DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT OF VIRUDHUNAGAR

PREFACE In Compliance to the Notification Issued by the Ministry of Environment,

Forest and Climate change Dated 15.01.2016, the preparation of District

survey report of minor minerals is in accordance appendix 10 of the

notification. It is also mentioned here that the procedure of preparation of

District Survey Report is as per notification guidelines. Every effort have been

made to cover mining locations, areas & overview of Mining activity in the

district with all its relevant features pertaining to geology & mineral wealth in

replenishable and non-replenishable areas. This report will be a model and

guiding document which is a compendium of available mineral resources,

geographical set up, environmental and ecological set up of the District and is

based on data of various departments, published reports and websites. The

data may vary due to flood, heavy rains and other natural cliamities.

Therefore, it is recommended that Sub Divisional Level Committee may take

into consideration all its relevant aspects / data while scrutinizing and

recommending the application for EC to the concerned Authority.

SURVEY REPORT OF

VIRUDHUNAGAR DISTRICT

As per Gazette notification of 15th January 2016 of Ministry of Environment,

Forest and Climate Change a Survey shall be carried out by the District

Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) with assistance of

irrigation department, Drainage department, Forest department, Mining

department and Revenue department in the district for preparation of District

Survey Report as per the sustainable Miner mineral mining guidelines to

ensure identification of areas of aggradations or deposition where mining can

be allowed; and identification of areas of erosion and proximity to

infrastructural structures and installations where mining should be

prohibited and calculation of annual rate of replenishment and allowing time

for replenishment after mining in that area.

Every effort have been made to cover mining locations, areas & overview of

Mining activity in the district with all its relevant features pertaining to

geology & mineral wealth in replenish-able and non-replenish-able of

particular areas. The mineral potential is calculated based on field

investigation & geology of the catchment area. Also as per the site conditions

and locations, depth of minable mineral is defined. The area for removal of the

mineral in a particular area is decided depending on geo-morphology & other

factors, it can be 10% to 40% of the area. Other constituents like clay soil and

silt are excluded as waste while calculating the mineral potential of particular

mining area. This District Survey Report shall form the basis for application

for environment clearance, preparation of reports and appraisal of projects.

The report shall be updated once every five years.

INDRODUCTION:

The district headquarters is Virudhunagar town. It covers an area of 4232

sq.km. And is divided into 8 taluks, namely Aruppukkottai, kariapatti,

Rajapalayam, Sattur, Sivakasi, Srivilliputur, Tiruchuli and Virudhunagar. On

3rd march 1996, Sivakasi taluk was created separating the firkas of Sivakasi,

Edirkottai and Salwarpatti from Sattur taluk and Mangalam firka from

Virudhunagar taluk. It is located at on interactive map 11°00′N 77°28”′E /

12°N 78°50”′E.

DISTRICT AT A GLANCE (VIRUDHUNAGAR DISTRICT):

S.NO ITEMS STATISTICS

1

GENERAL INFERMATION

i) Geographical area(S.q.km) 4243.23

ii) Administrative divisions as

on 31.03.2007

c) Number of Taluk 8

d) Number of Block 11

e) Number of villages 600

iii) Population

(as on 2011Censes)

Total population

Total - 1751301

Male- 870376

Female-880925

iv) Average annual rainfall

(mm)

799.8

2

GEOMORPHOLOGY

I. Major physiographic

units

Structural hills, Deep

Burried Pediments, shallow

Burried pediments, Bazada

and Flood plain.

ii. Major Drainages Vaippar, Gundar, & Arjuna

Nadhi.

3

Landuse (Sq.km)

a) Forest area

b) Net area sown

c) Cultivable waste

264.66 Sq.km

1428.82 Sq.km

96.63 Sq.km

4 MAJOR SOIL TYPES 1. Deep red loam, 2. Black

soil, 3. Red sandy soil.

5.

Area under principal crops

(Ha)

a) Paddy 30433 (50.6%)

b) Groundnut 467 (0.78%)

c) Pulses 467 (0.78%) d) Sugarcane 3209 (5.33%)

6.

Irrigation by different

sources

Number of area irrigated (Ha)

Number

Area irrigated

(Ha)

i) dug wells 36087 33765

ii) Tube wells 0 0

iii)Tanks 997 26423

iv) Canals 0 0

v) Net irrigated area 55365 Ha

vi) Gross irrigated area 60188 Ha

7. NUMBER OF GROUND WATER MONITORING WELLS OF CGWB (As on 31.03.2007)

i. Number of dug wells 12

ii. Number of piezometers

11

8. PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL

FORMATIONS

Recent Alluvium, Sandstone,

Gneisses Complex, Basic

metamorphic rocks, Granites

and Charnockite.

9.

Hydrogeology

i) Major water bearing

formations

Sandstone , weathered & fractured granitic gneisses etc.

ii)Pre-monsoon depth to water level

0.67 – 12.12 m bgl.

iii) Post-monsoon depth to water level

0.49 – 8.78 m bgl.

Long term water level trend in

10 years(1998 – 2007 )in m/yr

Annual

Rise

(m/year) Fall (m/year)

Min:0.0009

Max:0.3944

Min:0.0635

Max:0.2693

10.

Ground water exploration by CGWB (As on 31-03-2007)

a) Number of Exploratory wells

26

b) Number of observation wells

5

c) Number of Piezometers

under Hydrology project 11

d) Depth of range(m) 120 - 200

e) Discharge(lps) 0.004 – 1.142

f) Storativity (S) 3.41 x 10-5 to 0.7X10-2

g) Transmissivity (m2/day) 1 – 518.3

GROUND WATER QUALITY (As on MAY 2006)

11. i) Presence of chemical

constituents more than permissible limit

CL , F & TH as CaCO3 & NO3

ii) Type of water Ca – Cl, NaCl & Ca – HCO3

12.

DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES ( As ON 31.03.2004) in MCM a) Annual Geplenishable

Ground Water Resources 469.78

b) Total Annual ground water draft for all purposes.

312.51

c) Projected demand for domestic and industrial uses up to 2029

217

d) Stage of ground water development

67%

13. AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY

Mass Awareness programmes Organized

Year 2002- 03

Place Rajapalayam

Number of Participants 300

iii. Water Management Training Organized

Year 2002-03

Place Rajapalayam

Number of Participants 30

14. EFFORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE & RAINWATER HARVESTING

Technical Guidance were provided as when sought

i. Project completed by CGWB Number of structures

ii. Amount spent

Vadapatti in Sivakasi Block. Rs 6.510 ( Lakhs)

15. GROUND WATER CONTROL AND REGULATION

I. Number of OE Block 1

ii. Number of Critical Blocks

1

iii. Number of Blocks Notified

Nil

16. MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS AND ISSUES

I) Virudhunagar district is characterised by relatively high level of ground water development in both hard rock and sedimentary aquifers.

II) Presence of Black Clayey Soils has resulted in reduced natural recharge to groundwater system.

III) It has also resulted in water quality problem

IV) Water scarcity in part of the district due to unfavorable hydro geological set up.

REVENUE DIVISION:

S.No. Details Numbers

1. Revenue Divisions 2

2. Revenue Taluks 8

3. Revenue Firkas 36

4. Revenue Villages 600

Administrative Details

Virudhunagar district is divided into 8 taluks. The taluks are further

divided into 11 blocks, which further divided into 600 villages.

S.No Taluk No.of

Villages

Block No.of

Villages

1 Srivilliputtur 54 Srivalliputtur 31

2 Rajapalayam 35 Rajapalayam 23

3 Virudhunagar 59 Virudhunagar 59

4 Sathur 47 Sathur 47

5 Aruppukottai 40 Aruppukottai 40

6 Thiruchuli 192 Thiruchuli 192

7 Kariyapatti 108 Kariyapatti 108

8 Sivakasi 65 Sivakasi 29

Vembakottai 36

Total 600 600

ROADS, RAILWAYS, EDUCATION:

ROADS:

The district is well served by road networks. Three National Highways run

through the district. NH 208 – Thenkasi, Rajapalayam, Sriviliputur,

Tirumangalam – 49.8 kms. NH 45B – Tirchy, Viralimalai, Thuvarankuruchi,

Madurai, Aruppukottai, Tuticorin - 32.6 km, - 12 – NH 7 – Madurai to

Kanyakumari – 50.40. In addition to the National highways there are 162.13

km, of state Highways, 122.20 kms of major District Roads and 1378.48 kms of

other District roads. There are 256 government owned and 175 private stage

carriers operating in the district. Buses serve about 4 lakhs people and cover a

distance of 61,523 kms per day. Other towns and most of the villages are

connected by motor able roads.

Length of Roads (in Kilometers)

Item Cement

concrete

Surfaced Roads Unsure-

faced

Roads

Grand

Total Bituminous

Macadam

Water

Bound

macadam

Total

NH-7, NH

45B,

NH 208

--- 147.600 --- 147.600 --- 147.600

State

Highways

--- 163.763 --- 163.763 ---- 163.763

Municipal

Roads

175.393 266.237 19.470 461.100 20.348 481.448

Major

District

Roads

---- 122.200 ---- 122.200 ---- 122.200

Other

District

Roads

0.120 1382.855 ---- 1382.975 1.600 1384.575

Panchayat

Union Road

0.500 950.220 246.630 1197.350 625.560 1817.910

Town

panchayat

Roads

48.753 45.785 14.045 108.583 49.304 157.887

Railways:

Both Broad and Meter Gauge section of the Southern Railway serve

Virudhunagar. The newly laid Broad Gauge line links Tuticorin with Chennai.

In the District, the Broad Gauge route line covers 43.16 km, and the Meter

Gauge 125.17 km. At present, gauge conversion takes place from

Virudhunagar to Rajapalayam and once this project is over, the entire district

will be ready for Broad gauge railway tranportaion.

Education:

According to the 2001 census the percentage of literate population in the

District is 62.91. The percentage of male literacy is 75.67 percent and female

literacy is 50.17 percent.

Educational Infrastructure Available in Virudhunagar District

Category No.of Institutions

1. Primary Schools 1426

2. Middle Schools 171

3. High Schools 76

4. Higher secondary Schools 107

5. Colleges for Arts & Science 12

6. Teacher Training Institution 4

7. Engineering Colleges 5

8. Polytechnics 8

9. No.of Industrial Training

Institute

15

TOPOGRAPHY:

The climate is generally hot and dry with a low degree of humidity. The

district receives scantly rainfall. The average annual rainfall is only 987.7 mm.

the frequent drought caused by the failure of the monsoon adversely affects

the dry crops depending upon rain fed tanks for irrigation. Soil is

predominately black soil

S.No Name of the

block

Soil type Major

nutrients

which are

deficient

Micro-

nutrients

which are

deficient

1. Aruppukottai Black Soil, Phosphorus,

Nitrogen

Zinc, Iron,

Boron,

sulphur

2. Kariapatti Lateratic Soil,

Sandy Coastal

Alluvium

Phosphorus,

Nitrogen

Zinc, Iron,

Boron,

sulphur

3. Narikudi Sandy Coastal

Alluviam

Phosphorus,

Nitrogen

Zinc, Iron,

Boron,

sulphur

4. Rajapalayam Red loam Phosphorus,

5. Sattur Black Soil Phosphorus,

Nitrogen

Zinc, Iron,

Boron,

sulphur

6. Sivakasi - Phosphorus,

Nitrogen

Zinc, Iron,

Boron,

sulphur

7. Srivilliputhur Red loam,

Black Soil

Phosphorus,

Nitrogen

Zinc, Iron,

Boron,

sulphur

8. Thiuchuli Lateratic Soil Phosphorus,

Nitrogen

Zinc, Iron,

Boron,

sulphur

9. Virudhunagar Black Soil Phosphorus,

Nitrogen

Zinc, Iron,

Boron,

sulphur

10. Watrap Red loam Phosphorus,

Nitrogen

Zinc, Iron,

Boron,

sulphur

11. Vembakottai - - -

Virudhunagar district is comprised of Archaean Charnockite, Unclassified

Genesis and Pleistocene Laterite. ARCHAEAN CHARNOCKITE rock types are

available in Rajapalayam, Srivilliputhur, Sivakasi and Sattur Taluks.

• UNCLASSIFIED GNESIS formations are available in Sattur, Sivakasi and

Aruppukottai Taluks.

• LATERITE is available in Tiruchuli, Kariapatti, Sattur and Srivilliputur

Taluks.

• WESTERN GHAT is represented in Rajapalayam and Srivilliputhur Taluks

and other parts of the district are plain.

• The district is drained by Arjuna River, Vaippar River, Kowsika River and

Gundar.

• Major minerals of the district are Limestone and Limekankar

• Minor minerals are Multi-coloured Granite, Charnockite, and Unclassified

gneissic rocks, Pleistocene Laterite, Sand and Brick earth.

Basin and sub- basin

The district is part of the composite east flowing river basin,

“Between Gundar and vaippar” as per the irrigation Atlas of India. Vaippar,

Arjuna River, Gundar, and Deviar, Nichibanadhi, Kovilur and periyar are the

important sub-basin / Watersheds.

Drainage

The major part of Virudhunagar district falls in Vaippar – Gundar

river basin. Vaippar, Arjuna River, and the important rivers. The drainage

pattern, in general, is dendritic. All the rivers are seasonal and carry

substantial flows during monsoon period. Vaippar, which is one of the

important rivers of the district, flow and drain in the vembakkam and Sattur

blocks. The Arjuna River, flowing in the central part of the district, has its

origin from the Sattur Watrap Hills and is formed by Kovillar, periyar and

Chittar rivers. The Gundar River originates at an altitude of 500m. Amsl near

Kottaimalai of Sattur reserve forest in Varushanadu hills in Madurai district.

IRRIGATION PRACTICES:

The nine- fold land use classification (2005-06) for the district is

given below.

S.No Classification Area (Ha)

1 Forests 26466

2 Barren & Uncultivable

lands

4525

3 Land put to non

agricultural uses

70286

4 Cultivable waste 9663

5 Permanent pastures &

other grazing lands

804

6 Groves not included in

the area sown

6568

7 Current Fallows 3063

8 Other fallow lands 160066

9 Net Area sown 142882

Total 424323

The chief irrigation sources in the area are the tanks, wells and tube/bore

wells. Reservoirs and Tank irrigation is highest in Srivalliputtur, Thiruchuli

and Kariyapatti blocks followed by Aruppukottai, Rajapalayam, Sivakasi,

Sattur, and Virudhunagar blocks.

The block – wise and source – wise net area irrigated (2005-06) (in Ha) is

given below

S.No Block Canals Tanks Tube/

Bore

wells

Ordinar

y

wells

Other

Sources

Total Net

Area

Irrigated

1 Srivilliputtur 0 1056 4211 439 0 5706

2 Watrap 0 1259 1983 4017 0 7259

3 Rajapalayam 32 2581 2794 1848 15 7270

4 Virudhunagar 98 289 6517 4679 0 11583

5 Sathur 0 650 1417 881 0 2498

6 Aruppukottai 7 481 764 3192 0 4444

7 Thiruchuli 20 1307 769 4678 0 6774

8 Narikudi 253 275 2881 1006 0 4415

9 Kariyapatti 313 1822 484 407 813 3839

10 Sivakasi 28 4756 7797 721 358 13660

11 Vembakottai 0 315 1716 524 93 2666

Total 751 14791 31333 22410 1279 70564

STUDIES / ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY CGWB:

Central Ground Water Board carried out the systematic hydrogelogical survey

in the district during the period of 1976 – 80 , Reappraisal hydrogelogical

survey were conducted during the period of 1990 – 95, Detailed exploration

were carried out in vaipar and Gundar basin down to a depth of 200 m bgl to

assess the ground water resources of the area. The exploration drilling of

boreholes (26 Nos.) was revealed that the weathered and fracture zone is

limited to 25 to 35 m below ground level. The fracture encountered at deeper

depths are not productive due to poor yield with higher draw downs. In the

sedimentary area of this district the thickness of Alluvial and Tertiary

formation ranges from 35 to 50m.

CGWB is monitoring the groundwater regime for the changes in water levels

and water quality through 12 dug wells and 11 piezometers. The monitoring of

water levels are carried out during May (pre monsoon), August (Middle of

south west monsoon), November (Post south west monsoon), and January

(Post northeast monsoon) to study the impact of rainfall on groundwater

regime. Water samples are collected during May for determining the changes

in chemical quality of groundwater.

RAINFALL AND CLIMATE:

The district receives the rain under the influence of both southwest monsoons.

The northeast monsoon chiefly contributes to the rainfall in the district. Most

of the precipitation occurs in the form of cyclonic storms caused due to the

depression in Bay of Bengal. The southwest monsoon rainfall is highly erratic

and summer rains are negligible. Rainfall data from seven stations over the

period 1901 -2000 were utilized for analysis and a perusal of the data shows

that the normal annual rainfall over the district varies from about 724 to 913

mm. It is minimum around Sathur in the southeastern part of the district. It

gradually increases towards west, north and northwest and attains a maximum

around watrap.

The district enjoys a subtropical climate. The period from April to June is

generally hot and dry. The weather is pleasant during the period from

November to January. Usually mornings are more humid than afternoons. The

relative humidity is on an average between 65 and 85% in the mornings.

Humidity in the afternoons is generally between 40 and 70The annual mean

minimum and maximum temperatures are 23.78 and 33.950 C respectively.

The daytime heat is oppressive and the temperature is as 40.20 C. the lowest

temperature recorded is of the order of 19.30 C.

GEOMORPHYLOGY AND SOIL TYPES:

Geomorphology

Virudhunagar district is bordered by Western Ghats (Ridge and valley

complex) in the West. Valley fill area is observed in Watrap block. A major part

of the district constitutes a plain terrain with a gentle slope toward East and

Southeast, except for the hilly terrain in the west.

The prominent geomorphic units identified in the district through

interpretation of Satellite imagery are; 1. Flood plain, 2. Bazada, 3. Pediment, 4.

Shallow & deep buried pediments and 6. Structural Hills.

Soils

Soils in the area have been classified i) Deep red Loam ii) Black soil iii) Red

sandy soil. The majority of the study area is covered by Black soil. Ferruginous

red soils are also seen at places. Black soils are deep to very deep and generally

occur in the depressions adjacent to hilly areas, in the western and central part

of district. Alluvial soils occur along the river courses. Red sandy soil is seen all

around the Sattur, Kariyapatti, and Aruppukottai and Thiruchuli blocks.

GROUND WATER SCENARIO

Hydrogeology

The district is underlain by both porous and fissured formation

Unconsolidated & Semi – consolidated formation and Weathered, Fissured and

fractured crystalline rocks constitute the important aquifer systems in the

district.

The porous formations in the district include sandstones and clays of Recent to

sub- recent and Tertiary age (Quaternary). The alluvial formations comprising

mainly sands, clays and gravels are confined to major drainage course in the

district. The maximum thickness of alluvium is 35.0 m. whereas the average

thickness is about 25.0 m. ground water occurs under phreatic to dug wells

and filter points. Alluvium, which forms a good aquifer system along the

vaippar and Gundar river bed, which is one of the major source of water supply

to the villages.

The water – bearing properties of crystalline formations, which lack primary

porosity, depend on the extent of development of secondary intergranular

porosity. The occurrence and movement of ground water in these rocks are

generally confined to such spaces. These aquifers are highly heterogeneous in

nature due to variation in lithology, texture and structure features even within

short distances. Ground water generally occurs under phreatic conditions in

the weathered mantle and under semi- confined conditions in the fissured and

fractured zones at deeper levels.

The thickness of weathered zone in the district is in range of 4 to 15 m. the

depth of dug wells ranged from 10 to 15 m bgl. The yield of large diameter

wells in the district, tapping the weathered mantle of crystalline rocks from 40

to 110 lpm and are able to sustain pumping for 2 to 6 hours per day. The

specific capacity of large diameter wells tested in crystalline rocks range from

6.26 to 183.8 lpm / m. of drawdown. The yield characteristics of wells vary

considerably depending on the topographic set- up, lithology and nature of

weathering.

GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE VIRUDHUNAGAR DISTRICT

The yield of bore wells drilled down to a depth of 40 to 70 m. by various state

agencies mainly for domestic purposes ranged from 10 to 250 lpm. The yield of

successful bore wells ranged up to 6 lps for the drawdown varying between

5.76 and 17.56 m drilled down to a depth of 200 m bgl during the ground

water exploration programme of central Ground Water Board.

The depth to water level in the district varied between 0.67 and 12.12 m bgl

during pre- monsoon ( May 2006) and varied between 0.49 and 8.78 m bgl

during post monsoon ( Jan 2007). The seasonal fluctuation shows a rise in

water level which ranges from 0.35 to 2.8 m. the piezometric head varied

between 3.49 and 16.23 m bgl during pre monsoon (May 2006 ) and 1.29 and

8.06 m bgl during post monsoon ( Jan 2007).

Long Term Fluctuation (1998 – 2007):

The long term water level fluctuation for the 1998 -2007 is indicates rise in

water level in the range of 0.0009 – 0.3944 m/year. The fall in water level

ranging between 0.0635 and 0.2693 m/year.

AQUIFER PARAMETERS:

Formation Transmissivity

(m2/ day )

Storativity Specific

Yield ( % )

Weathered

Crystallines

- - <2

Fractured

Crystallines

1-548 3.41 X 10-5 to

7.0 X 10-3

-

GROUND WATER RESOURCES:

The ground water resources have been computed jointly by central Ground

Water Board and State Ground & surface water Resources and Data center

(PWD, WRO, and Government of Tamil Nadu) as on 31st March 2004. The

salient features of the computations are furnished below. The computation of

ground water resources available in the district has been done using GEC 1997

methodology.

GROUND WATER QUALITY:

The chemical characteristics of ground water in the phreatic zone in

Virudhunagar district has been studied using the analytical data of ground

water samples collected from Ground water monitoring wells of Central

Ground Water Board. The study of quality of ground water in deeper aquifers

in the district has been attempted using the data collected from exploratory

bore/tube wells constructed in the district. Ground water in phreatic aquifers

in Virudhunagar district, in general, is colorless, odourless and slightly alkaline

in nature. The specific electrical conductance of ground water in phreatic zone

(in Micro Seimens at 250 C) during May 2006 was in the range of 409 to 4350

in the district. It is between 750µS/Cm at 250 C in the major part of the district.

Conductance below 750 µS/Cm at 25o C have been observed in ground water

in parts of Sathur and Watrap blocks, whereas conductance exceeding 2250

µS/Cm at 25o C have been observed in part of Rajapalayam and Virudhunagar

blocks. It is observed that the ground water is suitable for drinking and

domestic uses in respect of all the constituents except Total Hardness and

Nitrate. Total hardness as CaCO3 is observed to be in excess of permissible

limits of treating water standard of BU in about 49 percent of samples

analyzed whereas Nitrate is found in found in excess of 45 mg/l in about 30

percent samples analyzed. The incidence of high Total Hardness is attributed

to the composition of litho units constituting the aquifers in the district.

Whereas the Nitrate pollution is most likely due to the use of pesticides based

on specific electrical conductance and Sodium Absorption Ratio ( SAR ) , it is

observed that ground water in the phreatic zone may cause high to very high

salinity hazard and medium to high alkali hazard when used for the district

while using ground water for irrigation.

STATUS OF GROUND WATER DEVELOPMENT:

The estimation of ground water resources of the district shows that one

block is over exploited and one block is under “critical” category.

The shallow alluvial aquifers along Vaippar and Gundar rivers serves as an

important source of drinking water and irrigation development of

Virudhunagar district. Dug wells are the most common ground water

abstraction structures used for irrigation in the district. The yield of dug wells

range from <50 to 200 m3 /day in weathered crystalline rocks , 20 to 100

m3/day in Tertiary formation and up to 400 m3 /day in Recent alluvial

formations along major drainage courses. The dug wells in hard rock terrain

tapping the entire weathered residuum are capable of yielding 6 -7 lps,

requiring the installation of 5 HP centrifugal pumps for extraction of ground

water.

GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY:

Groundwater Development

In view of the presence of balck top soil in the major parts of the district, the

recharge potentials are very low an dit has also resulted in quality problem.

Hence, it is necessary to exercise causion while planning further development

of available groundwater resources in the district. The yields of dug wells in

crystalline and Tertiary formations can be improved at favorable locations by

construction of extension bores and radial arms respectively to a length of 20-

30 m. In recent years, farmers for irrigation purposes have also drilled a large

number of bore wells. The development of ground water for irrigation in the

district is mainly through dug wells tapping the weathered residuum or recent

alluvial deposits. Bore wells have also become popular as the source for

irrigation in the district in recent years. Dug wells with extension bores

wherever necessary is ideal for hard rock areas whereas large diameter dug

wells with radials is suitable for alluvial areas.

WATER CONSERVATION AND ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE:

CGWB had prepared a master plan to augment groundwater potential

by saturating the shallow aquifer taking into consideration the available

unsaturated space during post monsoon and available uncommitted surplus

run off. Subsequently, computations have been made for Drought Prone Area

Program (DPAP) for over exploited and critical blocks in the districts

warranting immediate attention. Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University

had prepared block wise maps demarcating potential zones for artificial

recharge for the State of Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, State Government agencies

have constructed artificial recharge structures with their own fund or with

fund from Central Government, dovetailing various government programs.

Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India has initiated Dug Well

Recharge Scheme in the State. The scheme is being implemented by the Nodal

Department (SG&SWRDC, PWD, WRO, and Government of Tamil Nadu) with

the technical guidance of CGWB. The subsidy of Rs. 4000/- for small and

marginal farmers and Rs. 2000/- for the other farmers is credited to the

beneficiaries’ bank account through NABARD. The scheme after

implementation will prove to be beneficial to the irrigation sector. The

available uncommitted surplus run off has to be recomputed, taking into

consideration the quantum of recharge effected through existing irrigation dug

wells also. The existing structures and uncommitted surplus flow should be

considered for further planning of artificial recharge program.

On the basis of experimental studies, it has been found that de-silting of

existing tanks followed by percolation pond with recharge wells, recharge

shafts are economical.

There is considerable scope for implementation of roof – top rainwater

harvesting in the district. Recharge pits / Shafts / trenches of suitable design

are ideal structures for rainwater harvesting in such areas. Central Ground

Water Board is also providing free technical guidance for implementation of

rooftop rainwater harvesting schemes.

A map showing the development prospects and artificial recharge structures

recommended for various blocks in Virudhunagar district.

GEOLOGY AND QUATERNARY GEOLOGY:

Systematic geomorphological and quaternary geological mapping carried out

in this area, has brought out an interesting sequence of Quaternary

Formations which was originally mapped as calcareous mud and clay, kankar

and soil, with complex evolutionary history. The distinct surfaces with their

own characteristic lithological attributes are being dealt with individually and

presented in the table form.

AVAILABILITY OF MINERALS:

Virudhunagar has rich mineral deposits of lime kankar and

graniters also. The lime and limestone deposits are concentrated in

Pandalkudi, chettipatti and Velayudhapuram villages of Aruppukottai taluk

and Cholapuram and Perumalpatti of Rajapalayam taluk and Gopalapuram,

Kangaseval and vertrilaiyurani of sattur taluk. Kariapatti Blocks of

Arupukottai taluk. Granite deposits are also found in Thiruthangal in Sattur

taluk and pillaiyarkulam in Srivilliputhur taluk.

Name of the District

Name of the Mineral

Quantity(Tonne) Value (Rs in 000)

Virudhunagar Lime Stone 676930 MT 383430090

Multicolored

Granite

22002.154 CBM 29290984

Major Mineral Taluk

Villages Usage

Limestone Limekankar

Rajapalayam Sivakasi Sattur Virudhunagar Arupukkottai Tiruchuli Kariappatti

Vadakarai, Cholapuram, Lakshmipuram, Edirkottai, Pernaickanpatti, Alangulam, Duraisamypuram, Kanjampatti, Papakudi. K.puthu, Virudhunagar, Kurundamadam, Palavantham, maravarperungudi. Pannaimoondradaippu, Ayan Reddiappatti.

Two major cement plants located in this district utilizing the Limestone deposits. 1. Tamil Nadu cements, a government of Tamil Nadu undertaking is located in Alagulam of Sivakasi Taluk. 2.Private sector cement plant, Madras cements at Tulukkapatti of Virudhunagar

Minor

Minerals

Taluk Villages Usage

Multi-coloured

Granite.

Charnockite &

Unclassified

Gneissic rocks

Sivakasi

Rajapalayam

Srivilliputhur

Sivakasi

Thiruthangal,

keelathiruthangal,

Panayadipatti, Sevalur,

Anaiyur.

Vadakarai,

Muthusamypuram,

Sattur,

M.Duraisamypuram,

Ayankollankondan.

Kunnoor, Kottaiyur,

Movaraivendran,

Villuppanur, S.Kodikulam,

Singammalpuram,

Panayadipatti,

Duraisamypuram,

Appanaickenpatti,

Nathikudi,

Vijarangapuram,

Kangaraselval,

Naranapuram, Sevalur,

Ethirkottai, Sippiparai,

Kosugundu,

Panayadipatti, Nathikudi,

Vijarangapuram, Selvalur,

Ethirkottai, Sippiparai,

Kosugundu,

Banduvarpatti,

Gankarakottai,

Chinnakamanpatti,

Exporting to other

countries.

Used in

construction of

road making and

building

construction

purposes.

Laterite &

Gravel

Virudhunagar

Aruppukottai

Kariapatti

Kariapatti,

Tiruchuli

O.Mettupatti,

Nallamanaickenpatti.

Pullalakottai,

Mannarkottai,

Semgundrampuram,

Kottaiyur, Kottanatham,

Thammanaickenpatti,

Endapuli.

Chenttikurichy,

koothiparai, Soolakarai,

Aladipatti, Sundakottai,

Puliooran, Sawaspuram,

Malaipatti.

Kurandi, Jogilpatti,

Thonukal,

T.Kadambankulam,

Alaginallur,

Vakkanankundu.

LAND USE PATTERN:

The land use statistics with reference to Virudhunagar district are furnished

below.

Land use pattern in Virudhunagar District

Sl.No Land Classification Area in

ha

Percent to the

Total

1. Forest 26466 6.24

2. Uncultivable waste 4525 1.07

3. Land put to Non-

Agricultural use

70286 16.56

4. Cultivable waste 9663 2.28

5. Permanent pastures /

grazing lands

864 0.19

6. Land under

miscellaneous tree crops

6568 1.55

7. Current fallow 3063 0.72

8. Other fallow 160066 37.72

9. Net area zone 142882 33.67

10. Area sown more than

once

5961 1.40

11. Gross cropped area 148843 35.08

12. Geographical areas 424323 100.00

The total geographical area of the district was 4243.23 sq.km.in 2005-06.

Cropped area accounts for about 35.08 percent of the total area. Forest cover

is very minimum accounting for only about 6.24 percent of the land which is

far below the state average of 17 percent.

The other fallows accounts for 37 percent and land put to non –

agricultural uses is the next height (17 percent) and is higher compared to

many other districts in the sate primarily because of the higher levels of

industrial activity. The major industries found in the district are handloom

weaving of textiles, spinning and weaving of textiles in factories, cement,

crackers, fireworks, printing and allied industries contribute to the non-

agricultural uses of the land. The gross cropped area forms 35 per cent of the

total area and the net sown area accounts for 33.67 percent.

LAND HOLDING PATTERN OF THE FARMERS:

The details of the distribution of land holding according to

land size are depicted in below

Number and Area of Operational Land Holding

S.No. Size of

Holding

Number Percent to

the total

Area in

Ha

Percent to

the total

1 Below 0.5 88034 47.20 21524 11.87

2 0.5-1.0 44268 23.74 31222 17.21

3 1.0-2.0 32742 17.56 45751 25.22

4 2.0-3.0 11139 5.97 26881 14.82

5 3.0-4.0 4537 2.43 15496 8.54

6 4.0-5.0 2266 1.21 10086 5.56

7 5.0-7.5 2230 1.20 13275 7.32

8 7.5-10.0 696 0.37 5905 3.26

9 10.0-20.0 520 0.28 6632 3.66

10 20.0-

above

76 0.04 4612 2.54

Total (All sizes) 186508 100.00 181384 100.00

There are about 1.86 lakh farmers holding a total area of 1.81 lakh

hectares. It could be seen from the table that nearly 47.20 percent of

the farmers of the district hold only 11.29 per cent of the land and

75 percent of the farmers hold 2 to 4 hectares of land indicating the

predominance of small and medium holdings in the district.

FLORA, FAUNA AND FOREST:

The forests are found on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

Only 6.3 percent of the total geographical area is under forests. The type range

from west coast tropical evergreen forests, west coast semi evergreen forests ,

dry teak forests, southern mixed deciduous forests and dry grasslands.

According to the National Forestry Resolution the optimum area under forests

should be 1/3rd of the total geographic area. Given the nature of the

topography of the district, the soil profile and the rainfall pattern this is an

unattainable target. However measures have been undertaken to increase the

area under forest coverage and to ensure among other things adequate

pasture for live stock, supply of firewood for domestic consumption and raw

material for industries. Social forestry programmes have enlarged their range

of activities and the area covered by plantations is 3216 hectares.

Many rare and endemic varieties of flora and fauna are found

along the mountain slopes. A wildlife sanctuary spread over 480 sq.kms was

established in 1989 at shenbagathopu in srivilliputur taluk. This sanctuary is

contiguous with the periyar tiger reserve on the south –western side and the

Megamalai reserve on the north- western side. The altitude varies from 100m

to 2010 m above the mean sea level. The sanctuary is home to the endangered

, arboreal grizzled giant squirrel Rattufa macrora. This grayish brown

squirrel weighs 1 to 1.8 kg, and is the size of a small cat. It measures about

73.5cms. Form nose to tail being 36 – 40 cm. long . They construct drays at

forked branches where the crowns of neighbouring trees meet. This enables

the squirrel to move away from the site by jumping from tree to tree when

threatened. The home range of an individual is between 0.197 hectares and

0.611 hectares.

The sanctuary also hosts a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and

butterflies. Resident and migratory elephants are common. Other animals

sighted are tiger, leopard, Nilgiri thar, and spotted deer, barking deer, sambar,

wild boar, porcupine, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, sloth bear and flying

squirrel. Over 100 species of birds have been identified. The rare Great Indian

horn bill is also found.

Special steps have been taken to conserve the forest areas in the sanctuary.

The annual leases given for the collection of fruit and other minor forest

produce has been stopped. Fruit bearing trees and other trees have been

planted. This will increase the food soures as well as ensure continuity in the

canopy. Soil conservation and water harvesting measures have been

undertaken to improve the habitat.

The forests of Alagarkoil valley in Srivilliputur taluk and Sanduragiri are

known for rare medicinal plants. The medicinal value of 275 plants has been

recorded and reported. The forests host a rich variety of orchids and ferns.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

In view of the top black soil in the major parts of the district, the recharge

potentials are very low and it has also resulted in water quality problems. In

order to increase the recharge, tanks, and percolation ponds may be provided

with the recharge wells/recharge shafts penetrating this impervious layer to

make it more effective in recharging the aquifer.

Waste land development program and micro irrigation system area to be

implemented for increasing the agricultural produces to attain more food and

income per drop of water in view of the limited water resources in the

districts.