About Us
Global "Gurukul" of River Science
The Centre for Periyar River Basin Management and Studies (cPeriyar) is a dedicated Brain Trust for River Science and River Basin Management. Established in 2024 under the supervision of cGanga at IIT Kanpur, the Centre operates with IIT Palakkad as the Lead Institute and NIT Calicut as the Fellow Institute. Functioning as a knowledge wing of the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), cPeriyar is committed to restoring and sustainably managing the Periyar River through scientific research, information collation, planning, monitoring, education, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
The faculty and staff of cPeriyar bring strong interdisciplinary expertise spanning hydrology, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, geology, geospatial sciences, ecology, and climate studies. The team contributes advanced knowledge in water quality, sediment dynamics, river–climate interactions, hydrologic & hydraulic modelling, GIS/remote sensing, and environmental assessment.
A key strength of the programme is the involvement of expert stakeholders from government agencies, scientific bodies, local institutions, and river-dependent communities. Their insights on water governance, pollution control, agriculture, ecological restoration, hydropower management, and urban planning guide the CAMP framework and enhance the relevance and sustainability of the proposed interventions.
The CAMP (Condition Assessment and Management Plan) for the Periyar River Basin is a multi-disciplinary effort involving multiple departments, esteemed experts, and a broad network of stakeholders. It reflects our collective commitment to creating meaningful, long-term impact. Scientific rigor, collaboration, and sustained effort will be central to addressing the challenges and securing a resilient future for the Periyar River.
Prospectus
The Centre for Periyar River Basin Management Studies (cPeriyar) is a collaborative initiative focused on addressing the critical environmental challenges affecting the Periyar River Basin. The centre is dedicated to advancing sustainable river management and conservation practices across the state of Kerala.
Established through a Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India (through the National River Conservation Directorate), IIT Kanpur, and a consortium of IIT Palakkad and NIT Calicut, cPeriyar aims to develop comprehensive, science-driven management strategies to restore, protect, and maintain the ecological integrity of the Periyar River and its interconnected tributary systems.
Charter
The charter of the Centre for Periyar River Basin Management Studies (cPeriyar) defines the core responsibilities and objectives of our consortium, which include:
- Preparing the Periyar River Basin Management Plan.
- Ensuring its effective implementation and continuous refinement through strategic, science-based interventions.
- Developing action plans that integrate environmental, social, and economic dimensions, supported by measurable indicators to evaluate their impact on the river system.
- Promoting inter-sectoral coordination to achieve a holistic and sustainable approach to river basin management.
- Facilitating stakeholder participation and fostering an integrated, collaborative pathway for the restoration and long-term conservation of the Periyar River.
Vision
Our vision at the Centre for Periyar River Basin Management Studies is to restore the ecological integrity of the Periyar River Basin and promote the sustainable use of its natural resources. We are committed to safeguarding the river’s ecosystems by upholding the following fundamental riverine characteristics.
