

INDRAVATI RIVER
PROJECT
 INTRODUCTION
 Indravati River is a tributary of the Godavari River, in central India.
 The Indravati River is a stream of the river Godavari. Its starting point, found to
be the Ghats of Dandakaranya, range from a hilltop village Mardiguda of
Thuamula Rampur Block in the Kalahandi district of the state of Odisha. Due to
the amalgamation of three streams, The River follows a westerly path and enters
Jagadalpur in the state of Chhattisgarh. The river moves from here in a southern
route, before eventually uniting with the Godavari at the borders of three states.
They are the state of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Telangana. The river at a
variety of stages of its course forms the boundary between Chhattisgarh and
Maharashtra. The river Indravati is also known as the oxygen of the Bastar
district of state of Chhattisgarh. This district is one of the greenest and eco-
friendly districts, found in the whole of India. A total number of five
hydroelectric projects were planned on the river Indravati. They were namely
the Kutru I, the Kutro II, the Nugru I, Nugru II and the Bhopalpatnam. However,
the plan misfired and did not see the light of the day due to ecological reasons.
The Indravati is sometimes known as the "lifeline" of
the Kalahandi, Nabarangapur, of Odisha & Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, one of
the greenest districts in India.
 Most of the river course is through dense forests of Nabarangapur & Bastar. The
river flows for 535 kilometres (332 mi) and has a drainage area of 41,665 square
kilometres (16,087 sq mi).
 Indravati Dam or Upper Indravati Hydro
Power Project built
near Mukhiguda, Kalahandi is one of the
largest Dam in India as well as Asia. It is
the largest dam in eastern India which
produces 600MW of electricity. The Upper
Indravati Project envisages diversion of
water, of the Indravati river in its upper
reaches into the Mahanadi valley for
power generation and irrigation.
The Chitrakote Falls is a
natural waterfall on the Indravati River,
located approximately 38 kilometres (24 mi)
to the west of Jagdalpur, in Bastar district in
the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
The height of the falls is about 29 metres
(95 ft).[1][2] It is the widest waterfall in India,
reaching a width of nearly 300 metres
(980 ft) during the monsoon
season.[3] Because of its width and its
widespread horseshoe shape during the
monsoon season, it is often called the
"Niagara Falls of India".[4][5]
 Mythology behind origin
of Source:-
 There is a Hindu mythological story behind
the formation of Indravati River. Once upon a
time the place was full of Champa and
Chandan trees, which fragranced the whole
forest. Due to such a beautiful place on earth,
Lord Indra and Indrani went down from
Heaven to stay here for a while. They deeply
enjoyed the beauty of nature; while
wandering in the jungle Indra went to a small
village Sunabeda (Nuapada district), where
he met with a beautiful girl Udanti. At first
meet, they fall in love with each others; and
Indra disagreed to get back. On other side,
due to disband or separation Indrani cried
sorrowfully and expressed her pain to the
people, where gathered there. People knew
well about the Indra and Udanti; they
informed the same to Indrani and suggested
to stay there. Indrani got irate over Indra and
pour scorn on Indra and Udanti so that they
never meet again and she stayed there as
Indravati River, which flows till date. And,
Indra and Udanti rivers are also flowing there
separately, without meeting each other due to
offense of Indrani.
Source and flow:-
The river Indravati rises at an elevation of 914 metres (2,999 ft) in
the Kalahandi district of Odisha on the western slopes of the Eastern Ghats. It
flows west-ward through the Kalahandi, Nabarangapur and Koraput districts
for 164 kilometres (102 mi) and after forming the boundary between Odisha
and Chhattisgarh states for 9.5 kilometres (5.9 mi), enters the Bastar district of
Chhattisgarh. After flowing 233 kilometres (145 mi) in Chhattisgarh, it turns
south and flows along the boundary of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra for
about 129 kilometres (80 mi) and joins Godavari River at the junction of the
boundaries of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana states.
The Indravati sub-basin covers a total area of about 40,625 square kilometres
(15,685 sq mi). Indravati has a catchment area of 7,435 square kilometres
(2,871 sq mi) in Odisha. The length of river is about 535.80 kilometre
(332.93 mi), and starting from the hills of Kalahandi, it joins the Godavari river
near village Bhadrakali in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. It has a well-
defined course from its origin to its confluence with the Godavari River.
Starting in a south-east direction as a small rivulet in Odisha, it later runs in
western direction through Bastar district of Chhattisgarh until it is deflected
and runs north-west and then again takes a turn to the south-west. During its
total course of 535.80 kilometres (332.93 mi) the river drops by 832.10 metres
(2,730.0 ft). Its bed level at its junction with the Godavari River is of the order
of R.L. 82.3 m compared to the level in Kalahandi from where it takes off is
914.4m.
Tributaries:-
The major tributaries of river
Indravati are Keshadhara Nalla,
Kandabindha Nallah, Chandragiri
Nalla, Golagar Nalla, Poragarh Nalla,
Kapur Nallah, Muran River, Bangiri
Nallah, Telengi Nallah, Parlijori
Nallah, Turi Nallah, Chourijori Nallah,
Damayanti Sayarh, Kora river, Modang
river, Padrikundijori river, Jaura river
and Bhaskel river.
The important right bank tributaries of
the Indravati are Bhaskel, Boarding,
Narangi, Nimbra (Parlkota), Kotri and
Bandia. The important left bank
tributary is Nandiraj.
 HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHICAL
SIGNIFICANCE
 History:-
 The historical significance of the Indravati River dates back to
ancient times when it was integral to the lives of indigenous
communities and served as a key trade route. Over the
centuries, the river witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations,
contributing to the cultural mosaic of the region. Its banks are
adorned with archaeological sites, attesting to the river's role in
sustaining human settlements.
 Geographical:-
 Chitrakote FallsThe geological formation of the Indravati
River valley as it rises and flows downstream consists
of quartzitic sandstone and changes to
the Archaean granite and gneisses near the Chitrakote Falls.
It is one of the six waterfalls in India classified as "geomorphosites"
(geoheritage sites with geomorphological interest); this classification is based on
research studies of geological features of heritage value existing in different parts
of the country. These have been studied and discussed in seminars by geologists,
and studies have received the support of international institutions such as
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International
Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), and the International Association of
Geomorphologists (IAG).

The Chitrakote Falls is located on the Indravati River. The river originates in
the Kalahandi district of Odisha, in the Vindhya Range of hills, flows westward,
and then forms a fall at Chitrakote, after which it finally flows into the Godavari
River at Bhadrakali, after traversing 240 miles (390 km) in the state.The free drop
of the falls is a sheer height of about 30 metres (98 ft). Because of its horseshoe
shape, it is often compared with the world-famous Niagara Falls in the United
States, and is given the sobriquet "the Small Niagara Falls". During the rainy
season, from July to October, rainbows are created with sun rays reflecting on
mist from the waterfall.
The Chitrakoot Falls are located 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Jagdalpur,
in Chhattisgarh. Indravati National Park and Tiger Reserves are located in the
adjoining region of Chhattisgarh state. The Chitrakot fall is almost at the point of
its extinct because of indiscriminate construction of check dams near the fall.
 BENEFITS OF INDRAVATI
RIVER
 The river Indravati is also known as the oxygen of the
Bastar district of state of Chhattisgarh. This district is one
of the greenest and eco-friendly districts, found in the
whole of India. A total number of five hydroelectric
projects were planned on the river Indravati.
 It is located in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The
park derives its name from the Indravati River,
which flows from east to west and forms the northern
boundary of the reserve with the Indian state of
Maharashtra.
 Other benefits are like agriculture , irrigation ,
biodiversities and hydropower generations.
 AGRICULTURE &
IRRIGATION
 In India, expansion and improvement of irrigation facilities has been
emphasized as a measure to alleviate repeatedly occurring drought
damage, as a part of the country‟s food self-sufficiency policy.
Irrigation facilities are absolutely indispensable in low precipitation
regions because the amount of rainfall in India is unpredictable and
varies substantially by region, season, and year. Moreover even in
heavy precipitation regions, irrigation facilities are extremely
important for providing water for agricultural use during the
summer season when demand for water is at its peak.
 The Orissa State Government launched the Upper Indravati
Multipurpose Project in 1978 to promote the comprehensive
development of the region, which tends to suffer from drought.
 Furthermore, if small states with populations under three million are
excluded, Orissa State has the highest percentage of scheduled castes
and scheduled tribes (minority tribes) *1. According to 1981 figures,
the percentage is 37.1%, which exceeds the national average of
22.8%. Given these conditions, the project is not only a large-scale
irrigation project, but it also lays emphasis on agricultural policies.
Sugarcane based on Alluvial Soil of Indravati river valleyIn Nabarangpur,
Kosagumuda and Nandahandi Blocks, Sugarcane based cropping pattern are
observed where Sugarcane is the predominant crop in the Indravati River bank
followed by paddy in the medium and low land situation.
Irrigation Facilities means canals, laterals, ditches, conduits, gates, pumps and
related equipment necessary for the supply, delivery and drainage of irrigation
water. In areas that have irregular precipitation, irrigation improves crop growth
and quality. By allowing farmers to grow crops on a consistent schedule,
irrigation also creates more reliable food supplies.
 BIODIVERSITY
 The river and its surrounding ecosystem harbor rich biodiversity.
The lush forests and diverse flora and fauna along the Indravati
contribute to the region's ecological balance. The river serves as a
habitat for various aquatic species, making it an essential component
of the local ecosystem.
 INDRAVATI TIGER RESERVE:-
 Indravati Tiger Reserve is in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The
perennial river „Indravati‟ forms the boundary of the reserve on the
Northern and Western side, which also happens to be the inter-state
boundary between Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The habitat is
large rich with a good potential, being contiguous with the forests of
Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. It has a good biodiversity and
also has a small population of the endangered wild buffalo.
 Area of the tiger reserve :-
 Core / critical tiger habitat : 1258.37 sq.km.
 Buffer / peripheral area : 1540.70 sq.km.
 TOTAL : 2799.07 sq.km.
 Location Latitude : 18051‟N to 19024‟N Longitude : 80016‟N to
80044‟E
Habitat Attributes :-
The reserve has considerable floral diversity with several species: trees (102),
climbers (28), shrubs and herbs (46), grasses (32) alongwith bamboo (2),
ferns, bryophytes and algae. It has variety of wild animals, which comprises
of mammals, amphibians, birds and fish, insects and butterflies.
Flora:-
Indravati has a good floral diversity and the following forest types (Champion
and Seth, 1968) are found: (i)Southern tropical moist mixed deciduous forests
without teak (3B/C2) (ii)Southern tropical dry deciduous forests (5A) (a)Mixed
forests without teak (5A/C3) (b) Mixed forests with teak (5A/C1) (c) Dry
evergreen forests (confined along river banks) (iii) Grasslands The tropical moist
mixed deciduous forests are along lower hill slopes and the common tree species
are: Dillenia pentagyna, Gmelina arborea, Haldina cordifolia, Lannea
coromandelica, Pterocarpus marsupium, Schlichera oleosa, Terminalia alata,
Terminalia bellirica, Antidesma acidum, Bridelia bemiltoniana, Cassia fistula,
Dendeocalamus strictus, Emblica offcinalis, Gardenia latifolia, Grewia tiliifolia
and Syzygium cumini. The common shrubs are: Flemingia bracteata, Grewia
hirsuta, Petalidium barlerioides, Rhinacanthus nasuta and Sesamum indicum.
The tropical dry deciduous forests are found in upper hill slopes and plains and
the common species are: Anogeissus latifolia, Alangium salvifolium, Boswellia
serrata, Butea monosprma, Buchnania lanzan, Careya arborea, Cleistanthus
collinus, Cassia fistula, Dolochandrone falcata, Pterocarpus marsupium,
Semecarpus anacardium and Terminalia bellirica. In some areas, these forests are
mixed with teak. The common species of grasses are: Apluda mutica, Aristida
setacea, Bothriochloa intermedia, Chrysopogon fulvus, Digitaria ciliaris,
Heteropogon contortus, Imperata cylindrical and others.
Fauna:-
The major faunal species include: tiger, leopard, striped hyena, wolf, common
mongoose, sloth bear, fox, hare, common langur, flying squirrel, chital, sambar,
barking deer, nilgai, wild boar and gaur. The wild buffalos are found in grassy
areas in Pilloor, Gandapuri and in the northwest corner of the reserve. During
summer, they are seen near river courses. The common reptiles are: freshwater
crocodile, common monitor lizard, chameleon, common krait, cobra, and
Russell‟s viper. The amphibians include turtle, Indian bull frog and the common
tree frog. Several species of fishes are found, viz. Padhan, bodh and rohu. The
avifauna comprises of herons, white-necked stork, black-necked stork, white ibis,
black ibis, whistling teals, pintail duck, brahmny duck, kites, crested hawk eagle,
fishing eagle, honey buzzard, shikra, vultures, partridges, quails, pigeons, doves,
parakeets, cuckoos, koel, owls, nightjars, kingfishers, bee-eaters, common grey
hornbill, woodpeckers, mynas and flycatchers.
The reserve has a low tiger status on account of low prey base and biotic
disturbance.
The core/critical tiger habitat has a large number of revenue villages which
require voluntary relocation on a priority basis. Further, the basic protection
infrastructure and communication is wanting owning to disturbances. Special
interventions are required both for tiger as well as the endangered wild buffalo.
 HYDROPOWER
GENERATION
 Several dams, including the Indravati Dam, have been constructed on the
river to harness its hydropower potential. These projects contribute
significantly to the energy needs of the region, providing electricity for
both urban and rural areas.
 The Upper Indravati Project envisages diversion of water , of the indravati
river in its upper reaches into the Mahanadi vally for power generation
and irrigation. The project would involve construction of 4 dams across
the Indravati and its tributaries 8 dykes and two inter-linking channels to
from a single reservoir with a live capacity of 1435.5 Mcum, 4.32 km.
tunnel, a power house with installation of 4 units of 150 MW each , 9 km.
tail race channel and an irrigation barrage across Hati river with the
associated irrigation canals.
 UPPER INDRAVTI POWER STATION:-
 Location:- 90km from Bhawanipatana
 No. of units:- 4
 Total capacity:- 600NM
 Type of dam:- Masonary gravity
 Height & Length of the dam:- 45 & 539 Mts respectively
Upper Indravati Hydro Electric Project has gone fully operation with the
commissioning of Unit No.IV of the 600 MW (150 x 4) Hydro Power Project.
Undeterred by the tunnel tragedy in 1991 and the World Bank's unexpected
withdrawal from its financial commitment, Orissa Hydro Power Corporation
took it over in 1996 and proceeded to complete the project against all odds. It
had to access Rs.320 crore assistance from Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and
raise funds from all possible internal sources to complete this project. The
commissioning of Unit No. IV of Upper Indravati Hydro Electric Project has
added one more feature to OHPC's cap. Envisaged in 1978 with an estimated
investment of Rs.208.15 crore, the project cost has gone up during the past 23
years.
PROJECT COST:-
The basic estimates of costs for Upper Indravati Project have been prepared
taking into account the p[revailing levels (1980) of cost of construction , material,
equipment, labour etc. In working out the rates for the various items of works ,
the accepted tender rates at Upper Kolab Project which is at present under
construction nearby have also been considered.
With provision for physical
contingencies at 10% in the case Basic Including
of civil works and 5% in the case (1980 Price physical
of electrical works , the likely level) contingencies
estimated cost of the project has Unit-I
also been worked out. It is Dam and
proposed to apportion the cost of Appurtanent 1182.80 1282.30
Unit-I (Dam & Appurtanent works
works) equally to Irrigation and Unit-III
power.
On this basis , the estimated cost Hydrtaulic
&Electrical Works.
of Upper Indravati hydro electric
project would be as under: Civil (Hydraulic)
610.30 660.50
work
Electrical Works 1064.90 1116.20
Total 2858.00 3059.00
 Basic
(1980) Price Level
Including Physical
Contingencies

Unit-I
Dam and Appurtanent
591.40 641.15
Works
(chargeable to power)
unit-III
Hydraulic & electrical Works
Civil (Hydraulic) works 610.30 660.50
Electrical works 1064.90 1116.20
Total 2266.60 2417.85

Started with World Bank assistance, Upper Indravati Project is considered one of
the largest multi-purpose projects in India. Situated in drought prone districts of
Kalahandi and Nawarangpur in Orissa, the project also envisages transbasin
diversion of water of river Indravati (Godavari basin) to river Hati (Mahanadi
basin). The project provides irrigation to more than one lakh hectres of land.
On being fully commissioned, it now, is not only one of the largest power station in
odisha but also in the entire region will play a crucial role in bridging the projected
deficit during peak hours in the 10th plan.
 CHALLENGES IN
INDRAVATI RIVER
 The traditional economic organization has been shifted from
donger chas to plain land cultivation resulted in a significant
change in food consumption pattern. Now these people are
spending more money for getting their foods. Due to lack of
production and less varieties of crops, post harvest communal
feasts, various other feasts; fairs and festivals are discontinued
resulting less cooperation of the group and community
members.
 In the old settlements the families were getting their annual
requirement of food mostly from the encroached lands.
 The hill slopes forest uplands were put toproduction of cash
crops like oilseeds and pulses, which was giving them the
required cash for salt, clothes and other materials.
 Proximity to forest and stream was providing additional
supplement in the form of fuel wood for personal consumption
as well as sale and varieties of food items such as; tubers, roots,
leaves, fruits in the difficult as well as different festive times.
The loss of cultivable land (mainly donger) affected food production and the
patterns of food consumption. The food consumption pattern of the Displaced
Persons in submersible area was different from their present pattern.
They weredepending more on minor millets like jawar, suan, mandia etc. Mandia
(Ragi) was their primary food and according to them they were getting more
energy from it. Now they have to depend upon paddy.
The traditional liquor “landha” made of mandia (Ragi) is now not in use as
production of mandia (Ragi) has been decreased or all most all stopped in plain
land cultivation.
Other challenges are like deforestation, habitat loss , water pollution and over
exploitation of water resources.
In some countries, more than 90 per cent of the population relies on surface water
as the source of drinking water, thus risking their health.
About 3.4 million people die every year due to cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, polio,
cryptosporidiosis, ascariasis and diarrheal diseases. Many of these diseases are due
to the presence of human wastes in water.
Sugar industries, distillery units, pulp and paper firms and fertilizer companies
consume much of the river‟s water and contribute to the deterioration in its water
quality.
The water quality assessment shows high pollution with low dissolved oxygen.
Large stretches of the river have few fish and low aquatic diversity. Assuming
approximately that there is 80 litres of sewage generation per person in urban
areas and approximately 50 litres in rural regions.
 DEFORESTATION &
HABITAT LOSS
 The expansion of agriculture and urbanization has led to deforestation and habitat
loss along the Indravati River. This poses a threat to the diverse plant and animal
species that depend on the river ecosystem for survival.
 Despite decades of exploitation, parts of Bastar still sport forests clothed by Sal,
Teak, Mahua, Tendu, Bamboo and other miscellaneous tree and grass species.
Within this verdant haven, tiger, leopard, wolf, jackal, hyena, sambar, chital,
nilgai, barking deer and a host of bird, reptile and insect life thrives. Bastar is
also the fast reliable home, outside the North-east, of Bubalus bubalis, the wild
buffalo. The fabulous lndravati River drains the habitat, providing a year long
water source for animals and the local people.
 An area of unparalleled biodiversity, part of the forest was once protected as the
Kutru Game Sanctuary. In 1981 an area of 1,258 sq. kms. was afforded National
Park status. This now constitutes the core of the Indravati-Tiger Reserve, which
was declared in February 1983. The entire area of the park is 2,799 sq.kms.
Thanks to this step tree felling was completely stopped in the core area, but the
buffer still suffers timber extraction, much to the dismay of the tribal people
who are being asked to move out of the Reserve as their activities are said to be
harmful to conservation interests.
 Shifting of villages from core areas has always been problematic for Project
Tiger because its officials have neither had the means, nor the temperament to
adequately compensate villagers for their financial, social and emotional losses.
It is already well known that a series of dams are being contemplated on
the river Indravati for the sake of so-called development of the people. This
plan has already generated a lot of controversy, as many who have some
knowledge of this highly productive and dynamic area and, more
important, its indigenous people, feel strongly that such a short sighted
plan for the sake of ushering in consumerism and market economy will not
only bring about ecological disaster to this already degrading natural
ecosystems, which still remains as a store house of extremely rich
biodiversity, but also the invaluable traditional life style of the sons of the
soil, who have kept nature alive for thousands of year. It may be
worthwhile for the planners not to ignore the warning of those people, who
seemingly understand the problems of ecology and the people better.
 It is proposed that a total of 76 villages,
inhabited by 5,456 people should be
shifted from the core area of the
lndravati Tiger Reserve. Of these, 20
villages have already been deserted. It
should not be too difficult to persuade
the rest to move into the buffer,
provided the shift is supervised by
social groups and provided Project-
Tiger handles the situation with
sensitivity. A series of meetings to
discuss the rights of the tribal people
and their possible future in the absence
of forest protection, will yield high
rewards for conservation. Unlike most
other parts of India, in Bastar tribes
such as the Madias, Murias, Dorlas,
Telenganas and Halbas, have
traditionally moved about the forest,
forsaking one settlement for another
according to its ability to sustain their
simple lifestyles. The key to the success
of such relocation plans would be to
take the villagers into confidence by
pointing out that they would continue
to have access to similar forest types.
Also that the productivity of the forest
would be available to them as the plant
and animal life of the core begins to
spill into the buffer.
 WATER POLLUTION
 Industrial and agricultural runoff, along with inadequate waste management,
contribute to water pollution in the Indravati River. This poses risks to both
aquatic life and the communities that rely on the river for drinking water and
other daily needs.
 “The water quality has degraded mostly due to discharge of domestic sewage
without treatment. Beside direct discharge of waste from industries are also
contributing to the river pollution. We have asked the concerned civic bodies to
initiate action for treatment of domestic sewage before discharging it to the river
system,” said environmental scientist of the board.
 The river Indravati is also known as the oxygen of the Bastar district of state of
Chhattisgarh which was considered one of the greenest and eco-friendly districts
found in the whole of India. This paper is an attempt to analyze the water quality
of river Indravati in Bastar district for irrigation purpose.
 Water quality variables were measured from water samples collected from six
check dams viz. Aasna, Indravati (Kumrawand), Karanji, Rotma, Narayanpal and
Chitrakote in the river over a period of one year (June 2019 to March 2020)
fortnightly. The samples were analyzed for pH, EC, TDS, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, CO32-,
HCO3-, NO3-, SO42-.
 Based on these parametersdifferent irrigation water quality indices such as sodium
percent (SP), SAR, RSC and WQI were estimated. Studies of all these
characteristics indicate that Indravati river water can be safely used for irrigation
round the year.
 OVER EXPLOITATION
OF WATER RESOURCE
 The increasing demand for water for agriculture, industry, and
domestic use has led to the over-exploitation of the Indravati River.
Sustainable water management practices are essential to ensure the
river's longevity and the well-being of the communities it supports.
 The Indravati River stands as a testament to the intricate interplay
between nature and human civilization.
 While it has been a source of sustenance and prosperity for centuries,
the river faces contemporary challenges that require thoughtful
conservation efforts.
 Balancing the benefits of the Indravati River with the need for
environmental preservation is crucial to ensure its continued
contribution to the region's socio-economic development.
 Indravati River and Indravati Reservoir are identified as key surface
water resource from the project area. It is expected that the water
requirement during construction and operation phase shall be
Indravati River and Indravati Reservoir are identified as key surface
water resource from the project area. It is expected that the water
requirement during construction and operation phase shall be .
 The increasing demand for
water for agriculture,
industry, and domestic use
had led to the other
exploitation of the indravati
river.
 Sustainable water
management practices are
essential to ensure the river‟s
longevity and the well being
of the communities it
supports.
THANK YOU