Thamirabarani River
Originates: In Western Ghats In Tirunelveli District
Tributaries: River Servalar, Pachaiyar And Chittar
The river Tambaraparani (Now people call Tambaraparani as Thamirabarani) originates on the eastern slopes of Western Ghats in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The origins of Tambarabarani and its tributaries are situated at the peaks called “Aduppukkal Mottai”, “Agathimalai” and “Cherumunji Mottai”, at an altitude of about +2,000m from the mean sea level.
The Tambarabarani basin is situated between latitudes 8.21′ N and 9.13′ N and between longitudes 77.10′ E. Vanatheertham waterfalls (40 m deep) is located close to the origin of the main river. This river joins the Papanasam Reservoir at its 16th km. The river has 4 tributaries called Peyar, Ullar, Karaiar and Pambar upstream of Papanasam Reservoir.
The River Servalar, a main tributary of Tambarabarani joins the main river at a running distance of 22-km. Another tributary Manimuthar originates in the Agathimalai Ranges at an altitude of about +2,000 m above mean sea level. It joins the Tambarabarani at its 36th km near Ambasamudram. Gadana River joins at its 43rd km on the left.
The Tributaries
The Gadana River has two tributaries namely Jambunadhi and Ramanadhi. There are six anicuts across Gadana and 7 across Ramanadhi. There is a reservoir across Gadana with a storage capacity of 352 m.cft. The Gadana River irrigates 3,887.09 hectares of wetlands. There is a reservoir of 152 m.cft. capacity across Ramanadhi. This river irrigates 2,023.47 hectares of wetlands.
Pachaiyar, the next tributary joins Tambarabarani at its 61st km near Gopalasamudram. This tributary originates from the Kalakkadu reserve forests at an altitude of about 1,300 m above mean sea level. It has 12 anicuts across and irrigates 6,151.35 hectares of wet and dry lands. Chittar, a tributary of Tambarabarani joins it at its 73rd km, running almost parallel to Tambarabarani till its confluence.
The river Tambarabarani, after the confluence of Chittar, travels another 23-km where it has the Srivaikundam anicut. From thereon, it runs eastwards for 30-km and enters the Gulf of Mannar near Palayakayal.
Chittar
Tributary Of: River Tambarabarani
Originates In: Courtallam Hills In Tenkasi And Shencottah Taluks Of Tirunelveli District
Length: 80-km
The Chittar has 5 tributaries, 3 sub tributaries and numerous small streams contributing the flow. The Chittar and its tributaries have their origin in Courtallam hills in Tenkasi and Shencottah Taluks (also spelt as Taluka) of Tirunelveli District. The Chittar runs for about 80 kms before it confluences with Tambaraparani.
The Chittar’s first tributary is Ayindaruviar (River of Five Falls), which has an anicut and irrigates about 293.40 hectares of land. Hariharanadhi confluencing with Chittar has two sub tributaries called, the Gundar and Mottaiar. The Mottaiar has a reservoir and a pick up anicut feeding 141.64 hectares.
The Gundar, which is also called “Karungalar” has 7 anicuts and a reservoir. They irrigate 465.39 hectares of land altogether. Mottaiar joins Gundar and Gundar joins Hariharanadhi. The Hariharanadhi itself has 7 anicuts and irrigates 445.10 hectares of land.
Aludakanniar, another tributary to Chittar has 8 anicuts irrigating 827.47 hectares of land. Hanumanadhi is the next tributary to Chittar. It has a sub tributary called Karuppanadhi. There is a reservoir of 185 m.cft, capacity across Karuppanadhi besides 6 anicuts. These irrigate 3,844.59 hectares, the Hanumanadhi has 14 anicuts and irrigates 4,046.94 hectares and the last tributary to Chittar is Uppodai. Uppodai irrigates 445.16 hectares through two anicuts. The Chittar River itself has 17 anicuts irrigating 8,903.27 hectares of land.
The Servalar
Tributary Of: River Tambarabarani
Diversion Weir: Marks The Confluence Of Servalar And Tambaraparani
The River Servalar, a main tributary of Tambarabarani joins the main river at a running distance of 22-km. The diversion weir marks the confluence of Servalar and Tambaraparani.
A diversion weir was constructed just below the confluence of Servalar. The weir has a storage capacity of 49 M.cft. The Powerhouse, just below functions with a gross head of 91 m and a capacity 4 x 7 MW.
The Servalar Reservoir is across Servalar River. This is also a Masonry Gravity Dam of 450 m long and 53 m high. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 1,225 Mcft. The Power House at the reservoir will have an installed capacity of 20 MW. The Papanasam and Servalar reservoirs are interconnected by, a tunnel of 10,886 feet long.
The tailrace water from Papanasam Power House joins the main river Tambarabarani and it serves the wetlands on both sides enroute before it confluences with Gulf of Mannar. Many tributaries join the river course in the plains both on the right and left flanks.
Ponnaiyar
Flows: Across The Boundary Between Cuddalore And Villupuram Taluks
Joins The Bay Of Bengal: At About 3 Miles North Of Cuddalore
Ponnaiyar River flows across the boundary between Cuddalore and Villupuram Taluks (also called as Taluka) and joins with the Bay of Bengal about 3 miles north of Cuddalore.
The Gadilam River, which starts in eastern part of Tirukkoyilur Taluk of Villupuram district flows through Cuddalore Taluk. In Cuddalore Taluk, Malattar joins it on the right and then it flows into the Bay of Bengal at a point, just north of Cuddalore.
The Ponnaiyar and the Gadilam are connected by a river course called “the Malattar”, which serves to carry the surplus water from Ponnaiyar to Gadilam.
Vaigai River
Rises: In Varushanad Hills Of Western Tamil Nadu
Length: 150 Miles
Chief Tributaries: Siruliar, Theniar, Varaha Nadi, And Mangalar
Rising in the Varushanad Hills of western Tamil Nadu, Vaigai River initially flows northeast through the Kambam and Varushanad valleys. In its central it flows eastward into the Vaigai reservoir at 
Drainage System 2″ width=”300″ height=”231″ />Narasingapuram. Near Sholavandan it bends to the southeast, passing Madurai town on its course to its mouth on Palk Strait, which separates the southeast coast of India from Sri Lanka.
The Vaigai River rarely floods and its chief tributaries are the Siruliar, Theniar, Varaha Nadi, and Mangalar. It flows through a length of 150 miles (240-km), generally southeast.
The Vaigai River basin (indicating agricultural areas) in Tamil Nadu has an area of 7,000-sq-km where current (and projected) supplies of surface and groundwater are not deemed sufficient to meet current (and projected) needs. In 1985 a tunnel diverted waters from the Periyar River in Kerala under a contentious 999-year agreement between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The western and northwestern parts of the basin receive heavy rainfall during the monsoons, with an Average rainfall of 850mm over the basin. The land use is predominantly agricultural (consuming about 3,800 MCM of water annually), with paddy as the primary crop. There are significant water-sharing conflicts within agriculture itself, with the various agricultural areas competing for scarce water supplies.
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Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India. It is the sixth-largest state in India by area and the second-most populous state after Uttar Pradesh. The state is bordered by Kerala to the west, Karnataka to the northwest, Andhra Pradesh to the north, Puducherry to the northeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the east and south. The capital of Tamil Nadu is Chennai, which is also the largest city in the state.
Tamil Nadu is a land of rivers. The state has a total of 24 major rivers, of which the Cauvery is the most important. The Cauvery is a perennial river that flows through the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. It is the lifeline of Tamil Nadu and supports the Irrigation of over 5 million acres of land. The other major rivers in Tamil Nadu are the Vaigai, Palar, Thoothukudi, Arani, Amaravati, and Gundar.
The drainage system of Tamil Nadu is a complex Network of rivers, canals, tanks, and waterfalls. The rivers are the main source of water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes. The canals are used to transport water from the rivers to the fields. The tanks are artificial reservoirs that are used to store water for irrigation and drinking. The waterfalls are a major tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu.
Water management in Tamil Nadu is a challenging task. The state has a high Population density and a rapidly growing economy. This has led to an increased demand for water. The government of Tamil Nadu has taken several initiatives to manage water Resources. These include the construction of Dams, reservoirs, and canals. The government has also implemented water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting and water recycling.
Pollution of Tamil Nadu’s rivers is a major problem. The main sources of pollution are industrial effluents, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Industrial effluents contain chemicals that can harm aquatic life. Sewage contains bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases. Agricultural runoff contains pesticides and Fertilizers that can pollute the water.
The effects of pollution on Tamil Nadu’s rivers are devastating. The pollution has killed fish and other aquatic life. It has also made the water unsafe for drinking and irrigation. The pollution has also damaged the Environment.
The government of Tamil Nadu has taken several initiatives to combat pollution. These include the construction of sewage treatment Plants, the enforcement of environmental laws, and the promotion of public awareness campaigns. However, more needs to be done to protect Tamil Nadu’s rivers.
Individuals can also play a role in combating pollution. They can reduce their water consumption, recycle water, and avoid using products that contain harmful chemicals. They can also support organizations that are working to protect the environment.
Tamil Nadu’s rivers are a vital part of the state’s economy and environment. It is important to protect them from pollution.
Here are some frequently asked questions about rivers and Drainage Systems:
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What is a river?
A river is a natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake or another river. -
What is a drainage system?
A drainage system is a network of rivers, streams, and other watercourses that collect and carry water away from the land. -
What are the different types of rivers?
There are three main types of rivers: perennial rivers, ephemeral rivers, and intermittent rivers. Perennial rivers flow all year round, while ephemeral rivers only flow during the rainy season. Intermittent rivers flow only during certain times of the year, such as during the spring snowmelt. -
What are the different types of drainage systems?
There are two main types of drainage systems: dendritic drainage systems and radial drainage systems. Dendritic drainage systems are the most common type of drainage system, and they are characterized by a branching network of rivers. Radial drainage systems are less common, and they are characterized by a network of rivers that radiate out from a central point, such as a mountain. -
What are the benefits of rivers?
Rivers provide many benefits to humans and the environment. They provide water for drinking, irrigation, and Industry. They also provide transportation, recreation, and habitat for wildlife. -
What are the challenges of rivers?
Rivers also face many challenges. They are often polluted by human activities, such as agriculture, industry, and sewage. They are also threatened by Climate change, which can lead to changes in water levels, flooding, and drought. -
What are some ways to protect rivers?
There are many ways to protect rivers. One way is to reduce pollution. Another way is to restore damaged rivers. We can also build dams and levees to protect rivers from flooding. -
What are some of the most important rivers in the world?
Some of the most important rivers in the world include the Nile River, the Amazon River, the Yangtze River, the Mississippi River, and the Ganges River. -
What are some of the most famous rivers in history?
Some of the most famous rivers in history include the River Nile, the River Jordan, the River Tiber, the River Seine, and the River Thames. -
What are some of the most polluted rivers in the world?
Some of the most polluted rivers in the world include the Citarum River in Indonesia, the Ganges River in India, the Yangtze River in China, the Mississippi River in the United States, and the Danube River in Europe.
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Which of the following is not a river in Tamil Nadu?
(A) Cauvery
(B) Krishna
(C) Vaigai
(D) Palar -
The longest river in Tamil Nadu is the:
(A) Cauvery
(B) Krishna
(C) Vaigai
(D) Palar -
The Cauvery river originates in the:
(A) Western Ghats
(B) Eastern Ghats
(C) Nilgiris
(D) Himalayas -
The Cauvery river flows through the states of:
(A) Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka
(C) Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry
(D) Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Puducherry -
The Cauvery river is a major source of irrigation for the states of:
(A) Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka
(C) Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry
(D) Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Puducherry -
The Vaigai river originates in the:
(A) Western Ghats
(B) Eastern Ghats
(C) Nilgiris
(D) Himalayas -
The Vaigai river flows through the state of:
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Kerala
(C) Puducherry
(D) Andhra Pradesh -
The Vaigai river is a major source of irrigation for the state of:
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Kerala
(C) Puducherry
(D) Andhra Pradesh -
The Palar river originates in the:
(A) Western Ghats
(B) Eastern Ghats
(C) Nilgiris
(D) Himalayas -
The Palar river flows through the states of:
(A) Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
(B) Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
(C) Tamil Nadu and Kerala
(D) Tamil Nadu and Puducherry -
The Palar river is a major source of irrigation for the states of:
(A) Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
(B) Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
(C) Tamil Nadu and Kerala
(D) Tamil Nadu and Puducherry -
The Neyveli Lignite Corporation is located in the:
(A) Cauvery basin
(B) Vaigai basin
(C) Palar basin
(D) Pennar basin -
The Neyveli Lignite Corporation is a major producer of:
(A) Coal
(B) Lignite
(C) Iron Ore
(D) Manganese ore -
The Neyveli Lignite Corporation is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of:
(A) Coal
(B) Power
(C) Steel
(D) Mines -
The Neyveli Lignite Corporation was established in the year:
(A) 1956
(B) 1960
(C) 1965
(D) 1970