Thoothukudi district is situated within the east-flowing river basin. The principal sub-basins within this region encompass Nambiyar, Thamirabarani, Kallar, Vaippar and Gundar. These rivers originate from the Western Ghats and the uplands of Tamil Nadu, significantly influencing the district’s drainage system.
Numerous streams emerge from the local hillocks, flowing directly into the sea after covering a distance of merely 10 to 20 kilometers. The primary rivers of the district—Vaipar, Thamirabarani and Karamanaiyar—exhibit ephemeral characteristics, with runoff occurring predominantly during periods of intense rainfall.
The Upparu River in Thoothukudi begins its journey in Kadambur, a panchayat town in Thoothukudi district. It meanders through several villages, including Kodangal, Malaipatti, Ottanadar, Muramban, Thalavaipuram, Kailasapuram, Umarikottai and Pudukottai, before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
Typically, the river fills only during the monsoon season and remains dry for most of the year. However, during the 2023 floods, it overflowed, inundating nearby villages and forcing residents to stay indoors until the water receded. The floods also caused significant damage to the river’s bunds, reducing its capacity to carry water.
In response to these challenges, E.F.I is undertaking an ambitious project to restore the Upparu River’s bunds.
The initiative focuses on an 11-km stretch from the Umarikottai Check Dam to the Pudhukottai Highway Bridge removing Invasive weed species, particularly Prosopis juliflora which have overtaken the Upparu River’s bunds.
Currently, a 20-feet-wide area on either side of the river along a 5.5 km stretch has been cleared of weeds. Plans to strengthen the bunds along the entire 11-km stretch are underway, aiming to enhance the river’s resilience and water storage capacity.
Positive Outcomes of the Upparu River Restoration Project
1. Enhanced Water Storage Capacity: Restoring the bunds will significantly increase the river’s ability to store water, benefiting local agriculture and ensuring a more reliable water supply during dry periods.
2. Flood Mitigation: Strengthening the bunds will help prevent future flooding by managing water flow, thereby protecting surrounding villages from inundation during periods of heavy rainfall.
3. Biodiversity Improvement: Clearing invasive species like Prosopis juliflora will allow native flora to thrive, enhancing the local ecosystem and supporting wildlife.
Stay tuned to see the incredible transformation of the Upparu River!
Volunteer for Thoothukudi and her Environment with E.F.I