dsp thrissur ch14

District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT

Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala

Chapter – 14TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT

14.1 INTRODUCTION

Once the goals and objectives of the District Spa-

tial Plan are set, the ways and means to achieve them

have to be explored. Formulation of Tentative devel-

opment concept of the district by synthesis of the find-

ings of the spatial analysis and sectoral analysis, in the

orbit of the goals and objectives, over the district plat-

form that will provide the required development frame

work for integrated development of the district is there-

fore attempted in this chapter.

This chapter discusses the Tentative develop-

ment concept derived for District Spatial Plan Thrissur.

We have the spatial structure of the district evolved

from the hierarchy of settlements, connectivity and

activity pattern. The environmental aspects of the dis-

trict are also studied. Even though sectoral analysis of

some of the sectors are yet to be completed, we have

results of sectoral analysis of following sectors namely

Agriculture, Industries and Tourism which have physi-

cal manifestation on land. The resource pattern of the

district evolved through spatial analysis of these sec-

tors is also available. The development concept is de-

rived by incorporating these with the spatial structure

of the district and that of the macro region.

As per the settlement analysis, it is found that

the settlements in the District can be grouped in to four

hierarchies. The future hierarchy of settlement of the

district evolved shows that Thrissur Municipal Corpo-

ration is the highest order settlement in the District.

Chalakkudy Municipal Council, Irinjalakkuda Municipal

Council, Kunnamkulam Municipal Council are the ex-

isting and Chelakkara and Mattathur Grama Panchayats

are the proposed second order settlements.

Kodungallur Municipal Council, Guruvayur Municipal

Council and Grama Panchayats of Alagappanagar,

Pananchery, Venkitangu, Valappad and Wadakkanchery

are proposed as third order settlements. In general

there is one first order settlement, 5 second order

settlements and 7 third order settlements in the Dis-

trict. The first order settlement is supposed to provide

higher order facilities in Education, Health and in other

sectors to the entire district population and is

conceptualised as the regional centre of the district.

The second order settlements are supposed to provide

second order facilities of various development sectors

to the surrounding area and are hence envisaged as the

sub regional centers. A district level road network with

roads of three hierarchies viz major roads, sub major

roads and minor roads is suggested, such that it con-

nects all the higher order settlements each other. The

details of formation of development concept of Thrissur

district is described hereunder:

14.2 DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT FORMATION

Analysis of various parameters pertaining to the

development of the district and findings emerged out

from them clearly show that the district has

underutilized or un-utilized potential in primary as well

as in secondary sector. The district shows a flourishing

tertiary sector without having proper backward and for-

ward linkages with primary and secondary sectors. More

over the district is bestowed with natural resources,

tourism potential spots, cultural richness etc. At the

same time there are areas/regions of environmental

concern. The resource base of the district as well as

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TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur


the spatial structure including transportation network

play a crucial role in the development of the district. In

addition, the spatial structure of the macro region, cov-

ering Thrissur and surrounding districts will also have a

determinant role in evolving the development concept.

No doubt, the development concept for Thrissur shall

be formulated only through a synthesis of all such fac-

tors namely,

1. Environmentally sensitive areas

2. Spatial structure of the district

3. Resources pattern of the district

4. Spatial structure of the macro region

Since the sectoral analysis is incomplete, the re-

sources pattern of the district is not fully evolved and

only the development concept evolved here is tenta-

tive which may need fine tuning on completion of

sectoral analysis of all sectors.

14.2.1 Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Deforestation and environmental exploitation

when reaches the pinnacle of endurance, nature reit-

erates as never before. The loss of forest cover and

conversion to other land uses can adversely affect fresh

water supplies, threatening the survival of millions of

people and damaging the environment. So, protection

of environment sensitive areas is important for ensur-

ing sustainable development.

Environmentally sensitive areas of Thrissur Dis-

trict include the eastern forests, kole lands of the cen-

tral region, the coastal areas and the inland water bod-

ies of the district. (figure 14.1).

14.2.2 Spatial Structure of Thrissur District

Spatial structure of the district is derived mainly

from Hierarchy of settlements and nodes, the trans-

portation network and activity pattern. As per the settle-

ment analysis, it is found that the settlements in the

District can be grouped in to four hierarchies. The study

of the suggested hierarchy of settlement of the district

shows that Thrissur Municipal Corporation is the high-

est order settlement in the District. Chalakkudy Mu-

nicipal Council, Irinjalakkuda Municipal Council,

Kunnamkulam Municipal Council, Chelakkara and

Fig: 14.1 Environmentally sensitive areas of the District

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Mattathur Grama Panchayats are the proposed second

order settlements. In general there is one first order

settlement, 5 second order settlements and 7 third or-

der settlements in the District. The first order settle-

ment is supposed to provide higher order facilities in

Education, Health and in other sectors to the entire dis-

trict population. The second order settlements are sup-

posed to provide second order facilities of various de-

velopment sectors to the surrounding area. The pro-

posed road network of the district is derived based on

the hierarchy of settlements and nodes such that the

road network should connect the higher order settle-

ments and nodes.

Activity pattern within the district is derived

based on the land use concentration pattern, functional

character and future urban profile. In other words the

activity pattern cover all the aspects taken for the study

of the settlements (functional character is determined

based on population distribution and land use, urban

Fig: 14.2 Spatial structure of the District

profile is derived taking in to account occupational struc-

ture and hierarchy of settlements, the land use con-

centration pattern is studied based on the land use

analysis). The spatial structure derived is shown in fig

14.2.

14.2.3 Resource Pattern of the Districta. Agriculture

Nearly 25% of the total area of the district is un-

der agricultural land use. Most of the agricultural areas

are concentrated in the mid land and high and regions

of the district. Also the general character of settlements

shows that most of them are rural in nature, indicating

that there is scope for developing the agriculture sec-

tor as one of the economic base of the District.

Four distinctive agriculture development pat-

terns can be clearly delineated in the district viz. the

coastal and low land regions where homestead cultiva-

tion, predominantly of coconut, arecanut, nutmug, jack-

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fruit etc. can be promoted; mixed cultivation area in

the low –mid land area where paddy cultivation (kole

land & pokkali area) has to be sustained and nut mug,

plantain, vegetable and fodder cultivation etc can be

promoted; intense crop cultivation area in the mid land

where rubber to be sustained and pineapple, pepper,

plantain, vegetable and paddy cultivation to a certain

extent etc. can be promoted and finally resource base

area where forest resources are to be conserved. Here,

intense afforestation has to be promoted while exist-

ing plantations and rubber and pepper cultivation are

to be sustained. The spatial distribution of major crops

in Thrissur district is shown in fig. 14.3

b. Industry

The analysis of industrial sector shows the con-

centration of industrial activity (large, medium, small

scale) in the south-west, south-east and north-west

regions of the district spatially located along the major

transportation corridors such as NH-47, NH-17, SH con-

Fig.14.3 Spatial distribution of major crops

necting Thrissur Municipal Corporation with urban ac-

tivity areas of the district such as Kunnamkulam-

Chavakadu-Guruvayur and Irinjalakuda-Kodungallur-

Methala. The concentration of house hold industries

and hand loom industries are found along the coastal

areas and in Thiruvillwamala Grama Panchayat as well.

The district also has potential for clay based industries,

diamond & gold based industries, agro based indus-

tries, handloom industries, book making industries etc.

The spatial distribution of industries in Thrissur

district is shown in fig 14.4.

c. Tourism

Thrissur district has got potential to develop the

tourism spots in connection with eco tourism, adven-

ture tourism, religious tourism and heritage tourism.

The tourism potential areas include Thrissur Municipal

Corporation, Guruvayoor Municipal Council,

Kodungalloor Municipal Council, Irinjalakuda Munici-

pal Council, Grama Panchayats of Athirappaly,

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Fig: 14.4 Spatial distribution of industries

Mattathoor, Puthur, Vallathol Nagar, Varandarappilly

etc.

14.2.4 Spatial Structure of the Macro Region

Influence of neighbouring Districts especially

Ernakulam, plays significant role in the development

of Thrissur district. The Thrissur – Kochi corridor linking

Thrissur to the Metro City of Kochi, the trade and com-

mercial capital of the State, is functioning as a corridor

of vibrant development. The spatial structure of this

region is shown in figure 14.5. A contiguous belt of

coastal LSGs exhibiting prominence of tertiary activi-

ties supported by fisheries, Small Scale Industries and

House Hold Industries are existing in Thrissur and

Ernakulum districts. A contiguous belt of urban activity

covering Grama Panchayats of Methala, Eriyad, and

Edavilngu and the Kodungallur Muncipal Council in

Thrissur district and extending upto Kochi can also be

observed. Primary activity is more concentrated at the

boundary between Thrissur and Palakkad districts.

14.3 THE TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT

The development Tentative concept for Thrissur

District is derived integrating all the above factors with

the development goals and objectives set for the dis-

trict. Hence the development concept embraces as-

pects of:

Environmental Protection & Sustainable devel-

opment. include

Optimum utilization of resources through inte-

gration of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sectors

Ensuring the local economic development and

generation of better opportunities

Certain level of self-sufficiency in production

(primary and secondary) sectors

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Balanced development and equitable spatial

distribution of facilities

The process of integrating these, to evolve de-

velopment concept is schematically shown in Figure

Fig.14.5 Spatial structure of the macro region

14.6. As per the tentative development concept thus

derived, the district is divided in to eight development

zones and future hierarchy of each settlement and

node are set and a future transportation network con-

166



necting the higher order settlements and nodes are

planned. A development zone is delineated by group-

ing the settlements possessing similar major economic

activity pattern as per the Spatial Analysis. In other

words, the thrust development sector of each Grama

Panchayat or Municipal Council is specified. Develop-

ment Concept of Thrissur District is depicted in Figure

14.7. The list of LSGs in each development zone is given

in Annexe 16.

14.4 DEVELOPMENT ZONES

The eight development zones evolved for

Thrissur district are as follows

1. Environmental Concern Zone.

2. Intensive Agricultural Zone

3. Economic Development Corridor (EDC)

Fig: 14.6 Tentative Development concept - IDDP Thrissur

4. Accelerated growth zone - Industrial

5. Accelerated growth zone - Institutional

6. Accelerated growth zone - Marine

7. Multifunctional zone I

8. Multifunctional zone II

14.4.1 Environmental Concern Zone

In order to preserve the environmentally sensi-

tive areas of the district so as to ensure sustainable

development, areas where environmentally sensitive

land uses are concentrated are delineated as Environ-

mental Concern Zone. This zone includes the natural

forests, environmentally sensitive ‘kole’ lands, the

coastal zone and inland water bodies of the district. In

Thrissur district the environmental sensitive areas are

167



Fig 14.7 Tentative Development concept

more concentrated in the eastern region where forest

is more concentrated. Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary (situ-

ated in Wadakkanchery, Pazhayannur, Pananchery and

Puthur Grama Panchayats) and Chimmony Wildlife

Sanctuary (situated in Mattathur and Varantharapilly

Grama Panchayats) are situated here. Within this zone,

in the areas where natural forest land use is concen-

trated, no activity that causes deforestation of any kind

shall be permitted. Afforestation, plantation, cultiva-

tion of crops like Rubber, Pineapple and Pepper are

found most suitable in the non forest areas of this zone.

Forest related activities including eco tourism; Aromatic

& Medicinal plant cultivation, small scale HH industry

based on natural resources of the region, outlets for

forest related products. watershed related activity &

soil conservation etc may also be promoted. Agricul-

ture and Allied activity non detrimental to forests can

be promoted as supporting activity in this zone while

deforestation, wet land reclamation, industrialization,

urbanisation etc will be restricted here.

Other environmentally sensitive areas of the dis-

trict include ‘kole’ lands in mid land region which are

rice granaries located in the central Kerala. These areas

are valuable assets of the district. So the protection of

these areas is important. Activities that affect the wa-

ter resources and natural drainage basin of these areas

are not permitted in this zone.

The coastal zone of the district and inland water

bodies of the district are also included in this zone and

their conservation deserve due attention.

14.4.2 Intensive Agricultural Zone

The intensive agricultural area as per the spatial

analysis of settlement studies and the area of concen-

tration of agricultural activity as per the spatial analysis

of the Agricultural sector are included in Intensive agri-

cultural zone of the district where intensive agricul-

tural activity can be promoted. The list of Grama

Panchayats which fall in Agro Development Zone is

given in Annexe 16. This zone is suitable for the inten-

sive cultivation of crops like Paddy, Coconut, Arecanut,

Nutmeg, Plantain, Banana etc. and also for agro based

industries like food processing units, coir industry etc.

In this zone providing agricultural infrastructure like

168



wholesale markets, seed centers, warehousing facili-

ties etc for supporting the agriculture activities shall be

given priority. This zone is also suitable for promoting

animal husbandry related activities.

Thus Agriculture, small scale industries to pro-

mote value addition of produces of agriculture and ani-

mal husbandry may be promoted as major activity in

this zone. Animal husbandry, SSI & HH industries may

be promoted as supporting activity in this zone where

as conversion of agriculture land and urbanisation will

be restricted.

14.4.3 Economic Development Corridor (EDC).

The areas where tertiary activities and second-

ary activities (especially industrial activity to trigger eco-

nomic development) are more concentrated or can be

concentrated due to locational advantages are zoned

as the Economic Development Corridor (EDC). Two de-

velopment corridors, namely the Thrissur - Ernakulam

(NH-47) corridor and Thrissur – Irinjalakuda -

Kodungalloor – Paravoor - Ernakulam (SH-22 & NH-17)

corridor are gaining importance in this regard. This zone

is also influenced by Ernakulam, the commercial and

industrial hub of the state. Industrial activities, espe-

cially large scale production industries, are being at-

tracted to this region. This Zone has profound implica-

tion in terms of good transportation linkages with sea

port, airport, nearest urban centre etc. This zone has

got wide influence region in terms of employment gen-

erated, raw resources utilised and products marketed.

This zone has to play a key role to trigger the economic

growth and generating employment opportunities. This

zone is suitable for large/ medium scale industries, in-

dustrial parks, Special Economic Zones (SEZ’s), IT & Info

Parks, Quality Education and Health care institutions

etc. Care shall be taken to restrict polluting industries.

Agriculture and allied activity and agro based indus-

tries may be allowed as supporting activities.

14.4.4 Accelerated growth zone - Industrial

The mid land areas of the district, extending north

south, along either sides of Irinjalakuda – Thrissur –

Shornur corridor where the activity pattern is ‘second-

ary’ is delineated as Accelerated growth zone -Indus-

trial. In this Zone special types of developmental ac-

tivities, in line with the existing activities, which are

found very much suitable for those particular places,

are intended. This zone should enhance the small scale

and house hold industrial activities which support value

addition of agriculture, fisheries and marine products.

This zone can also accommodate supporting industries

which enhance the industrial activity in the Economic

Development Corridor.

14.4.5 Accelerated growth zone - Institutional

The region along SH-69, (the transportation cor-

ridor that connects Thrissur Municipal Corporation and

Kunnamkulam Municipal Council) is zoned as Acceler-

ated growth zone –Institutional. Activities of the Grama

Panchayats in the region will definitely have influence

of the urban centers of Thrissur Municipal Corporation

and Kunnamkulam Municipal Council. Social infrastruc-

ture facilities including hospitals, health institutions

and educational facilities are already in existence in

the region and there is scope for future institutional

developments here. The zone is located near to the

Intensive Agricultural zone, so agro based industries

can be promoted, to a certain extent in this zone.

14.4.6 Accelerated growth zone - Marine

The zone where fisheries and tertiary activities

are more concentrated are designated as Accelerated

growth zone - Marine. This zone is located in the coastal

region of Thrissur district. The LSGs along NH-17 are in-

cluded in this zone. From the activity analysis, it is found

that nature of most of the LSGs fall under the category

of urban or secondary activities. Hence this zone can be

promoted for service sector activities and industrial

sector which enhance the fisheries and allied activi-

ties. We can promote Fish markets, fish preservation

and production units, export and import of marine prod-

ucts, ice plants, Aquaculture Farms, Ornamental fish

169



trading units, fish seed farms Fish Farmers clubs, value

added marine product outlet units, development of fish

harbour & Boat building Yards, production and mainte-

nance units of Machineries. This zone is also influenced

by Ernakulam, the commercial and industrial hub of the

state. The zone has immense potential with HH indus-

trial activities in connection with allied activities and

also tourism potential.

14.4.7 Multifunctional zone I

This zone includes the jurisdictional area of

Thrissur Municipal Corporation. In this zone all urban

activities including higher order educational and health

care facilities and a transportation network copping up

with the requirements etc are to be made available.

This zone will act as a service centre for the entire dis-

trict. Suitable projects and programmes are to be imple-

mented to exploit the urban potential of this zone.

Thrissur Municipal Corporation which is the only

first order settlement is the heart of the district due to

its multifunctional character (seat of specialized and

regional level facilities, status as administrative head

quarters, trade and commercial centre of the district

and Art & Cultural Centre) and also its spatial location

within the district. Thrissur Municipal Corporation is

located almost in the geographic centre of the District

and reflects the character of activities of the whole dis-

trict. Also Thrissur Municipal Corporation has good in-

ter district and intra district connectivity both by road

and railway. This zone plays a crucial role both in ser-

vice sector and other sectors and also plays a crucial

role in creating good link between all sectors in an effi-

cient way.

Thrissur Municipal Corporation has rich in tour-

ism, heritage, cultural, religious and archaeological

wealth and acts as cultural centre of District as well as

the state. Thrissur Municipal Corporation has also good

role in industrial sector also. Gold and diamond indus-

try, textile industry, real estate, banking, brick and tile

industry, furniture making, automobile industry and HH

industries etc are existing. This zone has intense po-

tential in infrastructure facilities like super specialty

hospitals, five star hotels, Health institutions, IT parks,

educational facilities etc. This zone is surrounded by

intensive agriculture zone. So agro and allied indus-

tries like processing units, value addition units etc in

this connection also has potential.

Thus, Thrissur Municipal Corporation, the pro-

posed regional centre of Thrissur District, will develop

as a regional centre in the state next only to Cochin.

The development of the zone should be in such a way

that it should minimize the degradation of nature and

other pollution related activities.

14.4.8 Multifunctional zone II

This zone is the multifunctional zone of second

order activities which also serve various sectors effec-

tively. In this zone, all types of 2nd order urban activi-

ties, 2nd order educational and health care facilities

and enabling transportation facilities etc. are to be pro-

vided. This zone will act as a service centre for the hinter

lands and this zone is very much suitable for industries

utilizing agricultural produces of hinter land. The

Guruvayur – Chavakkad - Kunnamkulam region as well

as Kodungallur -Irnjalakkuda -Eriyad Methala region

come under this zone. All the LSGs in this zone are lo-

cated along major coastal transportation corridors of

NH-17/SH 69/ SH 22.

14.5 HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS

The proposed hierarchy of settlements required

for a balanced distribution of facilities to all the Local

Governments in the district consists of Regional Cen-

tre, Sub regional centers and Service centers. The pro-

posed hierarchy of settlements is shown in Figure 14.8.

14.6 TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

Conceptual road network is prepared based on

the existing and proposed hierarchy of settlements.

The entire district depends upon the monocentric

single first order settlement ie, Thrissur Municipal Cor-

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Fig 14.8 The proposed hierarchy of settlements

Fig 14.9 The proposed Road network

171



poration for higher order facilities. Considering the ser-

vice area of the first order settlement, Thrissur Munici-

pal Corporation shows the clear primacy. As far as the

linkage between the first order settlement and second

order settlement is concerned, there is already exist a

radial pattern of roads which support the planning con-

cept of road network for a settlement which is cen-

trally located. In corporating the spatial distribution of

settlement in the District, the proposed districtl road

network can be suggested and it is shown in fig 14.9.

14.7 FUNCTION OF SETTLEMENT

Thrissur district has rich potential in primary, sec-

ondary and tertiary activities. Nearly 25% of the land

use in the district is agricultural, indicating that there is

a scope for developing the agriculture sector as one of

the economic base of the district. Thrissur district is

also blessed with Kole lands which are rice granaries.

The major crops in the district are paddy, tapioca, rub-

ber, ginger, cashew, tea, coconut, arecanut etc. Major

industrial sectors are handloom, khadi handloom, pot-

tery tiles, wood based units, rubber based units, coco-

nut oil extraction, food processing units etc. Also we

have rich potential in information technology and

knowledge based industry, textiles & garments, plastic

& gem and jewelry etc.

The function of the LSGs is determined by com-

bining the effect of activity pattern which is already

explained in chapter 10 and the zones which are de-

rived from the development concept and real to ground

scenario. The activity pattern of the district shows that

there exist five major zones which are urban activity,

agricultural activity non detrimental to forests, primary

activity, secondary activity and agricultural & allied ac-

tivity. Based on the development concept, Thrissur dis-

trict is divided into eight zones which are already de-

scribed above. The various activities in each zone are

also well explained. By considering both the activities

of development zones & the activity pattern of district,

it is seen that there is not much difference in the func-

tion of a LSGs.

There are seven major classifications are done

for determining the function of a LSGs. There are as

Fig 14.10 Funtion of settlement

172



follows

1. Tertiary activity which is similar to urban activity

area

2. Primary activity

3. Primary activity – Agricultural

4. Primary activity – Plantation

5. Agricultural activity non detrimental to forests

6. Agricultural activity + Animal Husbandry activity

which is similar to agricultural & allied activity

7. Agricultural activity + Animal Husbandry activity

+ Small scale industrial activity which is similar to

secondary activity area.

The major functions of each LSGs in the district is

shown in figure 14.10.

14.8 PROJECTION OF POPULATION

Population growth of an area depends on num-

bers of births, death, in migrants and out migrants over

a time period taken for the population projection. If

one can predict the exact future values of all these fac-

tors, population projection of that area can be done

very accurately.

Thrissur district shows an increasing trend in the

population figures during the period 1981-2001. But at

the same time the growth rate of population is decreas-

ing during 1981-2001. The spatial development plan of

Thrissur district envisage the planned sustainable de-

velopment of Thrissur district with optimum utilization

of resources, planned diversification of economic ac-

tivities to trigger the local economic growth, genera-

tion of better opportunities, balanced development,

equitable spatial distribution of facilities and thus to

improve the quality of life. The development goal also

envisage to develop the district as an eco-friendly and

economically vibrant region in the state. Obliviously

the programs and projects developed and imple-

mented based on this planning concept will attract more

population to the district in terms of creation of new

and better paid employment opportunities, access to

facilities and so forth. Hence the main intention of the

spatial development plan of Thrissur district is regen-

erate the declining trend of the growth rate of popula-

tion through the maximum optimal utilization of re-

sources available in the district and developing the pro-

duction sector along with other sectors such as animal

husbandry, industrial and tourism etc as one of major

the economic bases of the district. At the same time

this will not interfere with the protection of natural

resources and environmental sensitive areas. Mani-

festly, optimum utilization of the resources in the Dis-

trict will have reflection in the future occupational struc-

ture and future population of the District.

From the development concept, Thrissur district

is divided into eight development zones. They are as

follows

1. Environmental Concern Zone.

2. Intensive Agricultural Zone

3. Economic Development Corridor (EDC)

4. Accelerated growth zone - Industrial

5. Accelerated growth zone - Institutional

6. Accelerated growth zone - Marine

7. Multifunctional zone I

8. Multifunctional zone II

Each development zone has its own develop-

ment potential and this has to be taken into account in

ascertaining the future occupational structure, popula-

tion and its distribution within the district. Another fac-

tor to be considered in the projection of occupational

structure and population distribution is the projected

urban scenario of the District. The urban population

content of Thrissur District will increase to 29.8% by

2021 from the value of 18.13% in 2001. It is projected

that 11 rural LSGs, will attain urban status by the end of

the plan period. The population in the district is to be

so redistributed (to the possible extent) that it has more

concentration in multifunctional zones, accelerated

growth zone and economic development corridor, less

concentration in intensive agricultural zone and lest in

environmental concern zone.

The nature of the each development zone and

173



how they make impressions on the occupational struc-

ture and population growth rate is discussed hereun-

der.

Environmental concern zone includes the natu-

ral forests, environmentally sensitive ‘kole’ lands, the

coastal zone and inland water bodies of the district. In

Thrissur district the environmental sensitive areas are

more concentrated in the eastern region where forest

is more concentrated. Any activity that causes defores-

tation shall not be permitted in this area. Agriculture

and allied activity non detrimental to forests can be

promoted as supporting activity in this zone while de-

forestation, wet land reclamation, industrialization,

urbanisation etc will be restricted here. Hence an en-

hanced growth in population and work force is not ex-

pected in this zone. Only natural growth in population

and slight increase in agricultural work force can be

expected.

Intensive agricultural zone is suitable for the in-

tensive cultivation of crops like Paddy, Coconut,

Arecanut, Nutmeg, Plantain, Banana etc. and also for

agro based industries like food processing units, coir

industry etc. In this zone providing agricultural infra-

structure like wholesale markets, seed centers, ware-

housing facilities etc for supporting the agriculture ac-

tivities shall be given priority. This zone is also suitable

for promoting animal husbandry related activities,

servise sector activities which support primary sector

key activities envisaged in this zone and industrial ac-

tivities (mainly small scale) which enhance the value

addition of the production from this zone. This will bring

more cultivators and agricultural laborers into this zone.

Consequently there will be increase in growth rate of

population in this zone along with increase in agricul-

tural workers. The increase in the workforce will mainly

be in primary sector- i.e. agriculture sector. However

the growth of the population in this zone is limited to

the extent that the attraction of further population to

this zone is enhanced only after satisfying the demands

of the present population and its natural growth in this

zone. Hence a population growth rate slightly higher

than the natural growth rate can be envisaged in this

zone.

Economic development corridor has profound

implication in terms of good transportation linkages

with sea port, airport, nearest urban centre etc. This

zone has got wide influence region in terms of employ-

ment generated, raw resources utilized and products

marketed. For that reasons we can expect floating

population for a period of time. Also it is located near

the intensive agricultural zone and accelerated growth

zone and also it is well connected to multifunction

zones. More over this zone is mainly to provide infra-

structure and other facilities so as to generate devel-

opment impulses to the scale and as such is not sup-

posed to create high density residential population. It

is perceived that the major chunk of floating popula-

tion in this zone may likely to settle in the hinterland as

well as nearby urban centers within and outside the

district. So we can expect a slight enhancement in the

population. Also an increase in service sector workers

and industrial workers.

Accelerated growth zone (Industrial) should en-

hance the small scale and house hold industrial activi-

ties which support value addition of agriculture, fish-

eries and marine products. This zone can also accom-

modate supporting industries which enhance the in-

dustrial activity in the Economic Development Corri-

dor. Secondary workers are more concentrated in that

area, so we can expect high enhanced growth rate of

population.

Accelerated growth zone (Institutional) should

enhance the social infrastructure facilities including

hospitals, health institutions and educational facilities.

The zone is located near to the Intensive Agricultural

zone, so agro based industries can be promoted, to a

certain extent in this zone. Here also we can expect a

slight enhanced growth. Also service sectoral workers

are more concentrated in that area.

Accelerated growth zone (Marine) zone is located

174



in the coastal region of Thrissur district. This zone pro-

motes service sector activities and industrial sector

which enhance the fisheries and allied activities. The

zone has immense potential with House Hold Indus-

trial activities in connection with fisheries, marine al-

lied activities and also tourism potential. So we can

expect high enhanced growth in this zone. The main

work participation rate contributed from House Hold

and Service sectors.

The multifunction zones where urban activities

including higher order educational, health care facili-

ties and transportation network copping up with the

requirements are available. This zone will act as a ser-

vice centre for the entire district. For that reason we

can expect a high enhanced growth in this region and

the tertiary workers are more concentrated in that area.

The effect of growth rate of population and oc-

Table 14.1: Zone wise impact on population growth rate and occupation structure

cupational structure in each development zone is sum-

marized in table 14.1.

14.8.1 Projection of decadal population growthrate

Decadal growth rate of population of Thrissur dis-

trict is 8.66% as per 2001 census which is less than the

average growth rate of 9.42% of the State. Trend based

population projection is explained in chapter 3 by two

methods namely decreasing rate method and appor-

tionment method. The projected total population in

2011 and 2021 is taken as average of these two values

obtained in the above two methods.

The population growth rate of 2011 and 2021 is

given in the table 14.2. From the table, it is clear that the

growth rate is 6.03% during 2001- 2011 and 4.21% during

2011- 2021. The average figure of 5% can be assumed as

the lower limit of the accelerated population growth

No Zone Impact on population growth Impact on occupational structure

1 Environmental concern zone Only natural growth Slight increase in cultivators &

agricultural labourers

2 Intensive agricultural zone Enhanced growth Increase in cultivators & agricultural

labourers

3 Economic Development Corridor

(EDC)

moderate Enhanced growth Increase in industrial & service sector

workers

4 Acceleratedgrowth zone - Industrial Highenhancedgrowth Increase in secondary workers &

industrial workers

5 Accelerated growth zone -Institutional

SlightEnhanced growth Increase in industrial & service sector

workers

6 Acceleratedgrowth zone - Marine Highenhancedgrowth Increase inHH & service sector workers

7 Multifunctional zone I Highenhancedgrowth Increase intertiary workers

8 Multifunctional zone II Highenhancedgrowth Increase intertiary workers

175



rate during the plan period, assuming that the induced

development will push up the population growth rate

above the trend based projected value.

The temporal variation of the population growth

rate of the district as well as that of state shows a de-

clining trend. So the future accelerated population

growth rate of the district should be less than the cur-

Table 14.2: Population growth rate – Projected (Trend Based)

rent population growth rate of 8.66%. It can be assumed

that the accelerated future population growth rate of

Thrissur will be between 5% and 8.66%. The actual value

of population growth rate depends on the extent of

area and the population comes under various zones.

The zone wise population and area (2001) is shown in

Table 14.3.

From the table, the agriculture zone shows both

the maximum percentage of population (28.56%) and

area (44.71%) where we are expecting a slight enhanced

growth above the natural growth rate. In the economic

development corridor we consider the Thrissur –

Ernakulam (NH-47) and Thrissur – Irinjalkkuda –

Kodungallur – Paravur – Ernakulam (SH-22 & NH -17)

corridors. The areas of some localbodies are not com-

pletely included in this zone. But the effect of influ-

ence due to this zone is fully covered by that LSGs. For

getting more clarified picture about the influence of

the development due to this zone, we take the entire

area and population of these LSGs in this zone. The same

is also done in the case of accelerated growth zones.

The percentage of area of Economic Development Cor-

ridor (EDC) is only 13.05% and it shows 15.67% popula-

tion where we expect slight enhanced growth. In the

similar manner we can expect slight enhanced growth

in Accelerated growth zone – Institutional where the

area (5.48%) of zone is very less and the population

(7.64%) corresponding to area is high. In Multifunction

zones where we expect high enhanced growth, nearly

20% population is distributed in only 7% area of the

district which clearly indicates the multifunctional de-

velopment potential of that zone in various sectors.

As a whole 96% population is distributed in 85% of area

of the district where we expect enhanced growth.

Year Total population Population Growth rate

1971 2,128,877

1981 2,439,633 14.6

1991 2,737,311 12.2

2001 2,974,232 8.66

2011 3,153,564 6.03

2021 3,286,439 4.21

176



Table 14.3: Zone wise population and area (2001)

It is clear that most of the population is distrib-

uted in the zones where enhanced growth is anticipated

as per the development concept. Thus the population

growth rate for these zones will be near to the upper

limit of the deduced population growth rate range of 5

- 8.66. The actual value of population growth rate, in

between 5% and 8.66%, depends mainly on the migra-

tion pattern of population due to the development sce-

nario visualized in the development concept assuming

birth rate and death follows the same pattern of the

yester years.

Population 2021= Population 2001+ {Birth – Death

+ In migration – Out migration} during two decades.

i.e., Population 2021= Population 2001+ (Population

2001 x future birth rate) - (Population in 2001 x future

Death Rate) + (Future in migrants) - (Future out mi-

grants)

In order to ascertain the migration trend in fu-

ture, the existing scenario of migration (from 1991-2001)

is to be known. This is calculated hereunder.

The average annual birth rate and death rate in

2001 in Thrissur District are 18.51 and 7.34 respectively

for 1000 population. [Source of Data: Vital Statistics

Bulletin 2001, Directorate of Economics and Statistics,

Thiruvananthapuram]. This implies that the natural

growth rate for the period 1991-2001 will be 18.51 –

7.34 = 11.17 %.

Projected population of 2001, taking into account

the natural growth component alone is (Population in

1991 as per census is 2737311)

Population of 2001 =2737311+ 0.1117 x

2737311=3043069

But as per 2001 census, Population of District in

2001 is 2974232 which take into account the total num-

ber of births, deaths, in migration and out migration

taken place in the district during 1991-2001 periods. The

difference between the two population figures ac-

No Zone Impact on population

growth

Total Population

2001

% of Population

w.r.t district

Total Area % of Area w.r.t

District

1 Environmental concern zone Only natural growth 105188 3.54430.28 14.16

2 Intensive agriculturalzone Enhanced growth 849296 28.56

1358.78 44.71

3 Economic Development Corridor

(EDC)

Moderate Enhanced

growth

465897 15.67

396.64 13.05

4 Accelerated growth zone -

Industrial

High enhanced growth 296892

9.98 230.05 7.57


Slight Enhanced growth 227085

7.64 166.44 5.48

6 Accelerated growth zone - Marine High enhanced

growth

473733

15.93 244.34 8.04

7 Multifunctional zone I High enhanced growth 317526

10.68 101.42 3.34

8 Multifunctional zone II High enhanced growth 238407

8.02 111.02 3.65

177



counts for the net migration which has taken place dur-

ing this period.

The difference is negative (i.e. 2974232-3043069=

-68837), indicating that there is out migration during

the period 1991-2001. Percentage wise, it is 2.5% of the

total population of 1991.

As per the Development Concept, 90% of the

population of the district lives in the zones of enhanced

growth rate. Hence, a reversal in the above trend is

expected. Instead of the net migration being out mi-

gration at present, in migration is expected. There is all

the probability that the net migration will become zero

by the end of the plan period. This means that, during

the plan period, there will be in migration of 68837 per-

sons. It is 2.3% of the total population of district in 2001.

The trend based growth rate of population in

2011- 2021 decade will be 4.21% shown in table14.2.

The assumption is that the existing trend in birth rate,

death rate and migration will continue. But the Devel-

opment Plan visualizes a change in pattern of migra-

tion as discussed above. By taking this into account the

future population growth is calculated as follows.

Adding the net percentage of migrants to the

trend based decadal growth rate of population in 2021,

expected population growth rate (accelerated growth)

in 2021 comes to be 6.51% (4.21+2.3). (ie within the

range of 5 - 8.66 and towards the upper side of the

range). The population growth rate during 2001-2011 is

interpolated as 7.5%. The projected population growth

rates (induced) are shown in Table 14.4 and Figure 14.11.

14.8.2. DISTRIBUTION OF PROJECTED POPULATIONAMONG THE DEVELOPMENT ZONES.

The projected population is distributed in vari-

ous zones by considering the following factors.

1. Existing population growth rate

2. The trend based projected population growth

rate

3. The type of development in each zone as per

development concept

Considering the growth rate scenario of the dis-

trict, it shows a declining trend during 1981- 2001. The

population growth rate is more concentrated in the mid

– up land and coastal region in 1991 and in 2001 the

growth rate is more concentrated in mid land region

only. The decadal growth rate of various zones is shown

in table 14.5. From the table it is clear that the growth

Table 14.4: Projected growth rate (Induced) – 2021 of the district

rate of Multifunction zone I is 8.38% in 2001 and it shows

decreasing trend in future. But the percentage of de-

crease is not too large. But considering the Multifunc-

tion zone II, the growth rate is decreased to 1.55% from

5.87% where we have to enhance the population growth

rate to some extent as per development concept. This

may be due to the fact that the percentage of decrease

in growth rate is high in the previous decades. But some

of the LSGs cover the Multifunction zone II is raised to

urban criteria in future, so it will help to increase the

growth rate in that region. Thus we can expect a high

enhanced growth rate in that region. As a whole, the

LSGs cover the multifunction zones show a positive

trend in the growth rate which implies the future de-

velopment in that zone.

As per the development concept, various activi-

Year 1991 2001 2011 2021

G.R 12.2 8.66 7.5 6.51

178



Fig 14.11 Projected growth rate (Induced) of the district

Table 14.5: zone wise growth rate –Trend based

No Zone Impact on

population growth

Decadal G.R 1991-

2001

Trend based decadal G.R

2021

1 Environmental concern

zone

Only natural growth

9.02 4.05

2 Intensive agricultural zone Enhanced growth

9.73 4.98

3 Economic Development

Corridor (EDC)

Moderate

Enhanced growth

8.60 4.07


Industrial

High enhanced

growth 10.58 4.83


Slight Enhanced

growth 12.39 7.59


Marine

High enhanced

growth 5.52 0.72

7 Multifunctional zone I High enhanced

growth 8.38 5.65

8 Multifunctional zone II High enhanced

growth 5.87 1.55

179



ties which contributing the development is limited to

some extent in Environmental concern zone due to prior

importance given to the protection of natural resources

and environment sensitive area. So we can expect only

natural growth of population in the zone. The growth

rate of environmental concern zone in 2001 is 9.02%

which is comes to the fourth place when considering

the growth rate in various zones. The high value of

growth rate is due to the positive growth rate shown by

the some Grama Panchayat which cover the zone where

plantation related primary activity are predominant.

Considering the trend, it is reduced to 4.05% in 2021.

The growth rate of intensive agricultural zone is

9.73 in 1991-2001. But considering the trend of the popu-

lation growth rate of LSGs included in that zone, it show

high decreasing trend. Based on that the projected

population growth rates become 4.98% in 2021. In view

of envisaged intensive agricultural activity and allied

activities in this zone, we have to enhance the growth

rate of that zone to some extent for the future devel-

opment through agriculture sector. However a high

growth rate of population is not expected in this zone.

In similar manner the growth rate of accelerated

growth zone – Marine (5.52%) is also show the high

decreasing trend. This is due to the fact that the popu-

lation growth rate of coastal region during the period

1981-1991 comes in the range 15-20% which shows the

strength of the economic base once existed in there

and when comes in 1991-2001, growth rate of popula-

tion in coastal region is decreased in the range 5 – 10%.

But as per development concept, this zone is promoted

for service sector and industrial sector activities which

enhance the fisheries and allied activities and utilizing

the potential of coastal line. Also we can promote eco

friendly tourism. Hence we have to enhance the popu-

lation growth rate in the zone to achieve the develop-

ment through a strong economic base.

The growth rates of accelerated growth zone –

Institutional show high growth rate (12.39%) in 2001.The

trend based growth rate in 2021 is 7.59% and it show

slight decreasing trend. The high value of growth rate

of population in 2001 clearly indicates the development

of that area through service activities. The same pat-

tern is also seen in the case of accelerated growth zone

– Industrial and Economic Development Corridor (EDC).

The growth rates of accelerated growth zone – Indus-

trial and Economic Development Corridor (EDC) are

10.58% and 8.60% respectively in 2001. And it is reduced

to 4.83% and 4.07 respectively in 2021. As per develop-

ment concept also, we expect enhancement in the

growth rate of these zones to utilize the potential of

urban activities.

We have to calculate the induced growth rate of

2021 by considering the impact on population growth

rate derived based on development concept, growth

rate of 1991-2001 periods and trend based decadal

growth rate 2021. Considering the environmental con-

cern zone, where the trend based growth rate in 2021 is

4.05%. As per the development concept, various activi-

ties which contributing the development is limited to

some extent in Environmental concern zone due to prior

importance given to the protection of natural resources

and environment sensitive area. Hence the trend based

growth rate of 4.05% in 2021 will remain in that zone.

We are not providing any enhancement of population

in that area.

In the case of intensive agricultural zone, the

growth rate in 2001 is 9.73% and in 2021 it is reduced to

4.98%. But as per development concept, we provide

enhanced growth in that zone. The induced growth rate

of intensive agricultural zone in 2021 will be less than

9.73% and more than 4.98%. It is assumed that an aver-

age growth rate of 6% which is slightly less than aver-

age of the above two values (9.73% and 4.98%) will at-

tain within two decades.

In the case of economic development corridor

(EDC), the growth rate in 2001 is 8.6% and in 2021 it is

reduced to 4.07%. But as per development concept, we

provide moderate enhanced growth in that zone. The

induced growth rate of EDC in 2021 will be less than

180



8.6% and more than 4.07%. It is assumed that an aver-

age growth rate of 7% which is slightly more than aver-

age of the above two values (8.6% and 4.07%) will at-

tain within two decades.

In the case of Accelerated growth zone - Indus-

trial, the growth rate in 2001 is 10.58% and in 2021 it is


provide high enhanced growth in this zone. The induced

growth rate of Accelerated growth zone - Industrial in

2021 will in the range 4.83-10.58. Due to the high en-

hanced growth, it is assumed an average growth rate of

10.58% which is the upper limit of the range will attain

within two decades.

In the case of Accelerated growth zone - Institu-

tional, the growth rate in 2001 is 12.39% and in 2021 it is


provide slight enhanced growth in this zone. Consider-

ing the fact of enhancement in growth rate, the induced

growth rate of Accelerated growth zone - Institutional

in 2021 will be less than 12.39% and more than 7.59%. It

is assumed that an average growth rate of 9.3% which is

slightly less than average of the above two values

(9.73% and 4.98%) will attain within two decades.

In the case of Accelerated growth zone – Marine

and Multifunctional zones, we are expecting high en-

hanced growth rate in 2021. Due to the high enhanced

growth, it is assumed an average growth rate of 5.52%,

8.38% and 5.87% which is the upper limit of the range in

each zone will attain within two decades in Acceler-

ated growth zone – Marine, Multifunction zone I and

Multifunction zone II respectively.

Table 14.6: Zone wise induced growth rate


growth

Decadal G.R

1991-2001

Trend based decadal

growth rate 2021

Range of Induced

growth rate –

Projected

Average Induced

growth rate 2021–

Projected

1 Environmentalconcern zone Only natural growth

9.02 4.05 4.05

4.05

2 Intensive agricultural zone Enhanced growth

9.73 4.98 9.73 – 4.98

6


Corridor (EDC)

Moderate Enhanced

growth

8.60 4.07 8.6 – 4.07

7


Industrial

High enhanced growth

10.58 4.83 10.58 – 4.83

10.58


Slight Enhanced growth

12.39 7.59 12.39 – 7.59

9.3


Marine

High enhanced

growth

5.52 0.72 5.52 – 0.72

5.52

7 Multifunctional zone I High enhanced growth

8.38 5.65 8.38

8.38

8 Multifunctionalzone II High enhanced growth

5.87 1.55 5.87

5.87

181



The trend based population growth rate and av-

erage induced population growth rate is calculated zone

wise and it is given in Table 14.6.

The table 14.6 gives the average growth rate of

each zone which will attain within two decades. And it

is well explained that the induced growth rate of dis-

trict in 2011 and 2021 is 7.5% and 6.51% respectively. By

incorporating the above facts, the average growth rate

of each zone can be extrapolated to growth rate for the

period 2001-11 & 2011-2021. And it is given in table 14.7.

Zone wise population based on the projected in-

duced growth rate is shown in Table 14.8.

The change in scenario of the population distri-

bution within district due to projected population is

depicted by the change in zone wise percentage of

population. It is shown in Table 14.9. From the table it is

clear that the percentage of population does not show

Table 14.7: Zone wise population in 2021


growth

Average Induced

growth rate 2021–

Projected

Induced growth

rate 2001-2011

Induced growth

rate 2011-2021

1 Environmentalconcern zone Only natural growth 4.05

5.50 4.05

2 Intensive agriculturalzone Enhanced growth 6

6.50 5.50


Corridor(EDC)

Moderate Enhanced

growth

7

7.50 6.50


Industrial

High enhanced growth 10.58

11.08 10.08


Slight Enhanced

growth

9.3

9.80 8.80


Marine

High enhanced

growth

5.52

6.02 5.02

7 Multifunctional zone I High enhanced growth 8.38

8.88 7.88

8 Multifunctional zone II High enhanced growth 5.87

6.37 5.37

182



Table 14.8: Zone wise population based on projected induced growth rate

Table 14.9: Percentage of population in 2001& 2021

much variation in the zones. It is slightly increasing in

Multifunction zones, and some accelerated growth

zones. And it is decreasing in environmental concern

zones and intensive agricultural zone.

183



Consider the percentage of increase in popula-

tion density for getting clearer picture about the pro-

jected population which is given in each zone. The popu-

lation density of various zones is given in table 14.10.

Considering the percentage of increase in population

density, it is seen that the percentage of increase is

maximum in Accelerated growth zone – Industrial

(22.28%) and the percentage of increase is least in En-

vironmental concern zone (9.77%). The percentage of

increase is more than 15% in Accelerated growth zone

– Industrial (22.28%), Multifunctional zone I (17.46%)

and Accelerated growth zone - Institutional (19.46%).

The percentage of increase is more than 10% in the rest

of the zones except Environmental concern zone

(9.77%). The Population density variation is shown in

figure 14.12. This shows a population distribution sup-

ports with the development concept.

Table 14.10: Population Density – Zone wise

184



Fig 14.12 Zone wise Population Density

14.8.2.1 Distribution of projected populationamong LSGs

The LSGs wise distribution of growth rate of

population in 2021 based on the trend wise analysis is

shown in figure14.13.

Figure 14.13 G.R of population 2021-trend based

From the figure it is clear that growth rate is more

concentrated in the central region and mid upland area

of the district. It covers the multifunction zone I and

accelerated growth zones. There are four LSGs

(Mattathur Grama Panchayat, Melur Grama Panchayat,

Kolazhi Grama Panchayat, Anthikkad Grama Panchayat)

185



showing growth rate more than 15. Nine LSGs showing

growth rate in the range 10-15 and ten LSGs are in the

range 5-10. The rest of the LSGs (76 in no) showing

growth rate less than 5. In the intensive agriculture zone

and accelerated growth zone marine are having growth

rate less than 5. The growth rate of Multifunction zone

II also showing less growth rate in the trend based analy-

sis. Out of 99 LSGs in the district, 76 LSGs having growth

rate less than 5 which cover the agricultural zone and

accelerated growth zone (Marine) and some industrial

zone area.

The LSGs wise distribution of growth rate of popu-

lation in 2021 based on induced growth rate analysis is

shown in figure 14.14. From the figure it is clear that

growth rate is more concentrated in the central region,

mid upland area and some coastal regions of the dis-

trict. In the trend wise analysis, only four LSGs are hav-

ing growth rate more than 15. But when the growth

rate is accelerated there are seven LSGs come in the

range more than 15 and all are located near the Multi-

function zones. Eight LSGs showing growth rate in the

range 10-15 which are in the accelerated growth zones.

In the trend wise analysis, only ten LSGs are having

growth rate in the range 5-10 and it is increased to 39

LSGs while considering the induced projected growth

rate. The rest of 45 LSGs show a growth rate less than 5.

14.9. PROJECTION OF WORK FORCE

The analysis of the occupational structure of the

District (Chapter 4) shows a very alarming situation

about the economic base of the district. The produc-

tion sectors including agriculture shows declining trend

in the district. Meanwhile service sector shows growth

both in urban and rural areas. The occupational struc-

ture also reveals that the secondary sector also takes a

determinant role in the district’s economy. More than

50% of the population depends on the service / sec-

ondary sector for their lively hood. It is observed that

Figure 14.14 G.R of population 2021-Accelerated

186



rural areas of the district are slowly withdrawing from

primary sector and started depending more on the ser-

vice sector. The boundary distinguishing the character

of rural and urban areas is narrowing down. It is clear

that primary workers are more concentrated in high land

region and some mid land LSGS. Secondary workers are

concentrated in the mid land region and some coastal

LSGS and the tertiary workers are more concentrated in

and around the urban areas.

The existing trend of work participation rate and

existing occupational structure of the District are ana-

lyzed in Chapter 4. The existing work participation and

occupational structure is shown in Figure 14.15 and Fig-

ure 14.16 respectively.

Fig 14.15: Work participation rate (Existing)

Fig 14.16: Occupational Structure (Existing)

187



The Work Participation Rate (WPR) of Thrissur

District from 1981 to 2001 is shown in figure 14.15. WPR

is increased by 8.40 % from 1981 to 2001. If the same

trend is continued, work participation rate at the end

of the plan period (2021) will be about 33.26. (Figure

14.17).

But the proposed developments (as per devel-

opment concept) will open up new avenues of employ-

ment and consequently there will be enhanced work

participation rate. Just like in the case of population

projection, the trend based projected WPR can be taken

as the lower limit of the work participation rate at the

end of the plan period, on the assumption that the ac-

celerated WPR will be higher than this.

The work participation rate of Kerala is 32% as

per 2001 census. As per census 2001, the work partici-

pation rate of Idukki district is maximum (43%) and

Malappuram district has the lowest work participation

rate (24%). The work participation rate of Thrissur Dis-

trict is equals to that of the state (ie 32%) in 2001). That

means, out of the total population of 29.74 lakhs, 9.55

lakhs are workers.

As per the likely impact in the occupational struc-

ture due to future developments (Table 14.11), increase

in work force is expected in 7 out of the 8 development

zones. This will surely increase the WPR significantly

well above the trend based projected WPR of 33.26%.

It is accepted that a WPR of 40% indicates a well off

society as far as the job opportunities are concerned.

The present WPR of Thrissur District is only 32.12% and

attaining a WPR of 40% by two decades is very difficult.

The WPR of the surrounding Districts shows (Figure

14.18) a maximum value of 34% (in Palakkad and

Ernakulam District). The WPR of the State as per 2001

Fig 14.17 projected WPR – Trend based

Table 14.11 Projection of WPR –Thrissur District

188



Fig 14.18: WPR of Districts surrounding to Thrissur

census is only 32.3%. Considering all these a WPR of

36% is targeted (2.74% above the lower limit of 33.26%)

as the WPR for future population of Thrissur District.

The projected WPR of the District is given in Table

14.11 and Figure 14.19 by assuming a uniform increase

in the WPR.

14.9.1 Zone wise distribution of WPR

Zone wise distribution of WPR based on 2001 cen-

sus data is shown in Table 14.12.

Fig 14.19: Projection of WPR –Thrissur District

189



Table 14.12: Zone wise WPR - 2001

The existing scenario of WPR shows that WPR is

more in the environmental concern zone (33.72) and

least in the Accelerated growth zone-Marine (26.92).

Intensive agricultural zone also shows WPR greater than

multifunction zone and Accelerated growth zones.

The environmental concern zone is rural in na-

ture and primary workers are more concentrated in that

region. But the primary activity non detrimental to na-

ture is only allowed in that region as per the develop-

ment concept. As per the present scenario, WPR is high-

est in that zone. But we cannot provide a high WPR

considering the development concept derived and in

view of environmental and economical sustainability

of a region.

WPR of Economic Development Corridor (EDC) is

slightly more than intensive agricultural zone. The ser-

vice activities are mainly concentrated in Economic

Development Corridor (EDC). So we can expect a high

WPR as per development concept in that zone.

Consider the Multifunction zone I and Acceler-

ated growth zones, they have WPR less than even in-

tensive agricultural zone. From the analysis of occupa-

tional structure, it is very clear that WPR of the urban

area is equal to that of the rural area indicates a uni-

form picture about the number of job opportunities

created in urban and rural areas against the popular

belief that urban area creates more job opportunities.

This trend has to be changed in such a way that urban

area creates more job opportunities. Otherwise it will

affect the environmental and economical sustainability

of a region. There will be migration of people from ur-

ban to rural areas resulting in the possible destruction

of the resources like agricultural area, water bodies and

environmentally sensitive areas in the rural area for

residential purpose and thus destroying the economic

base of the District.

Table 14.13 shows the combined average WPR -

zone wise of the District. In this Accelerated growth

190



zone – Industrial, Accelerated growth zone – Institu-

tional, Accelerated growth zone – Marine, are taken as

a single one. Similar manner Multifunction zones and

Economic Development Corridor (EDC) are considered

as single unit.

Table 14.13 The combined average WPR - zone wise

‘Selective concentration of urban and rural eco-

nomic activities and diversification of the economic

base through interventions in production sectors to

prevent the dilution of economic base of rural and ur-

ban areas’ is one of the development objectives of the

Development Plan. Another objective is to protect the

environmentally sensitive areas of the District. These

two objectives will have a direct bearing in the deter-

mination of future economic base and in turn future

WPR and spatial distribution of work force.

Considering the environmental concern zone,

the WPR of 2001 is 33.72. We will not provide a high

WPR as per development concept. The range of WPR in

2021 is fixed between 33.72 and 36 which is the pro-

jected WPR of District in 2021 as per development con-

cept. And also the value of WPR should be least in this

zone considering other zones. Hence it is assumed a

value of WPR which is less than the average of the range

is taken (34%). The value of WPR should be least in this

zone considering other zones.

In the case of Intensive Agricultural Zone, the

WPR in 2001 is 33.28 and as per development concept

we provide increase in cultivators & agricultural

labourers. Hence the range of WPR in 2021 will be more

than 33.28 but less than 36 (District WPR). Also the value

of WPR in 2021 should be more than that of environ-

mental concern zone. It is assumed that average of 33.28

& 36 is taken as WPR in 2021 (34.64%).

The WPR of Economic Development Corridor

(EDC) in 2001 is 33.34%. As per development concept

we expect increase in industrial & service sector work-

ers. Considering the increase of workers, the WPR in

2021 will be lies in the range 33.34-36. But the zone is

influenced by Ernakulam which is the commercial and

industrial hub of the state and good transportation link-

ages. Hence the WPR in 2021 may be more than the

range due to the development through Thrissur-

Ernakulam corridor (NH-47). It is assumed that WPR of

EDC in 2021 will be 37 which is more than the range

(33.34-36).

In the case of Accelerated growth zone – Indus-

trial, the value of WPR in 2001 is 32.44 and as per devel-

opment concept we expect high increase in secondary

workers & industrial workers. Hence the range of WPR

in 2021 will be taken as between 32.44 & 36. This zone

can also accommodate supporting industries which

191



enhance the industrial activity in the Economic Devel-

opment Corridor. Considering this fact, the value of

WPR in 2021in this zone will be more than the range

and also more than the WPR of EDC in 2021. It is as-

sumed that a value of WPR of 38 will attain in this zone

within the two decades.

The WPR of Accelerated growth zone – Institu-

tional in 2001 is 33.07. As per development concept, we

can expect an increase in industrial & service sector

workers in the zone. The value of WPR in 2021 will be

lies in the range 33.07-36. The various activities of the

zone is influenced by the urban centres (Multifunction

zones), EDC and Accelerated growth zone – Industrial.

Hence it is assumed a value of WPR of 36 (upper limit of

range) which is less than the WPR of EDC and Acceler-

ated growth zone – Industrial and more than Intensive

Agricultural Zone will be attain in 2021.

The WPR of Accelerated growth zone – Marine in

2001 is 26.92 which is least WPR compared to other

zones. As per development concept, we can expect an

increase in House hold & service sector workers in the

zone. The value of WPR in 2021 will be lies in the range

26.92-36. Hence it is assumed a value of WPR of 34 which

is more than the average of the range will attain in 2021.

The value of WPR in 2001 is 32.51 and 33.38 in

Multifunction zone I & Multifunction zone II respec-

tively. As per development concept, we expect increase

in tertiary workers in that zone. The value of WPR is

more than the district average (36) due to the special

development through multifunctional activities created

as per development concept. Hence we expect the

value of WPR of 39 which is the highest value of WPR

compared to other zones will attain in Multifunction

zone I in 2021. Similarly the WPR of Multifunction zone

II will be 38 which is more than District average and less

than that of Multifunction zone I (39).

Based on this combined average WPR - zone wise

of the District is projected and it is shown in table 14.14

Table 14.14 – Projected WPR - zone wise

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The total number workers projected based on

the projected WPR is given in table 14.15.

14.9.2 MAIN WORKERS

Main workers (projected) are calculated from the

total workers (projected) based on the main to mar-

Table 14.15 Total Workers projected - 2021

ginal workers ratio deduced from the previous decades

data (Table 14.16)

The zone wise main workers are calculated from

the total workers, taking in to account the main to mar-

ginal workers ratio. It is shown in Table 14.17.

Table 14.16 Main to Marginal Workers ratio

Zone WPR 2021 ‐

Projected

Population

2021

Total Workers 2021 ‐

Projected

Environmental Concern Zone 34115468 39259

Intensive Agricultural Zone 34.64954248 330551

Economic Development Corridor (EDC) 37533394 197356

Accelerated growth zone - Industrial 38363030 137951

Accelerated growth zone - Institutional 36271281 97661

Accelerated growth zone - Marine 36527465 179338

Multifunctional zone I 39372965 145456

Multifunctional zone II 38267211 101540

Year 1981 1991 2001

Total workers 722,784 874,806 955,300

Total Main workers 648,825 804,738 808,965Total Marginal

workers 73,959 70,068 146,335Main -marginal

ration 8.7728 11.4851 5.5282

Average ratio 8.60

193



Table 14.17: Zone wise main workers - Projected

14.9.3 PROJECTED OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE

The occupational structure of an area is deter-

mined by the constituent category of workers in the

area. Existing zone wise (2001) occupational structure

(based on main workers) existing is shown in Table

14.18.

Table 14.18 Existing occupational structure - 2001

Zone Total Workers 2021 ‐

Projected

Main Workers – 2021 ‐

Projected

Environmental Concern Zone 39259 35168

Intensive Agricultural Zone 330551 296110

Economic Development Corridor (EDC) 197356 176808

Accelerated growth zone - Industrial 137951 123585

Accelerated growth zone - Institutional97661 87485

Accelerated growth zone - Marine179338 160662


Multifunctional zone II 101540 90962

Zone Total Workers

2001

Main Workers –

2001

CultivatorsAgricultural Labourers

HH Industry Workers

Other Workers

Environmental Concern Zone 35472 29313 1899 2558.5 1051.5 23804Intensive Agricultural Zone 282661 236271 18711 38301.5 10757.5 168501Economic Development Corridor (EDC)

155340 129953 10616 13763 4934 100640Accelerated growth zone - Industrial 96302 80856 4402 6981 4500 64973Accelerated growth zone - Institutional 75105 64621 3382 5703 3369 52167Accelerated growth zone - Marine 127547 104514 2258 2935 8602 90719Multifunctional zone I 103234 94924 469 1222 3201 90032Multifunctional zone II

79576 68458 607 1498 3527 62826

194



While calculating the future occupational struc-

ture of an area, the category of workers and their num-

ber in future is to be known. This in turn requires the

knowledge of the type of future development activi-

ties likely to happen in that area. The development

concept is an indication of it.

Table 14.19 : Zone wise Area & Population

Table 14.19 shows that intensive agricultural zone

constitute about 44.71 % of the total area of the District

and that this area accommodates 28.02 % of the total

population of District. This is a reflection of the thrust

given to agriculture and allied activities in the devel-

opment concept of the district.

The projected occupation structure of the district

is mainly based on the development concept derived

and projected population which is already explained.

As per development concept, we expect slight increase

in cultivators & agricultural labourers in Environmental

concern zone and high increase in cultivators & agricul-

tural labourers is expected in Intensive agricultural

zone. In 2001, the percentage of cultivators and

agricutural labourers in environmental concern zone is

6.48% and 8.73% respectively. The percentage of culti-

vators and agricutural labourers is increased to 7.5%

and 10% respectively in 2021. Similarly the percentage

of cultivators and agricutural labourers in environmen-

tal concern zone is increased to 16% and 32% in 2021

from the current values of 7.92% and 16.21% (2001 cen-

sus) respectively. Only a marginal increase in house

hold, industrial worker and other workers are expected

in these zones.

In the case of Economic Development Corridor

(EDC), Accelerated growth zone – Industrial, Acceler-

ated growth zone – Institutional and Accelerated

growth zone – Marine, we expect increase in industrial

& service sector workers as per development concept.

Similarly in Multifunction zones we expect high in-

No Zone Total Area % of Areaw.r.t District

Population in 2021

% of total population in

2021

1 Environmental concernzone 430.28 14.16 115468 3.39

2 Intensive agriculturalzone 1358.78 44.71 954248 28.02

3 Economic DevelopmentCorridor (EDC) 396.64 13.05 533394 15.66

4 Accelerated growth zone- Industrial 230.05 7.57 363030 10.66

5 Accelerated growth zone - Institutional 166.44 5.48 271281 7.97

6 Accelerated growth zone- Marine 244.34 8.04 527465 15.49

7 Multifunctional zone I 101.42 3.34 372965 10.958 Multifunctional zone II 111.02 3.65 267211 7.85

195



crease in tertiary workers. But at the same time we are

not providing much decrease in the agricultural

laboures and cultivators in that zone from the existing

occupation structure. The projected occupational struc-

Table 14.20 The projected occupational structure

ture of the district is as shown in Table 14.20.

Projected number of workers category wise is

shown in Table 14.21

A comparison of the projected occupational

structure (2021) and existing occupational structure is

given in Figures 14.20 and 14.21. From this, it is clear

that the percentage of cultivators and agricultural

labourers are 5% and 9% respectively in 2001. The per-

centage is increased to 7% and 12% respectively in 2021.

The percentages of House hold industrial workers also

show increasing trend in 2021.

Zone

Cultivators

2001Agri.Labour 2001

HH Indus.Wo

rkers 2001

Other Workers

2001 ImpactCultivators 2021

Agri.Labour

2021

HH Indus.Work

ers 2021

Other Workers

2021

Environmental concern

zone 6.48 8.73 3.59 81.21

Slight increase incultivators & agriculturallabourers 7.50 10.00 4.00 79.20

Intensive agricultural

zone 7.92 16.21 4.55 71.32

Increase in cultivators &agricultural labourers

16 32 4.55 47.45Economic

Development Corridor

(EDC) 8.17 10.59 3.80 77.44

Increase in industrial &service sector workers

7.17 9 5 78.83Accelerated

growth zone -Industrial 5.44 8.63 5.57 80.36

Increase in secondaryworkers & industrialworkers 4.44 7.63 8 79.93

Accelerated growth zone -Institutional 5.23 8.83 5.21 80.73

Increase in industrial &service sector workers

4.5 7.83 7 80.67Accelerated

growth zone -Marine 2.16 2.81 8.23 86.80

Increase in HH & servicesector workers

2 2 12 84Multifunction

al zone I 0.49 1.29 3.37 94.85Increase in tertiaryworkers 0.29 0.5 4 95.21

Multifunctional zone II 0.89 2.19 5.15 91.77

Increase in tertiaryworkers 0.5 1 5 93.5

14.10. INFERENCE

The tentative development concept formulated

for District Spatial Plan of Thrissur District has given due

respect to the unique cultural and heritage character of

district, optimum utilization of resources; self suffi-

ciency in production sectors, local economic growth and

above all conservation of environmentally sensitive

areas of the district. As per the development concept

thus derived, the district is divided in to eight develop-

ment zones and future hierarchy of each settlement

and node are set and a future transportation network

connecting the higher order settlements and nodes are

planned. A development zone is delineated by group-

ing the settlements possessing similar major economic

activity pattern as per the Spatial Analysis. In other

words, the thrust development sector of each Grama

Panchayat or Municipal Council is specified.

196



Fig 14.20 Occupational Structure-2001 (Main Workers) Fig 14.21 Occupational Structure-2021 (Main Workers)

Table 14.21 : Projected no of Workers - 2021

The present declining trend in population growth

rate is expected to reverse during the plan period

mainly because of the change in trend of migration pat-

tern, ie from the exiting out migration trend into in

migration into the District due to the enhanced devel-

opments activities expected in the District. A popula-

ZONE

total main worker2001

Cultivators 2001

Agri.Labour 2001

HH Indus.Workers 2001

Other Workers

2001Cultivators

2021Agri.Labour

2021

HH Indus.Workers 2021

Other Workers

2021

total main

workers 2021

Environmental concern zone 29313 1899 25586 1052 23804 2638 3517 1407 27853 35168

Intensive agricultural

zone 236271 18711 38302 10758 168501 47378 94755 13473 140504 296110Economic

Development Corridor (EDC) 129953 10616 13763 4934 100640 12677 15913 8840 139378 176808

Accelerated growth zone -

Industrial 80856 4402 6981 4500 64973 5487 9430 9887 98781 123585Accelerated

growth zone -Institutional 64621 3382 5703 3369 52167 3937 6850 6124 70574 87485Accelerated

growth zone -Marine 104514 2258 2935 8602 90719 3213 3213 19279 134956 160662


12223201 90032 378 651 5212 124057 130298

Multifunctional zone II 68458 607 1498 3527 62826 455 910 4548 85049 90962District

808909 42343 72962 39942 653662 76162 135239 68770 821153 1101078

tion growth rate of 6.51% is expected in the District in

the plan period instead of a population growth rate of

4.21% that would have been possible if the present

trend of development continues. The future pattern of

population distribution within the district would be

such that it has more concentration in accelerated

197



growth zones and multifunctional zones, less concen-

tration in intensive agricultural zone and even lesser in

Environmental concern zones. This is in conformity with

the development concept.

The work participation rate in Thrissur District is

expected to increase from 32.12% in 2001 to 36 % in

2021. The development proposals in agriculture sector

are a major component in increasing the work partici-

pation rate.

The boost in agricultural activities is expected to

arrest the dilution in the economic base of the District

in its rural areas.

198

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