The Thenpennai river starts from the Nandi Hills in Karnataka(in the Chikkaballapura Hills). This flows through the state of Tamil Nadu and enters the Bay of Bengal finally. This river is known as the Thenpennaiyaru in Tamil Nadu and Dakshina Pinakini in Karnataka. But the older river Dakshina Pinakini, which is part of Thepennai is not found in these days.
Flowing region
Thenpennai river flows for a distance of 85Km within Bengaluru in Karnataka state. Then this river enters into the Bagalur in Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu. From its point of origin, this river flows over 400 Km till it joins the Bay of Bengal at the Cuddalore District in Tamil Nadu.
The river flows about 110Km in Karnataka. Then on reaching Tamil Nadu this river flows at a distance of 140Km in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, 35 Km in Tiruvannamalai, 105Km in Villupuram and 40Km in Cuddalore District.
Tributaries
The main tributaries of this Thenpennai river are the Chinnar (Markanda nadhi), Pambaru and the Vaniyar in Tamil Nadu.
Geography of river
Thenpennai river has a vast amount of sand. Due to the large coarse of sand particles, the water of this river undergoes natural purification. This river holds the catchment area of 1424m2. But this water has large amount of bacteria. This river is always dry in most of the days in a year. The southwest monsoon causes the water flows in the catchment area and the northeast monsoon causes the water flow in Tamil Nadu. Even though this river dries up, the water flows throughout the basin and distributes the water to the reservoirs.
Uses of Thenpennai river
- The river Thenpennai along with its tributaries through the huge number of ponds, lakes and tanks supports the drinking water source.
- This river irrigates large area of agricultural fields entering the Bay of Bengal.
- In Krishnagiri District, this river irrigates nearly 38000 acres of land, 17980 acres in Tiruvananmalai District, 25000 in Villupuram District and 6250 acres in Dharmapuri District.
- For about 100 villages, this river provides the water for drinking during the flow.To explore other famous river palar.
Construction across the river
In Tiruvannamalai district, the largest
Dam constructed across this river is Sathanur Dam. This Dam has the gross capacity
of 7.3Tmcft.
The Moongailithuraipattu Sugar factory is located on this river bank.
Sathanur Dam
The Sathanur Dam serves as the one of the largest Dam in Tamil Nadu. It has been constructed in 1958, across this Thenpennai river in the Chennakesava Hills which is nearer to the city of Tiruvannamalai. This reservoir of this Dam can hold 7,321,000,000cu.ft. This Dam serves as the tourist site with a fish grotto and a crocodile park. This Dam acts as an irrigator for the agricultural lands closer to this area.
Then the famous Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwarar Temple is at the reachable distance. In this place, nearer to the dam,the gardens and the Parks always serves as the location for the Film Industry.
Things to be Done to save the river
- First a number of trees must be grown nearer to this river to avoid the soil corrosion.
- Then the regular sewage treatment must be done to protect the river water.
- The Public near to this river must be aware of the self hygiene.
- Try to save the underground water, that may help you during the water scarcity.To Know more other famous river bhavani.
Do not make these things to save the river
- First do not pollute the water of the river with the non-degradable materials and the insecticides.
- Then the hazardous and pollution causing industries must not be allowed near the river.
- The illegal sand quarrying on the river bed must be stopped.
- The people must not waste water, prior to the recycling process.
Flowing states: TamilNadu, Karnataka.
Flow area: 500Km (source to sea)
Origin Place: Nandi Hills, (Chikkaballapura Hills) Karnataka.