The Bharathapuzha River is Kerala's second longest West Flowing River, draining into the Arabian Sea. The Cauvery basin borders it on the east, while the Arabian Sea borders it on the west. Bharathappuzha, also known as the Nila, Ponnani, or Kuttippuram River, is a river in Kerala, India. This article will explain to you about the Bharathapuzha which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Bharathapuzha

• The main course of Bharathapuzha originates as small rivulets in various parts of the Western Ghats near the Anamalai hill ranges in TamilNadu.
• Flows westward through Palakkad Gap (also known as Palghat gap) across Palakkad and Malappuram districts of Kerala, with many tributaries joining it, including the Tirur River.
• Except for a short portion where it meets the sea, the river is impassable for the majority of its length.
• The Bharathapuzha basin, with a watershed of 6,186 km2, is the biggest of Kerala's river basins.
• Kerala accounts for little more than two-thirds of this area (4400 km2), while Tamil Nadu accounts for the remaining 1786 km2.
• Despite the fact that Bharathapuzha has a wide basin, it has a lower water flow than other lengthy rivers in Kerala because a big percentage of the basin is in dry areas (Tamil Nadu and Palakkad Gap).
• The three major tributaries are the Gayathripuzha, Kalpathipuzha, and Pulanthode.
• All three tributaries originate on the Western slopes of the Western Ghats' various ranges, and they drain a large portion of the Palghat, Trichur, and Malappuram districts.
• The Bharathapuzha basin, which is located in the rain shadow zone of the Western Ghats, receives a lot of rain during the South West monsoon.
• Rainfall ranges from 2,000 to 2,800mm in the steep areas to 3,000mm at the shore.
• The temperature in the basin changes according to the season because it is located in a tropical zone.
• In the Bharathapuzha watershed, there are 13 built constructions that are either reservoirs or weirs, with the Aliyar reservoir, Thirumurthi reservoir, and Malampuzha reservoir being the most notable.

Bharathapuzha River Basin

Bharathapuzha - Dams

• The Bharathapuzha River has been heavily dammed.
• Along the river's course, there are 11 reservoirs, with two more under development.
• Among the reservoirs erected across the Bharathapuzha and its tributaries, Malampuzha is the biggest.
• Walayar Dam, Mangalam Dam, Pothundi Dam, Meenkara Dam, Chulliyar Dam, Thirumoorthy, Aliyar, Upper Aliyar, Chitturpuzha regulator, and Kanjirapuzha Dam are among the other dams in the Bharathapuzha basin.
• The majority of these reservoirs are only used for irrigation.

Conclusion

Bharathapuzha is the cultural lifeblood of Kerala. Kerala Kalamandalam, a significant center for learning Indian performing arts such as Kathakali, Koodiyattam, and Ottamthullal, is located in the Thrissur district at Cheruthuruthy on the banks of this river. In ancient inscriptions and records, it is also known as "Peraar."

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is true about the Bharathapuzha river?

A) It flows from the Eastern Ghats to the Arabian Sea
B) It is the longest river in Kerala
C) It originates in Tamil Nadu and flows through Kerala
D) It has no tributaries

2. Which of the following dams is located on the Bharathapuzha river?

A) Narmada Dam
B) Malampuzha Dam
C) Hirakud Dam
D) Sardar Sarovar Dam

3. The Bharathapuzha river is known by which other name?

A) Narmada
B) Kaveri
C) Nila
D) Yamuna

4. What is the size of the Bharathapuzha river basin?

A) 2,500 km²
B) 4,400 km²
C) 6,186 km²
D) 8,000 km²

5. Which of these tributaries of the Bharathapuzha originates from the Western Ghats?

A) Pamba
B) Periyar
C) Gayathripuzha
D) Mahi

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of the Bharathapuzha river in Kerala’s geography and its contribution to the state's economy and culture.

Answer: The Bharathapuzha river is integral to Kerala's geography, culture, and economy. As the second-longest river in the state, it provides a vital source of water for irrigation, drinking, and agriculture. The river basin supports a significant portion of Kerala’s agriculture, especially in the Palakkad, Thrissur, and Malappuram districts. The river's contribution to Kerala’s economy extends to its role in providing resources for irrigation in agriculture, which is the backbone of the state's economy. Furthermore, Bharathapuzha holds cultural significance, with important educational institutions like Kerala Kalamandalam located along its banks, emphasizing its role in the state's rich cultural heritage, particularly in performing arts. Its waters also support numerous traditional fishing practices and cultural festivals, making it a key part of Kerala’s identity.

Q2: Evaluate the impact of seasonal rainfall on the Bharathapuzha river basin and the challenges posed by the varying rainfall patterns.

Answer: The Bharathapuzha river basin experiences significant seasonal rainfall, primarily during the Southwest monsoon, which helps replenish the river’s water levels. Rainfall in the basin ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 mm annually. While this rainfall supports agricultural activities, it also poses challenges. The basin's location in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats means that parts of the area receive significantly lower rainfall compared to other regions in Kerala. This seasonal variation in rainfall can lead to periods of drought, affecting water availability for irrigation and other uses. Additionally, the heavy rainfall during the monsoon can lead to floods, causing damage to crops and infrastructure. Managing these challenges requires efficient water resource management, flood control measures, and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure the river continues to support the region’s needs.

Q3: Analyze the role of dams and reservoirs in managing the water resources of the Bharathapuzha river and its tributaries.

Answer: The construction of dams and reservoirs along the Bharathapuzha river and its tributaries has played a crucial role in managing the river’s water resources. Dams like the Malampuzha Dam, Walayar Dam, and Pothundi Dam have been built to regulate water flow for irrigation, prevent floods, and provide water for domestic use. These reservoirs help in storing water during the monsoon season, which can then be used during the dry months. They also play a role in mitigating the impact of floods, a common issue in the region due to heavy monsoonal rainfall. However, the increasing number of dams raises concerns about environmental impacts, such as reduced water flow to downstream areas and the disruption of natural ecosystems. Effective management of these water resources is essential for balancing the needs of agriculture, water supply, and environmental sustainability.

Previous Year Questions on Bharathapuzha River

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following is a tributary of the Bharathapuzha river?

A) Mahi
B) Pamba
C) Gayathripuzha
D) Sabarmati

Answer: (C) Gayathripuzha

Explanation: Gayathripuzha is one of the main tributaries of the Bharathapuzha river, originating from the Western Ghats in Kerala and flowing into the Bharathapuzha.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Explain the importance of the Bharathapuzha river in Kerala’s agrarian economy. Discuss the role of its tributaries and dams in supporting agriculture.

Answer: The Bharathapuzha river plays a crucial role in Kerala’s agrarian economy, providing essential water for irrigation. The river’s tributaries, such as Gayathripuzha and Kalpathipuzha, drain large agricultural regions in Kerala, ensuring that the crops are adequately watered throughout the year. Dams built on the river, such as the Malampuzha and Walayar dams, store water during the monsoon, which is then released during the dry months to support irrigation. This regulated water supply is vital for maintaining Kerala’s crop production, especially for rice and other staple crops. Additionally, the river’s water helps sustain the rural economy, which heavily depends on agriculture, ensuring food security for the region.