Palar River: Origin, Course and Water-Sharing Issues

Introduction: The Palar River is a seasonal river in southern India that originates in the Nandi Hills region of Karnataka and flows through parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu before reaching the Bay of Bengal.

Key pointers

  • Origin: Nandi Hills region, Karnataka.

  • States traversed: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

  • Mouth: Bay of Bengal, near the Tamil Nadu coast.

  • River character: Seasonal, with flows influenced strongly by monsoon rainfall.

  • Economic importance: Supports irrigation, agriculture and groundwater recharge in parts of southern India.

  • Water challenges: Seasonal scarcity, groundwater depletion, pollution and competing demands for irrigation and urban use.

  • River-basin management: Depends on rainfall, reservoir operations, groundwater conditions and inter-state coordination.

  • Environmental importance: River channels and associated wetlands can support local biodiversity.

UPSC focus: The Palar flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal. Distinguish it from the west-flowing rivers of the Western Ghats that drain into the Arabian Sea.