Bhavani Constituency faces infrastructure gaps, livelihood concerns

Known for handwoven jamakkalams and the Sangameswarar Temple, Bhavani enjoys recognition beyond Tamil Nadu. Yet, beneath this legacy lies a town grappling with infrastructural gaps and decline of traditional livelihoods.

The temple attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year, with footfall swelling during festival seasons. The confluence point, Kooduthurai, holds deep spiritual significance, particularly for performing last rites and offering prayers for ancestors. However, visitors point to inadequate facilities and poor sanitation, calling for amenities commensurate with its importance.

Beyond religious tourism, civic infrastructure remains a concern. During the monsoon, when the rivers are in spate, more than 500 households in low-lying areas along the rivers in Bhavani town face recurrent flooding. Although tenements were allotted about 15 km away, most residents have not relocated, citing concerns over loss of livelihood and lack of transport connectivity.

Devotees demand better amenities at the Sangamesearar temple at Bhavani in Erode district in Tamil Nadu.
| Photo Credit:
M. Govarthan

The town also witnesses frequent traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours and festival seasons. “The outer ring road project failed to resolve the congestion issue in the town. Addressing these bottlenecks is essential to support tourism and improve urban mobility,” said P. Kannan, a resident.

The GI tag for Kavindhapadi nattu sakkarai, granted in 2025, has given a fillip to sugarcane farmers in the region. The product is also regularly procured by the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple for preparing Panchamirtham, adding to its demand. “With increased recognition, farmers are exploring wider marketing avenues, including export opportunities,” said S. Chandran, a farmer.

In contrast, the Bhavani jamakkalam sector, despite receiving a GI tag in 2005, is struggling for survival. Weavers say proliferation of cheaper powerloom products has severely affected the market for authentic handwoven items. “They are widely produced on powerlooms and sold at lower prices,” said T. Kandan, a weaver, pointing to unfair competition. Carpets manufactured in Solapur are often marketed as Bhavani jamakkalams, further affecting genuine producers.

Low wages, shrinking demand, and rising production costs have made the occupation increasingly unviable, said another weaver. “In a few years, there may be no workforce left in the sector,” he said. High GST rates, rising raw material costs, and limited access to new markets have compounded the challenges, raising concerns over the survival of the traditional craft.

Agriculture continues to be the backbone of the constituency, with farming activities spread across areas such as Kavundapadi, Ammapettai, Nerinjipettai, and surrounding villages. Despite the presence of two rivers, water scarcity is a persistent issue. Farmers cite declining soil fertility and increasing crop vulnerability to drought as key concerns affecting productivity.

The farmers increasingly depend on migrant labour. Agriculture is no longer a profitable livelihood for many farmers. Rising input costs and uncertain returns have made farming increasingly unviable, said a farmer from Kurichi.

There is also a growing demand to develop Nerinjipettai as a tourist destination. A boat service currently operates across River Cauvery between Nerinjipettai and Poolampatti. Residents believe that expanding such initiatives can boost tourism while creating additional livelihood opportunities.

Both, Kongu Vellalar Gounders and Vanniyars constitute nearly half the electorate.

Against this backdrop of development challenges, the constituency’s electoral history remains significant. The AIADMK has won the seat eight times, while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (1971), Pattali Makkal Katchi (2006), Tamil Maanila Congress (1996), and an independent candidate (1989) have won once each. The AIADMK has again fielded former Minister K.C. Karuppannan as its candidate in the ensuing election, while the DMK is taking steps to win the constituency this time.

Published – March 26, 2026 11:13 pm IST