Ib River 3.07

Ib River is a tributary of Mahanadi river in North-Eastern Central India. It joins Mahanadi river flowing directly into the Hirakud Reservoir. The river originates in hills near Pandrapet at an elevation of 762m. It passes through Raigarh district and Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh and Jharsuguda and Sundargarh District of Odisha and finally meets Mahanadi at Hirakud Dam in the state.Ib river valley is famous for its rich coal belt, Ib Valley Coalfield. Major portions of Mahanadi Coalfields are situated on the banks of Ib. Many industries have flourished on the banks of the river Ib. The Ib valley areas are counted as one of the most important industrial zones of Eastern India. The river runs for a distance of about 252km and drains an area of 12447km2.There are enough sightseeing opportunities in the adjoining areas of River Ib. it is believed that the perennial river inspired several tribal groups of Chhattisgarh and Odisha to make permanent habitat on its bank in the past ages. Also there are ample folklores regarding the mythological significance of the Ib river.