Draft Annual Plan 1977-78 Fifth Five Year Plan, Government of Pondicherry

Abstract

Pondicherry Union Territory consists of four regions, namely, Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, lying geographically isolated from one another. Pondicherry region which is on the east coast, about 160 kms. south of Madras is the largest of these and consists of 12 scattered areas interspersed with enclaves of South Arcot District of Tamil Nadu. Karaikal region is about 160 kms. south of Pondicherry and it is surrounded by Tanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. Yanam region is located about 650 kms. north of Madras near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Mahe region is on the west coast about 160 kms. south of Mangalore in Kerala. This geographical peculiarity engenders certain peculiar problems in evolving a proper development planning strategy in Pondicherry and as such Pondicherry stands on an entirely different footing compared to other States and Union Territories.