Periyar River is a river in Kerala, India's southernmost state. Periyar is also the name of a lake located along the river's path. The Periyar River is extremely important to Kerala's economy. It runs through a zone of industrial and commercial activity and provides a substantial percentage of Kerala's electrical power via the Idukki Dam. The river flows northwest before turning west and spilling into the Arabian Sea after falling out of the highlands and onto the coastal plain. This article will explain to you about the Periyar which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Periyar

• The Periyar's source is high in the Western Ghats. Periyar is a river that starts on the Idukki district's southeastern boundary.
• The river's source is located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve's remote forests.
• Chokkampatti Mala, a hill on the southern edge of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is said to be the river's source, according to many accounts.
• The Periyar River rises in the Western Ghats' Sivagiri Hills and runs through the Periyar National Park.
• It eventually drains into Vembanad Lake and then into the Arabian Sea.
• In the Indian state of Kerala, the Periyar is the longest river and the one with the greatest discharge capacity.
• It is one of the region's few permanent rivers, and it supplies drinking water to numerous large cities.
• It runs through a zone of industrial and commercial activity and provides a substantial percentage of Kerala's electrical power via the Idukki Dam.
• The river has been dubbed the "Lifeline of Kerala" for these reasons.
• Kochi city, which is located at the river's mouth, gets its water from Aluva, an upstream location that is sufficiently free of marine intrusion.
• Along the banks of the river Periyar, 25% of Kerala's industry is located.
• Muthirapuzha River, Mullayar River, Cheruthoni River, Perinjankutti River, and Edamala River are its primary tributaries.
• Muthayar, Perunthuraiar, Chinnar, Cheruthony, and Kattappanayar are minor tributaries.

Periyar River - Dams

• On the Periyar River, the Idukki Dam is Kerala's largest hydroelectric project.
• It is Asia's and the world's second-largest dam of its type (a concrete, double curvature parabolic, thin arch dam).
• In Peninsular India, the Mullaperiyar dam was one of the first examples of inter-basin transfers.
• On the one hand, it satisfied the need for water, but it deteriorated the water quality downstream of the river.
• The Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) was designed to capture and share water in the inter-State rivers of the Bharathapuzha, Chalakudy Puzha, and Periyar basins.
• Bhoothathankettu, Idamalayar, Lower Periyar, Mattupetty, Anayirangal, Kundala, Ponmudi, Kallarkutti, Idukki, Sengulam, Kallar, Erattayar, and Mullaperiyar are the major reservoirs in Kerala's Periyar basin.

Periyar River - Ecological significance

• Within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, south of the Mullaperiyar reservoir and near the source of the Periyar River, there is an uninterrupted length of protected, undisturbed rainforests.
• These rainforests continue west into the nearby Pamba valley inside the Gudarakal Forest Range and south into the woods of the Achankovil Division beyond the Gudarakal Range.
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is an evergreen lowland forest located between the forks of the Periyar River and is one of India's most significant bird sanctuaries.
• It features a diverse and abundant bird population.
• In addition, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of India's most environmentally varied areas. The reserve's flora is varied and abundant.

Conclusion

Along the banks of the Periyar, there are a number of religious sites. On the banks of the Periyar River in Aluva, Kerala, the famed Aluva Sivarathri celebration is held. It runs through a zone of industrial and commercial activity and provides a substantial percentage of Kerala's electrical power via the Idukki Dam. It is also known as Kerala's 'Lifeline,' as it is one of the state's few perennial rivers.

FAQs

Question: What is the Periyar River known for?

Question: Where does the Periyar River originate?

Question: What is the significance of the Mullaperiyar Dam on the Periyar River?

Question: How does the Periyar River contribute to Kerala's ecosystem?

Question: What are the major tributaries of the Periyar River?

MCQs

1. The Periyar River is the longest river in which Indian state?

A) Tamil Nadu

B) Karnataka

C) Kerala

D) Andhra Pradesh

2. The Periyar River originates in the:

A) Eastern Ghats

B) Aravalli Range

C) Western Ghats at Sivagiri Hills

D) Nilgiri Hills

3. Which of the following dams is built on the Periyar River?

A) Bhakra Dam

B) Mullaperiyar Dam

C) Hirakud Dam

D) Sardar Sarovar Dam

4. The Periyar River primarily flows in which direction?

A) Eastward

B) Northward

C) Southward

D) Westward

5. A major contribution of the Periyar River to Kerala's ecosystem is:

A) Desertification control

B) Supporting irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower generation

C) Facilitating saltwater intrusion

D) Urban expansion

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the significance of the Periyar River in Kerala's socio-economic and environmental landscape.

Answer: The Periyar River is the lifeline of Kerala, contributing significantly to the state's socio-economic and environmental landscape. It provides water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes, making it essential for irrigation and drinking water supply. The river supports major hydropower projects, generating electricity for Kerala. Its flow sustains diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, which are vital for biodiversity conservation. The Periyar River also plays a cultural and spiritual role, with many religious sites and festivals associated with it. Proper management of the river's resources is essential to ensure sustainable development in the region.

Q2: Discuss the challenges associated with the management of the Mullaperiyar Dam and its impact on Tamil Nadu-Kerala relations.

Answer: The Mullaperiyar Dam, built on the Periyar River, has been a contentious issue between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Tamil Nadu relies on the dam's water for irrigation and drinking purposes, while Kerala raises concerns over the dam's safety due to its age and structural condition. The issue has led to legal disputes and political tensions between the states. Effective management of the dam requires balancing water-sharing needs, ensuring safety through structural assessments, and promoting cooperation between the states. Resolving this issue is critical for maintaining regional stability and ensuring the equitable distribution of water resources.

Q3: Analyze the role of smaller westward-flowing rivers like the Periyar in shaping Kerala's geography and culture.

Answer: Smaller westward-flowing rivers such as the Periyar play a crucial role in shaping Kerala's geography and culture. These rivers flow from the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea, creating fertile plains that support agriculture and dense settlements. The rivers provide water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower, contributing to the state's economy and livelihoods. Culturally, rivers like the Periyar hold spiritual significance, with temples and festivals celebrated along their banks. They also support diverse ecosystems, enhancing the state's biodiversity. The conservation and sustainable management of these rivers are vital for preserving Kerala's natural heritage and cultural identity.

Previous Year Questions on  Periyar

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Evaluate the importance of the Periyar River in supporting Kerala's water and energy needs.

Answer: The Periyar River is vital for meeting Kerala's water and energy needs. It provides water for domestic use, irrigation, and hydropower generation, supporting both rural and urban communities. Major projects like the Idukki Dam harness the river's flow to generate electricity, contributing significantly to the state's power supply. The river's water is also used for agriculture, ensuring food security and livelihoods for many farmers. However, challenges such as water pollution, dam management, and inter-state disputes must be addressed to ensure the sustainable use of the river's resources and prevent environmental degradation.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: Discuss the ecological and economic significance of westward-flowing rivers in India's western coastal region, using the example of the Periyar River.

Answer: Westward-flowing rivers in India's western coastal region, such as the Periyar, play a crucial ecological and economic role. The Periyar River supports diverse ecosystems, providing water to forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands, and enhancing biodiversity. Economically, it is essential for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation, contributing to Kerala's development. These rivers create fertile plains that support agriculture and sustain dense human settlements. Proper management of water resources, prevention of pollution, and equitable sharing of water among states are necessary to maximize the benefits provided by these rivers while preserving their ecological integrity.