Context: The state of Jharkhand is taking all steps for the restoration and conservation of River Damodar, according to a report filed by the deputy commissioner of Dhanbad (District Ganga Committee).

About River Damodar

• The Damodar River is a rain-fed river that flows through the Indian states of Jharkhand and West Bengal.

• It originates in Khamarpat Hill on the Chotanagpur Plateau in Palamau district of Jharkhand.

• It flows eastward through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal before joining the Hugli River (a distributary of the Ganges) near the city of Kolkata.

• It was also known as the "Sorrow of Bengal" due to the devastating floods it caused in the plains of West Bengal.

• Construction of dams on the Damodar and its tributaries has helped control some of the flooding.

• The valley is rich in mineral resources and is renowned for large-scale mining and industrial activity.

• The Damodar River is fed by several tributaries and subtributaries, including Barakar, Konar, Bokaro, Haharo, Jamunia, Ghari, Guaia, Khadia, and Bhera.

• The biggest tributary of the Damodar River is the Barakar. 

• The severe contamination of Damodar River water is primarily due to the mixing of urban-industrial and agricultural effluents, resulting in elevated levels of BOD, DO, fecal coliform, COD, fluoride, TSS, and turbidity in the river water.