Key Facts about Periyar River
Repeated arrests and seizures of boats and vehicles have failed to deter illegal sand mining along the Periyar, with suspects repeatedly figuring in cases across police station jurisdictions.
About Periyar River:
- It is the longest river in Kerala.
- It is known as the “lifeline of Kerala” because it is an important source of irrigation and power generation.
- Course:
- It rises in the Sivagiri Hills of the Western Ghats range near the border with Tamil Nadu.
- It flows north through Periyar National Park into Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir created in 1895 by the construction of a dam across the river.
- It further flows into the Vembanad Lake before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
- It is one of the few perennial rivers of the region and is a crucial source of drinking water.
- Major Tributaries: Muthirapuzha River, Mullayar River, Cheruthoni River, Perinjankutti River and the Edamala River.
- It plays a major role in generating hydro-electricity.
- The largest hydroelectric project is the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, which generates a significant portion of the electricity for Kerala state.
- Other dams constructed across the river are Neriyamangalam, Pallivasal, Panniyar, Kundalam, Chenkulam, and Mullaperiyar.
- The birthplace of Sankaracharya, the greatest Advaita philosopher, is at Kalady, which is situated on the bank of the Periyar.
Source: Repeat offenders, brokers keep illegal Periyar sand trade alive