AIMS Research - Chennai 600 018. Directorate of Environment, GTN

AIMS Research - Chennai 600 018.
Directorate of Environment, GTN

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Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

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AIMS Research - Chennai 600 018. Directorate of Environment, GTN
Environment Profile for Cuddalore District
Contents
Chapter No Particulars Page No.
1.0 THE CONTEXT 01
2.0 BACKGROUND 02
2.1 Geographical Location of the District 03
2.2 Administrative Arrangement in the District 04
2.3 Meteorological Information 04
2.4 Demographic Details 05
2.4.1 Population 05
2.4.2 Trend in Birth/Death Rate and
Infant Mortality Rate 06
2.4.3 Literacy level among the population 06
3.0 RESOURCES-AVAILABILITY, USE & ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS 08

3.1 Land Resources 08
3.1.1 Agriculture and Horticulture 08
3.1.2 Forest Resources 10
3.1.3 Mineral Resources 11
3.1.4 River Basins and their Catchment Areas 14
3.1.5 Fisheries Production 16
3.1.6 Heritage Resources 17
3.1.7 Energy Resources 19
4.0 INFRASTRUCTURE 21
4.1 Urbanisation 21
4.1.1 Urbanisation Pattern 21
4.1.2 Density of Population 21
4.1.3 Decadal Growth rate in Urban centres 22
4.1.4 Urban Slum Population 22
4.1.5 Trend in Urbanisation and Slums 22
4.2 Infrastructure Services and Environmental Status 23
4.2.1 Occupied Housing units 23
4.2.2 Urban Services 23
4.2.3 Domestic waste water generation and treatment 23
4.2.4 Municipal Solid Waste Generation 23

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Chapter No Particulars Page No.
4.2.5 Composition of Solid Waste 23

4.2.6 Coverage of Problem Villages 23
4.2.7 Reported cases of water borne diseases 23
4.2.8 Facilities under Indian system of Medicines 24
4.2.9 Population below poverty line 24
4.3 Transportation 24
4.3.1 Development of Roads, Bridges 24
4.3.2 Growth of Vehicle population 24
4.3.3 Communications 25
4.4 Industrial Development and Environmental Status 25
4.4.1 Number of Industries 25
4.4.2 Emission Inventory of Major Industries 25
4.4.3 Ambient Air Quality Status 25
4.4.4 Air pollution stressed area 25
4.4.5 Water quality 25
4.4.6 Discharge of Industrial effluents 25
4.4.7 Noise levels 25
4.5 Environmental Status of Coastal Eco-system 25
4.5.1 Aqua Culture activities 25
4.5.2 Industrial Sewage discharge in the coastal waters 25
4.5.3 Wetland Habitats, their use and problems 26
4.5.4 Potential Hot Spots along the East Coast 26
4.5.5 Trade, Communication and Export 27
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTIONS 28
5.1 Environmental Education and Research Institutions 28

5.2 Environmental NGOs 28
6.0 OBSERVATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS 29

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Chapter
1
1.0 The Context
The Department of Environment (DoE) is the nodal department for dealing with environmental
management of the State. The State has been endowed with multitude of natural resources, judicious
management of, which are essential to sustain development in all sectors. Effective resources
management calls for an in-depth assessment of their existing conditions and trends. A cursory evaluation
of the present status of our environment and natural resources including land, soil, water & air, and the life
support systems like forests, rivers & coastal areas, indicates that the health of such systems is threatened
by serious levels of degradation. Though different Government Departments / Agencies are responsible for
management of resources under their jurisdiction, information relating to the individual sector lie
fragmented.
To manage the environment in a holistic manner and to develop the environment friendly sustainable

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development perspective, it becomes necessary to identify the gaps in the present management of
resource bases. Such intervention would be realistic when data collected from the primary/secondary
sources, compiled and presented in the form of district environment profiles to provide a strong database.
Thus the AIMS Research (A Joint Venture of TCW/ICICI, IDBI and ICICI) - the country’s leading
Consultancy and research organisation has been engaged in the preparation of such report. This report will
form the basis for developing Environmental Management Plans at district level and it will spell out
specific action programmes to be implemented by local state institutions. This report provides a brief
account of the manner in which the District Environment Profile for Cuddalore District has been
prepared and presented.
To achieve certain degree of uniformity in the presentation of Environmental data in the districts, it is
considered necessary that certain standardised formats are adopted for collection and presentation of the
relevant data besides interpretations of the data thus collected. Accordingly the data compiled in the
prescribed formats have been synthesised and presented in the following chapters.

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Chapter
2
2.0 Background
2.1 History
The District of Cuddalore had a chequered history, studded with several interesting episodes of
English and French rivalry. Since the district formed the southern portion of the area under the
Nawab of Arcot during the first decade of the 18th century, this division has come to be called
South Arcot to distinguish it from the northern division of Arcot. Cuddalore formed part of
Tondaimandalam, an area lying between Pennar River of Nellore and the Pennar River of
Cuddalore. Cholas were the early rulers of this region right from the period of Sangam Age.
Among the early Chola rulers, Karikala Chola (50-95 A.D.) was the most powerful. Simha Vishnu
Pallava overthrew the Cholas and Cuddalore regions were under Pallava rule for a short period.
Vijayalaya once again revived Chola rule. This was the beginning of great Chola Empire and with
the succession of powerful rulers; Cuddalore remained under Chola supremacy. The later Chola
rulers of the 10th and 12th century AD were weak and finally South Arcot passed into the hands of
a new dynasty called the Eastern Chalukyas. The Cholas regained their lost position but with the
rise of Jatavarman Sundara Pandya-I (1251 AD), Chola supremacy came to an end. Sundara
Pandya defeated the Cholas and established Pandya Power over Cuddalore regions. The sway of
the Pandyas lasted little over 50 years followed by Muslim domination from 1334 to 1378 AD. By
1378, Cuddalore region came under the rule of Vijayanagar Kingdom and 1378 appointed Nayaks
appointed rulers of the region. By about 1601 AD Gingee, which comprised almost the whole of
Cuddalore district, fell to Muslims for a while. The forces of Bijapur took Gingee from the
Golkonda Army and from 1648 to 1677 AD Cuddalore was under the control of Bijapur Generals.
It was in 1677 AD, that Shivaji took Gingee area with assistance of Golkonda forces. In 1680 AD,
Hari, the Maratha Chief of Gingee area, asserted his individual position. After his death Gingee fell
into the hands of the Mughals in 1698 AD Subsequent history was group rivalries of the Nawab of
Arcot, the Nizam and two foreign powers - the British and the French. Sadat Ullah Khan held
sway over Gingee from 1714 AD
During the Mughal regime, both the English and French acquired settlements in South Arcot for
their trading purposes. During the Anglo-French rivalry, South Arcot was turned into a cockpit of
war. Gingee fell into the hands of the British in 1790 AD During the years 1748-95, when
Mohammed Ali was the Carnatic Nawab, South Arcot regions were administrated by Managers
appointed by him. In 1774 AD, the Nawab leased out the whole of the district for a fabulous rent.
During 1781-85 AD, the district was under assignment to the East India Company for payment of
Nawab debts. By 2nd half of the 18th century, the Nawab had become completely dependent on
the Company for financial as well as military aid. After the death of MD. Ail, the company insisted
on the surrender of the districts of the Carnatic region in lieu of money payments due from the
Nawab towards the maintenance expenses of the Company troops in the Carnatic. The English
entered into an agreement with Azeemud-Daulat, son of Ammer-ul-Umari in 1801 AD According to
the agreement of 1801 AD, Azeemud-Daulat was recognised as the Nawab of Carnatic and be
gave up his claims to the Carnatic regions. Thus, by virtue of that agreement of 1801 AD,
Cuddalore and other regions of the Carnatic passed into the hands of the British East India

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Company from that date onwards. South Arcot had remained under British authority till 1947 AD
when India become independent.
The word “ARCOT” is said to be derived from the Tamil word “Aru kadu”. “Aru” in Tamil Means
River and “kadu” refers to forest. As per the tradition, the region around Palar was said to have
consisted to six forests, which were the abodes of rishis. The district derives its name from the
fact that originally on its cession to the British in 1801 (until 1808) it consisted of that part of the
Mughal Soubhah of Arcot which lay south of the river Palar. Hunters had the term Kurichi affixed
to their names e.g. Kallakurichi inhabit the village. Villages in the pastoral region had the suffix
“Padi”, those in the agricultural region “ur” while those in the coastal region with fishing as the
main occupation had the suffix “Pakkam” and “Kuppam”.
The South Arcot District is bifurcated into its present two parts i.e. Cuddalore and Villupuram in
1993-94.
Fairs and Festivals
Important fairs and festivals organised in different parts of the district are Droupathiamman,
Thanthoniamman, Mariamman, Ponniamman Koil, Navarathri, Grama Revathi, Muthalamman,
Perumae Koil, Angalamman, Weekly fair, Cattle fair, Panguni Uthiram Brahmothsavam, Thai
Pooram (Lord Subramanyar), Dandapaniswami Uthsavam, Karthigai Deepam, Magha, Panguni
Uthiram, Anjaneyaswami Laksha Deepam, Sivan Koil, Araw, Koothandavar, Uthiram, Ponal,
Poosam, Karthigai, Deepavali, Adi festival, Mohurrum. Christians Matha and Pidari Arariamman
temple sedal car Uthsavam.
Languages
Main languages spoken in the district are Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu.
2.2 Geographical Location of the District

The district of Cuddalore lies on the East Coast. It is bounded on the north by Villupuram
district, on the south by Nagapattinam district, on the west by Perambalur and Villupuram
districts and on the east by Bay of Bengal. Headquarter of this district is Cuddalore. The
southern boundary follows for the greater part of its length the course of two rivers - the Vellar
and the Coloroon. The district lies between 780 42’ and 800 12’ east latitude and 120 27’ 30” and
110 10’ 45” north longitude. The great part of it is covered Archean Rock of the gneiss family,
resting on the three great groups of sedimentary rocks belonging to different geological periods
and overlying each other in regular succession from the coast on the east to the hills on the west.
The most part of the district is a flat plain slopping very gently to the sea on the east. The hills
are only on the southwestern border. Mount Capper plateau or the Red hills run parallel to the sea
with an elevation of not more than 20 meters above M.S.L., forming part of red lateritic “Cuddalore
Sand Stones”. It runs between Marakkanam in Kumalampattu R.F., South south westwards to
near Srimushnam. The Gadilam rises in the eastern part of Tirukoilur, flows through that taluk
receiving a tributary on the right. While it enters the Cuddalore taluk the Malattar joins it on the
right, then flows past Panruti, Thiruvanthipuram and Cuddalore and drains into the Bay of Bengal,
a mile north of Cuddalore. Just before it falls into the sea, it sends a small branch to the north,
which falls into the sea north of Fort St. David. This is closed by a bar except in times of high
flood. But the main river itself suddenly turns to the South, runs to the east of Cuddalore O.T,
which stands on the edge of the backwater formed at the junction of the mouths of the Gadilam
and the Uppanar, and flows over a bar into the sea. This bar never closes and it is in these
portions of the river, which falls into the backwater that the commerce of Cuddalore has always
been carried out. Gadilam is only a rain fed river and during floods it receives a large supply of

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water from the Ponnaiyar through the Malattar. The water of Gadilam carries very fertile silt and
there are four anaicut across this, which help irrigation. The total geographical area of the district
is about 3643.04 Sq.km. The details of the name of taluks and area of taluks have shown in the
Table: A
Table: A. Taluk wise geographical area of the District

Sl. No. Name of Taluks Area in Sq.km.
1 Cuddalore 615.86
2 Panruti 494.72
3 Chidambaram 619.94
4 Kattumannar Koil 423.13
5 Vridhachalam 655.65
6 Tittagudi 823.74
Total ( District) 3633.04
2.3 Administrative Arrangement in the District

The Cuddalore district comprises 6 taluks, 13 blocks and 880 villages. As regards the hierarchy of
administrative arrangement, there are 5 municipalities, 16 town panchayats and 681 village
panchayats in the district. The details regarding the number of blocks, villages, village
panchayats, town panchayats and municipalities with regard to each taluk are given in Table No:1.
2.4 Meteorological Information

The monthly average rainfall in the district was 102.13mm in 1991-96. From the month of August
to December, the district receives a rainfall, which is more than the annual average rainfall. This is
due to North East and Southwest monsoons. The average maximum and the average minimum
temperatures have been 36.60(c) in May and 20.52(c) in January, respectively. The average
number of rainy days, mean maximum temperature, mean minimum temperature and mean
relative humidity for the period 1991-96 are given in the table 2.
The district is predominantly a flood and cyclone prone district. In 1992-93, three taluks and 9
blocks were affected by flood and in 1993-94 six taluks and 13 blocks were affected by flood. No.
of taluks and blocks affected by cyclone are 6 and 13 respectively. Generally, flood occurrence is
more in Kattumanarkudi and Chidambaram taluks.
2.5 Demographic Details

The growth of population over the past four decades and the essential characteristics of the
population in terms of birth rate, death rate, infant mortality rate and literacy level are studied in
the following sections. Refer Table Nos. 3,4,5.
2.5.1 Population
The population of Cuddalore district has grown from 11.45 lakh persons in 1951 to 21.23 lakh
persons in 1991. The growth rate indicates that there has been a significant increase during the
1961-71 decades with the average growth rate being 3.48% per annum during this decade. The
growth rate has however stabilised over the past two decades at about 1.65-% per annum.
According to the 1991 census, Panruti taluk is the most thickly populated and Titagudi taluk is the
least populated in the district. The details of population growth along with the growth rate
(taluk wise) are in Table 3.

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Population of Cuddalore District
20 2 1 .2 3
1 8 .2 8
18
1 5 .6 9
16
14
Population in lakhs
1 1 .4 5 1 1 .6 4
12 D is tric t
P o p u la tio n
10
0
1951 1961 1971 1981 1991
Years
2.5.2 Trend in Birth/Death Rate and Infant Mortality Rate

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There has been steady decline in birth rate, death rate and infant mortality rate over the decades
in the district. The birth rate has come down from 42.4 in 1951 to 24 in1991 (figures - per
thousand) and the death rate from 20.1 in 1951 to 8.8 in 1991 (figures - per thousand). The
infant mortality rate has also gone down from 108 in 1951 to 51.5 in 1991 (figures - per
thousand). The details of birth rate, death rate and infant mortality rate over the past four
decades are given in Table No. 4.
District Birth / Death Rate and Infant Mortality Rate
120
108
Param eter
(Per Thousand)
100
9 6 .3
B ir t h R a t e
78
80
6 3 .4
D e a th R a te
60
5 1 .5
4 2 .4
In f a n t M o r t a lit y
40
40 R a te
3 2 .4
2 8 .4
2 0 .1 1 6 .8 24
20
1 4 .2 11
8 .8
0
1951 1961 1971 1981 1991
Census Years
2.5.3 Literacy Level among the Population

The literacy level of Cuddalore district according to figures available for 1996 is 53.48% with male
literacy level being more than the female literacy level. It is also observed while the male literacy
level has grown steadily from 55.11% in 1981 to 65.49% in 1996, there has been a steep increase
of female literacy level also from 28.77% in 1981 to 41.19% in 1996. The information on literacy
level is given in Table No. 5.
Education
University and Colleges that are functioning in this district are 1. Annamalai university,
Annamalainagar, 2.Srimath Sivagnana Balaya Swamigal Tamil College, Mailam, 3. St. Joseph’s
College Of Arts & Science, Cuddalore, 4. C. Kandawamy Naidu College for Women, Cuddalore, 5.
Jawahar Science College, Neyveli, and 6. Thiru. Kolanjappar Government Arts College,
Vridhachalam,

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Chapter
3
Status 3.0 Resources - Availability, Use and Environmental

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3.1 Land Resources

Resources of the district, their availability, use and environmental status is discussed in the following
chapters.
3.1.1 Agriculture and Horticulture
i. Land Utilisation: Geography and Physical Features
The most part of the district is a flat plain sloping gently from the west to the sea on the east and also
from the north to the south except for a strip of high ground running across the district from
Pondicherry to Vridhachalam. The region can be distinguished into the following natural divisions.
The eastern region consists of red soil tracts and wide spread paddy fields and green groves of fruit
bearing trees marked here and there by broad open tanks- special characteristics of these parts. The
southern region of the district, particularly Chidambaram taluk and a few parts of Vridhachalam
taluk, is comparatively green and fertile and is made up of even expanse of irrigated land which
resembles to a great extent, the deltaic part of Thanjavur district. This is in contrast to the rest of
the composite South Arcot district. The seashore is fringed with a belt of blown sand of varying width.
The total geographical area of the district was 362.82 sq.km, in 1995-96. Cropped area accounts for
about 65% of the total area. Forest cover is very minimum accounting for only about 3% of the land. A
significant portion of the land falls under the category of ‘non available for cultivation’ and ‘fallow lands’.
The land utilisation pattern in the district (Blockwise) is given in Table No. 6.
ii. Trend in Production and Productivity of Important Crops

Cereals, pulses and oil seeds are observed that are the three important crops produced in the
district. The productivity pattern over the past 15 years indicates that the productivity of cereals
Land Utilisation - Cuddalore District
2% 3%
Forest Lands (3%)
18%
Non available for

Cultivation (18%)
1%
O ther Uncultivated
Lands (1%)
11% Fallow Lands (11%)
Cropped Area (65%)

65%
Cultivated Fallow ands

(2%)
and oil seeds have gone up while that of pulses has gone down. The productivity of cereals has
gone up from 2032 kg/ha. to 4050 kg/ha. while in the case of oil seeds, it has gone up from 1098
kg/ha. to 1780 kg/ha. Another significant feature is the reduction in the area under production for
cereals and the increase in the area under production for oil seeds and pulses. The reason for
fluctuation of production could be using rotation of crops seasonally. The details on the

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productivity performance of the district in relation to cereals, Pulses and oil seeds for the past 15
years are given in Table No. 7.
iii. Horticultural and Plantation Crops

The collection of information on horticulture and plantation crops reveals that 401 hectares of land
are under fruit crops, 379 hectares under vegetable crops and 281 under plantation crops. The
fruit crop yield comprising mango, guava, etc., is the highest when compared to the other crops.
The main plantation crop is cashewnut. The details on horticultural and plantation crops are given
in Table No. 8.
iv. Consumption of Fertilisers and Pesticides

The consumption of Chemical Fertilisers was 45,285 metric tonnes in 1995-96, out of which more
than a half constitutes the nitrogenous fertilisers. There has also been an intensive use of Bio-
fertilisers (for which Block wise details are not available) followed by overall pesticides 23,700
metric tonnes of Urea and 295,000 pockets of Bio-fertilisers that were used in 1995-96. Among
Pesticides, the liquid variety was more popular with 14,750 litres and 8,400 kg of powder
pesticides were also used in 1995-96. The details on consumption fertilisers and pesticides are
given in Table No. 9.
v. Trend in consumption of Fertilisers and Pesticides

The usage of chemical fertiliser fluctuates between 44,000 to 49,000 tonnes during the past 15
years. In a general manner the consumption pattern indicates that there is a reduction in the
usage of chemical fertilisers while the consumption of Bio-fertilisers show a steady increase
indicating the predominance of usage of non-conventional methods. Both the powder and the
liquid varieties of pesticides have registered a decrease in their consumption over the years. The
details with regard to the trends in the consumption of fertilisers & pesticides over the past 15
years are given in Table 10.
vi. Soil Types

Black soil is the predominant soil type in this district accounting for 45.2% of the total area under
agriculture. Red Loam and red sandy soil are the other types of soil prevalent in the district.
Sandy coastal alluvium soil occupies the coastal stretches of the district. The soil distribution
pattern is given in Table No. 11.
vii. Soil Problems

About 3.83% of the land available for cultivation suffer from salinity/alkalinity and another 3.49%
are prone to floods. About 5.23% of the soil comprise sand and hardest characteristics. In all,
about 15% of the land presently available for cultivation are subject to problems arising from poor
soil conditions. The details are given in Table 12.
viii. Status of Soil and Water Conservation Programs

Soil conservation works were being undertaken in 11129.49 hectares of cropping area. These
conservation works have been done only in 7 blocks in the district. There has been no new
construction of wells in Government sector for irrigation in the district. As regards the construction
of check dams/stop dams, Panruti is the only block wherein 22 check dams have been constructed
as on 1995-96. The necessary details in this regard are given in Table No:13.
3.1.2 Forest Resources

i. Forest Area
There are 21 forest blocks in Cuddalore district constituting a total forest area of 13303.01 (13.30
sq.km) hectares. 20 forest blocks fall under the Reserve Forest category with 13106.49 (13.10
sq.km) hectares and 1 under Reserve Lands with 196.52 hectares. All the 21 forest blocks are
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classified as scrub forests. The details regarding the classification of forest area of their extent is
given in Table No:14a & 14b.
ii. Green Cover Classification of Forest

In composite Cuddalore District comprising of erstwhile Cuddalore and Kallakurichi forest division,
total area of forest was 112,548 Ha. Dense and Sparse forest are 4309 Ha. and 10905 Ha.
respectively. There is no grassland in this region. Degraded forest area cover is 18346 Ha. in
Cuddalore Division. The given figures are composite figure of both Cuddalore and Villupuram
District. (Refer Table No: 14(b)).
iii. Trend in Per Capita Forest Area

The Forest Area has not shown much fluctuation over the years. It has increased from 9610.26
hectares in 1971 to 13303.01 hectares in 1996. The per capita forest area has however shown a
declining trend from 0.008 hectares in 1951 to 0.006 hectares in 1996 due to the steady increase
in population. The details are given in Table No:15.
iv. Man Made Forest Plantations

The Man Made Forest Plantations have been restricted to the existing forest areas in the district.
About 1719.9 hectares of Man made forest area are available in the district, which is
predominantly teak plantation, followed by Casuarina. Necessary details are given in Table No: 16.
Tamilnadu Forest Plantation Corporation Tiruchirapalli (TAFCORN)

The Corporation is functioning with headquarters at Tiruchirapalli. Its activities are in Cuddalore,
Villupuram, Tiruchirapalli, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram Districts.
Its major field of activities is managing cashew and pulpwood plantations. Collection and sale of
cashewnuts and supply of pulpwood to forest based industries are the two thrust area of activities.
The corporation has ventured to undertake a massive project to increase the production of
pulpwood from the plantations covering an area of 30,000 ha. over a period of six years, starting
from 1991-92. Accordingly on extent of 5150 Ha. has been planted with high yield varieties of
pulpwood during 1991-92. This intensive afforestation measure will be continued during 1992-93
over an area of 5000 Ha. This project is being implemented with financial assistance from
NABARD. In Cuddalore District 6410.74 Ha. of Reserve Forest area are undertaken by TAFCORN
for plantation.
Casuarina equisetifolia
Casuarinas are introduced in the Indian Sub-Continent in the sixties of last century. Of the few
species tried Casuarina Equisetifolia L. was a most successful. The Forest Department was
instrumental in promoting its cultivation in the erstwhile Madras State in order to augment supply
of firewood to steam locomotives of the newly formed Indian Railways. Since then it has spread
along the east and west coasts of the Indian Peninsula and lately inland.
It is cultivated though not very successfully in paddy lands under partial irrigation. It does fairly
well on moderately Saline soils and used for soil reclamation by farmers. The best growth is
obtained in river alluvium or sandy loam with a minimum of 1000mm of rainfall. It is a moderate to
large-sized tree attaining a height of 30-40m under favourable conditions.
The weather-induced fluctuations hit the small farmers hard. To them Casuarina, is a worthwhile
investment. There are many reasons favouring Casuarina. Though a tree, it is a suitable short
rotation cash crop and the cash can be had any time. It needs only a small capital to start with and
very little recovery in expenditure. Small farmers plant their holdings and seek out wage Labour.
Casuarina is an excellent fuel; it is used as poles for centring in buildings, as scaffolding material,

14
hence it commands distant markets. Small farmers find it a good means to raise short-term capital
money for education, marriage, buying land or a house and paying off debts.
v. Details of Villages Abutting Forest Area

The villages located in the taluks of Titagudi, Chidambaram, Vridhachalam and Panruti abut forest
areas in the district. Out of these taluks, Vridhachalam has number villages abutting the forest
area. The details regarding the villages abutting the forest area and their population are given in
Table No 17.
vi. Tribal Villages

There is no designated tribal village in the district.
vii. Forest Area Diverted for Non Forestry Purposes

It is gathered that at 7 instances the forest area has been diverted for non-forestry projects in the
district. Of these, one is for the purpose of irrigation, 5 for roads and 1 electric transmission
project. The total area diverted from forest use for all the 7 projects is 39.674 hectares.
Necessary details are furnished in Table No.18.
viii. Conservation of Biological Resources, Wild Life Census, Rare/Threatened Species

of Flora and Fauna
Mangrove Forests
All the mangrove formations in Tamilnadu occur along the east coast, at the confluence points of
major and minor rivers with the Bay of Bengal, mangrove of Pichavaram lies between 790 45’ to
790 50’E longitude and 110 20’ to 110 30’ N latitudes at the northern extremity of the Cauvery delta
in the South Arcot district. It is located between the Vellar in the North and the Coleroon in the
South and Uppanar in the west. It communicates with the sea by a shallow passage, which is only
opening in the sandy littoral sand. The mangroves of Pichavaram are distributed in three reserve
forests with a total area of 1357.72 Ha. Excluding the lagoons and waterways, mangrove
vegetation occupies an area of 475 Ha.
People have arrested the inflow of Tidal waters after clearing the mangrove vegetation, and used
the land for farming or construction of buildings. Cattle's grazing is the major cause for the
destruction of mangroves especially in Pichavaram of Tamilnadu.
The Pichavaram forest not only offers waterscape and backwater creeks but combine another rare
occurrence- the mangrove forest- where are trees permanently rooted in a few feet of water. The
mangroves are considered among the healthiest mangrove occurrence in the world.
Mehar Homji comments on the local rarity of these plants known to occur here Sonneratia
apetala. Once abundant here is now unknown. Similarly Xylocarpous mehongensis is on its
way to extinction. Presence of rare species like Avicennia, Indigoferabarberi and Rhizophora is a
special attraction and the sight of numerous birds like Cormorants, Egrets, and Storks, Herons,
Spoonbills and Pelicans holds great interest. Neuracanthus neesianus is possibly extinct in
Pichavaram, Pichavaram Extension & Killai. Necessary information is furnished in Table No: 21.
Wild life
There has been no serious effort by the concerned authorities to launch any specific wild life
conservation programmes because of scarce occurrence of wild fauna. In Krishnapuram R.F. one
area is identified for Black Buck conservation in Vridhachalam Taluk. The total area of the forest is

15
2445.91 Ha. Black buck is the prominent species protected in this part of the district (Table No:
19).
Wild life in this division is scarce. This is because the forest blocks are small and scattered. Small
villages surround them with considerable population. The degraded vegetation in the forests and
acute water scarcity during long dry months prevents any big game to survive.
Rarely leopard and bear are reported to be seen in the forests of Ginjee Range of composite
Cuddalore and Villupuram Districts. There are Spotted deer's in Kuthakudi, Tagarai, Magarrur,
Mangur, Porasakurichi, Varanjaram, Pavujipattu and Krishnapuram RFs; Black buck is also seen in
Krishnapuram R.F. However no systematic census of Wild Life has been conducted here. Random
assessment of spotted deer population is reproduced in Table No. 20.
3.1.3 Mineral Resources

The Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) : The NLC was registered as a Company on 14th November
1956. The mining operations in Mine- I were formally inaugurated on 20th May 1957 by the then
Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru. The main constituent Units are the two Lignite Mines,
two Thermal Power Stations, a Fertiliser Plant and the Briquetting and Carbonisation Plant.
Mine –I with a capacity of 6.5 Million Tonnes lignite per annum feeds Thermal Power Station – I
(600 MW), Briquetting and Carbonisation plant (2,62,000 tonnes of Coke achievable capacity) and
the Process Steam Plant.
Mine – II with a capacity of 10.5 Million Tonnes lignite's per annum feeds Thermal Power Station –
II (1470MW).
The Fertiliser plant has an achievable capacity of 1,29,200 tonne urea per annum. In March 1992,
Government of India has sanctioned the expansion of Mine –I from its present capacity of 6.5 to
10.5 MT per annum and life extension programme Thermal Power Station – I. In February ’96,
Government of India has sanctioned the addition of 2 x 210 MW units to the Thermal Power
Station-I from its present capacity of 600 MW.NLC is one among the Public Sector Enterprises,
which is continuously earning profit for the last two decades.
The Lignite deposits in India occur mostly in sub-surface deposits and as part of tertiary
formations. Their depths of occurrence vary from 100 m to depths deeper than 300 m, as in
Mannargudi and East of Veeranam block in Tamil Nadu.
Mine - I
The lignite seam was first exposed in August 1961 and regular lignite mining was commenced in
May 1962. The continuous mining technology in open cast mining, with German Bucket Wheel
Excavators, Conveyors and Spreaders were put to use for the first time in India. Lignite excavated
from mine – I meet the fuel needs of Thermal Power Station – B C&C and process Steam Plants.
Mine - II
In February 1978, the Government of India sanctioned the Second Lignite Mine with a capacity of
4.7 Million Tonnes of lignite per annum and in February 1983, it has sanctioned the expansion of
Second Mine to a capacity of 10.5 Million Tonnes. Mine – II had to face problems in the
excavation of sticky clayey soil during the initial stage. The method of mining and equipment used
are similar to Mine – I. Similarly, the seam is as that of Mine-I and is contiguous to it. The lignite
seam in Mine-II was exposed in September 1984 and lignite excavation was commenced in March
1985. The last overburden system (Surface Bench System) under the expansion scheme was
commissioned on 15.12.1991. The lignite excavated from Mine-II meets the fuel requirements of

16
Thermal Power Station-II.
Thermal Power Station – I

The first Unit of 600 MW capacity Thermal Power Station – I was synchronised in May 1962 and
the last unit in September 1970. This power station consists of six units of 50 MW each and three
units of 100 MW each. Some of the special features of this power station are [a] First power
station in India with Soviet collaboration.[b]First largest Thermal Power Station in South India.
This power station continuously achieved over 70% power load factor from 1982 – 83 to 1991 –
92 against the national average of around 50% and won continuously the meritorious productivity
award instituted by Department of Power, under Government of India. Earlier, the power station
had also bagged the National award from National Productivity Council in 1982 and 1983.The
power generated form Thermal Power Station–I is fed into Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, which is
the sole beneficiary.
Thermal Power Station - II

The 1470 MW Thermal Power Station – II consists of 7 units of 210 MW each. In February 1978,
Government of India sanctioned the Second Thermal Power Station of 630 MW capacity (3 * 210
MW) and in Februay1983, Government of India sanctioned the Second Thermal Power Station
Expansion form 630 MW to 1470 MW with addition of 4 units of 210 MW each. The first 210 MW
unit was synchronised in March 1986 and the last unit was synchronised in June 1993.
Fertiliser Plant
The fertiliser plant with an installed capacity of 1, 52,000 tonnes of Urea per annum went on
stream in 1966 as part of the Neyveli integrated industrial complex. This Plant was designed to
utilise raw lignite for the production of synthesis gas and at that time it was the only Plant in India
to adopt direct solid fuel gasification for synthesis gas production. Due to certain technological
and operational constraints, the feed stock was changed to fuel oil in July 1979. Simultaneously,
the obsolete Alkaloid and Vetrocoke process for gas purification was replaced with Benefield
Desulphurisation and Decarbonisation process. After the change - over, the capacity Utilisation of
the plant has improved. In 1983– 84, the committee constituted by Department of Coal assessed
the achievable capacity of the Neyveli fertiliser plant as 1,24,000 tonnes per annum. However,
NLC Board raised it to 1,29,200 Tonnes per annum.
Revamping of Ammonia Plant

In order to improve the performance of the Fertiliser plant, it has been decided to replace the
existing three ammonia converters by a single converter of improved technology at a cost of Rs.50
crores. LOI has been placed on M/s. Project and Development India Ltd., Sindri in May 1997.
The Revamping of Ammonia plant is scheduled to be completed by 5/99.
Briquetting & Carbonisation Plant

The B&C Plant with an installed capacity of 4,36,000 tonnes of coke was commissioned in 1966.
In the 70s, the capacity utilisation of the plant was restricted giving priority for power generation
with the available lignite. In 1983-84, the Committee constituted by Department of Coal assessed
the achievable capacity of this plant to 2,62,000 tonnes of Coke per annum. When the lignite
supply position was improved, all efforts were made to improve the capacity utilisation.
Though, initially, coke was mainly marketed to domestic sector replacing firewood, this concept of
coke as a domestic fuel no longer holds well due to its great potential and excellent properties like
low ash, low sulphur and nil phosphorus. It is largely used in Electro Chemical and Electro
Metallurgical Industries as reductant and in Tea Sector as a versatile fuel for drying in place of
firewood and also as a substitute for Coal in Cement and Paper Industries.

17
In the process of low temperature carbonisation adopted in the plant, base chemicals like Carbolic
Acid, Ortho Cresol Metapara Cresol, Xylenol, Multivalent Phenol and Neutral Oil which are vital to
Chemical Industry are being produced and marketed.
Impact of Afforestation: The Benefits of the Green Zone

The dreary and parched atmosphere of NLC, where mining began, has now given way to lush
greenery. The plantation helps to control air pollution, acts as a windbreaker and prevents soil
erosion.
Some medicinally important plants have also been found as undergrowth in the afforested area
where moisture retention capacity is found to increase from 2.6% to as much as 4.9%. the
suspended dust particles emitted from mines, thermal power stations and other industrial units are
being arrested by the dense tree coverage. Plantation of tree saplings done upto 31st March ’97 in
Neyveli region stand at 166.26 lakhs.
Lignite, fireclay, limeshell, river sand, multi coloured granite and silica sand are the mineral
reserves that have been proved to be available in the district. About 17 million tonnes of lignite
were produced during 1995-96 (Refer Table No:22).
3.2 Water resources

3.2.1 Rivers, Canals and Waterways
The principal river of the district is the Pennar or the Ponnaiyar. The river flows across the
boundary between Cuddalore and Villupuram taluks and empties itself into the Bay of Bengal
about 3 miles north of Cuddalore. The Gadilam River, which rises in eastern part of Tirukkoyilur
taluk of adjoining district, flows through Cuddalore taluk. In Cuddalore taluk, Malattar joins it on
the right and then it flows into the Bay of Bengal at a point, just north of Cuddalore. The
Ponnaiyar and the Gadilam are connected by a river course called the Malattar, which serves to
carry the surplus water of the former into the latter. The Paravanar, also called Uppanar, rises in
Vridhachalam taluk. This river flows between Cuddalore and Chidambaram taluks, strikes
northwards and falls into the Bay by the mouth of Gadilam. The Coleroon, which splits off from
Cauvery river in Tiruchy district, is more a river of the Thanjavur district. It flows on the
Southern boundary of Chidambaram taluk for 36 miles and joins the Bay of Bengal 6 miles south of
Porto-Novo.
The junction of the rivers, Vasishtanadi and Swetanadi, which rise in Salem district, forms the
Vellar River. The Vasishtanadi enters the South Arcot district through Attur, passes just south
of the Kalrayan and Tiruchirapalli for 16 miles. After it joins the Swetanadi, the united
streams still follow the boundary and the river flows for another 20 miles, gathering the waters of
Manimuktanadi, Gomukhanadi and Mayuratnadi which drain the eastern slopes of the
Kalrayan. The river then passes through Chidambaram taluk and joins the Bay of Bengal near
Porto-Novo. There are backwaters on the seacoast caused by the seawater breaking into the
watercourse of streams and rivers. One such backwater is found near Cuddalore.
3.2.2 River Basins and their Catchment Areas
i. Catchment Areas
Vellar, Coleroon, Ponnaiyar and Paravanar are the four catchment areas of the river basins in the
district. The place of origins, total length and length with in the district and area of the basin in Sq.
km. are given in Table No: 23.
ii. Basin-wise status of the ground water availability

18
Total Geographical Area of Vellar, Ponnaiyar and Paravanar river basins are 7659, 11257 and 760
Sq. Km. Paravanar get maximum range of mean annual rainfall of 1068 mm. Vellar & Ponnaiyar
get range of mean Annual rainfall of 951 & 932 mm respectively. Basin-wise status of the Ground
water availability is given in the Table No. 24.
iii. Details of Dams and reservoirs

There is one reservoir existing in this district - namely Wellington reservoir, which gets water from
Vellar, Veeranam Lake and Perumal Lake. (Refer Table No. 25).
iv. Irrigation by Different Sources

The main sources of irrigation in the district are Canals, Tanks and wells. The gross area irrigated
by canals, tanks and wells are 53796 hectares, 16796 hectares and 77741 hectares respectively.
On an average about 60% of the total cropped area is irrigated; with some of the blocks achieving
around 90% irrigation at the maximum. The block wise details of available water spread area on
irrigated area by different sources are given in Table Nos. 26 & 27.
Irrigated by Different Sources in Cuddalore District
Ir r ig a te d b y
3 2 .3 3
d iffe r e n t
In Lakhs
S o u rces
1 .6 4
2
0
T o ta l C r o p p e d A r e a G r o s s A r e a Ir r ig a te d
Sources
v. Incidence of Drought, Flood and Cyclone
Information on this head is very scarce. However it has been ascertained from the available
information that there has been an incidence of cyclone in 1993-94. Flooding has occurred during
1992-93 and during 1993-94 in the past 10 years. The detail on flooding is given in Table No. 28.
3.2.3 Fisheries Production

The Cuddalore district has a coastal line of 54 kms. The Inland fresh water area spreads for about
8113 (81.13 sq.km.) hectares and estuaries and brackish water area are 8072 (80.72 sq.km.)
hectares. Marine fishing is practised in 41 coastal villages of the district. The fish production has
increased in both quantity and value from 1991. (Refer Table No. 29.) A comparison indicates
that the Coastal fish production is higher than the Inland Fish Production.
General Fish Seed Production

19
The Fish seed production was 240250 Standard fry, the highest in the year 1992-93. However in
the years 1994-96 there was no fish seed production in this district. The district has good fishing
potential in view of its rich coastal area. The coastal fish production is more than inland fish
production and the production has been steadily increasing. As regards fish seed production, the
same is observed from 1992-94. At present however there is no fish seed production. The details
on fish and fish seed production are given in Table No. 30.

20
3.3 Heritage Resources

i. Protected and Conserved Monuments
The government museum located at Cuddalore is the only protected monument in the district and
the Government of Tamilnadu (Refer Table No. 31) maintains it.
T o u r is t A r r iv a ls in C u d d a lo r e D is tr ic t
2 .5 2 .3 3
2 .1 5
1 .8 4 1 .9 1
2
In lakhs
T o u r is t
A r r iv a ls
1 .5
0 .5
0
194 1995 1996 1997
Y ears
Places of Tourist Attraction

Chidambaram is a temple town and the headquarters of Chidambaram taluk. It is famous for
the ancient temple of Lord Nataraja. It is one of the largest temples in South India, covering an
area of not less than 39 acres. Lord Siva is worshipped here in the form of Akasalingam and is
therefore invisible. The temple is noted for its five Sabhas and or halls known as Raja Sabha -
Deva Sabha, Chita Sabha, Kanaka Sabha and Nritta Sabha. Of these, the Raja Sabha is a
thousand-pillared Mandapam, 340 feet by 180 feet. This temple which is differently known in
religious literature as Chit Ambalam, Ponnambalam and Tillai Ambalam, is associated with Saint
Manikka Vaagar who had the triumph of his life in defeating the Ceylonese Buddhists who
attempted to overthrow the worship of Siva. The anniversary of the event is still celebrated. The
saint is also said to have attained Nirvana at this place. Saints
Tirugnanasambandar, Appar and Sundarar also worshipped at this temple in December-
January and Ani Tirumanjanam in June-July are attended by a large number of people all over
the State.
Cuddalore is the headquarters of Cuddalore taluk and the Cuddalore district. It can be divided
into four parts, viz., Cuddalore Old Town, the commercial quarter on the shore, Cuddalore
New Town or Tirupapuliyur on the south bank of the Gadilam river, Manjakuppam, the official
centre where the public offices are situated, and Fort St. David on the north of the river Gadilam.
Cuddalore Old Town is an important river port and a commercial centre. In
Tiruppapuliyur, there is an old Siva temple dedicated to Lord Pataleswarar , which is referred
to in the Thevarams. The Brahmotasavam festival in this temple is largest attended by people in
this taluk as well as other taluks. Mannargudi is a small town in Chidambaram taluk. It is
called Kattumannargudi to distinguish it from Raja Mannargudi in Thanjavur district. The village
is reputed as the birthplace of the Vaishnavites saints, Nadamunigal and Alavandar. The local

21
Vaishnavite temple is famous for its sanctity.

Neyveli is a well-known place in Vridhachalam taluk, situated 18 kilometres to the east of
Vridhachalam and 43 kilometres to the south west of Cuddalore. Due to the mining of Lignite by
the Neyveli Lignite Corporation, this place has now achieved international recognition. Lignite
deposits are spread over more than 100 square miles in and around the place. A new township
has been established at considerable cost. Thermal power stations and other allied factories
have also been established.
Porto-Novo in Chidambaram taluk, otherwise known as Parangipettai, is situated on the north

bank of the mouth of Vellar. The Portuguese were the earliest European settlers of the place
from whom it passed into the possession of the Dutch. The Dutch finally handed it over to the
English in 1824. This town has a large Muslim population engaged mostly in sea-trade. Tombs
of several Muslim saints were situated in this place, most important among them being the dargah
to Saint Malumiyar, Araikasu Nachiyar, Hafiz Mir Sahib and Sayed Saheb. The Marine Biological
research station of Annamalai University is located here.
Vriddhachalam, the headquarters of Vriddhachalam taluk, is noted for its ancient Siva temple
dedicated to Vridhagiriswarar, celebrated in the Thevarams. There are several legends connected
with this temple. Masi Magam is the important festival in this place when a large number of
pilgrims flock to this place to have bath in the scared Manimukthar River. There is ceramic
factory near the railway junction. South Arcot is one among the important tourist places in
Tamil Nadu thanks to the historical monuments, edifices, sacred and ancient temples. The
famous Saivite temple of Chidambaram is one of the ancient temples of South India renowned
for its sculptures of dances in various Natya poses.
The Lord Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram (Cuddalore Block) and the Boat Club of Pichavaram
(Parangipettai Block) are the two main tourist spots in the district, which are visited throughout the
year. Tourist arrivals both domestic and foreign have been steadily increasing and estimated at
2,33,581 during 1997. These two tourist spots are also included in the tourist circuits identified by
the Tourism department. Refer Table Nos. 32 & 33.
3.4 Energy Resources

i. Installed Power Projects
There were two Thermal Projects as on 1996 with an installed capacity of 2070 megawatts and
actual total power generation of 3107.686 megawatts. The first project in Neyveli started
functioning in the year 1962. Totally there are 16 thermal power station units functioning at
Neyveli. (Refer Table No. 34.)
ii. Consumption of Electricity

There were 349894 electrical connections with a total consumption of 45550714 kWh as on 1995-
96. Agriculture sector is the maximum consumer accounting for nearly 46% of the total
consumption. The category wise consumption of electricity is given in Table No. 35.

22
Category wise Consumption of Electricity
2% 2%
14%
Dome stic (14%)
4% Comme rcial (4%)
4%
Low Te nsion (4%)
H igh Te nsion (29%)

45%
Agriculture (45%)
Stre e t Lights (2%)

29%
O the rs (2%)
iii. Electrification of Villages

Cuddalore district has achieved 100% electrification prior to 1980. All 880 villages in the district
are electrified. The number of pumpset connections has been increasing in all the taluks over the
past 15 years. The status on electrification of the energised pumps is given in Table No. 36.
iv. Non Conventional & Renewable Energy Sources Utilisation

Biogas and improved Chullah are the two methods of non-conventional energy sources utilised in
the district. The biogas plants, are however able to generate only around 9% of there installed
capacity of power. The details are given in Table No. 37.

23
Chapter
4
4.0 Infrastructure
4.1 Urbanisation
4.1.1 Urbanisation pattern
The proportion of urban population to total population has increased rapidly during 1981-91 and is
estimated at about 33% during 1996. Among the urban areas, municipalities account for a greater
share of urban population while compared to the other urban areas. The urbanisation pattern of
the district is given in Table 38a & 38b.
4.1.2 Density of Population

The overall density of the district has increased from 507 persons / sq.km. in 1981 to 695 persons
/ sq.km. in 1996. The density in urban area has reduced from 3930 persons/sq.km. in 1981 to
2867 persons/sq.km. largely due to the increase in the extent of the urban area. The rural density
has been gradually increasing over the past 15 years. The details on density are given in Table
No. 39.
D e n s ity of P op u la tio n in C u dd a lo re D is tric t

Urbanisation Pattern of Cuddalore District
800
695
80
700 643
70
600
60 Years
In Percentage
Persons / sq.km.
507
D e n s it y o f
50 5 0 0 P o p u la t io n
(P e r s o n s / s q .k m .)
40 1981
400
30
1991
300
20
1996
10 2 0 0
0
100
1 9U8r b
1 an 1991 Ru ra l 1996
Y e a rs
Pattern
4.1.3 Decadal Growth rate in Urban centres

The population of the district has grown from 1.47 lakhs in 1961 to 7.56 lakhs in 1996. The
decadal growth rate indicates that there is a considerable growth during the decades 1961-71 and
1971-81 in the municipalities of the district. As regards the town panchayats, most of them have
been added during 1981 and hence the decadal growth rate of 1981-91 shows appreciable

24
increase. Cuddalore has registered the maximum growth rate among the municipalities and
Neyveli has registered the maximum growth rate among the town panchayats. The details of
decadal growth rate are given in Table No. 40. The decennial growth rate both for urban and rural
population over the past four decades is furnished in Table No. 41.
4.1.4 Urban Slum Population

There has been a decline in the percentage of slum population to total population from 1991 to
1996. It has reduced from 30.32% in 1991 to 27.28% in 1996 in view of several poverty
alleviation programmes undertaken by the government. Necessary details are given in Table No.
42a & 42b.
4.1.5 Trend in urbanisation and slums

The trend in urbanisation and slums indicates that though the urban population has increased, the
percentage of slum population to the urban population has decreased in 1996 when compared to
1981. However there has been a marginal increase in slum population in municipalities like
Panruti, Cuddalore and in the town panchayats of Vadalur and Srimushnam. The trend in
urbanisation in the slum is given in Table No.43.

25
4.2 Infrastructure Services and Environmental Status

4.2.1 Occupied Housing units
The total number of occupied housing units has increased from 1991 to 1996-97, and this increase
is visible only in the rural occupied housing units and there is no increase in urban housing. There
has been an increase in the number of households accessing piped water supply connection and
toilet facilities in both rural and urban areas. The details on occupied housing units are given in
Table No:44.
4.2.2 Urban Services

Ground water is the major source for protected water supply system in the district. The
average percapita water supply is around 48 LPCD for the district. The municipality of
Chidambaram has the highest percapita consumption of 75 LPCD while the town panchayats
of Melpattambakkam and Mangalampetti are come next in terms of percapita consumption.
In terms of coverage the municipality of Chidambaram, the town panchayats of
Melpattambakkam, Thorappadi, Kurinchipadi, Bhuvanagiri, Lalpet, Gangaikonda and
Annamalai nagar register 100% while in the other areas it averages around 75%. Details on
water supply services are given in Table No. 45a & 45b.
4.2.3 Domestic waste water generation and treatment

The estimated sewage generation is 216 Lakh liters per day among municipalities and 105.74 Lakh
liters per day among town panchayats. The district does not have any treatment plant and hence
there is no organised disposal of sewage. The district also lacks underground drainage system with
the exception of Chidambaram Municipality wherein partial under ground drainage system is
available. The details on domestic wastewater generation, treatment in the district is given in
Table No. 46a & 46b.
4.2.4 Municipal Solid Waste Generation

The solid waste generation is highest in Cuddalore among municipalities and in Sethiathope
among town panchayats. Overall the solid waste generated adds up to 110.69 tonnes with a
collection efficiency of 99% with a manpower of 509 on solid waste management. The
quantity of annual production of recycled manure at the 5 places where recycling is done
adds up to 3637.5 tonnes (Refer Table 47a & 47b).
4.2.5 Composition of Solid Waste

Details on composition of solid waste were available only with Nellikuppam municipality. The other
local bodies in the district do not maintain any information in this regard. Hence information on
Nellikuppam municipality alone is given in Table No. 48. It may be observed that 90% of the
waste is compostable matter followed by plastics, ash, fine earth, etc.
4.2.6 Coverage of Problem Villages

It has been identified that about 99 villages out of the total 880 villages in the district have had
problems with regard to supply of drinking water. However all the problem villages have been
covered during the VII five-year Plan (1992-97) and Plan Schemes are under implementation.
Necessary details are given in Table No. 49.
4.2.7 Reported cases of water borne diseases

Gastro-enteritis and cholera are the most commonly reported water borne diseases in the district.
Incidence of gastro-enteritis has been very high during 1990 and 1994-95. In some instances the
gastro-enteritis has also proved to be fatal. The details on the reported cases of water borne
26
diseases are given in Table No. 50.
4.2.8 Facilities under Indian system of Medicines

Allopathy is the most commonly practised system of medicine in the district and facilities for
medical education are also available. There are in addition, a few Siddha Hospitals, other systems
of medicines are totally absent. The details on the facilities available under Indian systems of
medicines in the district are given in Table No. 51.
4.2.9 Population below poverty line

Mangalore block has the highest population of rural population below the poverty line 12.81%
while Nallur & Kammapuram blocks have registered the next highest figures of 9.50% & 8.84%
respectively. The similar data on the urban population living below the poverty line was not
available to the consultants from the respective sources Table 52.
4.3 Transportation
4.3.1 Development of Roads and Bridges
The district has state highways, major district roads and other district roads. There are no national
highways. The length of the roads in all the categories has reduced in 1995 in view of the
bifurcation of the district. The same situation is observed in the case of major and minor bridges,
culverts and hence the real progress made in the development of roads and bridges could not be
ascertained. Relevant information is provided in Table No. 53.
4.3.2 Growth of Vehicle population

There has been a significant increase of two and three wheeler vehicles in the district over the
past 10 years. The increase in the number of four wheelers is however very marginal. The details
on the growth of vehicle population are given in Table No. 54.
4.3.3 Communications
Being adequately served by roads and railways, Cuddalore district can be said to have a good
communication network. The old southern trunk road from Chennai to Triuchirappali passes
through the district. Important among the State Highways is the Cuddalore-Chittoor road
passing through Panruti. The main line from Chennai to Dhanushkodi runs via Cuddalore
and Thoothukudi. The chord line from Villupuram to Triuchirappali runs via Ulundurpet and
Vridhachalam. Branch lines with Cuddalore and Salem also connects Vridhachalam. Due to the
limitations and locational characteristics of the railway line in the district, buses play a dominant
role in the transport system. The state carriages run both by the State Transport Corporation
and private bus operators interconnect all-important place in and around the district. Goods
transport by lorries is better organised in the district. There are 947 goods carriages in the
district for moving cargo to various places. The Buckingham Canal linking the Krishna River in
Andhra Pradesh with Marakkanam backwaters in the district is a navigation canal. It runs almost
parallel to the Coromandel Coast within the limit of 5 kms. from the coast. Buckingham canal
establishes communication from Krishna and Godavari deltas to the district through the city of
Chennai. The traffic in the canal is mainly of country boats. Cargo carried consists mainly of salt,
paddy, firewood, etc. The district has an intermediary port at Cuddalore
4.4 Industrial Development and Environmental Status

4.4.1 Number of Industries
The district has a fairly rich mineral deposits. The fossiliferous cretaceous limestone is found in
Parur and Northwest of Vridhachalam. The Cuddalore sand stone form stick which is a more

27
recent sedimentary deposit in this part forms the Red Hills near Pondicherry and the mount
Capper Hills, south-west of Cuddalore. The alluvial beds are found in Vellalar and that of the
combined Ponnaiyar, Gadilam and Gingee rivers .
The district has many special and hazardous industries, which are classified as “Red” by TNPCB.
These are mostly chemicals, textiles and pharmaceutical industries. The bifurcation of the district in
1993-94 has resulted in the redistribution of industries based on location.
There are 551 industrial units in this area under highly polluting industries, 7 Sugar mills, 4
Distillery, 2 Pesticides, 1 fertiliser, 2 Thermal Power plants, 1 Dye manufacturing, 5
Pharmaceuticals and 1 Tannery are situated in this area. There are 4 SIDCO Industrial Estates & 1
SIPCOT Industrial Complex in this area. The details on the number of industries are given in Table
No. 55.
4.4.2 Emission Inventory of Major Industries

TANFAC has been identified with the highest emission level in terms of SPM (277.4 µg/m3), SO
(62.4 µg/m3), NO (12.1 µg/m3) while the emission rates of CO and HC are not available from the
authorities. However all the 9 industries of the SIPCOT Complex of the district are found to be
having the emission rates under the set standards (Refer Table No. 56).
4.4.3 Ambient Air quality Status and Air Pollution Stressed area
Environmental degradation occurs in any area through the pollution of air, water and soil. Growth
of chemical industries in and around Cuddalore District contributes to the degradation of air, water
and soil in the industrial belt. The major contribution to the degradation is done by the lignite
mining industry of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) through the release of CO2 SO2 and
NO2 during the burning of lignite for power generation and urea production and by letting out the
treated and untreated effluents, which contain organic and inorganic matter.
As per the urban air quality status is concerned, the average residential SPM values seem to be
on the higher side comparing the standards. Rest of the indication on Air quality status is found to
be well within the limits (Refer Table No. 58). Cuddalore and Semmamkuppam are the air pollution
stressed areas with the major air pollutant being smoke and chemicals (Refer Table No. 57).
4.4.4 Water quality

Under MINAR'S scheme TNPCB is monitoring the quality of water from 16 Places of Cauvery
riverbed. As per the test, the quality of water is normal. In Pichavaram TDS and Chloride content
of water is exceeding the standard value. Because of more water evaporation and Backwater of
sea. pH of water is slightly more than the standard. Disposal of sewage and drainage water into
the Cauvery River is the main reason to affect the quality of water (Refer Table No. 59).
4.4.5 Discharge of Industrial effluents

The industrial complex in Cuddalore, South Arcot District is operated by SIPCOT. The first phase
of this SIPCOT industrial complex covers an area of 200 ha and is planned to house 53 units. The
second phase of the development will cover an additional area of 88 Ha. The unit produces dyes,
organic chemicals, pesticides, aluminium fluoride and other chemicals.
The effluents produced from the existing units in the SIPCOT complex are acidic or neutral.
Fluoride content is in the high range for effluents discharged from a few chemical-manufacturing
units.
Most of the existing units in the SIPCOT complex have installed wastewater treatment facilities so
that the treated effluents conform to TNPCB standards before being discharged to the nearby
water bodies i.e. the Uppanar backwater. M.R. Krishnamoorthy Co-operative Sugar Mill,

28
Sethiatoppe and Aruna Sugars & Enterprises Ltd., Pennadam in the district are discharging the
effluents into the Vellar rajan channel and Vellar respectively. These industries are come under
the category of Red. The necessary details are given in Table No. 60.
4.4.6 Noise levels

Human activities not only lead to economical development but also to environmental noise
pollution. Sound or noise is a pressure oscillation in a fluid (water, air etc.) which moves radically
away from the source, which produces it. Noise is no less a pollutant than any other toxic
chemicals in our environment. Both rural and urban people are constantly exposed to high levels
of noise in one way or the other.
The audible frequencies for very healthy humans range from approximately 20-20000 Hz. The
sound upto 80 dB (A) (decibels) is audible without any pain. Normally beyond 100 dBA the sound
become very uncomfortable and beyond 120 dB A, it is painful.
Noise may produce auditory fatique, deafness; non-auditory effects like communication
interference sleep disturbances, annoyance, and loss of work efficiency and physiological
disorders.
In Neyveli Township, the daytime noise level goes from 50 dBA to the maximum level of 71 dBA.
Arch Gate, Store road, General Hospital Gate, Jawahar Science College, Main Bazaar,
Thandavankuppam and Mandarakuppam Bus stand have more noise level during daytime. In
night time also Jawahar Science College, Nehru Park, Central Bus stand, Block-24 church,
Pudukuppam, 8-road circle, Thandavankuppam and Mandarakuppam Bus stand have more noise
level. At the General Hospital gate noise level ranges from 56 to 59 dBA which was in excess of
the standards. This might be due to heavy movement of vehicles and commercial activities of
these particular places.
Mines I
In Mines I the lignite is excavated and sent to the concerned industries. The noise level varies
from 57 to 91 dBA. The stations like the +4 area, top bench T2 and T3 DH Road, BWE 1356,
BWE1356 (TL) at move, moving dozer and measuring damped roads have more noise levels that
BIS permissible limits. But only one station that is BWE 1356 (TL) at move has slightly more noise
levels (81 dBA) that the O.S.H.A. Standards.
Mines II
In Mines II also, the lignite is excavated and sent to the respective industries for the power
process. The noise level is varies from 70-90 dBA. Here in all the stations the noise level is within
the permissible limits of O.S.H.A. standards. (Refer Table No. 61).
4.5 Environmental Status of Coastal Eco-system

4.5.1 Industrial sewage discharge in the coastal waters
Uppanar is a heavily polluted estuary situated in Cuddalore district. The Uppanar estuary is
receiving a bulk amount of industrial effluents from the SIPCOT industrial complex and municipal
sewage from the Cuddalore Old Town. This indiscriminate effluent discharge leads to the frequent
‘fish kills’ in this estuary. The liquid waste from the above industrial complex discharged without
standard treatments has caused heavy pollution of water and air in the surrounding industrial
areas.
The existing 25 units produce 6516m3/d of Industrial effluent and 380 m3/d of sewage. When the
new 28 units are completed and operational an additional 7835 m3/d of trade effluent and 149
m3/d of sewage will be produced. Thus the total effluent flow for the phase I development of

29
SIPCOT Complex is estimated at 14880 m3/d. (Refer Table 62)

4.5.2 Aqua-culture activities
Aquaculture is practised in 6 coastal blocks in the district. However the detailed information
blockwise was not available. There are about 122 aquaculture units, (both conventional and semi-
intensive) in the district occupying an area of about 410.0 hectares.
Tamilnadu has a potential area of 56,000 Ha. for shrimp farming and currently around 2,000 ha
are utilised for this purpose. The shrimp farming ponds are found scattered upto 1.5 Km from the
tidal regions along the creeks.
Shrimp farming not only utilises the cultivable land along the coastal regions but also contaminate
adjacent agriculture lands by the leaching of saline water which makes it more saline and
rendering it uncultivable year after year. It also has higher degrading effects by increasing the
saline water level in the coastal aquifer. Due to decreased Cauvery water inflow in the canals, the
farmers continue to withdraw ground water, which reduces the level of sweet water. This reduced
pressures makes the saline water to intrude with pressure and to mix with the irrigable water.
Continuous irrigation with this saline water makes the cultivable clay land more and more saline
year after year. Since the saline irrigated water could not percolate down because of the clay
nature of the soil and the salt sediments on the surface of the soil due to water evaporation.
Continuos pumping of underground water for the lignite mining by the NLC also reduce the
pressure of sweet water table thereby letting the underground saline water aquifer to creep into
wide stretch of distance. This leads to the salination of large area of agricultural land. Hence a
greater importance must be given for the prevention of soil salinity in the coastal region of
Cuddalore district.
The inputs are feeds given to the shrimp culturing system includes a variety of substances like fish
meal, meat meal, rice brawn, oil-cakes, minerals, etc. Chemicals used in the system ranges from
chlorine, antibiotics, calcium and other minerals. These substances increase the organic and
inorganic load inside the pond. When the water is discharged from the pond it flows through the
adjacent agricultural land and contaminates the agricultural land with a variety of salts. Increase
in the organic carbon in adjacent land may be due to the unutilised food material of prawn pond
and the death and decay of the prawn itself. The potassium used in the prawn feed might have
percolated in the agricultural land. However the plants due to higher sodium content in the soil
cannot use this potassium. Sodium competes with potassium for an entry inside the root system.
The result shows that the prawn culture ponds have a detrimental environmental effect on the
agricultural ecosystem of the coastal regions of Cuddalore district.
The estimate on wastewater generation from these units is also not available (Refer Table No: 63).
4.5.3 Wetland Habitats, their use and problems

Pichavaram extension and Killai are the only wetland habitat in the district, which is deltaic in
character. The major problem identified in the wetland habitat is siltation. This is typically a
closed evergreen forest of moderate height (upto 10 meters) consisting of trees specially adopted
to survive on Tidal Mud which is permanently wet with salt water and sub merged at every tide.
Stilt roots are very typical, notably in Rhizophora. So also leathery and entire leaves and the
Vivipary germination. This type occurs all along the fringes of lagoons and islands.
Mangrove wetlands, the fragile but dynamic ecotone found between land and sea on tropical and
subtropical coastlines, are an important ecological asset and an invaluable economic resource to
the coastal communities. They act as a barrier against cyclonic storms, restrict the inland entry of
saline water during storm surges and act as a buffer against floods, thereby averting soil erosion in

30
the coastal zone. Besides, they provide habitats for wildlife ranging from migratory birds to
estuarine crocodiles. In Pichavaram mangroves, the main cause of degradation is increase in soil
salinity, caused by changes in the topography of the wet land by formation of troughs, which
favour stagnation of tidal water (Refer Table No. 64).
4.5.4 Potential Hot Spots along the coast

The extensive Mangrove forest at Pichavaram is the only ecological hot spots located along the
East Coast in this district (Refer Table No. 65).
4.5.5 Trade, Commerce and Export

Though the district has an intermediary port at Cuddalore, there is not much of sea borne trade in
the district. Main commodity imported from foreign country through the port was urea. The
Buckingham canal, which establishes communication to the district, is the only waterway engaged
in trade and commercial activities and a reference to which has already been made in the
succeeding paragraphs. South Arcot is linked with all major cities and towns by well laid roads.
Trucks, tempos, handcarts and bullock carts move in and out of the district every day bringing in
and taking out commodities of all kinds. Some of the important commodities that move out of
the district are food grains, sugar, fertilisers, paper, chemicals, etc. Commercial banks play a
vital role in promoting trade and commerce by providing loan facilities and expert advice. The
following table furnishes the items of most important commodities manufactured, exported and
imported in the towns of Cuddalore district.

31
Chapter
5
5.0 Environmental Institutions
5.1 Environmental Education and Research Institutions

Neyveli Lignite Corporation's [NLC] commitment to maintain a clean environment is shown by
monitoring the ambient air quality throughout the year, in and around Neyveli. Frequent
monitoring of dust, noise and vibration are carried out in the Mines areas. Effluents from different
Units are also periodically tested.
There are two institutions in Cuddalore District. One is Jawahar Science College at Neyveli.
Here they are conducting the Bachelor Degree in Environmental Management and another
one is Centre for Advanced Studies in Marine Biology. In this institution, they are conducting
Master Degree in Marine Biology and also conducting the Doctorate in Marine Biology. The
centre is undertaking research in the field of Estuaries, Mangroves, Coral Reefs & Lagoons
(Refer Table No. 66).
5.2 Environmental NGOs

Exnora, Venpura Public Welfare Council, DEPORT, Peace Promote Centre and Shuba Trust are
the NGOs dealing with Environmental related issues in Cuddalore District (Refer Table No.
67).

32
Chapter
6
6.0 Summary of Observations
The key observations of the Environmental Profile of Cuddalore District are briefed below:
Demographic details
1. The Population Growth Rate in Cuddalore district has stabilised over the past two
decades, at about 1.65-% per annum. According to the 1991 census, Panruti Taluk is
most thickly populated taluk and least is Titagudi Taluk.
2. The Literacy rate in Cuddalore district has marginally increased. But existing rate is
lower than that of the state average figures.
Land resources.
1. Utilisation of land area in Cuddalore district is upto 65% only. The area under
Horticultural and Plantation crops in Cuddalore district is marginally increasing.
2. The use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has increased at a higher rate thus
straining the bio-environment. But usage of bio-fertilisers and pesticides has only
increased marginally.
3. About 33% of soil condition in Cuddalore district are reported to be very poor.
4. Generally there have been no new construction of wells, check dams, etc. (except in
Panruti Taluk) for irrigation purposes.
Forest resources
1. The Forest area in Cuddalore district is about only 3%. The forest area has not
shown any fluctuation over the years. The percapita forest area has however shown
a declining trend due to the steady growth in population. The man made forest
plantation have been restricted to the existing forest area in the district.
2. The main sources of irrigation in the district are canals, tanks and wells. On an
average about 60% of the total cropped area is irrigated from these sources.
3. The district has good fishing potential in the coastal area. The fish production has
increased in quality and value over the years.
4. There has been a marginal improvement in the power generation sector. The
demand for electricity has not been met, owing to the steady population growth and
higher rate of consumption. Non conventional and renewable energy source of
utilisation is not very much identified.
Urbanisation
1. Urbanisation process in Cuddalore district has been taking place at a higher rate. But
the infrastructure development particularly drinking water, electricity, public
convenience, drainage, approach roads and health centre are not increased at the
pace of urbanisation.
2. Urban slum population in Cuddalore district has been marginally coming down due to

33
several poverty alleviation programmes under taken by Government. The sizeable

percentage of slum population is still existing, due to a steady population growth.
3. There has been no much improvement of urban services particularly underground
drainage sewage treatment and solid waste management in the district.
4. Gastro-enteritis and cholera are the most commonly reported water borne diseases.
Transportation
There has been a significant growth of two and three wheeled vehicles in the district
over the ten years. Thus resulting in an increased quantity in the emission of
suspended air particles.
Industrial development
The district has only special and hazardous industries, which are classified as Red by
TNPCB. There has been a significant growth of such industries in the district over the
years. Most of these industries are very hazardous in nature.
Environmental institution
1. There are only two environmental education institutions in the district at Neyveli.
2. Environmental NGOs are playing only very little pro-active role in protecting
environment of the district.

34

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Directorate of Environment, GTN

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Environment Profile for Cuddalore District

Chapter No Particulars Page No.

1.0 THE CONTEXT 01

3.0 RESOURCES-AVAILABILITY, USE & ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS 08

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Chapter No Particulars Page No.

4.2.5 Composition of Solid Waste 23

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTIONS 28

5.1 Environmental Education and Research Institutions 28

6.0 OBSERVATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS 29

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Fairs and Festivals

2.2 Geographical Location of the District

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Table: A. Taluk wise geographical area of the District

2.3 Administrative Arrangement in the District

2.4 Meteorological Information

2.5 Demographic Details

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Population of Cuddalore District

2.5.2 Trend in Birth/Death Rate and Infant Mortality Rate

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

District Birth / Death Rate and Infant Mortality Rate

2.5.3 Literacy Level among the Population

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

3.1 Land Resources

ii. Trend in Production and Productivity of Important Crops

Land Utilisation - Cuddalore District

Non available for

11% Fallow Lands (11%)

Cropped Area (65%)

Cultivated Fallow ands

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

iii. Horticultural and Plantation Crops

iv. Consumption of Fertilisers and Pesticides

v. Trend in consumption of Fertilisers and Pesticides

vi. Soil Types

vii. Soil Problems

viii. Status of Soil and Water Conservation Programs

3.1.2 Forest Resources

ii. Green Cover Classification of Forest

iii. Trend in Per Capita Forest Area

iv. Man Made Forest Plantations

Tamilnadu Forest Plantation Corporation Tiruchirapalli (TAFCORN)

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

v. Details of Villages Abutting Forest Area

vi. Tribal Villages

vii. Forest Area Diverted for Non Forestry Purposes

viii. Conservation of Biological Resources, Wild Life Census, Rare/Threatened Species

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

3.1.3 Mineral Resources

Cuddalore District Environment Profile – Final Report

Thermal Power Station-II.

Thermal Power Station – I

Thermal Power Station - II