Bhavani River

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Bhavani River
Westernghats river gobi.jpg
Topo map Attappati Reserve Forest.jpg
Headwaters of the Bhavani river in Attappati Reserve Forest
Location
Country India
Cities Udhagamandalam, Mettupalayam, Sathyamangalam, Gobichettipalayam, Bhavani
Physical characteristics
Source 
  location Silent Valley
Mouth  
  location
Kaveri River
Length215 kilometres (134 mi)

Bhavani is an interstate Indian river which flows through Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. It originates from the Western Ghats and is one among the three rivers of Kerala which flows in eastward direction.

Contents

Hydrography

Bhavani river originates from Nilgiri hills of the Western Ghats, enters the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala and flows back towards Tamil Nadu.[ citation needed ] The Bhavani is a 217-kilometre (135 mi) long perennial river fed mostly by the southwest monsoon and supplemented by the northeast monsoon. Its watershed drains an area of 0.62 million hectares (2,400 sq mi) spread over Tamil Nadu (87%), Kerala (9%) and Karnataka (4%). The main river courses majorly through Coimbatore district and Erode district in Tamil Nadu. About 90 percent of the river's water is used for agriculture irrigation. The Bhavani River is one of the main tributaries of the Cauvery River. It travels for 216 km (134 mi) and joins the Cauvery from the right bank. [1]

The river joins the Cauvery at the Kooduthurai holy site near Bhavani. [2]

Tributaries

The confluence of the Bhavani and Kaveri rivers at Bhavani Bhavani-Kaveri-Sangamam.JPG
The confluence of the Bhavani and Kaveri rivers at Bhavani

Twelve major rivulets including West and East Varagar rivers join Bhavani draining the southern Nilgiri slopes. At Mukkali, Bhavani takes an abrupt 120-degree turn towards the northeast and flows for another 25 kilometres (16 mi) through Attappady plateau. It gets reinforced by the Kunda river coming from the north. Siruvani river, a perennial stream and the Kodungarapallam river, flowing from the south and southeast respectively join the Bhavani at Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. [3] The river then flows east along the base of Nilgiris and enters the plains near Bathra Kaliamman temple at Mettupalayam after joining with Coonoor river coming from northwest.

About 30 kilometres (19 mi) downstream, Moyar River, a major tributary originating in Mudumalai National Park, flows in from the northwest, where it drains the valley between the northern slopes of the Nilgiris and the southern slopes of the Bilgiri Hills. After the Moyar it is blocked by the Lower Bhavani Dam, feeding Lower Bhavani Project Canal near Sathyamangalam in Erode District. The river continues east for over 160 kilometres (99 mi) through Erode District, traversing Kodiveri Dam, near Gobichettipalayam which feeds the Arakkankottai and Thadappalli canals constructed for agricultural purposes. [4] A small barrage across the river was built by Kalingarayan in 1283 CE to feed the 90-kilometre (56 mi) Kalingarayan irrigation canal. [5]

Dams

BhavaniSagarDam.JPG
Bhavanisagar dam
Kodiveri.jpg
Kodiveri dam
Bhavanisagar

The Bhavanisagar dam is located on the Bhavani river in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. [6] The dam is one of the largest earthen dams in the world. [7] The dam is situated some 16 km (9.9 mi) west of Sathyamangalam and 35 km (22 mi) from Gobichettipalayam. [8] The Lower Bhavani Project was the first major irrigation project initiated in India after independence in 1948. It was completed by 1955 and opened for use in 1956. [7] The dam was constructed at a cost of 210 million (US$2.6 million). [7]

The dam is 8 km (5.0 mi) long and 40 m (130 ft) high. The full reservoir level is 120 ft (37 m) and the dam has a capacity of 32.8×10^9 cu ft (930×10^6 m3). [7] The dam has two hydel power stations, one on the east bank canal and the other on the Bhavani river. Each has a capacity of 16 megawatts (21,000 hp) for a total capacity of 32 megawatts (43,000 hp). [7]

Kodiveri

The Kodiveri dam is located on the Bhavani River near Gobichettipalayam in Western Tamil Nadu. The dam is situated along the State Highway 15 about 15 km (9.3 mi) from Gobichettipalayam towards Sathyamangalam. It was constructed by Kongalvan in the year 1125 CE. [4]

Pollution

Industrial, municipal and agricultural pollution of the river results in poor water quality and negative impacts on the health of people, plants and animals dependent on the river water. [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaveri</span> River in southern India

The Kaveri is one of the major Indian rivers flowing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Kaveri River rises at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri range in the Western Ghats, Kodagu district of the state of Karnataka, at an elevation of 1,341 m above mean sea level and flows for about 800 km before its outfall into the Bay of Bengal. It reaches the sea in Poompuhar, in Mayiladuthurai district. It is the third largest river – after Godavari and Krishna – in southern India, and the largest in the state of Tamil Nadu, which, on its course, bisects the state into north and south. In ancient Tamil literature, the river was also called Ponni.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erode district</span> District of Tamil Nadu in India

Erode District is one of the 38 districts in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It was the largest district by area in the state before the formation of Tirupur District in 2009. The headquarters of the district is Erode. It is divided into two revenue divisions, Erode and Gobichettipalayam, and is further subdivided into 10 taluks. Erode District was a part of Coimbatore District before its division into two on 17 September 1979. It covers an area of 5,722 square kilometres (2,209 sq mi), and as of 2011, had a population of 2,251,744.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noyyal River</span> River in India

The Noyyal River is a small river in Western Tamil Nadu, and a tributary of Kaveri River. It rises from the Vellingiri hills in the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, very closer in proximity to Kerala border, and flows through many villages and the cities of Coimbatore, and Tirupur. Then finally, the river drains into the Kaveri River at Noyyal, a village in Karur district named after the river itself. The river's basin is 180 km (110 mi) long and 25 km (16 mi) wide and covers a total area of 3,500 km2 (1,400 sq mi). Cultivated land in the basin amounts to 1,800 km2 (690 sq mi) while the population density is 120 people per km² (311/mi²) in the countryside, and 1000 people per km² (2590/mi²) in the cities. The area is known for its scanty rainfall and the development of the Noyyal River Tanks System to hold any overflow from the rains plus the water of the Northeast and Southwest monsoon season was ecologically important. Kausika river, which originates along the northern side of Coimbatore district in the Western Ghats along with its consequent streams, lake and pond systems is an important tributory of the river. The 173 km (107 mi) long tributary of the Kaveri River filled 32 tanks. These interconnecting tanks held the water flowing from the Noyyal.

Sathyamangalam is a town and municipality in Erode district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. 8th century Town. It lies on the banks of the River Bhavani, a tributary of the River Cauvery in the foothills of the Western Ghats. It is about 65 km from Erode, 58 km from Tiruppur and 70 km from Coimbatore. As of 2011, the town had a population of 37,816.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gobichettipalayam</span> Town in Tamil Nadu, India

Gobichettipalayam is the Selection grade municipality in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of Gobichettipalayam taluk. It is situated at the center of the South Indian Peninsula, 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the district headquarters Erode, 44 kilometres (27 mi) from Tiruppur and 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Coimbatore. Agriculture and textile industries contribute majorly to the economy of the town and the town is situated at 213 metres (699 ft) above sea level, surrounded by Western Ghats. The town is a part of Gobichettipalayam constituency and the Tirupur constituency that elects its member of parliament. The town is administered by a municipality established in 1949 and has a population of 65,238 as of 2011. It is known as "Mini Kollywood" because of the film shooting that takes place here and many films in Tamil and other languages have been shot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhavani, Tamil Nadu</span> Town in Tamil Nadu, India

Bhavani is a Municipality in Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is located at the northern periphery of Erode City Municipal Corporation and is around 105 km (65 mi) from Coimbatore and 60 km (37 mi) from Tiruppur and Salem. Bhavani is also known as "Carpet City" as it is known for its carpet industry; blankets and carpets manufactured in the town are known as Bhavani Jamakkalam. As of 2011, the town covers an area of 2.17 square kilometres (0.84 sq mi) and has a population of 39,225. It is a grade II municipality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Periyar River</span> River in Kerala, India

Periyar, IPA: [peɾijɐːr], is the longest river and the river with the largest discharge potential in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the few perennial rivers in the region and provides drinking water for several major towns. The Periyar is of utmost significance to the economy of Kerala. It generates a significant proportion of Kerala's electrical power via the Idukki Dam and flows along a region of industrial and commercial activity. The river also provides water for irrigation and domestic use throughout its course besides supporting a rich fishery. Due to these reasons, the river has been named the "Lifeline of Kerala". Kochi city, in the vicinity of the river mouth draws its water supply from Aluva, an upstream site sufficiently free of seawater intrusion. Twenty five percent of Kerala's industries are along the banks of river Periyar. These are mostly crowded within a stretch of 5 kilometres (3 mi) in the Eloor-Edayar region (Udhyogamandal), about 10 kilometres (6 mi) north of Kochi harbor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthiyur</span> Panchayat Town in Tamil Nadu, India

Anthiyur is a taluk and panchayat town in the Erode district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhavanisagar Dam</span> Dam in Tamil Nadu, India

Bhavanisagar Dam or Lower Bhavani Dam, is located in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. The dam is constructed on the Bhavani river. It is one of the world's largest earthen dams. The dam is situated some 16 km (9.9 mi) west of Sathyamangalam, is 17 km North of Punjai Puliampatti, is 35 km (22 mi) from Gobichettipalayam and is 36 km (22 mi) north-east to Mettupalayam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nilgiri Ghat Roads</span>

Many Ghat Roads can be found in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Nearly all of the district is located in the Nilgiri Hills, part of the Western Ghats mountains. This area borders the states of Karnataka and Kerala. The hills consequently can be reached by road from three states. Most of these Ghat Roads go through heavily forested mountains and contain a number of sharp hair-pin bends.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalingarayan Canal</span>

Mamannar Kalingarayan Canal is a 56.2-mile (90.5 km) long irrigation canal in the Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. It was constructed by Chieftain Mamannar Kalingarayan Gounder and completed in 1283. The canal's source is the Kalingarayan Anicut dam near Bhavani, Erode. The canal irrigates approximately 15,743 acres (6,371 ha) of agricultural land.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve</span> Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, India

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is a protected area and tiger reserve located along the area straddling both the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats in the Erode District of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Sathyamangalam Forest Division is part of the Bramhagiri-Nilgiris-Eastern Ghats Elephant Reserve notified in 2003. In 2008, part of the Sathyamangalam Forest Division was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and enlarged in 2011, it covers a forest area of 1,411.6 km2 (545.0 sq mi). It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. In 2013, an area of 1,408.6 km2 (543.9 sq mi) of the erstwhile sanctuary was notified as a tiger reserve. It was the fourth tiger reserve established in Tamil Nadu as a part of Project Tiger and is the third largest in the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sigur Plateau</span> Reserve forest in Tamil Nadu, India

Sigur Plateau is a plateau in the north and east of Nilgiri District in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, South India. It covers the 778.8 square kilometres (300.7 sq mi) portion of the Moyar River drainage basin on the northern slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, south of the Moyar River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siruvani River</span> River

The Siruvani River is a river near Coimbatore, India. It is tributary of Bhavani river, which in turn is a tributary of Kaveri. Part of the Siruvani River is near Mannarkkad in the Indian District of Palakkad, Kerala. The river leads into two big tourist attractions in Southern India, namely, the Siruvani Dam and the Siruvani Waterfalls. The dam is also near The Banan Fort. Banan Fort and the Siruvani Dam, are 15 to 25 kilometres west of Coimbatore city. The river has a village named after it, or possibly vice versa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhavanisagar block</span>

Bhavanisagar block is a revenue block in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, India. It has a total of 15 panchayat villages; the main town is Bhavanisagar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geography of Coimbatore</span>

Coimbatore is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated in the western corner of Tamil Nadu, a short distance from the border with the neighbouring state of Kerala, and is surrounded by the Western Ghats on all sides.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodiveri Dam</span> Dam in Tamil Nadu, India

Kodiveri Dam is a masonry dam located on the Bhavani river in Gobichettipalayam taluk, Erode district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The dam is situated along the State Highway 15 about 15 km (9.3 mi) from Gobichettipalayam towards Sathyamangalam in the western region of the state.

Periya Kodiveri is a panchayat town in Gobichettipalayam taluk in Erode District of Tamil Nadu state, India. It is about 16 km from Gobichettipalayam and 54 km from district headquarters Erode. The panchayat town is located State Highway 15 connecting Gobichettipalayam and Sathyamangalam. Periyakodiveri has population of 12,330 of which 6,181 are males while 6,149 are females as per 2011 census. Kodiveri Dam, a major tourist attraction is located on the outskirts of the town.

Akkarai Kodiveri is a panchayat village in Gobichettipalayam taluk in Erode District of Tamil Nadu state, India. It is about 15 km from Gobichettipalayam and 50 km from district headquarters Erode.The village is located on the road connecting Gobichettipalayam with Sathyamangalam. Akkarai Kodiveri has a population of about 2263.

Mamannar Kalingarayan Anicut is a dam constructed on the Bhavani river in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located just before Kooduthurai where Bhavani combines with Cauvery, in Bhavani, Erode.

References

  1. Jain, S. K.; Agarwal, Pushpendra K.; Singh, V. P. (2007). Hydrology and water resources of India. Dordrecht: Springer. pp. 701–708.
  2. "Performing rituals at Kooduthurai becomes risky". The Hindu . 23 October 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
  3. "Human chain formed against Kerala's plan to build dam on River Siruvani". NDTV . 26 June 2012. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  4. 1 2 Indian Archaeology, a Review. Archaeological Survey of India. 1994.
  5. "Kalingarayan Canal is 725 years old". The Hindu . 17 January 2007. Archived from the original on 19 August 2010. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  6. "Tourist Information for Erode district". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Uniqueness of Bhavanisagar dam" (PDF). CSTI. Retrieved 1 February 2016.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  8. "Bhavanisagar dam" (PDF). TNAU. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  9. "River Bhavani". rainwaterharvesting.org. Retrieved 8 August 2007.

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