Geographical Features of Odisha

Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the geographical location and boundaries of Odisha.
2. Describe the physiographic regions of Odisha and their characteristics.
3. Understand the river systems and lakes of Odisha.
4. Explore the economic significance of different plains and valleys.

Location and Extent of Odisha

Odisha is positioned between 17°49’N to 22°34’N latitudes and 81°27’E to 87°29’E longitudes. The capital city is Bhubaneswar, also known as the Temple City. It spans an area of 155,707 sq km, accounting for 4.73% of India’s total land area. Odisha has a 450 km long coastline, stretching from Ichchapuram in the south to Subarnarekha in the northeast. The state’s bulged formation extends from Brahmagiri on Chilika Lake in the southwest to Chandabali in the northeast. It ranks as India’s ninth largest state by area and eleventh by population.

Boundaries of Odisha

1. North: Bordered by Jharkhand.
2. Northeast: Bordered by West Bengal.
3. East: Bordered by the Bay of Bengal.
4. South: Bordered by Andhra Pradesh.
5. West and Northwest: Bordered by Chhattisgarh.

Physiographic Regions of Odisha

Odisha is divided into five major morphological regions based on homogeneity, continuity, and physiographical characteristics:

1. The Odisha Coastal Plains.
2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region.
3. The Central Plateaus.
4. The Western Rolling Uplands.
5. The River Valleys and Flood Plains.

1. The Odisha Coastal Plains in the East

These plains are depositional landforms of recent origin, belonging geologically to the Post-Tertiary period. They stretch along the eastern coast of India, from the Subarnarekha River in the northeast to the Rushikulya River in the southwest. Defined by a 75 m outline, these plains are known as the Rice Bowl of Odisha due to their fertility. The plains are classified into three sub-divisions:

1. Northern Coastal Plains/Balasore Plains: This region faces severe drought conditions. It comprises the flood plains and deltas of the Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers up to the Baitarani River.
2. Middle Coastal Plains/Cuttack-Puri Coastal Plain: Located between the northern and southern coastal plains of the Rushikulya River, it includes the combined deltas of the Salandi, Baitarani, Brahmani, and Mahanadi rivers. The Mahanadi delta is notably the widest.
3. Southern Coastal Plains/Rushikulya Plains: Encompassing the lacustrine plains of Chilika Lake and the smaller deltas of the Rushikulya River, this area further divides into three zones:
4. Salt Tract: A narrow belt beyond the shoreline, devoid of agriculture due to high salt content, featuring tidal forests and brackish streams.
5. Arable Tract: Known as the rice country, it lies in the middle plains and is the most agriculturally productive, characterized by levees formed during high floods.
6. Sub-montane Tract: Positioned west of the plains, it marks the transition zone to the Eastern Ghats, consisting mainly of red soil and natural vegetation ranging from shrubs to sal forests.

Important Note: The coastal plains are referred to as the Hexadeltaic Region or the Gift of Six Rivers: Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi, and Rushikulya.

2. The Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region

This region constitutes approximately three-fourths of Odisha’s total area, with an elevation between 610 m and 1068 m. It forms part of the Peninsular India, marked by the Eastern Ghats and interrupted by river valleys. Morphologically divided into the following:

1. Simlipal and Meghasani Mountains: Volcanic origin mountains with a dome-shaped structure, rising from 600 m to 1147 m.
2. Mankadnacha, Malayagiri, and Gandhamardan Mountains: Situated in a north-south direction, forming a poly-cyclic region.
3. Watershed between Brahmani and Mahanadi: More dissected mountains due to the continuous actions of the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers.
4. Interfluves of Mahanadi, Rushikulya, and Vamsadhara: An eroded region, extending north-south, housing peaks like Singaraju and Mahandragiri.
5. Potangi and Chandragiri Mountain Ranges: Contains Odisha’s highest peak, Deomali (1672 m), and separates the Sabari basins from the Nagavali.

3. The Central Plateaus

These plateaus lie on the western slopes of the Eastern Ghats, varying in elevation from 305 m to 610 m. Odisha’s two major plateaus include:

1. Panposh-Keonjhar-Pallahara Plateau: Located in the upper Baitarani catchment basin, this region receives significant rainfall and is drained by the Baitarani River.
2. Nabarangpur-Jayapur Plateau: Positioned in the upper Sabari basin, characterized by annual rainfall exceeding 178 cm, which supports fine rice cultivation.

Table: Important Mountain Peaks of Odisha

4. The Western Rolling Uplands

These uplands are lower in elevation compared to the plateaus, ranging between 153 m and 305 m. The region is divided into:

1. Rajgangpur-Panposh Uplands: Drained by the Koel and Sankh rivers.
2. Jharsuguda Uplands: Part of the Ib basin.
3. Baragarh Uplands: Located in the basins of Jira and Jhaun rivers.
4. Balangir-Titilagarh-Patnagarh Uplands: Found in the northern Tel basin.
5. Bhawanipatna Uplands: Situated in the southern Tel basin.
6. Malkangiri Uplands: Located in the Sabari basin.

5. The River Valleys and Flood Plains

These valleys are shaped by fluvial actions of major rivers. With an average elevation of 75 m to 150 m, the valleys are narrow in the upper reaches, broadening as they descend. Significant valleys include:

1. Mahanadi River Valley.
2. Brahmani River Valley.
3. Vamsadhara River Valley.

The flood plains are fertile and crucial for agricultural activities.

Lakes and Ports in Odisha

Odisha features natural lakes like Chilika, Ansupa, Sar, Samagarh, Tampara, and Udyankhanda, alongside artificial lakes such as Naraj, Jobra, Hirakud, and Balimela. It hosts Paradeep, India’s deepest natural port, as well as medium-sized ports like Chandbali and Gopalpur. Dharma serves as a fishing port.

Important Note: Chilika Lake is renowned as Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, playing a vital role in the state’s biodiversity.

Multiple Choice Question: Which region in Odisha is known as the “Rice Bowl”?

1. Central Plateaus
2. Coastal Plains
3. Western Rolling Uplands
4. Middle Mountainous Region
   Correct Answer: 2. Coastal Plains