Which of the following rivers is NOT a tributary of the Ganga but flows directly into the Bay of Bengal?

The correct answer is Mahanadi.

Key Points

• The Mahanadi River originates from the Sihawa hills in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha before emptying directly into the Bay of Bengal.
• Unlike rivers such as the Ghaghara, Kosi, and Gomti, which are tributaries of the Ganga, the Mahanadi is an independent river system.
• The Mahanadi is one of the major rivers of peninsular India, with a total length of approximately 858 kilometers.
• Its basin covers parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, making it a significant river for these regions.
• Important cities located along the Mahanadi include Sambalpur and Cuttack, with the Hirakud Dam being a notable landmark.

Additional Information

• Tributaries of the Ganga:
  • The Ganga River has several tributaries, including the Ghaghara, Kosi, Gomti, Yamuna, Gandak, and Son.
  • These tributaries contribute significantly to the Ganga's flow and its extensive drainage basin.
• Rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal:
  • Rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flow directly into the Bay of Bengal.
  • These rivers are part of the peninsular river systems and are not connected to the Ganga.
• Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi:
  • The Hirakud Dam, located near Sambalpur in Odisha, is one of the longest earthen dams in the world.
  • It plays a crucial role in irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.
• Bay of Bengal:
  • The Bay of Bengal is the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean and serves as the final destination for several major rivers of India.
  • It supports diverse ecosystems and acts as a vital economic zone for regional countries.