Erode, a special grade Municipal Town is located at a distance of 100 Km. East of Coimbatore and is situated on the bank of river Cauvery between 11 ° 19.5" and 11 ° 81.05" North latitude and 77 ° 42.5" and 77 ° 44.5" East latitude . Erode local planning area extends over an area of 76,21Sq.Kms with the population of 2.48 lakhs as per 1981 census.

Geology

Black loam is found in parts of Erode Taluk. In this area soil is found to be rather sandy, stony and of the gravel type. In general it can be classified into two main groups (black and red soils). Lime stone is found in abundance in the form of modules, streaks and massive beds of grey and white colours interbanded with ignosis rocks. Felspar of the five quality is also abundant .

Climate

The climate of the town and its vicinity is hot and dry. During February and March the climate is usually oppressive especially along river Cauvery. In April the weather gets hotter and humidity is at its maximum. During June, July and August cool breeze flows through Palghat gap, but by the time it reaches the area under Erode taluk it loses its cooling effect andbecomes hot and dusty.

Rainfall

Total rainfall is over 100mm in a year. When monsoon breaks maximum rainfall reaches 30mm. Erode Taluk gets the major portion of the rain during South West Monsoon. In October the North-East Monsoon sets in.

Temparature

The average maximum and minimum temperature is 96°F and 80°F The temperature gradually increases from 85°F in January to 96°F in May and reduces gradually to 80 °F in December .

Land Use

The extent of the Erode local planning area is 76.21 Sq.Km Developed land within the local planning area constitutes 13.44% of total area. The developed area in the municipal area alone constitutes 83.25% of total municipal area Commercial area has been developed along the road side in all major roads, in municipal area along Kongan road near the southern boundary of the local planning area, mainly the commercial area in Erode town is concentrated near the junction of Brough road and auchery road and Bazaar area. In Erode town, the industries users are found along the Nethaji road. Most of the industries are located outside the municipal limits. The industrially developed Perundurai road is near the fringe of Erode town road. Some industrial development is also found along Sathy road. The industries that are located within the Erode town belong to mainly oil and rice mills and allied trades, such as engg. works, automobiles and power looms. The industries such as dyeing and power loom textiles are predominant in LPA.Industries belonging to Dhal mill, Cotton textiles, Vanaspathy manufacturing, wax and screen printing, powerloom, sizing, wraping and printing press are also found in and around Erode town. Within the town the industrial unit occupies 6 .69% of the town area. Whereas the industrial as a whole covers . .