Ponnaiyar River: Map and Physical Features

The Ponnaiyar River is a major river in southern India. It is also known as the South Pennar River, Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada, and Thenpennai, Ponnaiyar, or Pennaiyar in Tamil. Furthermore, it flows through Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, supporting life along its banks.

Physical Features of Ponnaiyar River

The Ponnaiyar River is the second longest river in Tamil Nadu, stretching 497km in length. It is also the second largest interstate East flowing river basin, situated between the Pennar and Cauvery basins.

Origin and Course of Ponnaiyar River

The Ponnaiyar River originates in the Nandi Hills in the Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka. From its origin, it flows gently southward from its source, covering 79 km through the Kolar and Bangalore districts of Karnataka before it reaches the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu.

As it enters the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, the river changes its course, flowing in a south-easterly direction for approximately 247 km. During this stretch, it passes through the following districts:

• Dharmapuri
• Vellore
• Tiruvannamalai
• Cuddalore
• Villupuram

Meanwhile, the river continues to flow through the heart of Tamil Nadu. The river then turns and flows eastward for another 70 km below the Tirukoyilur, eventually reaching the Bay of Bengal to complete its journey.

Distributaries

Ponnaiyar River branches into two distributaries below the Tirukoyilur Anicut:

• Gadilam
• Ponnaiyar

The Gadilam River joins the Bay of Bengal near Cuddalore, while the Ponnaiyar River empties into the Bay near the Union Territory of Pondicherry.

Famous Temples Along Ponnaiyar

The river banks are home to several famous temples, including:

• Penneswaraar Temple
• Veerateshwarar Temple
• Kabilar Kundru

Drainage Basin

The drainage basin of the Ponnaiyar River covers a catchment area of 16019 sq. km, stretching across the three states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Among the three states, the state-wise distribution of the drainage area is as follows:

• The state of Karnataka accounts for 3,530 sq km, which is approximately 22.0 percent of the total drainage area.
• Andhra Pradesh covers an area of 210 sq km, making up about 1.3 percent of the total.
• The majority of the drainage area, approximately 76.7 percent, lies in Tamil Nadu, covering an area of 12,279 Sq km.

Boundaries

The basin is bounded:

• In the north by the Palar basin
• On the west and south by the Cauvery basin
• On the east by the Bay of Bengal

The basin is further enclosed on the northwest and south by various ranges of the Eastern Ghats, which include:

• Velikonda Range
• Nagari hills
• Javadu hills
• Shevaroy hills
• Chitteri hills
• Kalrayan hills

Map of Ponnaiyar River

Tributaries

The river is supported by several important tributaries that contribute to its flow. Key tributaries include:

• Chinnar-I
• Chinnar-II
• Sulagiri Chinnar
• Markandanadhi
• Pullampattiyar
• Pambar
• Vaniyar
• Kallar
• Pambanar
• Aliyar

Ponnaiyar River Dispute

The Ponnaiyar River dispute is a water-sharing dispute between the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The reason behind the dispute is the sharing of water between the two states. Tamil Nadu claims that Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion structures would reduce the water flow into their state, affecting their irrigation and drinking water needs.

• 2018: Tamil Nadu files an original suit against Karnataka for constructing check dams and diversion structures on the Ponnaiyar River.
• November 30, 2019: Tamil Nadu formally requests the Union government to constitute a Tribunal for adjudication of disputes over the waters of the river.
• Mid-December 2019: The court gives the Centre three months to constitute the tribunal to resolve the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• January 23, 2024: The Supreme Court (SC) of India directs to constitute a new Negotiation Committee to re-explore the possibility of settlement by negotiation between the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of Ponnaiyar river water resources.

Outcome: The Ponnaiyar River dispute remains unresolved, with Tamil Nadu continuing to oppose Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion structures on the Ponnaiyar River. The matter is still pending in court, awaiting the constitution of a Tribunal to resolve the dispute.