Noyyal River Pollution

Context

The Noyyal River, which flows through Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu, is facing severe pollution.

About Noyyal River

1. The Noyyal is an important tributary of the Cauvery River flowing through Western Tamil Nadu.
2. It is considered a sacred river in Tamil history. Its original name was Kanchi Nadi. In 1750 AD, it was renamed after the place where it joins the Cauvery River.
3. Present Condition: Until the early 20th century, the Noyyal River was the main source of drinking water for the region. However, it is now considered one of the most polluted rivers in India.

Course and Geographical Features

1. Origin: The river originates from several small streams in the Vellingiri Hills, located in the Western Ghats and forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
2. Length: It is approximately 158 km long.
3. Course: It flows through Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Erode districts before joining the Cauvery River at Noyyal village in Karur district.
4. Nature: It is a seasonal river, with increased water flow during the monsoon.

River System and Important Structures

1. The Noyyal River has two main tributaries:
   1. Cheyyar River (Chadiaar River)
   2. Kanchimanadhi River
2. Its watershed has a traditional water management system consisting of 32 tanks, 14 major canals, 23 anicuts (small barriers built across rivers to divert water) and 55 check dams.
3. Most of these anicuts and check dams were constructed by the Chola Kings (9th–12th centuries) to support irrigation and control downstream floods.
4. Important dams on the river include Aathupalayam Dam and Orathuppalayam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which major river system does the Noyyal River belong to and what was its original historical name?

The Noyyal River is a vital tributary of the Cauvery River and was historically known as the Kanchi Nadi in Tamil history.

Q2: Where does the Noyyal River originate and which districts does it flow through?

It originates in the Vellingiri Hills of the Western Ghats and flows through Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Erode before entering Karur district.

Q3: What are the two main tributaries that feed into the Noyyal River system?

The river network is fed by two main tributaries: the Cheyyar River (Chadiaar River) and the Kanchimanadhi River.