Penna (Pennar/Pinakini/Penneru) River – Key Facts
- Location: Flows through Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh.
- Origin: Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapur district (Karnataka).
- Course:
- Flows north → east → southeast.
- Passes through gap in Eastern Ghats → empties into Bay of Bengal (near Nellore, A.P.).
- Length: ~597 km.
- Basin: Lies in rain shadow region of Eastern Ghats.
- Nature: Seasonal river – floods during rains, scanty flow in dry periods.
Tributaries:
- Major: Chitravati, Papagni, Cheyyeru, Kunderu (mostly seasonal).
Importance:
- Lifeline for Rayalaseema (drought-prone) region.
- Irrigation Projects: Somasila, Mylavaram, Gandikota.
- Supports agriculture & drinking water needs.