Damodar River: India Map & Valley Project

The Damodar River, known as the “Sorrow of Bengal“, is important in eastern India, flowing through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal with a total length of about 592 km. Located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, it is an important part of the Ganges River System. This article aims to provide an in-depth detail of the Damodar River, examining its origin, course, tributaries, and significance in the region.

Geographical Features of Damodar River

Origin and Course of Damodar River

The Damodar River originates from the Palamau hills of Chota Nagpur in Jharkhand. This hill is situated at an elevation of approximately 600 meters above sea level. From its source, the river flows in a southeastern direction, passing through the Chota Nagpur Plateau, a region known for its rich mineral deposits.

As the river flows, it traverses through several districts in Jharkhand, including:

• Hazaribagh
• Ramgarh
• Giridih
• Dhanbad
• Bokaro

In West Bengal, it covers:

• Burdwan
• Hooghly

In its lower course, it flows through West Bengal’s plains and is joined by several tributaries. Finally, the Damodar River meets the Hooghly River at Shayampur which is 48 km from Kolkata.

Map of Damodar River in India

Drainage Basin

The Damodar River’s drainage basin extends across Jharkhand and West Bengal in India. It covers 11.8% of the total geographical area of Jharkhand and 8.6% of West Bengal. Further, the basin has a total catchment area of 25,820 km² and is a part of the Ganga River System.

Further, the basin includes a range of districts in Jharkhand such as Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Koderma, Giridih, Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Chatra. In West Bengal, it covers Burdwan and Hooghly districts. Additionally, it extends into parts of Palamau, Ranchi, Lohardaga, and Dumka in Jharkhand, and reaches into Howrah, Bankura, and Purulia in West Bengal.

Additionally, the basin is known for its rich mineral deposits, including:

• Coal (almost half of India’s total coal reserves)
• Mica
• Fireclay
• Bauxite
• Limestone
• China clay
• Baryte
• Ironstone

Tributaries

The Damodar River has several tributaries, including:

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

Dams

The Damodar River is known for its several dams and barrages, which help control flooding, provide hydroelectric power, and support irrigation in the region. Some of the notable dams and barrages are:

• Maithon Dam
• Panchet Dam
• Tilaiya Dam
• Konar Dam

Damodar Valley Project

The Damodar Valley Project is a significant river valley project in Eastern India, implemented to supply hydroelectric power to West Bengal and Bihar, as well as to prevent floods effectively. The project is operated by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), an undertaking of the Indian Government established in July 1948.

The Damodar Valley Project is situated on the Konar River in the district of Hazaribagh in Jharkhand. The Damodar River, a tributary of the Hugli River, flows from west to east through West Bengal and Jharkhand. The project’s objectives include water supply for domestic and industrial use, flood control, and transmission of electrical energy.

The main objectives are:

• Control floods
• Irrigation
• Checking soil erosion
• Generate hydroelectric power
• Supply water
• Promotion of public health

The Damodar Valley Project has also contributed to the development of agriculture, industries, fish breeding, afforestation, and recreation in the region.