Theni District Details

• Area (District): 2889 sq. km.

• Population : 10,34,724 (2001 census)

• Altitude : 100 m above sea level

• Climate : Max 39.5 Degree - Minimum 25.8 Degree

• Season : Throughout the year

• Clothing : Tropical

• Language : Tamil, English

Theni District has been formed after bifurcation from erstwhile Madurai District as per G.O.Ms.No.679 Revenue Department Dated: 25.07.96. Consequent on the bifurcation, one new Revenue Division with headquarters at Uthamapalayam and two new Taluks at Theni and Bodinaickanur were also created with effect from 01.01.97. Dr.K.Satyagopal I.A.S was the first collector for Theni District.

District Head Quarters

Theni Town (Theni-Allinagaram Municipality) in the District Head Quarters known as the "Second Manchester of South India" which indicates the various cotton trade. The Theni Town is situated at 295' above the Sea level. Theni -Allinagaram was upgraded as a Town Panchayat during the year 1940. It became a Grade III Municipality from 01.04.1964 and Grade II Municipality on 10-02-1970. Again it was upgraded as I Grade Municipality from 09-05-1983 onwards. It is mainly a commercial town. It is also known for its big weekly market on every Sunday.

Distance

• 498 Km from Chennai

• 460 Km from Bangalore

• 87 Km from Kodaikanal

• 132 Km from Palani

• 90 Km from Munnar

• 76 Km from Madurai

• 78 Km from Dindigul

Physical Features

Theni District lies at the foot of western ghats and is situated between 9' 39' 00 and 10' 30' 00 North latitude and between 77' 00' 0 and 78' 30' 00 of East Longitude. It is bound on north by Dindigul District East by Madurai District, South by Virudhunagar District and West by Idukki District of Kerala State. The general geographical information of the district is hill area. Vaigai River is flowing in the district and it will normally be dry during the summer season.

Physiographic Features

Based on the physiographic, Characteristics of this District can be divided into three Broadly defined Natural divisions.

• The Fertile Cumbum Valley in Uthamapalayam Taluk noted for its vegetations is irrigated by perennial steam from great hills on the west, which being one of greatest spots in the state forms the most pleasant part in the District.

• The level tracks of Theni Taluk, Bodinaickanur Taluk, and some portion of Aundipatti Taluk are irrigated by the Periyar river system.

• The level tracts of Periyakulam Taluk are irrigated by 25% from Vaigai river system and 75% by Manjalar river system.

Economic Features

Agriculture, Industry and Trade play an important Role for its economic developmental activities. Principal crops like Paddy, Sugarcane, Cotton, Coconut, Groundnut and various kinds of fruits and vegetables are being cultivated in this District.

Cotton Spinning Mills, Sugar Mills are the major industries in this District. In Aundipatti Taluk Handloom weaving and power looms are also flourishing. In Uthamapalayam Taluk, "Highwavis Estate" plays an important role in the production of Tea.

Three Hydro Power Station Projects namely, Periyar, Surliyar and Vaigai Micro Hydro Power Station generate Electricity in this District