and stable income per unit area.
Industry
The union territory has a total area of 479 sq.km with a total population of 12.44 lakh as per
last census. With its reputation of being an investor-friendly, the union territory having proven
track record of attracting surplus investment and has witnessed vibrant industrial growth over the
years. Even though there was some industrial slow down for a few years because of the general
down turn in the economy, the growth continues. Puducherry has nearly 77 large and 9,067
micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and with an investment of ₹ 2909 cores, these
industries are deemed to be the life blood of economy providing employment to about one lakh
persons.
Tourism
The old part of the UT is known as Boulevard Town since it is bounded by four boulevards
that once constituted the outer limits of the city’s fortification. The Boulevard Town presents two
distinct architectural styles in the Tamil and French Quarters, which are separated by a canal and
unified by a rectilinear grid plan. There are few monumental buildings, and the architectural
character of the town is the result of hundreds of traditional-style houses (both in Tamil and
French Quarters) that form the unique streetscapes so distinctive of Puucherry. Some must-see
sights include Arikanmedu, a famous historical site that was discovered by the Romans in 200
B.C and is being excavated, Aayi Mandapam, a monument built during the reign of Napoleon
III, Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus or Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, known for its Gothic
architecture and the Mansion of Ananda Rangapillai, a fine specimen of Indo-French architecture
that was built in 1773.
Electricity
The present power requirement of the union territory is met from the power allocations
made by the Government of India in various Central Generating Stations (CGS) and from
purchase of power from neighbouring State Electricity Boards (TANGEDCO & KSEB). There is
a gas based power plant of capacity 32.5 MW at Karaikal region owned by the Puducherry
Power Corporation Limited to meet the partial requirement of Karaikal region.
Government
Lieutenant Governor : Dr. Kiran Bedi I.P.S. (Retd.)
Chief Minister : V. Narayanasamy
Chief Secretary : Ashwini Kumar
Jurisdiction of High Court : Falls under jurisdiction of Madras High Court