Answer: (B)
Origin: The Cauvery River originates from the Brahmagiri Hills in the Coorg (Kodagu) district of Karnataka in the Western Ghats.
Course & Basin: It flows southeastward through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal, forming a fertile delta known as the "Granary of South India." Its drainage basin also extends into parts of Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry (Karaikal region).
Tributaries: Its major tributaries include the Kabini, Bhavani, Amaravati, and Hemavati (along with others like the Harangi, Arkavathy, and Noyyal), which conclusively point to the Cauvery.
Uses of cauvery river:
○ Agriculture: Primary source for extensive paddy and sugarcane irrigation via major dams like Krishnarajasagara (KRS) and Mettur.
○ Hydroelectric Power: Generates clean energy through stations such as Shivanasamudra.
○ Drinking Water: Supplies municipal water to major urban centers like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Tiruchirappalli.
○ Industry & Ecology: Supports local manufacturing industries and sustains regional riverine ecosystems and mangrove wetlands.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
August 27, 2026 186
