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Periyar River

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The Kerala High Court recently emphasised the need for a unified authority to monitor and maintain the cleanliness of the Periyar River, considering its ecological and economic significance.

About Periyar River

The Periyar River is the longest river in Kerala and is popularly known as the "Lifeline of Kerala" because it is a major source of drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power for the state.

Course of the River

The river originates in the Sivagiri Hills of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. It flows northward through the Periyar National Park into the Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir created in 1895 after the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam. The river then flows westward into Vembanad Lake before finally draining into the Arabian Sea, about 24 km north of Kochi.

Key Features

The Periyar River has a total length of 244 km and is one of the few perennial rivers in Kerala, providing a reliable source of drinking water throughout the year. Nearly 25% of Kerala's industries are located along its banks, making it economically significant.

Major Tributaries

The important tributaries of the Periyar River include the Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti, and Edamala rivers.

Hydroelectric Projects and Dams

The river plays a vital role in hydroelectric power generation in Kerala. The Idukki Hydroelectric Project, located on the river system, is the largest hydroelectric project in Kerala and supplies a substantial share of the state's electricity. Other important dams on the river include the Mullaperiyar, Neriyamangalam, Pallivasal, Panniyar, Kundalam, and Chenkulam dams.

Cultural Significance

The town of Kalady, situated on the banks of the Periyar River, is the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, the renowned philosopher and proponent of Advaita Vedanta.


 

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