Sathanur Dam

Table of Contents

About Sathanur Dam

Location:
- Constructed across the Thenpennai River (also known as Pennaiyar River) in Thandarampet Taluk, Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
Year of Construction:
- Built in 1958 as part of efforts to enhance irrigation, water storage, and flood control in the region.
Functions:
- Provides irrigation to agricultural lands in Tiruvannamalai and nearby districts.
- Supplies drinking water to villages and towns in the region.
- Supports aquaculture and acts as a tourist destination with picturesque surroundings and a crocodile farm.

Overview:

Alternate Names: Thenpennai or South Pennar.
Origin: Eastern slopes of Nandidurg Mountain in the Chennakaseva Hills, Karnataka.
Course: Flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Geographical Features:

Drainage Basin:
- 77% of the basin lies in Tamil Nadu, highlighting its importance for the state’s water resources.
Tributaries:
- Major Tributaries: Markandanadhi, Kambainallur, Pambar, Vaniyar, Kallar, and Valayar.
Vegetation and Biodiversity:
- Mentioned in Sangam literature for its lush greenery and rich ecosystem.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Temples Along the River:
- Penneswaraar Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva).
- Dakshina Tirupati (a famous Vishnu temple).
- Veerateshwarar Temple (another significant Shiva temple).

The Pennaiyar River has been a contentious water-sharing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Core Issue:
- Karnataka’s proposal to construct a dam on the Markandeya River, a major tributary of the Pennaiyar River.
- Tamil Nadu opposes the move, citing concerns over reduced water flow downstream, which would impact irrigation and drinking water supply.
Legal and Political Developments:
- Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court against Karnataka’s project.
- The dispute mirrors other interstate river conflicts like the Cauvery Water Dispute, reflecting the growing tension over water resources in India.