Source: DH
Subject: Mapping
Context: The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Government to constitute an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal within one month to resolve the Pennaiyar water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- The order came on a suit filed by Tamil Nadu under Article 131 of the Constitution, invoking the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
About Pennaiyar River:
What is it?
- The Pennaiyar River, also known as Thenpennai / Ponnaiyar in Tamil and Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada, is a major east-flowing inter-state river of southern India, significant for irrigation, industry, and water security in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Origin:
- Originates in the Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka
- Arises from the Eastern Ghats system
States it flows through:
- Karnataka – Upper riparian state
- Tamil Nadu – Lower riparian state
Tamil Nadu is more dependent on the river for irrigation and drinking water, making downstream flows politically and economically sensitive.
Major tributaries of Pennaiyar:
- Markandeya River
- Varaha Nadhi
- Pambar River
- Pampar River
Markandeya River is central to the present inter-state dispute.
Mouth:
- Empties into the Bay of Bengal
- Forms a delta near Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu
Key features:
- Length: ~497 km (second longest river in Tamil Nadu after Cauvery)
- Nature: Seasonal river; flows mainly during South-West and North-East monsoons
- Major dams:
- Krishnagiri Dam
- Kelavarapalli Dam
- Sathanur Dam (largest; ~7.3 TMC gross capacity)
- Economic role:
- Irrigates districts in Karnataka (Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Bengaluru Rural/Urban) and Tamil Nadu (Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore).
- Environmental concerns:
- Severe industrial pollution (notably from Bengaluru–Hosur belt).
- Sand mining and shrinking perennial character.
- Cultural significance:
- Mentioned in Sangam literature and Tevaram hymns.
- Several ancient temples located along its banks.
