The Lakshmana Tirtha (Lakshmantīrtha River) is a river of Karnataka, India.[1] It rises in Kodagu district and flows eastward. It joins the Kaveri in the Krishna Raja Sagara lake.
| Lakshmana Tirtha | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | India |
| States | Karnataka |
| Region | Southern India |
| Origin | Kodagu, Karnataka |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu, Western Ghats, Karnataka |
| • location | Karnataka, India |
| • coordinates | 11°57′50″N 75°58′10″E / 11.96389°N 75.96944°E |
| • elevation | 1,450 metres (4,760 ft) |
| Mouth | Kaveri |
• location | Sagarakatte |
• coordinates | 12°24′43″N 76°28′03″E / 12.41194°N 76.46750°E |
• elevation | 770 metres (2,530 ft) |
| Length | 149 kilometres (93 mi) |
The river originates at a height of 1450 metres in the Brahmagiri range of Kodagu district. Unlike Kaveri, Lakshmana Tirtha flows in relatively flat-terrain region of south coorg. Increase in the water level during monsoon, results in flooding of adjacent paddy fields. The river meanders throughout its course and enters Mysore district through Nagarahole National Park. Hunsur is located on the banks of this river and is the source of drinking water for the people of Hunsur. The river finally meets Kaveri at Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir at an elevation of 750 metres above MSL, after traversing a length of about 148.82 kilometres.[2]
Threats
edit- The river generally runs dry few months after monsoon, due to ground water depletion and its constant exposure to direct sunlight and lack of shade from coffee estate; privilege that Kaveri enjoys during its course in Kodagu.
- Pollution of its tributaries is a major concern. Waste is dumped into steams of Kuranthoad flowing near Ponnampet and Gonikoppal. Coffee wastewater from de-pulping coffee cherries is also a serious threat to the river.
- Untreated waste from Hunsur, is led directly into this river.[3]
- Illegal sand mining has been a major headache for the district administration.
Notes
edit- ^ Lakshmantīrtha River (Approved) at GEOnet Names Server, United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
- ^ "Kaveri Basin Info;page 13" (PDF). Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ "Lakshmana Tirtha runs dry". Retrieved 17 June 2023.
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