Kaveri River System, Tributaries, Origin, Length

The Kaveri River System is one of the most important river basins in South India. Originating in the Western Ghats, it plays a major role in agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and cultural traditions. Below in the article, a brief overview of the Kaveri River System, is shared covering its origin, course, major tributaries, and other details.

Kaveri River System

The Cauvery River, also known as the ‘Ganga of the South’, originates from Talakaveri in the Kodagu district of Karnataka and flows for 800 km through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before merging into the Bay of Bengal. The river basin is divided into three major regions: the Western Ghats, the Mysore Plateau, and the Cauvery Delta, with the delta being the most fertile region. The basin features diverse soil types, including black soils, red soils, laterites, alluvial soils, forest soils, and mixed soils. The river receives rainfall from both the Southwest and Northeast Monsoons, making it a perennial river. It plays a crucial role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, supporting agriculture in its fertile plains. 

Kaveri River System Origin

The Kaveri River, also known as the ‘Dakshin Bharat ki Ganga’ originates at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri range near Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka. Flowing in a south-east direction, it passes through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, descending into the Eastern Ghats with many waterfalls. As it approaches the coast, the river divides into various distributaries, forming a fertile delta before merging into the Bay of Bengal. This delta region, often referred to as the “Garden of Southern India,” is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the country, supporting extensive cultivation and contributing significantly to the region’s economy.

Kaveri River System Tributaries

Kaveri River System is divided into two parts, the first part is called the right bank tributaries of Cauvery and the second part is called the left bank tributaries of Cauvery.

Kaveri River System Dams

• Krishnarajasagar in Karnataka is a major dam project for irrigation and water storage in the Kaveri basin.
• Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu is an essential for irrigation and power generation, supporting the Kaveri river basin.
• Kaveri Delta System in Tamil Nadu, An irrigation network that sustains agricultural activities in the Kaveri Delta region.
• Lower Bhavani Project in Tamil Nadu is a crucial irrigation project on the Bhavani River for water management and agricultural development.
• Hemavati Project in Karnataka, An irrigation initiative on the Hemavati River, providing water to the Kaveri basin.
• Harangi Project in Karnataka, An important irrigation project on the Harangi River, contributing to water resources in the region.
• Kabini Project in Karnataka and Kerala, A key irrigation and water supply project on the Kabini River, benefiting both Karnataka and Kerala.

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