Periyar River

The Periyar (Malayalam: [peɾijaːr], meaning: big river) is the longest river and has the largest discharge potential in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the few perennial rivers in the region and provides drinking water for several major towns. The Periyar is vital to the economy of Kerala because it generates a significant proportion of Kerala's electrical power via the Idukki Dam and it flows along a region of industrial and commercial activity. The river also provides water for irrigation, domestic water use, and supports a rich fishery. Due to these reasons, the river has been named the "Lifeline of Kerala". Kochi city, in the vicinity of the river mouth, draws its water supply from Aluva, an upstream site sufficiently free of seawater intrusion. Twenty five percent of Kerala's industries are along the banks of the Periyar. These are mostly crowded within a stretch of 5 kilometres (3 mi) in the Eloor-Edayar region (Udhyogamandal), about 10 kilometres (6 mi) north of Kochi harbor.