After the formation of Chhattisgarh State from the Madhya Pradesh, the major portion of basin now lies in Chhattisgarh.

Correct option is C

With the formation of Chhattisgarh as a separate state on November 1, 2000, the Mahanadi River Basin became the dominant river basin in Chhattisgarh. The Mahanadi originates from the Sihawa hills in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh, and flows predominantly through Chhattisgarh before entering Odisha and draining into the Bay of Bengal. Around 75% of the total Mahanadi basin area now lies in Chhattisgarh, making it the most significant river in the state in terms of irrigation, hydroelectric projects, and agriculture.

Information Booster

• Mahanadi River Length: 858 km (approximately 322 km in Chhattisgarh).
• Major Tributaries: Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, and Jonk rivers.
• Hirakud Dam: The longest earthen dam in the world, built on the Mahanadi in Odisha.
• Economic Importance: Supports irrigation, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power, and navigation.
• Major Cities on Mahanadi: Raipur, Bilaspur, Sambalpur, Cuttack.
• Chhattisgarh’s Water Dependency: Mahanadi contributes significantly to agriculture and industrial development in the state.

Additional Knowledge

• (a) Narmada – Incorrect. The Narmada River Basin is mainly in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, with no significant portion in Chhattisgarh.
• (b) Chambal – Incorrect. The Chambal River is a tributary of the Yamuna, flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, but not Chhattisgarh.
• (c) Mahanadi – Correct. The major portion of the Mahanadi River Basin lies in Chhattisgarh, especially after its separation from Madhya Pradesh.
• (d) Ganga – Incorrect. The Ganga River flows primarily through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, with only a small portion of its basin in northern Madhya Pradesh.