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Vaigai River

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Residents of Nelpettai recently criticised the Madurai Corporation for converting a stretch of the Vaigai River into a garbage dumping zone by placing more than 10 trash bins along its banks, raising concerns over river pollution and environmental management.

About Vaigai River

The Vaigai River is one of the major east-flowing rivers of Tamil Nadu and plays a crucial role in the state's irrigation, drinking water supply, and agriculture. It originates in the Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats and flows eastward through the historic city of Madurai before finally draining into the Palk Strait near Ramanathapuram district. During its course, the river also forms the scenic Vattaparai Falls.

The river has a total length of about 256 km and receives substantial water from the Periyar River through the Periyar Dam at Kumuli (Kerala). Water is diverted via a tunnel through the Western Ghats, making the Vaigai an important example of inter-basin water transfer.

Major Tributaries

The important tributaries of the Vaigai River include the Suruli River, Mullaiyaar River, Varaha River, and Manjal River, which contribute significantly to its flow and irrigation potential.

Vaigai Dam

The Vaigai Dam, located near Andipatti in Theni district, is one of the key multipurpose projects on the river. It provides irrigation water to the Madurai and Dindigul districts while also supplying drinking water to Madurai and Andipatti, making it an essential component of Tamil Nadu's water resource management.


 

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