Cherupuzha Mavoor

Cherupuzha is an important tributary of the Chaliyar River in northern Kerala, India, originating from the foothills of the Thamarassery Churam region. Formed through the convergence of several small rivulets, the river plays a crucial role in sustaining local ecosystems and communities, particularly those residing around the National Institute of Technology Calicut. Despite its modest size, Cherupuzha forms part of the wider Chaliyar river basin, contributing significantly to regional hydrology and water availability.

Origin and Formation of the River

The headwaters of Cherupuzha begin in the elevated terrain surrounding the Thamarassery Churam, a well-known mountain pass connecting the Kozhikode district with Wayanad. In this region, the river starts as three small rivulets:

• Iruthullippuzha, originating from Manalvayal;
• Kadungampuzha, flowing from the Adivaram area;
• Engappuzha, joining the system further downstream.

Iruthullippuzha and Kadungampuzha converge near Kaithappoyil, forming a more substantial flow. Further downstream, Engappuzha merges with this stream near Kuppayakkode, and from this point onward the watercourse is recognised as Cherupuzha. The river’s early course reflects the topographical contours of the Western Ghats foothills, with steep gradients gradually giving way to gentler slopes as it moves westward.

Course and Regional Significance

As Cherupuzha continues its descent, it flows close to the campus of the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut) at Chenoth. The proximity of the river to the campus has made it the primary source of water for the institute’s residential and academic population. The dependence on the river highlights its local significance, especially in a region where water availability can fluctuate seasonally.
The river’s path is characterised by a combination of rural settlements, agricultural landscapes, and patches of wooded terrain. In many of these areas, Cherupuzha supports traditional livelihood activities such as small-scale farming and household water needs, making its seasonal flow patterns important for community well-being.

Environmental Concerns and Disturbances

In recent years, Cherupuzha has been subject to environmental pressures, primarily owing to illegal or unregulated sand extraction along its banks. Active sand lobbying has altered the natural geomorphology of the riverbed, increasing the risk of:

• Reduced water levels, particularly during the summer months;
• Changes in the river’s natural course;
• Degradation of riparian habitats;
• Diminished groundwater recharge.

Such disturbances have raised concerns within environmental groups and local communities, as the river’s stability is essential both for ecological balance and for meeting the water demands of institutions such as NIT Calicut. Seasonal drying has become an increasing threat, underscoring the need for sustainable riverbank management and stricter regulatory oversight.

Confluence with the Chaliyar River

Cherupuzha completes its course by joining the Chaliyar River at the Kavanakkallu Regulator-cum-Bridge near Mavoor. This engineered structure plays a dual role, serving both as a regulatory mechanism for water levels and as a bridge facilitating transport across the region. The confluence marks the river’s integration into one of the major river systems of northern Kerala, as the Chaliyar flows onward towards its estuary near Beypore before meeting the Arabian Sea.
Through this connection, Cherupuzha contributes to the hydrological dynamics of the broader Chaliyar basin, reinforcing the importance of smaller tributaries in maintaining overall watershed health. The river’s journey—from its highland origins to its quiet merger with the Chaliyar—demonstrates the interconnected nature of Kerala’s river systems, where even modest streams play vital roles in ecology, livelihoods, and regional resource management.