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Rihand River
Rihand River
from Wikipedia

Rihand River
Map in the Imperial Gazetteer of India showing Rehar River and Surguja State.
Map
Location
CountryIndia
StateChhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
Physical characteristics
SourceMatiranga hills
 • locationSurguja district, Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh
MouthSon River
 • location
Uttar Pradesh, Sonbhadra district
 • coordinates
24°31′52″N 82°59′57″E / 24.53111°N 82.99917°E / 24.53111; 82.99917
Discharge 
 • locationSon River

The Rihand River (also referred to as Renu, Renuka, Rend, Rer or Rehar) is a tributary of the Son River and flows through the Indian states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Its old name was Renu or Renuka.

Course

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The Rihand rises from Matiranga hills, in the region south west of the Mainpat plateau, which is about 1,100 meters above mean sea level. The river flows north roughly through the central part of Surguja & Surajpur district for 160 kilometres (99 mi). The Rihand and its tributaries form a fertile plain in the central part of the district stretching from its origin to Lakhanpur, Surajpur, Pratappur.[1] Thereafter, it flows north into Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh via Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, where it is called Rhed and finally joins the Son.

Tributaries

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it is principal tributaries in Surajpur district are the Mahan, the Morana (Morni), the Geur, the Gagar, the Gobri, the Piparkachar, the Ramdia and the Galphulla.[1] Many seasonal and perennial rivers join the Rihand reservoir such as the Kanchan, the Mayar and the Azir of Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh.[2]

Rihand Dam

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The Rihand Dam was constructed across the Rihand River near Pipri in Sonbhadra district of Mirzapur division in 1962 for hydropower generation; the reservoir impounded behind the dam is called Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar.[2][3] Nearest railway station is Renukoot.

Rashganda Fall

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Rihand River has a fall named 'Rakasganda', in its journey in Surajpur district of Chhatishgarh. This fall is important for tourist point of view.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Rihand River is a significant rain-fed of the Son River, which drains into the , originating from the Matiranga hills southwest of the plateau in at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters above mean . It flows northward through the states of , , and , covering a of about 13,333 square kilometers, before joining the Son River near Pipri village in , Uttar Pradesh. The river's basin lies between 22°30′N to 24°00′N latitude and 82°15′E to 83°45′E longitude, with elevations ranging from 277 to 1,200 meters above mean , and features geological formations from the Vindhyan Supergroup including , , and carbonates. The Rihand's major tributaries include the Mahan, Morana (also known as ), Geur, Gagar, Gobri, Piparkachar, Ramdia, and Galphulla, which contribute to its hydrological regime primarily driven by rainfall from July to October. Together with these tributaries, the river forms fertile alluvial plains in the central of , extending from Ambikapur through Lakhanpur to Pratappur, supporting agriculture and settlements in a dominated by forests (43.8% of ), agricultural areas (29.2%), and water bodies (8.9%). A key feature of the Rihand River is the Sagar reservoir, formed by the —a structure completed in 1962 near Pipri—which is the largest dam in by reservoir volume, providing multipurpose benefits including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation to downstream areas in and , and flood control across its extensive catchment spanning , , and . The upper watershed experiences notable due to steep slopes and anthropogenic activities, leading to sediment deposition in the , while the overall basin underscores the river's role in regional water resource management and ecological balance.

Geography

Origin and Course

The Rihand River originates in the Matiranga hills of in , near the southwestern region of the plateau, at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters above mean . The river's source lies in a hilly, forested terrain characteristic of the region's plateaus. From its origin, the Rihand flows northward for about 250 kilometers, passing through Surguja and Surajpur districts in , briefly traversing , and entering in . In its upper and middle courses, it cuts through forested plateaus and undulating landscapes, forming fertile plains as it progresses. The lower reaches feature meandering channels across relatively flat terrain before the river's end. The Rihand joins the Son River near Chopan village in , , at coordinates approximately 24°32′N 83°00′E. Historically, the river has been known by names such as Renu or , and it appears as the Rehar River in ancient maps.

Drainage Basin

The of the Rihand River encompasses approximately 13,411 square kilometers and forms a sub-basin of the Son River within the broader River system. This watershed extends across the states of , , and , with the upper portion predominantly situated in Chhattisgarh covering about 10,210 square kilometers, while the remaining areas are distributed in the other two states. Topographically, the basin originates in the upland regions of the Chhattisgarh plateau, where elevations range from 300 to 1,100 meters above in areas like the Matiranga hills, before descending to the low-lying Indo-Gangetic plains in at around 200-300 meters. The upper basin features red lateritic soils typical of the plateau's upland , while the lower reaches are dominated by alluvial soils along the river valleys. The is monsoon-dominated, with the majority of occurring between and ; annual rainfall across the basin varies from 948 to 1,421 millimeters.

Hydrology

Tributaries

The Rihand River is augmented by several key tributaries that originate from the plateaus of and the hills of , forming an integral part of its drainage network. The principal tributaries include the Mahan, Morana (), Geur, Gagar, Gobri, Piparkachar, Ramdia, and Galphulla rivers, which join the main stem primarily in the of . These streams drain a total watershed area of approximately 13,334 km², contributing significantly to the river's hydrological regime. Key left-bank tributaries, such as the Mahan, Morana, and Geur, arise from the Chhattisgarh plateaus southwest of the plateau, where the Rihand itself originates at an elevation of about 1,100 m above mean . The Mahan, the most prominent among them, flows northward through forested and undulating terrain before its confluence with the Rihand in the upper reaches near Ambikapur, providing essential seasonal inflow from the northern landscape. The Morana and Geur similarly merge along the early course in , channeling runoff from plateau elevations and supporting the river's initial development. On the right bank, tributaries like the Gagar and Gobri originate from the hills of , entering the Rihand basin from the western side as it traverses the state border. The Gagar joins in the middle course near Renukoot, while the Gobri contributes further downstream, drawing from the Vindhyan region's hilly slopes and adding to the river's lateral drainage. Smaller streams such as Piparkachar, Ramdia, and Galphulla also feed in from adjacent plateaus and hills, with their confluences distributed along the 160 km main channel. Collectively, these tributaries extend the effective river system by integrating approximately 100-150 km of feeder channels. These tributaries enhance the Rihand's drainage efficiency by boosting water volume—particularly during the —and elevating load through in their upland catchments, which influences downstream . As rain-fed streams, they exhibit marked seasonal variability, with peak discharges from to driven by southwest precipitation, followed by reduced flows in the that can lead to intermittent drying in smaller branches. This dynamic supports the broader Son River basin while highlighting the need for to mitigate and flooding.

Flow Characteristics

The Rihand River is primarily rain-fed, with its flow regime characterized by pronounced seasonal variations driven by monsoon precipitation in its catchment area of approximately 13,334 km². The majority of the river's annual discharge occurs during the monsoon period from July to October, when intense rainfall leads to elevated flows, accounting for the bulk of the water volume transported through the basin. In contrast, the dry season from January to April features markedly reduced flows, reflecting limited precipitation and groundwater contributions in the region. Flow simulations demonstrate significant interannual variability, largely attributable to fluctuations in rainfall intensity and distribution across the catchment. This natural variability results in peak discharges exceeding baseline levels during wet years, influencing the river's overall hydrological behavior prior to infrastructure development. The river transports substantial loads, estimated at an average of 16.56 million cubic annually based on observed in the downstream , which captures the natural influx from upstream processes. This movement contributes to downstream deposition patterns and shapes the river's geomorphic evolution in its unaltered state.

Notable Features

Rakasganda Waterfall

The Rakasganda Waterfall is a prominent natural cascade located in Navgayi village, Odgi Block, Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh, along the upper course of the Rihand River. This site marks one of the key geomorphic features in the river's initial stretch through the region's undulating terrain. The waterfall features a drop of approximately 50 feet, where the Rihand River plunges over a rocky ledge, generating a misty spray that envelops the surrounding area in a hazy aura, particularly during peak flow. It is nestled amid dense forests of the upper Rihand watershed, enhancing its appeal as a serene natural spectacle amid rugged cliffs and lush vegetation. The cascade is most active and visually striking during the monsoon season (July to September), when increased river volume amplifies the water's force and the resulting mist. Geologically, the Rakasganda Waterfall has formed through the Rihand River's incision into the plateau escarpment of the Vindhyan Supergroup, which dominates the watershed with its low-dipping layers of , , and carbonates. This erosional process, driven by the river's flow over resistant rock formations in the steep upper reaches originating from the Matiranga hills, has carved the drop over time, contributing to the local topography's undulated character. As a popular tourist spot, the is accessible via a roughly 150 km drive from Ambikapur, the nearest major town, along state roads through forested areas; visitors are advised to travel post-monsoon (October onwards) for safer paths and fuller scenic beauty without excessive flooding. Basic facilities are limited, so trekkers should prepare with essentials like water and sturdy footwear for the to the base. The site briefly supports local ecology by fostering microhabitats in its misty environs, aiding forest in the upper basin.

Rihand Reservoir

The Rihand Reservoir, also known as Sagar, was formed in 1962 by the impoundment of the Rihand River in the of , . It spans the border regions with , submerging extensive portions of the former river valley and creating one of 's largest artificial lakes. The reservoir's creation transformed the arid landscape of the region, encompassing a vast expanse that supports various ecological adjustments downstream. Physically, the reservoir covers a surface area of approximately 466 square kilometers at full reservoir level (FRL), with a total storage capacity of 10.6 billion cubic meters, making it the third-largest in by volume, after the Indira Sagar and Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoirs. Its depths reach up to about 90 meters in the deeper sections near the dam site, calculated from the full reservoir elevation of 268 meters above mean and the riverbed foundation levels around 180 meters above MSL. The mean depth at FRL is 22.8 meters, contributing to its substantial water retention capabilities. In its natural role, the reservoir functions as an effective sediment trap, capturing incoming sediments from the upstream of over 13,000 square kilometers, which has led to gradual accumulation and reduced live storage over time. Additionally, the large water body modifies the local by increasing levels in the surrounding areas, fostering a more temperate environment compared to the pre-impoundment conditions. This alteration supports enhanced , including fisheries that have adapted to the lacustrine conditions. In 2024, plans were approved for a 150 MW power plant on the surface to support initiatives.

Infrastructure and Development

Rihand Dam

The is a straight constructed from cement concrete, located near Pipri village in , , . Built as a multi-purpose project in the post-independence era, it serves flood control, , and needs across northern . Construction commenced in 1954 and concluded in 1962, reflecting early efforts to harness the Rihand River's potential for regional development. The structure measures 91.44 meters in height from foundation to crest and spans 934.78 meters in length, with a base width of 61.87 meters and a top width of 7.32 meters at its maximum section. These dimensions enable it to withstand substantial pressures while maintaining structural integrity in a seismically active region. The dam impounds the Rihand Reservoir, locally known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, which forms a critical body for downstream uses. The total construction cost amounted to approximately ₹51.52 , funded primarily through government allocations during the and early . Engineering challenges during building included managing the river's seasonal flows and sourcing materials in a remote area, yet the was completed on schedule to support national goals. At the dam's toe, a powerhouse with an installed capacity of 300 MW facilitates , underscoring its role in India's early expansion.

Associated Power Projects

The Rihand Hydro Power Station is a key hydroelectric facility associated with the Rihand River system, located at the toe of the in , , . With an installed capacity of 300 MW comprising six 50 MW units, it became operational in 1962 following the completion of the dam. The station harnesses the water head from the to generate clean , contributing to the regional power supply. Several coal-fired thermal power plants in the Singrauli region are linked to the Rihand River through their reliance on the Rihand Reservoir (Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar) for cooling water, utilizing once-through cooling systems. These include the , operated by Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) with a total capacity of 2,630 MW; the , also under UPRVUNL, with 2,608 MW capacity as of November 2025 (including the 1,320 MW Obra 'C' extension commissioned in 2025); and the Rihand Super Thermal Power Station, managed by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), boasting 3,000 MW. Although primarily coal-based, these plants draw significant volumes of water from the reservoir for condenser cooling, integrating the river's hydrological resources into thermal generation processes. Additionally, a 150 MW floating solar power plant is proposed on the Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar reservoir, cleared by the government in 2023 with an investment of ₹750 crore; as of 2025, the project remains under development. Power from the Rihand Hydro Power Station and the associated thermal plants is evacuated through high-voltage transmission infrastructure, including the pioneering HVDC Rihand-Delhi line, which connects to India's northern grid. This network supplies electricity to and neighboring states such as , , , and others in the northern region, supporting industrial and residential demands. The integrated system underscores the Rihand River's role in enabling a combined generation capacity exceeding 8,000 MW across hydroelectric and thermal facilities.

Economic and Social Significance

Hydropower Generation

The Rihand River plays a significant role in generation in northern , primarily through the Rihand Hydroelectric Power Station located downstream of the in , . The station has an installed capacity of 300 MW, comprising six generating units each rated at 50 MW. This capacity harnesses the river's flow to produce reliable , contributing to the state's overall power infrastructure. The plant utilizes Francis turbines, a reaction-type design suitable for the medium head of approximately 199 feet at the site, enabling efficient conversion of hydraulic energy into electricity. Commissioned in 1962 as India's first major inter-state hydropower project, it marked an early milestone in regional energy development, with initial units becoming operational that year to address growing electricity demands in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring areas. The facility generates an average of 912 million kWh annually, with a firm power output of 105 MW, reflecting its dependable baseload contribution despite variable river flows. Hydropower output from the Rihand system peaks during the season (June to September), when increased and river discharge enhance generation potential, aligning with broader patterns in Indian reservoir-based hydro projects. This seasonal variability supports peaking power needs, complementing sources during high-demand periods. While no major capacity expansions have occurred since commissioning, ongoing maintenance ensures operational reliability. Economically, the Rihand hydropower station supplies a portion of 's electricity requirements, forming part of the state's 3,240 MW large hydro capacity (as of June 2025) and aiding diversification from coal-dependent generation, which dominates the . Its output helps meet regional industrial and residential needs, reducing transmission losses through proximity to load centers in eastern . The project has generated employment for thousands in construction, operation, and maintenance, contributing to local .

Irrigation and Agriculture

The irrigation infrastructure associated with the Rihand River draws primarily from the Rihand Reservoir (Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar), which diverts water through the Son canal system to support agriculture in drought-prone regions. This network irrigates approximately 250,000 hectares, predominantly in the Sonbhadra and districts of . The canals facilitate reliable to farmlands that were previously vulnerable to erratic monsoons, transforming the agricultural landscape of the basin and enhancing for local communities. The canal system features a main canal with extensive branches that distribute water to fields cultivating staple crops such as during the kharif season, and and barley during the rabi season. These crops benefit from consistent , which enables double-cropping cycles and enhances overall productivity by mitigating risks. Water allocation is managed through scheduled releases, often intensified post-monsoon, to align with planting and growth phases, thereby supporting sustained farming output in the region. The development of this irrigation framework marked a pivotal historical shift following the completion of the Rihand Dam in 1962, converting much of the basin's rain-fed agriculture to irrigated systems. This transition has boosted agricultural resilience and economic vitality, providing livelihoods for numerous farming households.

Social Impacts

The Rihand Dam project has had profound social implications, including the displacement of approximately 100,000 people, primarily from tribal and indigenous communities in the submergence area across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. While rehabilitation efforts were undertaken, criticisms persist regarding inadequate compensation, loss of livelihoods, and cultural disruptions for affected populations. On the positive side, the project has improved access to electricity and irrigation, enhancing living standards and supporting population growth in the region through better economic opportunities.

Ecology and Environment

Biodiversity

The Rihand River and its associated , Sagar, support a rich characterized by diverse populations. Historical surveys indicate that the river originally hosted 42 species, including notable cyprinids and silurids, with post-impoundment assessments recording 44 species in the . Prominent among these are species such as , valued for their ecological role and as in the Son River basin to which the Rihand contributes, alongside like and spp., which inhabit deeper riverine and zones. The 's limnological conditions further sustain communities and benthic , forming the base of the that supports these assemblages, with trophic analyses revealing a dominance of herbivores and detritivores. Introduced species have augmented the reservoir's fisheries, particularly Oreochromis niloticus (), which was stocked to enhance production but has implications for native through competition. Additionally, the reservoir serves as a seasonal for migratory birds during winter, attracting waterfowl and shorebirds that utilize its expansive waters for foraging and resting, contributing to the region's avian diversity. Terrestrial biodiversity in the surrounding forests, primarily tropical dry deciduous types, includes herbivores such as (Rusa unicolor) and (Axis axis), which graze in the riparian zones and adjacent woodlands. Avian species are abundant, with riparian birds like the (Alcedo atthis) frequently observed along the riverbanks, preying on small fish and insects. The flora features medicinal plants, notably neem (), which thrives in the semi-arid conditions and provides ecological benefits through its pest-repellent properties and use in traditional remedies. Portions of the Rihand basin overlap with the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary in , encompassing over 1,300 square kilometers and safeguarding endemic and threatened species within its diverse habitats of hills, forests, and valleys. This protected area conserves local fauna, including (Tetracerus quadricornis) and sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), alongside unique floral elements adapted to the Vindhyan ecosystem.

Environmental Impacts

The construction of the Rihand Dam has significantly altered the river's ecology by impeding the upstream migration of fish species, leading to disruptions in reproductive cycles and declines in native fish populations within the reservoir and downstream areas. This barrier effect, combined with habitat fragmentation, has contributed to a loss of biodiversity in the aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, the reservoir has induced seismicity, with earthquakes (magnitudes up to 3) correlating with fluctuations in water levels, particularly during periods of high impoundment. These events are attributed to increased pore pressure and stress on underlying faults. The dam's development also displaced approximately 200,000 people from 146 villages in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh starting in 1954, exacerbating social vulnerabilities in the region. Industrial activities in the region, particularly thermal power plants, have introduced effluents including fly ash, slurry water, and residues into the Rihand Reservoir, elevating contaminant levels and altering . concentrations in the reservoir have reached up to 4.7 mg/L, primarily from fly ash (12.6 mg/kg at Hindalco TPP) and drain water (5.34 mg/L at TPP), while heavy metals such as mercury from combustion have contaminated surrounding soils and . These effluents have resulted in variable levels, with some mine drainage waters acidic ( 5.9) and others alkaline, promoting in aquatic life and posing risks to human health through the . Land use changes in the Rihand River Basin, driven by development including canals and , have led to substantial , with dense forest cover declining from 14.83% (885.36 km²) in 2003 to 10.57% (460.08 km²) in 2023, and moderate forest cover dropping from 23.18% (1,383.56 km²) to 8.91% (389.13 km²) over the same period in a study area of approximately 5,968 km²—a combined reduction of approximately 18.5% in forested areas. This loss, linked to in the upper basin, has accelerated in the , resulting in a capacity loss of 314.61 million cubic meters between 2000 and 2019 at an average rate of 16.52 million cubic meters per year, thereby shortening the 's operational life and diminishing its storage efficiency. Restoration initiatives since the 2000s have aimed to mitigate these impacts through programs led by organizations such as NTPC and NGOs, focusing on revegetating degraded catchment areas and mine spoils with species like Albizia procera and to restore forest cover and reduce . As of 2025, ongoing efforts include continued monitoring of and under environmental impact assessments for industrial projects. Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for post-1990s projects have incorporated mitigation measures, including electrostatic precipitators to curb emissions and bank revegetation with species like and Peltophorum ferrugineum to absorb pollutants such as iron. However, implementation has been inconsistent, limiting overall effectiveness in addressing effluent discharge and restoration.

References

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