Two important rivers- one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha- merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.
Which one of the following could be this?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (a) Bhitarkanika
The Brahmani rises in Jharkhand, where it is called the South Koel, and the Baitarani rises in the hills of Kendujhar (Keonjhar) district in Odisha. The two rivers come together in a shared delta just before the Bay of Bengal. That delta holds the mangrove protected area of Bhitarkanika, so (a) fits.
- ✓ (a) Bhitarkanika is a mangrove wetland and protected area. It is nourished by the Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamra rivers before they meet the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmani is the river from Jharkhand (South Koel upstream), and the Baitarani is the river from Odisha. Their waters join near the coast and reach the sea through the Dhamra estuary.
- ✗ (d) Simlipal is an inland hill forest reserve in Mayurbhanj district. It is not a coastal site where the Brahmani and Baitarani merge just before the sea.
- ✗ (b) Chandipur-on-sea is a beach resort on the Odisha coast. It is not the Brahmani–Baitarani delta protected area.
- ✗ (c) Gopalpur-on-sea is a beach and port town on the Odisha coast. It is not the Brahmani–Baitarani delta protected area.
Remember · The Brahmani (South Koel upstream, from Jharkhand) and the Baitarani (from Kendujhar, Odisha) share a delta near the Bay of Bengal. That delta holds Bhitarkanika's mangroves, wildlife sanctuary and national park.
Sources
- India-WRIS Wiki – Brahmani and Baitarni basin ↗ “The Brahmani, known as South Koel in its upper reaches, rises near Nagri village in Ranchi district of Jharkhand at an elevation of about 600 m. … The Baitarni River rises near Dumuria village in the hill ranges of Kendujhar district of Odisha at an elevation of about 900 m”
- Odisha Tourism – Bhitarkanika National Park ↗ “nourished by the Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamra rivers before they meet the Bay of Bengal.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2011, General Studies Paper I. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·
