The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed local bodies in five districts of Tamil Nadu to develop an action plan to rejuvenate the polluted Vaigai River.

About Vaigai River

• Location: The Vaigai River flows through Tamil Nadu.
• Origin: It originates from the Varusanadu and Megamalai hills of the Western Ghats.
• Periyar Dam Contribution: The river receives a major feed from the Periyar Dam in Kerala.
  • Water is diverted from the Periyar River in Kerala to the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu through a tunnel across the Western Ghats.
• River Basin Geography:
  • South and West: Flanked by the Western Ghats.
  • North: Surrounded by the southern slopes of the Palani Hills (Kodaikanal Hills), Sirumalai Hills, and Alagar Hills.
  • In its central reaches the Vaigai flows eastward into the Vaigai reservoir at Narasingapuram.
  • East: Drains into the Bay of Bengal via the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district.

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• Waterfalls: The Vattaparai Falls are located on the Vaigai River.
• Main Tributaries: Tributaries include Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal, and Upparu.
• Cultural and Historical Significance:
  • The Vaigai River is mentioned in Sangam literature and is also known as Kritamaala for encircling the city of Madurai like a garland.
  • It is referenced in the Thiruvilayadal Puranam, emphasizing its historical connection to the Pandya kingdom.

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