CHAPTER 3

STUDY AREA

Lokapavani river basin is located at Mandya district. It covers four taluks named
Nagamangala, Mandya, Pandavapura and Srirangapatna. Physiography of Mandya
district and Lokapavani basin are discussed in this chapter.

3.1. MANDYA DISTRICT

The name of the Mandya district is taken from the city of Mandya where the
headquarters of the district is located in. Although the widely claimed mythical story
about the name is that the region is named after a sage called Maandavya, but based
on ancient inscription, scholars and academicians have purported that this region was
referred as 'Mantaya', which means a habitat preceding a civilization or roughly an
ancient abode. And then, gradually it became Mandya.

Among twenty seven districts of Karnataka state, Mandya district is located in the
southern plain of Karnataka state where is mostly covered by greenery and rich
vegetations. Mandya district was a dry area until the beginning of the 20th Century.
But it got extensive irrigational facilities causing the economic progress of the district
after the construction of Krishnarajasagar dam. In Mandya district the sugarcane and
paddy are widely cultivated; hence this district is called as sugar and paddy bowl of
Karnataka state. The hydro-electric power project of Shivasamudram was started up
in the year 1902 at Mandya district which is known as the second electric power
station in Asia.

Cultivation area in Mandya district occupies about 46.12 percent of the geographical
area of the district. 65.37 percent of cultivated area is irrigated using tank, canal and
wells etc. Mandya district owns 24765 ha. of forest area which covers about 4.97
percent of the total geographical area of the district. And the fallow land of Mandya
district is also about 76552 ha.

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3.1.1. Location of Mandya District

The Mandya district is located between North latitude 12o 11` to 13o 00` and East
longitudes 76o 19` to 77o 07`. The survey of India degree sheet numbers –57 H and
57D covers Mandya district. Mandya district is bounded on the north and northeast by
Tumkur district, on the south by Mysore and Chamarajnagar district, on the east by
Bangalore district and on northwest by Hassan district. Map 3.1 shows the location of
Mandya district through Karnataka state and India.

Map 3.1: Location map of Mandya district

Total geographical area of Mandya district is 4991 square kilometers. The district is
divided into seven taluks located at two sub divisions. The Mandya sub division
includes Mandya, Malavalli and Maddur taluks. The Pandavapura sub division
involves of Pandavapura, Krishnarajpet, Nagamangala and Srirangapatna taluks. The
administrative divisions of Mandya district is illustrated in map 3.2.

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 Map 3.2: Administrative divisions of Mandya district
The largest taluk of Mandya district is Nagamangala taluk with the area of 1045
square kilometers and the area of the smallest taluk of the district is Srirangapatna
taluk with an area of 357 square kilometers. Table 3.1 presents the details of the area
in square kilometers of the taluks in Mandya district.

Table 3.1: The area of taluks located at Mandya district

No Taluk Area (km2)

1 Nagamangala 1,045
2 Krishnarajpet 905
3 Malavalli 810
4 Mandya 716
5 Maddur 618
6 Pandavapura 540
7 Srirangapatna 357
Mandya District 4,991
Source: Survey of India, 2015

The largest taluk of Mandya district located at north part of the district named
Nagamangala taluk covers 1045 square kilometers out of 4991 square kilometers

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which is the total area of the district. Srirangapatna taluk is known as the smallest
taluk placed at south of Mandya district with an area of 357 square kilometers.
Maddur and Krishnarajpet taluks are the eastern and western taluks where occupied
618 km2 and 905 km2 out of 4991 km2 respectively. Pandavapura and Mandya taluks
are almost located at the central part of Mandya district. Mandya and Pandavapura
taluks covers 716 km2 and 570 km2 of Mandya district total area.

3.1.2. Population Distribution and Density of Mandya District

The details of Mandya district –a district of Karnataka state –has been released
through an official census 2011 by directorate of census operation in Karnataka state.
Numeration of key persons was also done by official census in Mandya district of
Karnataka state. The details of last two official censuses which had been done in the
year 2001 and 2011 are presented in table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Details of Mandya district censuses in the year 2001 and 2011
Description 2001 2011
Actual Population 1,763,705 1,805,769
Male 888,034 905,085
Female 875,671 900,684
Population Growth 7.26% 2.38%
Area Sq. Km 4,962 4,962
2
Density/km 356 364
Proportion to Karnataka Population 3.34% 2.96%
Sex Ratio (Per 1000) 986 995
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Age) 934 939
Average Literacy 61.05 70.40
Male Literacy 70.50 78.27
Female Literacy 51.53 62.54
Total Child Population (0-6 Age) 205,147 172,685
Male Population (0-6 Age) 106,058 89,063
Female Population (0-6 Age) 99,089 83,622
Literates 951,460 1,149,649
Male Literates 551,271 638,668
Female Literates 400,189 510,981
Child Proportion (0-6 Age) 11.63% 9.56%
Boys Proportion (0-6 Age) 11.94% 9.84%
Girls Proportion (0-6 Age) 11.32% 9.28%
Source: Census of India, 2001 & 2011

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In 2001 census, Mandya population was 1,763,705 including 888,034 males and
875,671 females. In the year 2011, the population of Mandya was 1,805,769 which
female and male were 900,684 and 905,085 respectively. Mandya district population
constituted 2.96 percent of total population of Maharashtra in 2001; but in 2011
census, this figure for Mandya District was at 3.34 percent of total Maharashtra
population.

In 2011, the population of Mandya has been changed for 2.38 percent in comparison
with the population as per 2001. Meanwhile, there was an increase of 7.26 percent in
the population in 2001 compared to the population as per 1991. The density of
Mandya district in 2001 was 356 people per square kilometer; however it was 364
people per square kilometer for the year 2011in accordance to the initial provisional
data released by census India 2001 and 2011.

The average rate of literacy in Mandya district for the year 2011 was 70.4 comparing
to 61.05 for the year 2001. However, male and female literacy of 2011 were 78.27
and 62.54 respectively in point of view of gender wise. Indeed, the same figures
recorded at 70.50 and 51.53 for 2001 census. Mandya district had a total literate of
1,149,649 in the year 2011 with the rate of male and female as 638,668 and 510,981
respectively; although total literate was 951,460 for the year 2001. The sex ratio in
Mandya district stood at 955 per 1000 male in comparison with 2001 census figure of
986. As per latest reports of census 2011 directorate, the average national sex ratio in
India was 940. According to census 2011, the ratio of child sex was 939 girls per 1000
boys comparing to the same figure of 934 girls per 1000 boys in 2001 census dataset.

The number of children below 0-6 age had been enumerated in census, hence concern
data was collected for all districts of Karnataka state including Mandya district. 9.56
percent of Mandya population was formed of children with the age below 0-6
compared to 11.63 percent of the population in the year 2001. Therefore, a net change
of -2.07 percent has been noted in comparison with former census of India. The ration
of child sex was 939 as per census 2011 comparing to 934 of census 2001. In Mandya
district of Karnataka state, the total number of families living on footpath or with no
roof cover was recorded 634 families as per census 2011. The total population of
people living with no roof was 2606 for the year 2011 which forms approximately
0.14 percent of Mandya district total population. Urban regions population at Mandya

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district includes 17.08 percent of Mandya district total population as per 2011 census.
It means 308,362 people live in urban area with 153,842 males and 154,520 females.
As per 2011 census, the sex ratio of urban region at Mandya district was 1004.
Likewise, the ratio of child sex was 944 in the year 2011. Thus, the population of
children under 0-6 in urban area was 31,627 of which females and males were 15,356
and 16,271 respectively. 10.58 percent of total urban population of Mandya district
was composed of child population.

82.92 percent of Mandya district population lives in rural region and villages as per
2011 census. The total number of people living in rural area was 1,497,407 composed
of 751,243 males and 746,164 females. The sex ratio of Mandya district rural area
was also 993 females per 1000 males. The child sex ratio of Mandya district was 938
girls per 1000 boys. The population of children in the age of 0 to 6 was 141,058 areas
of which females were 68,266 and males were 72,792 in rural area of the district. It
means the child population includes 9.69 percent of total population of Mandya
district rural area. The rate of literacy in rural area was 67.78 percent as per census
2011. Female and male literacy recorded as 59.21 and 76.34 percent respectively.
Totally, 401,385 females and 517,904 males form the population of 919,289 people
who were literate in rural area of Mandya district.

3.1.3. Land Use/ Land Cover of Mandya District

The land use/ land cover of Mandya district is classified into 20 classes in the year
2015. Map 3.3 illustrates the land use/ land cover pattern of Mandya district. The
details of the classification are also given in table 3.3.

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 Map 3.3: Land use/ land cover pattern of Mandya district in 2015

Table 3.3: The characteristics of land use/ land cover of Mandya district in the year 2015
No LULC Class Area (km2) Percentage
1 Agricultural Plantation 333.51 6.68
2 Barren Rocky 61.21 1.23
3 Crop Land 3482.95 69.78
4 Degraded Forest 13.13 0.26
5 Fallow Land 110.72 2.22
6 Forest Plantation 50.18 1.01
7 Gullied/ Revinous Land 2.32 0.05
8 Industrial Area 0.49 0.01
9 Lake/ Tanks 143.61 2.88
10 Land with Scrub 340.72 6.83
11 Land without Scrub 0.01 0
12 Mining 1.10 0.02
13 Deciduous Forest 12.68 0.25
14 Reservoir 48.47 0.97
15 River/ Stream 54.93 1.1
16 River Island 4.77 0.1
17 Scrub Forest 185.34 3.71
18 Town/ Cities 28.36 0.57
19 Tree Groves 9.37 0.19
20 Village 107.12 2.15
Total Area = 4991 km2
Source: Author

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In the year 2015, a large area of Mandya district is occupied by cropland with an area
of 3482.95 km2. That means about 69.78 percent of the geographical area of Mandya
district is under cropland. 340.72 km2 of Mandya district surface is covered by scrub
land which is the second large coverage of the district (6.83 percent). The residential
area (town/ cities and villages) of Mandya district has an area of 135.48 km2 which is
2.71 percent of total geographical area of the district. Industrial and mining area is
covered the Mandya district only for 0.49 km2 and 1.1 km2 respectively.

3.1.4. Crops and Irrigation at Mandya District

The major crops grown in Mandya district are Sugarcane, Ragi, Paddy and Pulses and
sugar cane. In terms of area, Paddy is grown for 39.7 percent, Ragi for 34.5 percent
and pulses for 15.3 percent of the total area. The details of cropping pattern at
Mandya district is listed in the table 3.4.

Table 3.4: Cropping pattern in Mandya district

No Crop Area (ha)

1 Paddy 83,772
2 Ragi 79,957
3 Sugar cane 34,636
4 Pulses 29,072
5 Oil seeds 14,296
6 Fruit 5,002
7 Maize 2,599
8 Jowar 1,674
9 Cotton 05
Source: District at a glance- 2014-15

In terms of crop and agriculture, the largest area of Mandya district is occupied by
Paddy which is for 83,772 hectares. The next popular crop in Mandya district is Ragi
with an area of 79,957 hectares. Only 5 hectares of Mandya district is under cotton
cultivation.

Mandya district utilizes two major reservoirs named Krishnaraj Sagar and Hemavathi
for the purpose of irrigation. In addition, numbers of anecut canals exist across
Mandya district. Actually, a low level barrage built across the river is called as anecut.

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The Cauvery basin is known for vast system of low level barrages constructed during
the 19th century and early 20th century. Parts of Nagamangala, Mandya, Krishnarajpet
and Pandavapura taluks are irrigating by left bank canal of Hemavathi. Other methods
of irrigation systems are also seen all over Mandya district. Some other irrigation
sources at Mandya district is listed in table 3.5.

Table 3.5: Irrigated areas under different sources at Mandya district

No Source Area (ha) Percentage

1 Canals 1,11,046 73.8
2 Tanks/ Ponds 12,790 8.5
3 Dug Wells 12,341 8.2
4 Bore Wells 12,165 8.08
5 Lift 529 0.35
6 Other Sources 1,604 1.07
Net irrigated area = 1,50,475
Source: District at a glance- 2014-15

1,50,475 hectare of cultivated land out of 2,30,185 hectare is irrigated by various

sources. 1,11,046 hectare is under irrigation by canals, 12,790 hectare is irrigated
using tanks, 12,341 hectare is irrigated under dug wells, 12,165 ha is irrigated by tube/
bore wells, 529 ha is irrigated by lift and 1,604 ha is irrigated by other sources. In
other words, an extensive area of Mandya district is irrigated using canals and the
irrigation of a very small area at Mandya district is done by lift.

3.1.5. Drainage Pattern of Mandya District

The Cauvery river system drains the district towards the Bay of Bengal. Cauvery,
Lokapavani, Hemanvathy, Viravaishnavi and Shimsha are known as vital rivers in
Mandya district. All these important rivers flow towards south and finally eastwards
cutting through eastern range of hills. Besides these rivers, number of streams has
endowed Mandya district. The sub dendritic pattern of drainage has formed by rivers
and streams across Mandya district. Therefore, the district is known by sub centritic
probably dissected by multitudinous streams. The density of the drainage in the
district ranges from 1.12 to 2.73 square kilometers. Map 3.4 indicates the drainage
pattern of Mandya district.

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 Map 3.4: Drainage pattern of Mandya district

3.1.6. Water Resources of Mandya District

Three major catchment areas in Mandya district consist of Cauvery, Shimsha and
Lokapavani catchments. Many streams reach these rivers. In addition, Cauvery,
Lokapavani, Veera Vaishnavi, Hemavathi and Shimsha are known as important rivers
of Mandya district. However, Amruthuru Tore, Hebballa, Bindenahalli tore, Handi
halla, Nidasale Tore and Bhima are also recognized as the important streams of the
district. A total of 1.43 lakh hectares of cultivated land have been irrigated using these
sources. Mandya district owns a total of 14,735 hectares water spread area, out of
which 12,924 hectares is occupied by Krishnarajsagar (sub-merged area). 224 large
tanks exist with water spread area of 9,779 hectares. Besides, there are 596 small
tanks with water spread area of 1,733 hectares. a gradual slope towards east is seen in
accordance to the topography of Mandya district and the streams flowing in the area
generally reach the Bay of Bengal.

3.1.7. Industries and Economy of Mandya District

The significance industries at Mandya district are recognized as the sugar factory at
Mandya, Pandavapura, K. M. doddi and Koppa, milk dairy at Gejjalagere, and
Chemical and Paper mill at Belagula near to Mandya town.

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Before the occurrence of modern industries, several varieties of traditional industries
such as Brass vessels, Textile, Jaggery, Pottery, Bedspreadsand and so on were
existed; these traditional industries were also popular until recently. Once upon a
time, Ganjam in Srirangapattna was known as an active industrial center. This center
was famous in point of view of manufacturing quality textiles. In accordance to a
popular credence, the industry was established by Tippu Sultan which caused 12,000
skilled industrial workers from abroad to settle down in this area. Meanwhile, paper
manufacturing was also observed here. Then, during 1847, the chief commissioner Sir
Mark Cubbon had encouraged to establish Ashta Grama sugar works in Palahalli near
Srirangapattana. Hence, it was one of the earliest industries in Mandya district which
brought up the facilities and also had lead to crops developments. Farmers
manufacturing Jaggery using Sugarcane Juice started providing the sugarcane for
sugar works directly. Consequently, farmers had also increased in the bounded
villages.

The Khandsary sugar manufactured in this factory had a very high quality. Indeed, it
even rewarded a present and a certificate at industrial exhibition of London during
1851 and 1861. Further, the same product reached another certificate at an
international exhibition held in Paris in the year 1867; but unlike all credentials, this
factory had been closed in the year 1894 due to uncertain reasons. Besides, Kodiyala
was also popular in manufacturing cotton sarees as well as manufacturing sugar
cakes.

From time immemorial, Nagamangala was a prominent center for manufacturing of

Brass and Steel Lampstands, Brass Vessels, Gods and Goddesses. Sindhaghatta in
Krishnarajpet taluk and Ganjam in Srirangapattana taluk were famous for industries
of silk manufacturing from ancient times. Sericulture as an Industry received rich
impetus from the people who abundantly carried out silk rearing at Mandya and those
cocoons were transported to Channapattana for reeling purposes.

From ancient days varied industrial activities were undertaken such as industries, that
were predominantly domestic in nature and manufactured goods such as cotton,
weaving woolen blanket, silk weaving, oil extracting mills, pottery; basket weaving,
gold and silver works, black smithy, carpentry, mat weaving, Leather work and
others. More number of Jaggery making units was available in Mandya district.

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Since Mandya district is placed on Cauvery river banks, the area is dominantly
occupied by agriculture and is the unique and single largest contributor to the
economy of the district. The major crops grown are Jowar, Cotton, Paddy, Coconut,
Sugarcane, Maize, Ragi, Pulses, Banana, predominantly horse gram and to some
extent tur, cowpea, green gram, black gram and Vegetables etc.

3.1.8. Rainfall and Climate at Mandya District

The rainfall in Mandya district is usually alike across the district except at the western
part where the rainfall is higher. The average rainfall of Mandya district is recorded
for 623 millimeters. The highest rainfall measured of the district is 1,050 millimeters
at Maddur taluk, whereas the lowest rainfall is 690 millimeters at Srirangapatna taluk.
The rainfall distribution of Mandya district for the year 2015 is shown in map 3.5.
About 20 percent during northeast monsoon period, 30 percent of the rainfall is
occurred during summer and 50 percent during southwest monsoon. The average
number of the rainy days is about 43 during a period of seven months from April to
October. Figure 3.1 shows the distribution of precipitation all over Mandya district
during a year.

Map 3.5: Rainfall distribution map of Mandya district in 2015

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 Mandya District Rainfall
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
JAN FEB MRCH APRL MAY JUN JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
Rainfall (mm) 0 0 1 3 18 54 128 143 79 22 0 0

Rainfall (mm)

Figure 3.1: The distribution of precipitation at Mandya district

No precipitation is seen at Mandya district in January, February, November and

December. The rainfall is gradually started from June and the peak time for the
rainfall at Mandya district is in July and August. From May the ascending distribution
of the precipitation is commenced; the highest level of rainfall will be seen in August,
and then the descending distribution will be occurred in September and gradually it
reaches zero millimeter rainfall in November and December. This rainfall pattern is
almost constant per year at Mandya district.

3.1.9. Temperature and Humidity of Mandya District

Temperature affects significantly the socio-economic activities of people in a region.

Generally, the district possesses cool and equable temperatures. The temperature rises
continuously in the period of March to May. The hottest temperature occurs in April
with the mean daily maximum temperature of 34.5°C and the daily minimum of
21.1°C. In normal days, the day temperature during summer may exceed 39°C.
During April and May thunder showers occur which cause a relief from the heat.
With the precession of the southwest monsoon about the early June, the day
temperature drops extremely and through the southwest monsoon period, the weather
is pleasant. Both day and night temperatures gradually decrease after mid November.
The coldest month is January with mean daily maximum at 11°C. During the period
November to January, the minimum temperature of some days may go below 11°C.
The temperature remains relatively uniform for several months but it starts increasing

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in February and reaches the peak in either April or May, in both maximum and
minimum. The maximum is close to 30° C and the minimum is approximately 20° C
for several months. The average annual temperature of Mandya district for the year
2015 is depicted in map 3.6. Relative humidity is usually high during the southwest
monsoon season. The relative humidity is around 70 percent or/ and over in the
mornings through the year, whereas the humidity is comparatively lower in the
afternoons except during the southwest monsoon. The driest part of the year is from
January to April with relative humidity of around 30 percent and even lower in the
afternoons.

Map 3.6: The average annual temperature (◦C) of Mandya district in 2015

3.1.10. Soil Type of Mandya District

The soil of Mandya district is composed of granites and gneisses deciphered with
patches of schist in Mandya, Srirangapatna and Pandavapura taluks. The soil extents
from red sandy loams to red clay loam which is very thin in higher elevations and
ridges and nearly thick in the valley segments. The soil in Mandya, Malavalli, Maddur
and Nagamangala taluks is thin gravelly and underlain with a murrum zone containing
weathered rock. The soil is very filtered and poor in bases and the water holding limit
is low. Whereas, the soil under the old channel regions of Malavalli, Pandavapura and
Srirangapatna is high in clay content. The rate of infiltration of red loamy and red

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soils is 2 to 12 cm/hr and 1 to 3 cm/hr. By and large, the soil of Mandya locale is
classified into 3 sorts of soil viz, red sandy soil, red gravelly soil and red loamy soil
(figure 3.8). The rock blended red soil with quartz stones, iron solidifications and
coarse divisions are found in the taluks of Mandya, Maddur, Malavalli and
Nagamangala. In areas of Malavalli, Srirangapatna and Pandavapura taluks soils are
rich in clay. Red sandy loam soil which is a little alkaline is found in the taluks of
Mandya, Maddur, Malavalli, Nagamangala, K. R. Pet and Pandavapura. The tank
basin and channel basin areas of the district has alluvial and clay soil. Red sandy loam
soil and Red clay loam soil are good for agricultural purposes. The soil is mostly
neutral in reaction and has a tendency to develop alkalinity in poor drainage
conditions.

Map 3.7: The pattern of soil characteristics of Mandya District

Red sandy soil covers an area of 450 km2 of Mandya district which is acidic and is
formed by genesis and granite. This soil can be further subdivided into three groups:

I. Up land soil which is found in high altitudes with a slope greater than 3.5
percent. This soil is medium deep and its colour ranges between medium
reddish brown to deep red and to brown. The top portion of this soil has
gravels, gravely sand where as the bottom comprises of gravely sandy

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 loam (907 km2). Generally this soil is neutral but at certain few places
slightly acidic soil can be also found.

II. Midland soil is found in moderately slopy gneiss areas. This soil appears
reddish brown to blackish brown.

III. Top soil is sandy loam while the sandy clay loam and gravely clay covers
the bottom soil. Though this soil is neutral, acidic type can also be found
in few areas. This soil has good water drainage capacity. In the medium
slope and valley areas, low land soil is found and its colour ranges from
brown, black to blackish brown. Soil is mostly neutral, but in some places
it is alkaline. This soil has very good water holding capacity and can be
seen mainly in Mandya, Malavalli, Maddur, Nagamangala, Krishnarajpet
and Pandavapura taluks.

3491 km2 of Mandya district’s surface is covered with red loamy soil. It can be found
in undulating granite rocks and colour ranges from deep brown to deep red. The top
layers contain sandy loam to clay loam whereas the bottom layers have loam, clay
loam and sand mixed with gravels in some places. This type of soil can be mainly
seen in irrigated areas. This soil is distributed in Mandya, Maddur, Srirangapatna,
Malavalli and Pandavapura taluks. Parts of Malavalli taluk have black soil. As a result
of its clay content, this soil does not erode easily. In canal and tank command areas of
the district, clay, clay loam, sandy loam, red sandy loam, gravely loam and other
fertile soils can be seen. In the dry parts of the district, soil like red gravely, sandy
loam and red soil are common.

3.2. LOKAPAVANI RIVER BASIN

The Lokapavani is one of the important tributary of the river Cauvery. This river takes
its birth at Honakere in Nagamangala taluk and takes a southerly course flowing
through Nagamangala, Pandavapura and Srirangapatna taluk and joins Cauvery at
Sangama near Srirangapatna. It is a perennial river and is about 150 feet wide and 52
kilometers in length. Before Lokapavani joins Cauvery a stream from Motitalab joins
this river. Two dams have been constructed across this river, one near Uyyanahalli of
Nagamangala taluk and the other at Bolenahalli of Melkote hobli. The Lokapavani
river basin area is 477.38 square kilometers.

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3.2.1. The Location of Lokapavani River Basin

The Lokapavani river basin is located between North latitude 12° 30 to 12° 45 and
East longitudes 76° 25 to 76° 50. It is also placed at the center part of Cauvery river
basin in Karnataka state. 10.5 percent of total area of Mandya district covers the
concern basin. Entire Lokapavani river basin is occupied by four taluks named
Nagamangala, Mandya, Srirangapatna and Pandavapura taluks. The location of
Lokapavani river basin over India and Mandya district is illustrated in map 3.8 and
3.9 respectively. The survey of India degree sheet numbers 57D-9, 57D-10, 57D-11,
57D-14 and 57D-15 covers Lokapavani basin which is depicted in map 3.10.

Map 3.8: Location of Lokapavani river basin over India and Karnataka state

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Map 3.9: The location of Lokapavani river basin at Mandya district

Map 3.10: Toposheet map Lokapavani river basin

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3.2.2. Administrative Divisions of Lokapavani River Basin

The Lokapavani river basin spreads over 4 taluks of one district of Karnataka State.
The district is Mandya and taluks are including Nagamangala, Mandya, Pandavapura
and Srirangapatna. The area of each taluk is listed in table 3.6. Administrative
divisions of Lokapavani river basin is shown in map 3.11.

Map 3.11: Administrative divisions of Lokapavani river basin

Table 3.6: Area of Mandya district and taluks under Lokapavani river basin
No Taluk Area (km2)
1 Pandavapura Taluk 303.35
2 Nagamangala Taluk 106.39
3 Mandya Taluk 38.53
4 Srirangapatna Taluk 29.11
Total Area 477.38 km2
Source: Author
A vast area of Lokapavani river basin is occupied by Pandavapura taluk (3030.35
km2) and a very small area of Srirangapatna taluk (29.11 km2) is located at

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Lokapavani river basin. 56.18 percent of total area of Pandavapura taluk is placed at
Lokapavani basin, 10.18 percent of Nagamangala total area, 5.38 percent of Mandya
taluk and 8.15 percent of Srirangapatna taluk are spread over Lokapavani river basin.

3.2.2.1. Pandavapura Taluk

Pandavapura taluk is located at Mandya district of Karnataka state, India and belongs
to Mandya division. Headquarters of Pandavapura taluk is placed at Pandavapura
town. It is placed 28 kilometers towards west from district headquarters Mandya and
131 kilometers from state capital Bangalore towards east. Pandavapura taluk is
bounded by Nagamangala taluk towards north, Srirangapatna taluk towards south,
Krishnarajpet taluk towards west and Mandya taluk towards east. Mandya city,
Srirangapatna city, Nanjangud city and Mysore city are the nearby cities to
Pandavapura taluk. Pandavapura comprises of 208 villages and 25 Panchayats. The
largest and smallest villages are Kennalu and Moodanahalli respectively throughout
Pandavapura taluk. It is located at 718 meters elevation/ altitude. Sravanabelagola,
Srirangapatna, Nanjangud, Mysore and Shivanasamundram are the nearby
significance tourist destinations to visit.

3.2.2.2. Nagamangala Taluk

Nagamangala is a taluk in Mandya district of Karnataka state, India and located at

Mandya Division. Nagamangala town is Nagamangala taluk headquarters. It is
located 108 kilometers from State capital Bangalore towards east and 41 kilometers
towards north from district head quarters Mandya. Nagamangala taluk has a common
boundary with and Krishnarajpet taluk towards west, Kunigal taluk towards east,
Pandavapura taluk towards south, Mandya taluk towards south. Magadi city, Maddur
city, Mandya city and Srirangapatna city are the nearby cities to Nagamangala taluk.
Nagamangala includes 482 villages and 28 Panchayats. Belluru is the largest village
and Gunjenahalli is the smallest village across the taluk. It located at the 724 m
elevation/ altitude. Mysore, Sravanabelagola, Savandurga, Srirangapatna, Shivagange
(Shivganga falls) are the nearby vital tourist destinations visit.

3.2.2.3. Mandya Taluk

Mandya is the name of one taluk located at Mandya district of Karnataka state, India.
It is placed 99 kilometers away from Bangalore and located at 40 kilometers northeast
of Mysore. Mandya is the importance of the district's headquarters town. Mandya

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taluk is bounded by Nagamangala taluk towards north, Srirangapatna taluk towards
south, Maddur taluk on east part and Pandavapura taluk on west side. Mandya taluk
consists of 183 villages. Chokanahalli is the largest village and Gundapura is the
smallest village across Mandya taluk. The elevation of Mandya taluk is 678 meter
from sea level.

3.2.2.4. Srirangapatna Taluk

Srirangapatna is a taluk of Mandya district and located at Mandya division.

Srirangapatna taluk headquarters is Srirangapatna town. It is placed at 135 kilometers
from State capital Bangalore towards east and 30 kilometers towards west from
district headquarters Mandya. This taluk is bounded by Mysore taluk towards south,
Pandavapura taluk towards north, Krishnarajasagara taluk towards west and Mandya
taluk towards east. Mandya city, Srirangapatna city, Nanjangud city and Mysore city
are the nearby cities to Srirangapatna taluk. Srirangapatna taluk owns 126 villages and
22 Panchayats. Balamuri and Arakere are known as smallest and largest villages
respectively. Srirangapatna taluk is in the 692 m elevation/ altitude. Sravanabelagola,
Shivanasamundram, Srirangapatna, Nanjangud and Mysore are the nearby major
tourist destinations to visit.

3.2.3. Topography and Slope of Lokapavani River Basin

The contour line features of Lokapavani river basin is presented in map 3.12. The
lowest and highest elevations of Lokapavani river basin area are 680 m and 1,060 m
respectively. The highest elevation (1,060 m) is located in Nagamangala and
Pandavapura taluks; the lowest elevation (680 m) is placed at Srirangapatna taluk.
Hence, the most elevated taluk in Lokapavani river basin boundary is Pandavapura
taluk and the least elevated taluk is Srirangapatna taluk. Elevation details of taluks
spread over Lokapavani river basin are given in table 3.7.

Table 3.7: Elevation details of taluks at Lokapavani river basin

No Taluk Max. Elevation (m) Min. Elevation (m)

1 Mandya 880 750
2 Nagamangala 1060 800
3 Pandavapura 1060 700
4 Srirangapatna 790 680
Source: Author

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The maximum elevation of Srirangapatna taluk located at Lokapavani river basin is
790 m and the minimum elevation is 680 m. the highest elevation of Nagamangala,
Mandya and Pandavapura taluks where are lied in Lokapavani river basin are 1,060
m, 880 m and 1,060 m respectively; and the lowest elevation of the same taluks are
measured as 800 m, 750 m and 700 m.

Map 3.12: Topography features of Lokapavani river basin

The slope of Lokapavani river basin is classified into 7 categories; a large part of the
region has gentle slope which is 31.96 percent of total area of Lokapavani river basin
and only 1.17 percent of the total area of the region has moderately steep slope. Slope
characteristics of Lokapavani river basin is given in table 3.8.

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 Table 3.8: Slope details of Lokapavani river basin

No Slope in % Area in km2 % of Total Area Description

1 0–1% 95.59 20.02 % Nearly Level
2 1–3% 132.61 27.78 % Very Gentle Slope
3 3–5% 152.58 31.96 % Gentle Slope
4 5 – 10 % 59.84 12.54 % Moderate Slope
5 10 – 15 % 24.70 5.17 % Strong Slope
6 15 – 35 % 5.58 1.17 % Moderately Steep Slope
7 35 – 50 % 6.48 1.36 % Very Steep Slope
2
Total Area = 477.38 km
Source: Author

The minimum and maximum slope of the Lokapavani river basin is classified as 0 – 1
percent and 35 – 50 percent respectively. 152.58 km2 out of 477.38 km2 is categorized
in gentle slope which occupies 31.96 percent of total area of the basin. The second
category of the slope belongs to very gentle slope class; this class covers 132.61 km2
of Lokapavani river basin which is 27.78 percent of the total area. The third class is
nearly level category with an area of 95.59 km2 and 20.02 percent of total area of
Lokapavani basin. 59.84 km2, 24.70 km2 and 5.58 km2 are covered by moderate slope,
strong slope and moderately steep slope respectively. A very small area of
Lokapavani river basin has a very steep slope which is for 6.48 km2; it means only
1.36 percent of total area of the basin. The pattern of slope characteristics within
Lokapavani river basin is illustrated in map 3.13.

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 Map 3.13: The pattern of slope characteristics of Lokapavani river basin

3.2.4. Temperature of Lokapavani River Basin

The catchment has sub tropical climate with the temperature ranging between 16° and
35° Celsius. The hottest month would be April and with the beginning of southwest
monsoon in June, the temperature significantly reduces. December would be the
coldest month in a year.

All four taluks receive a hot summer. In Nagamangala the highest temperature in
summer during days is between 31° C to 40° C. the average temperature in January is
25° C, February is 24° C, March is 28° C, April is 29° C, and May is 29° C.
Pandavapura highest day temperature in summer is between 31° C to 40° C. in this
taluk, the average temperature in January is 25°C, February is 24° C, March is 28° C,
April is 29° C, May is 29° C. in summer season, Srirangapatna receives the highest
day temperature between 31° C to 40° C. The average temperature of January is 25°
C, February is 24° C, March is 28° C, April is 29° C, and May is 29° C. Map 3.14
presents the average annual temperature of Lokapavani river basin for the year 2015.

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 Map 3.14: The average annual temperature (◦C) of Lokapavani river basin in 2015

3.2.5. Rainfall of Lokapavani River Basin

The annual rainfall in Lokapavani river basin is about 731 mm to 1,037 mm. The
catchment is split into two zones. In the first zone, 35 percent of the total catchment
area is irrigated by Vishweswarayya Canal and Chikkadevaraya Sagar Canal from
KRS reservoir. The rest is the rainfed zone. In this study 6 rain gauge stations have
been selected across the Lokapavani basin named Santhebachahalli, Dudda,
Honakere, Melkote, Pandavapura, Sriangapatna. The location of selected rain gauge
stations and river gauge station is shown in map 3.15. Table 3.9 lists the latitude and
longitude of these stations in Lat/Lon Degree, Minute, Second. The rainfall
distribution of Lokapavani river basin in the year 2015 is depicted in map 3.16.

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Table 3.9: Latitude and longitude of selected stations across Lokapavani river basin

No Name of the Station Latitude Longitude

1 Santhebachahalli . .
2 Dudda . .
3 Honakere . .
4 Melkoteh . N .
5 Pandavapura . .
6 Srirangapatna . .

Source: Google Earth

Map 3.15: The location of rain gauge and river gauge stations in Lokapavani river
basin

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 Map 3.16: Rainfall distribution within Lokapavani river basin in 2015

3.2.6. Drainage Pattern of Lokapavani River Basin

In terms of geomorphology, in a particular drainage basin, the streams, rivers and

lakes present in a particular drainage basin form some patterns called as drainage
systems. The drainage patterns are followed by the gradient of the land, the
topography of the land and whether a specific region is occupied by hard or soft
rocks. Hydrologists and Geomorphologists often consider the streams as initial part of
drainage basins. A drainage basin is the topographic region where runoff is received
by a stream throughout the flow and ground water flow. The shape, size and number
of the drainage basins observed in an area vary and more information over a drainage
basin is available on large scale topographic map, in other words, the larger
topographic map, the more available information.

The drainage pattern of Lokapavani river basin belongs to dendritic drainage pattern.
Dendritic is derived from Greek “δενδρίτης (dendrites)”, of or pertaining to a tree.

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The most common form of drainage system is dendritic drainage system. In a
dendritic system, many contributing streams exist in the shape of analogous to the
twigs of a tree. These contributing streams then meet each other into the tributaries of
the main river which look like the branches and the trunk of the tree, respectively. The
contributing streams develop according to river channel following the slope of the
terrain. Totally the area of water bodies across the Lokapavani basin is 13.745,656
km2. The dendritic drainage pattern of Lokapavani river basin is shown in map 3.17.

Map 3.17: Dendritic drainage system of Lokapavani river basin

Totally 313 tanks, lakes and water bodies exist across Lokapavani river basin. Tonnur
Lake located at Pandavapura taluk is the largest lake across Lokapavani river basin
with an area of 3.61 km2. The second largest lake in Lokapavani river basin is known
as Pandavapura Lake with an area of 1.52 km2.

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 3.2.7. Lithology of Lokapavani River Basin

Bababuda, Charnockite, Closepet Granite and Saraur/ Satyamangala are the rock
types covering entire Lokapavani river basin. The rock groups includes volcanic/ meta
volcanic, plutonic Rocks and metamorphic rocks. The Lithology unit of the area is
categorized to metabasalt and tuff, eta ultramafite, pink and gray granite, migmatites
and amphibolitic units. Table 3.10 summarizes the lithology details of the Lokapavani
river basin. The Lithology features within Lokapavani river basin is depicted in map
3.18.

Table 3.10: Lithology characteristics of Lokapavani river basin

No Rock Type Rock Group Lithology Unit Area (km2)

Saraur/ Metamorphic Migmatites and Grano
1 383.37
Satyamangala Rocks Diorite- Tonalitic Gneiss
2 Closepet Granite Plutonic Rocks Pink and Gray Granite 49.70
3 Charnockite Plutonic Rocks Meta Ultramafite 29.04
Volcanics/ Meta
4 Bababudan Metabasalte and Tuff 9.67
Volcanics
Saraur/ Metamorphic Amphi Bolitic metapelitic
5 5.60
Satyamangala Rocks Schist/ Pelitic Schist
Source: LISS IV, NRSC- 2015

In terms of rock group, 388.97 square kilometers of total area of Lokapavani river
basin is occupied by metamorphic rocks. Plutonic rocks cover an area of 78.74 square
kilometers. A very small area of Lokapavani river basin is covered by volcanic/ Meta
volcanic rock group (9.67 km2). Indeed, in terms of Lithology unit, extremely large
area of Lokapavani river basin contains Migmatites and Grano Diorite- Tonalitic
Gneiss which is for 383.37 km2. Pink and Gray Granite covers 49.70 km2 of
Lokapavani river basin which is the second large coverage of Lithology unit. A very
small part of the basin (5.60 km2) is occupied by Amphi Bolitic metapelitic Schist/
Pelitic Schist.

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 Map 3.18: Lithology features of Lokapavani river basin

3.2.8. Soil Type of Lokapavani River Basin

Ten different types of soil can be seen over Lokapavani river basin. The soil of the
region contains clayey, clayey skeletal, fine clayey, fine loamy, habitation mask,
loamy, loamy skeletal, tock outcrops, sandy skeletal, water body mask. Soil
characteristics of Lokapavani river basin are given in the table 3.11. In addition, the
pattern of soil characteristics over Lokapavani river basin is illustrated in map 3.19.

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 Table 3.11: Soil characteristics of Lokapavani river basin
No Soil Type Area (km2)
1 Loamy Skeletal 103.15
2 Fine Clayey 90.98
3 Fine Loamy 65.94
4 Loamy 62.06
5 Sandy Skeletal 61.14
6 Clayey Skeletal 58.60
7 Water Body Mask 13.75
8 Rock Outcrops 11.09
9 Habitation Mask 6.83
10 Clayey 3.84
Source: Geology Department

In terms of soil type, the more coverage belongs to loamy skeletal which covers an
area of 103.15 square kilometers of total area of Lokapavani river basin. The second
large coverage belongs to fine clayey. It is spread for 90.98 square kilometers over
Lokapavani river basin. 65.94 square kilometers of the basin area is occupied by fine
loamy. The smallest extent of clayey soil can be seen at the basin which covers only
3.84 square kilometers of total area of Lokapavani river basin.

Map 3.19: The pattern of soil characteristics within Lokapavani river basin

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3.2.9. Land Use/ Land Cover of Lokapavani River Basin

Land use/ land cover (2015) of Lokapavani river basin has been classified into 9
classes using supervised classification method over satellite image (Landsat 8) of the
area. The pattern of Land use/ land cover within Lokapavani river basin in the year
2015 is depicted in map 3.20. The details of classification are given in table 3. 12.

Map 3.20: Land Use/ Land Cover of Lokapavani river basin in 2015
Table 3.12: LULC details of Lokapavani river basin in 2015
No Class Area (km2)
1 Agricultural Plantation 25.84
2 Barren Rocky 9.03
3 Built Up Area 20.18
4 Crop Land 323.67
5 Forest Plantation 12.23
6 Scrub Forest 37.93
7 Scrub Land 25.34
8 Wastelands 0.20
9 Water Bodies 22.93
Source: Author

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A vast area of Lokapavani river basin is covered by crop land which equals to 323.67
km2. Wastelands occupy the smallest area of Lokapavani river basin (0.2 km2). Only
20.18 km2 of total area of Lokapavani river basin is covered by built up area.
Lokapavani river basin has 12.23 km2 forest plantations, 37.93 km2 scrub forest. Total
area of water bodies located at Lokapavani river basin is 22.93 km2. And finally, 9.03
km2 of total area of the basin is occupied by barren rocky.

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