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Varahi River
Varahi River
Varahi River
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Varahi River originates and flows through Western Ghats in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is also known as Halady or Haladi river in downstream areas. It joins the Arabian sea after flowing through places like Halady, Basrur, Kundapura and Gangolli. It joins with the Souparnika River, Kedaka River, Chakra River, and Kubja River which are known by Panchagangavalli River and merges into the Arabian Sea. Pancha means five in Kannada and Samskrita and Ganga means river. According to mythology, Varaha is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Varahi is the sister of lord Varaha-vishnu

Geography

[edit]

The river originates in the Western Ghats and flows into the Arabian Sea. It is originates at a place called “Hebbagilu” near Agumbe in Thirthahalli taluk in the district of Shivamogga,[1] from an elevation of 730 metres (2,400 ft) above mean sea level. Many tributaries join Varahi at places such as Shettykoppa,[2] Halige, Kollavadi, and Bangaragalli. The annual rainfall varies from 20–1,280 centimetres (7.9–503.9 in).[3] The river joins the Arabian Sea near Kundapura in the district of Udupi in Karnataka.

Kunchikal Falls

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The major waterfall is in Hosanagara Taluk, Shimoga. It is about 25 kilometres (16 mi) from the origin of the river. There are falls of 455 metres (1,493 ft) in cascades, popularly known as Kunchikal Falls.[1] The falls do not directly drop, but jump through rocks and boulders. After construction of the dam near Mani village for Varahi Hydro electric project, the water flow in these falls was greatly reduced. Now the falls operate only during the rainy seasons.

Varahi Hydro-electric Project

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A hydroelectric dam, called Mani Dam (as it is constructed near Manibail village),[4] across the Varahi river. Power generation takes place underground.[5] An underground power station built by KPCL uses water from this river near Hosangadi in Udupi district.[1] The dam is near Yadur near Masthikatte, Shimoga District. Many villages got surrounded by water of this dam. Varahi lift irrigation project, using the waters of Varahi river is being constructed since 1979 near Siddapura village of Udupi district.

References

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Varahi River

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from Grokipedia
The Varahi River is a west-flowing river in , , originating from the at Hebbagilu near Guddekoppa village in Thirthahalli taluk of Shivamogga district, at an elevation of approximately 730 meters above sea level. It traverses Shivamogga and districts over a length of about 66 kilometers, draining a of 759 square kilometers, before emptying into the near Kundapura town. Known alternatively as the Haladi River in its lower reaches after merging with the Munda Koduhole stream near Haladi village, it supports diverse ecosystems in the biodiverse region and receives high annual rainfall ranging from 2,000 to over 7,000 millimeters. The river's course features steep gradients in the upper reaches, fostering waterfalls and supporting perennial flow due to the region's climate, while its lower plains facilitate and coastal fisheries. Key tributaries include small such as those at Shettykoppa, Halige, and Kollavadi, contributing to its sediment load and water volume. Human interventions, including dams and land-use changes, have altered its hydrological regime, affecting downstream flow and in the basin. Economically, the Varahi River is vital for hydropower and in coastal , hosting the prominent Varahi Hydroelectric Project near Hosangadi in with an installed capacity of 460 megawatts, making it one of the state's major power contributors. Additionally, the Varahi Irrigation Project features a diversion at Siddapura for agricultural support in Kundapura taluk, enhancing in the region despite environmental challenges from development.

Geography

Origin and Course

The Varahi River originates in the high peaks of the at Hebbagilu, near Guddekoppa village in Hosanagar taluk of Shivamogga district, , at an elevation of approximately 730 meters above mean . From this source, the river flows westward through dense forests and hilly terrain, initially navigating the steep slopes of the Shivamogga region before entering the . As it progresses, the Varahi passes through several towns including Halady, , and Kundapura, covering a total length of about 66 kilometers while transitioning from mountainous upstream areas with elevations up to 750 meters to gentler coastal plains in the downstream sections at around 80 meters. In its lower reaches, after merging with the Munda Koduhole stream near Haladi village, the river is known alternatively as the Halady or Haladi River. The eventually merges with the Souparnika, Kedaka, , and rivers to form the Panchagangavalli River, which discharges into the at Gangolli near Kundapura in .

Basin and Tributaries

The River basin covers an area of approximately 759 square kilometers, primarily within the Shivamogga and districts of . The basin is entirely confined to the coastal region of , exhibiting no interstate flow and forming part of the west-flowing river systems draining into the . Several major tributaries contribute to the Varahi's flow, joining at key points including Shettykoppa from the eastern slopes, Halige, Kollavadi, and Bangaragalli. Downstream, the Varahi merges with the Souparnika, Kedaka, , and rivers to form the Panchagangavalli River near Kundapura. The basin features lateritic soils in the upper reaches, which support dense forests and upland agriculture such as and rubber plantations, while coastal alluvial deposits dominate the lower areas, facilitating paddy cultivation and other irrigated farming. This hydrological network also underpins the reservoirs of the Varahi Hydro-electric Project.

Hydrology

Rainfall and Flow Patterns

The Varahi River basin, situated in the humid coastal region of , receives substantial precipitation influenced by its proximity to the . Annual rainfall in the basin varies from 3,180 to 6,320 mm, with an average of about 5,400 mm, and the highest intensities occurring in the upstream areas due to orographic enhancement. Other studies report basin-wide averages around 5,500–5,670 mm, reflecting the topographic gradient from high-rainfall hill zones to relatively drier coastal plains. The southwest monsoon, spanning to , serves as the dominant source of and drives the river's , contributing over 90% of the total annual rainfall in west-flowing Karnataka river basins like the . This seasonal influx results in the majority—80–90%—of the annual discharge occurring during these months, as rapid runoff from steep slopes and forested catchments funnels water into the river. Hydrology assessments indicate an average annual discharge of approximately 1,500–2,000 million cubic meters at the river's mouth, derived from gauged flows and rainfall-runoff modeling in the 760 km² basin. The flow regime is perennial, sustained by groundwater contributions outside the monsoon, but exhibits high variability, with monsoon peaks reaching 500–1,000 cumecs at key gauging stations like Haladi. These elevated monsoon discharges briefly enhance the volume cascading over Kunchikal Falls.

Seasonal Variations

The Varahi River displays pronounced intra-annual fluctuations in discharge and water levels, influenced by the region's monsoon-dominated climate and anthropogenic modifications such as . These variations affect , , and flood risk across its basin, with peak flows concentrated in the and minima during dry months. Gauging stations at Dasanakatte and Haladi record these changes, showing consistent contributions but altered non-monsoon patterns due to and operations. During the phase from to , the river sees high flows from saturation excess runoff, contributing the majority of annual discharge and often leading to flooding in the lower basin near Kundapura. These elevated levels support generation but pose risks to riparian communities and . Post-monsoon from October to December, flows recede gradually, maintaining moderate levels that facilitate withdrawals without severe depletion. However, deviations in recession rates have been observed at Haladi station since the 1980s, attributed to releases. In the from to May, discharges drop sharply to low levels essential for sustaining inflows, with upper reaches at Dasanakatte exhibiting intermittent flow due to reduced from plantation expansions and extractions. Average non-monsoon flows have declined in recent decades, impacting water availability for downstream uses. Variations in these low-flow periods have been moderated post-construction of the Mani Dam in the late 1980s, as detailed in the hydropower section. Notable historical flood events underscore the river's volatility. In July 2009, heavy monsoon rains caused inundation in low-lying areas of Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, damaging 17 houses partially and affecting 25 hectares of crops, with residents along riverbanks displaced temporarily due to overflowing tributaries. Similarly, in July 2019, intense rainfall of 155 mm in Kundapur led to flooding of low-lying zones, prompting evacuations and disrupting local communities, though specific displacement figures for the Varahi basin remain limited in records. In October 2025, heavy rains caused the Varahi River to swell, inundating low-lying areas in Udupi district. These events highlight the river's susceptibility to extreme precipitation in the coastal plain.

Notable Landforms

Kunchikal Falls

is the primary along the Varahi River, situated in Taluk of Shivamogga district, . This segmented cascade plunges down rocky boulders in a series of tiers, with an estimated height of 122-244 meters (400-800 feet), though unconfirmed; it has been erroneously reported as 455 meters in some sources, which actually refers to the hydroelectric project's head. The falls formed due to the steep escarpment of the , where the Varahi River abruptly drops from higher elevations near Ghati, creating a dramatic natural feature amid dense forest cover. It is best viewed during the monsoon season, when swollen waters enhance the cascade's power and visual spectacle. Located near the Masthikatte- stretch close to Ghat road on the Shimoga-Udupi border, the falls attract nature enthusiasts for trekking and picnics, though access involves a short walk from parking areas along well-connected roads from major cities like Bengaluru and Mangalore. Popularity for such activities surged in the late , but restrictions were imposed in the due to the site's proximity to sensitive infrastructure, requiring visitors to obtain a special gate pass from nearby Hosangadi village. As of 2025, the 's flow has been significantly diminished by upstream water diversions for hydroelectric purposes, limiting its activity primarily to the months of July through October and making it largely inaccessible outside this period; it remains a key draw for eco-tourism when flowing.

Mani Dam and Reservoir

The Mani Dam is a gravity dam situated near Yadur village in the Masthikatte area of Shivamogga district, Karnataka, across the Varahi River in the Western Ghats. Developed as part of the Varahi Hydro Electric Project by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), the dam was constructed in the 1980s and became operational in 1989. This engineering feat was designed to harness the river's flow for power generation, marking a significant advancement in regional hydropower infrastructure during that era. The stands approximately 48 meters high with a crest length of 1,200 meters, featuring a robust design to withstand the river's seasonal flows. Its associated holds a capacity of approximately 8.8 million cubic meters, providing essential storage for water management in the project. The extends upstream, submerging approximately 10 to 15 kilometers of the upper river valley, and its water levels fluctuate in direct response to the demands of operations, typically filling during monsoons and drawing down during peak generation periods. The primary function of the Mani Dam and reservoir is to impound and divert water through a network of tunnels leading to an downstream, enabling efficient utilization of the Varahi's steep drop for electricity production. This diversion system optimizes the river's while minimizing surface disruption in the ecologically sensitive terrain. The dam's placement has also influenced upstream , notably reducing flows to features like the .

Hydropower Infrastructure

Varahi Hydro-electric Project

The Varahi Hydro-electric Project is Karnataka's first underground facility, situated near Hosangadi in , , . Commissioned in stages, with Stage 1 units operational in 1989-1990 and Stage 2 units in 2009, with the initial unit operational in 1989, it harnesses the Varahi River's flow for through a run-of-river scheme. The project features an installed capacity of 460 MW, powered by four Pelton turbine-generator units each rated at 115 MW. Water is sourced from the Mani Reservoir and conveyed via headrace tunnels to the underground powerhouse, where it drives the turbines under a gross head of approximately 455 meters before discharge through the tailrace system. This setup enables efficient power production, yielding an average annual generation of 1,100 GWh. Owned and operated by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, the facility integrates with the state grid to support regional energy needs. As of 2025, it remains in active operation with routine maintenance focused on structural integrity and equipment efficiency, and no significant capacity expansions have occurred since the early . The contributes meaningfully to Karnataka's output, bolstering the state's portfolio.

Lift Irrigation Scheme

The Varahi Lift Irrigation Project was initiated in 1979 near Siddapura in , , with the foundation stone laid by then in 1980. The scheme draws water from the Varahi River and associated infrastructure to support agriculture in water-scarce coastal regions. Designed to irrigate approximately 15,700 hectares across and taluks, the project utilizes pumping stations and an extensive system to distribute water to drought-prone farmlands. Major components include a 43-km right bank serving 1,992 hectares and a 44-km left bank covering 10,987 hectares, forming a distribution network of about 87 km overall. As of 2025, the project remains partially operational, with Phase 1 completed in to irrigate 3,000 hectares, though full implementation has faced delays due to environmental clearances and land acquisition challenges. As of December 2024, 14 of 26 distribution canals under the left bank canal project have been completed, with ongoing works such as aqueduct construction and left bank canal extensions continuing amid funding shortfalls that have escalated costs from Rs 9 in 1979 to Rs 1,700 . The left bank canal is expected to irrigate 5,810 hectares upon completion. These efforts enable for paddy and horticultural crops in the command area. The initiative has enhanced in beneficiary areas by providing reliable , supporting seasons and benefiting local farmers in previously rain-dependent zones.

Ecology and Environment

Biodiversity

The Varahi River basin encompasses diverse habitats that contribute to its ecological richness, including tropical wet evergreen forests in the upper reaches and mangrove ecosystems in the estuary at Halady, where the river meets the . These environments are integral to the Malnad region, recognized as part of the biodiversity hotspot, which harbors exceptional levels of endemism and species diversity. The river's flora features prominent dipterocarp trees, such as species from the genus , dominating the upstream evergreen forests, alongside riparian vegetation like bamboo thickets and semi-aquatic herbs along the banks that stabilize soil and provide shade. This vegetation supports a complex understory that fosters habitat layering essential for wildlife. Aquatic and terrestrial fauna thrive in these settings, with the river hosting over 50 fish species, including the Deccan mahseer (Tor khudree) and clupeid fishes akin to sardines in the lower reaches. Avian life along the waterway includes (Alcedo atthis) and (Ardea cinerea), which rely on the river for foraging, while mammals such as smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) and barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) inhabit the adjacent forested riparian zones. The nearby Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary spans tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests that safeguard endemic , though many face vulnerability from . As of 2024, ichthyological surveys in Karnataka's west-flowing rivers, including the Varahi, have documented at least 81 fish across the Sita, Swarna, and Varahi basins, with approximately 40 assessed as threatened under the , including critically endangered cyprinids. The biodiversity patterns are subtly shaped by the river's seasonal flow variations, which influence habitat availability for migratory and resident .

Human Impacts

Human activities, particularly the construction of and associated since the , have led to substantial in the Varahi River basin. Development for projects and access roads has resulted in reductions in dense cover, with pronounced losses in sub-catchments like Dasanakatte, where dense forest area declined from 66.58 km² in 1973 to 30.3 km² by 2007 (a loss of approximately 55%) due to land conversion for plantations, , and . This forest loss has altered hydrological regimes, increasing and reducing the basin's capacity to regulate water flow. Water diversion through and schemes, such as the Varahi Hydro-electric Project, has reduced downstream flows, particularly during non-monsoon periods, leading to decreased base flows and overall runoff coefficients (trending at -0.014 in key gauging stations). This alteration disrupts estuarine ecosystems at the river's mouth, where reduced freshwater influx lowers gradients essential for marine species breeding and exacerbates issues, impacting local productivity. For instance, analogous dam effects in the nearby Sharavathi estuary have halved diversity and reduced annual fishery yields to about Rs. 13,155 per compared to undammed systems. Pollution in the Varahi basin primarily stems from agricultural siltation and occasional industrial runoff in the lower reaches, accelerating reservoir sedimentation and streambed erosion. Agricultural expansion has increased sediment loads from runoff, contributing to habitat degradation, while limited industrial effluents in coastal areas near Kundapura introduce contaminants that affect and downstream aquatic life. These pressures compound with saline intrusion due to altered flows, further straining the basin's . Mitigation efforts by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) include programs aimed at restoring degraded areas around project sites, alongside adherence to flow release norms established following regional court directives on water management since 2010. These initiatives seek to offset habitat loss through compensatory planting, though their long-term efficacy remains under evaluation. Overlaying these human impacts, climate change projections for the southern indicate a potential 10–15% decline in annual rainfall by mid-century, which could exacerbate flow reductions and sustainability challenges in the Varahi basin.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Etymology and Mythology

The name of the Varahi River derives from the Sanskrit term Vārāhī, referring to the boar or the feminine form associated with the boar in Hindu traditions, as documented in ancient texts. This etymology links directly to Goddess Varahi, a prominent deity in Hinduism depicted with a sow's head, who embodies the shakti (divine feminine energy) of Varaha, the third avatar of Vishnu as a cosmic boar who rescued the Earth from submersion in the primordial ocean, according to the Puranas such as the Devi Bhagavata Purana. The river itself is traditionally regarded as the consort of Varaha in regional lore, reflecting the deity's mythological attributes. In , Goddess holds a significant role as one of the (seven mother goddesses), originating from the divine mother Chandika's form during cosmic battles against demons like Raktabija, as described in the section of the . She symbolizes protection against evil forces and fertility, often portrayed as upholding the on her tusks and linked to the nurturing aspects of the land, akin to Varaha's act of impregnating () to birth the planet . This protective and fertile essence ties into local folklore along the , where the river is venerated for safeguarding communities and ensuring agricultural prosperity, though no major historical name changes for the river are recorded in available sources. The term underscores the region's ancient wildlife connections, evoking the boar's presence in the Ghats' forests.

Local and Regional Role

The Varahi River serves as a vital water source for communities in its basin across and Shivamogga districts, supporting domestic needs, for arecanut and paddy cultivation, and supply. The Varahi Irrigation Project, featuring a diversion at Siddapura, provides support in Kundapura taluk. The river's cultural ties are reflected in the veneration of Goddess Varahi, who is honored in Hindu festivals and rituals. The river contributes to regional livelihoods through fisheries in its estuary near . It also supports tourism, including attractions like and backwaters near and , as detailed in other sections of this article. The associated infrastructure enhances regional development between and Shivamogga. Historically, records of the river's use are sparse before the , with limited documentation on pre-colonial or along its coastal reaches, though its likely facilitated local exchange in the region; 19th-century British surveys noted the rivers broadly for topography but provided scant detail on Varahi specifically. This gap suggests potential ancient tribal significance among indigenous groups in the basin, though verifiable evidence remains elusive. As of 2025, eco-tourism initiatives under the Karnataka Eco Tourism Development Board promote sustainable activities around the river's features and forests, integrating involvement to foster regional growth.

References

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