Tamil Nadu has seven major river basins, each of which has its unique characteristics and plays an important role in the region's ecology and economy. These seven basins are:
Cauvery Basin: The Cauvery Basin is the largest river basin in Tamil Nadu, covering an area of 32,974 square kilometers. The river originates in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Cauvery Basin is essential for agriculture, power generation, and drinking water supply.
Vaigai Basin: The Vaigai Basin is located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu and covers an area of 7,230 square kilometers. The Vaigai River originates in the Western Ghats and flows through Madurai before emptying into the Palk Strait. The Vaigai Basin is primarily used for agriculture and drinking water supply.
Palar Basin: The Palar Basin is located in the northern part of Tamil Nadu and covers an area of 5,044 square kilometers. The Palar River originates in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Palar Basin is primarily used for agriculture and industrial purposes.
Tamiraparani Basin: The Tamiraparani Basin is located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu and covers an area of 4,367 square kilometers. The Tamiraparani River originates in the Western Ghats and flows through Tirunelveli before emptying into the Gulf of Mannar. The Tamiraparani Basin is primarily used for agriculture and drinking water supply.
Vellar Basin: The Vellar Basin is located in the eastern part of Tamil Nadu and covers an area of 3,682 square kilometers. The Vellar River originates in the Eastern Ghats and flows through Villupuram before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Vellar Basin is primarily used for agriculture.
Gundar Basin: The Gundar Basin is located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu and covers an area of 1,463 square kilometers. The Gundar River originates in the Western Ghats and flows through Madurai before emptying into the Gulf of Mannar. The Gundar Basin is primarily used for agriculture.
Bhavani Basin: The Bhavani Basin is located in the western part of Tamil Nadu and covers an area of 1,410 square kilometers. The Bhavani River originates in the Western Ghats and flows through Erode before emptying into the Kaveri River. The Bhavani Basin is primarily used for agriculture and drinking water supply.
Each of these river basins has its unique characteristics, and their water resources are essential for the region's agriculture, drinking water, and industrial needs. The state government of Tamil Nadu has implemented several measures to manage and conserve water resources in these basins, including watershed management, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation practices.
