The Manair originates in the Sircilla hills of Rajanna Sircilla district.[1] From its source, it flows southeast through Rajanna Sircilla and Karimnagar districts, and then east into Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. The river ultimately joins the Godavari River near Narmala village in Mahadevapur taluk, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district.[2] Along its course, it passes towns such as Sircilla and Karimnagar.
The total length of the river is estimated at 128 to 161 km, draining a catchment area of about 6,464 km².[2]
Tributaries
The Manair River is fed by numerous tributaries and seasonal streams (*vagus*), including:
Mula Vagu (joined by Nalla Vagu and Nakka Vagu)[1]
Major reservoirs and dams
Upper Manair Dam — located at Narmala village, Gambhiraopet mandal, Rajanna Sircilla district. Built during the Nizam period, it impounds the upper reaches of the river and has a capacity of about 2.20 TMC ft.[4]
Mid Manair Dam (MMD) — located at Manwada village, Boinpalli mandal, Rajanna Sircilla district. It has a capacity of ~25.87 TMC and was completed in 2018. During construction, part of its earthen embankment was breached in September 2016 during floods.[5][6]
Lower Manair Dam (LMD) — located at Alugunur village, Thimmapur mandal, Karimnagar district. Constructed between 1974 and 1985, it has a height of 41 m, length ~10.7 km, and gross storage capacity ~24 TMC ft. It serves as a balancing reservoir for the Sriram Sagar Project, irrigates ~163,000 hectares, and supplies drinking water to Karimnagar and nearby towns.[7][8][9]
Uses
The Manair system provides irrigation, stabilizes ayacut under the Sriram Sagar Project, and supplies drinking water to Karimnagar. Through link canals, its reservoirs also receive and regulate water from major lift irrigation projects such as Kaleshwaram.[2]
Infrastructure and riverfront
A prominent recent landmark is the Karimnagar Cable Bridge, inaugurated on 21 June 2023, which spans the Manair near Karimnagar. It has become a tourist attraction and improved connectivity in the region.[10]
Cultural and historical significance
A Chalukyan-era Trikutalayam temple was discovered on the banks of the Manair River at Tangellapally village in Sircilla mandal, Rajanna Sircilla district. The temple dates to the 10th–11th centuries and contains sculptures including Gajalakshmi, a Shiva Linga, and an idol of Lord Keshava among others.[11]
Floods and environmental issues
The river has been subject to periodic floods, particularly in the midstream areas. The 2016 breach at Mid Manair Dam inundated several villages and highlighted dam safety and resettlement issues.[12] Siltation, sand mining, and sewage inflows near urban centers have also been reported as concerns.[13]
Environmental and recreational use
Lower Manair Dam is a popular recreation spot. It has boating facilities, parks (e.g. Ujwala Park, Deer Park) and attracts visitors especially during monsoon when floodgates release water.[14]
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