Exploring the Backward Districts in Tamil Nadu: Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri

As of my last update, several districts in Tamil Nadu are identified as backward, receiving special attention and assistance from the government. This article focuses on Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, highlighting the challenges and development needs of these two districts.

The Backward Districts of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri

These two districts are often cited as among the most underdeveloped in Tamil Nadu. The reasons behind their classification and the conditions prevailing in these regions are multifaceted. Underdevelopment in these districts is primarily attributed to numerous natural and socio-economic factors.

Natural Factors: Geography and Topography

The predominant geographical feature of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts is their hilly terrain, which significantly impacts the development of these districts. Over 40% of the land area in both districts is covered by various types of forests, ranging from evergreen to semi-green and dry forests. Additionally, a dense network of hilly ranges runs through these districts, including the Melegiri hills, the Kalvarayan hills, and the Jawadhu and Kuppam ranges. These features create multiple challenges for infrastructure development, agriculture, and other socio-economic activities.

Water Resource Management

The hilly terrain and forests pose significant difficulties in water resource management. Although these regions form a substantial catchment area for the Cauvery, Thamirabarani, and Pennar rivers, the natural topography directs the water towards these rivers, bypassing the local communities. This scenario exemplifies the underutilization of these catchment areas. Furthermore, the local media tends to overlook the importance of these regions, instead highlighting the benefits that flow downstream, such as water channels in Karnataka. The demand to construct dams across specific rivers to divert water has not been met, and the Tamil Nadu government has not prioritized improvements in the agriculture sector for these districts.

Examples of Underutilized Natural Resources

The Cauvery, Thamirabarani, and Pennar rivers originate in these districts but contribute their benefits downstream. For instance, the Bheema dam, situated on the Pennar river, provides benefits to Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Puducherry, and Cuddalore districts, while the local communities in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri face limited benefits. Similarly, the water resources from the Cauvery river, though entering Tamil Nadu within these districts, only allows the locals to take a bath at Hogenekkal waterfalls, rather than benefiting from the river's full potential.

Socio-Economic Factors: Education and Infrastructure

The challenging geography also affects other aspects of life in these districts. School children in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri have to trek long distances to get to their schools, often resulting in children dropping out of education due to the long distances and difficult terrain. This situation is one of many socio-economic challenges that highlight the need for targeted improvement initiatives.

Educational Infrastructure Challenges

Several developments have taken place in these districts in recent years, yet significant strides are still required. Education remains a critical area for improvement. Schoolchildren often walk for kilometers, leading to high dropout rates and difficulty in maintaining the quality of basic education. Despite these challenges, the local government and communities are working towards improving the infrastructure to support better educational outcomes for the children.

Government Initiatives and Future Prospects

Addressing the underdevelopment in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri requires comprehensive and targeted government initiatives. Both the central and state governments have the capacity to implement projects that could significantly benefit these regions, such as constructing dams, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving educational and healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in transforming Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri from among the backward districts of Tamil Nadu. By recognizing the unique challenges these regions face and addressing them with tailored solutions, it is possible to improve socio-economic conditions, empower local communities, and ensure that these regions receive the attention they deserve.