Investigation into Contamination of Kaveri River

Background:

The Karnataka state government has formed a nine-member committee to investigate the contamination of the sacred Kaveri River. This initiative aims to determine the causes of pollution affecting the river and formulate remedial measures to protect this vital water source for millions of people.

Kaveri River: Key Facts

The Kaveri River is one of the major rivers of South India, significant both culturally and environmentally.

Source and Flow:

• Source: The river originates from Brahmagiri Hill in the Western Ghats, located southwest of Karnataka.
• Elevation: It starts at an elevation of 1,341 meters (4,400 feet) above sea level.
• Flow: The river flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
• Total Length: The river stretches 800 kilometers.

Tributaries:

The Kaveri River is fed by several tributaries:

• Left Bank: Harangi, Hemavathi, Shimsha, Arkavathi.
• Right Bank: Lakshmanathirtha, Kabbani, Suvarnavati, Bhavani, Noyyil, Amaravati.

Dams:

• Krishna Raja Sagar Dam (on the Kaveri River in Karnataka).
• Mettur Dam (on the river in Tamil Nadu).
• Banasura Sagar Dam (on the Kabini River, a tributary of the Kaveri).

Investigation Purpose:

The committee will investigate the sources of contamination affecting the Kaveri River and take appropriate steps to address pollution. This effort is crucial for preserving the river's water quality and ecological balance, which serves as a lifeline for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.