Subarnarekha River - Also Known As "Streak of Gold"

It sounds a little weird to hear about this river, But it is true, there is a river in the country where gold is being extracted from the sand for hundreds of years. The name of this river is Subarnarekha River. Subarnarekha River flows through the Indian states of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. However, the exact reason of gold particles in the sand has not been ascertained till today. As per tradition, gold was mined near the origin of the river at a village named piska near Ranchi. This is why it was named Subarnarekha, meaning "streak of gold". Geologists believe that the river passes through many rocks. During this time due to friction the gold particles dissolve in it. The total length of the river is 395 kilometres. After originating near piska/nagri, near Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, the Subarnarekha traverses a long distance through Ranchi Seraikela Kharsawan and East Singhbhum districts in the state. Thereafter, it flows for shorter distances through Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal for 83 kilometres and Balasore district of Odisha. There, it flows for 79 kilometres and joins the Bay of Bengal near Talsari. Gold particles are found in the sand of the Subarnarekha River and its auxiliary river 'Karakari'. Some people say that the gold particles in the subarnarekha river reaches through Karakari river. However, the length of the Karakari river is only 37 km. This is a small river. Till today, this mystery has not been solved, from where the gold particles finally comes in both the rivers. In places like Tamad and Saranda in Jharkhand, local tribes in the river water, filter out the sand and collecting gold particles. Generations of many families are engaged in this work. Men, women and children - This is part of the routine of every member of the house. Normally a person can get one or two particles of gold after working all day. It requires a lot of patience and hard work to filter gold from the river.

One person gets 60-80 gold particles throughout the month. But sometimes this number may be less than 30 in a month. These particles are equal or slightly larger than rice grains. Extraction of gold particles from sand is done throughout the year. During the flood, the work ceases for two months. Those who extract gold from the sand get 80-100 rupees for a particle. One person earns 5-8 thousand rupees per month by selling these gold particles. However, the price of this gold particle in the market is about 300 rupees or more. Local brokers and goldsmiths buy these gold particles from these local tribes people. It is said that the broker and goldsmiths who bought gold particles from tribal families here have made crores of property from this business.

Subarnarekha River passes through three states. The area of Jharkhand where the work of extracting gold particles is done, is a very wild area. Even though the economic condition of tribals who extract gold particles is worse, but the active brokers and goldsmiths in this work have made a lot of wealth. The Subarnarekha passes through areas with extensive mining of copper and uranium ores. As a result of the unplanned mining activities, the river is polluted. There is a waterfall called Hundru Falls. It is created on the course of the Subarnarekha, where it falls from a height of 98 metres. The spectacular sight of water falling from such a great height is a sight to behold. The different rock formations due to erosion by the constantly falling water have added to the beauty of the place.