Enayam Port

Tamil Research Institute
RAPID TECHNO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF COLACHEL PORT AT TAMILNADU
FINAL REPORT
Figure 17. Tamil Nadu rivers. Source: Mapsofindia.com
The major river in Kanyakumari district is Thamirabarani River locally known asKuzhithuraiar. The origin of
Thamirabarani River is in the Western Ghats and the river confluences with Arabian sea near Thengapattanam,
about 56 km west of Kanyakumari town. This river has two major tributaries with the Pechiparai Dam and
Perunchani Dam respectively built across them, Kodayar and Paralayar.
Kodayar River rises in a southerly direction flowing for a length of 10 km from its origin, leading to natural
drainage. There are many tributaries for the Kodayar River of which Chittar River I and Chittar II, with their dams,
are the major ones. Later, it flows in a southwesterly direction and south of Kuzhithurai and joins the Arabian Sea
near Thengapatnam, which is at a distance of 56 km west of Cape Comorin. The river flows through rugged
terrain through a succession of falls and cascades. One such fall lies south of Tiruparappu.
The Pazhayar River originated at an altitude of 1.300 m amsl in the Mahendragiri hills and the river water taken
away through channels for irrigation. The river is benefited by both SW-NE monsoons. It completes its 20 km
journey after joining the Arabian Sea. Its creek can be seen near Manakudy, 12 km south of Nagarcoil. The
river Valliyar originated at an altitude of 950 m MSL at the Vallimalai Hills and has a very limited irrigation
system. The length of the river is nearly 29 km, and period of flow of water in this river is for 6 months. Near
Manavalakurichi the river joins in the Arabian Sea.
CP1832-FR-AX-05-CP-Initial Environmental Examination-Ed4.docx AX05 - 33
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