Pennar River: Important Facts with Map & Tributaries

The Pennar River is a major river in the southern part of India, flowing through the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Spanning approximately 597 kilometers, this river is a crucial water source for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and industrial usage.

Geography of the Pennar River

Origin and Course

The Pennar River originates in the Nandi Hills of Karnataka and meanders through the Deccan Plateau, passing through several districts in Andhra Pradesh, including Anantapur, Kurnool, Kadapa, and Chittoor. Eventually, it enters Tamil Nadu and empties into the Bay of Bengal near the town of Cuddalore.

Key Geographical Features

• Length: 597 kilometers
• Catchment Area: 55,213 square kilometers
• States: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu
• Different names: Pinakini, Penner, Pennai, etc.
• Terrain: The upper catchment is rocky with sparse vegetation, while the lower catchment is more fertile, with dense forests and agricultural lands.
• Biodiversity: The basin is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Jerdon’s courser and the Indian eagle owl.

Historical Significance

The Pennar River has a rich history, mentioned in ancient texts like the Rigveda and Mahabharata. It was important during the Vijayanagara Empire, supporting agriculture and building the Hampi temple complex. In British colonial times, the river was used for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and industry.

Tributaries of the Pennar River

Left Tributaries

1. Jayamangali River: Originates in the Devarayanadurga hills of Karnataka, flowing through the Tumkur and Chitradurga districts.
2. Kunderu River: Starts in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, passing through Kurnool and Anantapur districts.
3. Sagileru River: Rises in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, flowing through Chittoor and Nellore districts.
4. Cheyyeru River: Begins in the Eastern Ghats, traversing Nellore and Cuddapah districts.
5. Papagni River: Also originates in the Eastern Ghats and flows through the Chittoor and Kadapa districts.

Right Tributaries

1. Kundu River: Originates in the Nallamala Hills, flowing through Prakasam and Nellore districts.
2. Chitravathi River: It begins in the Anantapur district and flows through the Anantapur and Kadapa districts.
3. Galeru River: Starts in the Nallamala Hills, passing through Kurnool and Kadapa districts.
4. Bahuda River: Originates in the Eastern Ghats, flowing through Nellore and Chittoor districts.

Dams on the Pennar River

Here are some of the major dams:

1. Somasila Dam: Located in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, it is 47 meters high and 1,665 meters long. It has a storage capacity of 15.42 TMC.
2. Kandaleru Dam: Built across the Kandaleru River, a tributary of the Pennar, with a height of 49 meters and a length of 1,880 meters, storing 68.48 TMC.
3. Gandikota Dam: Located in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, it is 52 meters tall and 1,178 meters long. It has a storage capacity of 3.99 TMC.
4. Mylavaram Dam: Also in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, with a height of 48 meters and a length of 710 meters, storing 4.48 TMC.

The Pennar River is vital for the southern regions it flows through, supplying water for farming, power, and industry. To keep the river healthy and support the communities relying on it, we need sustainable management and conservation efforts.

Also read: Peninsular Rivers of India