• Fact: It is the third-largest peninsular river system and the largest in Odisha.
• Mahanadi River Basin States: Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Borders: Central India hills on the north, the Eastern Ghats on the south and east, and the Maikala range on the west.
• Source: The northern foothills of Dandakaranya in Raipur District, Chhattisgarh.
• Dam: The largest dam on the river is the Hirakud Dam.
• Tributaries 
  • Left Bank: Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, and Ib rivers.
  • Right Bank: Ong, Tel, and Jonk rivers.
• Religious Significance: The pilgrimage site of Puri is located at its mouth.
• Economic Significance: The region is known for its Iron and Steel plant at Bhilai, aluminum factories at Hirakud and Korba, the paper mill near Cuttack, and the cement factory at Sundargarh.

Source: The Indian Express