Damodar River: Origin, Course, Tributaries & Damodar Valley Project

The Damodar River is a major river in the eastern Indian subcontinent. It flows through Jharkhand and West Bengal. These Damodar River UPSC notes outline its geographical journey, economic importance, and the Damodar Valley Project, which is significant for competitive exams such as UPSC.

The Damodar River is a major river of eastern India and an important topic in Indian physical geography for UPSC. Flowing through Jharkhand and West Bengal, it forms part of the Ganges River System and is historically known as the “Sorrow of Bengal” due to its frequent floods that shaped the region’s landscape and agriculture.

Originating in the Palamau hills of the Chota Nagpur Plateau and joining the Hooghly River near Kolkata, the Damodar River is closely linked with the Damodar Valley Project, one of India’s earliest multipurpose river valley projects. Its origin, course, tributaries, and the role of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) are frequently asked in UPSC exams, making it essential for UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.

Damodar River - Key Details

The Damodar River is an important part of India's river network. It has distinct characteristics and historical significance.

Geographical Profile

The Damodar River flows through two key Indian states: Jharkhand and West Bengal. It forms an important part of the Ganges River System, a fact commonly tested in Damodar River UPSC PYQs. The river is historically known as the “Sorrow of Bengal” due to frequent and destructive flooding in the plains of West Bengal.

Damodar River Origin and Course

The Damodar River origin lies in the Palamau hills of the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. From its source, the river flows southeastward through mineral-rich regions of the plateau. In its lower course, it enters the plains of West Bengal, where it is joined by several Damodar River tributaries.

The Damodar River finally meets the Hooghly River at Shayampur, around 48 km from Kolkata—an important confluence point often highlighted in Damodar River UPSC notes. The total length of the river is 592 km, and the Damodar River basin covers approximately 25,820 sq. km.

Damodar River Tributaries

The Damodar River is fed by several tributaries that increase its discharge and basin coverage. These tributaries are important from an exam perspective:

• Barakar River
• Konar River
• Jamunia River
• Bokaro River
• Sali River
• Ghari River
• Guaia River
• Khadia River
• Bhera River

Damodar Valley Project

The Damodar Valley Project is a significant river valley initiative in Eastern India. It aims to supply hydroelectric power to West Bengal and Bihar. Also, it effectively prevents floods in the region. The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) operates this project. DVC is an undertaking of the Indian Government. It was established in July 1948. The project is situated on the Konar River. This is in the Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand.

Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) Mandate

The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was established in July 1948. It functions as an Indian Government undertaking. Its primary mandate involves two key objectives. First, it ensures the supply of hydroelectric power. This power benefits both West Bengal and Bihar. Second, DVC implements measures for effective flood prevention. This directly addresses the "Sorrow of Bengal" issue associated with the Damodar River. The project is located on the Konar River. This river is one of the important damodar river tributaries.