Karnataka Geography Prelims

KARNATAKA GEOGRAPHY KPSC EXAMS
BANGALORE IAS Academy
NAMMAKPSC ACADEMY Hebbal | Vijayanagar 1


TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................6
EVOLUTION OF KARNATAKA................................................................................................................... 6
TOWARDS UNIFICATION OF KARNATAKA ........................................................................................ 8
LOCATION, SIZE AND EXTENT......................................................................................................................... 11
THE ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF KARNATAKA ................................................................................. 12
GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICAL FEATURES OF KARNATAKA ......................................... 17
GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF KARNATAKA ....................................................................................................... 17
CLASSES OF ROCKS IN KARNATAKA BASED ON AGE ................................................................. 23
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS IN KARNATAKA .............................................................. 24
GEOPHYSICAL FEATURES OF KARNATAKA ................................................................................... 25
GEO-HERITAGE SITES OF KARNATAKA........................................................................................................ 34
CLIMATE OF KARNATAKA ..................................................................................................... 38
INTRODCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 38
FACTORS DETERMINING THE CLIMATE OF KARNATAKA...................................................................... 38
SEASONS OF KARNATAKA ...................................................................................................................... 39
THE SOUTH WEST MONSOON SEASON ............................................................................................ 42

MONSOON RAINFALL IN KARNATAKA – RAIN SHADOW AND DISTRIBUTION ............. 43
THE RETREATING MONSOON SEASON ............................................................................................ 45
WINTER SEASON ........................................................................................................................................ 46
METEOROLOGICAL REGIONS OF KARNATAKA – THE KOPPEN’S CLASSIFICATION ... 47
DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF KARNATAKA ................................................................................. 52
RIVER SYSTEMS OF KARNTAKA .......................................................................................................... 53
MAJOR RIVER BASINS OF KARNATAKA............................................................................................ 55
THE KRISHNA RIVER BASIN .................................................................................................................. 55
THE CAUVERY RIVER BASIN.................................................................................................................. 60
GODAVARI RIVER BASIN ......................................................................................................................... 66
PENNAR RIVER BASIN (NORTH & SOUTH) ..................................................................................... 68
PALAR RIVER BASIN.................................................................................................................................. 69
WEST FLOWING RIVERS.......................................................................................................................... 70
NATURAL VEGETATION OF KARNATAKA ......................................................................... 76
NATURAL VEGETATION OF KARNATAKA....................................................................................... 76
DISTRIBUTION OF FORESTS IN KARNATAKA ............................................................................... 80
PROTECDTED AREAS IN KARNATAKA ............................................................................................. 83
ANIMAL CONSERVATION IN KARNATAKA ..................................................................................... 96
KARNATAKA STATE GOVERNMENT SCHEMES TO PROTECT FORESTS ........................... 97
BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITE ................................................................................................................... 101
SOILS OF KARNATAKA .........................................................................................................104
FACTORS AFFECTING FORMATION OF SOIL............................................................................................... 104
SOILS OF KARNATAKA .......................................................................................................................... 104
SOIL CONSERVATION IN KARNATAKA: ...................................................................................................... 106

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KARNATAKA GEOGRAPHY
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Chapter – 1
INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
EVOLUTION OF KARNATAKA
• Karnataka's pre-history goes back to a paleolithic culture. Archaeologists have discovered,
among other things, hand axes and cleavers in the region belonging to Palaeolithic period.
• Evidence of neolithic and megalithic cultures have also been found in the state.
• Gold discovered in Harappa was found to be imported from mines in Karnataka,
prompting scholars to hypothesise about contacts between ancient Karnataka and the
Indus Valley civilisation
• Many Literary sources speak about the long history of Karnataka. For example, the 9th
century work ‘Kavirajamarga’ talks of the land between Cauvery and Godavari as
Kannada-nadu
• The decline of Satavahana power led to the rise of the earliest native kingdoms, the
Kadambas and the Western Gangas, marking the region's emergence as an independent
political entity. These were also the first kingdoms to use Kannada in administration, as
evidenced by the Halmidi inscription and a fifth-century copper coin discovered at
Banavasi
• Following them, Karnataka state was subjected to rule by various kingdoms starting from

Rashtakutas to Wodeyars of Mysore. (For Karnataka History – refer NammaKPSC
Karnataka History Text Book)
• After the fall of Tippu Sultan in the fourth Anglo-Mysuru war in 1799, the princely state
of Mysuru was handed over the royal family on Mysuru Wodeyars but it was under the
control of British through a resident
• Later many parts of the present Karnataka came under British rule in different periods.
• The present-day Karnataka was under the different
administrative control:
1. The Mysuru state: The Kingdom of Mysore was
one of the three largest princely states in British
India. Upon India's independence in 1947,
Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar signed
the instrument of accession, incorporating his
realm with the Union of India, on 15 August
1947.
2. The Bombay Presidency: During the British Raj,
portions of the western coast of India under
direct British rule were part of the Bombay
Presidency. In 1937, the Bombay Presidency
became a province of British India. After India
gained independence in 1947, Bombay
Presidency became part of India, and Sind
province became part of Pakistan. The territory
retained by India was restructured into Bombay
State. Bijapur, Belgaum, Dharwar and North Kanara (of present-day Karnataka) was
part of Bombay Presidency.

3. The Madras Presidency: The Presidency of Fort St. George, also known as Madras
Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India. At its greatest extent,
the presidency included most of southern India, including the whole of Tamil Nadu,
Andhra state and some parts of
Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha and
the union territory of
Lakshadweep. Bellary district
(which was 1st made part of
Andra state and then Mysore)
and South Canara were part of
Madras presidency
4. The Hyderabad state: The state
was ruled from 1724 to 1857 by
the Nizam, who was initially a
viceroy of the Mughal empire in
the Deccan. Hyderabad
gradually became the first
princely state to come under
British paramountcy signing a

subsidiary alliance agreement.
The dynasty declared itself an
independent monarchy during the
final years of the British Raj. After the Partition of India, Hyderabad signed a
standstill agreement with the new dominion of India. Operation Polo was the code
name of the military operation conducted on September 1948, by which
Hyderabad State was annexed into the Indian Union. Koppal, Raichur, Kalaburagi
and Bidar districts was part of Hyderabad state.
5. Coorg Province/state: Coorg Province was a province of British India from 1834 to
1947 and the Dominion of India from 1947 to 1950. Mercara was the capital of the
province. It was administered by a commissioner and later, Chief Commissioner
appointed by the Government of India. Coorg Province became a Part-C state of
the Indian Union when the Republic of India was inaugurated on 26 January 1950
up to 1st November 1956.
• The present-day state came into existence only after the States Reorganisation Act on 1
November 1956, when the Kannada-speaking districts of Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwar, and
North Canara were transferred from Bombay State to Mysore State. Bellary district and
South Canara was transferred from Madras State and Koppal, Raichur, Kalaburagi and
Bidar districts from Hyderabad State. Also, the Coorg State was merged, becoming a
district in Mysore State.
• It was called Mysuru State after its creation
• It was renamed ‘Karnataka’ on 1st November 1973
Q. Write a short note on the formation of Karnataka state.

Now know this…

Who was the 1st Chief minister of Mysore state: K.C. Reddy
Who was the 1st and the only chief minister of Coorg State: C. M. Poonacha
Who was the chief minister of Mysore state following the state's reorganisation: S.
Nijalingappa
Who was the Chief minister when Mysuru state was renamed Karnataka: D.Devaraja Urs
PRE INDEPENDENCE-THE STATE OF MYSURU

• The Princely State of Mysuru came into existence in 1799 after the fall of Tipu Sultan
• The British restored the Wodeyars to their throne by way of a subsidiary alliance and the
diminished Mysore was transformed into a princely state.
• Following the Nagar revolt (a civil insurrection) Princely state came under direct British
rule in 1831
• For the next fifty years, Mysore passed under the rule of successive British Commissioners
• Later the Privy Council of the United Kingdom ordered the reversal of the British East India
Company's decision to annexe Mysore. By the Rendition Act of 1881, the princely state of
Mysore was reconstituted and restored to the Wadiyar dynasty. Chamarajendra Wadiyar

X was officially handed the reins of governance on 25 March 1881.
• The Mysore state was divided into eight districts – Bangalore, Chitradurga, Hassan,
Kadur, Kolar, Mysore, Shimoga, and Tumkur
• Mandya district was formed as the 9th district in 1939 with the division of Mysuru district
with 8 taluks.
• Thus, before independence of the old Mysuru state consisted only of 9 districts.
TOWARDS UNIFICATION OF KARNATAKA

• The efforts of unification began in 1913, Karnataka Vidyavardaka Sangha which was
established in 1890 at Dharawada for the promotion of Kannada Language, literature and
culture took the lead.
• In 1915, Karnataka Sahithya Parishat was established at Bengaluru
under the patronage of Mysuru rulers.
• Karnataka Ekikarana Sabha was founded at Dharwada in 1916. This
organization further pushed the idea of unification of Karnataka.
• The Karnataka Unification Conference was held at Belagavi in 1924
in the same venue where Belagavi Congress meeting was also held
which was presided by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Kannada Anthem ‘Udayavagali namma Cheluvina Kannada Nadu’
was composed and sung by Huilgol Narayana Rao in the Congress
meeting.
• Bombay and Madras Legislatures also passed resolution for the
formation of Karnataka State.
• The Indian National Congress also supported the cause for the formation of Andhra and
Karnataka states based on languages

• At the time of independence the areas of Karnataka were scattered in almost 20 different
administrative setups. After independence all these were brought under 5 administrative
rules units which were later unified to form the State of Mysuru.
• After independence Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1953 as the first linguistic state on
India. With this Bellary district was added to Mysuru
• Further Dakshina Kannada district and Kollegal taluk of Madras state were given to newly
formed Karnataka state.
• At the time of state reorganization
Belagavi, Vijapura, Dharwad and Uttara
Kannada Districts of Bombay presidency
were added to the Karnataka State.
• From Hyderabad state Bidar, Kalburgi
and Raichur were added to Karnataka.
• Lastly, the state of Coorg, which was
separate kingdom was annexed to the
new Mysuru state.
• At the end, the state reorganization
committee headed by Fazl Ali, and members K.M.Panikkar and Kunzu recommended for

the formation of linguistic states
• As a result, the new state was born on 1956 and it was called as Mysuru Sate which was
later renamed as Karnataka on 1st November 1973
Discuss the role of Aluru Venkata Rayaru in Unification of Karnataka (150 words)
ALURU VENKATA RAYARU

• Aluru Venkata Rayaru was a leader of the Karnataka
Ekikarana movement
• Aims of the movement - Fighting for a separate state
encompassing all Kannada speaking areas of Mysore, Bombay
Presidency and Nizam's Hyderabad.
• Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha which was established in
1890, the movement took a dramatic turn with the arrival of
Aluru Venkata Rayaru.
• Notable was the publication of Aluru's magnum opus, Karnataka
Gatha Vaibhava in 1912.
• Such was the impact of this work that he came to be known as the Kannada Kula
Purohita or the 'High priest of the Kannada kula(family) '
• Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava:
§ Literally means The glory that was Karnataka
§ Book that recounted in great detail the glorious history that had been Karnataka's
until the Marathas, Nizam and the British took over
§ This made People rally around the Ekikarana movement, which picked up
momentum
The book received its ideas as a result of Alurus visit to Anegundi. Whereas Bengalis could
not tolerate one division of their motherland, how could Kannadigas afford to be so

apathetic to their mother land being divided into five zones? This was the painful reflection
of young Alur
§ Vast ruins of Hampi provided Alur a clear vision about his future course of action.
The greatness of Vijayanagara empire and glory of Kannada valour which spread
beyond Maharashtra in earlier age, prompted him to awaken Kannada people of
his region, who were still wallowing in the ‘hangover’ of Peshwai Maratha rule
§ Thus ‘Karnataka Gatavaibhava’ was Born
§ It is a masterpiece bringing out contribution of all Karnataka dynasties enriching
Indian culture by conquests, constructing great temples and monuments,
promoting trade and commerce, encouraging learning, promoting literature, etc.
• It took 13 years to collect material from inscriptions, coins, and old manuscripts to
write this book, which made history.
• He met like-minded people scattered in all the five areas specified earlier. In between he
was imprisoned and his license to practice as pleader was cancelled. This made Alur
devote himself completely for unification of Karnataka.
• Finally, fifty years of his mission bore fruit. Kannada speaking land became one under the
name of Mysore State (1956).

Provinces Area in
Sq.Km.
i. The old Mysuru state with nine districts and the Bellary district 86,273
transferred from Andhra Pradesh
ii. Areas transferred from Bombay presidency Belagavi, Vijapura, 54,464
Dharwad and Uttar Kannada district
iii. Areas transferred from Hyderabad state Bidar, Kalburgi (Except 35,687
Kodangal and Tandur taluks) and Raichur (Expect Alampur and Gadwal
taulks).
iv. Areas transferred from Madras presidency Dakshina Kannada district 11,223
(Expect Amindivi island) and Kollegala taluk of Coimbatore district.
v. The Coorg Princely state. 4,100
Total 1,91,757
There is no change in the area of the state since 1961, except for the transfer of a small
area of 0.03 Sq.km of Abakavaripally in Bagepalli taluk of Kolar district to Andhra Pradesh.

Did you know?
• In 1956 Kasaragod taluk was a part of South Canara district of Madras state. The
common people of Kasaragod as well as the people from South Canara used Kannada
for writing and official purposes. South Canara was added to Karnataka. But, a part of
South Canara, ie., Kasaragod Taluk was separated from the South Canara District and
added to Kerala
• In 1967, The central government of India appointment Mahajan commission to solve
these kind of border issues. It prepared the report and according to that report the
parts of Kasaragod District above the Chandragiri River must be added to Karnataka.
Even now it is not implemented
Location, size and extent

LOCATION • Part of Deccan Plateau
• Larger part belongs to the Mysuru Plateau
• Also consists part of Maharashtra Plateau in the north
BORDERS • Maharashtra in the North

• Telangana, Andhra Pradesh in the east
• Tamil Nadu in the South and South east
• Kerala in the Southwest
• Goa in the northwest
• In the west by the Arabian sea
LATITUDE 11°31 to 18° 45’N latitudes (latitudinal extent of 7°14’)

LONGITUDE 74° E and 78°30' E longitudes (longitudinal extent of 4°28’)
EXTREMETIES • The extreme north is Bidar district
• The Moyar River forms the southern boundary between Gundlupet
taluk of Chamarajanagara district and Udagamandalam district of
Tamilnadu.
• Karawara of Uttar Kannada district lies in the extreme west
• Mulabagilu taluk of Kolar district is in the extreme east
• From north to south it is about 750kms long
AREA • Total land area of 191,791 km²
• 5.843 percent of the total geographical area of the country
• Sixth in terms of area
POPULATION • According to 2011 census the total population of the state is 61,130704
or 61.1 million.
• In terms of population the state ranks Eighth in the country

Did you know?

ü A enclave is a land of a state located in other state
ü Karnataka has two ‘enclaves’ completely separated from the main land.
ü These are Damne village of Belagavi located in Maharastra and Mukhed (Manya Kheda)
of Aurad taluk, Bidar district also lies in Maharasta.
ü Similarly Pavadaga taluk of Tumakuru district is a pene enclave which has a narrow zone
connected with the mainland
The administrative structure of Karnataka

REGIONAL DIVISIONS:
THE STATE IS DIVIDED IN TO FOUR REGIONAL DIVISIONS EACH ONE HEADED BY A DIVISIONAL
COMMISSIONER. THE FOUR DIVISIONS OF THE STATE ARE:
1. Bengaluru Division
• Districts - Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural,
Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Davanagere,

Kolar, Ramanagara, Shimoga, and Tumakuru.
Administrative headquarters - Bengaluru
• The total area of the division is 49,936 sq.km
• The total population as of 2011 census is
22,523,301
2. Mysuru division
• Districts - Chamarajanagar, Chikmagalur,
Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Kodagu, Mandya,
Mysore and Udupi
• City of Mysore is the administrative
headquarters of the division
• The total population as of 2011 census is
12,563,598
3. Kitturu(Belagavi) division
• Districts - Bagalkot, Belgavi, Vijaypura, Dharwad , Gadag , Haveri , Uttara Kannada
• Covers a geographical area of 44,538 square kilometres (17,196 sq mi) and had a
population of 13,499,721 at the 2011 census.
4. Kalyana Karnataka (Kalburgi) division
• Formerly known as Gulbarga division
• Districts: Bellary, Bidar , Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Yadgir , Vijayanagar
• It was the southwestern part of the former princely state of Hyderabad State
• Kalaburagi is the headquarters of Kalaburagi division
• The total population as of 2011 census is 11,215,224
These divisions were abolished in 2003 as part of administrative reforms but started once
again as regions with a regional commissioner.
Districts:
• The state is divided into 31 districts. Each district is headed by District commissioner
• Initially, at the time of reorganization the state consisted only 19 districts.
• Bengaluru urban district was formed in 1986 increasing the number of districts to 20.
• Further, in 1997-1988 a major district reorganization was made during the period of Sri.
J.H. Patel, as Chief minister creating seven more new districts.
§ Dakshina Kannada was divided to form Udupi district.
§ Chamarajanagar was separated from Mysuru district which was a pending demand
of the people.
§ Koppal district was formed bifurcating Raichur district.
§ Bagalkote was formed dividing Vijapaura district
§ Gadag and Haveri were separated from Dharawada.
§ Davangere district was created from Chitradurga, Shivamogga and Ballari.

• In 2007, Ramanagara and Chikkaballapura were formed during the Chief Minstership of
Sri. H.D.Kumaraswamy. Ramanagara district was formed dividing the Bengaluru rural
district. Chikkaballapur district was separated from Kolar district.
• In 2010 Yadgir district was carved out of Kalaburagi district
• Vijayanagara district was carved out of Bellary district officially on 2 October 2021 to
become the 31st district of the state with Hosapete as district headquarters.
Did you know?
Currently there are demands to carve out the following district:
• Chikkodi and Gokak from Belagavi
• Tipaturu and Madhugiri from Tumakuru
• Sirsi from Uttara Kannada
• Putturu from Dakshina Kannada
• Hunasuru from Mysuru
• Jamakhandi from Bagalkote
• Indi from Vijayapura
• Sedam from Kalaburagi
• Sindhanuru from Raichuru
Belagavi is the largest district in size and Bengaluru Urban district is the smallest district
in size.
Most populated district – Bangalore Urban and least populated – Kodagu

Taluks
• There are around 227 taluks in Karnataka
• The smallest taluk in Karnataka is Yelandur, while the Kankapura Taluk is the biggest.
• Belgaum (Belgavi) has the most Taluks (15) in Karnataka
• Manki, Honnavar is the biggest village due to its forest and mountains
Did you know?

There are nearly 3351 Tandas of Lambani and Banjara communities. These were the
migratory communities, recently settled in some locations. These were not included
under revenue category and they are lacking of even basic amenities and
developments. Hence committee was appointed headed by K.Narasimhaiah, which
had recommended for the converting tandas into revenue villages and it was accepted
by the government. About 284 Tandas are considered for converting into revenue
villages.
Panchayats

• Administered through Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993
• Incharge - Rural Development and Panchayat Raj
• Panchayat Raj in Karnataka have a three-tier structural constitution:
o Zilla Panchayats at the district level
o Taluka Panchayats at the sub-district level
o Gram Panchayats at the village level
• There are 30 Zilla Panchayats, 176 Taluk Panchayats, and 5,659 Grama Panchayats in the
state
• The government had constituted a committee headed by S.G.Nanjayya Mutt to look into
Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act 1993 in 2014 which recommended for the
o Formation of 439 New Gram Panchayats, increasing the total number New
Gram Panchayats into 669
o Dividing the panchayats into two categories namely Malnad and Maidan region
panchayats
o Fixed minimum population of Gram Panchayats, in the Malnad from 250 to
5000, while in the maidan region it is from 5000 to 7000. In case, the population
is less than 25 it can be considered as special case
o In case where the population is more than 7000, they will be continued as
panchayats, but the panchayats with more than 1500 will be converted into
town panchayats.

Urban Local Body
• According to 2011 census of India, Karnataka has about 39.6% of total population living
in urbanized areas
• Considering the demography, they are further classified into the following categories
à
o Municipal corporations (urban areas with a population of more than one
million)
o Municipalities
o Town panchayat
• At present there are 11 Municipal Corporations, 59 City Municipal Councils, 116
Town Municipal Councils and 97 Town / Pattana Panchayats in Karnataka.
• They are regulated by Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act 1976
• The 11 City Corporations are à Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Huballi- Dharawada,
Davangagere, Bellary, Kalburgi, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Shivamogga and Vijayapura.
Q. Describe the administrative structure of Karnataka in brief.

Prelims Practice Questions
1.In which period did Karnataka's pre- 4.Which kingdom was the first to use
history trace back to base on the Kannada in administration, as evidenced
discovery of hand axes and cleavers? by the Halmidi inscription?
a) Paleolithic culture a) Western Gangas
b) Neolithic culture b) Kadambas
c) Harappan culture c) Rashtrakutas
d) Indus Valley culture d) Chalukyas
2.The literary work 'Kavirajamarga' 5.What is the name of the anthem

describes the region between which composed for Karnataka during the
rivers as Kannada-nadu? Karnataka Unification Conference?
a) Ganges and Brahmaputra a) 'Udayavagali namma Cheluvina
b) Krishna and Tungabhadra Kannada Nadu'
c) Cauvery and Godavari b) 'Vande Mataram'
d) Yamuna and Sutlej c) 'Jana Gana Mana'
d) 'Saare Jahan se Accha'
3.What marked the emergence of
Karnataka as an independent political Answers:
entity? 1. a) Paleolithic culture
a) Rise of the Satavahanas 2. c) Cauvery and Godavari
b) Decline of the Western Gangas 3. d) Decline of Satavahana power
c) Rule of the Kadambas 4. b) Kadambas
d) Decline of Satavahana power 5. a) 'Udayavagali namma Cheluvina
Kannada Nadu'

CHAPTER 2
GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICAL

FEATURES OF KARNATAKA

GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICAL

FEATURES OF KARNATAKA
The chapter deals with the study of
o Geological History of Karnataka
o Relief features (characteristics that are related to the landscape of Karnataka)
SOME IMPORTANT GEOGRAPHIC FACTS REGARDING KARNATAKA
Karnataka is broadly divided into 3 physiographic divisions
o The Coastal Plains
o The Malnad
o The Eastern Maidan Region or Bayalu Seeme
General Elevation of the state 300-1500 meters from the mean sea level
Highest Point Mullaiyyangiri (1913 meters from the mean sea
level)
Lowest Point Bhimeswar valley in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga
(86 meters from the mean sea level)
Geological History of Karnataka

Karnataka consists of four main types of geological formations
Note: The geological history of Karnataka is largely conﬁned to the two oldest eras - the
Archaean and the Proterozoic
Q. Write a short note on the Geological history of Karnataka
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Think back… basics:
In order the understand this topic, here we have given some basic understanding of earth
history and term that you need to be aware of.
Geological Time Scale: Chronological dating of various geological formations (Geological
strata) and life according to their time and place of origin, evolution, and extinction.
“Giovanni Ardunia developed Geological Time Scale in 1760”. Standard Geological Time
Scale developed in International Geological Congress held in 1881, Italy. The Indian
Geological Time Scale, advocated by T.S. Holland.
THE

ARCHEAN COMPLEX
• Made up of Dharwar schists and Archean granitic gneisses
Archean Granitic Gneisses belt
• Oldest formation - covering about 60% of the State area [pre-Cambrian era]
[formed about 4 billion years ago].
• Rocks formed due to solidification of molten magma. It is Known as the ‘Basement
Complex’
• Unfossiliferous (Not containing fossils), crystalline, contrasted and faulted rocks
• Chief rocks are gneisses, granites and charnockite
• Cover larger areas from southern boundary upto Belgaum and Raichur in the North
• Classified into Champion, Peninsular, Nilgiri and Bellary Gneisses
The Dharwad schist belt
• Consists of Proterozoic alternate with the Archean crystalline rocks
• Both igneous and altered sedimentary are found in 8 well-defined bands running
in south-easterly direction
• Known for their mineral ores
• Composed of rocks like à dolomite, limestone, gabbro, quartzite, pyroxenite,
manganese and iron ores and metabasalt

THE PROTEROZOIC NON-FOSSILIFEROUS SEDIMENTARY FORMATIONS
• Northern districts of Karnataka have two Proterozoic non fossiliferous sedimentary
formations
1. Kaladgi series: It has horizontal rocks that run 160 km through Belgaum,
Raichur, Dharwar, Bijapur districts and extend into parts of Maharashtra
2. Bhima series: It occurs in the Northeast of the Kaladgi series on either side of
the Bhima River
• The rocks are horizontal consisting of non- fossiliferous sandstone, limestone and
shales and are distributed mainly in Gulbarga and Bijapur districts
• Deposits of Uranium are also found in Bhima Basin, Kaladgi Basin and Cuddapah Basin.
THE DECCAN TRAP AND INTERTRAPPEAN DEPOSITS
• A thick succession of (3200 metres) late Cretaceous basaltic lava flows known as the
Deccan Traps
• It represents one of the largest accumulations of basaltic continental lava covering an
area of 500,000 km2
• This landform mostly consists of greyish to black augite-basalt
• These (the Deccan Traps) might be considered Peninsular India’s most widespread
geological formations after the Archean Rocks.
• It occurs in Bidar, Belgaum, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Hassan, Kodagu,
Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts and extends into Maharashtra

THE TERTIARY AND RECENT LATERITES AND ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS
LATERITES
• Laterite deposits are seen over the Deccan Trap, which started forming at the
cessation of Deccan volcanic activity in the early tertiary period
• It is more recent and is found on the coast as well as in several districts of Deccan
Plateau
• How was it formed? It is a result of sub-ariel weathering and leaching action in
different rocks during monsoon in conditions of excessive wetting followed by
dryness
• Distribution: Belgaum, Bellary, Chikmagalur and Hassan districts
Laterite: Laterite is both a soil and a rock type. It rich in iron and aluminium and is commonly
considered to have formed in hot and wet tropical areas. It is rusty-red because of high iron
oxide content. They develop by intensive and prolonged weathering of the underlying
parent rock, usually when there are conditions of high temperatures and heavy rainfall with
alternate wet and dry periods.
ALLUVIUM
• It consist of the coastal alluvium and is very recent occurrence
• Formed by weather and deposition of laterite rock and other sedimentary rock by

rivers and sea lake
• Location: The narrow coastal belt, between the coastline and the Western Ghats
• The coastal districts of Karnataka like Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara
Kannada have this type of soil.
• This soil consists of sand and clay.
• It is very rich in organic nutrients.
• Paddy, cashew, coconut, arecanut, banana and other crops grow well in this type
of soil.
-TIME TO THINK-
Karnataka has a table land geography
ü 48.81 percent of the total area of the state has an elevation of more than 600 meters.
ü The plains with an elevation of less than 150 meters is only 5.16 percent of the total area
of the state.
ü Thus, larger part of the state is typical table land dissected by traversing several rivers
rising mainly from the Sahyadris



CLASSES OF ROCKS IN KARNATAKA BASED ON AGE
The geological history of Karnataka is largely conﬁned to the two oldest eras - the Archaean
and the Proterozoic. The bulk of the rocks of Karnataka are Archaean in age. Some classes
of rocks found in Karnataka based on age are given below:
What is a supracrustal rock?
Rocks that were deposited on the existing
Ancient basement rocks of the crust
How old are the rocks in Karnataka?
supracrustal 3,400 million years(Oldest rocks dated in
rocks Karnataka)
• Common type found - Group of grey gneisses
• Example - Sargur schists
What is a Auriferous rock?
Rocks with gold minerals
How old are these rocks in Karnataka?
3,400 to 3,000 million years old
Auriferous
• Type - Basic igneous rocks that are
Schist Belts • Locations - Well developed in the eastern
part of the State

• Common examples - Schist belt with gold minerals (AURIFEROUS)
• Common feature - Older gneiss form basement for schists
Younger • Age -2,700 to 2,000 million years
• Location - Found in the eastern parts of the State
Gneiss • Common Examples - Group of gneissic rocks mostly of
complex granodioritic and granitic composition
• Age - Archaean in age - 2,900 to 2,600 million
Younger years
Schist Belts Examples -
(Dharwar • Prominent schistose rocks
type) • Two main divisions in this super group are
Bababudan and Chitradurga.
• Age - 2,600 million years
• Location - Extends in north-south directions
Younger as a narrow belt 50 km
(Closepet) • Features - Wide Complex of coarse to
Granites medium pink and grey granites
• Examples - Isolated masses of granites like
those of Chitradurga, Arasikere, and Banavara

UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS IN KARNATAKA
Following are the examples of Few unique geological formations in Karnataka
Peninsular Gneissic Complex rock at Lalbagh
• What is Peninsular Gneiss - Term coined to highlight the
older gneissic complex of the metamorphics found all
over the Indian Peninsula (By W.F.Smeeth)
• How old are these rocks – Belongs to Precambrian rocks
of India - dated 2.5 to 3.4 billion years
• Lalbagh rocks – Best exposures of Peninsular Gneiss,
protruding high above the ground as a hillock
• Declared it as a National Geological Monument to propagate the knowledge of the
rock formation
• It has dark biolite gneiss of granitic to granodioritic composition containing streaks of
biolite
Columnar basalts of St. Mary’s Islands
• Where is St. Mary's Islands - set of four small islands
in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi
• What is the Island famous for - Columnar basaltic lava

• How are these columnar rocks formed – Volacnic
Eruptions which was caused by movement of India
over Madagascar Island
• What are the features of these rocks
o Formations of basalts of Deccan Traps
o Exhibit range of hexagonal shaped or multi-faced (polygonal) columns split
into a horizontal mosaic. In geological terms these are called "columnar
joints"
o The lava rocks form regular five, six or seven-sided pillars found in varying
heights in all the islands; the tallest of the columns is about 6 m
• Considering the importance and rarity of such an occurrence, these islands were
classified as a National Geological Monument in 2001 by the Geological Survey of India
Yana
Where is Yana - Located in forests of Uttara Kannada in Karnataka
• What is it known for - unusual karst rock formations
• What is a Karst Rock - Karst is a topography formed from the
dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and
gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with
sinkholes and caves

GEOPHYSICAL FEATURES OF KARNATAKA
Based on the relief features, Karnataka is divided into three well marked physiographic
regions
PHYSICAL DIVISONS
OF KARNATAKA
Coastal Maidan
Malnad
Plains Region
Northern
Maidan
Southern
Know your basics:
WHAT ARE RELIEF FEATURES Maidan

– The characteristics that are
related to the landscape of
specific areas
WHAT IS A PHYSIOGRAPHIC
REGION – Unique Region
defined by relief features
COASTAL PLAINS
THE KARNATAKA KARAVALI
• Coastal strip of Karnataka between Arabian sea and
the Sahyadri mountain range (Western Ghats)
• Forms the Western most part of the state of Karnataka
• Named Canara (also Kanara) by European traders
GEOGRAPHY OF KARNATAKA COAST

How is the coast Breakup of the Indian subcontinent from that of Africa and down
Formed faulting during cretaceous period
Width • 13 kms in the North
• 50-60 kms in the South
Average height Less than 20 meters from the mean sea level
Area 4,000 square miles (10,000 square km)
Important rivers • Kali, Gangavali, Bedti, Tadri, Sharavati, and Netravati
• Flow in a westerly direction
Soils • Alluvial soils occur in the south
• Rest of the coast has infertile red soils that are often gravelly
and sandy

Features • Transitional zone between the Konkan coast in the north and
the plains of Malabar Coast in the south coast - has both the
features of adjoining coastal regions
• Has both submergence and emergence features.
• Erosional plain - Due to swift short west flowing rivers ( wave
cut platform )
• Sandy, and in places rocky cliffs overhang the sea
• Rivers have carved out narrow valleys with steep gradients
Ports • Karwar, Kumta, Honavar, Malpe , Mangaluru
• Mangaluru and Karwar have been developed as deepwater
ports for the export of mineral ores
Zones of the coastal plain:

o Along the shore line there is a narrow belt of recent deposits. It is characterized with
Sand dunes, estuarine mud and valley plains. This zone is almost flat and the elevation is
less than 3 meters.
o East of the coastal low land, there is a parallel zone. It is an erosional platform and it
extends upto 60 meters of elevation. It is about 25 km wide in the south. It is deeply

dissected and steep valleys are formed by the west flowing streams. Usually a cliff mars
the slope between the western recent deposits and the eastern erosional platform.
o Further east the coastal plains consists of group of low hills. The elevations range
between 90 to 300 meters
NOTE
• Emergent coasts are a result of local tectonic uplift of the land surface or a fall in the
elevation of sea level because of a reduction in the water volume of ocean basins
• Submergent Coasts are those that have been flooded by ocean waters because of a
relative rise in the elevation of sea level at that location.
OTHER FEATURES OF KARNATAKA COAST

BEACHES WHAT IS A BEACH?
Features of Beaches in Karnataka Geological landform
• Palm-fringed beaches along the shoreline of an
• Beaches ocean, sea, lake or a river
o South of Bhatkal is ‘Straight without headlands’ WHAT IS HEADLAND?
o North of Bhatkal, are ‘crescent’ shaped (shape of
moon), formed between headlands and estuaries Also known as a head, is
o Around Someshwar, Surtkal and Baindur are cliffed a coastal landform, a
point of land usually high
and often with a sheer
drop, that extends into a
body of water

FAMOUS BEACHES IN KARNATAKA
OM BEACH MARAVANTE BEACH
• Unique combination of sea and river on each side
• Famous beach in Gokarna of a highway is hard to find elsewhere and is said
• Very good example for crescent type to be the only one in India
• Beach resembles the word Om • Best example for straight beach without headlands
ESTUARIES
• WHAT IS AN ESTUARY - Area where a freshwater

river or stream meets the ocean
• Estuaries in Karnataka - Netravati-Gurpur,
Gangolli, Hangarkatta, Sharavthi, Aganashini,
Gangavali and Kalinadi
• Aghanashini estuary
o Southern bank of Aghanashini River in the
Kumta taluka of Uttar Kannada district
o Famous for mangroves
SANDBARS
• Submerged or partly exposed ridge of sand or coarse sediment that is built by waves
offshore from a beach
• Sand bars have developed in most of the estuaries
SPIT
• WHAT IS A SPIT –
o Stretch of beach material that projects out to the sea
o Connected to the mainland at one end
• Spits in Karnataka is Confined to the southern part of the coast
• Famous - Honnavar (gently curved), Malpe (hook shaped), Kumta,
Ullal beach , North of Mangaluru
ISLANDS
• ISLANDS IN KARNATAKA - Kanjigudda, Kurmaada island,
Devgada, Mogeraguda and Anjidiv off Karwar,
Basavarayanardurga off Honnavar, Pigeon, Keerekund and
Hog islands off Bhatkal, Coconut Island, Saint Mary’s Island,
Dariya Bhadurgarh & South Island near Malpe

TOMBOLO
• WHAT IS A TOMBOLO - Sandy deposition landform by
which an island becomes attached to the mainland by a
narrow piece of land such as a spit or bar
• Seen near Murdeshwar and South of Honnavar
BAY
• WHAT IS A BAY - Body of water partially surrounded by
land. A bay is usually smaller and less enclosed than a gulf
• The important bays along the west coast are Karwar Bay
north of Karwar, Binge Bay south of Karwar and Belekeri
Bay located north of Ankola
CORAL REEF
• Reefs are seen in Nethrani Island
• In the Gurpur area the barrier reef run for about 10 kms
MALNAD / MALENADU
• Area of western ghats in Karnataka
• Also called Sahyadri
• Region is home to source of major rivers in Karnataka

• WHY THE NAME MALENADU - In kannada, ‘Male’ means hills. The word MALENADU
translates to Highlands/ Hilly area. Locally the term used is MALNAD
ORIGIN OF WESTERN GHATS
• Originated due to normal faulting, when India was

separated from the continent of Africa and
Madagascar Island
• As Indian sub-continent drifted to northeast a
escarpment along the western margin of India
was formed due to wave action
• Marine erosion and marine transgression and
regression caused Recession of the ghats, that
resulted in the formation of coastal plain
• Later, westerly drainage was gradually evolved.
Dominant westerly drainage has captured
rivulets of easterly drainage resulting in
lengthening of westerly rivers. Estuaries and
lagoons along the coast were developed in the
later period.
• The heavy monsoon rainfall caused rapid erosion
and retreat of Western Ghats scrap eastwards

WHAT IS NORMAL FAULT?
Fault in which the block above the fault has moved
downward relative to the block below
WHAT IS ESCARPMENT?
A escarpment is a long, steep slope, especially one at the
edge of a plateau or separating areas of land at
different heights
GEOGRAPHY OF MALENADU
Length 650 km (north west to south east)
Width 50-76 km
Elevation Average elevation - 2,500 to 3,000 feet (750 to 900 metres)
• Rise sharply from the coastal plain
• Forms escarpment (steep slope or long cliff that forms as a
result of faulting or erosion) in the west
Features of Ghats
• Merges with the maidan region in the east with a gentle
slope
• Show conspicuous west facing high scraps
• It is a hilly terrain and comes under the heavy rain fall belt

• Western Ghats act as the rain barrier during south-west
Climate monsoon season
• Malenadu region is humid and has an annual rainfall of
1000 to 3800 mm
OTHER FEATURES OF MALENADU

PEAKS
• Formed by the erosional action of rivers on the flat topped residual
plateau
• Uneroded blocks are pointed and appear as peaks.
• Mullayyanagiri is the highest peak of the State. Its height is
1930meters MULLAYYANAG
MOUNTAIN PASSES IRI
• These are Navigable route through the ghats
Mountain passes in Karnataka
Charmudi ghat • Connects Chikkamagaluru and Magnalkuru
• passes through Mudigere, Charmudi Belthangadi and Bantwal
Agumbe ghat • Connects Shivamogga and Udupi
• passes through Thrithahalli, Agumbe and Someswara
Kollur ghat Connects Shirur and Bindur in Udupi district
Hulikal Ghat Connects Shivamogga and Kundapur

MAJOR MOUNTAIN PEAKS IN MALENADU
Name Elevation Location District
1,930 m Chandra Dhrona Hill
Mullayana Giri Chikmagalur
(6,330 ft) Ranges
1,894 m
Kudremukh Kudremukh National Park Chikmagalur
(6,214 ft)
1,748 m Brahmagiri Wildlife
Tadiandamol Kodagu
(5,735 ft) Sanctuary
1,712 m Pushpagiri Wildlife
Kumara Parvata Kodagu
1,676 m
Merthi Gudda Basarikatte Chikmagalur
(5,499 ft)
1,620 m
Kote betta Sirangalli Kodagu
(5,310 ft)
1,608 m
Brahmagiri Karnataka-Kerala Border Kodagu
(5,276 ft)
Gangamoola 1,458 m
Kudremukh National Park Chikmagalur
(Varaha Parvata) (4,783 ft)

1,440 m
Chennagiri/Channagiri Chennagiri/Channgiri Chikkaballapura
(4,720 ft)
1,343 m Mookambika Wildlife
Kodachadri Shivamogga
826 m
Kundadri Thirthahalli Shivamogga
(2,710 ft)
823 m
Agumbe Thirthahalli Shivamogga
(2,700 ft)
HILL STATIONS
Western ghats is home to major hill stations of Karnataka
Famous Hill stations in Karnataka
Coorg
• Well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush
greenery, Forest covered hills, spice and coffee plantations
• Because of orange cultivation Kodagu is also called ‘Orange
Country’
Chikmagalur
• Famously known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’
• Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its
tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production)
• Very popular tourist destination and is a quaint getaway from
the busy life of the city

WATERFALLS
Major waterfalls of Karnataka include:
• Jog falls (253m) on Sharavati river
• Dood sagar falls in Uttara Kannada district
• Kalasa water falls and Surla water falls (152 m) on Mahadayee river in Khanapura taluk,
• Unchalli falls on the Aghanashini river (116m)
• Magod falls on Bedti river in Yellapur taluk
• Hebbe falls in Bababudangiri hills in Chikkamagaluru district (53m)
• Dabbe falls in Shivamogga district (100m)
• Yelaneeru falls on Maavina Sasi river in Beltangadi taluk
• Maniyadhara falls in Bababudangiri hills in Chikkamagaluru district
• Irpu falls on Lakshmana Tirta in Kodagu district (51m)
THE MAIDAN REGION

• Area lying to the east of Malenadu
• Majorly part of Deccan plateau
• Presents an undulating landscape i.e. Rolling Topography

• Triangular in shape
• Deeply dissected indicating that original peneplained
(peneplain - relief plain formed by protracted erosion)
surface has been rejuvenated by upliftment
• Topography is matured
• Entire plateau is slightly titled to the east during the
cretaceous period attributed to tectonic forces
• Geologically it is essentially Precambrian
• Several of the large rivers that rise in the Western Ghats and
flow eastward to empty into the Bay of Bengal
Conveniently divided into two sub divisions – North and South,
by the Thugabhadra river which flows from southwest to northeast in the central part of the
maidan region
NORTHERN MAIDAN
• Also called as Bayalu seeme
• Forms part of Deccan plateau
• Area represents an extensive deforested plateau landscape
• Elevation - 300 to 730 metres (980 to 2,400 ft)
• Drained by the Krishna River and its tributaries the Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and
Tungabhadra
• Lies within the Deccan thorn scrub forests ecoregion, which extends north into eastern
Maharashtra
• In some of the limestone areas faulting has resulted in giving rugged appearance to the
landform to the east of Saudatti and Badami.
• The area is a rain shadow region with an annual mean rainfall of less than 70 cm. Not only
the amount of rainfall is low, it is also highly variable and uncertain.

IMPORTANT GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF NORTHERN MAIDAN
HILLS
• There are some chains of flat topped hills such as Kaladgi and Badami areas in Bagalkote
district
• A low extension of Mahadeo range ending at Vijayapura forms the watershed between
the Bhima and the Krishna rivers
WATER-FALLS
Gokak Falls
• Gets its name from the Goki trees found in abundance in these
areas
• Resembles the Niagara Falls due to its features like the fall, shape
etc
• Formed by River Ghataprabha
• Height - 52 metres
• Major rock - sand-stone
Other important water falls are Chayabhagavati and Sogala
SOUTHERN MAIDAN
• Also called as Mysuru plateau

• Extends from the Tungabhadra river in the north to Moyar river in the south till Nilgiri hills
of Tamilnadu
• Highly undulating topography that slopes towards east
• Known for red and red sandy soils which are not highly fertile
• Irrigation is most widespread
• Kaveri and Nandidurga rivers namely Pennar and Palar are the major rivers of the region,
large part being Kaveri basin
• Rain shadow region but gets comparatively more rainfall than the northern counterpart
due to Palakkad gap
IMPORTANT GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF SOUTHERN
MAIDAN
HILLS
• The area is known for inselbergs and flat topped hills
FEW IMPORTANT HILLS
CHITRADUGRA HILLS
• Length - Continuous chain for 270 kms ( Chitradurga to INSELBERG - Isolated
Chikkanayakana halli ) rock hill or small
• Tallest - Madhugiri hills - 1199 meters (largest single rock hill mountain range that
(monolith) in the continent of Asia) rises abruptly from a
NANDI HILLS gently sloping or virtually
• Also called Nandidurg level surrounding plain
• Source of - Arkavathy river, Ponnaiyar River, Palar River
,Papagni River
• Highest point is at altitude of 4850 feet above sea level

BILIGIRIRANGA HILLS
• Situated in south-western Karnataka, at its border with Tamil
Nadu
• Important biological bridge for the biota of the entire Deccan
plateau - Starting point Eastern Ghats and contacts with border of
the Western Ghats allowing animals to move between them and
facilitating gene flow between populations of species in these
areas
Other hills include Chamundi Hills, Male Mahadeshwara hills, Basavana betta
Narayanadurga, Devarayana durga, Nandihills etc
RIVERINE ISLANDS
Kaveri forms the islands of Srirangapatna and Shimsha
Srirangapatna
• Small island town in Mandya district
• Has an average elevation of 679 metres
• Confluence of the three holy streams creating the
island

WATER FALLS
The area is noted for many small & big waterfalls
SHIVANASAMUDRA
• Created by river Kaveri
• Made up of Bharachukki Falls and Gaganachukki Falls
• Gaganachukki has a height of 90 metre and Bharachukki has a
height of 69 metre
• It is the location of the first hydro-electric power stations in Asia, which were set up in
1902. The project was designed by Diwan Sheshadri Iyer and Diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya
of the Kingdom of Mysuru
HOGENAKKAL FALLS
• Formed by Kaveri river
• Borders Karnataka & Tamilnadu
• Sometimes referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India,"
• Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of
its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world.
NOTE : The southern maidan region is also known for Hesarghatta grasslands
MUST KNOW - CENTRAL KARNATAKA PLATEAU

• Region represents the transitional surface between the Northern Karnataka Plateau of Deccan
Trap and Southern Karnataka Plateau with relatively higher surface
• Represents the area of Tungabhadra basin
• General elevation varies between 450 and 700 metres
• Transitional ground is broken by several sets of parallel ridges mainly made up of Dharwar
system of
• The general slope of this region is towards the east
Geo-Heritage Sites of Karnataka
Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites/ national geological

monuments for protection and maintenance. GSI or the respective State governments take
necessary measures to protect these sites. After declaring as a monument, it becomes the
Government property which cannot be used for any other purpose other than study.
Stealing of the rocks or trespassing in the area attracts punishment.
Columnar Lava, St Mary Island Udupi District
• St. Mary's Islands, also known as
Coconut Island and Thonsepar, are a set
of four small islands in the Arabian Sea
off the coast of Malpe in Udupi,
Karnataka.
• They are known for their distinctive
geological formation of columnar
basaltic lava.
• Scientific studies indicate that the basalt
of the St. Mary's Islands was formed by
sub-aerial subvolcanic activity, because

at that time Madagascar was attached
to India. St. MARY ISLAND
• The rifting of Madagascar took
place around 88 million years ago.
• The columnar basaltic lava found in these Islands, which is very well developed in the
basalts of Deccan Traps, exhibit an imposing range of hexagonal shaped or multi-
faced (polygonal) columns split into a horizontal mosaic. In geological terms these are
called "columnar joints”.
• Islands comprise fully of igneous rocks. They have acid composition that consist of
dacites, rhyodacites, rhyolites and granophyres and carry basic patches.
Pillow lavas near Mardihalli, Chitradurga District
• The stone formation which is found here, estimated to be nearly 2,600 million years
old, is one of the best preserved ones in the world
• The formation of Pillow Lava rock was the result of sudden chilling of molten
magma. The stone which is also called “volcanic rock” takes the shape of a round
pillow when the red-hot lava comes into contact with cold water.
• The availability of Pillow Lava here clearly indicates that this range was either
submerged in a river or an ocean some 2,600 million years ago.
• Since the rocky structure was best preserved here, it was an ideal place for geologists
to learn more about the formation of this rare rock.
• Pillow Lava helps in establishing the relative ages of rock types and the environment
of their formation.
• Knowing the importance of the rock, the Government declared the entire hill as
National Geographic Monument in 1976.

Peninsular Gneiss, Lalbagh, Banglore
• Peninsular Gneiss is a term coined to
highlight the older gneissic complex of
the metamorphics found all over the
Indian Peninsula.
• This term was first fashioned by
W.F.Smeeth of the Mysore Geological
Department in 1916 based on the first scientific study of this rock exposure.
• The Geological Survey of India identified one of the best exposures of this rock mass,
protruding high above the ground as a hillock (pictured), dated 2.5 to 3.4 billion years,
in the Bangalore city at the famous Lalbagh gardens and declared it as a National
Geological Monument to propagate the knowledge of the rock formation among the
public
• It is also called the Lalbagh rock.
• As general information, gneiss is a coarse-grained high grade metamorphic rock
formed at high pressures and temperatures in which light and dark mineral
constituents are segregated into visible bands.
• The Lalbagh hill, which has been declared as a Geological Monument (plaque
pictured) to represent the Peninsular Gneiss, has dark biolite gneiss of granitic to

granodioritic composition containing streaks of biolite. Remnants of older rocks are
seen in the form of enclaves
Pyroclastics & Pillow lavas, Kolar Gold fields, Kolar District

• Pyroclastic Pyroclasts is also called as tepra and they are nothing but volcanic
fragments that was hurled through the air by volcanic activity that took place here
several millions of years ago.
• The explosions could have been one or many and such rocks would have hardened
over a period of several million years.
• A pyroclastic rock is a hardened, solidified or compressed version of an originally
loose pyroclastic deposit that was thrown up in air and fell in a heap on the ground
and subsequently solidified.
• The word pyroclastics is derived from a Greek word meaning fire. This is reference
to the red hot lava that comes out a volcano. Thus the term pyroclastic means
broken by fire.
• If the volcanic rocks has been transported and reworked through mechanical action
either by wind or water, they are then called volcaniclastic.
• Some rock fragments of granite gneiss found in Peddahali measure upto 80 cm in
diameter
• The GSI says the Pyroclastic rocks of Peddapalli is a welded rock of large fragments of
granite, granite gneiss, basalt and banded ferruginous quartzite which is set in a
matrix of ignimbrite.
• While many rock fragments are angular, some of them are round in shape.

Mains Practice Questions:
1. Explain physiographic divisions of Karnataka and their distinguishing features.

2. Explain the primary types of geological formations found in Karnataka.
3. Differentiate between the Archean and Proterozoic sedimentary formations in
Karnataka.
4. Explain the significance of the Peninsular Gneissic Complex rock at Lalbagh and its
geological age.
5. Describe the distinctive features of the columnar basalts of St. Mary’s Islands and their
formation process.
6. Define and describe the coastal plain zones and their specific features.
7. What are the distinguishing features of the Malenadu region in Karnataka?
8. Differentiate between the Northern and Southern Maidan regions in Karnataka.
9. Explain the significance of Water Falls in Karnataka. Compare the features and
characteristics of Gokak Falls and Jog Falls.
Prelims Practice Questions
1.The Archean Granitic Gneisses belt in 3.What is the common feature of the

Karnataka is known as the 'Basement "Younger (Closepet) Granites" in
Complex' because: Karnataka?
a) It comprises the oldest rocks found in a) Wide Complex of coarse to medium
Karnataka pink and grey granites
b) It forms about 60% of the State area b) Age dating back to 2,600 million years
c) The rocks formed due to solidification c) Predominantly located in the Southern
of molten magma Maidan region
d) It is predominantly composed of d) Extending in a north-south direction as
gabbro and quartzite a narrow belt of 50 km
2.The Deccan Traps in Karnataka are 4.What rivers flow in a westerly direction
characterized by: along the Karnataka coast?
a) Being formed during the Jurassic period a) Kaveri, Pennar, and Palar
b) A composition mainly consisting of pink b) Tungabhadra, Krishna, and Bhima
granite c) Kali, Gangavali, and Sharavati
c) Extending only within the Karnataka d) Netravati, Ghataprabha, and
state boundaries Malaprabha
d) Representing one of the largest
accumulations of basaltic continental lava
Answers:
1. c) The rocks formed due to solidification of molten magma
2. d) Representing one of the largest accumulations of basaltic continental lava.
3. a) Wide Complex of coarse to medium pink and grey granites.
4. c) Kali, Gangavali, and Sharavati.


CHAPTER 3
CLIMATE OF KARNATAKA

CLIMATE OF KARNATAKA
INTRODCTION
• Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere over an area at any point in time while
Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for
a long period of time (more than 30 years).
• Weather is the momentary state of the atmosphere and it changes quickly (within a day
or week) but climate changes imperceptively and may be noted after 50 years or even
more.
• The elements of weather and climate are the same i.e, atmospheric pressure,
temperature, humidity, wind and precipitation.
• On the basis of the generalised monthly atmospheric conditions, the year is divided into
seasons e.g, winter, summer or rainy.
This chapter deals with the climatic conditions of Karnataka
Factors determining the Climate of KARNATAKA
LATITUDE
• Karnataka lies to south of Tropic of Cancer and hence is part of Tropical zone

• The zone is nearer to the equator and therefore experiences high temperatures
throughout the year with a small daily and annual range
WESTERN GHATS
• Western ghats act as barrier to monsoon winds that cause heavy rainfall in karavalli and
Malnad
• Western ghats also act as rain shadow area of Maidan , that makes it drought prone area
DISTRIBUTION OF LAND AND WATER
• Karnataka is bounded by Arabian sea in west Did you know?
• The sea exerts a moderate influence on climate. • Water heats up and cools
• As the distance from the sea increases, its moderating down quickly as
influence decreases and such regions have extreme compared to land
weather conditions. This condition is known as • This differential heating
continentality i.e, very hot summers and very cold creates different air
winters.
pressure zones
• The difference can be seen in the mean temperature of
Karavalli and Maidan
ALTITUDE
• The places in the mountains are cooler than the places on the plains because with the
increase in height temperature decreases
• Temperature differences is evident in peaks of Malnad and plain areas of maidan
RELIEF – The physiography or relief also affects the temperature, air pressure, direction
and speed of the wind and, the amount and distribution of rainfall
With examples, discuss the various factors that affect the climate of Karnataka.
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FACTS ABOUT KARNATAKA CLIMATE
Ø The state enjoys the benefit of both southwest and northeast monsoons and hence it will
be called the land of two monsoons.
Ø Karnataka bears influence of both Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal
Ø Larger area of Karnataka has dry steppe type of climate
Ø Traditionally, Agumbe in Thirthahalli taluk of Shivamogga district receive an average
annual rain fall of 827.6 cm. It was considered to be the wettest place in the state. Based
on recent rainfall data, Udupi was considered most rainiest place in the state. Bairampalli
in Udupi received rainfall of 5916 mm in 2016. Hulikal located about few km away from
Agumbe is also recording highest rainfall in Karnataka (Shivamogga district)
Ø Challakere of Chitradurga district which is about 196 km receive only 45.6 cm of rainfall
annually. It is the driest place in Karnataka state
SEASONS OF KARNATAKA
Annual weather condition of the state is conveniently divided into four well marked seasons

SUMMER SEASON
CHANGES DURING THE SEASON
• The movement of Sun is towards Tropic of Cancer from Equator – Doldrum too shifts
Northwards
• Change in temperature in India, South India being more warmer than North India due to
moderating effect of Oceans
• The diurnal range of temperature is also very high. It may be as high as 18°C in some parts
• The maximum summer temperatures are comparatively lower in the costal and southern
peninsular regions due to moderating effect of the sea
• The temperatures along the west coast are comparatively lower than those prevailing on
the east coast due to the prevailing westerly winds

IN KARNATAKA
Temperature • May records highest temperature and it is the hottest months in the State
• North eastern districts have more than 400 C temperature
• Kalburgi records highest monthly average temperature in May in the
state, which is about 42.20 C
Humidity • Relative humidity is quite low
• North of Chitradurga - Less than 30 percent
• Malnad and the coastal areas - more than 40 percent
• Southern part of the state - 30-40 percent
Rainfall • State gets about 7 percent of its annual rainfall during the summers
• Malnad and the southern part of the state gets more rainfall and it
decreases towards north
• Extreme southern districts gets about 20 percent of annual rainfall during
the summer period
• March gets lowest rainfall where as maximum rainfall is in the month of
May
SUMMER RAINFALL

• Convectional rain occurs mainly in
equatorial regions where daily heating
of the ground surface causes
convection currents
• The ground surface is intensely heated
due to the enormous amount of heat
received.
• The air in contact with a warm surface
also gets heated expands and
ultimately rises upward.
• The ascending warm and moist air
cools becomes saturated, causes
condensation and cloud formation, and rainfall starts
• India receives convectional rainfall during the summer season before the onset of
Southwest monsoon these are known by local names in India like mango showers, Kal
Baisakhi, bhardoli cheera, etc
Summer Rainfall in Karnataka
• The summer rains are also described as pre-monsoons.
• Other names:
o Coffee blossoms à as these rains helps flowering of coffee plantations
o Mango showers à as the rainfall is highly favourable for mango crop
• In the southern districts of the state the summer rainfall is quite vital and most of the
tanks get filled during this period.
• As the summer rainfall is more regular and reliable in the southern districs, the
agricultural operations begin in this period. Even in the irrigated tracts summer crops
(zaid) are grown depending on pre monsoon rains

• During April-May, the state experiences thunder storms, lightning and hailstones. This is
due to very high temperature resulting in the convective currents which causes cumulo-
nimbus clouds associated with heavy rainfall with thunder storms, lighting and hailstone
HEATWAVES
A Heat Wave
• Period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature
that occurs during the summer season
• Typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July
HEATWAVES IN KARNATAKA
• Heat wave is usually experienced between March and June in as many as 14 districts of
North Karnataka
• South Karnataka too experiences these conditions
• According to KSNDMC data, all districts in Kalyana Karnataka experienced heatwaves in
2022
• Bidar and Raichur recorded 430, it was 410 in in Vijayapura, 420 in Yadgir and 410 in
Bagalkot districts in 2022
• Raichur on 23 May 1928 has recorded a temperature of 45.60 C which is the highest
temperature ever recorded till date

Did you know?
In 2016, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued comprehensive
guidelines to prepare national level key strategies for mitigating the impact of heatwaves.
Time to think?
What are the strategies that Karnataka government needs to adopt to reduce the impacts
of heat waves in the state. (12 Marks)
Did you know?

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies heat waves according to regions
and their temperature ranges.
• The Heatwave is considered when the maximum temperature of a station reaches
at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
• If the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then
an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat
wave condition. Further, an increase of 7°C or more from the normal
temperature is considered a severe heat wave condition.
• If the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C, then
an increase of 4°C to 5°Cfrom the normal temperature is considered to be heat
wave condition. Further, an increase of 6°C or more is considered a severe heat
wave condition.
• Additionally, if the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or
more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, a heat wave is declared.

THE SOUTH WEST MONSOON SEASON
• Important rainy season of India
• Period: June to September
FORMATION OF SOUTHWEST MONSOON
• Caused by an intense low-pressure
system forming over the Tibetan
Plateau as a result of intense heating
during the summer season
• Overheated Tibetan Plateau attracts
southeast trade winds , which cross the
equator and enter the Bay of Bengal
and the Arabian Sea, only to become
entangled in the air circulation over
India
• These winds bring a lot of moisture with them as they pass over the equatorial warm
currents
• The rain begins when these winds hit or strike the mountain barriers
• Most parts of the country experience heavy rainfall due to the monsoon season winds

• Monsoon burst - caused by intensive low pressure bordering the Himalayas called
monsoon through and shifting of Doldrum towards north. It results in the bursting of
south west monsoons which bring huge amount of rainfall
IN KARNATAKA
Temperature • Large amount of cloudiness and heavy rainfall are the common features of
the season. So gradually temperature decreases.
• In the north-eastern districts like Kalburgi, Raichur, Bellary and Yadagir
temperature is relatively high of about 320 C and elsewhere in the state it is
below 300 C.
• In most districts of Karnataka the average temperature is 20-240 C
Humidity • Relative Humidity is very high during the south west monsoons.
• Maximum of about 90 percent in the malnad and the coastal regions
• Remaining parts of the state it is about 60-80 percent
• Maximum in the month of July and decrease drastically after September
Rainfall • There is sudden bursting of south-west monsoon.
• Monsoons winds are effectively checked by the Western Ghats
• Temperature decreases adiabatically resulting in the formation of Cumulo-
nimbus clouds which gets torrential heavy rains, Both the malnad and coastal
areas of the state are known for incessant rainfall for several days during the
season.
• Rain fall is not continuous but has breaks for few days and continues once
again.
• Rainfall is very high in the malnad and the coastal areas. It is about 320cm in
the coastal region while it is maximum of more than 500 cm in the malnad
region
• The amount of rainfall decreases after crossing the crest of the western ghats
MONSOON RAINFALL IN KARNATAKA – RAIN SHADOW AND DISTRIBUTION
The isohyets run north-south almost parallel to the coastal. In the western part of the state
the isohyets are very close where as in the eastern part, these are irregular indicating large
variations of rain fall
THE RAIN SHADOW EFFECT
• The amount of rainfall decreases after crossing the crest of the
western ghats
A rain shadow is an area of significantly reduced rainfall behind
a mountainous region, on the side facing away from
prevailing winds, known as its leeward side.
• In case of Karnataka - To the east of the western
Ghats there is a large rain shadow region
• It extends from the eastern parts of the
Belagavi district in the north continues south
wards upto Mysuru and chamarajanagara
district
• This belt gets only 40 cm of rainfall during the
season. Within the region there is an area of
lowest rainfall in the state which extends

from Chitradurga to Mysuru district. This belt
gets only 30 cms of rainfall.
• The places which gets lowest rainfall during
the season are Gundlupet 20.4 cm and
Challakere of Chitradurga 21.7 cm.
DISTRIBUTION OF MONSOON RAINFALL

• Maidan region of the east - 60-70 percent of
the annual rains
• Malnad and in the coastal areas – More than
80 percent of the annual rains
• Southern districts - less than 50 percent in
the of the annual rains
RAINY DAYS
• Malnad and the coastal belt - above 95-105
days
• Maidan region - 25-30 days
• Mandya, Chitradurga and Ballary districts –
20 days
• Extreme northeast Bidar Kalaburgi districts - 30-40 days

IN NEWS – MONSOON TROUGH & RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL IN KARNATAKA
In 2022, Bengaluru set a new record for its highest
annual rainfall, receiving 1706 mm till the specified
date. The intense rain spells were attributed to
several factors:
1. Low-Pressure Systems: Despite the absence
of significant synoptic systems, many parts of
India experienced low-pressure systems or
monsoon depression.
2. Monsoon Break Phase: During this period,
monsoon currents are weak. However, the
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)
noted vigorous monsoon activity over Kerala
and active conditions over Karnataka.
3. Monsoon Trough Position: The position of
the monsoon trough, a major contributor to
rainfall, favored intense rainfall over
Karnataka and Kerala.
4. Trough Oscillation: The monsoon trough typically oscillates by 5 degrees in July and

August. If it shifts south of its normal position, strong monsoon conditions are
observed over central and northern peninsular India.
5. Break-Monsoon Conditions: If the trough shifts north or remains absent, break-
monsoon conditions are declared. During this phase, rainfall is concentrated in south
peninsula, east, northeast, and north India.
6. Cyclonic Circulation: A cyclonic circulation over south Tamil Nadu, with a trough
extending to southern Madhya Pradesh, further contributed to the rainfall.
Overall, the unique combination of monsoon dynamics, trough oscillation, and specific
weather systems led to Bengaluru's exceptional rainfall in 2022.
Examine the reasons why Karnataka received heavy rainfall than usual in the year 2022
MONSOON TROUGH
• WHAT - Belt of low pressure extending to large area
• Seen during monsoon period, hence known as Monsoon trough
• Part of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where the northern hemisphere and
southern hemisphere winds meet
• Normally shown as a line connecting the location of monsoon low pressure areas
• Troughs run across continents during peak monsoon periods

THE RETREATING MONSOON SEASON
• Begins between Mid-September – November and lasts till early January
• Doldrums moves south, which causes Monsoon winds to retreat
• With the onset of retreating monsoon, skies become clearer and clouds disappear. Hence
it is referred to as the ‘Second Summer’
• The disappearance of clouds makes the climate of various places hotter gradually
• Severe tropical cyclones emerge from the Bay of Bengal. The month of October-
November is prone to severe cyclones
IN KARNTAKA
Temperature • The temperature begins to plummet during the day
• Due to a lack of cloud cover, the diurnal temperature range widens
Humidity • Relative Humidity decrease drastically after September
Rainfall • The coastal plains gets only 20-30 cm of rainfall, where as it is about 40-
50 cm in the malnad districts (10% of annual rainfall of these districts)
• In the extreme northern districts of the eastern maidan districts, it is only
10 cms
• In the southern districts particularly Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru rural

and urban, Ramanagar and Tumakuru it is about 30-40 cm. (50 percent of
the annual rainfall of these districts)
CYCLONES DURING RETREATING MONSOON SEASON

• Most severe and devastating tropical cyclones
originate in the Indian seas especially in the Bay
of Bengal
• The highest frequency of the cyclones is in the
month of October and the first half of
November
• More cyclones are born in October and then in
November and more cyclones originate in the
Bay of Bengal than in the Arabian Sea
• In October, the Cyclones of the Bay of Bengal
originate between 8°N and 14°N.
• Initially they move in a west or north-westerly
direction, but many of them later recurve and
move towards the north-east.
• Near 55 per cent of the Bay storms cross or affect the Indian coast
• Many of the cyclones which strike the eastern coast of India, south of 15°N latitude cross
the southern Peninsula and enter Arabian Sea.
• During this process, they may weaken, but on re-entry over the Arabian sea they intensify
into cyclonic storms
• The storms of Arabian sea originate between 12°N and 17°N latitudes in October and
between 8° N and 13° N latitudes in November
• Generally they move away from the coast in a north-westerly direction. But about 25% of
them later recurve northeast and strike the Maharashtra or Gujarat coast
HOW KARNATAKA GETS AFFECTED ?
• The state gets more benefits from the cyclones and depressions
• The state experiences cyclones in two seasons one in April-May (summers) and the other
between October-November
• The depressions and cyclones of the Bay of Bengal of October-November are the
conveyors of large scale moisture to the state
• The South eastern, southern and the central districts of the state gets cloudy and rainy
weather by each depression almost for a week
WINTER SEASON
• Coldest among all four seasons
• December to March
• Sun’s apparent path is to the south of equator
• Clear sky, pleasant weather, low temperature, low humidity, high range of temperature,
cool and slow north-east trade winds
• The diurnal range of temperature, especially in interior parts of the country, is very high
• The isotherm of 20°C runs roughly parallel to the Tropic of Cancer
• To the south of this isotherm the temperatures are above 20°C. Here there is no distinctly

defined winter weather. Some parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu typically experiences
temperatures near 30°C
• High air pressure prevails over large parts of north-west India due to low temperatures
coupled with divergence
• Pressure is comparatively lower in south India
• The winds start blowing from high pressure area of north-west to low pressure area of
south-east. The wind velocity is low due to low pressure gradient
• The path of the winds depend on pressure gradient and physiography
IN KARNATAKA
Temperature • Coastal and southern districts –
• warm weather
• Mean temperature - 22 to 25o C
• The mean daily minimum temperature in January is 20°C in the coastal
region and it decreases eastwards to 13-14°C in the malnad and to 17-
18°C in the north eastern districts
• Coldest month in state - January
• Temperature begins to soar rapidly during the month of March
Humidity • With fall in temperature humidity goes on increasing in the state
• Mean Relative humidity remains around 65%
Rainfall • Driest period of the state
• Accounts only for about 1 percent of annual rainfall
• Due to inversion of temperature during the winter season, fog occurs
generally in the malnad and maidan region

Did you know?
ü Till date the highest temperature recorded in Karnataka was 45.6 °C (114 °F) at
Raichur on 23rd May 1928
ü Southern parts of the state generally experience the highest temperature during
the month of April while in the coastal plains the temperature reaches its maximum
during the month of May
ü The lowest temperature recorded was 2.8 °C (37 °F) at Bidar on 16th December
1918.
METEOROLOGICAL REGIONS OF KARNATAKA – THE KOPPEN’S CLASSIFICATION

CLIMATIC TYPES ACCORDING TO KOEPPEN
GROUP TYPE LETTER CHARACTERISTICS
CODE
Tropical Wet Af No dry season
A-Tropical Humid Tropical Monsoon Am Monsoonal, Short dry season
Climate Tropical wet and Aw Winter dry season
dry
Subtropical Steppe BSh Low-latitude semi-arid or dry

Subtropical Desert BWh Low-latitude arid or dry
Mid-latitude BSk Mid-latitude semi-arid or dry
B-Dry Climate
Steppe
Mid-latitude BWk Mid-latitude arid or dry
Desert
Humid subtropical Cfa No dry season
C-Warm Mediterranean Cs Dry hot summer
temperate
Marine west coast Cfb No dry season, warm and cool
Climates
summer
Humid Continental Df No dry season, severe winter
D- Cold Snow-
forest Climates Subarctic Dw Winter dry and very severe
Tundra ET No true summer
E-Cold climates
Polar ice cap EF Perennial ice
H-highland Highland H Highland with snow cover

CLIMATIC DIVISIONS OF KARNATAKA
Due to the climatic difference Karnataka is divided into three meteorological regions
Coastal Karnataka North Interior Karnataka South Interior Karnataka
• Am • Bsh • Aw
• Tropical monsoon • Semi-arid steppe type • Tropical Savanna type
region of climate of climate
• Winters are dry • Largest climatic region • Entire south and south
• Districts of Udupi, of the state. It includes eastern part of the
Uttara Kannada and the entire northern state
Dakshina Kannada part of the state • Semi-arid zone
• Entire coastal belt and • Arid zone • Recieves an annual
the adjoining areas • Average annual rainfall average of 1286 mm
• Area of heavy rainfall - is just 731 mm rainfall.
average annual rainfall
is about 3456 mm
DROUGHT PRONE REGIONS IN KARNATAKA

• Karnataka has the second largest area prone to drought, next only Rajasthan in the
country

• Karnataka is one of the most water-stressed states in India, with about 61 per cent of it in
drought-prone region
• The amount of rainfall is very low in the drought prone area and at the same time rainfall
is highly variable from one year to another. The rainfall is most unreliable and uncertain.
For the identification of drought prone areas Thornth wait’s PE index is commonly used.
Daksha Barai and Naganna have delineated the drought prone areas of Karnataka in 1979
and have also sub divided it into three zones. They have used aridity index following the
formula:
Aridity Index=WD/WN X100 (WD= water deficit, WN= Water need)
DIVISION
Drought prone area:
o It is the area of less than 75 cm of annual mean rainfall.
o Isohyets of 75 cm separate the region from the rest of the state.
o It extends from Vijayapura in the North to Kolar in the south.
Core drought prone region:
o It is within the drought prone region.
o The annual mean rainfall is less than 60cm.
Hard core drought region:
o It is the severe drought prone, core part of the drought prone region.
o Annual mean rainfall is less than 50cm.
1. Explain how latitude influences Karnataka's climate. Discuss the impact of being
located in the Tropical zone on its temperature patterns.
2. Discuss how altitude affects the climate of Karnataka, citing specific examples.

3. Enumerate and elaborate on the different climatic zones within Karnataka,
highlighting their distinctive characteristics.
4. Explain the characteristics of the Summer Season in Karnataka. Discuss the
temperature variations and rainfall distribution across different regions.
5. Explain the concept of the rain shadow effect in Karnataka, emphasizing its influence
on rainfall patterns in different areas.
6. Discuss the impact of drought on Karnataka's water resources and agricultural
activities, focusing on the most affected regions.
7. Discuss the strategies and initiatives that can be employed to mitigate drought
conditions in Karnataka. Evaluate the effectiveness of measures already implemented
in addressing drought challenges in the state
Strategies to mitigate drought conditions in Karnataka:

1. Water Conservation: Promote rainwater harvesting and construct check dams and
reservoirs.
2. Drought-Resistant Agriculture: Encourage drought-tolerant crop varieties and efficient
irrigation practices.

3. Afforestation and Watershed Management
4. Groundwater Recharge
5. Weather-Resilient Infrastructure: Invest in drought-resistant infrastructure for water
storage and distribution.
6. Monitoring and Early Warning: Establish effective drought monitoring and early warning
systems.
7. Livelihood Diversification: Promote alternative livelihoods and provide support during
drought.
8. Social Safety Nets: Implement relief measures, including food assistance and
employment programs.
9. Policy Reforms: Update water management policies for sustainable and equitable
allocation.
10. Governance and Capacity Building: Enhance governance and institutional capacities for
effective drought response
Some measures taken:
§ The Government of Karnataka set up a Drought Monitoring Cell in the year 1988. This
institution has taken a lead in monitoring and managing the recurring drought situation
in the State on a scientific basis.
§ Drought-Proofing Project: An ambitious mission mode project is launched to protect and
boost crops under rain-fed cultivation. The project includes making farm ponds in
farmers' fields to harvest rainwater, conserving water using poly-lining, and providing
pump and micro-irrigation sets.
§ Crop loss relief is remitted directly to the farmers' accounts through RTGS, ensuring
transparency and reducing leakage.

Prelims Practice Questions:
1.Which factor is primarily responsible 4.Which month records the highest

for the distinctive climate characteristics temperature in Karnataka during the
in Karnataka? summer season? a) April
a) Altitude b) June
b) Distance from the sea c) March
c) Western Ghats d) May
d) Latitude
5.What characterizes the rainfall pattern
2.What defines the regions experiencing during the summer season in Karnataka?
extreme weather conditions in a) Convectional rain
Karnataka, such as very hot summers and b) Heavy thunderstorms
very cold winters? c) Cyclonic rainfall
a) Distance from the Arabian Sea d) Continuous showers
b) Proximity to the Tropic of Cancer
c) Effect of continental climate 6.What marks the beginning of the
d) Altitude variations Southwest Monsoon season in
Karnataka?

3.What feature makes Agumbe and a) Decrease in temperature
Hulikal unique in Karnataka's climate b) Increase in humidity
records? c) Burst of monsoon winds
a) Extreme heat d) Monsoon depression in the Bay of
b) Highest annual rainfall Bengal
c) Longest summer period
d) Lowest humidity
Answers:
1. c) Western Ghats
2. c) Effect of continental climate
3. b) Highest annual rainfall
4. d) May
5. a) Convectional rain (Southwest Monsoon Season)
6. c) Burst of monsoon winds


Chapter – 4
DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF KARNATAKA

DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF
KARNATAKA
● In geomorphology, drainage systems, also known as river systems, are the patterns
formed by the streams, rivers, and lakes in a particular drainage basin.
● They are governed by the topography of land, whether a particular region is dominated
by hard or soft rocks, and the gradient of the land.
● This chapter deals with information on Drainage systems of Karnataka.
CONCEPT CHECK
TERMINOLOGIES
DRAINAGE Flow of water through well-defined channels
DRAINAGE SYSTEM Network of Drainage channels
CATCHMENT AREA Specific area from which river drains the water
Stream or smaller river which joins a larger stream or river and
TRIBUTARY thus increases its water volume
DRAINAGE BASIN Area drained by a river and its tributaries
WATERSHED Boundary line separating one drainage basin from the other
Note: The catchments of large rivers are called river basins while those of small rivulets

and rills are referred to as watersheds. Watersheds are small in area while the basins cover
larger areas
DRAINAGE PATTERN
● Pattern formed by the streams, rivers, and lakes in a particular drainage basin.
● It is the Outcome of the geological time period, nature and structure of rocks, topography,
slope, amount of water flowing and the periodicity of the flow.
PATTERNS
Dendritic Drainage ● It is the most common kind and has a branching
Pattern structure similar to tree roots.
● It develops in areas with parallel, elongated landforms
Parallel drainage and a steep slope to the surface.
pattern ● Following the slope of the surface, tributary streams
tend to expand out in a parallel-like pattern.
● The rectangular drainage pattern is prevalent in faulted
areas.
● It grows in a tightly packed rocky ground.
Rectangular ● Streams choose the path of least resistance and hence
Drainage pattern congregate in areas with the weakest exposed rock.
● The tributary streams curve sharply and enter the main
stream at steep angles.
● Trellis drainage forms in folded terrain when hard and
Trellis Drainage soft rocks run parallel to one other.
Pattern ● The primary course of the stream is located in valleys
formed by down-turned folds known as synclines.

● Radial drainage patterns form around a central high
point and are typical in conically shaped objects such as
volcanoes.
Radial Drainage
● The drainage pattern is called 'radial' when rivers begin
Pattern
on a hill and flow in all directions.
● Develops around a central elevated point, with streams
radiating away from the centre.
● It is a feather-like, with tributaries parallel and joining
Pinnate Pattern
the master stream at acute angles.
RIVER SYSTEMS OF KARNTAKA

● Rivers of Karnataka form part of the Peninsular
Drainage
drainage system.
area
● Karnataka has seven river systems. Together with Rivers
their tributaries they form a catchment of 191,773 1000
%
km2. The state accounts for about 6% of the sq.km.
country's surface water resources.
East Flowing 12.
● Seven river basins in all are formed by the 166.25
rivers 73

Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, the west flowing rivers,
south Pennar and Palar. West Flowing 87.
24.25
● The Western Ghats are a major divide for river rivers 27
basins. Rivers flowing westward into the Arabian
Total 190.5
Sea carry 40% of the state’s surface water and
those flowing eastward 60%.


MAJOR RIVER BASINS OF KARNATAKA
Estimated
% of total
Sl.N Name of the Catchment average
area of the TMC
o. Basin area Sq.km. flow in M
state
cum
1. Krishna 113271 59.06 27500 966.7
2. Godavari 4405 2.30 1400 49.2
3. Cauvery 34273 17.87 11000 386.7
West-flowing
4. 26214 13.68 57000 2003.7
rivers
5. North Pennar
6. South Pennar 13610 7.09 900 31.7
7. Palar
Total 191773 100 97800
THE KRISHNA RIVER BASIN

● Krishna is second largest
river in peninsular India,
rises in the Western
Ghats.
● Extends over Andhra
Pradesh, Telangana,
Maharashtra and
Karnataka
● 43.74 percent of the
basin area lies in
Karnataka (113271
Sq.km.)
● In Karnataka, the river
passes through the
Belgaum, Bijapur and
Gulbarga districts,
covering a total distance of 220 km. The Krishna enters Andhra Pradesh near Deosugur in
Raichur district.
● The river merges into the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi, Andhra Pradesh.

KRISHNA – NOTABLE FEATURES
Source Mahabaleshwar (Western Ghats) at altitude of 1336.5 m

Total Length 1400 Km
Maharashtra 69,425
Catchment area in Karnataka 113,271
Sq.kms AndhraPradesh 76,252
TOTAL AREA 2,58,948
Average Water 78120
Resource Potential
(Million Cubic meters)
● Ethipothala on Chandravanka river which is the tributary
of river Krishna River.
● Godchinamalaki on Markandeya River a tributary of
Waterfalls
Ghataprabha.
● Gokak on Ghataprabha.
● Mallela Theertham.

● Mangrove forests in the Krishna estuary - declared as the
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary
● Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Important Wildlife ● Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary
sanctuaries ● Kudremukh National Park
● Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary
● Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary
● Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Bellary
Krishna river basin is endowed with rich mineral deposits
such as oil & gas, coal, iron, limestone, dolomite, gold,
granite, laterite, uranium, diamonds, etc
Mineral deposits Noted deposits:
● Kudremukh - iron
● Donimalai – iron
● Hatti Gold Mines
● First holy place on the river Krishna is at Wai.
Famous temples ● Kudalasangama is located near Bagalkot, in Karnataka
which is an Aikyalinga of Basaveshwara.
Right bank - Venna, Koyna, Panchganga, Dudhganga,
Ghataprabha, Malaprabha and Tungabhadra
Tributaries
Left Bank - Bhima, Dindi, Peddavagu, Halia, Musi, Paleru, and
Munneru

TRIBUTARIES OF KRISHNA
● In the epic Ramayana, the Tungabhadra River was known by the

name of Pampa.
● Formed by the confluence of Tunga River and the Bhadra River
● Origin of Tunga and Bhadra - Western Ghats at Gangamoola
● Flows - 531 km
● Meets Krishna at Gondimalla, near the famous Alampur Jn in
Mahaboobnagar District of Telangana
TUNGABHADRA ● Main tributaries - Varada, Hagari, and Handri
● The wedge of land that lies north of the Tungabhadra River,
between the Tungabhadra and the Krishna, is known as the
Raichur Doab.
● The Historic city 'Hampi' is located on the banks of the
Tungabhadra River.
● Major Tributaries: Tunga, Kumudvati, Varada, Bhadra, Vedavathi,
and Handri.

● Originates in the Western Ghats
● Total distance - 283 km across Karnataka and Maharashtra
● Tributaries Hiranyakeshi and Markandeya rivers.
GHATAPRABHA
● Meets Krishna at Alamatti
● Creates Gokak waterfall
● It has a hydroelectric and irrigational dam at Hidkal.
● Originates in Bhimashankar hills near Karjat on the western side
of Western Ghats (known as Sahyadri), in Maharashtra
BHIMA ● Flows southeast for 725 km through Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Telangana states.
● Also known as Chandrabhaga River.
● Originates in Kanakumbi of Belgaum District in Karnataka in the
Sahyadris.
● Flows for a distance of 304 km.
● Joins the Krishna River at an altitude of 488 m at Kudalasangama
MALAPRABHA
in Bagalkot district in Karnataka.
● Famous temples of Aihole Pattadakal and Badami are located on
the Banks of this river. These are listed as World Heritage sites by
UNESCO

PROJECTS ON KRISHNA RIVER
Major Hydro Power stations - Koyna, Tungabhadara, Sri Sailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Almatti,
Naryanpur, Bhadra.
Tungabhadra Project:
● Major inter-States project in the basin.
● Aims at producing hydro-electricity, providing irrigation water and municipal water
supply, and controlling floods in the region.
● Dam has been constructed across the Tungabhadra River near Hospet (Vijayanagara),
Karnataka.
Naviluthirtha:
• Dam is constructed near Munavalli in Belgaum District on Malaprabha river.
• Its reservoir is called Renukasagara.
• Mainly supports Irrigation & Drinking water.
OTHER DAMS
• Almatti Dam (Lal Bahadur Shastri Dam/Upper Krishna Project-Bijapur District)
• Narayanpur Dam (Basava Sagar Dam- Yadgir District).
• Bhima Dam.
• Tungabhadra Dam (Pampa Sagar-Vijayanagar District).

• Hippargi barrage (Bagalkot District).
DROUGHT AND FLOODS IN KRISHNA BASIN:

• Some parts of the basin including Bellary, Raichur, Dharwar, Chitradurga, Belgaum,
and Bijapur districts of Karnataka are drought-prone.
• The delta area of the basin is subject to flooding. It has been observed that the river
bed in the delta area is continuously raised due to silt deposition resulting in a
reduction in the carrying capacity of the channel.
• The coastal cyclonic rainfall of high intensity and short duration makes the flood
problem worse.
KRISHNA WATER DISPUTE:
Government of India constituted a common tribunal on 10 April 1969 to adjudicate the river
water utilization disputes among the river basin states of Krishna and Godavari rivers under
the provisions of Interstate River Water Disputes Act – 1956.
Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT):
KWDT-I (1969) chaired by RS Bachawat with members Sri DM Bhandari and Sri DM Sen à
Verdict in 1976
KWDT-II (2004) led by Justice Brijesh Kumar was formed for a comprehensive review.
Allocation by KWDT-II (2010):
• In 2010, KWDT-II allocated Krishna River water at 65% dependability.
• Allocations: 81 TMC for Maharashtra, 177 TMC for Karnataka, and 190 TMC for
Andhra Pradesh.
Disputes Post 2010:

• Andhra Pradesh contested KWDT-II's allocation in 2011, leading to legal
battles, including a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court.
• KWDT issued another report in 2013, challenged by Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
Telangana's Creation (2014): After Telangana's formation in 2014, Andhra Pradesh sought
a reassessment of water allocations.
KWDT2 Extension Scope: The extended KWDT2 focuses on redistributing water solely
between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, excluding other riparian states.
Central Government Decision: After a hiatus, the central government initiates tribunal
adjudication on Krishna River water sharing disputes between Telangana and Andhra
Pradesh.
Current Status:
• The KWDT is presently working on new guidelines for Krishna River water distribution
between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• The new allocation will be project-specific, considering proposed projects in both
states for their development and future needs.
Upper Bhadra Project

Why in news: In the budget 2023-24, a central assistance of Rs 5,300 crore was announced
to Upper Bhadra Project to provide sustainable micro irrigation and filling up of surface

tanks for drinking water.
STATE DISTRIBUTION
• It is a major lift irrigation Scheme under implementation in the central region of
Maharashtra 560 TMC
Karnataka State.
Karnataka 700 TMC
• To provide sustainable irrigation facility in kharif season.
Telangana & Andhra
• It also proposes to recharge800 ground
TMC water tables and provide drinking water by
Pradesh
filling 367 tanks with six tmcft water in drought-prone taluks.
• Project detail: Lifting upto 17.40TMC of water in first stage from Tunga to Bhadra
and lifting 29.90TMC of water in second stage from Bhadra to Tunnel near
Ajjampura, in Tungabhadra sub-basin of Krishna basin.
Objective:
• It is planned to irrigate 2,25,515 hectares by micro irrigation in drought-prone
districts of Chikkamagalur, Chitradurga, Tumkur and Davangere.
• Providing sustainable irrigation facility in kharif season.
• Recharge the ground water table and provide drinking water by filling 367 tanks
to their 50% capacity in drought-prone taluks of the above said districts.
In 2022, Central government gave national project status to “Upper Bhadra Project”.

1.What problems does the Krishna River basin encounter?
2.Examine the Krishna water disputes among states and discuss the role and rulings of the
Krishna Water Disputes Tribunals.

THE CAUVERY RIVER BASIN
● Most important river of south Karnataka. It is a perennial, monsoon rain fed river.
● The Cauvery basin extends over states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Union
Territory of Puducherry

CAUVERY – NOTABLE FEATURES
Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri range near Cherangala village
SOURCE
of Kodagu (Coorg) district, at an elevation of 1,341 m
Length (Km) 800
Karnataka 34,273
Kerala 2,866
Catchment area in Tamilnadu 43,868
Sq.kms Karaikal region of 14
Pondicherry
Total 81,155
Average Water Resource 21358
Potential (MCM)
Left Bank: Harangi, the Hemavati, the Shimsha, and the
Arkavati.
Important Tributaries Right Bank: Lakshmantirtha, the Kabbani, the Suvarnavati,
the Bhavani, the Noyil, and the Amaravati joins from the
right.
● Shivanasamudra Falls (Chamarajanagar district)
Waterfalls
● Hogenakal Falls (Chamarajanagar district)

● Abbey Falls (Kodagu)
● Sri Rangapattana
Islands
● Shivanasamudra
● Talakaveri Wildlife sanctuary (Kodagu)
Important Wildlife
● Cauvery Wildlife sanctuary (Mandya, Chamarajanagar
sanctuaries
and Ramanagar districts)
● Talakaveri
● KRS
Tourist places
● Srirangapatna
● Somanathapura
Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu-Bay of Bengal
Mouth
TRIBUTARIES OF CAUVERY

Rises from the Western Ghats at an elevation of about 1219m near
Ballalarayana Durga in the Chikmagalur District of Karnataka and
HEMAVATI
flows through Chikkamagalooru, Hassan District, and Mysore
district before joining the Kaveri near Krishnarajasagara
● Originates at an altitude of 914 m from the Devarayanadurga hills
SHIMSHA in the Tumkur District of Karnataka
● Shimsha has a waterfall at Shimshapura in Malavalli Taluk
● Originates at Nandi Hills of Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka
● Joins Kaveri at Kanakapura, called Sangama.
● The water is taken from two reservoirs built on the river, the
ARKAVATHY Hesaraghatta (or Hesseraggatta), and the Tippagondanahalli
Reservoir
● Kumudavathi and Vrishabhavathi rivers are tributaries to this
river

● Forms Chunchi falls near Haroshivanahalli
● 88km long river rises from the Nasrur ghat Range of Karnataka
● It is a tributary of the Kaveri River
● This river has a catchment area of about 1787 sq km
SUVARNAVATHY
● The Suvarnavathy dam is located across Suvarnavathy River near
Attigulipura in the village, Chamarajanagar Taluk at a distance of
about 3 km away from the Chikkahole reservoir Project.
● The Moyar River forms the common boundary between
Karnataka and Tamilnadu in Chamarajanagar and Nilgiri districts
MOYAR respectively. It joins the river Bhavani in Tamilnadu
● Though it is a small river flows in a wide valley through Bandipur
forest. It is called ‘Mysuru Ditch’
DISTRIBUTARIES OF THE CAUVERY RIVER

A distributary, or a distributary channel, is a stream that branches off and flows away from
a main stream channel. Distributaries are a common feature of river deltas.
● Northern distributary of the Kaveri River as it flows through
the delta of Thanjavur
● Splits from the main branch of the Kaveri River at the island

Kollidam River (also
of Srirangam and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal. The
called Coleroon
distribution system in Kollidam lies at Lower Anaicut which is
River)
an island of river Kollidam
● Town of Chidambaram lies on its banks
● Distributary of the Kaveri River in the Kaveri delta.

● Flows through the Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam
districts of Tamil Nadu
● Begins at the Grand Anaicut at the eastern end of Srirangam
Island, where it branches off from the Kaveri, flowing east
● At the Thenperambur dam, the Vennar splits into a northern
Vennar or
and southern branch. The northern branch becomes the
Vennaaru River
Vettar River, while the southern branch continues east as the
Vennar
● The Pamaniyar and Koraiyar Rivers begin as the two southern
branches created by this divergence, while the Vennar
continues through the northern branch.

PROJECTS ON CAUVERY RIVER:
1. Shivanasamudram: At Shivanasamudram, the river branches off into two parts and
falls through a height of 91 m in a series of falls and rapids. The falls at this point is
utilized for power generation by the power station.
2. Hemavathi reservoir: A large reservoir has been built on the Hemavathi River at Gorur
in the Hassan district.
3. SHIMSHA: Shimsha has a waterfall at Shimshapura in Malavalli Taluk. This is also the
location of the Shimsha Hydro Electric Project.
4. KRS: Built on cauvery river at Kannambadi in Mandya district, The Krishna Raja Sagara
Dam has a capacity of 49 tmc ft. It acts as lifeline of Irrigation in the south karnataka
districts.
5. SUVARNAVATHY DAM: Located across Suvarnavathy River near Attigulipura in the
village, Chamarajanagar Taluk at a distance of about 3 km away from the Chikkahole
reservoir Project.
FLOODS IN CAUVERY BASIN:
The Cauvery basin is fan shaped in Karnataka and leaf shaped in Tamil Nadu. The run-off
does not drain off quickly because of its shape and therefore no fast raising floods occur in
the basin.

AGRICULTURE IN CAUVERY BASIN:
• Physiographically, the basin can be divided into three parts – the Western Ghats, the
Plateau of Mysore and the Delta.
• The delta area is the most fertile tract in the basin. The principal soil types found in
the basin are black soils, red soils, laterites, alluvial soils, forest soils and mixed soils.
• Red soils occupy large areas in the basin. Alluvial soils are found in the delta areas.
• The culturable area of the basin is about 5.8 M. Ha which is about 3% of the culturable
area of the country.
CAUVERY RIVER DISPUTES:
• History of Dispute
§ In 1892, a disagreement started between Madras and Mysore during British
rule. They made an agreement in 1924, which lasted 50 years until 1974. After
that, Karnataka diverted water into new reservoirs without Tamil Nadu's
approval, leading to conflict in independent India.

• The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)
§ The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was formed in June 1990 under
the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956. After 17 years, in February 2007, the
CWDT made its final decision on how much water each state should get from
the Cauvery basin throughout the year. With 740 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic
feet) available in a normal year, the water was divided among the states as
follows:
1. Tamil Nadu: 419 TMC (down from 512 TMC)
2. Karnataka: 270 TMC (down from 465 TMC)
3. Kerala: 30 TMC
4. Pondicherry: 7 TMC Additionally, 10 TMC was set aside for the
environment, and 4 TMC for seawater balance.
§ The tribunal also ordered the creation of a monitoring body to regulate water
releases. However, it didn't specify a method for situations of water shortage
due to insufficient rainfall. Instead, it stated that the allocated shares should
decrease accordingly in such cases.
• The Later development
§ Following the Supreme Court's order, the administration took an additional 6
years to announce the decision in 2013. Later, the Tamil Nadu government

sought special permission from the Supreme Court using Article 136, as
Karnataka had refused to follow the tribunal's ruling.
§ Article 136 allows the Supreme Court to be the highest court of appeal and
grants special permission to appeal any judgment or order made by any court
or tribunal in India.
§ In 2018, the Supreme Court made a significant decision, declaring the Cauvery
River a national asset and upholding the water-sharing arrangements
established by the CWDT. As per the ruling, Karnataka was to receive 284.75
TMC, Tamil Nadu 404.25 TMC, Kerala 30 TMC, and Puducherry 7 TMC.
§ The Court directed the Centre to implement the Cauvery Management
Scheme, which led to the announcement of the 'Cauvery Water Management
Scheme' in June 2018 by the central government.
§ To oversee this decision, the 'Cauvery Water Management Authority' (CWMA)
and the 'Cauvery Water Regulation Committee' (CWRC) were set up.
• Subsequently, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) was established to
execute and oversee the CWDT's decision. Its role includes supervising water releases
from Karnataka's reservoirs and ensuring that Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry
receive their designated water amounts according to the prescribed formula.
• Water sharing process
§ The water-sharing process involves Karnataka, situated upstream in the
Cauvery basin, committing to transferring water to Tamil Nadu each month. In
a "normal" water year (June to May), Karnataka has agreed to make 177.25
TMC available to Tamil Nadu at Biligundlu.
§ This total includes 123.14 TMC distributed from June to September during the
southwest monsoon season. However, issues arise when the monsoon brings
less rainfall than anticipated, causing tension over the Cauvery water
distribution.

MEKEDATU PROJECT:
• The Mekedatu project is a planned reservoir built

at the merging point of the Cauvery River and its
tributary, River Arkavathi. Positioned in
Ramanagaram district, approximately 100
kilometers south of Bengaluru, near the entry point
of the Cauvery into Tamil Nadu, this project has
sparked prolonged disagreement between
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Proposed to have a storage capacity of 48 TMC
(Thousand Million Cubic) feet and an estimated
cost of Rs 6,000 crore, the primary objectives of the
project include supplying drinking water to
Bengaluru and recharging the local groundwater
levels. Notably, the Mekedatu dam is anticipated
to be larger than the existing Krishnaraja Sagar
project on the Cauvery.
• What problem surrounds the project?
§ Tamil Nadu opposes it because they believe

it will reduce the water flow of the Cauvery River into their state. They argue that the
project will harm the agricultural community's interests in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore,
the construction of the dam is happening without the agreement of the lower
downstream state, Tamil Nadu, as required by the Inter-State River Water Disputes
Act of 1956.
• What is the current situation regarding the issue?
§ Karnataka has decided to construct a dam and reservoir on the Cauvery near its
border with Tamil Nadu at Mekedatu.
§ Tamil Nadu points out that the Mekedatu project was not part of the Cauvery Water
Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) awards or the Supreme Court's ruling.
§ They argue that any unauthorized construction across the river could harm Tamil
Nadu and goes against both the 2007 CWDT final order and the 2018 Supreme Court
verdict. The clash over this project between the two states, who are political allies in
the south, occurred recently.
• What are Tamil Nadu's main arguments against the Mekedatu dam project?
§ In August 2021, Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court opposing the project.
§ Their key argument is that Karnataka intends to change the river's flow by building
two reservoirs, violating the CWDT's final award.
§ This action would affect water levels downstream of the Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini
reservoirs, near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. Tamil Nadu argues that under the
Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, Karnataka is legally prohibited from obstructing
or altering a river's natural course.
§ They also reference the 2018 judgment, stating that no irrigation project can start
without the consent of lower riparian states.
• What was Karnataka's stance on this matter?
§ Tamil Nadu even urged the Prime Minister to halt a feasibility study for the project
in Karnataka. The Central Water Commission (CWC) approved the feasibility study
for the project in 2018.
§ The Karnataka government claims that the project won't hinder the release of the
specified water amount to Tamil Nadu, nor will it be used for irrigation purposes.

HOGENAKKAL PROJECT:
The project envisages continuous supply of potable water supply from River Cauvery to
Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts, which are drought-prone and perceived as one of the
backward regions of Tamil Nadu.
Opposition by Karnataka
● Karnataka is opposed to the project on the grounds that its share of the Kaveri waters will
be affected and that the picturesque waterfall belongs to it (based on erstwhile
topographical map of Madras Presidency), thereby alleging that the drinking water
project at Hogenakkal is illegal.
o The Survey of India has not finalised the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border at
Hogenakkal
● Any project that Tamil Nadu wants to implement in the Cauvery basin should be in line
with the allocation of water made by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Supreme
Court orders
● Tamil Nadu has not placed the proposed project before the Tribunal or the Supreme Court
● As per Section 13 of the Cauvery Tribunal’s order, the Hogenakkal project should be taken
up through the Central Water Commission.

1.What are the challenges in sharing water in the Cauvery basin between states?
2.Explain the Mekedatu project's controversies and the disagreement between Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu states.
GODAVARI RIVER BASIN

● The Godavari is the second-
longest river in India,
spanning a length of
approximately 1,465
kilometers.
● It originates in Maharashtra,
near the town of Trimbak,
and flows eastward across
the Indian subcontinent.
● Godavari joins Bay of Bengal
just above Rajamundry,
Andhra Pradesh. There it
empties via its two mouths:
the Gautami Godavari to the
north and the Vasishta
Godavari to the south.
● The principal tributaries of
Godavari are the Pravara, the
Purna, the Manjra, the
Pranahita, the Indravathy,
the Maner, the Penganga, the Wardha and the Sabari.

● The Godavari basin extends over States of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
and Odisha in addition to smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Puducherry
(Yanam) having a total area of about 3,12,813 sq.kms.
● The Polavaram Project in Andhra Pradesh is a major irrigation and hydropower
initiative on the Godavari River. It aims to provide water for agricultural purposes and
generate hydroelectric power.
● In Karnataka, the basin extends to area of 4,406 Sq.km.
● A major part of the Bidar district lies in the basin of the Manjra, a tributary of the
Godavari. The basin of the river lies in a rainfall zone of 80-100cm.
TRIBUTARIES OF GODAVARI
MANJRA:
● Major of tributaries of the Godavari River
● Source - Balaghat range of hills in Bhir district of Maharashtra State at an altitude of 823
m.
● Flows through the Osmanabad district of Maharashtra, the Bidar district of Karnataka
KARANJA:
● Principal tributaries of the Manjra.
● Flowing in Bidar district of Karnataka state.

● Rises near Khir village in Medak district of Andhra Pradesh at an altitude of about 670m.
● After flowing in Andhra Pradesh, it forms the boundary between Andhra Pradesh and
Karnataka for nearly 16 kms.
● Flows in Karnataka from east west opposite to the direction of the main river -obsequent
river system.
● Joins Manja at Naradasangam.

PENNAR RIVER BASIN (NORTH & SOUTH)
● Fan shaped basin.
● Extends over states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
● 2 systems – North & South Pennar.
● The river basin lies in the rain shadow region of Eastern Ghats and receives 500 mm
average rainfall annually.
NORTH PENNAR
Source Chenna Kesava hills of Karnataka's Nandi hills.
● Uttara Pinakini
Also Called
● Pinaka refers to Shiva's 'bow'
Major Jayamangali (FLOWS IN TUMKUR) , Kunder, Sagileru, Chitravati,
tributaries Papagni, and Cheyyeru.
Total length 597 kilometres (61 km is in Karnataka)
Andhra Pradesh 48276
Total Area (sq.
Karnataka 6937
km.)
Total 55213
● The Kolar Plateau separates the Pennar watershed from the watersheds of the Kaveri,
Ponnaiyar, and Palar rivers to the south.
● The Pennar drains the plateau's northern

half.
● The river is seasonal, with rainfall being its
primary source of water. As a result, during
droughts, it appears as a little stream.
● Agriculture encompasses the vast bulk of
the basin, accounting for 58.64 percent of
the total area.
● Major soil types - red soils, black soils, sandy
soils, and mixed soils.
● The basin is located in a low-rainfall zone,
starvation is a common occurrence.
● Agriculture encompasses the vast bulk of
the basin, accounting for 58.64 percent of
the total area.
● FAMOUS PLACES - Koti Lingeshwara Temple, Vivekananda Falls (Chikkaballapura).
SOUTH PENNAR RIVER
Harveshetty halli at Nandi Hills in the Chikkaballapura
Source
district
● Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada
Also called ● Ponnaiyar in Tamil
Total length 497 km

Total catchment area 4370 Sq km
Important Cities on its Bangalore, Hosur, Krishnagiri,Kaveripattinam, and
banks. Cuddalore.

● The river is dry for the most part of the year. Water flows during the monsoon season
when it is fed by the south-west monsoon in catchment area and the northeast monsoon
in Tamil Nadu.
● The old river Dakshina Pinakini does not exist anymore. Substantial part of Bangalore's
sewage enters this river via Bellandur and Varthur Lakes and other channels.
Tributaries

PALAR RIVER BASIN
Flowing in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and
Tamilnad, the Palar River rises beyond
Talagavara village in Kolar district at an
elevation of 900 m in the hill ranges of
Nandidurga. After flowing in a generally south-
easterly direction for a length of 93 km in Kolar
district, it enters Andhra Pradesh and joins the
Bay of Bengal.
• It forms the very large Bethamangal
tank, which is the main source of water
supply to Kolar Gold Field and Bharath
Earth Movers Limited.
• The total area of Palar River Basin is
17,633.19 sq.km which includes an area of 3,123 sq.km in Karnataka.

WEST FLOWING RIVERS
● Karnataka is home to several west-
flowing rivers that play a crucial role in
the state's geography and ecology.
● Some of the prominent west-flowing
rivers include the Netravathi, Sharavathi,
Gurupura, and Aghanashini.
● Most west-flowing rivers in Karnataka
originate from the Western Ghats. The
Western Ghats provides a principal
geographical barrier in the path of the
Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest
monsoon, and is principally responsible
for the heavy rainfall over the western
coastal belt
● The total catchment area of the west-
flowing rivers is 26214 sq km and their
average annual flow is 57000M cum or
2003. 7 TMC

● Southwest monsoon season (june to
september) is the principal rainy season,
over 90 % of annual rainfall is realised in
this period.
● The rivers in the Western Ghats region
o Originate at an elevation ranging
from 400 meters to 1,600 meters
above the mean sea level, close to
the Western Ghats ridge
o Generally, flow westward and meet
the Arabian Sea after a short run
varying from 50 kms to 300 kms
o Very steep in the upper reaches and
fairly steep in the middle reaches.
● There are a number of free catchments, between the identified river basins, which have
small streams directly draining into the Arabian Sea. The independent catchment
comprises of streams namely Swarna, Seethanadhi, Mulki river, Pavanje, Nadisalu,
Gurpur,Yennehole and Madisalhole.

THE NETRAVATI
Bangrabalige valley, Yelaneeru Ghat in Kudremukh in
ORIGIN
Chikkamagaluru district.
The river has a total length of approximately 245 kilometers. It
COURSE traverses through the districts of Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina
Kannada in Karnataka before finally flowing into the Arabian Sea.
TOTAL 1,353 square miles
CATCHMENT
AREA
Kumaradhara River and the Lakshmana Tirtha River.
IMPORTANT
The Kumaradhara River, which originates in the Subramanya range
TRIBUTARIES
of Western Ghats, meets the Netravati river at Uppinangadi.
● Mangalore (Major port city) is situated at the estuarine region of the Netravati, making
the river crucial for the city's economic and cultural activities.
● Earlier in the 20th century it was known as the Bantwal River; the important town of
Bantwal is seen on its banks.
● The Thumbe Dam, built
across the Netravati River,

serves as a major water
reservoir for Mangalore and
its surrounding areas.
● The river is associated with
several religious and cultural
traditions. This river flows
through the famous
pilgrimage place
Dharmasthala and is
considered one of the holy
rivers of India.
● The Netravati faces environmental challenges such as pollution and deforestation in
its catchment area. These issues pose threats to the river's health and the ecosystems
it supports.
YETTINAHOLE PROJECT
● Yettinahole is a vital tributary of the Netravathi.
● Project involves diverting water from the Yettinahole River through a network of
canals and pipelines to provide drinking water to the districts of Kolar,
Chikkaballapur, Tumkur, and parts of Bangalore with an estimated cost of Rs 13,000
crore.
● The project has been highly controversial, facing opposition from
environmentalists, ecologists, and local communities. Critics argue that it may have
adverse effects on the Western Ghats ecosystem.
● Environmentalist’s express concerns about the ecological impact of diverting
water from the Western Ghats, as it could affect the natural flow of rivers, disrupt
ecosystems, and impact biodiversity.

THE SHARAVATI
● Sharavati river basin falls into two districts of Karnataka namely Uttara Kannada and
Shimoga.
● The Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric Power Station and the Sharavati Valley Project,
generate much of the electricity for Karnataka state.
● The Linganamakki Dam (Sagara Taluk, Shimoga), built across the Sharavati River, is
one of the largest dams in Karnataka. It serves the purpose of hydroelectric power
generation and irrigation.
o Honnemaradu is an island on the reservoir formed by the Linganamakki dam.
● The Gerusoppa dam project was completed in 2002 near the Gerusoppa village in the
Uttara Kannada district. It has a height of 56 metres and a length of 545 metres.
● On its way, the Sharavati forms the Jog Falls where the river falls from a height of 253
m. Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India.
ORIGIN Ambuthirtha in the Thirthahalli taluka of Shimoga district.
Rising in the Western Ghats, it flows entirely in Karnataka. It flows

COURSE for 60 miles (100 km) in a northwesterly direction to the Arabian
Sea at Honavar.

TOTAL LENGTH 128 km (80 mi)
TOTAL 2,985.66 km2 (1,153 sq mi)

CATCHEMENT AREA
Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole,
MAJOR
Hurlihole, and Nagodihole.
TRIBUTARIES

MAJOR TRIBUTARIES
AGHANASHINI.
● The river Aghanashini originates at Shankara Honda in the Sirsi city of Uttara
Karnataka.
● The water from this river flows through the Western Ghats range and then joins the
Laccadive Sea.
● The river flows mostly through forest areas and has intermittent structures of rocky
bed (with rock out crops), deep stagnant pools and channelled flow with island
formation.
● The river has a catchment area of 1350 sq km and its length up to the confluence to
the Arabian Sea is 117 km.
● Unlike many other rivers in the region, the Aghanashini does not have any major dams
constructed on its course. This absence of dams helps maintain the river's natural flow
and ecological balance.
● The CWC Hydrological Observation Station is located at Santeguli on this river.
● The Aghanashini River is known for the formation of riverine islands along its course.
These islands contribute to the diverse habitats in the region and add to the overall
ecological significance of the river.

1. Discuss the environmental challenges faced by the rivers in Karnataka and suggest
measures for their conservation and sustainable management.
2. Analyze the agricultural impact of the river basins in Karnataka.
3. Analyze the unique features of rivers originating in the Western Ghats.
1. The famous waterfall in India Jog Falls 2. They form estuaries because of the
or Gersoppa Falls is formed by which presence of hard rocks.
river? 3. The biggest west flowing rivers in
A. Godavari river Karnataka is Netravati River.
B. Sharavati river Options:
C. Kaveri river A. 1 and 2 only
D. Netravati river B. 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
2. Which is longest west flowing river in D. 1 and 3 only
Karnataka?
A. Sharavati river 4. Which of the following statements
B. Netravati river about the Kaveri River is/are correct?
C. Aghanashini a) The Kaveri River originates in the
D. Kaveri river Western Ghats.
b) The Krishna Raja Sagara Dam is
3. Which of the following statements is built on the Kaveri.
correct about west flowing rivers? c) Hemavati, Tungabadhra, and
i. 1. They form Large Deltas in Arabian Arkavathy are its tributaries.
Sea

Options: 7. What term describes the flow
A. Statement a and b is correct direction of Karanja in Karnataka,
B. Statement b and c is correct opposite to the direction of the main
C. Only Statement a is correct river?
D. Only statement b is correct A. Subsequent river system
B. Obsequent river system
5. Which of the following Protected C. Antecedent river system
Areas are located in Cauvery basin? D. Consequent river system
1. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 8. What is the primary purpose of the
3. Mrugavani National Park National Polavaram Project in Andhra Pradesh?
Park A. Transportation development
4. Sanjay Gandhi National Park B. Agriculture and power generation
Select the correct answer using the code C. Flood control
given below: D. Tourism promotion
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 and 4 only 9. Which soil types are predominant in
C. 1, 3 and 4 only the Pennar basin?
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 A. Alluvial soils

B. Red soils
6. Consider the following statements, C. Laterite soils
1. The basin spans across the states D. Peaty soils
of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala,
and Andhra Pradesh. 10. Which significant water body does the
2. The Cauvery basin encompasses Palar River form, known as the
approximately 3% of the cultivable primary water source for Kolar Gold
area of the country. Field and Bharath Earth Movers
Which statement(s) among the given Limited?
options is/are correct? A. Bethamangal tank
A. 1 only B. Kaveri tank
B. 2 only C. Pulicat Lake
C. Both 1 and 2 D. Vembanad Lake
D. Neither 1 and 2
Answers:
1. C
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. A
6. B
7. B
8. B
9. B
10. A


CHAPTER 5
NATURAL VEGETATION OF
KARNATAKA

NATURAL VEGETATION OF
KARNATAKA
• Natural vegetation refers to the plant cover that develops and thrives in a particular
region without any significant human interference or influence. It comprises the plant
species that grow and adapt naturally to the environmental conditions, climate, soil types,
topography, and other ecological factors of a specific area.
• Natural vegetation varies widely across different regions and climates, resulting in diverse
ecosystems worldwide.
• Flora is commonly used to denote the plant life of a particular region, whereas fauna is
used to refer to the animal life of a particular area.
• Both flora and fauna come together to form biodiversity of a specific period or region.
• Biodiversity of a particular period or region depends upon relief, climate and ecosystem.
DETERMINING FACTORS
Several factors contribute to the determination and distribution of natural vegetation in a
particular region. These factors include:
• Climate: The prevailing climate, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, and

seasonal variations, profoundly shapes the vegetation in an area.
• Soil Type and Composition: Soil characteristics like texture, fertility, pH, drainage, and
depth dictate the growth and distribution of vegetation.
• Topography and Altitude: Land features such as altitude, slope, and aspect create diverse
microclimates.
• Natural Disturbances: like wildfires, floods, storms, and volcanic eruptions impact
vegetation composition and renewal. Some plants rely on these disturbances for
regeneration.
• Human Activities: like deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and land-use changes alter
natural vegetation significantly.
• Biotic Factors: Interactions among plant species, competition for resources (light, water,
nutrients), and effects of herbivory and predation influence the structure and
composition of natural vegetation.
NATURAL VEGETATION OF KARNATAKA
• Karnataka has a rich diversity of plant species. The plant species play an important role in
preserving the ecological balance.
• Karnataka is spread across a geographical area of 191,791 square km (74,051 sq. mi). The
recorded forest area of Karnataka is 43,356.47 sq. km, as per the annual report of the
state’s Forest Department for the year 2014-15.
• Karnataka’s forest area is about 22.61% of the state’s geographical area. It accounts for
around 6.18% of India’s total forest area of 701,673 sq. km.
• The percentage of Karnataka’s Forest area in comparison to its geographical area is
slightly lower than the all-India average of around 23%. The percentage recommended by
the National Forest Policy is 33%.

Natural Vegetation of Karnataka has been

classified on the basis of rainfall, relief
features and type of soil. They are:
1. Evergreen forests
2. Deciduous forests
3. Grassland- Thorn and Shrubs
4. Others
EVERGREEN FOREST
CHARACTERISTICS
• Found in regions receiving over 200 cm
of rainfall with temperatures ranging
between 15-30 degrees Celsius.
• Presence of minimal litter (organic
matter settled on the ground).
• Exhibits dense, multi-layered
vegetation, housing diverse plant and
animal species.

• Original evergreen forests, especially in
protected areas, consist of tall trees
growing upright to heights of 20-30
meters without branching until the top
where branches spread out.
• Trees play a crucial role in forest biology and ecosystem by facilitating a harmonious
coexistence among plants and animals.
• Ground enriched with decomposers like fungus and bacteria that break down foliage,
contributing humus to the soil, maintaining natural fertility, and retaining moisture
• Ample running water percolates into the soil, ensuring consistent moisture supply for
vegetative life.
DISTRIBUTION
• Evergreen forests are primarily located on the western slopes of the Western Ghats in
the state. Semi-evergreen forests also extend across the Western Ghats. Both forest
types are densely populated.
• These forests are found in regions of Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga,
Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Chamarajnagar, and Kodagu districts.
Flora:
• Various tall trees such as rosewood, mahogany, kino, teak, dhupa, and hebbalasu thrive
in these forests.
• Abundant growth of different spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, along with a wide
array of medicinal herbs, is also observed.
Q. Highlight the features and distribution of Karnataka's Evergreen Forests, focusing on

their distinct traits and ecological importance.

DECIDUOUS FOREST
• These are the type of forests that shed their leaves every year during the period when
days are getting shorter and colder, these tree leaves lose their colour and fall off around
autumn to winter
• Slowly during Spring and Summer, as days become longer and warmer, they start to
regrow their leaves
• These forests are extra open and much less luxuriant than the equatorial evergreen
forests
CHARECTERISTICS
There are two types
1. Moist Deciduous Vegetation:
• As rainfall reduces on the sheltered side of mountains, a different kind of forest,
called upland moist deciduous vegetation, emerges. When these forests have
leaves, their canopy is thick. However, in dry months, leaves briefly fall to prevent
water loss through transpiration. Trees in these forests bloom when they don't
have leaves.
• This moist deciduous belt, stretching from Belagavi to Kodagu, is where trees like
teak, matti, kanagalu, nandi grow - these are local names. Bamboo clusters were

once widespread in large sections on the eastern edge of the Ghats.
2. Dry Deciduous Vegetation:
• The specific bioclimate in the eastern part of the Maidan supports a unique dry
deciduous vegetation in protected areas. These forests have open canopies, and
the trees lose their leaves during the driest months. Flowering and fruiting usually
happen before the new leaves emerge during the traditional showers in April-
May.
Q. Elucidate the features and types of Karnataka's deciduous forests, emphasizing their
distinct traits.
THORN AND SHRUB FORESTS
• Regions experiencing an annual rainfall of less less than 60 centimeters exhibit arid
conditions.
• The scarcity of rainfall and dry weather contribute to the presence of short grass, thorny
shrubs, and scrub vegetation in these areas.
• Originally characterized by 'steppe' type natural vegetation, the region has undergone
degeneration, transforming into scrub and thorny vegetation due to adverse conditions.
• Thorny woodlands, prevalent in dry regions, typically receive limited rainfall.
• The trees in these woodlands are relatively short, reaching a height of 6 to 10 meters at
most, and are sparsely distributed.
• These woodlands are characterized by the presence of prickly trees and plants
contributing to their thorny nature.
DISTRIBUTION
Chitradurga, Davanagere, Ballari, Racihur, Koppal, Kalaburgi, Yadgir and Bidar districts.
Flora
• Cactus, acacias, babul, bela, palm trees, hanchi, kunti grass etc.
• Occasionally banyan, neem, peepul tree, palas trees grow.
Q. Outline the distinct features of Thorn and Shrub Forests, emphasizing their importance
in arid zones.
OTHERS
LITTORAL VEGETATION
• There are two kinds of vegetation found along the coast in Karnataka. The first grows on
the sandy dunes, while the second type, known as halophytic vegetation, grows along
estuaries.
• Special plants called psammophytes can endure harsh conditions like extreme sunlight,
shifting sands, and salty winds. These psammophytes anchor the dunes above the high
tide mark. Some plants like sundews and bladderworts create a temporary layer on the
wet sands of the back beach.
• In the riverine estuaries, there are limited mangrove formations, especially near
Kundapur and Gokarna. These formations are mostly of the Rhizophora Avicenia -
Bruguiera type. Trees and shrubs in this area face challenges like marshy saline habitats,
strong tidal currents, water level fluctuations, and oxygen-deprived slushy soil.
• The littoral vegetation plays a crucial ecological role. Psammophytes help in preventing

sand from being blown onto agricultural lands and human settlements. They also
safeguard the beaches, ensuring their recreational value. Mangroves serve to stabilize
river banks against erosion and provide a breeding ground for various marine animals,
including fishes.
• A littoral plant refers to any aquatic plant species growing along the shoreline of a lake.
• In Karnataka's coastal regions, true mangrove species such as Avicenniacea,
Rhizophoraceae, Lythraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae, and Acanthaceae are observed.
DISTRIBUTION
• Calculation of diversity indices demonstrates relatively higher diversity and richness of
mangroves in Gurupura estuary compared to the Netravathi estuary.
• Along the coast, mangrove vegetation spans approximately 40 kilometers from south of
Mangaluru to Karwar in the north, covering coastal creeks, inlets, and sand dunes.
• These evergreen species are well-adapted to saline lowlands, particularly prominent in
areas like Gangolli near Kundapur and near Gokarna in the Gangavalli-Bedti estuary.
Q. Elaborate on the challenges faced by littoral vegetation plant formations and their
contributions to the ecosystem.
MONTANE VEGETATION
• The South Western Ghats Montane Rainforests constitute an ecoregion in South India,
encompassing the southern segment of the Western Ghats across Karnataka, Kerala, and
Tamil Nadu, situated at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,695 meters.
• This high-altitude vegetation comprises grassy meadows and sparse wooded patches,
known as the Southern Tropical Montane Vegetation. These mountain meadows host a
variety of short-lived herbs in abundance.

• The valleys within these ranges are home to streams and rivulets, characterized by
'Shola' forests that flank both sides of the streams, particularly on the eastern slopes of
the Ghats. The Shola forests extend into the plains along the river valleys and are defined
by short trees, with abundant archids and mosses.
DISTRIBUTION
• In Karnataka, montane vegetation is concentrated notably in Kudremuch, Bababudangiri
hills, Biligiriranga hills, and the Brahmagiri ranges of Kodagu.
Flora:
• The key vegetation in this region includes Mellosma pinnata, Gordovia obstusa, Michelia
Niligirika. Trees like Gamble and Vernonia arborea are widespread.
• Varieties of trees such as Cinnamomum, Litsea, and Neolitsea are commonly found in
the Shola forests, known for hosting numerous rare flowering plant species.
Q. Explain the ecological significance and highlight the prominent flora species found in
Karnataka’s elevated ecosystems.
DISTRIBUTION OF FORESTS IN KARNATAKA

• Covering a geographical expanse of 191,791 square kilometers (74,051 sq. mi), Karnataka

boasts diverse land areas.
• According to the annual report of Karnataka's Forest Department for 2014-15, the
recorded forest area in the state is 43,356.47 square kilometers.
• Karnataka's forested regions occupy approximately 22.61% of the state’s total
geographical area, contributing about 6.18% to India's overall forest cover of 701,673
square kilometers.
• The percentage of Karnataka’s forested area concerning its geographical expanse slightly
trails the all-India average of approximately 23%.
• Uttara Kannada stands as the district with the largest forest area in the state, covering
8,123.75 square kilometers, while Kodagu exhibits the highest percentage of forested
land in relation to its geographical area.
• Conversely, Bijapur records the least forested area in the state, spanning 25.05 square
kilometers, accounting for merely 0.24% of the total forest cover in Karnataka.
The total forest area can be classified as follows:
AREA
TYPE DEFENITION
(sq. km)
Reserved • Most restricted forests 29,688.37
Forests • Constituted by the State Government
• Area notified under the provisions of Indian Forest Act 3,540.07
Protected
or the State Forest Acts
Forests
• Limited degree of protection
Unclassified The unclassified forests are those in which there is no 10,024.91
Forests restriction on the cutting of trees and grazing of cattle
Village Forests Forests in Villages 49.05
Private Forests Forest areas not owned by authorities 54.07

FOREST COVER OF KARNATAKA

• According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) definition
in India, forest cover encompasses all lands exceeding one hectare in area with a tree
canopy density surpassing 10%.
• The assessment based on IRS Resourcesat-2 LISS III satellite data from November 2017 to
March 2018 indicates that the Forest Cover in the State measures 38,575.48 square
kilometers, constituting 20.11% of the State's total geographical area.

• Regarding forest canopy density classes, the State comprises 4,501.15 square kilometers
of Very Dense Forest (VDF), 21,048.09 square kilometers of Moderately Dense Forest
(MDF), and 13,026.24 square kilometers of Open Forest (OF).
• The recent assessment highlights a positive trend as the Forest Cover in the State has
shown an increase of 1,025.48 square kilometers compared to the previous evaluation
reported in ISFR 2017.

Land Use Pattern in Karnataka

PROTECDTED AREAS IN KARNATAKA
• Protected areas
o Areas which receive protection because of their recognized natural, ecological
or cultural values.
o human occupation or resource exploitation is restricted.
• Classification done as per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), across
regional and global frameworks in its categorization guidelines for protected areas.
• There are various types of protected areas, with varying levels of protection depending
on each country's enabling laws or the regulations of the international organisations
involved.
• National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation / Community Reserves, and Tiger
Reserves are all types of protected areas in India. Reserved Forests are not included.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 (WLPA) established the concept of a protected area
(PA).
IN KARNATAKA
• The State has 5 National Parks, 30 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 Tiger Reserves covering an area
of 9,586.017 sq. kms.
• Apart from the National Parks and Sanctuaries, the State has 12 Conservation Reserves

and 1 Community Reserve comprising of 466.582 sq. kms.
• All these areas form 23.19% of the total forest area.
• These are spread over evergreen to scrub forests, representing different ecosystems with
rare and endangered species of plants, animals and birds.
NATIONAL PARKS IN KARNATAKA
• A National Park is a protected area constituted for the protection and conservation of
wildlife. They are declared in areas that are considered to be of adequate ecological,
geomorphological and natural significance.
• National Parks in India are declared under
the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• They are IUCN category II protected areas.
1.BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

• Area - 868.63 km2.
• Location - Chamarajnagar district.
• In 1931, the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore
started a 90-square-kilometer sanctuary called
Venugopala Wildlife Park.
• It became a tiger reserve in 1973 as part of Project
Tiger and joined the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in
1986.
• Bandipur National Park is one of the reserves in the
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, along with Nagarhole
National Park, Mudumalai National Park (TN), and
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala).

• The park is surrounded by the Kabini river in the north, the Moyar river in the south, and
the Nugu river passes through it.
• The Kabini River separates Bandipur National Park from Nagarhole National Park, both
part of the same reserve.
• The highest point in the park is on Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta.
• Bandipur National Park has various habitats like dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous
forests, and shrublands.
Flora
• Teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian-laurel, Indian kino tree, giant clumping bamboo,
the kadam tree, Indian gooseberry, crape-myrtle, etc.
Fauna
• Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, sloth bear, mugger crocodile, Indian rock python, and
golden jackal.
• Bird species including peafowl, grey junglefowl, drongos, Indian rollers, crested
serpent eagles, bee-eaters, along with numerous reptiles and butterflies.
2.BANNERGHATTA NATIONAL PARK

• Area - 260.51 km2

• Location - Near Bangalore
• Founded –
o 1970
o Declared as a national park in 1974
• In 2002, a small portion of the park became a zoological garden, the
Bannerghatta Biological Park.
• Inside the national park, there are six rural villages enclosed in three large areas
dedicated to sheep and cattle farming.
• The Suvarnamukhi stream flows through the national park.
• The park serves as an important passage for elephants, linking the Biligirirangana Hills
and the Sathyamangalam forest as part of a wildlife corridor.
• It shares borders with the Talli reserve forest in the southeast and the Bilikal forest in
the south.
• One of the pressing threats faced by the National Park is illegal granite mining near
vital elephant routes within the park.
Flora – Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, Eucalyptus.
Fauna - Indian elephants, gaur, Indian leopard, jackal, fox, sloth bear, etc.
3.NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

• Area - 643 km2
• Located to the north-west of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two
parks.
• Establishment
o Set up in 1955 as wildlife sanctuary
o Upgraded into a national park in 1988
o 37th Tiger Reserve of India
o Declared in 1999

• Combined with Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife
Sanctuary, it creates the most extensive safeguarded region in South India.
• A component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• Originally, it served as a private hunting area for the Wodeyar dynasty's kings.
• Current challenges include tourism impact, forest fragmentation, and poaching.
• Flora –
o Consists mainly of North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests
o Rosewood, teak, sandalwood, silver oak, crocodile bark, and have some
conspicuous tree species such as golden shower tree, flame of the forest and
clumping bamboo.
• Fauna –
Mammals à Bengal tiger , Indian leopard , dhole , Indian jackal ,Indian elephant , gaur ,
gray langur , bonnet macaque , red slender loris ,red giant flying squirrel
Over 250 species of birds à blue-bearded bee-eater , herons and ducks.
Reptiles and amphibians à mugger crocodile, Asian vine snake, etc
4. ANSHI NATIONAL PARK (KALI TIGER RESERVE)

• Area - 1300 square kilometres
• Located in Uttara Kannada district
• Kali River flows through the tiger reserve
• Anshi National Park is a part of Kali Tiger Reserve and constitutes an important landscape
for Tiger conservation. It forms the core/critical Tiger habitat of the Reserve.
• Establishment
o Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary were together granted the status
of Project Tiger tiger reserve, being declared as 'Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve' in
January, 2007
o In December 2015, Dandeli Anshi Tiger reserve was renamed to Kali Tiger Reserve
• The 340 km2 Anshi park adjoins the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, and together with six
adjacent protected areas in the states of Goa and Maharashtra, forms an almost
uninterrupted protected forest area of over 2,200 km2
• Flora – Malabar tamarind, Garcinia morella, Knema attenuata, Hopea wightiana,
Tetrameles nudiflora, etc.
• Fauna –
Black panther, elephants , tigers , Indian bison, sloth bear, Indian wild boar, etc.
5.KUDREMUKHA NATIONAL PARK

• Area - 600.57 sq km
• Declared a National Park in 1987.
• It houses one of India's and the world's largest continuous groups of Lion-Tailed
Macaques (LTMs).
• Three significant rivers, namely the Tunga, Bhadra, and Nethravathi, are believed to
originate from this area.

• Standing at 1892 meters, Kuduremukh is Karnataka's second-highest peak (after
Mullayyanagiri). This peak has been recognized as one of the 34 global biological
hotspots due to its rich tropical biodiversity.
• Pressing concerns include iron ore mining, tourism-related construction, and the
presence of tribal communities within the park.
• Flora
§ Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
§ Shola grassland habitat is found.
• Fauna
§ leopard, Malabar giant squirrel, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, jackal, mongoose,
tiger, etc.
1.What are the significant attributes and conservation aspects of prominent National Parks
in Karnataka?
2.What are the key challenges faced in National Parks management and conservation?
The State has 5 Tiger Reserves namely, Bandipur, Bhadra, Nagarahole, Dandeli-Anshi and
BRT Tiger Reserves

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN KARNATAKA
What is Sanctuary
• Area that is of adequate ecological, faunal,
floral, geomorphological, natural, or
zoological significance
• Declared for the purpose of protecting,
propagating, or developing wildlife or its
environment
• Certain rights of people living inside the
Sanctuary could be permitted
Wildlife sanctuaries of India
• IUCN Category IV protected areas.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provided
for the declaration of certain areas by the
State government as wildlife sanctuaries if
the area was thought to be of adequate
ecological, geomorphological, and natural
significance.
• As of December 2021, 564 wildlife
sanctuaries were established in the
country which is 3.73 % of the
geographical area of the country.

SL
NAME DETAILS
NO
• Located in Mandya district.

Adichunchunagiri • Spread over 0.88 square kilometres .
1
WLS • Created mainly for the conservation of peacocks.
• Houses nearly 250 species of birds.
• Located in Mysore district.

• Spread over 13.5 square kilometres .
• Consists of eucalyptus and sandalwood plantations.
2 Arabithittu WLS
• Leopard, fox and spotted deer are some of the animal
species found here
• Around 230 species of birds have been observed here

• Spread over 2.23 km2
3 Attiveri WLS
• White ibis, little cormorant, pied kingfisher, common grey
hornbill is some of the bird species found here.

• Located between the Chikkamagaluru and Shimoga
districts
• Spread over 492.46 square kilometres
4 Bhadra WLS • 25th Project Tiger of India in 1988.
• The wildlife sanctuary is called so after the Bhadra River
which flows through the lush forests.
• Tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, slender loris, pangolin, etc.
• Located in Belagavi district

• Notable for the Barapede caves, the only known breeding
area of the Wroughton's free-tailed bat, a threatened
5 Bhimgad WLS
species on the verge of extinction.
• The area takes its name from the Bhimgad Fort which was
built and commanded by Shivaji in the 17th century.
• Located in the Chamarajanagar district, it is confluence of

the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, the sanctuary is
home to eco-systems that are unique to both the mountain
Biligiri ranges.
Rangaswamy • Spread over 539.58 square kilometres.
6
Temple (B.R.T.) • Elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bear, gaur, barking deer
WLS and sambarare seen
• Birds found here include Nilgiri wood pigeon, Malabar
whistling thrush, yellow-throated bulbul, peregrine falcon,
rufous-bellied hawk-eagle.

• An endangered amphibian, Icthyophis ghytinosus has been
reported in this sanctuary.
• Located in Kodagu district and is spread over an area of

181.80 square kilometres
• Bamboos are dominant here
• Mammals include elephant, gaur, tiger, jungle cat, bonnet
macaque and Nilgiri marten
7 Brahmagiri WLS
• This is also one of the last refuges of the highly endangered
grizzled giant squirrel in Karnataka
• Also, around 300 species of birds have been observed here
over the years
• This sanctuary is also famous for mahseer fish (Tor species)
• Spread over three districts, namely, Chamarajanagar,

Mandya and Ramanagara
• Area - 1,027 Km²
• Has two sub-divisions, namely, Hanur and Kanakapura sub-

8 Cauvery WLS divisions
• Drained by three rivers, namely, Cauvery, Arkavathi and
Shimsha
• Important animals found in the sanctuary are tiger,
elephant, leopard, bison, wild dog, sambar, etc.
• Only area in the Hyderabad Karnataka Region with rich

floristic diversity
• Located in Kalburgi
• Declared a sanctuary in 2011
• It is the first dry land Wildlife Sanctuary in South India.This
is the only area in the Hyderabad Karnataka Region with
9 Chincholi WLS rich floristic diversity. The forest hosts rich biodiversity.
• Apart from medicinal herbs and trees, species like Red
Sanders and Sandalwood are found abundantly.
• Buck, Common Fox, Four-horned Antelope, Fruit bat,
Hyena, Indian Wolf
• Birds, including Black Drongo, Black-winged Kite, Blossom –
headed Parakeet, etc.

• Along with neighboring Anshi National Park (339.87 km2),
the Sanctuary was declared part of the Anshi Dandeli Tiger
10 Dandeli WLS Reserve in 2006.
• Karnataka state government has officially notified the
Dandeli Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant on 4 June
2015.

• Spread over 2,321 sq.km, including 475 sq.km as core and
the remaining as buffer areas.
• This is the second elephant reserve in Karnataka after
Mysuru Elephant Reserve, which was declared in 2002.
• Elephant, gaur, wild boar, slender loris, Malabar giant
squirrel and barking deer.
• Located in Bellary district

11 Daroji Bear WLS • Spread over 82.72 square kilometres
• Mainly created for the conservation of sloth bears.
• Located in Belgaum district

• It is a small bird sanctuary comprising a section of
Ghataprabha River and over 22 islands in it.
Ghataprabha Bird • A weir & dam constructed during 1883 near Dhupadal have
12
WLS created a reservoir upstream with a large island in its midst.
This is the only part of the Sanctuary, which is actively

managed.
• Known for migratory birds like Demoiselle crane and
European white stork.
• Located in Shimogga district

• Spread over 0.73 km2
13 Gudavi WLS
• 191 species of birds are recorded here including white ibis,
pheasant-tailed jacana, purple moorhen and little grebe
• Situated in the Kudligi and Sandur taluks of Ballari.

• Spread over a total area of 167.59 sq km.
• Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the second Sloth Bear
Sanctuary in India and Asia, declared exclusively for the
Gudekote Sloth
14 protection and conservation of endangered, Schedule I
Bear WLS
species, Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus).
• Declared exclusively for the protection and conservation of
the Sloth Bear.
• Also nourishes important medicinal plants and herbs.
• Located in Chamarajanagar district, Kollegala taluk.

• Spread over 906 square kilometers .
Malai • Came to being on 7 May 2013.
15 Mahadeshwara • Contiguous with BRT Tiger Reserve and Cauvery Wildlife
WLS Sanctuary.
• Boasts of tiger, elephant, leopard, dhole, sambar, barking
deer and others.

• Located in Mandya district
Melkote Temple • Spread over 45.82 square kilometres
16
WLS • An endangered species of flora, Cycas circinalis is found
here.
• Located in Udupi district

• Some of the tree species found here are Dipterocarpus
indicus, Calophyllum tomentosum and Hopea parviflora
Mookambika
17 • An endangered species of climber Coscinium fenestratum
WLS
has been recorded here
• Slender loris, lion-tailed macaque, sambar and chital are
some of the animals found here
• The endangered cane turtle is also found here.
• Located in Mysore district

• Common species of flora include Emblica officinalis,
18 Nugu WLS

Santalum album and Dendrocalamus strictus
• Mammals include elephant, gaur, leopard, spotted deer
and common palm civet.
• Located in Kodagu district and is spread over 102.59 square

kilometres
19 Pushpagiri WLS
• Elephant, tiger, slender loris, Nilgiri marten and bonnet
macaque are seen here.
• Located in Haveri district and is spread over 119.00 square

kilometres.
Ranebennur
20 • Eucalyptus is the dominant species of trees found here.
Black Buck WLS
• Created mainly for the conservation of blackbucks.
• Habitat for the endangered great Indian bustard.
• Located in Mandya district and is spread over 0.67 km2.

• Among the tree species found here, is the unique Iphigenia
mysorensis.
Ranganathittu
21 • This sanctuary houses nearly 170 birds
Bird WLS
• Birds like cormorants, darter, white ibis, great stone plover,
cliff swallow, spoonbills, lesser whistling teal roost here all
through the year.
Ramadevara • This is located in Ramanagara and is home of the critically

22 Betta Vulture endangered Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus).
WLS

• Located in Davanagere district.
• The total area of the eco-sensitive zone is 137.14 km2.
• Established in 2011
• Aimed for the protection of Four-horned antelopes
Rangayyanadurga (Tetracerus quadricornis
23 Four-horned • Four-horned antelope is classified as Vulnerable species by
antelope the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources (IUCN).
• In 2017, Indian government tagged an area of 0.95 to 4.5
km from the boundary of the sanctuary as an eco-sensitive
zone (ESZ).
• Located in Shimoga district

• Tiger, leopard, mouse deer, bonnet macaque and common
Sharavathi Valley
24 langoor are some of the animal species found here.
WLS
• Snakes are commonly found here.
• Paradise flycatcher, racket-tailed drongo and blue-throated

barbet are some of the bird species found here.
• This is located in Shimoga district and is spread over 395.60

square kilometres
25 Shettihalli WLS
• Tiger, leopard, bonnet macaque and Malabar giant squirrel
are some of the animal species found here
• This is located in Udupi district and is spread over 88.40

square kilometres
26 Someshwara WLS
• Tiger, leopard, lion-tailed macaque and spotted deer are
some of the animal species found here.
• Located in Kodagu district and is spread over 105.00 square

kilometres
• Clawless otter, elephant, tiger, striped-necked mongoose
and mouse deer are some of the animal species found here
27 Talakaveri WLS
• Around 300 species of birds have been observed here over
the years
• Fairy bluebird, Malabar trogon and broadbill roller are
some of the avian species found
• Located in Chitradurga
28 Jogimatti WLS • home to some endangered species of birds like Gyps
bengalensis and Pycnonotus xantholaemus
• Located in the Madhugiri and Koratagere Taluk of Tumkur

29 Thimlapura WLS • Inhabited by leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, Indian foxes,
wolves, among other animals

• Conservation reserve for sloth bear
• Located in Bilagi and Mudhol taluks in Bagalkot district

Yadahalli • Aimed for the protection of chinkaras (Indian Gazelle)
30
Chinkara WLS • Established in 2016
• First chinkara sanctuary in Karnataka
CONSERVATION RESERVES AND COMMUNITY RESERVE

• Conservation reserves and community reserves refer to protected zones in India, acting
as buffers or links between national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserved forests.
• Conservation areas are those uninhabited areas solely owned by the Government of
India, utilized by communities for subsistence. Community areas might include privately
owned lands.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002 introduced these protected area
classifications, amending the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
• These categories were introduced due to decreased protection in and around existing or
planned protected zones caused by private land ownership and land use.
List of Conservation Reserves

SL.No. NAME DETAILS
• An area of 299.52 sq kms has been declared as

Aghanashini Conservation
01 the Aghanashini Lion-tailed Macaque
Reserve
Conservation Reserve in Karnataka in 2011
• First bird conservation reserve in the North

Karnataka or Kalyan Karnataka region.
• The only bird conservation reserve of Dry zone
(Northern Karnataka), which inhabits both
native and migratory bird species.
• The important birds - Greater Flamingo,
Ankasamudra Bird Painted Stork, Spotted Pelican, Comb Duck,
02
Conservation Reserve Egrets, Cormorants, Ibis, Oriental Darter,
Grebes, Spot-billed duck, and Whistling duck
etc.
• Some birds are also coming from European
countries during breeding season through
migration and around 11 species of birds found
here were listed in the IUCN Red List.
Bankapur Peacock • Wildlife sanctuary inside the Bankapura Fort in

03
Conservation Reserve Haveri District.
Basur Amruth Mahal Kaval

04 • Location- Kadur taluk of Chikamagaluru district.
Conservation Reserve

• The blackbucks which are Schedule I animal of
Wildlife Protection Act,1972 are found in
abundance in Basur Kaval.
• Other than this landscape the Black Bucks are
found only in Tumkur Districts and
Ranebennur.
• Location-It spread across Yellapura, Sirsi and

Ankola talukas of Uttara Kannada district.
Bedthi Conservation
05 • The region supports many endemic flora and
Reserve
fauna including Tiger, Great hornbill, Malabar
Pied Hornbill, leopard, King cobra, etc
• Location- In Joida and Haliyal Taluks of Uttar

Kannada Districts. It is located between Supa
Dam and follows the Kali River until Dandeli
town. At Kulgi it touches the boundary of
Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.
• Hornbill Conservation Reserve is first of its kind

Hornbill Conservation to have a special conservation Reserve for
06
Reserve protecting the endangered bird species of
Hornbills including Malabar Pied Hornbill,
Malabar Grey Hornbill, Common Grey Hornbill,
Great Indian Hornbill.
• However, studies have revealed that food
supply is one of the main factors to trigger
breeding in Hornbills.
• Location- Mulbagal Taluk of Kolar District.

Kolar Leaf-nosed Bat • The species Kolar Leaf-nosed Bat has been
07
Conservation Reserve categorized as “Critically Endangered” in the
IUCN Red list.
• Location- Magadi and Holaapur villages of

Shirahatti Taluk of Gadag district.
• Magadi Kere reserve includes Migratory water
Magadi Kere Conservation fowls like Bar headed goose, Eurasian Spoon
08
Reserve bill, Comb Duck, Peregrine Falcon, Norther
pintail, Gadwall etc.
• The tank is also host to globally threatened
birds like white headed Ibis, Black Ibis etc.

• Location-Melapura village, Srirangapatna taluk
of Mandya district.
• For conservation of biodiversity and bird
population especially Blue-Tailed Bee Eaters,
Melapura Bee Eater Conservation Reserve was
Melapura Bee Eater Bird
09 declared in 2015 as landscape approach.
• Bee Eaters are an important avian species
relevant for maintaining the balance of our
environment.
• It is migratory species of bird commonly found
in the summer months in Karnataka.
• Location- Madhugiri Taluk of Tumakuru

District.
Mydhanahalli black buck • It is a unique example of an isolated pocket,
10
conservation reserve where Blackbucks had survived without
anybody’s conscious efforts but only by the
protection accorded by the community around.

• Location- Bangalore North Taluk.
• Puttenahalli Lake was veritable bird paradise
Puttenahalli Lake Birds
11 prior to 2005.The lake and its surroundings
once supported more than 126 bird species
belonging to 50 bird families.
• Location- Kumta Taluks of Uttara Kannada

Shalmala Riparian districts.
12 Ecosystem Conservation • Shalmala River is a tributary of Bedthi River
Reserve which is one of the four important rivers of
Uttara Kananda .
• Location- Madhugiri & Koratgere taluks of

Tumkur district.
• It was declared as a cushion area surrounding
Thimlapura Conservation
13 the Thimlapura Wildlife Sanctuary for
reserve
maintaining the ecological stability of the area
which was significant for conserving the
biological diversity of this area.
• Location- Hospet Taluk of Bellary District.

• Is one the unique habitat of Smooth Coated
Otters. It is also one of the few protected areas
Thungabhadra Otter
14 constituted in riverine eco system. The
objective of creating the Conservation Reserve
is to protect river and its banks which form the
habitat of aquatic wildlife.

• Location- Chamarajanagar district.
• Ummathur Conservation Reserve is an
important habitat of Blackbuck (Antilope
cervicapra), Spotted deer (Axis axis) and a lot of
Ummathur Conservation other wildlife like Wild dog, Leopard, Peacock
15
Reserve which are listed in various schedules of Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972.
• It is an island of biodiversity with little
disturbance amidst human habitations all
around.
List of Community Reserves

SL.No. Name of Protected Area In Details
• Location- Maddur taluk of Mandya
district.
• A total of 70 tanks of different
sizes that are present within a

radius of 30 Kms from the village
Kokkare bellur community
01 form the feeding grounds of the
reserve
birds that nest at Kokkare Bellur.
• Shimsha River, a tributary of river
Cauvery flows about a Km west of
the village which also forms a part
of feeding grounds.
SACRED GROVES IN KARNATAKA

Definition and Significance:
• Sacred groves are protected forest fragments in India safeguarded by communities,
often possessing religious importance.
• These groves typically feature dense vegetation and are home to a village deity,
usually located near a permanent water source.
• They symbolize ancient nature worship customs and play a crucial role in preserving
nature.
Legal Protection and Community Reserves:
• The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002 introduced community reserves,
extending government protection to community-owned lands, including sacred
groves.
Karnataka's Unique Sacred Groves:
• Karnataka is renowned for its diverse and unique sacred groves, which vary in size,
ownership, and vegetation.
• These groves in the state are broadly classified into two categories: smaller, fully
protected groves (Kans) and larger resource forests (Devarkadu/Devarkan).
Quantitative Information:

• Karnataka houses 1476 documented sacred groves, known for their rich biodiversity
due to distinct ownership and management traditions.
• These groves boast a variety of plant species such as Crab’s eye, Sage leaved
Alangium, Neem, Pipal, Pithraj tree, and Powder-puff, showcasing their diverse
biodiversity.
Unique Practices in Karnataka's Groves:
• Kodagu, in particular, is home to the largest number of sacred groves in Karnataka.
• Terracotta hounds are offered in Kodagu's groves, representing a unique cultural
practice within these sacred spaces.

1.What are Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves, and how do they contribute
to wildlife protection and ecosystem connectivity?
2.What role do Sacred Groves play in India's conservation efforts, particularly in Karnataka,
and what unique cultural practices are observed within these groves in Karnataka?
ANIMAL CONSERVATION IN KARNATAKA

PROJECT TIGER IN KARNATAKA

Initiation and Purpose: Launched in April 1973, the initiative aims to ensure the survival of
Bengal tigers in their natural habitats. Its primary objectives include protecting tigers from
extinction and preserving vital biological zones that showcase diverse ecosystems found
across the country.
The endeavor operates across five key tiger reserves in Karnataka: Bandipur, Nagarahole,
Bhadra, Anshi-Dandeli, and BRT.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve's Performance:
• Bandipur Tiger Reserve excelled in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation
(MEE) among all tiger reserves in India.
• Karnataka has total tiger count of 435 (according to a 2022 census) second only
to Madhya Pradesh.
• Out of the five tiger reserves in the state, the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve has
reported the highest number of tigers at 149, followed by the Bandipur Tiger
Reserve (BTR) with 143 tigers. Meanwhile, the Biligira Ranga Temple (BRT) Tiger
Reserve has reported 39 tigers, Bhadra Tiger Reserve has 26 tigers and Kali Tiger
Reserve 19 tigers.
• Karnataka holds the honor of being the first state to deploy a Special Tiger
Protection Force (STPF), a specialized commando unit dedicated to safeguarding
the state's tiger population from poachers.
ELEPHANTS IN KARNATAKA
Karnataka has the highest jumbo population in India with 6,399 (2023 data) elephants
Karnataka, which is almost 50% of all elephants in the southern states.
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary Statistics: According to 2017 data, Nagarhole Wildlife
Sanctuary, spreading across 843 sq. km, maintains an average of approximately 2 elephants
per square kilometer.
Project Elephant à a government initiative, focuses on safeguarding elephant habitats
across National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and forested areas like Reserved Forests.
Activities under Project Elephant:

Various efforts under this scheme involve constructing elephant-proof trenches and solar
fencing, establishing rapid response teams (RRT), anti-poaching and anti-depredation
camps, managing problematic elephants through capture or relocation, procuring
tranquilization equipment, staff training in enforcement and veterinary care, conducting
awareness programs, and more within Elephant Reserves.
Q. How do the initiatives of Project Tiger and Project Elephant contribute to wildlife
conservation in Karnataka?
KARNATAKA STATE GOVERNMENT SCHEMES TO PROTECT FORESTS

KRUSHI ARANYA PROTSAHA YOJANE (KAPY)
• Launched during 2011-12.
• Aimed at fostering collaboration between farmers and the public to augment
forest and tree cover across the state.
• Farmers receive subsidized seedlings from nearby Forest Department nurseries to
plant on their lands.
• Incentives are offered to farmers based on the survival of seedlings:
§ Rs 35 incentive per surviving seedling at the end of the first year.
§ Rs 40 and Rs 50 per surviving seedling after the completion of the second

and third years respectively.
• Benefits for Farmers: Grown trees provide farmers with substantial returns in the
form of fruits, seeds, fodder, firewood, poles, timber, etc.
RAISING OF SEEDLINGS FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (RSPD)
• Seedlings are raised for distribution among general public at subsidized rates to
plant them in their non-agricultural lands.
• For this purpose, seedlings of suitable species are raised and kept in the nurseries
of the Forest Department.
• The seedlings are made available in poly-bags of size 6”x9” and 8’x12”.
MAGUVIGONDU MARA SHALEGONDU VANA
• Objective: to instill ecological and environmental awareness among school
children. Its primary goal is to encourage voluntary tree planting and nurture a
sense of responsibility towards the environment.
• Seedling Distribution for School Children: Free-of-cost seedlings are provided to
school children, promoting tree planting within school compounds and the open
spaces of their residential areas.
To emphasize tree planting in schools, a new program called "Talukigondu Hasiru Shala
Vana" has been initiated. Its objective is to establish at least one school forest in each taluk,
fostering a culture of greenery and environmental consciousness at the grassroots level.
DAIVIVANA
• Launched by the Karnataka Forest Department in 2011-12, this state scheme aims to
create forests near temples to protect local biodiversity.
• The initiative involves establishing various types of forests like Rashivana,
Nakshatravana, Navagrhavana, Panchayat vana, Asthadikkapalakvana, etc. and
planting several species of trees with religious significance such as Ala, Arali, Athi,
Bevu, Banni, Tare, Bilvapatre, Goni, Nerale, Nagasampige, Kaggali, Yekke, alongside
other indigenous flowering and fruit-bearing trees.

Objectives:
• Educating temple visitors about forest and wildlife conservation.
• Implementation of the Daivivana scheme involves planting and developing around
100 hectares of forest over three years and maintaining it for an additional two years.
• Each district plans to establish a 300-hectare Daivivana, secured by chain-link mesh
fences.
• Providing amenities like walking paths, eco trails, and informative labeling within
Daivivanas to increase awareness, especially among children, about forest and
wildlife conservation.
TREE PARK
• The goal of the Tree Park scheme is to offer city residents a natural setting within
close reach, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for nature.
• These parks, located near cities or towns, aim to provide urban dwellers with
opportunities for activities like walking, jogging, cycling, Yoga, meditation, promoting
better health and overall well-being.
• Many Tree Parks include dedicated children’s play areas, encouraging enjoyment and
physical activities for kids within these natural environments.
CHINNARA VANA DARSHANA SCHEME
• It was initiated during the financial year 2014.

• The objective of the scheme was to create awareness among High School students (
IX standard) of the State for sensitizing them towards conservation of Forests and
Wildlife.
• Further the scope of the scheme was enhanced to include students of 6th, 7th and
8th Standards through the Government Order.
SIRICHANDANA VANA :
• Protection and maintenance of Sandalwood plantation and naturally grow
sandalwood trees area is taken up through erection of chain link mesh, watch and
ward, soil working, cultural operation and other protective measures.
ROADSIDE PLANTATION SCHEME :
• Karnataka State has an area of about 4000 Km National Highway, 21,000 Km State
Highway and 38,000 Km Districts Roads.
• From 1980 onwards, about 15,000 km of roadside plantations have been raised by
the Forest Department throughout the state under various schemes. Since 2000
onwards, trees from many stretches of the state’s roads have been cut under road-
widening projects.
• In order to bring back greenery along these roads, the state sector scheme “Roadside
Plantations” has been under implementation since 2011-12.
GREENING OF URBAN AREAS:
• Objective- minimize effects of pollution caused due to high intensity of population,
vehicles and industries in urban areas by planting ornamental, shade and fruit-
bearing trees.
• Tree parks, wood lots and avenue plantations are also established in towns and cities
to improve aesthetics.
SAMRUDDA HASIRU GRAMA YOJANE (SHGY) :
• 80 Village Forest Committees (VFCs) were selected for implementation.
• Objectives:

o To enhance the natural resource base in these villages by afforestation and
conservation of forests and by conserving Natural Resources.
o To recharge and enhance the availability of ground water through Soil and
Moisture Conservation Works.
o Promote energy efficient lifestyle by promoting gobar gas, Sarala ole, LPG, etc.
WESTERN GHATS IN KARNATAKA:

• Also known as Sahyadri Hills, characterized by diverse flora and fauna.
• Segmented into various regions: Konkan Coast, Kanara, Malabar Coast, Nilgiri malai in
Tamil Nadu.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site, a hotspot for biological diversity.
• Karnataka encompasses the Western Ghats on both sides, spans roughly 100 kilometers
in width, receives heavy rainfall, and hosts the origin of major rivers.
• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a significant protected area, spans across Karnataka, Kerala,
and Tamil Nadu, fostering diverse ecosystems.
Eco-Sensitive Zones in Western Ghats:
• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are dedicated areas around natural ecosystems.
• Union Environment Ministry's draft notification faces opposition in Karnataka.

• Details of the new draft notification:
§ Demarcation of ESA in Western Ghats across five states.
§ Exclusion of Kerala from the draft notification due to prior demarcation.
§ Karnataka's allocation of ESA.
Imposed restrictions and curbs under the notification:
• Ban on mining and quarrying.
• Prohibition on new thermal power projects and expansion of existing plants.
• Restrictions on construction and industrial activities.
Implementation and monitoring strategies by the Centre:
• Establishment of a Decision Support and Monitoring Centre for Western Ghats.
• Post-clearance monitoring of projects in ESA.
• Preparation of the 'State of Health Report' by state governments annually.
Comparison between Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports:
• Gadgil Commission's comprehensive approach designated the entire Western Ghats as
an ESA.
• Recommendations included restrictions on dams, mining, and polluting industries.
• Suggested the formation of the Western Ghats Ecology Authority.
• Kasturirangan report proposed a balance between development and environmental
protection.
• Suggested a reduced ESA coverage compared to the Gadgil report.
• Differentiated between cultural and natural landscapes.
Karnataka's standpoint on ESA:
• Karnataka government's opposition to the implementation of ESA in Western Ghats.
• Concerns over adverse impacts on the livelihood of the region's people.
• Environmental experts' viewpoint on the state's decision as detrimental to Western
Ghats' biodiversity.

Q. Discuss the geographical characteristics of Karnataka's Western Ghats. Examine the
controversies surrounding proposed Eco-Sensitive Zones in the region.
RANGANATHITTU BIRD SANCTUARY:

• Declared Ramsar site, known as Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka.
• Largest in Karnataka, comprising six islets on Kaveri River banks.
• Hosts 200+ migratory and Indian bird species, a significant breeding ground.
• Originated in 1648 by Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar.
• Designated a bird sanctuary in 1940 due to ornithologist Salim Ali.
• Holds over 1% of spot-billed pelicans worldwide, attracting 40,000+ birds during
winter.
Flora:
• Riverine reed beds along island banks, broadleaf forests on islands.
• Dominant species: Terminalia arjuna, bamboo, Pandanus, Eucalyptus, and acacia.
• Threatened lily species Iphigenia mysorensis found in the sanctuary.
Fauna:
• Hosts small mammals like bonnet macaque, otters, flying fox, civets, mongoose, and
monitor lizard.

• Largest freshwater crocodile population in Karnataka, including mugger crocodiles.
Birds:
• Records 170+ bird species including storks, spoonbills, ibises, ducks, kingfishers,
egrets, and pelicans.
• Also, home to stone plovers, river terns, and streak-throated swallows.
• Ranganathittu is a significant bird sanctuary in Karnataka, attracting a diverse range
of avian species and fostering unique flora and fauna in the region.
RAMSAR SITE:
• Designated under the Ramsar Convention, focused on wetland conservation
globally.
• Established in 1971 by UNESCO, effective from 1975, aimed at preserving wetlands
sustainably.
• Named after Ramsar city in Iran, where the convention originated.
• Defines wetlands of international importance based on biodiversity support and
ecological criteria.
Criteria for Ramsar Site:
• Represents unique/natural wetland types within a specific region.
• Supports endangered species or fragile ecological communities.
• Sustains biodiversity of a particular biogeographic area.
• Offers refuge or critical life cycle stages for species during adverse conditions.
• Sustains significant populations of water birds and specific species or subspecies.
• Supports indigenous fish populations and their lifecycle representation.
• Acts as a crucial food source, spawning ground, or migration path for fish stocks.
• Regularly supports 1% of wetland-dependent non-avian animal species.

Q. How does Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, declared a Ramsar site and dubbed 'Pakshi
Kashi of Karnataka,' contribute to avian conservation?
Biodiversity Heritage Site

Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are well defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile
ecosystems – terrestrial, coastal and inland waters and, marine having rich biodiversity
comprising of any one or more of the following components: richness of wild as well as
domesticated species or intra-specific categories, high endemism, presence of rare and
threatened species, keystone species, species of evolutionary significance, wild ancestors of
domestic/cultivated species or their varieties, past pre-eminence of biological components
represented by fossil beds and having significant cultural, ethical or aesthetic values and are
important for the maintenance of cultural diversity, with or without a long history of human
association with them (source: National Biodiversity Authority).
Nallur Tamarind Grove in Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka
• One of the oldest tamarind trees at Nallur. The recorded age of the oldest one being
more than 410 years old. And they still bear fruit.
• This BHS is spread over 54 acres, an area that once was a part of the Chola dynasty
some 800 years ago.
• The grove is a part of the erstwhile Nallur Fort from the Chola Period of which only

these ancient trees and a stone temple are the remainders.
Hogrekan in Chikmagalur, Karnataka
• The Shola vegetation of Hogrekan is home to a number of unique medicinal plants.
• Shola forests are stunted tropical montane forest, insterspersed by undulating
grasslands. Due to its proximity to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Yemmedode Tiger
Reserve, it also serves as an important wildlife corridor.
• A lot of floral species from this site have medicinal values and are endemic in nature.
• According to some studies, these Shola grasslands are thousands of years old.
University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Some 13 species of mammals, 10 species of reptiles, 165 species of birds and an
impressive 530 species of plants call University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus
in Bengaluru a home.
• The campus earned its title because of the biological diversity it presents.
• It is without a doubt one of the greenest areas in the city.
• Spread over 167 acres of greenery, the campus is a protected biodiversity hotspot.
Ambaraguda in Shimoga, Karnataka
• It is a primitive Shola vegetation with plants species that have stood the test of time.
• This portion of Western Ghats has precious reserves of unique and endemic plant
species which helped earn the status of a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
• Ambaraguda is located between Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary and Someshwara
Wildlife Sanctuary.

1.What defines natural vegetation? 4.Which areas of Karnataka exhibit thorn

a) Plant cover shaped by human and shrub forests?
interference a) Coastal regions
b) Flora and fauna interaction in a region b) Eastern Ghats
c) Plant species adapting naturally to c) Western Ghats
environmental factors d) Arid regions
d) Human activities determining plant
growth 5.What contributes to the transformation
of steppe vegetation into scrub and
2.What does biodiversity of a region thorny vegetation in Karnataka?
primarily depend on? a) Excessive rainfall
a) Human activities and interventions b) Soil fertility
b) Climate, relief, and ecosystem c) Adverse conditions and low rainfall
c) Soil composition and altitude d) Human intervention and urbanization
d) Species interaction and competition for
resources 6.What characterizes littoral vegetation
along Karnataka's coast?

3.Which of these factors profoundly a) Presence of dense forests
shapes the vegetation in a specific area? b) Mangrove formations along riverbanks
a) Human Activities c) Adaptation to saline lowlands and tidal
b) Topography currents
c) Soil Type d) Lack of diversity in plant species
d) Biotic Factors
Answers:
1. C. Plant species adapting naturally to environmental factors
2. B. Climate, relief, and ecosystem
3. B
4. D
5. C
6. C


CHAPTER 6
SOILS
OF
KARNATAKA

SOILS OF KARNATAKA
• Soil is the topmost layer of the continental crust having weathered particles of rocks. The
soils of India are the product of physical factors as well as human factors.
• Soil can be simply defined as a mixture of small rock particles/debris and organic
materials/ humus which develop on the earth’s surface and support the growth of plants.
Factors affecting formation of Soil

SOILS OF KARNATAKA
The soils of Karnataka have been classified
into four types:
(1) Red soil
(2) Black soil
(3) Laterite soil
(4) Coastal Alluvial soil
RED SOIL NOTES:
• Derived from granite and gneiss
weathering, characterized by red color
due to iron oxides.
• Rich in iron, lime, and salts; low in humus,
less fertile, with light and thin layers.
• Limited moisture retention capacity,
widespread in Karnataka, predominantly
in South Karnataka.
• Suitable for rain-fed crops like ragi, jowar,
bajra millets, pulses, tobacco, and
groundnuts. Irrigated areas cultivate
paddy, sugarcane, potatoes, vegetables,
bananas, coconuts, and areca nuts.
• Found in Tumakuru, Bengaluru,
Ramanagara, Chikkaballapura, Kolar,
Chamarajanagara, Mandya, and Mysuru.

Sub-Types:
Red Loam Soils:
• Present in Shimoga, Hassan, Chickmagalur districts, valleys, and Ghats.
• Typically, deep to very deep soils with increasing clay content downwards.
• Intensely leached, well-drained in uplands, prone to waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Mixed Red and Black Soils:
• Occur together in Belgaum, Bijapur, Dhanbad, Raichur, Bellary, and Chitradurga
districts (zones 2, 3 & 4).
• Characteristics:
§ Coarse-textured red soils in uplands with high permeability.
§ Deep, clayey, poorly drained black soils in lowlands and valleys.
• Topography and parent material majorly influence their formation.
• Derived from gneisses, schists rocks, or sedimentary rock formations.
BLACK SOIL:
• Formed from basalt rocks, rich in aluminum, magnesium, and iron oxides, hence black
in color.
• Known as ‘black cotton soil’, excellent moisture retention, high soil nutrients.

• Suitable for diverse crops like cotton, jowar, maize, sunflower, paddy, pulses, onion.
• Predominantly found in North Karnataka districts: Dharwad, Gadag, Ballari, Koppal,
Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Bagalkot, Belagavi, and Chitradurga.
Sub-Types:
Shallow Black Soils:
• Depth usually less than one meter, some areas severely eroded, exposing lime layer.
• Occur in patches on ridges, limited compared to medium and deep black soils.
• Medium Black Soils:
• Originated from Deccan trap, found in Belgaum, Bijapur, Gulbarga, and Raichur
districts.
• Lighter color in highlands, darker in valleys, texture ranges from loam to clay.
• Highly retentive, slightly alkaline, fertile, and productive under proper moisture
conditions.
• Dominated by montmorillonite clay, exhibit shrinking and swelling, forming cracks.
Deep Black Soils:
• Characterized by great depth, dark color, and high clay content.
• Occupy vast areas in Raichur, parts of Belgaum, and Bijapur districts.
• Derived from various parent materials, show vertical mixing, hindering horizon
differentiation.
• Formed in river basins like Krishna, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, and Bheema, have
good aggregating ability in the presence of organic matter.
LATERITE SOIL:
• Found in high rainfall and high-temperature areas.
• Lime and silicates dissolve in rainwater, settle in lower layers, while non-soluble iron
and aluminum remain in the top layers.

• Becomes soft in the rainy season, hardens into laterite rock in summer, used for
construction.
• Suitable for cashew, coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper, rubber, coconut, and other
commercial crops.
• Predominantly found in Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu,
Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, and Belagavi districts.
COASTAL ALLUVIAL SOIL:
• Forms along the coast due to river and sea wave deposition.
• Found in coastal districts like Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada.
• Comprises sand and clay, rich in organic nutrients.
• Ideal for paddy, cashew, coconut, arecanut, banana, and other crops.
BROWN FOREST SOILS:
• Predominantly found in the Western Ghats within forests.
• Develop in humid to sub-humid climates, covering around 6% of the total
geographical area.
• Formed from granites, gneisses, and schists, varying from deep to moderately deep,
well-drained to excessively drained.
• Surface soils range from sandy clay to clay or sandy loam, while sub-soils have a high

clay content, varying from clay to sandy clay.
SALINE SOILS:
• Saline soils contain excessive soluble salts, hindering water absorption by plants.
• Referred to as Usara soils, known by regional names like Reh, Kallar, Chopan, Rakar.
• Ugar Budruk village in Belgaum district faced severe soil salinity and waterlogging
issues, reclaiming about 925 ha of saline land through subsurface drainage
technology with the efforts of local farmers.
Soil Conservation in Karnataka:
• Severe soil erosion types: sheet, rill, and gully erosion, causing annual soil loss
estimated at 4 to 10, 14 to 65, and 30 to 40 tons per ha in red, black, and lateritic
soils, respectively.
• Soil loss impacts: reduction in fertile topsoil, decreased root depth, affecting moisture
storage and crop yields.
• Eroded soil accumulation in tanks, reservoirs, streams, and river beds, reducing their
storage and carrying capacities.
• Erosion factors: rainfall, soil type, vegetation, and land use, tackled via mechanical
and vegetative soil conservation measures.
• Principles for erosion control: increasing runoff water absorption time, dividing long
slopes into shorter ones, preventing rill formation, employing cost-effective
measures.
• National programs like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is implemented for soil
conservation.
Q. What are the key characteristics and distribution of soils in Karnataka, and how do their
sub-types vary?

1.Which of the following factors primarily A) Gully erosion

determines the weathering efficiency of B) Rill erosion
the parent material in soil formation? C) Stream erosion
A) Human activities D) Sheet erosion
B) Relief
C) Climate 5.Which crops are suitable for cultivation
D) Biotic organisms in red soil predominant regions in
Karnataka?
2.Black soil in Karnataka is predominantly A) Coconut and rubber
found in which region? B) Cashew and tea
A) South Karnataka C) Cotton and maize
B) Coastal districts D) Rice and arecanut
C) North Karnataka
D) Western Ghats region 6.What did Ugar Budruk village in
Belgaum district reclaim through
3.What is a notable characteristic of subsurface drainage technology?
laterite soil during the rainy season? A) Arid land for commercial crop

A) It hardens into a rock-like formation cultivation
B) It becomes extremely dry and B) Waterlogged areas for fish farming
powdery C) Saline land for rice cultivation
C) It becomes fertile and suitable for rice D) Severe soil erosion areas for
cultivation forestation
D) It retains excessive moisture
4.Which of the following is NOT a type of

severe soil erosion mentioned in
Karnataka?
Answer:
1. C) Climate
2. C) North Karnataka
3. A) It hardens into a rock-like formation
4. C) Stream erosion
5. C) Cotton and maize
6. C) Saline land for rice cultivation



Karnataka Geography Prelims

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KARNATAKA GEOGRAPHY KPSC EXAMS

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PRE INDEPENDENCE-THE STATE OF MYSURU

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TOWARDS UNIFICATION OF KARNATAKA

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ALURU VENKATA RAYARU

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Location, size and extent

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LATITUDE 11°31 to 18° 45’N latitudes (latitudinal extent of 7°14’)

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The administrative structure of Karnataka

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GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICAL

Geological History of Karnataka

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