Periyar River

Periyar River Latest News

The Kerala High Court recently stressed the need for a unified authority to monitor the cleanliness of the Periyar River.

About Periyar River

• It is the longest river in Kerala.
• It is known as the “lifeline of Kerala” because it is an important source of irrigation and power generation.  
• Course: 
  • It rises in the Sivagiri Hills of the Western Ghats range near the border with Tamil Nadu.
  • It flows north through Periyar National Park into Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir created in 1895 by the construction of a dam across the river. 
  • It further flows into the Vembanad Lake before emptying into the Arabian Sea about 24 km north of Kochi.  
• Total Length: 244 kilometers
• It is one of the few perennial rivers of the region and is a crucial source of drinking water. 
• About 25 percent of Kerala’s industries are located along its banks. 
• Major Tributaries: Muthirapuzha River, Mullayar River, Cheruthoni River, Perinjankutti River and the Edamala River. 
• It plays a major role in generating hydro electricity. 
  • The largest hydroelectric project is the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, which generates a significant portion of the electricity for Kerala state.  
  • Other dams constructed across the river are Neriyamangalam, Pallivasal, Panniyar, Kundalam, Chenkulam, and Mullaperiyar. 
• The birthplace of Sankaracharya, the greatest Advaita philosopher, is at Kalady, which is situated on the bank of the Periyar. 

News: TP

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