PENNAR RIVER

PRERNA FOR IAS

PENNAR RIVER

(GEOGRAPHY)

1. Pennar River – Introduction

The Pennar River, also known as Uttara Pinakini, is one of the major rivers of Peninsular India. The name “Pinakini” is derived from Pinaka, the bow of Lord Shiva. The river plays an important role in the agriculture and economy of southern India, particularly in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Although it is smaller than rivers such as the Godavari and Krishna, it supports millions of people through irrigation and water supply. The Pennar basin is characterized by semi-arid conditions, making the river an important source of water for farming and human settlements in the region.

2. Origin and Course of the Pennar River

The Pennar River originates from Chenna Kasava Hill in the Nandidurg Range of the Chikkaballapura district in Karnataka. From its source, the river flows eastward through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The total length of the river is approximately 597 kilometers. As it flows through dry and semi-arid regions, the Pennar serves as a crucial water source for agriculture and domestic use. Along its journey, it passes through several districts and receives water from various tributaries. Its eastward flow is typical of many Peninsular rivers.

3. Pennar River Basin and Drainage System