Introduction
Banjar river is having important role in making of Kanha tiger reserve. As we know that Kanha tiger reserve is based on two main river valleys forest area. They are Hallon river valley forest and Banjar river valley forest. Through the timeline of this tiger reserve, we will come to know that process started with the declaration of Banjar valley wildlife sanctuary in 1879 and things proceeded step by step. Both the rivers are life line of Kanha tiger reserve and helps in fulfiling the water requirement of forests land spread in these river valley forests. During our safari drives, we may come across a river which is popularly known as Banjar river. It passes through some some core and buffer zones of national park. During our traveling to Kanha national park resorts, we will cross Banjar river which sometime seems dry and at some locations, filled with water. Here dryness doesn't means that river has died. Water remains present, sometimes below 2-3 feet. Banjar river which is the main tributary of the Narmada river passes through Mandla District in Madhya Pradesh draining and nurturing a large portion of the Kanha National Park. River Sulkum, which is locally known as a nullah, is a tributary of the Banjar River. The catchment areas of the Banjar River contain some of the best Sal forests of the district and the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
Location
Banjar River is a stream (class H - Hydrographic) in State of Madhya Pradesh (India (general)), India (Asia) with the region font code of Asia/Pacific. It is located at an elevation of 452 meters above sea level. Its coordinates are 22°36'0" N and 80°22'0" E in DMS (Degrees Minutes Seconds) or 22.6 and 80.3667 (in decimal degrees). Its UTM position is MK39 and its Joint Operation Graphics reference is NF44-06.
Origin
Banjar river has its origin from Malajkhand region, which is close to Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh state border. This river has catchment area of approx. 1520 sq.km. and mainly flows through Kanha Tiger Reserve forest area till Mandla town where joins Narmada river. While visiting the Khatia entry gate or Mukki entry gate, we can easily see the Banjar river. It is contributory river for great Narmada river. Other important contributories to Narmada river are Halon river, Barna river, Tawa river etc.
River Path
If we will follow the Banjar river path, we will notice that it is mainly flows through Kanha national park and seems like forming a boundary between core and buffer forest of tiger reserve. Its water quality is very pure as no industrial unit is present in its route. It covers mainly Kanha national park forest with some rural areas of Mandla district in Madhya Pradesh. The catchment area of the river contains some of the best Sal forests of the district. The Kanha National Park is situated in the upper courses of Narmada, along the banks of the Banjar River. In past, wild animals use to raom till Mandla town boundary, following the path of this Banjar river.
