Chaliyar River

The Chaliyar River is the fourth largest river that flows through Kerala after the Periyar, Baharatapuzha, and Pamba Rivers. It has a length of 169 and is one of the 44 rivers that flow eastwards and fall into the Arabian Sea. The river can be divided into two parts- the drainage area in Tamil Nadu is 2,923 sq Kms and in the state of Kerala it is 2,535 sq Kms.

The river originates at an elevation of 11.183m (37 ft) at Elambri Hills. At the place of origin, there are famous waterfalls- Meenmutty Falls.

The other name of this river is Beypore River as it falls into an estuary whose southern side is called Chaliyam and the northern- Beypore. Some of the villages and towns that fall on its path are –Nilambur, Edavanna, Areekode, Cheruvadi, Mavoor, Peruvyal, Feroke and Beypore.

The Chaliyar River was important for trade reasons in the 19th and 20th century. It was used to transport timber from the forests in Nilambur. The timber would float down the river to Kallayi in Calicut to be used in mills. In the monsoons, the timber would be arranged in rafts and taken to Kallayi for the mills there. This place had made a name for itself in the wood market. The teak and rosewood were known for their durability. Now there is ban on cutting trees and the mill industry has been slowdown.

Effluents from industries were found to be damaging the river and its marine life. Timely intervention has seen reduction in this process. Fish were dying at a place near Calicut at Elarmaram and Pallikkadu. The waste of a rayon factory at Mavoor was the main defaulter. The low pH in the water was responsible for the death of the fish.

A person known as K A Rahman was at the forefront of the agitation against the pollution of the river. He was the founder of a committee – Chaliyar Action Committee that brought attention to the pollution of the river. With thousands of people of the villages supporting him, defaulting mills were shut down.

While the other rivers get affected in the summer seasons and their water dries up, the Chaliyar River does not.

A regulator cum bridge has been established 13ckms from Kondotty Hill at Kavanakallu.

Course

This river arises from the Western Ghats at a place called Elambari Hills. These hills are located in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. The river moves past Malappuram district in almost its entire course. After this, it goes through 17 Kms dividing Malappuram district with Kozikode District. For the last ten Kms, it goes past the Kozikode city on to the Arabian Sea.

Tributaries
Many tributaries of this river emerge in the Wayand district and enter the main river at Malappuram. The river has a few prominent tributaries-

Cherupuzha River

This tributary has other names as well- Tejaswini and Karimkode. This river arises from the Coorg at Brhmagiri hills. It travels down to Kerala through Pulingome. It moves past Kannur district in Kerala and is 64 Kms long. It has rafting facilities on 20 Kms of its stretch. A hanging bridge has made this river famous. The bridge joins Kasarogad and Kannur districts. Before proper bridges came up, people used to cross the river on rafts for going to school or work.

Iruvanjippuzha River

This tributary has waterfalls and rapids; the most famous one being Arippara Waterfalls, in Anakkompoyli route some 55 Kms from Calicut. The pools formed can be used for water sports. The river has an interesting route through nature. It goes through thick forests. The water too is unaffected and is clear. This river becomes furious during the rainy season and should be avoided.

Kuruvanpuzha River

Kuruvanpuzha River is one of the tributaries of Chaliyar River. This river arises from Malappuram and Kozikode districts. The river meets the main river Chaliyar at Vadapuram a little before Kutrirappuzha enters Chaliyar River.

The place where Kuruvanpuzha and Chaliyar meet is known for its teak wood.

Neerppuzha

This river is one of the tributaries of the Chaliyar River which arises from forests. It originates east of munderi which is Pothukkal of Malappuram district. The two rivers meet at Kambippalam, Thamburattikkalu.

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