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
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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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District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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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TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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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District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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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TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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-
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District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
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TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
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District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
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TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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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District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
Fig 14.8 The proposed hierarchy of settlements
Fig 14.9 The proposed Road network
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TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
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District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
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TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
5 Accelerated growth zone -Institutional
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
4 Accelerated growth zone -
Industrial
High enhanced
growth 10.58 4.83
5 Accelerated growth zone -Institutional
Slight Enhanced
growth 12.39 7.59
6 Accelerated growth zone -
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
reduced to 4.83%. But as per development concept, we
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
reduced to 7.59%. But as per development concept, we
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
No Zone Impact on population
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
3 Economic Development
Corridor (EDC)
Moderate Enhanced
growth
8.60 4.07 8.6 – 4.07
7
4 Accelerated growth zone -
Industrial
High enhanced growth
10.58 4.83 10.58 – 4.83
10.58
5 Accelerated growth zone -Institutional
Slight Enhanced growth
12.39 7.59 12.39 – 7.59
9.3
6 Accelerated growth zone -
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
No Zone Impact on population
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
3 Economic Development
Corridor(EDC)
Moderate Enhanced
growth
7
7.50 6.50
4 Accelerated growth zone -
Industrial
High enhanced growth 10.58
11.08 10.08
5 Accelerated growth zone -Institutional
Slight Enhanced
growth
9.3
9.80 8.80
6 Accelerated growth zone -
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
192
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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 I 145456 130298
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
District Spatial Plan - Thrissur TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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
Multifunctional zone I 94924 469
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
TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT District Spatial Plan - Thrissur
Department of Town & Country Planning, KeralaDepartment of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
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