The Ib River is a tributary of the Mahanadi River in central India, which it joins to flow directly into the Hirakud Reservoir. The Ib originates in hills near Pandrapet at an elevation of 762m (2,500feet). It passes through Raigarh District and Jashpur District in Chhattisgarh, and Jharsuguda and Sundargarh Districts in Odisha, before it finally meets the Mahanadi at Hirakud Dam.
The Ib River valley is famous for its rich coal belt, the Ib Valley Coalfield. Major portions of the Mahanadi Coalfields are situated on the banks of the 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 (157miles) and drains an area of 12447km2.[1]
There are sightseeing opportunities in the adjoining areas of the Ib River. It is believed that the perennial river inspired several tribal groups of Chhattisgarh and Odisha to make a permanent habitat on its bank in the past. Also, there are ample folklore tales regarding the mythological significance of the Ib River.
The Ib's watershed covers around 25,000 square kilometers area in Jashpur District.