Morphological Reconstruction of Southern Mahanadi Delta and Chilika Lagoon, India – a critical study

Rivers in Odisha are ephemeral and east flowing. Among six major deltas Mahanadi is the largest. This delta has undergone a number of paleo-climatic changes from pre-Cambrian age till date. It has coastal length of 150km and spread an area of 9500 km2. The distributaries of Mahanadi have developed number of anabranches and anastomised in its costal stretch. Chilika lagoon, attached to the delta, covers an average area 1045sqkm is the largest lagoon in Asia. The tarn is presently under environmental strategies for required flushing flow. 61% of inflow of the lagoon is received from Mahanadi system through its southern branches, Daya and Bhargovi. The Lagoon is a river estuary and act as a balancing reservoir for Daya and Bhargovi. The deltas are shrinking in mother earth but extension of south delta of Mahanadi is observed.. Investigation has been made here about evolution, manifestation, topography, shape and landform of the southern delta and lagoon. Origin, extension and development of drainage system.in the area is being searched. Extension of Mahanadi delta towards south is scrutinized. The gradual conversion of coastal landform, a sub-bay, then. a gulf and finally to a lagoon is examined.