Kodaiyar River Basin

Introduction
One of the oldest systems in Tamil Nadu is the “Kodaiyar system” providing irrigation
facilities for two paddy crop seasons in Kanyakumari district. The Kodaiyar system comprises the
integrated operation of commands of two major rivers namely Pazhayar and Paralayar along with
Tambaraparani or Kuzhithuraiyur in which Kodaiyar is a major tributary. The whole system is
called as Kodaiyar system. Planning, development and management of natural resources in this
basin require time-effective and authentic data.The water demand for domestic, irrigation,
industries, livestock, power generation and public purpose is governed by socio – economic and
cultural factors such as present and future population size, income level, urbanization, markets,
prices, cropping patterns etc.
Water Resources Planning is people oriented and resources based. Data relating to
geology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, hydrology, climatology, water quality, environment,
socio – economic, agricultural, population, livestock, industries, etc. are collected for analysis. For
the sake of consistency, other types of data should be treated in the same way. Socio – economic,
agricultural and livestock statistics are collected and presented on the basis of administrative units
located within this basin area.
Location and extent of Kodaiyar Basin
The Kodaiyar river basin forms the southernmost end of Indian peninsula. The basin
covers an area of 1646.964 sq km. The flanks of the entire basin falls within the TamilnaduState
boundary. Tamiraparani basin lies on the north and Kodaiyar basin on the east and Neyyar basin
of Kerala State lies on the west. This is the only river basin which has its coastal border adjoining
the Arabian sea, the Indian Ocean in the south and the Gulf of Mannar in the east.
The basin is bifurcated into 6 sub basins on the basis of drainage pattern. The Kodaiyar
river basin covers in the following Survey of India topo sheets:58H/2, 58H/3, 58H/4, 58H/6,
58H/7,58/H8, 58H/11 and 58H/12 of scale1:50,000 within the co-ordinatesLatitude: 08º 04’ 34” -
08º 34’ 35” and Longitude: 77º 05’ 53” - 77º 35” 39”. The entire basin falls in the territory of
Kanyakumari district and a small portion falls in Radhapuram block of Tirunelveli district.
The Kodaiyar river basin is spreading over 4 taluks in Kanyakumari district and part of
one taluk of Tirunelveli district. Out of 10 blocks in this basin 6 full blocks comes under
Kanyakumari District and one part block from Tirunelveli District are also included. Four
Municipalities namely Kuzhithurai, Nagarcoil, Kolachal and Padmanabhapuram are located in
this basin.
Kanyakumari is the major tourist part of India which is famous for confluence of three
seas of Indian Ocean, Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal. Vivekananda rock, Thiruvalluvar statue and
Gandhimandabam are some of the important tourist places. Suchindram is famous for the holy
place of Hindus and Padmanabhapuram is having the famous Palace of an ancient king. This basin
are well connected with national highways, State highways and railway lines.
The administrative setup of the Kodaiyar river basin is given in Table-1.
Table-1: Administrative Setup Of Kodaiyar River Basin

Block /Area
Falling Withinthe
Sl.No. District Taluk SubBasin Block
Basin AreainSq
Km
1 Kanyakumari Kalkulam Killiyur 10.399
Kalkulam Thiruvattar 0.887
Kalkulam Kuruthankode 91.277
Agastheeswaram Valliyar Rajakkamangalam 10.896
Thovalai 12.354
Thakkalai 99.713
TOTAL 225.526
Kalkulam Thiruvattar 85.670
Thovalai Perunchani Thovalai 69.128
TOTAL 154.798

Kalkulam Thiruvattar 111.762

Thovalai Thovalai 0.128
Pechiparai
Vilavancode Melpuram 56.701
TOTAL 168.591
Kalkulam Killiyur 77.453
Kalkulam Thiruvattar 78.818
Kalkulam Kuruthankode 0.776
Kalkulam Thakkalai 32.047
Kuzhithuraiyar
Vilavancode Munchirai 72.010
Vilavancode Melpuram 89.500
Thovalai Thovalai 0.737
TOTAL 351.341
Kalkulam Thiruvattar 47.317
Vilavancode Chittar Melpuram 125.689
TOTAL 173.006
Kalkulam Thiruvattar 19.753
Kalkulam Kuruthankode 19.977
Kalkulam Thakkalai 5.042
Thovalai Pazhayar Thovalai 248.968
Agastheeswaram Rajakkamangalam 133.541
Agastheeswaram Agastheeswaram 14.421
2 Tirunelveli Radhapuram Radhapuram 132.000
 TOTAL 573.702
TOTAL AREA 1646.964
The administrative map of Kodaiyar river basin is shown in Fig.

Fig. Administrative map of Kodaiyar river basin

The river Tamiraparani (also called Kuzithuraiyar river) originates from the Western Ghats
and flows towards the west in the Kanyakumari district and drains into the Arabian sea near
Thengapattinam, The Kodaiyar river has three major tributaries namely Kodaiyar, Paralayar and
Chittar. After the confluence of Kodaiyar with Paralayar, the river Kuzhithuraiar flows south
towards the sea.
Paralayar river has four tributaries namely Kalikesanar river, MasipatiAr, Chittar river and
Pambar river which originates from the southern slope of Western Ghats at about 1500m above
M.S.L.Perunchani Reservoir is located on the confluence point of tributaries across
Paralayar.After the confluence of Kodaiyar and Paralayar the Mulliar joins Thamiraparani river
near Thirukurichi village. The above tributaries join together and form a natural lake called
“Perunchani Lake”.
Ulakkaruvuar is also a tributary of Pazhayar river. Another tributary originates in the
southern slope of Western Ghats from Nallakaimottai and Attumottai at an altitude of about 800m
above M.S.L. near Black Rock estate and lower Victoria estate. Yet another tributary called
Alathuraiyar originates in the southern slope of Western Ghats form Mahendragiri hills and finally
joins Pazhayar river near Dharisanamcope. The Pazhayar finally enters the Arabian sea near
Manakudy after traversing a distance of 35 km.
Another tributary originating in the Western Ghats from Vallimalai and MaruvattarKundru
at an altitude of about 900m above M.S.L. These tributaries join together at Karavilai village.
One more tributary originates near Kotanallur area and joins Valliar river near Muttalakurunchi
village.
 The Kodaiyar river basin in general is slopping towards southeastern direction with a
rugged topographical relief and an undulating terrain.The Kodaiyar reservoir is located in
between Virapuli reserved forest on the east at an elevation of 544m above M.S.L and Kalamalai
reserved forest on the west at 529m above M.S.L. adjacent to Kodaiyar and Paralayar, there are
two distinct and separate small basins namely Pazhayar and Valliar basins.On the eastern part of
the basin the Mahendragiri reserved forest at an altitude 530m above M.S.L is located.
Drainage
The river Kodaiyar is the main river in this basin. The overall drainage of this basin is
dendritic in nature. The Perunchani dam is constructed on Paralayar upstream and the Pechiparai
reservoir situated on the northern territorial part of the basin. The Kodaiyar I and Kodaiyar II dam
are situated west of Pechiparai reservoir. Kuttiar is another major tributary of Kodaiyar.
The Chittar I and Chittar II lies west of the basin.Radhapuram canal runs south of
Terkumalai (247m above M.S.L). Below Pechiparai reservoir, two main tributaries join the
Kodaiyar river. One, called as Chittar I which originates at 500m above MSL in the reserved
forest of western Ghats and join the Kodaiyar river on the leftern flanks. The other tributary,
Chittar II originates at 600m above MSL. On contrast the upper catchment of Kodaiyar above
Pechiparai (part of western Ghats) is covered with thick jungle. The river Valliyar runs south of
Takkalai through Eraniel and down to Manavalakurichi.
One of the tributaries of Pazhayar is called Thadaviar or Taruvannar river which originates
in the south-western slope of Western Ghats from Karumpara near Mahendragiri estate at an
altitude of about 1090m above M.S.L. and joins Pazhayar river at Viravanallu. The drainage map
of Kodaiyarriver basin is shown in Fig.

Fig. Drainage map of Kodaiyar river basin

Geology
 For the geological study, the district resource map from Geological Survey of India is
used.Major part of the Kodaiyar river basin area is underlain by gneissic terrain of hard crystalline
rocks which includes Charnockites and Khondalites.Migmatite gneiss and Granites overlain the
hard rocks and are identified as Warkalai sand stones which is equivalent to Cuddalore sandstone.
Also, the sands of recent origin are noticed along the coast. Khondalite and Charnockite Groups of
Archaean age occur in the western hilly area and in the plains migmatite-gneiss of Archaean age
is found to occur. The coastal plain hosts rocks of Miocene, Quaternary and Recent ages.
In the southern part of the basin along the west coast, placers deposits of heavy minerals
(including illmanite, rutile, garnet and monazite) occur as localized pockets between Kolachel and
Kanniyakumari. Beach Sands are exposed west of Kanyakumari, Rajakkamengalam,
Manavalakurichi, Marthandam and Kuzithurai along the west coast in Kanyakumari district. Of
these, the area near Manavalakurichi is well known for the occurrence of illmanite
ores.Significant concentration of placer deposits occur between Vattakottai and Lipuram, the
famous Manavalakurichi deposits, which extends over a length of 5 to 6 km. with a width of 3 to 5
m. The geology map of Kodaiyar basin is shown in Fig.

Fig. Geology map of Kodaiyar river basin

The geomorphological landforms identified in Kodaiyar river basinis shown in Fig.
 Fig. Geomorphology map of Kodaiyar river basin
Land use
The detailed landuse categories are given in Table-2.

Table-2: Areal Extent of Various Landuse Categories

Sl. No. Level I Level II Area in Sq.km.
I Built Up Land Town & Villages 63.397
CropLand 163.201
Fallow land 101.755
II Agricultural Land
Plantation 186.215
Total 451.171
Dense forest 79.636
Plantation 43.928
III Forest
Reserved forest 653.193
Total 776.757
Beach sand 16.387
IV Waste land Land with Scrub 89.742
Scrub/Shrub land 107.273
 Land without Scrub 65.671
Total 279.073
Reservoir 37.324
Tank 15.602
V Water Bodies
River/Canal 19.95
Total 72.876
VI Others Salt pan 3.69
Grand Total 1646.964

In the command area the three main soils namely lateritic, red soil and brown soil are
occur in the blocks of Thiruvattar, Munichirai, Kurunthencode, Rajakkamangalam, Killiyoor,
Thuckalay and Melpuram. Mixed types of red and alluvial soil occur in Agastheeswaram and
Thovalai blocks. Soils are mostly red loam and lateritic in nature with coastal alluvium in the
western side. Lime status is Nil due to occurrence of more area under acid condition. The soil pH
generally ranges from 4.5 to 8. The soil map of Kodaiyar river basin is shown in Fig.

Fig. Soil map of Kodaiyar river basin

From the study, it is noticed that the groundwater potential is very good in alluvial plain,
good in valleyfill sediments and deep pediment zones, moderate in coastal plains. Very good
groundwater potential zones are found to occur in and around Neyyur, Tikkanamkad, Karupaai,
Vembanur, Kurusadi villages. The good groundwater potential zones are identified in and around
Villukkiri, Kuzhithurai, Thiruvankad, Nagarcoil, Tazhakudi, Tittuvilai, Kadukkarai, Triparappu
and Maniyankuzhi villages. The moderate groundwater potential zones occurred in
Srilakshmipuram, Unnamalakadi, Kaviyanallur, Mulakumudu, Eraniel, Suchhindram, Pudur and
Kanagappapuram villages and surroundings. Poor groundwater potential zones are noticed in and
around Nelvettti, Toduvetti, Tottavaram, Neduvilai village and area wherever rocky out crops and
Pediment zones are occurring.
Sea water intrusion
Sea water intrusion study in Kanyakumari district is restricted to 10km width to the entire
coastal length of 83km covering a total area of 830 sq. Km. Water level near the coast varies from
0.3 to 14m and in elevated terrain it is lowered down to 28m from ground level observed during
the year 2008.15 numbers of control wells, 8 numbers of sea water intrusion study wells and 6
numbers of piezometers have been selected in this area and are used for water level monitoring
every months and water quality studies during pre monsoon period and post monsoon period
every year.
The ground water level observed from the monitoring wells on the eastern part of the
coastal area in Kodaiyar basin has down below the MSL particularly in Suchindram, Mylady,
Bagavathipuram, Ammanakkavilai and Agastheswaram. Similarly the Chloride bi- carbonate ratio
of water samples for the above mentioned wells also more than 2.0 and a maximum of 3.5. Also in
the western part of the coastal area covering part of Munchirai, Kiliyur and Takkalai blocks, the
Chloride-bi-carbonate ratio value of 6.5 has been observed at the observation wells located at
(93044) in Munchirai blocks. The ground water level south of Munchirai at Pallithottam (SWA1)
has gone down below MSL(-2.16m). From all these factors, it is clear that the coastal area of
Kodaiyar basin are under the thrust of seawater intrusion. In the rest of the area both the ground
water level and quality of water is within permissible limit. The sea water intrusion study map of
Kodaiyar river basin is shown in Fig.

Fig. Sea water intrusion study map of Kodaiyar river basin

Demographic details
The sub basin wise population of Kodaiyar river basin is given in Table- 3.
Table-3: The Urban and Rural Population as per census 2010 (in Million)
 Sl. Urban Population Rural Population Total Population
No. Name of the Sub in Million in 2010 in Million in 2010 in Million in 2010
basin
1 Valliyar 0.258 0.112 0.370
2 Perunchani 0.000 0.007 0.007
3 Pechiparai 0.000 0.002 0.002
4 Palayar 0.473 0.222 0.695
5 Kuzhithuraiyar 0.457 0.315 0.772
6 Chittar 0.109 0.013 0.122

TOTAL 1.297 0.671 1.968

Kanyakumari district has a high population density of 995.7 persons per sq.km
(2001). In Kodaiyar basin, the population density is the highest in Kuzthithuraiyar sub basin (2230
Persons per sq.km) and the lowest is at Pechiparai sub basin (11.86 Persons per sq.km). The sub
basin wise population density of Kodaiyar basin is given in Table-4
Table-4: Sub basin wise population density of Kodaiyar river basin
Sl.No Name of the sub Area Total Population Density
basin (Sq.km) in Million in 2010 Persons/sq.km
1 Valliyar 225.526 0.370 1730.00

2 Perunchani 154.798 0.007 45.22

3 Pechiparai 168.591 0.002 11.86

4 Pazhayar 573.702 0.695 1265.00

5 Kuzhithuraiyar 351.341 0.772 2230.00

6 Chittar 173.006 0.122 705.00

Industrial Employment
In this state, Kanyakumari is the only district with soil, rainfall and topography for the
growth of natural rubber trees. Although there are many private processors of natural rubber,
Arasu Rubber Corporation, Nagercoil which come into existence with effect from 1-10-84 is a
major processor in this field. The corporation has an extent of 4279.78 hectares of rubber
plantations. The process is being monitored by six rubber division are Keeripparai, Keeripparai
factory, Manaloda, Chittar, Mylar, Kodayar.There are 3 rubber factories at Keeripparai,
Perunchani and Mylar. There are 6,89,054 tappable rubber trees under the corporation. There are
2143 workers are employed in the corporation, out of which 478 workers are Srilankans
Repatriates. Good welfare facilities to the labours are being maintained.
The Y.N.C.A rural re-constuctioncentre at Marthandam is one of the oldest institutions in
India which is a boon for those engaged in bee-keeping and its products are much in demand
throughout the nation.There are 23 rural industries and 10 Khadi sub centres in the district. The
statistics on the Khadi village industries are 9 Khadi stores, 2 Soap units and a Footwear unit.
 As per Handloom census 1995-96, there are 15,853 handlooms. The major Co-operative
societies providing employment to weavers in Kanyakumari district are64 Primary Handloom
Weavers Co-operative Societies,16 Industrial Weavers Co-operative Society, 1Powerloom
Weavers Co-operative Society and 1 Weavers Co-operative Societies Federation.Average annual
production of handloom varieties is Rs.1800 lakhs and annual average sales value is Rs.2100
lakhs.As a foreign exchange earnet, this industry has a distinct place in the industrial map of
Kanyakumari district.

There are 183 cashew industries which provide employment for about 2800 women.There
are 9959 permanent small scale industrial units and 20,136 provisional small scale industrial units.

RubberIndustriesPark to provide infrastructure / utilities arrangements for Rubber goods

manufacturing units with export thrust, is under implementation, in the
Chenbagaramanputhurvillage of Kanyakumari District through TamilNaduIndustrial Park
(Rubber) Ltd, a joint venture company. Govt. of India granted “in-principle” approval for
establishing this project as an SEZ in November 2005. The total cost of development has been
estimated @ Rs. 14.52 Crores. The company has completed financial closure and land
procurement is under progress. This project is expected to generate exports of about Rs.300 crores
and provide direct employment of about 1,000 persons.
Hydrometeorological characteristics
Considering the distribution of rain gauge stations and the availability of data, 14 rain
gauge stations having long-term records in the basin are considered for the detailed analysis.The
sub basin wise annual dependable rainfall of Kodaiyar river basin is given in Table- 5.
Table 5 - Annual Dependable Rainfall (in mm)

Name of the
Sl. No. 25% 50% 75% 90%
SubBasin

1 Valliyar 359.91 313.83 251.63 178.04

2 Perunchani 322.93 289.11 248.01 193.85

3 Pechiparai 378.08 325.24 273.71 232.79

4 Pazhayar 694.08 595.72 507.26 388.64

5 Kuzhithuraiyar 565.38 486.02 403.05 280.79

6 Chittar 336.47 258.06 207.58 154.84

The annual average rainfall of the basin is 1526.96 mm.

Climate
The weather station considered for analysis is Aralvoimozhi maintained by PWD (GW).
The climatological values of this river basin are given in Table-6.

Table-6: Climatological Parameters

 S.
Climatological Parameter Aralvoimozhi
No

Average monthly temperature

1 32.06
Maximum. in. 0 Celsius
Average monthly temperature
2 26.02
Minimum. in. 0 Celsius
3 Average mean temperature in 0 Celsius 29.04
4 Average relative humidity in % 68.65
5 Average wind velocity in km/hour 7.94
6 Average Sunshine hours / day 6.95
7 Pan Evaporation in mm 231.64
Surface Water Data
There are 2092 system tanks and 55 non system tanks situated in the basin.
The influential rainfall stations having long-term records considered for analysis is given in Table-
7.
Table-7: Raingauge stations considered for analysis
Subbasin
S. Name of
area Raingauge stations
No. subbasins
(Sq.Km.)

1 Valliyar 225.53 Eraniel, Mulagumoodu, Thukalay

2 Perunchani 154.8 Keeriparai

3 Pechiparai 168.59 Palamore, Pechiparai

Aralvoimozhi, Boothapandi, Kottaram,

4 Pazhayar 573.7
Nagercoil

5 Kuzhithuraiyar 351.34 Kuzhithurai, Meekodu, Puthan Dam

6 Chittar 173.01 Kalial

Total 1646.96
 Monthly Runoff Simulation (MRS) Model assesses the Surface Water Potential for 75%
Dependable yield for southwest, northeast and non-monsoon periods and are given in Table-8.
Table-8: 75% Dependable Surface Water Potential for Kodaiyar River Basin
75% Dependable Surface Water
Sl. Name of Sub Potential in MCM
No. basin SW NE NM Annual
1 Valliyar 67.88 160.34 23.41 251.63
2 Perunchani 89.73 99.44 58.84 248.01
3 Pechiparai 136.27 68.73 68.7 273.71
4 Pazhayar 247.73 88.86 170.67 507.26
5 Kuzhithuraiyar 192.37 108.28 102.41 403.05
6 Chittar 87.87 92.86 77.33 258.06
Total 821.85 618.51 501.36 1941.72

Surface Water Potential of Kodaiyar River Basin is 1941.72 Mcum.

THE EXISTING SURFACE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

RESERVOIRS UNDER PWD
Pechiparai Dam
This was built across Kodaiyar river about 1.6 km below the confluence of the three
tributaries Kallar, Suttar and Kuttiar at Pechiparai. The site is about 11 kms. North of
Kulasekaram and 45 kms from Nagarcoil. It is at a latitude of 08°30'00" N and longitude of
77°08'30" E.
The gross and net capacity of the reservoir is 152.36 MCM and 126.02 MCM respectively.
The length of dam is 555.35 m and maximum height is 46.32 m There is no inspection gallery.
This is a solid gravity dam with a surplus regulator of 6 vents (12.19 m x 4.57 m). The dead
storage of this dam is 26.34 MCM which is 17.3 percent of the total storage.Based on the DSRP
suggestion the upstream face treatment of Pechipparai dam was completed on 30.06.1998. The
Dam was grouted with non shrink cementations material by grout injection and the joints were
finished by epoxy sealant to an extent of 938.86 m2 at an estimate amount of Rs. 82 lakhs under
dam safety.Now the seepage at the areas grouted are considerably reduced and whereas the
seepage increased in the non-grouted areas. Hence it is a must and necessary to treat the balance
area immediately which is 7395 m2.
Perunchani Dam
This was built across the river Paralayar at Perunchani, a place about 10 kms. East of
Kulasekaram and about 42 kms. Northwest of Nagarcoil. It is at a Latitude of 08°25' N-and
Longitude of 77029' E. The dam is across a picturesque valley between two hillocks forming an
ideal site. The capacity of the reservoir is 81.84 MCM (2890 Mcft). The dead storage is negligible
in this dam .
The dam is a straight gravity masonry dam of 308.46 m long with a surplus regulator of 4
vents (12.19 m x 4.57 m). A drainage gallery of 1.52 m x 2.29 m has been provided in the middle
river section for a length of 45.70 m which serves as longitudinal inspection chamber as well as
outlet for the seepages from the foundation. For the remaining length of dam 0.60 x 0.60 m
drainage duct connecting the vertical drainage shaft has been provided.
Construction joints has been provided at 7.5 m intervals in the body of the dam.The F.R.L.
of this reservoir has been raised by 1.83 m from 91.44 m (300.00 ft) M.S.L. to 93.27 m (306.00 ft)
M.S.L. keeping the M.W.L. and F.R.L. at the same level so as to increase the existing capacity.
The increased capacity is 16.71 MCM (590 Mcft). Electrical crane arrangements made for
operating emergency shutter for river sluice.
Chittar Dam I
The Chittar Dam I was constructed during the period 1964-70 across the river Chittar-I at a
latitude of 08°28'00" N and longitude of 77°15' E. The river has its source in the mountains in
Kalamalai Reserve Forest, near Ettukani and Vandiplavukani at an elevation of about 422 m
above M.S.L. and is at about 2 kms. upstream of the confluence of the river with Kodaiyar. The
gross and net storage of this dam is 17.28 MCM (610 Mcft.) and 11.13 MCM (393 Mcft.)
respectively, leaving a dead storage of 6.14 MCM (217 Mcft). Here also, the dead storage is very
high and it's percentage to the gross storage is 35.5.
Chittar Dam II
The Chittar Dam II was also constructed during the period 1964-70 across the river Chittar
at a latitude of 08°26'55" N and longitude of 77°15' E the river has its source in Kalamalai
Reserve Forest at an elevation of about 687 m above MSL and is at about 2 kms upstream on the
Southern and Eastern slopes of Kurinchimalai. After running a distance of about 10 kms, it
merges at Sivalogam Estate to form Chittar II and then flows for 4.8 kms. and joins with
Kodaiyar. The gross and net storage of this dam is 28.55 MCM (1,009 Mcft.) and 16.99 MCM
(600 Mcft) respectively. Here also the dead storage is 11.58 MCM (409 Mcft) which is very high
and it is 40.5 percent to the gross storage.
The purpose of construction of the two reservoirs are only to supplement the ayacut under
Kodaiyar Left Bank Canal. So, these two reservoirs have no independent channels and command,
but they have been connected to Kodaiyar Left Bank Canal. Chittar Dam I and II are connected by
an interconnecting channel (open cut) in the foreshore of the two reservoirs. Hence the full
reservoir levels of the two reservoirs are same. For the calculation of yield, storage position in the
reservoir, etc. they may be taken as one single unit. The water from Chittar Dam I is taken to
Kodaiyar Left Bank Canal (K.L.B. Canal) through a canal which joins K.L.B. Canal at L.S. 10.46
kms.
Poigaiyar Reservoir
Poigaiyar reservoir was constructed across Poigaiyar river (a small jungle stream) at
77°31'45" E longitude and 08°16'00" N latitude near Aralvolmozhy of ThovalaiTaluk) in
Kanniyakumari District. The gross and net capacity of the reservoir is 2.70 and 2.51MCM (68.70
and 61.97 Mcft) respectively.This reservoir is a composite dam with earth dam from L.S. 0.0 m to
1174 m and masonry dam from L.G. 1174 to 1230 m (uncontrolled weir). Total command area
benefitted works out to 249.7 ha. which includes stabilization, bridging the gap, conversion of
single crop to double crop and new dry crop ayacut.
As Government is giving top priority for drinking water, the sole purpose of constructing
this reservoir for irrigation is now modified and 0.57 MCM (20 Moft.) is earmarked for domestic
water supply to the villages in ThovalaiPanchayat Union. Due to this, the proposed new dry crop
area has been reduced from 202.4 ha. to 121.4 ha.
Mambazhathuraiyar Reservoir
The Mambazhathuraiyar reservoir scheme is located at about 3 Km from Villukuri village
which is on the Nagercoil Trivandrum main road and is situated at East Longitude 77 023’0” and at
North latitude 8014’0” near Anaikidangu in Villukuri village which contemplates the formation of
reservoir with an effective capacity of 44.54 M.cft (1.26M.cum ) across Mambazhathuraiyar river
in KalkulamTaluk of Kanniyakumari District.
 The river Mambazhathuraiyar originates from MaruthathoorMalai at an altitude of
838m(2750ft) MSL and reaches the plains at an elevation of 76m(250ft) MSL and flows for about
4Kms (2½ mile) in the same name, after which it is known as Thuvalar. Thuvalar flows for about
2.4 Kms (1½ mile) and then joins with Valliyar river near Thuckalay, which originates from
Vellimalai hills and then flows towards south and falls into Arabian Sea near Kadiyapattanam
with total length of 19.20 Kms (12.00 miles ) from its origin. The free catchment area up to the
proposed reservoir site works out to 7.25sq.km (Hilly ). Necessary canal system is also proposed
for giving assured supply to the existing ayacut of 184.44haunder this river and 6 rain fed tanks
and also to divert the excess yield into Erattakarai branch channel of P.P. channel under Kodayar
system. This diverted quantity can be conserved in Kodayar to utilize in some other areas to bring
dry lands of 182.11ha under plough.The hilly catchment area spread over to an extent of
7.25sq.km at an Altitude ranging from 76m (250ft) to 833m (2750ft) MSL. The catchment areas
are influenced by both Southwest and Northeast monsoon.
Reservoirs under TNEB
Kodaiyar (Upper) Dam I
Kodaiyar Dam I, also called as Upper Dam was constructed by Tamilnadu State Electricity
Board during the period 1963-72 to generate electricity. In the upper reach, that is, at the starting
point, Kodaiyar has two arms. This dam has been constructed across the left arm of Kodaiyar
which has its source in Virapuli reserved forest area and the highest peak from where it originates
is about 1800 m above MSL. The capacity of the Upper Dam is 118.50 MCM (4185 Mcft) and the
installed power production capacity is 60 MW.
In order to augment the water supply to Kodaiyar Dam I which also indirectly benefits
Kodaiyar Dam II for producing electric power, two dams have been constructed across Kuttiar
called Kuttiar Dam and Chinnakuttiar Dam during 1973-1976. The water from Kuttiar Dam is
taken by a flume to Chinnakuttiar Dam from where water is pumped to Kodaiyar Dam I.
Kodaiyar (Lower) Dam II
Kodaiyar Dam II, which is also called Kodaiyar Lower Dam was also, constructed by
Tamilnadu State Electricity Board during the same period of construction of Kodaiyar upper dam,
i.e., during the period 1963-1972. This dam also receives the tail waters of Kodaiyar Power House
I and acts as forebay for Kodaiyar Power House II, the tail waters of which are let into Pechiparai
Reservoir through a channel. The capacity of the reservoir is 0.883 MCM (31.20 Mcft) only and
the installed power production capacity is 40 MW.The State Electricity Board is releasing the
water from the above two reservoirs according to the rules framed by the Government of
Tamilnadu.
Kuttiar Dam
The Kuttiar Dam was constructed during the period 1973-1976 across the river Kuttiar at a
Latitude of 08°31 '30" N and Longitude of 77°20'22" E. The river has its source in
KachechapanMalai of Veerapuli Reserved Forest at an elevation of about 1500 m above MSL.
The capacity of the dam is 0.227 MCM (8 Mcft). The water collected in this Dam is diverted to
ChinnaKuttiar Dam (Weir) by means of a flume of length 710.18 in with a carrying capacity of
5.66 cumecs.
ChinnaKuttiar Dam
The ChinnaKuttiar Dam was constructed during the period 1973-1976 across the river
ChinnaKuttiar at a Latitude of 08°30'52" N and Longitude of 77°20'50" E. The river has its source
from Veerapuli Reserve Forest and KachechapanMalai at an elevation of about 1500 m above
MSL. The capacity of the dam is 2.776 MCM (98 Mcft). This dam also receives water from
Kuttiar Dam through a flume. The water thus collected from ChinnaKuttiar Dam and received
from its own catchment area is then pumped to a height of 33.53 m (110ft) with 2 numbers of 650
HP each, into Kodaiyar Dam I to augment the storage.
The ayacut details of channels in Kodaiyar system is given in Table-9.
Table-9: Ayacut Details of Channels in Kodaiyar system

Sl.No Name of Channel Reach Sluice Direct Indirect Total

No. Ayacut Ayacut Ayacut
Ha. Ha. Ha.
I. Anandanar Channel Head 1 to 25 1155.49.0 159.25.5 1314.74.5
1. L.S. 0 to 12000 m
Total 1155.49.0 159.25.5 1314.74.5
2. L.S. 12000 to 24000 m Middle 26 to 71 2615.48.0 591.04.5 3206.52.5
Total 2615.48 591.04.5 3206.52.5
3 a. A.K.Kal - 400 m Tail 07 Nos. 134.96.0 57.58.0 192.54.0
b. West kal – 3400 m 18 Nos. 228.94.0 85.22.5 314.16.5
c. KrishnankoilKal – 2200 m 14 Nos. 103.53.0 97.67.5 201.20.5
d. AsaripallamKal – 7000 m 15 Nos. 232.38.0 60.50.0 292.88.0
e. East Main Channel – 5600 m 08 Nos. 145.10.5 - 145.10.5
f. Karavilai Channel – 8000 m 21 Nos. 334.39.0 - 334.39.0
g. Athikadai Channel – 10,600 m 26 Nos. 352.23.5 109.71.0 461.94.5
h. Thengamputhoor Channel – 12 Nos. 253.41.5 83.83.0 337.24.5
3600 m
i. Kottar Channel – 3620 m 03 Nos. 99.71.5 82.06.5 181.78.0
j. Chambakulam Channel 22 Nos. 217.60.5 182.20.0 399.80.5
Total 2102.28.0 758.78.5 2861.06.0
II. Thovalai Channel Head 1 to 28 815.72.5 550.54.5 1366.27.0
1. L.S. 0 to 24000 m Total 815.72.5 550.54.5 1366.27.0
2. L.S. 24000 to 48800 m Middle 29 to 67 2169.90.0 857.30.5 3027.20.5
Total 2169.90.0 857.30.5 3027.20.5
3. M.M. Channel and Branch Tail -
Channel

a. West branch channel - 152.22.5 11.74 153.96.5

b. East major channel - 252.63.0 10.93 263.56.0

c. East minor channel - 93.11.5 50.60.5 143.72.0

d. Nilapparai channel - 428.74.5 285.42.5 714.17.0

e. Radhapuram channel - 6469.63.5 409.77.5 6879.41

Total 7396.36.0 768.47.5 8164.83.0
III. N.P.Channel Head - 542.24.0 664.05.0 1206.29.0
1. L.S. 0 to 12000 m Total 542.24.0 664.05.0 1206.29.0
2. L.S. 12000 to 24563 m Middle - 669.72.0 1503.04.0 2172.76.0
Total 669.72.0 1503.04.0 2172.76.0
3.a MettuKal Tail - 149.39.0 486.23.5 635.62.5
b. Regulator Kal - - 344.13 344.13.0
Total 149.39.0 830.36.5 979.75.6

IV Pazhayar Head - 769.62.5 197.44.0 967.06.5

1. 1stAnicut to 5thAnicut
(Verapukianicut, Kuttyanicut,
Pallikondananicut,
Chattuputhooranicut,
Chettithoppuanicut)
Total 769.62.5 197.44.0 967.06.5

2. 6th Anicut to 8thAnicut Middle - 2754.40.0 1698.01.0 4452.41.0

(Veerarayanamangalam,
Sabarianicut, Kumarianicut)
Total 2754.40.0 1698.01.0 4452.41.0
th th
3. 9 Anicut to 11 Anicut Tail - 927.10.0 - 927.10.0
(Chollanthittaianicut,
Pillaiparthananicut, Mission
Total 927.10.0 - 927.10.0
Anicut)
The command area map of Kodaiyar river basin is shown in Fig.
 Fig. Command area map of Kodaiyar river basin
Even though Kodaiyar basin is a small basin when compared to other basins of Tamilnadu,
the number of rainfed tanks in this basin is large and it is 1460.Out of the 1460 rainfed tanks, 55
tanks are maintained by PWD and the remaining 1405 tanks are maintained by the Panchayat
unions. Some of the tanks are like tiny ponds having ayacut even below 1 ha.Apart from this there
are 301 tanks with no ayacut. The total ayacut under minor Irrigation tanks maintained by
Panchayat Unions is 5180 ha. The details of tank under each taluks are given in Table-10.
Table-10: Taluk wise tank details of Kodaiyar basin
Sl. No. Name of Taluk No. of tanks
1 Vilavancode 922
2 Agastheeswaram 11
3 Kalkulam 436
4 Thovalai 91
Total 1460
Interbasin transfer of water - from Kodaiyar basin
1. Transfer through Thovalai Channel to Radhapuram canal under Hanumanadhi basin (tail
reach), There is transfer of water from Thovalai channel of Kodaiyar basin from its tail reach to
feed tail reach ayacut of Hanumanadhi sub basin of Kodaiyar Basin (But its ayacut is considered
under Kodaiyar main basin).
2. Transfer through Alathuraiyar to Hanumanadhi basin (head reach). There is transfer of water
from Alathuraiyar (a tributary of Pazhayar) to feed the head reach ayacut of Hanumanadhi sub
basin in Tirunelveli District.
Interbasin transfer of water - to Kodaiyar basin
Transfer through Madras main canal or Kanniyakumari canal. There is transfer of water
from Neyyar basin of Kerala state to Kodaiyar basin through Madras main canal.
Occurrence of groundwater in six sub basins of Kodaiyar River Basin
1. Valliyar Sub Basin
There are seven observation wells in this sub basin. The average winter water level varies
from 4.55m to 16.08m and the summer water level ranges from 6.63m to 19.75m below ground
level.
2. Perunchani Sub Basin
No observation well is present in this area, and there is no water demand for irrigation.
3. Pechiparai Sub Basin
No observation well exist in this sub-basin also. No details of bore well are also available
for this Sub-basin.
4. Pazhayar Sub Basin
This is the largest Sub-basin of Kodaiyar Basin.There are ten observation wells in this sub
basin. More depletion of Water is observed in Well No. 93054 owing to its proximity to Nagercoil
town. This well has been closed in the year 2009. In all other areas, the average winter water level
varies from 1.87m to 7.32m and the summer water level varies from 2.26m to 7.95m.
Radhapuram block is an over-exploited zone in this sub-basin.
5. Kuzhithuraiyar Sub Basin
This is the second largest Sub-basin of Kodaiyar Basin. There are four observation wells in
this sub basin. The winter water level varies from 6.50m to 13.58m and the summer water level
ranges from 7.21m to 14.13m below ground level.
6. Chittar Sub Basin
Two observation wells exist in this Sub-basin namely Well No.93035 (Kochuthuparai
Village of Tiruvattar block) and Well No.93047 (Mulucode Village of Melpuram block). The
winter water level ranges from 2.65m to 2.74m in the well No 93035 and the summer water level
ranges from 3.79m to 3.92m. With respect to well No 93047 the winter water level ranges from
9.67 m to 10.49 m and the summer water level ranges from 11.14 to 11.33 m below ground level.
The sharp variation of water levels may be due to the difference in elevation between them, MSL
of well No 93035 is +70.99m, MSL of well No 93047 is +92.92m.
Groundwater Potential in the Study Area
 The total available groundwater potential as on March 2013 is worked out as 239.59 Mcum
and the is shown in Table 11.

Table 11 – Ground Water Potential Calculation as

Mar 2013
Ground
Name of Area water
Net water
District covered potential
available
covered in % District
wise

Kanyakumari 100.00 23958.61 23958.61

Total 23958.61 Ha.m

239.5861 M.cum

PRESENT AND FUTURE WATER DEMANDS

Domestic water demand
Projected domestic water demand is given in Table-13.
Demand
Year Population
MLD MCM
Municipality 306989.00
Town
2010 120.99 44.16
panchayat 897352.00
Rural 763659.00
Municipality 352633.86
Town
2017 137.33 50.12
panchayat 1030775.38
Rural 835921.69
Municipality 374217.88
Town
2020 145.01 52.93
panchayat 1093867.08
Rural 868948.28
Municipality 456169.51
Town
2030 173.94 63.49
panchayat 1333417.87
Rural 988754.29
Municipality 556068.08
Town
2040 208.83 76.22
panchayat 1625428.94
Rural 1125078.53
Livestock Water Demand
The livestock water demand for Kodaiyar basin is presented in Table-14.
Table-14 Livestock Water Demand

Standard
Sl. Norms in Demand Demand Demand Demand Demand
No. Name lpcd 2017 2020 2030 2040 2050
1 Cattle 225 7.41 7.51 7.83 8.16 8.51
2 Buffalo 225 0.5 0.44 0.28 0.18 0.12
3 Bovine 100 3.58 3.58 3.58 3.58 3.58
4 Sheep 5 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
5 Goats 5 0.15 0.16 0.2 0.26 0.32
6 Ovine 110 2.32 2.32 2.32 2.32 2.32
Horses &
7 Ponies 100 0 0 0 0 0
8 Donkeys 25 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
9 Pigs 206 0.14 0.13 0.08 0.05 0.03
10 Dogs 20 0.377 0.377 0.377 0.377 0.377
11 Rabbits 10 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
12 Poultry 0.05 0.05 0.07 0.15 0.35 0.8
13 Duck 10 0.031 0.031 0.031 0.031 0.031
14 other birds 10 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002
Total 14.572 14.599 14.829 15.289 16.069
 Industrial water demand
At present in the Kodaiyar basin there are 44 numbers of large and medium industries and 1179 numbers of small scale industries. The norms for
water requirement as per the recommendations of industries department is 2500 Mcum / day / unit for large and medium industries and 2.5 Mcum /
day / unit for small scale industries. Accordingly, the yearly requirement of water for small scale industries during the year 2017 is calculated as 1.84
Mcum and for the large and medium scale industries is calculated as 68.44 Mcum. Hence, the total annual water requirement for industries in the
basin is 70.28 Mcum.
For forecasting the water demand of Industries for future years, a simple arithmetic increase of 8% per annum over the present requirement has been
adopted. The annual water demand for the Industries during the planning periods for each sub basin is given in Table-16.
Table-16: WATER DEMAND CALCULATION FOR SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE INDUSTRIES BASED ON INDUSTRY CENSUS AS TAKEN
FROM IWS
Average
2010 2017 2020 2030 2040 2050
Rate of
Water
Sl.
Type of industry consumption No. of
No.
as given in industry
IWS as per Water No. of Water No. of Water No. of Water No. of Water No. of Water
m3/day IWS Demand industry Demand industry Demand industry Demand industry Demand industry Demand
1 Small scale industry 2.5 1179 1.08 2021 1.84 2545 2.32 5495 5.01 11864 10.83 25613 23.37
Medium & large
2 scale industry 2500 44 40.15 75 68.44 95 86.69 205 187.06 443 404.24 956 872.35
Total Demand in
M.Cum 41.23 70.28 89.01 192.07 415.07 895.72
Power Generation (Hydro-Electric)
At present there are 2 Hydro power plants in Pechiparai Sub basin. The Kodaiyar power
house I is located below the upper Kodaiyar reservoir generating 60 MW power and the Kodaiyar
Power House II is located below the lower Kodaiyar reservoir generating 40 MW Power.
The Hydro power schemes proposed are:
1. Below Pechiparai Dam - 1.30 MW
2. Below Perunchani Dam - 1.30 MW
3. Paralayar above Perunchani Dam - 25 MW
One Atomic Power plant at Koodankulam in Tirunelveli district outside of this basin is
proposed considering to draw 10 MCM water from Perunchani dam by pipe line. The water
demand for power plant is given in Table-17 and the non water consumptive power plants are
given in Table-18.
Table-17: Power Plant Water Demand
Location Power Plant Year Annual Demand
Inside / Outside in MCM
Outside Koodankulam (Atomic) 2020 10.00
Outside Koodankulam (Atomic) 2045 10.00
Table-18: Non Water Consumptive Power Plants (Hydro)
Sub Basin Name of Power Plant Capacity (MW)
Existing
Pechiparai Kodaiyar Power House I 60
Kodaiyar Power House II 40
Proposed
Pechiparai Pechiparai Dam 1.3
Perunchani Perunchani Dam 1.3
Chittar Paralayar 25
The Hydropower plants are non water consumptive. However the Water required for
power generation are estimated assuming 2 MCM of water required per MW of power generation
in hilly area and 20 MCM per MW in Plain area.
WATER BALANCING
Water balancing for Kodaiyar river basin at 75% dependability which includes water potential, demand and deficitfor the projected years are
given in Table-.
Table-: Water Balancing for Kodaiyar River Basin at 75% dependability

Total demand of water in various sectors Mcm Water availabilty in Mcm

Area of the No. of

Sl. Name of Year
basin Sub Gap
No the basin Quantity
(in Sq.Km) basins
of Quantity
Surface Ground
Live recycled of water
Irrigation Domestics Industries Others Total water water Total
Stock water from
potential potential
from desilting
Sewage
2010 728.00 44.16 41.23 0 813.39 916.00 239.59 --- 62.27 1217.86 404.46
2017 728.00 50.12 70.28 14.57 0 862.98 916.00 239.59 --- --- 1155.59 292.61
1 Kodaiyar 1646.964 6 2020 728.00 52.93 89.01 14.60 0 884.54 916.00 239.59 --- --- 1155.59 271.05
2030 728.00 63.49 192.07 14.83 0 998.39 916.00 239.59 --- --- 1155.59 157.20
2040 728.00 76.22 415.07 15.29 0 1234.58 916.00 239.59 --- --- 1155.59 -79.00