Description

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Context:

Recently, A family of four drowned in the Bharathapuzha at Painkulam, near Cheruthuruthy.

About Bharathapuzha

Aspect	Details
Origin	Small streams in various parts of the Western Ghats near the Anamalai range in Tamil Nadu.
Flow Path	Flows west through the Palakkad Gap (Palghat Gap), through the Palakkad and Malappuram districts of Kerala, with many tributaries joining it.
Tributaries	Tirur River (major), Gayathripuzha, Kalpathipuzha, and Pulanthode.
Catchment Area	Kerala: 4,400 km², Tamil Nadu: 1,786 km².
Water Flow	Lower compared to other long rivers in Kerala due to a significant portion of the catchment being in dry areas (Tamil Nadu and Palakkad Gap).
Rainfall	2,000 to 2,800 mm in steep areas, 3,000 mm along the coast, during the southwest monsoon.
Temperature	Varies by season as the basin lies in the tropical zone.
Reservoirs/Dams	13 structures, including Aliyar Dam, Thirumurthi Reservoir, Malampuzha Reservoir (largest), Walayar Dam, Mangalam Dam, Pothundi Dam, and others.
Usage of Reservoirs	Primarily used for irrigation.
Cultural Significance	Known as the "cultural lifeblood of Kerala." Kerala Kalamandalam, a prominent performing arts center, is located at Cheruthuruthy on its banks.
Historical Name	Referred to as "Peraar" in ancient inscriptions and records.

Rivers of Kerala

River	Origin	Course	Tributaries	Significance	Challenges
Periyar River	Sivagiri peaks, Peerumedu, Idukki district, Kerala	Flows southwest through Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts, covering ~244 km.	Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti	Water supply for irrigation and domestic use, Idukki Dam for hydroelectric power, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (biodiversity, elephants, tigers, birds).	Pollution, deforestation, and encroachments threaten the ecosystem and water quality.
Pamba River	Pulachimalai Hills, Peerumedu taluk, Idukki district, Kerala	Flows south through Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts, covering ~176 km before draining into the Vembanad Lake.	Kakki, Achankovil, Manimala	Religious significance (Sabarimala pilgrimage), supports wetlands, marshes, forests, agriculture, hydroelectric projects (e.g., Sabarigiri Hydroelectric Project).	Pollution (agriculture, industries, waste), deforestation, and ecological degradation.
Chaliyar River	Elambalari Hills, Nilambur, Kerala	Flows through Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.	Not specified	Important for agriculture and industrial purposes.	Industrial pollution (e.g., effluents) and sand mining.
Meenachil River	Palai, Kottayam district, Kerala	Flows through Kottayam district and drains into the Vembanad Lake.	Not specified	Provides water for irrigation, supports agriculture.	Pollution and water management issues.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/four-of-a-family-drown-in-bharathapuzha/article69105626.ece

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Bharathapuzha River:
It originates in the Western Ghats near the Anamalai range in Tamil Nadu.
The river flows entirely within Kerala, and its catchment area is predominantly located in the state.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Bharathapuzha River originates from small streams in various parts of the Western Ghats near the Anamalai range in Tamil Nadu.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While the Bharathapuzha River flows primarily through Kerala, its catchment area is shared between Kerala (4,400 km²) and Tamil Nadu (1,786 km²). The three main tributaries of the Bharathapuzha River are Gayathripuzha, Kalpathipuzha, and Pulanthode.