The Karaš River originates in Romania, in the Anina Mountains. It flows for about 50 kilometers through Romania. Initially, it flows north, but near the town of Carașova, its course shifts southwest, where it encounters numerous tributaries.

Upon entering Serbia, the Karaš River is joined by significant tributaries: Buruga and Ilidija. In Serbia, it flows through the settlements of Kuštuj, Vojvodinci, Dobričevo, Banatska Subotica, Straža, and Jasenovo, touching the eastern edges of the Deliblato Sands near Dumača Hill. From this junction, the Karaš River becomes part of the Danube–Tisa–Danube (DTD) Canal and flows past the settlements of Dupljaja, Grebenac, and Kajtasovo, finally emptying into the Danube River near Stara Palanka, close to the tourist settlement of Ram.

Despite a drainage area of 1,400 km², the Karaš River remains non-navigable along its entire length. The construction of the DTD Canal led to sections of the river being cut off, forming isolated branches. Over time, these 24 meanders transformed—some are now covered with grass and water lilies, while others have dried up and are overgrown with vegetation.

However, this unique feature defines the Karaš River, with its dense forested banks and unpredictable natural obstacles, creating picturesque landscapes that make it an ideal destination for adventurers. Because of this, it is locally known as “The Amazon of Banat.”

Another distinctive feature of the Karaš River is its waterfalls, which add a unique charm and attraction to the surrounding area. Along with the Nera River, the Karaš is part of a Protected Natural Area (PIO) known as PIO Karaš-Nera.

In Serbia, the flow of the Karaš River is calm, especially during the summer months when water levels are low. However, the river poses a flood risk during periods of heavy rainfall and snowmelt in Romania, as no flood defense measures have been implemented to regulate its flow. The Karaš River is the last unregulated watercourse in Vojvodina and is not integrated into Serbia’s flood defense system.

The last major floods occurred in 2009 and 2016. Although they did not threaten populated areas, they flooded large agricultural lands.

Since the Karaš River lacks flood protection measures, it was chosen as a pilot site for the URBANFLOODS Project. The goal of this project is to develop a hydraulic study of the river’s flow, which will provide:

• Early warning tools for flood events.

• Proposed measures to regulate the riverbed and reduce flood damage.

• Better planning of flood protection methods (mobile flood barriers, sandbags, plastic sheeting).

• Data for future structural planning and water management strategies.

The pilot area for this project is the Karaš River near the settlement of Dupljaja, located on the left bank of the Karaš River’s confluence with the DTD Canal Banatska Palanka – Novi Bečej.