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society in the long run. Thus, as the Tamil Nadu state is fast urbanizing, the study of
the sex ratio is important to analyze the share of the development by the female
population.

According to the 2011 census, the state of Tamil Nadu has 36,137,975 males,
36,009,055 females which indicate the sex ratio of 996 females per 1000 males.
Coimbatore region as a whole has slightly better sex ratio of 998 females per 1000
males as compared to Tamil Nadu. Amongst the sub-regions of Coimbatore region,
Nilgiris has the highest sex ratio of 1042 females per 1000 males followed by that of
Coimbatore which is 1001 females per 1000 males which is well above the state
average. Unlike these two sub-regions, Erode and Tiruppur have comparatively lower
female population with the ratios of 992 and 988 females per 1000 males. Nilgiris and
Coimbatore sub-regions also show the highest increase in the female population from
the year 1991 to 2011 followed by Erode and Tiruppur. This shows there is potential
for female workers in industrial areas. The figure below represents sex ratios of the
region over the years.

Figure 1-12: Sex Ratio6

1.3.3 Literacy Rate

The Figure 1-13 below represents the literacy rate of the state and Sub regions of
Coimbatore region. The literacy rate is gradually increasing for both Tamil Nadu as
well as Sub regions of Coimbatore region, denoting the accessibility to educational
facilities. Within Sub-region, The Nilgiris districts has highest literacy rate and Erode
shows lowest literacy rate.

6
Source: Census of India,1991,2001,2011

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Figure 1-13: Literacy Rate7

1.3.5 Marginalized Population

Marginalized population is calculated by considering SC, ST population as a whole

and female population of other categories. The State marginalized population is 60.45
% which is higher than the Sub regional marginalized population of Coimbatore
region except for The Nilgiris Sub-region which is 64.98%. This is mainly due to the
presence of the primitive tribal groups in the district namely the Paniyas, Kotas,
Irulas, Kurumbhas which are considered to be the primitive inhabitants of the sub
region.

Figure 1-14: Marginalized Population8

1.3.6 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Population

The presence of the scheduled caste and the scheduled tribes in a region represents the
backwardness of the region. Figure below shows the SC and ST population in state,
region and sub-regions.

7
Source: Census of India,1991,2001,2011
8
Source: Census of India,1991,2001,2011

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Figure 1-15: Share of SC and ST population to the total population 9

As per 2011 Census, the share of the SC and the ST population of the Tamil Nadu is
20.1% and 1.10% respectively. The share of the Coimbatore region‟s SC and ST
population was lower than the state average. Within the Coimbatore region, the share
of the SC and ST population is highest in the Nilgiris sub region which is 32.8% and
4.46% due to the presence of the tribal communities in the forest of the hilly sub
region. The least SC population is recorded in the Coimbatore sub region which is
15.50% and the ST population in the Tiruppur sub region which is 0.22%, denoting
that there should be particular focus on these groups. Figure below represents SC and
ST population share in the Coimbatore region.

Figure 1-16: Total Share of ST and SC population within the Coimbatore Region10

Within the Coimbatore sub region, the highest share of the SC and the ST population
was recorded in the Nilgiris district. The second highest SC and ST population was
recorded in the Coimbatore district as the district has the highest population share in
the region. The least SC and ST population was recorded in the Erode and Tiruppur
district respectively.

9
Source: Census of India,1991,2001,2011
10
Source: Census of India,1991,2001,2011

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1.4 Regional Economy

Economic growth is the fundamental requirement for the development of any area.
The regional development is largely influenced by the regional economy which talks
about the contribution of the gross domestic product of the region to the state. The
economic growth comes from the contribution of the primary, secondary and the
tertiary sector. The agriculture in terms of turmeric and cotton production, tea and
coffee plantation mainly contributes to the growth of the primary sector of the
Coimbatore region. The textile, engineering and the pump industries have a major
share in the growth of the secondary sector of the region. The tourism sector
especially in the hilly areas of the region contributes to the tertiary sector growth of
the region.

1.4.1 Gross Domestic Product

Coimbatore region‟ is the economic engine of Tamil Nadu which is evident as it

contributes 14.55% to GSDP (Gross State Domestic Produce), its contribution
standing at 1,28,498 lakh rupees out of state‟s 8,83,066 lakh rupees. The region is one
of the major hubs for manufacturing, textile, education, tourism and health care in
Tamil Nadu with four districts contributing distinctly to the overall growth. Figure-1
compares GDDP (Gross District Domestic Product) at constant (2011-12) prices of
Coimbatore District, Tiruppur and Erode with State and Chennai. Figure-2 and
Figure-3 shows value of respective region‟s GDP and their sectoral shares over time.

Figure 1-17: GDDP comparison of the Coimbatore Region11

In the fiscal year 2015-2016, the Coimbatore Region‟s primary sector GDP was
maximum in Erode (constituting about 42.96% of regions share), secondary and
tertiary sectors were concentrated in Coimbatore district (48.02% and 42.21%
respectively) as shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1: GDP values of the Coimbatore region and Tamil Nadu12

11
Source: Economics and Statistics Department, Tamil Nadu

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Gross Domestic Product of Tamil Nadu and Coimbatore Region (at Constant Prices) (Rs. Cr)
(2004-05) (2011-12) (2015-16)
STATE / DISTRICT
PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY TOTAL

TAMIL NADU 25,996 67,672 1,25,336 38,728 1,30,392 2,64,118 1,04,910 3,18,138 4,60,017 15,35,307

CBE REGION 4,275 12,584 17,490 5,728 23,609 33,656 15,366 52,556 65,944 2,31,207

COIMBATORE 807 5,118 6,784 1,338 10,485 13,242 3,800 25,237 27,838 94,650

NILGIRIS 569 538 1,368 694 614 2,611 1,023 1,890 5,067 14,374

TIRUPPUR 621 3,431 4,619 1,298 7,685 9,220 3,941 12,006 16,961 59,782

ERODE 2,278 3,496 4,718 2,398 4,826 8,583 6,602 13,422 16,078 62,401

Figure 1-18 and Figure 1-19, shows the four sub-region‟s share in the respective
sectors. From this we see that from 2005 to 2015 Coimbatore has seen an increase in
share in all the three sectors with maximum increase in the manufacturing
(Secondary) sector.

Figure 1-18: Sector's Share in regional Figure 1-19: Sector Wise share of GDP in sub
GDP13 region14

Primary Sector:

Total primary sector GDP increased 27.8% from 2005 to 2015 (at constant price) in
the region. Erode has held the maximum share of primary sector produce in the
region, accounting for 43% of the total regional produce in 2015. Although Erode
experienced a decrease in share over the years in the region it still grew at the rate of
34.50% over 10 years. Nilgiri has seen 55.6% increase, Coimbatore 21.23% and
Tirippur experienced 15.75% increase in primary sector produce from 2005 to 2015.
Erode, Nilgiri, Tiruppur and coimbatore district constitutes 18.28%, 12.8%, 11.98%

12
Source: Economics and Statistics Department, Tamil Nadu
13
Source: Economics and Statistics Department, Tamil Nadu
14
Source: Economics and Statistics Department, Tamil Nadu

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and 6.68% of their GDDPs (Gross District Domestic Produce) respectively to primary
sector.

Secondary Sector:

In the span of 10 years from 2005-2015, secondary sector in Coimbatore region

increased at 23.94%. With maximum share lying with Coimbatore district in 2015
with 44.37%. Its growth has been the least (in 10 years) at 20.27% in Secondary
sector while Tiruppur and Nilgiri and Erode constitues 36.48%, 23.68% and 37.18%
of their GDDPs respectively to this sector.

Tertiary Sector:

The tertiary sector in Coimbatore region increased 26.52% in 10 years. And in 2015
contributed 49.26% to the GDP of the region. Share of tertiary sector in Coimbatore
District, Erode, Tiruppur and Nilgiri in their respective GDDPs are 48.94%, 44.53%,
51.54% and 63.49% respectively.

GDP v/s NDP

Tables below compares the share of the three sectors in National Domestic Produce
(NDP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the four sub-regions of Coimbatore.
Variation between GDP and NDP gives a picure about the state of capital of the sub-
region through capital depreciation.

Figure 1-20: Share of sectors in NDP of sub Figure 1-21: Share of sectors in GDP of sub
regions regions

Table 1-2: Share of sectors in NDP of sub regions Table 1-3: Share of sectors in GDP of sub regions

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Source: Economics and Statistics Department, Tamil Nadu

1.4.2 Work Force Participation

The economic growth of any region is created by the people of that region. The work
force participation rate reflects the economic development of any region in the fields
of agriculture, tourism, industries, etc. Thus, workforce development is an essential
component in the economic development of any region.

Figure 1-22: Composition of the Work force participation of the region15

As per Census 2011, the state of Tamil Nadu has 54.4% non-workers, 38.7% main
workers whereas only 6.9% marginal workers. The non-workers population is
observed to decline to some extent from the year 1991 to 2011 accompanied by slight
increase in the number of marginal workers. The Coimbatore region has higher
number of main workers i.e. 45.3% as compared to the state average along with
somewhat lower number of non-workers and marginal workers which are 50.9% and
3.8% respectively. The various sub-regions of the Coimbatore region also reflect a
similar pattern in the composition of workforce participation with highest number of
non-workers followed by the main workers and very few marginal workers. In
Nilgiris the population of non-workers has declined by 6.9% from 1991 to 2011 with

15
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001, 2011

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an increase in the main workers population. Tiruppur and Erode have highest
percentage of people engaged as main workers in the Coimbatore region which is also
well above the state average, due to the industrial development in the sub-region.

Figure 1-23: Composition of the work force participation of the Coimbatore region 16

The figure below shows, regional share of WFPR of the region to the state for three
decades. The Coimbatore region has 13.3 percentage of the total workforce of Tami
Nadu in 2011, which comprises of 50.9% non-workers, 45.3 main workers and 3.8%
marginal workers. The share of workforce of the region in Tamil Nadu has increased
from 12.8% in 1991 to 13.5% in 2001 and then13.3% by 2011. No major change
other than increase in the marginal worker population from 1.5% to 3.9% has been
observed in the composition of workforce in the past three decades.

Figure 1-24: Sub region wise composition of the work force participation17

16
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001, 2011
17
Source: Census of India, 1991 ,2001, 2011

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Within the Coimbatore region the share of the sub regions for the main worker
population reflect the dominance of Coimbatore followed by Tiruppur and Erode and
Nilgiris with the least contribution to the main workers population. Tiruppur and
Erode have somewhat similar percentage of main, marginal and non-workers
population. Erode is also observed to have slight increase in the number of main
workers, marginal workers as well as non-workers with their simultaneous decline in
Tiruppur from 2001 to 2011 as a complimentary effect. The share of Nilgiris is the
lowest in the workforce of Coimbatore region due to its low population as compared
to other sub regions and the highest contribution of Coimbatore can be attributed to its
high population.

1.4.3 Classification of Work Force Participation, Sector wise

Main Workers

The above section represents work force participation rate, here it explains about the
main working population in respective sectors. The state of Tamil Nadu has 42.9%
primary sector main workers, 24.5% main workers in secondary sector whereas 32.6
% main workers in tertiary sector. The share of primary sector main workforce is
observed to decline from the year 1991 to 2011 accompanied by slight increase in the
number of main workers in secondary sector. Similarly, Coimbatore region has lower
number of main workers in primary sector i.e. 35.7% as compared to the state average
along with somewhat lower number of main workers in secondary and tertiary sector
which are 34.2% and 30.2% respectively. A decrease in the main workers population
was observed since 1991 with simultaneous increase in the tertiary sector main
workers, due to development of various service industries which create employment
opportunities.

Figure 1-25: Composition of the main workers population18

18
Source: Census of India, 1991 ,2001, 2011

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The various sub-regions of the Coimbatore region also reflect a similar pattern in the
composition of main workers participation with highest number of main workers in
the primary sector followed by tertiary and secondary sector except for Coimbatore
and Tiruppur. As per 2011 census, the share of the main workers population was more
in the tertiary sector followed by the secondary and the primary sector for the
Coimbatore sub region, showing the growth of tertiary industries.. Since, 1991 the
share of the primary sector main workers population has decreased with simultaneous
increase in the tertiary sector for Coimbatore. The Tiruppur sub region has a major
share of 47.1% main workers in the secondary sector because of the presence of the
textile and the dying industries followed by primary and tertiary sector. The Nilgiris
and Erode have highest percentage of people engaged as main workers in the primary
sector , which shows that these sub regions still withstand their growth in the primary
sector.

Figure 1-26: Composition of Sub region wise main work force participation19

The above figure represents, the Coimbatore region‟s share of the sub regions for the
main workers‟ population in primary sector reflect the dominance of Erode followed
by Tiruppur and Coimbatore and Nilgiris with the least contribution to the main
workers population in the primary sector. The share of the primary sector main
workers population was observed to decrease since 1991 in all the sub regions with a
slight increase in the Nilgiris sub region. The Coimbatore sub region has the
dominance in the share of the main workers population in the secondary sector since
1991 except for 2011 where Tiruppur sub region took the lead because of the textile
and dying industries which also attracted the industrial workers due to bifurcation of
the Tiruppur sub region. The Coimbatore sub region has a maximum share in the

19
Source: Census of India, 1991 ,2001, 2011

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tertiary sector main workers population since 1991, showing the dominance of the
tertiary sector in this region. The least share in the main workers population in all the
three sectors was that of the The Nilgiris sub region.

Figure 1-27: Sector wise main work force participation of the Coimbatore Region20

The above figure represents share of Coimbatore region to Tamil Nadu which clearly
explores the regional share to Tamil Nadu. In 1991, the primary sector has the
maximum share of the main workers population followed by the secondary and
tertiary sector due to the presence of the cotton and the tea plantations. The
dominance of the main workers population in the primary sector was maintained till
2011, but decreased thereafter due to growth of industries in secondary and tertiary
sector. An increase in the main workers population in the secondary sector was
observed because of the emergence of the dying, textile and knitwear industries in the
Tiruppur sub region. The tertiary sector has the least share of main workers
population amongst the three sector which has increased to double since 1991. The
overall share of the main workers population to the Tamil Nadu state has remained the
same with decrease in 2011 which is 11.7%.

Marginal Workers

In the previous section main workers contribution was explained clearly. As per the
marginal workers is concerned, the state of Tamil Nadu has 58.8% of primary sector
marginal workers, 17.4% marginal workers in secondary sector whereas 23.9 %
marginal workers in tertiary sector. The share of primary sector marginal workforce is
observed to decline from the year 1991 to 2011 and also slight increase in the number
of marginal workers participation in secondary and tertiary sector was seen due to

20
Source: Census of India, 1991 ,2001, 2011

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rainfall changes which initiated people to move from primary to tertiary sector. A
decrease in the main workers population was observed since 1991 with simultaneous
increase in the tertiary sector and secondary marginal workers. The various sub-
regions of the Coimbatore region also reflect a similar pattern in the composition of
marginal workers participation with highest number of marginal workers in the
primary sector followed by tertiary and secondary sector in decreasing nature. As per
2011 census, in Coimbatore region, the share of the marginal workers population was
more in the tertiary sector followed by the primary and the secondary sector for the
Coimbatore sub region. Since, 1991 the share of the primary sector marginal workers
population has decreased with simultaneous increase in the tertiary sector for
Coimbatore. Tiruppur sub region has a major share of 39.7% marginal workers in the
primary followed by secondary and tertiary sector. The Nilgiris and Erode have
highest percentage of people engaged as marginal workers in the primary sector in the
Coimbatore region which is almost equal to the state average.

Figure 1-28: Composition of the Marginal workforce participation of the region

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Figure 1-29: Sub region wise composition of the marginal work force participation

Source: Census of India, 1991 ,2001, 2011

Within the Coimbatore region the share of the sub regions for the marginal workers‟
population in primary sector reflect the dominance of Erode followed by Tiruppur and
Coimbatore and Nilgiris with the least contribution to the marginal workers
population in the primary sector. The share of the primary sector marginal workers
population was observed to decrease since 1991 in all the sub regions with a slight
increase in the Nilgiris sub region. The Coimbatore sub region has a mixed
dominance in the share of the marginal workers population in the secondary sector
since 1991. The Erode sub region dominated in 1991 followed by Coimbatore sub
region since 2001.The Coimbatore sub region has a maximum share in the tertiary
sector main workers population. The least share in the main workers population in all
the three sectors was that of the The Nilgiris sub region.

Figure 1-30: Sector wise composition of the marginal work force of the region

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Source: Census of India, 1991 ,2001, 2011

The above figure represents sector wise composition of the marginal work force of
region. In 1991, the primary sector has the maximum share of the marginal workers
population followed by the secondary and tertiary sector due to the presence of the
cotton and the tea plantations. The dominance of the marginal workers population in
the primary sector was maintained till 2011 but in decreasing nature. An increase in
the marginal workers population in the secondary sector was observed because of the
emergence of the dying, textile and knitwear industries in the Tiruppur sub region.
The tertiary sector has the least share of main workers population amongst the three
sector which has increased to five times than in 1991. The overall share of the
marginal workers population to the Tamil Nadu state has almost remained the same
since 2011 with 7.2% in 2011.

After considering both marginal and main workers participation the shift in the
workers participation in different sectors can be seen which shows that the tertiary
sector is getting developed in the Coimbatore region which includes all the sub
regions showing rapid conversion from primary to tertiary sector for both main and
marginal workers participation.

1.5 Physiography and Environment

The Coimbatore region is spread out between 10°10‟ and 11°58‟ North Latitudes and
76°13‟ and 77°58‟ East Longitudes. The Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu is the
intersection point of Eastern and Western Ghats which houses famous hill stations
Udhagamandalam and Kotagiri and the highest peak in this region is Dodabetta which
is 2637m.

1.5.1 Physiography

The physiography of the Coimbatore region is mainly defined by the riverine plain,
upland, hill slopes and high land ranging from 20m to more than 1000 m. The riverine
plains lies at an altitude of 20m to 200m along the Bhavani and the Cauvery rivers
which flows through the Erode District. . Noyyal river is an important river of the
region. It originates from Vellingiri hills in Western Ghats close to Kerala boarder and
passes through villages of Coimbatore and Trippur sub region. The upland ranging
from an altitude of 200m to 800m covers the major area of the Coimbatore region
covering the Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Erode districts. The Nilgiris district is mainly
covered by the hill slopes and high land ranging from 800m to more than 1000m.
Many tourists destinations including hill stations of Ooty, Coonor, Kotagiri,
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary are situated in this hill slopes and enjoys a pleasant
climate prior to its location. The presence of hill slopes in the district is the major

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reason for the cultivation of tea and coffee which require high land for their growth.
The Nilgiris sub region has a rich bio-diversity housing many endangered species like
The Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Marten, and Lion Tailed Macaque. The
eastern part of the Erode district also falls under the hill slopes and high land where
major forest area of the district lies inhabiting a wide range of biodiversity falling
under Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve. The southern part of the region is occupied by
Polachi, Valparai and Anaimalai taluks. Polachi has a major part of its land as
agricultural area while Valparai and Anaimalai are mostly covered by the forest area.
Anaimalai tiger reserve is situated in the Anaimalai hills of Polachi, Valparai and
Udumalpet taluks of the Coimbatore and Tripur districts.

Figure 1-31: Physiography of the Coimbatore region

1.5.2 River System

The Coimbatore region is drained by mainly five rivers i.e Cauvery, Bhawani,
Noyyal, Moyar and Aliyaar. The Cauvery river forms the border of the Salem and
Erode district flowing from north to south of the western part of the region. The
Bhawani river flows from north west part of the region from Nilgiris district through

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Erode to the north eastern part of the region finally joining Cauvery river. The Noyyal
river originating from Vellingiri hills in Western Ghts in Coimbatore district and
flows from western part of the region to the eastern part of the region draining
Coimbatore and Erode district finally joining Cauvery river. The Aliyar river
originates from Aliyar, Polachi and flows through the southern part of the region
through south Coimbatore district. The Bhawani and the Moyar river flows from the
hills of the Nilgiris district to the plains flowing through the slopes, upland and the
riverine plains. Bhavani Sagar Dam is built over the Bhavani river in Erode district.
The dam feeds the Lower Bhavani Project Canal and Kalingarayan Canal which further
feeds different channels for irrigation in various villages of the sub region. There are
many other small streams joining these rivers such as Nallar river joining Noyyal
river, Pykara and Kallar joining Bhawani and Bharathapuzha towards south.

Figure 1-32: River basin of the Coimbatore region

44