Kali River

The Kali River, also known as Kali Nadi, is an important west-flowing river located in the Indian state of Karnataka. Originating in the Western Ghats, it plays a vital role in the ecology, hydrology, and economy of the Uttara Kannada district. The river is known for its scenic beauty, hydroelectric projects, and biodiversity, as well as for being a key water resource for industrial and domestic use in the region. It should not be confused with other rivers in India that share the same name, such as those in Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.

Geographical Background

The Kali River originates near Diggi village in the Supa taluk of the Uttara Kannada district, close to the town of Dandeli, at an elevation of about 600 metres above sea level. It flows for approximately 184 kilometres before emptying into the Arabian Sea near Karwar. The river traverses a predominantly forested and hilly terrain, forming deep valleys and gorges along its course through the Western Ghats.
The major tributaries of the Kali River include:

• Pandri River
• Tattihalla River
• Kaneri River
• Vaderi River
• Thana Halla
• Nagodi River

These tributaries collectively contribute to the river’s volume and seasonal variations in flow. The catchment area of the Kali River Basin is estimated to cover around 5,200 square kilometres.

Hydrology and Climate

The river is fed mainly by southwest monsoon rainfall, which occurs between June and September. Annual rainfall in the basin ranges from 2,500 to 4,000 millimetres, making it one of the rain-rich areas of Karnataka. The discharge levels fluctuate significantly across the seasons, with high flow during the monsoon and relatively low flow in the dry months.
The hydrological regime has been considerably modified by the construction of a series of dams and reservoirs for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation. These structures regulate the river flow and support the energy needs of the state.

Dams and Hydroelectric Projects

The Kali River is a major source of hydroelectric power in Karnataka. Several dams have been constructed along its course, forming a cascade of reservoirs that generate electricity and provide water for domestic and industrial use. The key projects include:

• Sup Dam (Kodasalli Dam): Built near Dandeli, this dam forms a large reservoir and supports the Supa Hydroelectric Project with a capacity of about 100 MW.
• Kodasalli Dam: Located downstream of Supa, it serves both hydroelectric and irrigation purposes.
• Kadra Dam: Further downstream, this dam supports the Kadra Power House, generating additional electricity and regulating water flow towards the coast.
• Ankola Mini Hydro Projects: Smaller hydropower stations utilise the gradient in the lower reaches near Karwar.

Together, these projects contribute significantly to the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) grid and the state’s renewable energy output.

Ecological and Environmental Significance

The Kali River Basin is ecologically rich and forms part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, one of the most ecologically sensitive regions in India. The river supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endemic and endangered species.
Important ecological aspects include:

• Forests: The river flows through dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests that harbour valuable timber and non-timber resources.
• Wildlife: The basin supports species such as tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, hornbills, and numerous amphibians and reptiles.
• Aquatic life: The river sustains diverse fish species, including freshwater prawns and mahseer, an important game fish species.

Protected areas such as the Anshi National Park (now part of the Kali Tiger Reserve) are situated along the river, providing critical habitat connectivity across the Western Ghats.

Economic and Social Importance

The Kali River underpins the economy of Uttara Kannada district. Its water is used for:

• Hydroelectric power generation – through multiple dams along its course.
• Industrial use – particularly by paper, chemical, and power industries in Dandeli.
• Agriculture – for irrigating crops in downstream regions.
• Drinking water supply – to towns like Dandeli, Karwar, and nearby settlements.

The river also supports tourism and recreational activities such as river rafting, kayaking, and wildlife observation in the Dandeli region, which attracts both domestic and international tourists.

Environmental Issues and Conservation

Despite its ecological importance, the Kali River faces several environmental challenges:

• Industrial pollution: Effluents from paper and chemical industries in Dandeli have been reported to contaminate the river.
• Deforestation and habitat loss: Construction of dams and road infrastructure has led to loss of forest cover and fragmentation of wildlife habitats.
• Altered flow regimes: Dam operations have affected the natural hydrological patterns, impacting aquatic life and sediment transport.
• Sand mining and encroachment: Unregulated sand extraction and human settlements along the riverbanks pose additional stress on the ecosystem.

In response, government agencies and local communities have initiated conservation efforts such as water quality monitoring, pollution control measures, and afforestation drives. The Kali Tiger Reserve plays a crucial role in preserving the upper catchment’s ecological integrity.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Kali River holds cultural and historical significance for the local communities of Uttara Kannada. It is considered sacred in parts of the region and features in local folklore and festivals. Traditional livelihoods such as fishing and bamboo craft depend on its resources. The river’s name “Kali” is derived from the local term for “dark”, referring to its deep, shaded waters flowing through forested valleys.

Other Rivers Named Kali

There are several rivers in India named “Kali”, which are geographically distinct from the Karnataka river:

• The Kali River of Uttar Pradesh, a tributary of the Ganga, flowing through Muzaffarnagar and Aligarh districts.
• The Kali River of Uttarakhand, forming part of the India–Nepal border and also known as the Sharda River.

It is important to distinguish the Kali River of Karnataka as a west-flowing river draining into the Arabian Sea, unlike the others, which belong to the Ganga River system.