains along the Bay of Bengal, formed by the deltas of six major rivers: Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Rushikulya. This region is known as the "Hexadeltaic region" due to the presence of these six river deltas.

2. Central Plateaus: These plateaus are part of the western slopes of the Eastern Ghats. They include the Panposh-Keonjhar-Pallahara plateau in the north and the Nabrangpur-Jeypore plateau in the south.

3. Central Mountainous and Highlands Region: This region consists of the hills and mountains of the Eastern Ghats, known as the Garhjat Hills. The highest peak in Odisha, Deomali (1672 meters), is located here.

4. Western Rolling Uplands: These are lower elevation plateaus with heights ranging from 153 to 305 meters. They are characterized by hard soil and diverse vegetation.

5. Major Flood Plains: These are the fertile valleys of the Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani rivers, which are densely populated and support significant agricultural activities.

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Major Rivers of Odisha

Odisha is home to several significant rivers that play crucial roles in its geography and economy:

• Mahanadi: The longest river in Odisha, known for its fertile delta and the Hirakud Dam, which is one of the largest dams in India.

• Brahmani: A major tributary of the Mahanadi, contributing to the state's agricultural productivity.

• Baitarani: Another significant tributary of the Mahanadi, known for its scenic beauty and cultural importance.

• Subarnarekha: Flows along the border of Odisha and Jharkhand, contributing to the state's hydroelectric power generation.

• Rushikulya: A coastal river famous for its scenic beauty and biodiversity.

Lakes and Wetlands in Odisha

Odisha is home to several notable lakes and wetlands:

• Chilika Lake: The largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and a major habitat for migratory birds. It is located on the east coast and is an important tourist destination.

• Anshupa Lake: A freshwater lake known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity.

• Tampara Lake: Another freshwater lake that supports local wildlife.

Mineral Resources in Odisha

Odisha's geology is characterized by ancient rocks, including two cratons: the North Odisha Craton and the Western Odisha Craton. These regions are rich in coal deposits and other minerals. The coastal areas are primarily composed of deltaic sediments from the Quaternary period.

Climate and Seasons in Odisha

Odisha experiences a tropical climate with four distinct meteorological seasons: winter, pre-monsoon, southwest monsoon, and northeast monsoon. Locally, the year is divided into six traditional seasons: Grishma (summer), Barsha (rainy season), Sharata (autumn), Hemanta (dewy), Sheeta (winter), and Basanta (spring).

Forests and Wildlife in Odisha

About 31.41% of Odisha is covered by forests, which are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The state is known for its wildlife sanctuaries, including the Simlipal National Park and the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Simlipal is a tiger reserve with lush forests and waterfalls, while Bhitarkanika is famous for its estuarine crocodiles.

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Soil Types in Odisha

Odisha has several types of soil, each suitable for different agricultural practices:

• Red Soil: Covers most of the state and is suitable for crops like rice, pulses, and oilseeds.

• Laterite Soil: Found in hilly regions, suitable for plantation crops like cashew and rubber.

• Alluvial Soil: Found in river valleys, highly fertile and ideal for rice cultivation.

• Sandy Soil: Found in coastal areas, suitable for coconut and cashew cultivation.

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