Swarnamukhi River

The Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) has launched Operation SWARNA, a large-scale initiative aimed at rescuing the Swarnamukhi River from encroachment and land grabbers. The mission focuses on reviving its flow, rejuvenating its ecosystem, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the river.

About the Swarnamukhi River

The Swarnamukhi River is a vital river in Andhra Pradesh, India. It holds cultural, religious, and ecological significance, especially as it flows through the sacred regions of Tirumala and Srikalahasti.

Geography & Course:

• Location: The Swarnamukhi originates in the Eastern Ghats near Pakala village, in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, at an elevation of 300 meters.

• Course: It flows in a northeastern direction, passing through the Tirupati hills and the town of Srikalahasti before ultimately draining into the Bay of Bengal.

• Length: The river stretches for a total of 130 kilometers.

• Catchment Area: The river basin covers a catchment area of 3,225 sq.km.

Hydrology:

• The Swarnamukhi River is an independent river system, meaning it doesn't receive water from any major river networks.

• Its flow largely depends on rainfall, especially in its upper catchment areas.

• The river is heavily influenced by seasonal variations, with average rainfall decreasing from 1,270 mm at the eastern end to 762 mm at the western end of the basin.

• The Kalyani River is its main tributary, and the Kalyani Dam was constructed in 1977 across this tributary to regulate water flow.

Significance of the Swarnamukhi River

• Religious Importance: The Swarnamukhi river holds immense religious value, especially for devotees visiting the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and the Srikalahasteeswara Temple. These temples are major pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, making the river an important cultural landmark.

• Ecological Importance: The river supports diverse ecosystems along its course, particularly in its flowing through hilly and rural landscapes.

• Dependence on Rainfall: As an independent river system, the Swarnamukhi’s flow is vulnerable to changes in rainfall patterns, making its preservation critical for the local environment and agriculture.

Operation SWARNA

The TUDA's Operation SWARNA aims to address several challenges faced by the Swarnamukhi River:

1. Combat Land Encroachment: The river has faced significant land grabbing, especially in its course through urban and rural areas. Operation SWARNA will work towards protecting and restoring its riverbed by evicting illegal land occupations.

2. Reviving the River’s Flow Area: The initiative will focus on revitalizing the areas where the river's flow is obstructed or diverted due to encroachments. This could include removing dumped waste, re-establishing natural channels, and managing the riverbanks.

3. Water Quality & Ecosystem Rejuvenation: By focusing on river rejuvenation, the operation aims to improve the river's water quality, allowing it to support local wildlife, and better serve the agricultural needs of nearby communities.

4. Sustenance of the River: With a focus on long-term sustainability, the operation will also implement measures to ensure the continued flow of water in the river during dry periods, possibly through infrastructure projects such as rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and the creation of more water storage facilities.

Conclusion

The Swarnamukhi River is an integral part of Andhra Pradesh’s geography and culture, and Operation SWARNA represents a concerted effort to protect and preserve this valuable natural resource. By combating land encroachment, revitalizing its flow area, and promoting sustainability, the initiative aims to secure the future of the river, benefiting the local communities, the environment, and cultural heritage of the region