Two important rivers - one with its sources in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha - merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. this is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this ?

The description refers to the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers. The Brahmani is formed by the confluence of the South Koel and Sankh rivers, which originate in Jharkhand [4]. In its upper reaches in Jharkhand, the Brahmani is known as the South Koel. The Baitarani river originates from the Gonasika hills in the Keonjhar district of Odisha [6]. These two rivers merge at the Dhamra estuary near the Bay of Bengal [4]. This confluence and the resulting delta complex form the Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem, which is a significant site of wildlife and biodiversity [1]. Bhitarkanika is a designated National Park and Ramsar wetland, famous for its saltwater crocodiles and diverse mangrove species. Other options like Simlipal are inland, while Chandipur and Gopalpur are coastal towns but do not represent the specific river confluence and biodiversity site described.

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Brahmani River > p. 20
2. [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmani_River
3. [2] https://iwai.nic.in/sites/default/files/NW-14%20%20Final%20DPR%20Baitarni%20river.pdf
4. [6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baitarani_River