Environment
Thamirabarani River
- Context: The Madras High Court stated that no one has the right to pollute rivers in the name of religious rituals.
- The Court expressed concern over the large-scale dumping of clothes and other ritualistic items into the Thamirabarani River during funeral rites.
Facts about the Thamirabarani River
- The Thamirabarani River (also known as ‘Tamraparni’ or ‘Porunai’) is a perennial river in South India.
- It flows entirely within Tamil Nadu.
- The water appears slightly reddish due to the presence of traces of copper.
- In Tamil, “Thamiram” means copper; hence, it is named ‘Thamirabarani’.
- ‘Porunai’ is its ancient name; this name is frequently mentioned in Sangam literature.
Course of the River
- It originates at the Agasthiyarkoodam peak of the Pothigai Hills in the Western Ghats.
- It flows entirely through Tamil Nadu.
- Finally, it empties into the Gulf of Mannar near Thoothukudi.
- Total length: Approximately 128 km. Major Tributaries
- Kadana River, Manimutharu, Pachaiyaru
Major Dams
- Papanasam Dam, Karaiyar Dam, Manimutharu Dam, Servalaru Dam, Kadana River Dam
Major Waterfalls
- Bana Theertham Falls (approx. 132 feet high, near Karaiyar Dam), Agasthiyar Falls, Kalyana Theertham
Major Temples
- Papanasam Temple, Agasthiyar Temple
- Both are situated on the banks of the river.
Biodiversity
- The Thamirabarani is one of the world’s finest rivers in terms of fish species diversity.
- It is home to more than 16 native species of ‘snakehead’ fish
- Approximately 669 fish species have been recorded in this river.
- It is one of the few rivers in India where all three species of otters are found:
- Eurasian Otter
- Smooth-coated Otter
- Asian Small-clawed Otter
