Date……………
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CERTIFICATE
This to certify that the dissertation/project entitled “GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS OF
BAITARANI RIVER SEDIMENTS AT KEONJHAR, ODISHA” submitted by
Ms. Prachi Pratyasha Swain, Exam Roll No:22MS53650038;Registration
No:RU2022038204 in partial fulfilment of requirement for the award of the degree of Master
of science in Geology, is a bonafide record of the investigation carried out by him, in the
University Department of Geology, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, during the academic
session 2022-2024.The dissertation/project work has fulfilled all the requirements as per the
regulations of the department/institute. In my opinion, the dissertation/project has reached the
standard needed for submission. To my best knowledge, finding reported in this dissertation
report have not been submitted at any other University of institute for the award of any other
degree and diploma.
Approved by,
NEELU PRIYA TIRKEY
CHAKRADHAR PD MAHTO
Supervisor,
Professor in charge,
University Department Of Geology,
University Department Of Geology,
Ranchi University, Ranchi-834008
Ranchi University, Ranchi-834008
Jharkhand.
Jharkhand.
Date:
Date:
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Place:
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DECLARATION
This is to certify that the dissertation/project entitled "GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS OF
BAITARANI RIVER SEDIMENTS AT KEONJHAR, ODISHA" doesn't contain any
confidential information collected from any types of institution organization. This dissertation
project work is being submitted to the University Department of Geology, Ranchi University,
Ranchi by Ms. Prachi Pratyasha Swain, Exam Roll No: 22MS53650038, Registration
No.RU2022308204, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Master of Science in
Geology, is a dissertation/project work carried out by me independently during the academic
session 2022-2024. The results embodied in this dissertation/project report have not been
submitted to any other universities institutions or elsewhere for the award of any degree. 1
declare that no part of this dissertation project report has not been published and may be
published in future with due permission.
PRACHI PRATYASHA SWAIN
Exam Roll No:22MS53650038
Registration No:RU2022308204
Session:2022-2024
Date:
Place:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thanks university department of geology, Ranchi for giving an opportunity to
work on this project. I would like to express my gratitude to our professor in charge. Mr.
Chakradhar Prasad Mahto for his guidance and advice from beginning to end.
I would also like to thanks Assistant professor Mrs. Neelu Priya Tirkey for her motivation
guidance, advice and encouraging me and helping me to complete this project. I am thankful for
her support.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my brother Akash Ranjan Swain for his
unwavering support and invaluable assistance throughout the course of this dissertation project.
His guidance, insightful discussions, and encouragement were instrumental in shaping the
direction of this research. I would also like to thank all teachers, friends and classmate for their
support and allowing me to join department of geology. At last, I would like to thanks everyone
whom I didn't mentioned, who directly or indirectly helped me to complete this dissertation.
PRACHI PRATYASHA SWAIN
Exam Roll No:22MS53650038
Registration No:RU2022038204
Session:2022-2024
Chapter 1:Introduction
1.1 Motivation
The present dissertation work is dedicated to the grain size analysis of Baitarani river. The
Baitarani (also spelled Vaitarani) is one of six major rivers of Odisha, India. Venerated in popular
epics and legends, the Baitarani River is a source of water for agricultural irrigation. The coastal
plain of Odisha has the name of "Hexadeltaic region" or the "Gift of Six Rivers". These deltas
divide the coastal plain into three regions from north to south. The Baitarani, the Mahanadi and
the Brahmani rivers form the Middle Coastal Plain, with evidence of past "back bays" and
present lakes. However, the river’s sediment dynamics and the grain size distribution of it’s bed
sediments remain poorly understood. This dissertation aims to address this gap by conducting a
comprehensive grain size analysis of the Baitarani river flowing over Keonjhar district, offering
valuable insights for river dynamics, and its implication over sustainable river management and
resource planning.
The present dissertation work on grain size analysis of the Baitarani river holds paramount
importance for several compelling reasons:
Understanding Sediment Dynamics: The sediment transported by rivers significantly
influences riverbed stability and morphology. Analysing the grain size distribution of sediment in
the Baitarani River will provide critical insights into the sediment dynamics, such as sources,
transport mechanism, and deposition patterns. This understanding is crucial for developing
effective river management strategies.
Implications for Erosion and Sedimentation Control: By comprehending the grain size
characteristics of sediment, the study can identify areas prone to erosion and sedimentation
accumulation. This knowledge empowers policymakers and river managers to implement
targeted erosion control measures and sediment management practices to protect vulnerable
regions along the river.
Impact on Aquatic Habitats: The grain size of sediment significantly influences the physical
and ecological characteristics of riverbed habitats. Fine sediments may smother habitats and
negatively affect aquatic life, whereas coarse sediments can hinder the survival of certain
species. The dissertation's findings will aid in assessing the potential impacts on the river's flora
and fauna, contributing to effective habitat conservation and restoration.
Flood Mitigation Strategies: Sedimentation plays a crucial role in altering river channel
capacity, often leading to increased flood risks during heavy rainfall events. Accurate grain size
analysis allows for a better understanding of sediment-induced changes in river flow, enabling
the development of flood mitigation strategies that are tailored to the Baitarani river’s specific
characteristics.
1.2 Objectives
The objective of the grain size analysis of the Subarnarekha River is to investigate and
characterize the sediment dynamics by analyzing the grain size distribution of sediments within
the river system. This analysis aims to achieve the following specific objectives:
i) Determine Grain Size Distribution: Conduct detailed grain size analysis of sediment samples
collected from various locations along the Baitarani River. Quantify the distribution of grain
sizes, ranging from fine silt to coarse sand, to understand the predominant sediment types and
their relative proportions.
ii) Assess Sediment Erosional Patterns: Investigate the spatial variations in sediment erosional
patterns along the Baitarani River.
iii) Inform River Management Strategies: Provide valuable data and insights to inform
sustainable river management practices and policies. Use the grain size analysis results to
develop appropriate erosion control measures, sediment management strategies, and flood
mitigation plans that address the specific sediment dynamics of the Baitarani River.
1.3 Study Area:
1.3.1 River Physiography of Baitarani
The Baitarani is a major east-flowing river in peninsular India, moving eastward and eventually
entering the Bay of Bengal. The Baitarani begins in the Gonasika hills and flows over a stone
that resembles a cow's nostril. After that, the river runs underground for roughly half a kilometer
and is not visible from the outside.
In the Indian state of Odisha, the Baitarani is known as Guptaganga or Gupta Baitarani.The
beginning of Baitarani serves as a minor section of the border between the states of Odisha and
Jharkhand.
Baitarani's tributaries are the Budhi, Kanjori, Ambajhara, Mushal, Kusei, and Salandi.
The Baitarani river travels in a northern direction for about 80 kilometers before draining into the
Bay of Bengal.
It then takes an abrupt right turn near Champua and flows in a southeasterly direction, joining the
deltaic area of the river Brahmani.
There are several drainage lines, allowing runoff to enter the main river with greater power in a
shorter period of time.Baitarani is a river with a lot of twists and turns.The flow in meandering
channels is very turbulent and creates eddy currents, resulting in a rapid overflow of
embankments and flooding of neighboring regions.
Dams and barrages on the Baitarani and its main tributary, the Salandi, irrigate 61,920
hectares.The projected Bhimkund and upper Baitarani multi-purpose projects envision several
more dams across this river and its tributaries to provide irrigation.
Baitarani Basin in Odisha
Fig 1.1 The river network of Baitarani flowing over Odisha and adjoining state Jharkhand.
A large majority of the river basin is located in the state of Odisha, with a tiny piece of the upper
reach located in the state of Jharkhand.
At Anandapur, the river enters a plain and becomes a deltaic zone at Akhuapada. After joining
the Brahmani at the Dhamra outlet at Chandabali, the river continues 360 kilometers (220 miles)
to discharge into the Bay of Bengal.
The upper Baitarani basin, which includes the Panposh-Keonjhar-Pallahara plateau, is one of
two plateaus that make up "The Central Plateaus," one of Odisha's five major morphological
zones.
1.3.2 Geology of Baitarani River
The geology of the Baitarani river region is closely related to the broader geological framework
of the Indian subcontinent. Here is an overview of the geology associated with the Baitarani
River.
A major portion of the Baitarani River basin lies within the state of Odisha, while a small patch
of the upper reach lies in Jharkhand state. The upper Baitarani basin on the western slopes of the
Eastern Ghats, comprising the Panposh-Keonjhar-Pallahara plateau, is one of the two plateaus
forming "The Central Plateaus"—one of Odisha's five major morphological regions.
The geological feature in and around upper Baitarani are of two main series, the iron ore series
and younger Kolhan series. The Iron ore series are represented by mica, hornblende, schist,
hornblende, gneiss, phyllite, chert and jasper which along with Singhbhum granite constitute the
surrounding Country rock. The Kolhan series comprises mainly flat-bedded Kolhan, sand stone
and conglomerate. The sand stone usually from the flat tapped hills over the peneplained granite
terrain in this area. The generalized geological- setup for whole of south Singhbhum and
Keonjhar district is i) New Dolerite ii) Kolhan series iii) Singhbhum series iv) Iron ore series.
The study area comprises two administrative blocks - Keonjhargarh and Patana blocks
of Keonjhar Subdivision of Keonjhar District, Odisha (Fig. 1.2). It covers an area of
1053.455 sq. km and lies between latitude 21º 26′ 38" N to 21° 51'35" N and longitude
85° 37′6" E to 86°02′3″ E.
Fig 1.2
The study area is part of the Singhbhum plateau and is in the Keonjhar district of Orrisa. The
dominant rock types are granite, quartzite, mafic and ultramafic rocks, as well as quartz-dolerite.