Kaveri

The Kaveri, also spelled Cauvery, is one of the major rivers of southern India. It is regarded as sacred in Hindu tradition and gives its name to a goddess revered in many local temples. The river originates in the Brahmagiri hills of the Western Ghats, near Bhagamandala in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka, and flows southeast across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal near Poompuhar (Puhar) in Tamil Nadu.

Course and watershed: From its source, the Kaveri travels through forested highlands and fertile plains, draining a basin that spans parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and briefly Kerala and the union territory of Puducherry. The river feeds a substantial irrigation network and supports several hydroelectric projects. Its delta region, in Tamil Nadu, is among the most productive agricultural areas in the country, especially for rice and other crops.

Major structures and uses: The Kaveri supports important irrigation and power infrastructure. The Grand Anicut (Kallanai) dam, built in the 2nd century CE on the river in present-day Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest water-diversion works still in use. The Mettur Dam, also in Tamil Nadu, is a key reservoir for irrigation and flood control. In Karnataka, several dams along the river and its tributaries contribute to irrigation and regional water supply.

Cultural and legal context: The river is central to regional culture and agriculture, particularly in the Cauvery delta. Water sharing between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has been the subject of long-running inter-state negotiations and judicial orders, culminating in tribunals and court decisions that regulate diversions and allocations.

Environmental and contemporary issues: The Kaveri basin faces challenges such as variable rainfall, droughts and floods, water quality concerns, and the need to balance agricultural demand with ecological health.