|
Erode District is one of the 30 districts of Tamil Nadu State, in southeastern India. The capital of the district is Erode.
Economy
The Erode District is an important market centre for turmeric, a spice commonly used in curries that is also used as a fabric dye. This Turmeric is collected from Erode district and also from the other parts of Tamil Nadu and adjoining districts like Mysore in Karnataka State.
Other popular products include 'Uthukuli butter' and 'Kangayam bulls'.
Erode is well known for marketing of textile products of handloom, powerloom and readymade garments. The handloom and powerloom products such as cotton sarees, bed spreads, carpets, lungies, printed fabrics, towels, dhotis are marketed here in bulk.
Location
Erode District lies in the northern section of Tamil Nadu. It is bounded mostly by Karnataka State and also by the River Palar for a long distance. To the East lie Salem, Namakkal and Karur Districts. Dindigal District is its immediate neighbour to the South and on the West, it has Coimbatore and Nilgiri Districts as its boundaries. Erode District is a land-locked area having no sea-cost of its own. Erode District situated at between 10 36” and 11 58” North Latitude and between 76 49” and 77 58” East Longitude.
The region comprised in the district can be portrayed as a long undulating plain gently sloping towards the river Cauvery in the south-east. The three major tributaries of river Cauvery viz. Bhavani, Noyyal and Amaravathy drain the long stretch of mountains in the north. A part of the eastern boundary of the district is formed by river Cauvery, entering the district from Salem and flowing in a southernly direction.
History
The district was once known as Periyar District, before Former Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi, renamed all the districts which had names of political leaders. Erode District was a part of Coimbatore district. Erode District came into being as a result of the bifurcation of Coimbatore District on 31.08.1979.
Climate
The climate in general is characterised by scandy rainfall and a dry climate. The maximum rainfall is recorded in Gobichettipalayam and Bhavani taluks. The Palghat gap in the Western Ghats, which has a soothing effect in the climate of Coimbatore District, does not render much help in bringing down the dry climate in this area. The cool wind that gushes out of the west coast through Palghat gap looses its coolness and becomes dry by the time it crosses Coimbatore district and reaches Erode region.
Unlike the nearby Coimbatore district which is blessed with a health-aiding climate, Erode District has dry weather throughout except during the monsoon season. Generally the first two months of the year are pleasant, but in March, Mercury gains an upward trend which persists till the end of May. The highest temperatures are normally recorded during May. The scandy showers during this period do not provide any relief to the oppressive heat. There is a light improvement in the climate during June-August period. During this pre-monsoon period, the mercury reverses its trend and by September, the sky gets overcast heavily but the rains are meagre. North-east monsoon sets in vigorously only during October-November and by December, the rains disappear rendering the climate clear but pleasant.
Transport and communication
The transport and communication system in Erode district is well developed. Erode, being one of the prominent trading centres in the State, is well connected with all modern means of transport and communication except for air service. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore, which is only a few hours by road. District access by roads and rail from State Capital Chennai and other District headquarters is available. Erode is an important railway junction on the west coast halt here. 13 railway stations are there in the District viz. 1 at Uthukuli Panchayat Union, 3 in Chennimalai Panchayat Union, 3 in Modakurichi Panchayat Union and 6 in Kodumudi Panchayat Union areas. Navigable water ways are available at 5 places in the district
Road transport has developed by leaps and bounds. There a number of inter-district bus routes operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations linking Erode and other prominent towns in Erode district with places of significance outside the district. The role of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation in the headquarters at Erode and Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation which operated inter-district and inter-state service is commendable.
The district is also served by a good network of Post and Telegraph offices. There are four postal divisions serving the district with their headquarters at Erode, Tiruppur, Pollachi and Dharapuram. Under the Control of these postal divisions, there are four head-post offices one each at Erode, Bhavani, Gobichettipalayam and Dharapuram. Of these, the first two come under HSGT category while the other two belongs to HSG II category. Apart from the above there are 319 post offices of various description including extra departmental sub-post offices and telegraph offices. In addition, there are numerous branch post offices, combined post and telegraph offices through out the various parts of the district. There are 144 post and telegraph offices, 144 post offices with phone facilities in this district. The large network of post and telegraph offices ensure definite means of communication at a nominal rate for the benefit of the common man in Erode District. This district has also a good system of Telephone connection. Erode is connected with State capacity by subscriber trunk dialing system (STD). Telephone connections between various centres in the district have been ensured and within Erode city itself the number of telephone subscribers has been on the increase.
Rivers
Bhavani, Cauvery, Amaravathy and Noyyal are the main rivers of the district. Other significant rivers are Palar in the North, Vatamalaikarai odai and Uppar rivers in the south. Palar constitutes the boundary between Erode district and Karnataka State in the North. The Bhavanisagar main canal along with the above mentioned rivers provide proper drainage and facilities for assured irrigation in the district. Bhavani rises in the silent valley in Palghat ranges in the neighbouring State of Kerala after receiving Siruvani, a perennial stream of Coimbatore District and gets reinforced by the Kundah river before entering Erode District in Gobichettipalayam.
Bhavani is more or less a perennial river fed mostly by the South-West monsoon. North-East monsoon also supplements its water resources. This river runs for over hundred miles through Erode District traversing through Bhavani and Gobichettipalayam taluks. It feeds the Bhavanisagar reservoir which takes an easterly course flowing through Gobichettipalayam, Sathyamangalam and Bhavani taluks before it ultimately joins river Cauvery on the Salem borders.
Cauvery rising in the Coorg, is joined by many small tributaries. It turns through Karnataka and at Hogenakal fall takes a sharp turn, east to south. Before reaching this point, its main tributary, viz., river Kabini joins it. From here it takes a south-easterly direction forming the boundary between Bhavani taluk of Erode District and Tiruchengode taluk of the neighbouring Namakkal District. After river Bhavani flows into it, the south-easterly course is continued forming the boundary between Erode taluk of Erode District and Tiruchengode taluk of Namakkal taluk.
Noyyal river is noted for its capricious nature. This is fed mostly by the South-West monsoon but the North-East monsoon brings freshes and this very often results in floods. Inspite of its unpredictable character, the river helps to irrigate considerable areas in Palladam taluk of Coimbatore Distrtict and Dharapuram taluk of Erode District.
River Amaravathy which rises in the Travancore region of Kerala enters Erode District from Udumalaippettai taluk in Coimbatore District. The river flows through Dharapuram before it joins Cauvery in Karur District.
Administration
Erode District consists of 7 taluks
There are 5 Municipalities in the district
Miscellaneous
Erode is also the proud home of social reformer, Periyar E.V.Ramasamy.
Colleges and universities
- Medical Colleges - 1
- Engineering Colleges - 7
- Arts and Science Colleges - 19
External link
| 
