Spread over 3608 Sq KMs, with eight Muncipalities and seven Taluks, Ernakulam is the most populated district in Kerala. Vypeen Island formed in AD 1334 is today a fast developing region where all the modern amenities are available to its inhabitants. In February 1987, electricity began to be generated in the Edamalayar dam close to Kothamangalam. Brahmapuram Thermal Power Station started on 5th June 1997. A total of seven generators from both provide the requisite electricity to the domestic and developmental activities of the district. Health centres and facilities of telecommunication are aplenty in the district.
INFRASTRUCTURE
INDUSTRIES
Ernakulam District is the industrial capital of Kerala due to the presence of large,medium and small scale industries. The existing as well as booming industries have facilitated the faster growth of the district. The availability of infrastructure facilities like electricity, water,transportation via road, rail, water and air, long coastal line, banking facilities, proximity to Kochi Port, international airport etc. contributed substantially for the industrial growth of the district. Ernakulam district has the maximum number of Micro Small Medium Enterprises, Large and Medium units in public sector/private sector , in Kerala.
Cochin Export Processing Zone renamed later as Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Kakkanad near the Civil Station is one of the seven such Zones under the Government of India. The Zone facilitates production and processing of export-oriented goods. Forty-two companies operate in this Zone which employs a total of 10,000 workers.
The Ernakulam Chamber of Commerce came into existence on 12th May 1951. It was the brainchild of merchant Kochunni Sahib who brought together six trade groups very much alive in the city. He then became the President of the Chamber. From 1957 the Chamber is part of the International Chamber of Commerce. In December 1970 it was affiliated to All India Commercial Federation. It has played a significant role in the developmental activities of Ernakulam. Indian Chambers of Commerce is yet another institution that controls the trade-related activities in West Kochi.
The Cochin Stock Exchange was set up in Kaloor in 1978. Various companies have been enlisted in it. CSE functions under the Securities & Exchange Board of India.
FINANCE
In the financial year 2017-2018, the district broke a new record both in revenue recovery and land tax. The target amount of revenue recovery was Rs.92.14 crores. The collected amount reached Rs.127.75 crores. The increase in amount compared to the previous financial year is Rs.57.97 crores. The target amount of land tax was Rs.55.33 crores. And the amount collected in the financial year 2017-2018 is Rs.57.11 crores. The increase in the amount received as land tax compared to the previous financial year is estimated as Rs.12.34 crores. Both in revenue recovery and land tax, the maximum contribution was from the Kanayannoor Taluk.
EDUCATION
Ernakulam District commands the distinction of having some quality educational institutions. The district houses nearly 1037 schools , 144 colleges and 68 universities/Research development institutions. The Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kalamassery , started functioning in 1971, is considered to be one of the best in the country offering post graduate programmes in Computer Science, Electronics, Industrial Fisheries, Marine Sciences, Ship Technology, Environmental Science, Polymer Science, Rubber Technology so on and so forth. The University also offers advanced study in basic science, law and languages. Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University started in 1994 offers advanced courses in Sanskrit & other Indian languages, Philosophy, Vedic studies, ancient & modern Indian Theatre, Indian classical dance etc.
It is a matter of pride for Ernakulam that some of the eminent persons from all walks of life had their education from the renowned schools, colleges and universities of the district.
