The Pamba-Achankovil-Vaippar river link project, currently a subject of disagreement between the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments, was first formulated in 1995. With the primary aim of producing 500 MW of power for Kerala and irrigating lands in Tamil Nadu, the proposal involves diverting water from two existing rivers in Kerala to the Vaippar basin in Tamil Nadu.
About Pamba River
Originating at an altitude of 1650m from the Peermade Plateau in Idukki district of Kerala, the Pamba River branches into many channels before merging with the Arabian Sea. Its catchment area, bounded by the Western Ghats in the east and Arabian Sea on the west, is entirely located within Kerala state.
Introducing the Achankovil River
The Achankovil River ascends from the Western Ghats at an elevation of 700m in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The river joins the Pamba River at Veeyapuram, and its basin, covering an area of 1484 km2, lies entirely in Kerala.
About Vaippar River
The Vaippar River takes its source from the eastern slopes of the Varushanad hill range of the Western Ghats at an approximate elevation of 1500m in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Flowing in an easterly and southeasterly direction, the river finally conjoins with the Gulf of Mannar. The basin is enclosed on the west by the Western Ghats and on the east by the Bay of Bengal.
| River | Origin | Elevation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pamba | Peermade Plateau, Idukki district | 1650m | Kerala |
| Achankovil | Western Ghats, Pathanamthitta district | 700m | Kerala |
| Vaippar | Varushanad hill range, Tirunelveli district | 1500m | Tamil Nadu |
The Controversy Surrounding the River Link Project
The main bone of contention is the Kerala government’s resistance against the execution of this river link project. The state government’s primary concern stems from the fear that the project would mean a significant diversion of water from Kerala to Tamil Nadu, which could have potential repercussions on the local water resources and ecosystem.