The Lifeline of Nellore: A Deep Dive into the Penna River

The Penna River, also known as Pinakini or Penneru, is a vital eastward-flowing river in Southern India, originating in the Nandi Hills of the Chikkaballapur District in Karnataka.¹ Spanning approximately 597 kilometers, it traverses through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal.² For the Nellore region, in particular, the Penna River is more than just a water body; it is a lifeline, deeply intertwined with the district’s agriculture, economy, and even its identity [1, 2].

Course and Characteristics:

Rising in the Chennakesava Range of Nandi Hills, the Penna initially flows northwest, then turns north and east, making its way through various terrains.3 A unique characteristic of the Penna is its seasonal nature; largely rain-fed, it can swell significantly during the monsoon and dwindle to a thin stream in dry periods [1, 2].4 Its basin, covering 55,213 sq km, lies predominantly in the rain shadow region of the Eastern Ghats, influencing the rainfall patterns it receives [1].5 Major tributaries like the Jayamangali, Kunderu, Sagileru, Chitravathi, Papagni, and Cheyyeru contribute to its flow [2].6

The Penna in Nellore:

The Penna River truly enters the heart of the Nellore district after emerging from the Velikonda Range of the Eastern Ghats. It flows near significant towns such as Atmakuru, Kovur, Jonnawada, Sangam, and Nellore city itself, which is situated on its banks [1, 2].7 The river’s influence on the district is profound, primarily evident in its role in irrigation and water management.8

Irrigation and Infrastructure:

For centuries, the Penna River has been the backbone of agricultural prosperity in Nellore. The district heavily relies on the river for irrigation, supporting the cultivation of key crops like paddy, groundnut, and cotton [4].9 To harness the river’s waters effectively, several critical structures have been built:

• Somasila Dam: Located near Somasila village in Nellore district, the Somasila Dam is the largest storage reservoir in the Penna River basin.¹⁰ It plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation and also receives water from the Srisailam Reservoir in the Krishna Basin. The reservoir can also supplement water to the nearby Kandaleru Reservoir [4, 5].¹¹
• Nellore Barrage: A more recent addition, the Nellore Barrage, constructed with 43 spillway gates and eight scour vents, stands as a vital water control structure in Nellore city.¹² Its primary purpose is to ensure a steady water supply for irrigation, regulate river flow, and prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. This modern structure replaced the older Nellore Anicut, designed by Sir Arthur Cotton in the 19th century, which itself was crucial for the Southern Delta’s tanks [4].¹³

The network of canals emanating from these structures, such as the Kavali Canal from Somasila, further distributes water to numerous tanks and provides drinking water to municipalities, highlighting the river’s comprehensive utility [5].¹⁴

Historical and Cultural Significance:

Beyond its practical applications, the Penna River holds historical and cultural significance for the Nellore region. The name “Penneru” itself is derived from Telugu words “penu” (grand) and “yeru” (river), reflecting its majestic presence. The river has witnessed the ebb and flow of various dynasties and has been an integral part of the region’s socio-economic development for centuries. Its waters have nourished not just the land but also the rich literary and cultural traditions of the area [3].

In conclusion, the Penna River is an indispensable natural asset for the Nellore district. Its waters sustain agriculture, provide drinking water, and help manage floods, shaping the landscape and livelihoods of the Nelloreans.¹⁵ The engineering marvels like the Somasila Dam and Nellore Barrage stand as testaments to the continuous efforts to harness this vital resource for the prosperity of the region.

Citations:

1. Jatland Wiki. Penna River. https://www.jatland.com/home/Penna_River
2. Britannica. Penna River. https://www.britannica.com/place/Penna-River
3. IndiaNetzone. Penna River. https://www.indianetzone.com/penna_river
4. Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Penna Barage, Nellore. https://spsnellore.ap.gov.in/penna-baragenellore/
5. Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Somasila Dam, Nellore. https://spsnellore.ap.gov.in/somasila-dam-nellore/

Disclosure: This article has been written and edited with help from Google Gemini.