Pamba River

The Central Government has recently taken steps to include the Pamba River under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).

• NRCP is a multi-crore initiative aimed at conserving and protecting major rivers across India, focusing on pollution control and sustainable management.

1. About Pamba River

• The Pamba River is the third longest river in Kerala, after the Periyar River and the Bharathappuzha River.

• It is popularly known as the ‘Dakshina Bhageerathi’ or the ‘Ganga of Kerala’ due to its religious and cultural significance.

• The river is closely linked with the famous Sabarimala Temple.

  • Pilgrims visiting Sabarimala traditionally take a dip in the Pamba River before and after trekking the hill.

Religious and Cultural Importance

• The river is also called Thriveni Sangam, as it is the confluence point for three rivers:

  • Pamba

  • Achankovil

  • Manimala

2. Course and Geography

• Origin: The river rises at an altitude of 1650 meters in the Pulachimalai Hill on the Peerumedu plateau of the Western Ghats.

• Length: It flows for 176 km before emptying into the Arabian Sea, splitting into several channels near its mouth.

• Basin Area: The Pamba river basin covers an area of approximately 2235 sq.km.

• The entire catchment area of the Pamba lies within Kerala.

• The basin is bounded by the Western Ghats to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west.

1. Tributaries

• Major tributaries feeding the Pamba River include:

  • Kakki Ar

  • Azhuta Ar

  • Kakkad Ar

  • Kallar

  • Manimala

  • Achenkovil