Chattisgarh Geography
Chattisgarh Forests and
Vegetation
The state of Chhattisgarh being
placed in Deccan bio-geographical
Area, houses an important part of
that rich and unique biological
diversity. What is a more
conspicuous is that the state is
significantly rich in endemism with
respect to many plants having
medicinal importance.
Biogeographically, the state falls in
Deccan bio-region comprising
representative fauna of central India
like the tiger , leopard ,gaur
,sambhar , chital , nilgai and wild
boar . The state is a proud possessor
of rare wildlife like the wild buffalo
and hill myna which have been
declared as rare and endangered.
Apart from the species diversity, the
state is also endowed with rich
genetic diversity. The variation in
the genetic composition of
individuals within or among floristic
and faunal species is large.
The recorded forest area in the state
is 59,772 km2 which is 44.21 of its
geographical area. Reserved,
Protected and Unclassed Forests
constitute 43.13%, 4021% and
16.65% of the total forest area
respectively.
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Dantewara has maximum forest
cover while janjgir-champa has
lowest forest cover.
The forests of the state fall under
two major forest types, i.e., Tropical
Moist Deciduous forest and the
Tropical Dry Deciduous forest. The
state of Chhattisgarh is endowed
with about 22 varied forest sub-
types existing in the state.
Tropial Moist Decidous Forests
(Sal Forests)
These forests are found in areas of
moderate rainfall of 100 to 200 cm
per annum, mean annual
temperature of about 27°C and the
average annual relative humidity of
60 to 75 per cent. Found in southern
part of chattisgarh. The trees of
these forests drop their leaves for
about 6-8 weeks during the spring
and early summer when sufficient
moisture for the leaves is not
available.
The sub-soil water is not enough to
enable the trees to retain their leaves
throughout the year. These are very
useful forests because they yield
valuable timber and several other
forest products. The main species
found in these forests are , sal,
padauk, laurel, white chuglam,
badam, dhup, chikrosi, kokko,
haldu, rosewood, mahua, bijasal,
lendi, semul, irul, dhaman, amla,
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 Chattisgarh Geography
kusum, tendu, paula, jamun,
bamboo, etc. It is comparatively
easy to exploit these forests due to
their high degree of gregariousness.
Tropical Dry Decidous Forests
(Teak Forests)
These are similar to moist deciduous
forests and shed their leaves in dry
season. The major difference is that
the species of dry deciduous forests
can grow in areas of comparatively
less rainfall of 100-150 cm per
annum.
They represent a transitional type;
on the wetter side, they give way to
moist deciduous and on the drier
side they degenerate into thorn
forests. Such forests are
characterised by closed and rather
uneven canopy, composed of a
mixture of a few species of
deciduous trees, rising upto a height
of 20 metres or so. Enough light
reaches the ground to permit the
growth of grass and climbers.
Bamboos also grow but they are not
luxuriant. The important species are
teak, axlewood, tendu, bijasal,
rosewood, amaltas, palas, haldu,
kasi, bel, lendi, common bamboo,
red sanders, anjair, harra.
Mixed Forests
The maximum forest cover in the
state is that of mixed forests, which
includes teak or sal mixed with other
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species like saja, bija, lendia , haldu
,dhaora , salai , aonla , amaltas ,
gamhar , etc. Dazzling white kulu
trees scattered around stand out
conspicuously among the various
hues of green. The ground is
covered with maze of grasses,
plants, bushes and saplings.
Pterocarpus marsupium is also used
for control of blood sugar in
Diabetes since ancient times in
India.
Medicinal plants –
Medicinal trees and plants of various
kinds are found in abundance in the
forests of Chattisgarh. Important
ones are: Aegle
marmelos, Azadirachta indica, Bixa
orellana, Butea
monosperma, Asparagus
racemosus, Argemone
mexicana,Buchanania lanzan, Aloe
barbadensis, Acorus
calamus, Cassia tora, Curculigo
orchioides, Curcuma longa.
State Forest Policy
The basic objectives that should
govern the State Forest Policy are
the following: -
Unlocking of the vast array of forest
resources on sustainable basis for
enhanced well-being of local people
by converting these open access
resources (OAR) into community
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 Chattisgarh Geography
controlled, prioritized, protected and
managed resources.
- A shift in accent from major to
minor forest produces, from crown
to multi tier forestry and from
flagship species to smaller denizens
of the forests.
- Maintenance of environmental
stability through preservation and
where necessary, restoration of
ecological balance that has been
adversely disturbed by serious
depletion of forests in the state.
- Conserving the Bio- cultural
heritage of the state by preserving
the biologically rich natural forests
that provide the essential cultural
milieu to the tribals of the state.
- Checking the denudation of forests
and soil erosion in the catchment
area of the rivers, and reservoirs for
soil and water conservation;
mitigating the floods and droughts;
recharging of water bodies, aquifers
and for the retardation of siltation of
the reservoirs.
- Increasing the forest / tree cover in
forest deficient districts through
afforestation and agro forestry/ farm
forestry programmes, especially on
all denuded, degraded and
unproductive lands.
- Meeting the requirements of fuel
wood, fodder, minor forest produce
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and small timber of the rural and
tribal population with due regard to
the carrying capacity of the forests.
- The derivation of direct economic
benefit from the forests of the state
shall be subordinated to the
requirements of the environmental
stability and maintenance of
ecological balance in the state.
- Creating appropriate policy and
legal framework for the achievement
of these objectives.
Chattisgarh Populations
Size and Density of population
The total population of Chhattisgarh
is 2,55,45,198 as per census 2011. It
constitutes 2.04 percent of the total
population of India. Chhattisgarh is
the 17th largest State of India on
population basis.
The annual growth rate of
population is 1.67 percent during the
period 1991 to 2001; whereas it is
1.93 percent annually for all India.
The density of population is 189
person per sq. km. whereas it is 324
per sq. km. for all India. It witnesses
that the density of population is low
as compared to all India in the
census 2011.
In Chhattisgarh State, there is wide
variations in the population of
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 Chattisgarh Geography
different districts. Raipur is the
largest district in population and
Durg is the second populated district
of Chhattisgarh State. On the
contrary, Kawardha or Kabirdham
district is the lowest population
district.
Through the density of population of
C.G. is low 189 as compared to all
India 324 persons per sq. km.
however Janjgir-Champa and Durg
Districts have higher density of
population as compared to all India
324 respectively. Dantewada is the
district in which density of
population is 41 persons the lowest
in the State.
Rural –Urban Distribution
Out of total population of
Chhattisgarh, 23.24% people live in
urban regions. The total figure of
population living in urban areas is
5,936,538 of which 3,035,401 are
males and while remaining
2,901,137 are females. The urban
population in the last 10 years has
increased by 41.83 percent. Sex
Ratio in urban regions of
Chhattisgarh was 956 females per
1000 males. For child (0-6) sex ratio
the figure for urban region stood at
932 girls per 1000 boys. Total
children (0-6 age) living in urban
areas of Chhattisgarh were 717,554.
Of total population in urban
region,12.09%werechildren(0-6).
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Average Literacy rate in
Chhattisgarh for Urban regions was
84.79 percent in which males were
91.63% literate while female literacy
stood at 77.65%. Total literates in
urban region of Chhattisgarh were
4,425,077.
Of the total population of
Chhattisgarh state, around 76.76
percent live in the villages of rural
areas. In actual numbers, males and
females were 9,792,514 and
9,811,144 respectively. Total
population of rural areas of
Chhattisgarh state was 19,603,658.
The population growth rate recorded
for this decade(2001-
2011)was17.75%. In rural regions of
Chhattisgarh state, female sex ratio
per 1000 males was 1002 while
same for the child (0-6 age) was 972
girls per 1000 boys. In Chhattisgarh,
2,866,474 children (0-6) live in rural
areas. Child population forms 14.62
percent of total rural population. In
rural areas of Chhattisgarh, literacy
rate for males and female stood at
78.20 % and 55.40 %. .
Sex Ratio
There are more than 13 million
males and 12.9 million females in
Chhattisgarh, which constitutes
2.11% of the country‟s population.
The sex ratio in the state is one of
the most balanced in India with 991
females per 1,000 males, as is the
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 Chattisgarh Geography
child sex-ratio with 964 females per
1,000 males (Census 2011). Notably
the sex ratio is found maximum
in tribal districts of Chhattisgarh.
Rural Sex Ratio is recored 1002, and
urban is 956. Highest sex ratio is in
Rajnanadgaon and Bastar(1024)
while lowest is in Koria district.
0-6 Age Group Population is
found 35,84,028 (35
Lakh). 18,24,987 are male children
and 17,59,041 are female children.
Child sex ratio declined from 975 to
969 in a decade. Rural CSR is 977
while Urban CSR is 937.
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled
Tribe Population
With the exception of the hilly states
of the north-east, Chhattisgarh has
one of highest shares of Scheduled
Tribe (ST) populations within a
state, accounting for about 10 per
cent of the STs in India. Scheduled
Castes and STs together constitute
more than 50 per cent of the state‟s
population. The tribals are an
important part of the state
population and mainly inhabit the
dense forests of Bastar and other
districts of south Chhattisgarh.
The Scheduled Caste (SC)
population of Chhattisgarh is
2,418,722 as per 2001 census
constituting 11.6 per cent of the total
population (20,833,803). The
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proportion of Scheduled Castes has
increased from 11.6 per cent in 2001
to 12.8% in 2011. The percentage
increase in the population of the
scheduled list of tribals during the
2001-2011 decade had been at the
rate of 18.23 per cent. The share of
the tribal population in the entire
state had been 30.62 per cent which
was 31.76 per cent during 2001.
Literacy Rate
With respect to literacy, the state
fared just below the national
average. The recent estimates from
Census (2011) are also similar, with
the literacy rate of 71% (81.4%
Males & 60.5% Females), which is
close to the all India literacy rate of
74%.
According to NSS (2007–08), the
literacy rate for Scheduled Tribes
(STs) and Scheduled Castes
(SCs) was better than the
corresponding national average.
Among the marginalized groups,
STs are at the bottom of the
rankings, further emphasizing the
lack of social development in the
state. Bastar and Dantewada in south
Chhattisgarh are the most illiterate
districts and the drop out ratio is the
highest among all the districts. The
reason for this is the extreme
poverty in rural areas.
Working Population
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 Chattisgarh Geography
The total working population of the
Chhattisgarh State is shown in table
3. As per 2001 census, 46.57 percent
people come under working
population. Among them, male
people constitute 52.97 persons &
female 40.03 percent among their
criterion. Among total working
population 72.89 percent come
under main workless 27.11 percent
marginal workers and 53.43 percent
come under non-working classes. It
indicates that more than half
population do not contribute in
production and any productive
activities. They belong to depend
population.
Among working population 44.57
percent belong to cultivators, 33.88
percent Agricultural labourers, 2.08
percent in family industries and
other is 21.4 7 percent as per census
200 I in the State. The 0-6 year's
children constitute 16.68 percent of
the total population of the State. In
Chhattisgarh State Dantewada &
Sarguja are the two districts which
have higher percentage of0-6 year
children. On the basis of above
characteristics, we can say that the
quality of the people is not good in
the State.
Transportation in Chhattisgarh
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Emerging as a top tourist hub, the
east-central state of Chhattisgarh has
a strong network of roadways,
though the quality of these roads
needs to be upgraded to the desired
level.
The capital Raipur is connected to
all major cities of neighboring states
with adequate bus services.
Besides, a number of private
operators run non-stop services to
district towns and remote villages
giving a thrust to the development
schemes of the government by
ensuring an effective connectivity
within the state.
Swami Vivekananda airport in
Raipur offers air connectivity to
Chhattisgarh, which is keen to rope,
incorporates to expand its industrial
base.
Multiple flights on a daily basis are
operated to link all the major metros
of the country and nearby tier-2, 3
cities.
Popular means of transport
Private buses, autorickshaws and
taxis are the major modes of
transport in Raipur.
However, the working class people
have their own vehicles including
cars, mopeds and motorcycles to
commute to their offices and
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 Chattisgarh Geography
factories in industrial cities like
Raipur, Bhillai and Durg.
Primitive means like hand pulled
rickshaws, tuk tuks, tangas and
bailgadis are common in the rural
belt of the state.
Tempos and mini-lorries also ply
between towns carrying goods of all
kinds.
Private taxis (cabs) normally charge
a fixed rate based on the distance
travelled.
For tourists and businessmen, a
number of travel agencies offer
rental cars and bus services.
Roadways:
Being a key industrial state,
Chhattisgarh is in the process of
transforming its network of roads
and railways for speedier growth of
its districts comprising remote areas
and tribal villages.
The total length of the roadways is
about 35,400 km in Chhattisgarh
with its capital Raipur having a
range of bus services to major cities
of the country.
Out of this total road network, about
2,200 km is made up of national
highways, the state highways
occupy 3,6oo km and the rest consist
of district and village roads.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Private operators run all types of
buses (from ordinary, express to
luxury and AC coaches) to major
cities of Chhattisgarh.
The bus fares are affordable and
services are scheduled at convenient
timings for the public.
Chhattisgarh Transport Department
The roadways in Chhattisgarh comes
under the purview of Chhattisgarh
Transport Department.
The department performs and
monitors various activities related to
transportation keeping in mind the
public convenience and vehicle
population in the state.
Chhattisgarh is one of the first states
to have successfully implemented
'Vahan' (a national portal for vehicle
registration) and 'Sarathi' (a national
portal for driving licence).
Apart from a slew of projects for
repair, maintenance and upgradation
of roads in Chhattisgarh, the
government is taking efforts for the
setting up of high speed corridors for
the improvement of traffic and
connectivity services in this state.
Need to upgrade roads
The national highway (NH-6)
passing through central India
connecting Nagpur-Bhilai-Durg-
Raipur-Bilaspur is known for
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 Chattisgarh Geography
excellent facilities along the
expressway and can be compared to
the best in rest of the country.
However, most of the state highways
and village roads are in pretty bad
condition and bus travelling in these
areas is a nightmare.
Ordinary buses, mostly private, are
frequent among the towns in the
districts.
Raipur bus services ply to major
district cities such as Durg, Bhilai,
Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Ambikapur,
Raigarh, Jagdalpur, Janjgir, Kanker,
Jashpur, Dhamtari and Kawardha.
Railways
Indian Railways play a critical role
in the transportation ofpeople and
moving cargo from the mining sites
to other parts of the state for all-
round development of the country.
The railway network in Chhattisgarh
is operated by the South East Central
Railway zone with Bilaspur being its
zonal headquarters.
Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur Railway
Junction are the major railway
junctions as they are the starting
point of long distance trains to many
cities across the country.
Chhattisgarh accounts for about one-
sixth of our country's railway
revenue.
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The state has the highest freight
loading in the country with Durg,
Champa, Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur and
Mahasamund being the major
railway heads in this region.
New railway lines have been
proposed and many projects are
under development. Some of the
upcoming rail lines are Raigarh-
Mand Colliery to Bhupdeopur;
Dalli-Rajhara-Jagdalpur; Pendra
Road-Gevra Road; and Barwadih-
Chirmiri routes.
A metro line connecting Durg-
Bhilai-Raipur-Naya Raipur has also
been proposed to offer a safe and
speedy inter-city travel in
Chhattisgarh.
Airways:
Chhattisgarh state have one Airport
at Raipur.
CHATTISHGARH : MAJOR CITIES
AND TOURIST PLACES
Major cities
Raipur : Raipur District is situated in the
fertile plains of Chhattisgarh Region. The
District is surrounded by District Bilaspur
in North, District Bastar and part of Orissa
state in South, District Raigarh and part of
Orissa state in East and district Durg in
West. The district occupies the south
eastern part of the upper Mahanadi valley
and the bordering hills in the south and the
east. Thus, the district is divided into two
major physical divisions, Viz., the
Chattisgarh plain and the Hilly Areas.
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Jagdalpur : Filled With Green Mountains,
Deep Valleys, Dense Forests, Waterfalls,
Caves Etc. It is the administrative
headquarters of Bastar District and Bastar
Division, and was the capital of the
erstwhile princely state of Bastar.
Jagdalpur and its surrounding area
comprise a major part of the Bastar
District. The area is famous for age old
wooden handicrafts. These are in high
demand among both local as well as
foreign tourists.
Champa : Champa is a city and
a municipality situated at bank of Hasdeo
river in Janjgir-Champa district in the state
of Chhattisgarh, India.In 1998,a political
controversy rose due to the name of the
district,which was later resolved as
"Janjgir-Champa".
Champa is famous for its Kosa
silk, gold and brass metal works. Champa
has large industries viz. Madhya Bharat
Paper Limited (MBPL),Prakash Industries
Ltd., CSPGCL's Marwa Power Plant and
many mega power projects are in under
construction. Kosa silk merchant are
particularly Dewangan caste.They import
Kosa(Tassar silk) yarn from China and
Korea and make silk shirtings and
sarees.They also make yarn from Kosa
called Cocoon in English and make Khadi
Shirtings. They Export it to many Indian
states and countries like U.K. and U.S.A.
and Brazil.
Ambikapur : Ambikapur is a city
and Surguja district headquarters. The
district is one of the oldest districts of the
Indian state of Chhattisgarh, in east-
central India. Ambikapur is also the
divisional headquarters of Surguja
Division which consists of the five
districts of
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Surguja, Korea, Balrampur, Surajpur and J
ashpur.
Chirmiri : Chirmiri is one of the
Chhattisgarh cities located in the Koriya
district of the state of Chhattisgarh. The
region is renowned for the coalmines that
are situated in the town. Chirmiri has
earned the position of being the second
largest Crane in the continent of Asia. The
religiosity of the people of the city of
Chirmiri is reflected in the temples
constructed in the region. The town of
Chirmiri is rich in the coal deposits found
in the region. The coal industrial belt has
developed in the region owing to the close
proximity of the coalmines.
Rajnandgaon : The District Rajnandgaon
came into existence on 26th Jan' 1973, by
way of division of District Durg. The
Rajnandgaon state was ruled by
Somvanshis, Kalchuris and Marathas. The
Rajnandgaon was originally named as
Nandgram. The Palaces in the town of
Rajnandgaon reveals its own tale of the
rulers, their society & culture and the
splendid tradition during that time.
Naya Raipur : Naya Raipur is the new
planned capital city of Chhattisgarh.
Considered to be one of the world's first
integrated city it has provisions even
further expansion and infrastructure
upgrade in the future. Nesting between
between the National Highway-6 and
National Highway-3, it is about 17 km out
of the current Raipur city. Swami
Vivekananda Airport is nestled in between
the Naya Raipur and Raipur. Naya Raipur
consists of 41 villages renovated with
robust facilities like roads, parks and water
pipelines. Naya Raipur is India's sixth
planned city after Jamshedpur (Jharkhand),
Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Gandhinagar
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 Chattisgarh Geography
(Gujarat), Chandigarh (Punjab &
Haryana), and Navi Mumbai
(Maharashtra), and fourth among the
capital cities.
Durg : Situated on the east bank of river
Shivnath, District Durg is herald of
Chhattisgarh‟s Industrial Development,
Cultural competence, Social harmony and
Meaningful use of resources. It is a symbol
of status , prestige and glory of
Chhattisgarh. History of Durg is like
conducive inspiration which is unique
mixture of oldness and modernity, culture-
rite and entrepreneurship. Bhilai known as
“Mini India” for Industrial development,
social harmony and cultural diversity is a
twin city of Durg. Establishment of Bhilai
steel plant in Durg district had created vast
opportunities for industrial progress on one
hand and on the other hand durg district
become centre of many other productive
activities.
Bhilai : Bhilai of Chhattisgarh is a major
travel destination of central India. With
the help of Russian Government the
second Indian Steel plant was set up here
and a new, modern city was developed
surrounding the steel plant. Today, Bhilai
has emerged as an excellent educational
centre, contributing to the educational
needs in all technological fields.
Bilaspur: Bilaspur enjoys the
distinctiveness of being one of the major
cities in Chattisgarh with considerable
historical significance. Located in the
eastern part of Chattisgarh, Bilaspur is
nearly four centuries old. Referred to as
the "Rice Bowl of India", Bilaspur
abounds in lush greenery and boasts of a
myriad number of tourist attractions.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Korba : korba is situated at the south of
churi-hills i.e. at the north-central part of
chhattisgarh comprising katghora and
korba tehsils of korba district. the average
height of this basin is about 250-350
meters. bango dam is build in korba for
irrigation purpose, which supplies water to
korba, janjgir- champa and raigarh
districts. korba and champa are well
known for “kosa”, a special variety of silk
used for producing one of the best quality
of cloth in the world. being light in weight
and having shiny glaze, it is used to make
kurtas, sarees, shirts, salwar-suits and other
garments for party as well as casual wears.
Tourist places in Chattishgarh :
Chitrakote falls : Chitrakot Waterfalls is
located 38 km away from Jagdalpur. It
falls from a height of 96 ft, and during the
season, the width is above 1000 feet. The
shape of the waterfalls resembles
horseshoe. The forest area around the
waterfalls offers spectacular views. It is
popularly known as the niagra fall of India.
Bhoramdeo temple : The Bhoramdeo
temple, is carved on the rocky stones in the
Nagar style. The Bhoramdeo temple has a
resemblance with the Sun temple of
Konark and The Khajuraho temple , and
that is why it is also called the Khajuraho
of Chhattisgarh. The erogenous idols of
this temple are also extremely beautiful.
On the outer walls there are as many as 54
erotic sculptures in different poses. These
asanas from the “Kam sutra”, are truly an
epitome of eternal love and beauty. They
are artistically significant too. The
Nagwanshi Kings were believed to be the
practitioners of „Trantra‟ as their
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 Chattisgarh Geography

contemporaries in Khajuraho. The traces

of turmeric on the walls, indicate that
marriage and other rituals must have been
performed here from time to time

Maitri bagh : Maitri bagh consists of a

large zoo, beautiful lakes, gardens, musical
fountain, a tall tower called the Pragati
Minar, a toy train called Maitri Express for
the children. The lush greenery,
shimmering musical fountain, flower beds
and scenic locales attract tourists from far
and wide. A toy train called the Maitri
Express is operated in the zoo from 3.00
pm to 6.00 pm. The price of a ticket is
Rs.5, however, it is free for children below
three. There is a musical fountain on an
island in the artificial lake. The Fountain
consists of many fountains of water
dancing on instrumental music on some
retro and contemporary songs. The jets of
water shoot out in the air, twist and sway Teerathgarh waterfall scene
in the air, appearing as if dancing to the
tune of the music. Each of these
movements is lit up by shimmering and Kawardha Palace : Kawardha Palace in
bright colours, providing a visual treat to Chhattisgarh is a beautiful monument,
the viewers located at about 140 km from Raipur in
Chhattisgarh. The stunning Kawardha
Teerathgarh fall : The Teerathgarh Palace was designed and built by Maharaja
Falls is a waterfall at Kanger Ghati Dharamraj Singh between the period 1936-
in Bastar district in 39 AD, using Italian marble and stone. Its
the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is area is spread across 11 acres of lush green
located at a distance of 35 kilometres (22 landscaped gardens. Kawardha Palace is
mi) south-west of Jagdalpur. One can surrounded by the beautiful and scenic
approach the falls from Darbha, near state Maikal hill ranges. It is an interesting
highway that connects Jagdalpur to attraction place worth visit. It is a superb
Sukma. One has to take a jeep at Darbha architectural blend of Italian, Mughal and
junction to visit Teerathgarh and
Colonial styles.
Kutumsar. Kutumsar Caves and Kailash
Gufa are nearby attractions. It is in Kanger Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary : It is
Ghati National Park. Located in Bilaspur district,
Chhattisgarh State. It had been established
in 1975 and declared a Tiger Reserve
under Project Tiger, in 2009. It is a part of

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 Chattisgarh Geography
the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere
Reserve.
Kailash and Kutumsar Caves : The
Kailash and Kutumsar Caves in Bastar,
Chhatisgarh, are one of the most popular
tourist destinations in the area. They are
located in the thick forests of Kanger
Valley National Park, near the
famous Tirathgarh Waterfalls . The
Kailash Cave, located atop a small hillock,
covering a stretch of approximately 100m,
was discovered in the year 1993.
The Kutumsar Caves contain stalagmite
formation of the Shivalingam, towards its
end, which attracts Lord Shiva devotees
and curious tourists alike. The most
enthralling thing about the cave is that the
hollow walls of the cave make astonishing
sounds when struck by bare hands. The
Kailash Caves have beautiful and natural
Shivalinga formations to flaunt. Unlike the
latter, the former is an underground cave,
situated approximately 35m below ground
level and is pitch-dark.
Gadiya Mountain : Gadiya Mountains are
the highest mountains of Kanker. It is a
natural fort. At the time of Kandra
dynasty, it came into light. When the
Kandra king Dharma Dev won the Kanker.
He declared his capital which was situated
on Gadhiya Mountain, which is a natural
form of a fort. There is a tank on the
mountain which never dries and fulfill by
water throughout the year. One of the part
of the tank is Sonai and while the other is
called as Rupai. Actually these parts of the
tank are named after the two daughters of
Kandra king Dharma Dev. There is a cave
named Churi pagar on the southern part of
the tank. The entry of this cave is very
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
much narrow. In the times of attack, the
King and his family lived safe in this cave.
CHATTISHGARH : MIGRATION
Migration has been significantly reshaping
the traditional social and economic
structures of rural communities of
Chattishgarh. The livelihood activities of
rural families are no longer confined to
farming and are increasingly being
diversified through rural-to-urban
migration. With the development of trade
and industry and the awareness produced
by the mass media, rural poor are shifting
towards the urban areas in order to
improve their living standards and to
search for better livelihood opportunities.
The lack of employment opportunities in
the rural areas and better employment
prospects and infrastructure facilities in the
urban areas motivate people to migrate to
urban areas. In the rural areas, sluggish
agricultural growth and limited
development of the rural non-farm sector
raises the incidence of rural poverty,
unemployment and underemployment.
Given the fact that most of the high
productivity activities are located in the
urban areas - people from rural areas move
towards town or cities with a hope to grab
diversified livelihood opportunities as the
rural poor still consider migration as one
of the significant as well as reliable
livelihood coping strategy.
Earlier human migration from present
Chhattisgarh had reportedly occurred in
the late 19th Century. Much later, drought
years during the 1960s had triggered wide-
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 Chattisgarh Geography
spread migration. However, in the recent
years migration has become more of a
norm than exception, accentuated by
misguided development policies that force
the poor to migrate in search of improved
livelihoods. Within districts of the state,
women migrants outnumber men. This not
only indicates the role of women in
securing livelihoods for the household but
reflects an overall inadequacy of welfare
schemes of the state to reach out to the
poor. Given the diversity in the nature of
migration in Chhattisgarh, the causes are
also of multiple in nature. Armed with the
Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act (1979),
the Ministry of Labour and its concerned
departments are instrumental in
formulating and implementing measures to
protect the rights of the migrant workers.
However, serious gaps in actual
implementation of progress on the ground
have been observed and reported in recent
years. With this broader perspective, the
consultative meeting brought together 33
participants drawn from the government,
academia, trade union, media and civil
society to deliberate upon the key features
and trends in migration from the
perspective of addressing policy
challenges.
The impact of migration
On migrants and their families : Poorer
migrant workers, crowded into the lower
ends of the labour market, have few
entitlements vis a vis their employers or
the public authorities in the destination
areas. They have meagre personal assets
and suffer a range of deprivations in the
destination areas. In the source areas,
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
migration has both negative and positive
consequences for migrants and their
families
Living conditions : migrant labourers,
whether agricultural or non-agricultural,
live in deplorable conditions. There is no
provision of safe drinking water or
hygienic sanitation. Most live in open
spaces or makeshift shelters in spite of the
Contract Labour Act which stipulates that
the contractor or employer should provide
suitable accommodation . Apart from
seasonal workers, workers who migrate to
the cities for job live in parks and
pavements. Slum dwellers, who are mostly
migrants, stay in deplorable conditions,
with inadequate water and bad drainage.
Food costs more for migrant workers who
are not able to obtain temporary ration
cards.
Health and Education: labourers working
in harsh circumstances and living in
unhygienic conditions suffer from serious
occupational health problems and are
vulnerable to disease. Those working in
quarries, construction sites and mines
suffer from various health hazards, mostly
lung diseases. As the employer does not
follow safety measures, accidents are quite
frequent. Migrants cannot access various
health and family care programmes due to
their temporary status. Free public health
care facilities and programmes are not
accessible to them. For women workers,
there is no provision of maternity leave,
forcing them to resume work almost
immediately after childbirth. Workers,
particularly those working in tile factories
and brick kilns suffer from occupational
health hazards such as body ache,
sunstroke and skin irritation.
Tribal issue in migration
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 Chattisgarh Geography
In recent years three distinct types of
migration waves can be observed taking
place in the Adivasi dominant states of
Chhattisgarh.
The First Wave is the migration of young
Adivasi women to metropolitan cities. The
reasons behind this is that is nothing in the
house or village to occupy these women in
a profitable or meaningful way. After the
mono-crop, which is paddy is harvested on
their tiny plots of land, families find that
the harvest will last only for a few months.
Instead of sitting at home, idle and
starving, girls and women opt to migrating
to cities and towns to work as house-
keepers in urban middle-class families.
They are completely unaware of the risks
and dangers involved. They get in touch
with some middle-men/women and take
off often without even informing and
getting the consent of their parents. They
land up in metropolitan cities like Delhi,
Mumbai completely at the mercy and
disposal of placement-agencies with no
choice over future employers, or the type
of work, wages, living conditions etc. they
want. Their number is estimated to be
around three-to-four lakhs.
The Second Wave is the seasonal
migration of entire families to northern
states. June to December is the monsoon-
fed agricultural season. As the food
produced is insufficient to feed the family
for the whole year and there is no
possibility of a second crop because of
lack of irrigation hundreds of families
leave their homes and hearth, temporarily,
between January to May. Only some
elderly members are left to attend to the
cattle.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
The Third Wave is the recent exodus of
Adivasi youth to the Southern States as
casual/contract labour. Thousands of them
work mostly at the construction work sites
in the cities of Karnataka and Tamilnadu
and cities, farms and plantations of Kerala.
They go there either through contacts with
persons who are already there or they are
taken in batches by contractors/middle-
men.
There are two main reasons responsible for
above trends:
(i) Deepening poverty: while the Indian
economy is said to be growing at the
fastest rate, poverty is deepening in the
Adivasi belt of central India. Blessed by
nature with rich mineral wealth has now
become a curse to them.The protective
constitutional provisions, laws, judicial
verdicts meant to protect the Adivasi have
been cast aside and are being disregarded
and safeguards violated.
(ii) Increasing State repression: The
Adivasis, however, are not taking this
exploitative situation lying down.
Resistance movements against the unjust,
illegal, forcible acquisition of their jal,
jangal, jamin have found an echo among
people at large and some umbrella
organizations vs displacement have played
a significant role in turning away most
companies empty handed. This includes
industrial giants like Mittal, Vedanta and
Posco.
CHATTISHGARH : NATURAL
HAZARDS
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Natural hazards are severe and extreme
weather and climate events that occur
naturally in all parts of the world, although
some regions are more vulnerable to
certain hazards than others. Natural
hazards become natural disasters when
people's lives and livelihoods are
destroyed. Chattishgarh is vulnerable to
cyclonic storm, Flood and Draught.
Cyclone and flood disaster in
Chattishgarh
Chattishgarh is very vulnerable to the
disaster of cyclone and flood because of its
proximity to Oddisha and and eastern
coastal area
 Cyclone Hudhud : Extremely
Severe Cyclonic Storm
Hudhud was a strong tropical
cyclone that caused extensive
damage and loss of life in
eastern India. The Southern parts of
Chhattisgarh witnessed heavy
rains, accompanied by gusty winds,
for three days due to the impact of
the cyclonic storm Hudhud. Even
the state capital, Raipur,witnessed
incessant rains.
 Cyclone Phailin : Extremely
Severe Cyclonic Storm
Phailin was the most
intense tropical cyclone to make
landfall in India since the 1999
Odisha cyclone. Heavy rain
effected the chattishgarh, however
the pre planning of risk
management did work and Phailin
couldn‟t harm the state the way it
was expected.
Draught in Chattishgarh
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Droughts refer to a serious shortfall in
availability of water, mainly, but not
exclusively, due to deficiency of rains,
affecting agriculture, drinking water
supply and industry. Droughts occur in
several parts of the world and can bring
untold misery to populations particularly
those depending on agriculture and living
on generally degraded land. The causative
factors are both natural and man made.
Chhattisgarh declared drought in 25
districts in 2015. Again in 2016 Over 65
tehsils of the 150 in Chhattisgarh are
reeling under drought-like situation
following scanty rainfall.
The rainfall variability during past century
in Chhattisgarh was studied using rainfall
statistics of 100 years i.e. 1901-2000.For
understanding the rainfall pattern
difference between average rainfall during
1900-1950 and 1951-2000 were worked. A
GIS map was generated using GIS tools
and the same are shown in enclosed figure.
It was found that in some districts like
Raipur, Mahasamund, Raigarh the
decrease in rainfall quantity is the other
hand the decrease in rainfall. Chattishgarh
is becoming more and more vulnerable to
Draught .
Chattishgarh : draught management
 Risk Reduction : Drought-prone
areas of state should be made less
vulnerable to drought associated
problems through soil - moisture
conservation measures, water
harvesting practices, minimisation
of evaporation losses, development
of the ground water potential
including recharging and the
transfer of surface water from
surplus areas where feasible and
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 Chattisgarh Geography
appropriate. Pastures, forestry or
other modes of development which
are relatively less water demanding
should be encouraged. In planning
water resource development
projects, the needs of drought
prone areas should be given
priority.
 Revisiting Long Term
Interventions : A strategy for
making people pursue livelihoods
compatible with their ecosystems
needs to be evolved. Some concrete
steps in this direction could be:
(i) A multi-disciplinary team needs to be
immediately constituted by the Ministry of
Environment and Forests to specifically
identify villages where soil and climatic
conditions make „conventional agriculture‟
unsustainable.
(ii) Alternate means of livelihood have to
be evolved in consultation with the
communities, in such areas.
 Livelihood Management in
Extremely Drought Prone Areas :
Areas suffering repeated droughts
over the millennia have highly
degraded land resources. Such
areas are found in pockets in many
parts of the country and the
subsistence/unsustainable
agriculture practiced in such areas
make them easy prey to even a
modest drought. Human
populations in many such degraded
spots have adapted their life-styles
to deal with the vagaries of nature
through a predominantly pastoral
mode of existence. There are a
number of studies which show that
such well-adapted populations have
developed greater resilience and
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
coping capabilities. There are,
however, areas where deep
attachment to agriculture tends to
dissuade frequently drought
affected communities from looking
at ecologically more compatible
livelihoods. Programmes like the
DDP have contributed significantly
to promoting alternative and more
sustainable non agricultural
livelihoods. The issue of
concretizing a strategy of
facilitating pursuing of livelihoods
appropriate to an ecosystem is
beyond the remit of the
Commission; there are, however,
some aspects which need to be
addressed urgently to mitigate
frequent crises which result from
„unsustainable agriculture‟. These
measures could include
identification of areas where
conventional agriculture is not
sustainable and devising methods
to motivate people in such areas to
switch over to appropriate
livelihood regimen etc.
Govt. to pay more for house damage in
natural calamity
Chhattisgarh government had decided to
revise the compensation paid for the
damage caused to the houses in the natural
calamity.
According to the revised rate, the owner of
the pucca house damaged in the natural
calamity would now get Rs 75000. Earlier,
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 Chattisgarh Geography
the state government was paying Rs
70,000. Similarly, the kucca house
damaged in nature‟s fury would be paid Rs
17,500 as against Rs 15,000 paid earlier by
the state government.
The partial damaged pucca house would
now be paid at the rate of Rs 12, 600 while
earlier, the state government was paying
Rs 6300. Similarly, the compensation for
the kucca houses partial damaged had been
increased from Rs 3200 to Rs 3800. The
poor person whose hut would completely
damage in the natural calamity would now
get Rs 3000 as against earlier rate of Rs
2500.
With the monsoon at the door
step, Chhattisgarh government had geared
up its preparedness to deal with the natural
disaster.
CHATTISHGARH : SOILS
The Chhattisgarh region located in the
south-eastern part of india . The geological
structure of Chhattisgarh mainly consists
of Archean and Cuddapah rocks, but
Dharwar, Gondwana, Deccan trap and old
alluvial laterite rock systems are also
found in some parts of state . five types of
soils are found in Chattishgarh :
(1) Red - Yellow Soil : The red colour is
mainly due to ferric oxides occurring as
thin coatings on the soil particles while the
iron oxide occurs as haematite or as
hydrous ferric oxide, the colour is red and
when it occurs in the hydrate form as
limonite the soil gets a yellow colour.
Those soils are encountered over extensive
nonalluvial tracts of peninsular India and
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
are made up of such acidic rocks as
granite, gneiss, and schist. They develop in
areas in which rainfall leaches soluble
minerals out of the ground and results in a
loss of chemically basic constituents; a
corresponding proportional increase in
oxidized iron imparts a reddish hue to
many such soils. Hence, they are
commonly described as ferralitic soils.
This type of soil is found on around 55%
of the state‟s expanse. It is the most
common type of soil found in most areas
of Chhattisgarh. This type of soil is found
in Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Korba,
Mahasamund, Jashpur districts. Rice,
Sorghum, Millets, and pulses can be
cultivated in this soil.
(2) Red Sandy Soil : Sandy soils have a
higher proportion of sand than clay, drain
quickly, warm up faster in spring and are
usually easier to work. The red color
indicates the presence of iron. Sandy soils
are often acidic and have fewer nutrients
than clay, loam or peat soils. The iron in
red sandy soil prevents iron deficiency in
plants. This is often offset by the soils
acidity. Adding organic matter and careful
watering help overcome this issue.
According to the area occupied, red sandy
soil is the second most common type of
soil found in approximately 30% of the
Chattishgarh. Red sandy soil mostly found
in the districts of Dantewada, Kanker,
Dhamtari and Durg. The soil crystals are
fine and sandy. Its fertility is low. Due to
the excess proportion of sand in the soil,
its water retention capacity is low. Some of
the uses of sandy soils are as follows :
 Red Sandy soils are ideal for crops
such as watermelons, peaches and
peanuts, and their excellent
drainage characteristics make them
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 Chattisgarh Geography
suitable for intensive dairy
farming.
 Sand makes a low cost aquarium
base material which some believe
is better than gravel for home use.
It is also a necessity for
saltwater reef tanks, which emulate
environments composed largely
of aragonite sand broken down
from coral and shellfish.
 Beach nourishment: Governments
move sand to beaches where tides,
storms or deliberate changes to the
shoreline erode the original sand.
 Brick: Manufacturing plants add
sand to a mixture of clay and other
materials for manufacturing bricks.
 Artificial islands in the Persian
Gulf.
Coarse grains like Kodo, mites, millets,
and tubers like potato, etc. are cultivated in
chattishgarh in this soil.
(3) Red loam soil : Loam soil, is a mixture
of clay, sand, silt and organic matter. This
soil is loose, fertile, easily worked and
drains well; it exists in two variations: clay
or sandy loam.
Loam soil is suited to growing almost all
plant varieties. This is possible because its
three major particles, sand, silt and clay,
are blended almost evenly. The sand
particles hold little water but allow
aeration and drainage. Clay particles retain
more water, and silt combines the qualities
of the sand and clay particles. Those
characteristics make loam soil the most
nutrient rich and fertile of soils. loam soil
is recommended for the majority of plants.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Loam refers to a textural classification for
specific types of soil, and cultivated soils
in garden and farm settings often fall under
the loam classification. Ranging from clay
loam to sandy loam, the classification
helps gardeners understand how well the
soil will support plant life.
This soil is found in Dantewada, Bastar,
Sukma, Bijapur regions of the
Chattishgarh state. Containing clay, this
soil is majorly composed of iron-rich
rocks, which is why it appears red in
colour, similar to a brick. Its pH value is
up to 6.6%. Due to its low capacity for
humidity absorption, it requires regular
irrigation. This soil is suitable for
cultivation of paddy and coarse grains.
(4) Black soil : The black soils are also
called regur (from the Telugu word
Reguda) and black cotton soils because
cotton is the most important crop grown on
these soils. Several theories have been put
forward regarding the origin of this group
of soils but most pedologists believe that
these soils have been formed due to the
solidifaction of lava spread over large
areas during volcanic activity in the
Deccan Plateau, thousands of years ago.
Some of the important features of black
soil are as follows :
 It is also known as mature soil .
 It has High water retaining
capacity.
 Swells and will become sticky
when wet and shrink when dried.
 Rich in: Iron, lime, calcium,
potassium, aluminum and
magnesium.
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 Chattisgarh Geography
 Deficient in: Nitrogen,
Phosphorous and organic matter.
 Self-ploughing is a characteristic of
the black soil as it develops wide
cracks when dried.
The black colour of these soils has been
attributed by some scientists to the
presence of a small proportion of
titaniferous magnetite or even to iron and
black constituents of the parent rock. The
black colour of this soil may even be
derived from crystalline schists and basic
gneisses such as in Tamil Nadu and parts
of Andhra Pradesh. Various tints of the
black colour such as deep black, medium
black, shallow black or even a mixture of
red and black may be found in this group
of soils. It is called kanhari soil in
Chattishgarh . In Chattishgarh black cotton
soil belt is famous for the cultivation of
wheat, gram, oilseeds, pulses, cotton,
soybeans, etc. Districts of Kawardha,
Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Mungeli, Balod
are covered by this type of soil.
(5) Laterite Soil : Laterite is a soil and
rock type rich in iron and aluminium, and
is commonly considered to have formed in
hot and wet tropical areas. They develop
by intensive and long-lasting weathering
of the underlying parent rock. Some
important characteristics of laterite soil are
as follows :
 Extreme form of red tropical soil
type
 Leached of alkalis and silica.
 Accumulation of sesquioxides in
top layer.
 Crust formation near the surface,
nodular concretions, induration.
 Soil reaction is acidic.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
 This type of soil has Poor base
saturation.
The monsoon climate is the leading
reason for the origin of this soil. A
few months of the year are
alternately wet and dry, causing the
erosion and breakage of rocks,
forming this soil. Laterite soil
contains a lot of pebbles. Its water
absorption capacity is very low.
Due to its infertility, it is not very
important from the agricultural
point of view, yet it can be used to
cultivate cereals, millets, Kodo,
mites, potatoes, oilseeds, etc.
Regions of Surguja, Jashpur,
Balrampur, Durg, Bastar and
Bemetara districts are covered by
this type of soil in Chatishgarh.
Locals names of soil in
Chattishgarh
Red-yellow soil : Matasi
Laterite soil : Bhata
Black soil : Kanhar
Red sandy soil : Tikra ( Plateau of
bastar )
CHATTISHGARH :
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
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 Chattisgarh Geography

part of Chhattisgarh lies on the edge of the

great Indo-Gangetic plain, central part of
the state lies in the fertile upper basin of
the Mahanadi and its tributaries and the
southern part of the state lies on the
Deccan plateau. Mahanadi is the main
river in Chhattisgarh and Iravati, Hasdeo,
Rihand etc..., are other major rivers.
Chhattisgarh is one of the few landlocked
states of the country.

The northern and southern parts of the

state are hilly, while the central part is a
fertile plain. The highest point in the state
is the Bailadila
Range. Deciduous forests of the Eastern
Highlands Forests cover roughly 44% of
the state The state animal is the van
bhainsa, or wild water buffalo. The state
bird is the pahari myna, or hill myna. The
state tree is the Sal (Sarai) found in Bastar
division.
In the north lies the edge of the great Indo-
Gangetic plain. The Rihand River, a
tributary of the Ganges, drains this area.
The eastern end of the Satpura Range and
the western edge of the Chota Nagpur
Plateau form an east-west belt of hills that
divide the Mahanadi River basin from the
Indo-Gangetic plain. The outline of
Chhattisgarh is like a sea horse.
The central part of the state lies in the
Chhattisgarh is located 17° 46' north to 24°
fertile upper basin of the Mahanadi river
5' north latitude and from 80° 15' east to
and its tributaries. This area has
84° 20' east longitude. The state is located
extensive rice cultivation. The upper
at the central part of India and has a total
Mahanadi basin is separated from the
area of 135194 Sqkm. Chhattisgarh is
upper Narmada basin to the west by
surrounded by Orissa in the east,
the Maikal Hills (part of the Satpuras) and
Maharashtra in the west, Andhra Pradesh
from the plains of Odisha to the east by
in south, Madhya Pradesh in the North
ranges of hills. The southern part of the
West and Jharkhand in the north east.
state lies on the Deccan plateau, in the
Almost 44% of Chhattisgarh is covered by
watershed of the Godavari River and its
forests and is one of the richest bio-
tributary, the Indravati River. The
diversity habitats in India. The northern

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 Chattisgarh Geography
Mahanadi is the chief river of the state.
The other main rivers are Hasdo (a
tributary of
Mahanadi), Rihand, Indravati, Jonk, Arpa
and Shivnath. It is situated in the east of
Madhya Pradesh.
Amrit Dhara Waterfall. The natural beauty
of Koriya includes dense forests,
mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Amrit
Dhara Waterfall in Koriya is among the
most famous waterfalls in Koriya. Koriya
in Chhattisgarh was a princely state during
the British rule in India. Koriya is also
known for the rich mineral deposits. Coal
is found in abundance in this part of the
country. The dense forests are rich in
wildlife.
The Amrit Dhara Water fall, Koriya is a
natural waterfall which originates from the
Hasdo River. The fall is situated at a
distance of seven kilometers from Koriya.
The waterfall is ideally located on the
Manendragarh-Baikunthpur road. The
Amrit Dhara Waterfall in Koriya in
Chhattisgarh in India falls from a height of
27 m. The waterfall is about 3–4.5 m wide.
The point where the water falls, there, a
cloudy atmosphere is formed all
around. Chirimiri is one of the more
popular places, known for its pristine
beauty, and healthy climate in
Chhattisgarh.
CHHATT
ISGARH:
Irrigation
Civilizations have always flourished
near sources of water. Since time
immemorial, reservoirs are being
constructed for domestic, drinking
and irrigation needs. There is a large
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
variation in monsoon pattern.
Therefore, storage of water is a
prime need of Chhattisgarh. The
history of water storage in reservoirs
in the state goes back to the Kalchuri
dynasty of 12th century.
Vallabhsagar of Kotagth and khadga
reservoirs of Ratanpur are examples
of this age-old tradition of
preservation and storage of water.
About 59,900 MCM of water drains
into Ganga, Godawari, Mahanadi,
Narmada and Bramhani rivers from
137 thousand square kilometers
geographical area of Chhattisgarh.
Excluding the use by neighboring
states, only 41,700 MCM of surface
water can be utilized in the state. At
present only 22% of surface water is
being used for irrigation, industrial
and domestic purpose. Similarly
13,678 MCM of ground water is
available, of which 20% has so far
been harnessed.
About 80% population of the state is
rural and mainly dependent on
agriculture. The average rain fall of
the state is 1300 mm and entire state
falls under rice-agro-climate zone.
Variability in monsoon directly
affects agriculture crops, mainly
paddy. In the circumstances more
irrigation facility has become a
primary requirement for the state.
Irrigation in Chhattisgarh:
Present Status
The gross sown area and net sown
area of the state are 5.683 Million
Hectare. And 4.710 Million Hectare
respectively. Irrigation potential of
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 Chattisgarh Geography
1.328 Million Hectare was created
from the government sources till the
formation of the new state of
Chhattisgarh ( 1st November 2000)
which was only 22.94% of gross
sown area. It has now reached 1.809
Million Hectare which is 31.83% of
gross sown area.
Irrigation in Chhattisgarh
:Targets and Achievements
During 11th five year plan (2007-
2012) additional irrigation potential
of 481000 Hectare has been created
up to March 2011. In addition to
plan funds, the works are being
executed from other budgetary
provision also like loan from
NABARD, Employment Guarantee
Schemes (NREGA) drought prone
areas etc. to increase the irrigation
facilities.
RIDF Programme (NABARD) -
Under the Rural Infrastructure
Development Fund (RIDF) 416
schemes from Phase-II to Phase-
XVII have been taken up. The
designed irrigation potential for
these schemes is 221166 Hectare.
Tandula Canal Lining, Mata
Sutiapat Project, Kharkhara
Mohadipat Project and Mand
Diversion are some of the main
projects which have been completed.
Accelerated Irrigation Benefit
Programme (AIBP) -
Under accelerated Irrigation Benefit
Programme (AIBP) 2 Major Project
(Mahandi Reservoir Project and
Hasdeo Bango Project) and 147
Minor Irrigation Schemes have been
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
completed which created 143030
Hectare of Irrigation Potential. 03
Majar Projects (Kelo Project,
Kharang and Maniyri Canal Lining)
two medium projects (Kosarteda and
Sutiyapat) and 127 Minor Irrigation
Schemes are under construction.
Apart from these proposal 02
medium projects (Ghumariya Nalla
Barrage & Karra Nalla Barrage) and
52 Nos Minor Irrigation Schemes
have been submitted to Government
of India for sanction under AIBP.
Schemes Under Construction –
There are four major, 6 medium and
412 minor schemes which are under
construction like Hasdeo Bango
Project (Major), Sondur Project
(Major), Kosarteda Project
(Medium), Karra Nalla Barrage
(Medium). These schemes will
especially cater to the requirement
of tribal and drought prone areas.
Chhattisgarh Irrigation
Development Project (ADB
assisted) –
Increase in productivity by the use
of improved irrigation methods,
better water management and
modern agricultural methods to
increase the irrigation area and
raising income to reduce poverty are
main objectives of this project.
Renovation and rehabilitation of 123
minor and 24 medium schemes
strengthening and intensive training
of Water Users Association (WUA),
capacity building of department staff
and farmers for improvement in
agricultural techniques are the main
components of this project.
Page 22
 Chattisgarh Geography
Estimated cost of this 7 year project
is Rs. 306.00 crore. The work of 91
Scheme worth Rs. 78.79 crore is
completed. The work of 76 schemes
worth Rs. 79.80 in under progress,
on completion of 147 schemes,
176750 Hac. irrigation potential can
be recovered.
National Hydrology Project
Phase-II (World Bank Assisted) –
Planning and design of water
resources development, decision
support and design aid by the use of
data collection are main features of
this world Bank Assosited “National
Hydrology Project Phase-II”. To
provide information about the
availability and quality of surface
and ground water to different
institutions and users is also special
purpose of the project. Total
estimated cost of the project was Rs.
21.51 crores. The latest estimated
cost is Rs. 10.27 crores.
Steps to increase irrigation
sources in Chhattisgarh:
Construction of Anicuts –
In the state of Chhattisgarh, there
were ponds in almost every small
habitation. Besides fulfilling the
local needs, these ponds were
maintaining the natural balance of
ground water in almost the whole of
the state. These ponds lost their
existence with time and excessive
exploitation of ground water. As
result water table plummeted. To
overcome this imbalance, the
Government of Chhattisgarh has
prepared an ambitious project of
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
creation alternate water bodies by
constructing anicuts and stop-dams
across various rivers and rivulets in
the state. Under this project 595
anicuts and stop-dams have been
identified across river Mahanadi,
Shivnath, Jonk and other perennial
rivers and rivulets in the “rain-
shade” region. This will raise the
water table and will be very useful
to local populace. The estimated cost
of these anicuts and stop-dams is Rs.
2322.76 crore. Water will be
available for drinking, domestic,
agricultural and industrial uses from
these anicuts. At present 154 anicuts
costing to Rs. 412.91 crore has been
completed and 129 aniucts costing
to Rs. 901.54 crore are under
construction.
Ayacut Development–
Requirement of irrigation water has
increased manifold with the
development of new techniques in
the field of agriculture. With view of
optimum use of available water,
Commend Area.
Development Programme was
launched by Government of India
for major and medium irrigation
projects. Construction of field
channels, Participatory Irrigation
Management (PIM), Training of
farmers etc. are being executed
under this programme. Following
two Commend area Development
Authorities have been Constituted in
the state;
• In year 2011-12 25630 Hectare
command area in Mahanadi,
command area Raipur and Hasdeo
Page 23
 Chattisgarh Geography

Ayacut Development Bilaspur up to

2/2012 has been developed. Bastar Bijapur Dantewada
• Thus, Water Resources
Department has contributed in the Narayanpur Sukma Kondagaon
overall development of the state by
creating irrigation potential,
providing water for drinking and Chhattisgarh Plains:
industrial purpose
Chhattisga Ra Janj
Bil
rh: Agriculture Raip ig Korb gir-
asp
ur ar a Cha
Agriculture is counted as the ur
h mpa
chief economic occupation of the
Chattisgarh. According to a
Kab
government estimate, net sown area K irdh
of the state is 4.828 million hectares Rajn D Mah Dh
an am
and the gross sown area is 5.788 andg ur asam am
ke (Ka
million hectare. aon g und tari
r war
Horticulture and animal dha)
husbandry also engage a major share
of the total population of the state. Ba
About 80% of the population of the lo
state is rural and the main livelihood Gari Ba Mu
da Bem
of the villagers is agriculture and yaba lo nge -
Ba etara
agriculture-based small industry. nd d li
za
r
Agro-climatic zones of
Chhattisgarh:
Northern Hills:
Chhattisgarh state is divided
into three Agroclimatic zones viz
Balra Jash Kor Suraj Surg
Chhattisgarh Plains, Bastar Plateau
mpur pur ea pur uja
and Northern Hills zone covering
51.0%, 28.0% and 21.0% of the Source: Indira Gandhi Krishi Vidhyala
geographical area, respectively. The
location of the state is such that it is
close to the Bay of Bengal, which is Agricultural products:
instrumental in bringing monsoon in The main crops are
the Northern part of the country. The rice, maize and other small millets
cropping intensity of the state is and pulses (tuar and kulthi);
about 135 percent. oilseeds, such as groundnuts
Bastar Plateau: (peanuts), soybean and sunflowers,

Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com Page 24
 Chattisgarh Geography
are also grown. In the mid-1990s,
most of Chhattisgarh was still a
monocrop belt. Only one-fourth to
one-fifth of the sown area was
double-cropped. When a very
substantial portion of the population
is dependent on agriculture, a
situation where nearly 80% of a
state's area is covered only by one
crop, immediate attention to turn
them into double crop areas is
needed.
Also, very few cash crops are
grown in Chhattisgarh, so there is a
need to diversify the agriculture
produce towards oilseeds and other
cash crops. Chhattisgarh is also
called the "rice bowl of central
India"
Agricultural development in the
state
The majority of the
farmers are still practicing the
traditional methods of cultivation,
resulting in low growth rates and
productivity. The farmers have to be
made aware of modern technologies
suitable to their holdings. Providing
adequate knowledge to the farmers
is essential for better implementation
of the agricultural development
plans and to improve the
productivity.
Considering this and a very
limited irrigated area, the
productivity of not only rice but also
other crops is low, hence the farmers
are unable to obtain economic
benefits from agriculture and it has
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
remained as subsistence agriculture
till now.
Positive results of efforts
over the years for the economic
regeneration of the state of
agricultural development and
farmers by the state government
said. Chhattisgarh state government
to increase the production of rice
farmers by farmers of the aid went
and state due to the advanced
agricultural technology by adopting
the highest paddy production by the
Government of India for the year
2010-11, 2012-13 and 2013-14 and
prestigious "the fourth state of
pulses output in 2014-15 was
awarded the Krishi Karman award".
State farmers for this achievement
deserve congratulations.
Agriculture Today magazine
awarded the "Agriculture Leadership
Award" for the state by the year
2015. An increase of 39 percent, 24
percent, 35 percent of the total grain,
13 percent of the total pulses, 13
percent, 33 percent and total oilseeds
in total food wheat in rice in the past
12 years.
Chhattisgarh is rich in livestock wealth.
Livestock sector contributes about 23
percent to the value of agricultural sector
output. A majority of the rural households
possesses one or another species of
livestock. The distribution of livestock
holdings is more equitable as compared to
land, indicating that the poor have more
Page 25
 Chattisgarh Geography
opportunities in livestock production than
in crop production.
The livestock in Chhattisgarh is an integral
part of the mixed crop live stock system
where crop production meets most of the
feed and fodder requirements of livestock
and they provide draught power and dung
manure for crop production. Such a
synergy is considered beneficial for
sustainability of crop and live stock
production and household food security.
Small–holder farmers dominate the rural
sector of Chhattisgarh. About 73 percent
of land holdings are less than 2 ha with an
area share of 29 percent. For these
households crop production is unlikely to
be the sole source of livelihood. They
sustain from off–farm and non–farm
activities like animal husbandry and
mostly maintain animals as a regular
source of food and cash income. With the
increase in per–capita income, the
consumption of livestock products
increased much faster than food grains
over the last decade which has facilitated
market trends for livestock and poultry
products. Strategic interventions are
required to ensure that the small livestock
producers gain from the expanding
market.
Livestock and Poultry Status
 Chhattisgarh is rich in livestock
wealth with1.27 crore animals –
cattle population is the highest with
64 percent followed by goats [16
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
percent] buffaloes [14 percent] and
sheep and pigs [6 percent]. Animal
in general are smaller in size with
poor production potentials coupled
with inadequate availability of feed
and fodder.
 The distribution of livestock
population across the zones shows
that Chhattisgarh plains have 56
percent cattle and buffaloes and 50
percent poultry. Pigs are largely
concentrated in Baster plateau.
Northern hills have the highest goat
density while poultry and pig
density is higher in Baster plateau.
 Livestock sector engaged only
about 0.5 percent of rural work
force. The reasons being:-
 The animals are usually left for
grazing especially in Rabi season
when plenty of land remains
uncultivated.
 Huge area under forests also offers
avenue of labour free grazing.
 Majority of livestock producers are
poor and spend less on animal feed.
 Huge area under forests also offers
avenue of labour free grazing.
 Livestock productivity in the State
is poor. The average Yield of
nondescript cows that account for
55 percent of total milk output is
less than 1.0 k.g / day. This is
about one half of the country‟s
average and less than the average
yield of goat in Rajasthan. The
crossbreed cows yield 3.8 kg. milk
per day. Milk yield of buffalo is
2.78kg / day which is far lower
than the national average of 4.15
kg. / day.
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Policy Initiatives
Following are the policy initiatives
undertaken by G.O.I and followed by the
states including Chhattisgarh:-
 Operation Flood Programme
 Animal health
 Economic liberalization
 Contract farming
 Fodder bank
Policy Framework for Chhattisgarh
The proposed livestock policy has a
pro poor focus and identifies the
following thrust areas for
government intervention:-
1. Improvement in feed-fodder
security.
2. Extension of animal health
services.
3. Enhancing capacity of breeding
system.
4. Improving livestock producer’s
access to financial services.
5. Linking livestock produce to output
market.
6. Ensuring ecological and
environmental sustainability while
promoting modernization of
livestock sector through
appropriate programmes.
7. Special emphases on poor and
under privileged sections to ensure
income enhancement.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
8. Strengthening livestock research
and its linkage with extension
system.
9. Promote need based participatory
research.
10. Integrate traditional and modern
approaches to improve livestock
productivity.
11. Develop – an exhaustive inventory
of feed resource available locally.
12. Develop thermo stable poultry,
pig, sheep and goat viral disease
vaccine.
13. Development of cost effective
polyvalent bluetongue vaccine and
anthelementics.
14. Encourage multidisciplinary
research and collaboration among
research institutions.
15. Follow a bottom-up approach for
technology dissemination.
16. Promote new models of
information dissemination.
17. (CARD along with CALPI-SDC-IC
had taken up Chhattisgarh
Livestock Sector Reform and Policy
Development process for
preparation of a Pro Poor livestock
policy, and as a part of it numerous
publications were brought out.
‘Livestock and Poultry Sector in
Chhattisgarh–Present Status and
Approach for Future Development
along with the policy document
were the main outcome of the
three year process)
18. 1234
Page 27
 Chattisgarh Geography
19. Mr. Brijmohan Agrawal is
currently the Minister for animal
husbandry who ha staken various
steps for the development of
animal husbandry.
Major activities of this department can be
broadly classified under the following
heads:
1. Veterinary health coverage
2. Improved breeding procedure in
animals & birds.
3. Preservation & Development of
Indigenous animal populations.
4. Opportunities for employment to the
weaker section of the society
Schemes implemented by State
government :
1. National Livestock Mission -
Chhattisgarh
The Mission is designed to cover all the
activities required to ensure quantitative
and qualitative improvement in livestock
production systems and capacity building
of all stakeholder. The Mission will cover
everything germane to improvement of
livestock productivity and support projects
and initiatives required for that purpose
subject to condition that such initiatives
which cannot be funded under other
Centrally Sponsored Schemes under the
Department.
Mission Objectives
The NLM intends to achieve the following
objectives:
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
1. Sustainable growth and development of
livestock sector, including poultry
2. Increasing availability of fodder and
feed to substantially reduce the demand –
supply gap through measures which
include more area coverage under quality
fodder seeds, technology promotion,
extension, post-harvest management and
processing in consonance with diverse
agro-climatic condition.
3. Accelerating production of quality
fodder and fodder seeds
4. Establishing convergence and synergy
among ongoing Plan programmes and
stakeholders for sustainable livestock
development.
5. Promoting applied research in
prioritized areas of concern in animal
nutrition and livestock production.
6. Capacity building of state functionaries
and livestock owners through strengthened
extension machinery to provide quality
extension service to farmers.
7. Promoting skill based training and
dissemination of technologies for reducing
cost of production, and improving
production of livestock sector
8. Promoting initiatives for conservation
and genetic upgradation of indigenous
breeds of livestock (except bovines which
are being covered under another scheme of
the Ministry) in collaboration with farmers
/ farmers‟ groups / cooperatives, etc.
9. Encouraging formation of groups of
farmers and cooperatives / producers‟
companies of small and marginal farmers /
livestock owners.
Page 28
 Chattisgarh Geography
10. Promoting innovative pilot projects
and mainstreaming of successful pilots
relating to livestock sector.
11. Providing infrastructure and linkage
for marketing, processing and value
addition, as forward linkage for the
farmer‟s enterprises.
12. Promoting risk management measures
including livestock insurance for farmers.
13. Promoting activities to control and
prevent animal diseases, environmental
pollution, promoting efforts towards food
safety and quality, and supply of quality
hides and skins through timely recovery of
carcasses.
14. Encouraging community participation
on sustainable practices related to animal
husbandry, involvement of community in
breed conservation and creation of
resource map for the states.
Mission Design –
The mission is organised into the
following four Sub-Missions:
1. Sub-Mission on Livestock
Development
The sub-mission on Livestock
Development includes activities to address
the concerns for overall development of
livestock species including poultry, other
than cattle and buffalo, with a holistic
approach. Risk Management component of
the sub-mission will, however, also cover
cattle and buffalo along with other major
and minor livestock
. 2. Sub-Mission on Pig Development in
North-Eastern Region
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
There has been persistent demand from the
North Eastern States seeking support for
all round development of pigs in the
region. Therefore, pig development in the
North Eastern Region is being taken up as
a sub- mission of NLM. The sub-mission
will strive to forge synergies of research
and development organizations through
appropriate interventions, as may be
required for holistic development of pigs
in the North Eastern Region including
genetic improvement, health cover and
post harvest operations. (Not applicable to
Chhattisgarh)
3. Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder
Development
The Sub-Mission is designed to address
the problems of scarcity of animal feed
and fodder resources, to give a push to the
livestock sector making it a competitive
enterprise for India, and also to harness its
export potential. The sub-mission will
especially focus on increasing both
production and productivity of fodder and
feed through adoption of improved and
appropriate technologies best suited to
specific agro-climatic region in both arable
and non-arable areas.
4. Sub-Mission on Skill Development,
Technology Transfer and Extension
The extension machinery at field level for
livestock activities is not adequately
strengthened. As a result, farmers are not
able to adopt the technologies developed
by research institutions. The adoption of
new technologies and practices requires
linkages between stakeholders. The sub-
mission will provide a platform to develop,
adopt or adapt the technologies including
frontline field demonstrations in
collaboration with farmers, researchers and
Page 29
 Chattisgarh Geography
extension workers, etc. wherever it is not
possible to achieve this through existing
arrangements.
2. National Cattle-Buffalo Breeding
Project:-
State Govt. has established Chhattisgarh
State Livestock Development Agency
(CSLDA) in June 2001 for implementation
of National Cattle-Buffalo Breeding
Project in Chhattisgarh.
Animal breed improvement work is being
done in the State by the Agency has
established well equipped Central Semen
Station in Anjora Durg and A.I. training
center at Mahasamund.
Objectives:-
1.Breed improvement and increase in milk
production by breeding the cattle and
buffalo with good quality frozen semen.
2. To strengthen training centers of Vety.
Dept. for A.I. Training program.
3. Similarity in syllabus in all training
centres.
4. Availability of frozen semen at A.I.
centers for conserved breeds under frozen
semen insemination policy.
5. Strengthening liquid nitrogen storage
and distribution arrangement.
6. Strengthening for increasing the storage
capacity of frozen semen banks.
7. Provide training, materials and tapering
grant to private A.I. workers for expansion
of self employment and A.I. facilities. The
agency is also implementing other
schemes by making coordination with
animal husbandry dept.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Assistance to States for Control of Animal
Diseases (ASCAD):-
During 10th five year plan, Animal
Disease Control Project came in existence
under livestock health & disease control
(LH&DC) in the year 2002-2003.
Since 2015-16 the funding pattern of the
program has been changed from 75:25 to
Central Share 60% and State Share 40%.
Objectives are as follows.
1. Prevention and vaccination for F.M.D
and other important diseases.
2. To organize mass vaccination program
for infectious disease of cattle like H.S.,
B.Q., Anthrax, goat diseases like P.P.R.&
enterotoxaemia and poultry diseases like
ranikhet, Fowl pox, Mareck and Gumboro
disease.
3. To strengthen animal Disease
Investigation laboratoriess.
4. In this scheme per year about 894
camps are organized at district level and
block level .Along with this annual
workshop are also being organized.
Chhattisgarh:
Census
Census gives us the idea of the
population and its structure. In this
way it becomes important and useful
in policy formation and
implementation. Below are the data
of the last two censuses which gives
us brief overview of the population
structure of the Chhattisgarh.
Page 30
 Chattisgarh Geography

Description 2011 2001 Description 2011 2001

Actual Male Literate 8,807,893 6,711,395

25,545,198 20,833,803
Population
Female
6,572,029 4,461,754
Male 12,832,895 10,474,218 Literate

Female 12,712,303 10,359,585

Density/km2 189 154 After the formation of the state in

2001, Chhattisgarh has seen two
Sex Ratio 991 989
censuses till now. First was in 2001
Child Sex and second was in 2011.
969 975
Ratio
Population growth:
Total Child Chhattisgarh constitute around
Population (0-3,661,689 3,554,916 2.11% of total population which has
6 Age) increased slightly from 2.03% in
Male 2001. This indicates that population
Population (0-1,859,935 1,800,413 in state is increasing as compared to
6 Age) the other state of the nation. This
notion is supported by the fact that
Female population growth in the state is
Population (0-1,801,754 1,754,503 22.61% more than the national
6 Age) average.
Population Sex Ratio:
22.61% 18.06%
Growth
Sex ratio of the state is better than
Percentage of the most of the states of India. Sex
total 2.11% 2.03% ratio has increased from 1989 to
Population 1991 in 2011.
Literacy 70.28 % 64.66 % Literacy:
Male Literacy 80.27 % 77.38 % The best part of the state is that its
literacy rate is 70.28% which is
Female
60.24 % 51.85 % comparable to many other states.
Literacy
According to the last census the
Total Literate 15,379,922 11,173,149 literacy rate was 64.66. this indicates

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 Chattisgarh Geography

that state has taken a leap in terms of available for fisheries development
literacy. at the end of 2013-14.

Population density: Out of the available Water

Resources 0.68 lakh hectare rural
Population density of Chhattisgarh is
pond area and 0.800 lakh hectare.
lesser than the national average 382.
Irrigation reservoir water area, thus
The current population density is
totaling 1.483 lakh hectare water has
189. This is because , most of the
already been brought under fish
state is covered by the forest.
culture until 2013-14.

The developed water area under fish

culture is shown in table:

Chhattisgarh:
Fisheries
Type of Water Area Area in Lakh
hactare
The State is playing an important
role by generating self-employment Ponds 0.68
through fisheries in rural areas,
which in turn provides nutritious Reservoirs 0.80
food to rural folks. Fisheries
business has generated an
Total 1.48
employment potential for about 2.1
Lakh persons; most of them belong
to weaker section of the society.

Available Water Resources:

Main rivers Mahanadi, Indravati and
their tributaries flow 3573 Km in the
state and offer themselves in fishery
development activities.
State has 59384 Rural Pond areas
covering 0.751 Lakh ha and 1770
Irrigation Reservoir covering 0.826
Lakh hectare Water areas totaling to
1.577 Lakh hectare water area
Fish Production and productivity
States fisheries are mostly culture
based in which Major carp fish
group play a leading role.
Availability of 59384 ponds
covering 0.751 lakhs hectare water
area is the main asset on which
culture fisheries rest. So far, 98% of
the area has been covered.

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 Chattisgarh Geography
Annual fish production has recorded
an average growth of 83.2% during
2007-08 to year 2013-14 Plan.
Fish production (in lakh tonnes)
Base year Current year
2007-08 2013-14
1.395 2.849
Resource wise contribution in fish
production is stated below.
Total Fish Production 2.849 lakh ton
Resource wise share
Ponds
93.44%
Reservoir 5.85
% At present 2.1 lakh fish farmer in the
River 0.69
% activities providing 142 lakh person-
In Inland fish production status of
India, Chhattisgarh stands on eighth
position. There has been great
improvement in per hectare yield
from ponds. In year 2001-02 annual
yield was 2970 kg/hectare. During
2013-14, it has reached 3439
kg/hectare, which is above the
National average of 2300 kg (2007-
08). There are large numbers of
progressive pisciculturists in the
state who are successfully harvesting
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
seven to eight ton of fish of Indian
major carps annually. Average
production in reservoir are 185
kg./hectare/year which is above the
national average of
69kg/hectare/year.
Extension
In addition to its field staff at the
district and block level for providing
technical and other support to fish
farmers. The department also
organized training programs within
state and out of state study tours,
exposure visits, establishment of
demonstration units for education
and awareness creation among fish
farmers.
Employment Generation
state are engaged in fisheries
days of employment round the year.
The department target to increase
the number of fish farmers to 2.55
lakh providing employment of 178
lakh person-days by the end of year
2016-17.
Chhattisga
rh: Agriculture
Current Status:
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Agriculture is counted as the chief
economic occupation of the state.
According to a government estimate,
net sown area of the state is 4.828
million hectares and the gross sown
area is 5.788 million hectares. About
80% of the population of the state is
rural and the main livelihood of the
villagers is agriculture and
agriculture-based small industry.
Horticulture and animal husbandry
also engage a major share of the
total population of the state.
Chhattisgarh is also called the "rice
bowl of central India"
The majority of the farmers are still
practicing the traditional methods of
cultivation, resulting in low growth
rates and productivity. The farmers
have to be made aware of modern
technologies suitable to their
holdings. Providing adequate
knowledge to the farmers is essential
for better implementation of the
agricultural development plans and
to improve the productivity.
Considering this and a very limited
irrigated area, the productivity of not
only rice but also other crops is low,
hence the farmers are unable to
obtain economic benefits from
agriculture and it has remained as
subsistence agriculture till now.
Agricultural products:
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
The main crops are rice, maize,
kodo-kutki and other small millets
and pulses; oilseeds, such as
groundnuts , soybeans and
sunflowers, are also grown. Kodo
Millet is used as Life Saving
Medicine in Chhattisgarh.
In the mid-1990s, most of
Chhattisgarh was still a monocrop
belt. Only one-fourth to one-fifth of
the sown area was double-cropped.
When a very substantial portion of
the population is dependent on
agriculture, a situation where almost
80% of a state's area is covered only
by one crop, immediate attention to
turn them into double crop areas is
needed.
A. Fruit Crops - The major fruit
crops grown in Chhattisgarh state
are Mango, Guava, Lime, Litchi,
Cashew-nut, Cheku etc., apart from
these major fruit crops minor fruits
like Sitafal, Bael, Ber, Anola etc.,
are also grown both as cultivated
and wild crop. The total area of the
fruit crops in the state is 2,39,676
Ha. along with the production of
23,28,811 MT in the year 2015-
2016. Agro climatically Mango can
be grown in the whole part of the
state successfully while the northern
hilly area of Sarguja and Jashpur
district is suitable for production of
Litchi. Cashew nut can be grown
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 Chattisgarh Geography
well in the plateau region of the
Bastar & Raigarh district
B. Spices - Chili, Ginger, Garlic,
Turmeric, Coriander & Methi are the
major spices grown in the state. The
total area of spices recorded in year
2015-2016 was 93,662 Ha. with the
production of 6,59,192 MT.
C. Aromatic & Medicinal Plants -
The medicinal crops grown in the
state are Ashwagandha,
Serpagandha, Satawar, Butch,
Aonla, Tikhur etc. Some aromatic
crops like Lemongrass, Pamarosa,
Jamarosa, Patchauli, E.citridora are
promoted by the department for
commercial cultivation among
farmers. The present area of
aromatic and medicinal crops in the
state is 8529 Ha. with the production
of 59,972 MT in the year 2015-
2016.
D. Flowers - Area under flower
cultivation is negligible in the state.
With the formation of new state the
demand of flowers is increasing day-
by-day, to meet out the growing
demand of flowers it is essential to
promote commercial floriculture
among the farmers. The major
flowers like Marry-gold, Tuberose,
Gladiolus, Roses, Gaillardia,
Chrysanthemum, Orchids etc., can
be grown very well without much
care. The present area under
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
floriculture in the state is 11
thousand Ha. with the production of
53 thousand MT. approximately in
the year 2015-2016.
E. Vegetables - Mostly all vegetable
crops like Solaneious crops,
Cucurbits, Beans, Cabbage,
Cauliflower etc., are grown very
well in the state. The total area of
vegetable crops in the state was
recorded 4,38,849 Ha. in the year
2015-2016 with the production of
60,61,801 MT.
Agriculture and Irrigation
Chhattisgarh has a limited irrigation
system, with dams and canals on
some rivers. Average rainfall in the
state is around 1400 mm and the
entire state falls under the rice
agroclimatic zone. Large variation in
the yearly rainfall directly affects the
production of rice. Irrigation is the
prime need of the state for its overall
development and therefore the state
government has given top priority to
development of irrigation.
In Chhattisgarh, rice, the main crop,
is grown on about 77% of the net
sown area. Only about 20% of the
Page 35
 Chattisgarh Geography
area is under irrigation; the rest
depends on rain.
Of the three agroclimatic zones,
about 73% of the Chhattisgarh
plains, 97% of the Bastar plateau
and 95% of the northern hills are
rainfed.
In Chhattisgarh region about 22% of
net cropped area was under
irrigation as compared to 36.5% in
Madhya Pradesh in 1998-99,
whereas the average national
irrigation was about 40%. The
irrigation is characterized by a high
order of variability ranging from
1.6% in Bastar to 75.0% in
Dhamtari. Based on an average
growth trend in irrigated area, about
0.43% additional area is brought
under irrigation every year as
compared to 1.89% in Madhya
Pradesh and 1.0% in the country as a
whole. Thus, irrigation has been
growing at a very low rate in
Chhattisgarh and the pace of
irrigation is so slow, it would take
about 122 years to reach the 75%
level of net irrigated area in
Chhattisgarh at the present rate of
growth.
Agricultural development in the
state
Positive results of efforts over
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
the years for the economic
regeneration of the state of
agricultural development and
farmers by the state government
said. Chhattisgarh state government
to increase the production of rice
farmers by farmers of the aid went
and state due to the advanced
agricultural technology by adopting
the highest paddy production by the
Government of India for the year
2010-11, 2012-13 and 2013-14 and
prestigious "the fourth state of
pulses output in 2014-15 was
awarded the Krishi Karman award".
State farmers for this achievement
deserve congratulations.
Agriculture Today magazine
awarded the "Agriculture Leadership
Award" for the state by the year
2015. An increase of 39 percent, 24
percent, 35 percent of the total grain,
13 percent of the total pulses, 13
percent, 33 percent and total oilseeds
in total food wheat in rice in the past
12 years.
Horticulture is growing popularity
owing to the high value of
horticulture produces than
agriculture crops. However, there
needs to be a greater impetus in
boosting the irrigation resources of
the state and in promoting
horticulture in intensive mode in the
state. According to the old and
existing data, a brief analysis is
Page 36
 Chattisgarh Geography
made on the status of Horticulture in
the state which is furnished below.
However, fresh efforts are being
made to generate and compile
statistical data through systematic
data collection on Horticulture crops
in the state.
Chhattisgarh:
Horticulture
Horticulture:
Horticulture is a branch
of agriculture. It deals with the art,
science, technology, and business of
growing plants. It includes the
cultivation of medicinal
plants, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds,
herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae,
flowers, seaweeds and non-food
crops which
includes grass and ornamental
trees and plants.
From the below 5 categories we can
derive the importance of horticulture
in Chhattisgarh.
Fruit Crops - The major fruit crops
grown in Chhattisgarh state are
Mango, Guava, Lime, Litchi,
Cashew-nut, Cheku etc., apart from
these major fruit crops minor fruits
like Sitafal, Bael, Ber, Anola etc.,
are also grown both as cultivated
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
and wild crop. The total area of the
fruit crops in the state is 2,39,676
Ha. along with the production of
23,28,811 MT in the year 2015-
2016. Agro climatically Mango can
be grown in the whole part of the
state successfully while the northern
hilly area of Sarguja and Jashpur
district is suitable for production of
Litchi. Cashew nut can be grown
well in the plateau region of the
Bastar & Raigarh district
B. Spices - Chili, Ginger, Garlic,
Turmeric, Coriander & Methi are the
major spices grown in the state. The
total area of spices recorded in year
2015-2016 was 93,662 Ha. with the
production of 6,59,192 MT.
C. Aromatic & Medicinal Plants -
The medicinal crops grown in the
state are Ashwagandha,
Serpagandha, Satawar, Butch,
Aonla, Tikhur etc. Some aromatic
crops like Lemongrass, Pamarosa,
Jamarosa, Patchauli, E.citridora are
promoted by the department for
commercial cultivation among
farmers. The present area of
aromatic and medicinal crops in the
state is 8529 Ha. with the production
of 59,972 MT in the year 2015-
2016.
D. Flowers - Area under flower
cultivation is negligible in the state.
With the formation of new state, the
Page 37
 Chattisgarh Geography
demand of flowers is increasing day-
by-day, to meet out the growing
demand of flowers it is essential to
promote commercial floriculture
among the farmers. The major
flowers like Marry-gold, Tuberose,
Gladiolus, Roses, Gaillardia,
Chrysanthemum, Orchids etc., can
be grown very well without much
care. The present area under
floriculture in the state is 11
thousand Ha. with the production of
53 thousand MT. approximately in
the year 2015-2016.
E. Vegetables - Mostly all vegetable
crops like Cucurbits, Beans,
Cabbage, Cauliflower etc., are
grown very well in the state. The
total area of vegetable crops in the
state was recorded 4,38,849 Ha. in
the year 2015-2016 with the
production of 60,61,801 MT.
Chhattisga
rh: Natural
Resources
Natural resources are the product or
material that occurs in nature and
which are very useful from the
perspective of human use.
Examples of natural resources:
i) Water
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
ii) Minerals
iii) Forests
Now, we will discuss the natural
resources of Chhattisgarh one by
one.
Water
80% of Chhattisgarh population
relies on agriculture for subsistence,
water is vital. After considering the
reservation of 8,700 Mcum
downstream, State uses under
various inter-state agreements, the
available surface water is 51,200
Mcum. Further, after considering the
annual practicability, the State can
utilize approximately 41,720 Mcum.
It includes long-term requirement of
irrigation, drinking water, industrial
use etc.
In addition to surface water, there is
dynamic ground water resources and
its potential has been estimated as
13,678 Mcum.
Under the Asian Development
assisted Chhattisgarh Irrigation
Development Project, it is proposed
to promote sustainability of irrigated
agriculture and improve water
resources management by
rehabilitation and upgrades of minor
Page 38
 Chattisgarh Geography
scheme diversification and field
improvement.
At present, the storage constitutes
about 7,810 Mcum. it to proposed to
raise it to 16,200 Mcum by 2020. A
plan for construction of 595 anicuts
across various rivers of the State,
estimated to cost Rs. 1,657 crores,
has also been prepared.
These schemes will enhance the
ground water potential.
Minerals
Chhattisgarh is at the top most states
in India in terms of Minerals.
State is endowed with rich mineral
resources. From Iron ore to coal and
other metallic and non-metallic
resources. Below are the minerals in
which Chhattisgarh is among the
topmost state in India:
a) Iron Ore
b) b.) Bauxite.
c) Limestone.
d) Dolomite.
e) Coal.
Forest
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Forests Slightly less than half of the
geographical area of Chhattisgarh is
covered by forests. They are rich in
bio-diversity. Timber contributes
about 40 percent of the total forest
revenue. Rest comes from NWFP
(Non Wood Forest Products).
The state has three national parks
i) Guru Ghasidas National
Park in Koriya,
ii) Sarguja, Kanger Valley
National Park in Bastar
and
iii) Indrawati National park in
Dantewara.
There are 11 wildlife sanctuaries.
Nearly 10,000 industrial units
depend on forests for their raw
material base.
• The state is rich in NWFP like
Tendu Leaves, Harra, Sal Seed,
Gum, Mahua, Amla, Achar, Lac,
Chironji and innumerable medicnial
plants.
• The state has potential to host a
number of Herbal, Medicinal,
Aromatic plant based units. • The
state has a potential of Rs. 500 Crore
in NWFP trade.
Page 39
 Chattisgarh Geography
Chhattisga
rh: Power
Chhattisgarh is poised to become the
power hub of India.
Installed capacity is 5624 MW.
The abundant availability of coal
ensures constant supply of raw
material for future thermal power
projects .
Chhattisgarh Government actively
assists private power producers to
set up power projects in the state.
State Government has created the
Renewable Energy Development
Authority (CREDA) for
development of renewable sources
of energy.
Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development
Agency (CBDA) has been setup to
take up an ambitious programme for
development of Bio-Diesel in the
state.
Government has constituted the
Chhattisgarh Vidyut Niyamak Ayog
(Electricity Regulatory Authority).
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
60 MOUs signed for establishment
of power plants.
- Anticipated power production
through MOUs is 50,000 MW.
- Proposed investment is Rs.
2,25,000 crores.
Power sector can be divided into
three verticals having Generation,
Transmission and Distribution
business. In Chhattisgarh, state
electricity board which was
undertaking the above functions,
after the restructuring process
undertook in December 2008, was
unbundled into five independent
Companies, i.e.
1. Chhattisgarh State Power
Generation Company Limited
(CSPGCL),
2. Chhattisgarh State Power
Transmission Company Limited
(CSPTCL),
3. Chhattisgarh State Power
Distribution Company Limited
(CSPDCL),
4. Chhattisgarh State Power Trading
Company Limited (CSPTrCL), and
5. Chhattisgarh State Power Holding
Company Limited (CSPHCL).
Page 40
 Chattisgarh Geography

Electrification ric Project river

As per the census 2011, the state has
a population of 2.55 Crores with
40% of Thermal Power Plants in
Chhattisgarh
population concentrated in Raipur,
Durg andBilaspur districts. Some of the important Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh power stations are as follows:
householdelectrification had reached
a level of 75% (94%in urban and
70% in rural areas respectively) as i) Korba (West) Thermal
per the census 2011, which is Power Station
comparatively
CSEB, Korba West,
higher than the overall India average District- Bilaspur
of 67%.
Korba Thermal Power Station is
among the largest thermal power
plants in the country. It is a coal
Hydro Electric Projects in
power station located at Jamanipali
Chhattisgarh
in Korba. The thermal power station
has a power generating capacity of
Sl.N Project 540 MW.
River Basin
o. Name

ii) Korba Super Thermal

Gangrel Power Station
Mahana Mahana
1 Hydroelect
di di NTPC Ltd, P.O. Vikas
ric Project
Bhavan, Jamnipali ,Korba

Hasdeo Korba Super Thermal Power Plant is

Bango Mahana situated at Jamanipali in
2 Hasdeo Chhattisgarh. It is 1 of the coal
Hydroelect di
ric Project based thermal power station by
NTPC.

Sikaser Mahana iii) Jindal Megha PP (private)

3 Pairi
Hydroelect di Korba STPP , Jamani Palli

Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com Page 41
 Chattisgarh Geography

iv) LANCO Thermal Power Nawagarh Tehsil, Janjgir

Station Champa District,

Village-Pathadi,P.O- vi) Videocon Industries Ltd (2

Tilkeja Dist.- Korba x 660 MW)

v) Sipat TPP Village Gaud, District

Champa,
Sipat
vii) GMR Energy Ltd (1200
MW)
Upcoming Chattisgarh Thermal
Rikheda, Raipur,
Power Plants
viii) Godawari Energy Ltd (4 x
300 MW)
i) Arasmeta Captive Power
Distt., Raigarh,
Company Private Ltd (1 x
43 MW) ix) BEC Power Private Ltd. (2
x 250 MW)
Gopalnagar, District
Janjgir Champa Champa District

ii) Seshasaila Power and x) Patni Power Projects (540

Engineering (P) Ltd. (7.5 MW)
MW)
Village Gorra in Raigarh
Champa, District

iii) Athena Chhattisgarh xi) IFFCO Chhattisgarh

Power Pvt. Ltd (2 x 600 Power (2 x 500 MW)
MW)
Chandan Nagar, Sarguja
Singhitarai, District Janjgir District
Champa
x) SKS Ispat (1200 MW)
iv) Vandana Vidhyut Ltd (540
(Binjkote, Darramura),
MW)
Raigarh District
District Korba,
Chhattisgarh:
v) Sona Power Pvt. Ltd. (2 x Relief and Structure
300 MW)

Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com Page 42
 Chattisgarh Geography

Chhattisgarh has area of 135194 Mahanadi, Godawari, Ganga and

square km which is 4.14% of the
geographical area of India. It is
located in the centre of 17.43' to
24.5 degree North latitude and 80.15
to 84.20 degree East longitude.
Uttar Pradesh in North, Jharkhand in
North-East, Orissa in East, Andhra
Pradesh in South, Maharashtra in
South-West and M.P. & Dantewada (South Bastar), Bijapur,
Maharashtra in West form its
borders. 43% Land is covered by
Forests.
Narmada. In this network, 31 large,
small rivers and tributories, flow
from East to West, covering a length
of about 3573 Kms. in the State.
• Bastar Plateau Zone: It
account for 29% of the geographical
area of the state. Kanker (North
Bastar), Bastar, Kondagaon,
Sukma and Narayanpur are districts
included in this region.

There are 3 geographical zones

Soil, has water retention capacity in
northen hills, central plains and
the range of light to medium 55%-
Bastar plateau.
65% i.e. the Soil represents low
• Northern Hills: The area of water retention capacity.
this agroclimatic zone accounts for
Regio Soil Type Water
21% of the total geographical area.
n Retenti
Koriya, Sarguja, Surajpur,
Name on
Balrampur Jashpur, Raigarh and
Capacit
Korba are districts situated in this
y
part.

• Central Plain Zone: this Light to

agroclimatic zone covers 50% of the medium
geographical area of the state. 55%
(Reddish-
Raipur, Balodabajar Bhathpara, Northe Yellow)
Gariyaband, Bilaspur, Mungeli rn Hills
Janjgir-Champa, Kabirdham, Zone Med. Heavy
Rajnandgaon, Durg, Balod,
to 15%
BemetaraDhamtari and
heavy(Browni
Mahasamund are districts included
sh-Black)
in this plain region.
Central Light to
River System – There is a network 65%
Plain medium
of 4 rivers. These rivers are
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com Page 43
 Chattisgarh Geography

 Shiv-Ganga
Zone (Reddish-
 Bhunbhuni
Yellow)
Dantewada District
Light to
medium 35%  Malangir
(Reddish-  Saath-Dhaar
Yellow)  Fool-paad
 Jhara-lava
Light to  Munga
medium  Toyer Nala Waterfall
58%  Dudma Jhodi WF
Southe (Reddish-
rn Yellow) Jashpur District
Plateau Light to  Dangiri
Zone medium 42%  Ranidah
(Reddish-  Kotebira
Yellow)  Rajpuri
 Bhringraj
 Gullu
 Churi
Chhattisgarh:  Bane
Tourism
Korba District
Chhattisgarh has vast potential for
tourism. Below are the important  Damoh Dhara
area from the point of view of
tourism. Dhamtari District

1.) Waterfalls  Narhara

List of Waterfalls of Chhattisgarh: Kanker District

Bastar District  Malaj-kudum

 Charre-Marre
 Chitrakote Falls
 Tirathgarh Bijapur District
 Chitra-Dhara
 Tamda Ghumar  Lankapalli WF
 Mendri-Ghumar  Bogtum Waterfall
 Mandawa  Nambi Dhara
 Jhulna Darha
 Chik-Narra Gariyaband

Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com Page 44
 Chattisgarh Geography
 Godena Falls
 Deo-Dhara
 Chingra-Pagaar
 Jatmai Falls
 Ghata-rani Falls
Chitrakote Falls
Beautiful waterfalls in Chhattisgarh
are Akuri Nala and Amritdhara falls,
Chirimiri is the Jannat Of
Chhattisgarh. The Amrit Dhara
Waterfall, Koriya, is a natural
waterfall which originates from the
Hasdeo River. The point where the
water falls, there, a cloudy
atmosphere is formed all around.
The Amrit Dhara waterfall is easily
accessible from Koriya and other
parts of Chhattisgarh. In addition,
there is Gavar Ghat waterfall,
Ramdaha Waterfall in Koriya
district, Tiger Point Waterfall at
Mainpat in Surguja district, and
Chitrakot and Tirathgarh waterfalls
in Bastar district.[citation needed]
2.) Temples
Ancient temples in Chhattisgarh
like: Shri Ram Janki Temple at
Setganga in Mungeli District,
Bhoramdeo temple near Kawardha
in Kabirdham district, Rajivlochan
temple at Rajim and Champaran in
Raipur district, Chandrahasini Devi
temple at Chandrapur, Vishnu
temple at Janjgir, Damudhara
(Rishab Tirth) and Sivarinarayana
Laxminarayana temple in Janjgir-
Champa district, Bambleshwari
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Temple at Dongargarh in
Rajnandgaon district etc.
Sirpur is proposed world heritage
site and Malhar are of historical
significance, as they were visited by
Xuanzang, the Chinese historian.
Mama- bachha temple at Barsoor.
Giraudhpuri is a sacred place for the
Satnamis. They are the followers of
Satnam Panth.
3.) National parks and wildlife
sanctuaries
Indravati National Park and Kanger
Ghati National Park in the Bastar
district, Achanakmar Wildlife
Sanctuary in the Bilaspur district,
Gamarda Reserve forest at
Sarangarh in the Raigarh district,
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in
the Mahasamund district, Udanti
Wildlife Sanctuary in the Raipur
district, and Sitanadi Wildlife
Sanctuary in the Dhamtari district
are good places for eco-tourism.
There is also Guru Ghasidas
National Park. The natural beauty of
Koriya is known all over India. The
place has many dense forests,
mountains, rivers and waterfalls, and
is known for the rich mineral
deposits. Coal is found in abundance
in this part of the country. The dense
forests present here have a rich
wildlife, and the district was where
the last known Asiatic cheetah was
spotted in the wilderness of India.
The climate of Koriya is quite
pleasant. The mild summers and
Page 45
 Chattisgarh Geography
cool winters make Koriya a suitable
place to visit throughout the year.
List of National Parks:
 Kanger Ghati National Park,
Bastar District (Area: 200 sq.
km)
 Indravati National Park,
Bijapur District (Area: 1258
sq. km)
 Guru Ghasi Das National
Park, Korea District (Area:
2898.705 sq. km)
List of Sancturies:
 Achanakmar, Bilaspur
 Badalkhol, Jashpur
 Bhairamgarh, Bijapur
 Barnawapara, Balodabazaar
 Gomarda, Raigarh
 Pamed, Bijapur
 Semarsot. Balrampur
 Sitanadi, Dhamtari
 Udanti, Gariyaband
 Tamor Pingla, Surguja
 Bhoramdeo, Kawardha
4.) Caves and archaeological sites
Gadiya mountain in Kanker district,
Kotumsar cave in Bastar district,
Kailash gufa in Jashpur district,
Ramgarh and Sita Bengra in Surguja
district and Singhanpur cave in
Raigarh district with pre-historic
paintings are well known. There are
cave paintings at Ongana and Kabra
Pahad near Raigarh, though most of
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
the paintings lie in open and have
been over written by graffiti.
Archaeological sites worth seeing
are Barsoor in Dantewada district,
Malhar and Ratanpur in Bilaspur
district, Sirpur in Mahasamund
district, Koriya in Koriya district and
Surguja in Surguja district.
List of some Caves found in
Chhattisgarh
Bastar District
 Aranyak Cave Kanger Ghati
National Park
 Dandak Cave Kanger Ghati
National Park
 Kailash Caves Kanger Ghati
National Park
 Devgiri Cave Kanger Ghati
National Park
 Jhumar Cave Kanger Ghati
National Park
 Kanak Cave Kanger Ghati
National Park
 Kotumsar Cave
 Mendhkamaari Cave Kanger
Ghati National Park
 Rani Cave Kanger Ghati
National Park
Kanker District
 Jogi Cave, Gadiya Mountain
Kanker
 Sondayee Cave, Kanker
Jashpur district
 Kailash Cave
 Khudiya Rani Cave
Page 46
 Chattisgarh Geography

Rajnandgaon district

 Mandipkhol Cave Road Network:

Bijapur Chhattisgarh has exposure of mostly

 Shakal-Narayan Cave, Bijapur
 Shankanpalli Cave, Bijapur
 Usur Cave, Bijapur
Surguja
2-lane or 1-lane roads which
provides connectivity to major
cities. 11 national highways passing
through the state which are together
3078.40 km in length.

 Jogi-mara Many national highways are on

 Sita-bengra
5.) Dams
Hasdeo Bango Dam, Khudiya Dam
in Lormi and Khutaghat Dam in
Ratanpur and Gangrel Dam and
Murrum Silli Dam in Dhamtari,
Kherkatta Reservoir in Pakhanjore
are some of the important dams in
Chhattisgarh.
paper and not fully converted into 4-
lane highway. This includes 130A
New, 130B New, 130C New, 130D
New, 149B New, 163A New, 343
New, 930New. Other national
highway includes NH 6, NH 16, NH
43, NH 12A, NH 78, NH 111, NH
200, NH 202, NH 216, NH 217, NH
221, NH30NH 930 NEW. The state
highways and major district roads
constitute another network of
8,031 km.

Chhattisgarh has one of the lowest

densities of National Highway in
Chhattisga Central and South India
rh: Transport (12.1 km/100,000 population) which
is similar to the North Eastern state
Network
of Assam.

Road Network can further be

Transport network in Chhattisgarh categories into National Highway,
can be categorized into four State Highway, District Roads, and
categories: other roads.
i) Road
ii) Railways
Railways in Chhattisgarh: -
iii) Airway

Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com Page 47
 Chattisgarh Geography
The state has the highest cargo
loading in the country and one-sixth
of Indian Railway's revenue comes
from Chhattisgarh. The length of rail
network in the state is 1,108 km,
while a third track has been
commissioned between Durg and
Raigarh. Construction of some new
railway lines are under process.
These include Dalli-Rajhara–
Jagdalpur rail line, Pendra Road-
Gevra Road Rail Line rail line,
Raigarh-Mand Colliery to
Bhupdeopur rail line and Barwadih-
Chirmiri rail line. Freight/goods
trains provide services mostly to
coal and iron ore industries in east-
west corridor (Mumbai-Howrah
route). There is lack of passenger
services to north and south of
Chhattisgarh. Current train stations
are mostly overcrowded and not
maintained well for passengers.
Practically the entire railway
network spread over the state comes
under the geographical control of
the South East Central Railway
Zone of Indian Railways centred
around Bilaspur, which is the zonal
headquarters of this zone. The main
railway junction is Raipur, Durg and
Bilaspur Junction, which is also a
starting point of many long distance
trains. These three junctions are
well-connected to the major cities of
India.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Current Status: Rail Transport
Presently, Chhattisgarh has
1,187 km long railway line network,
which is less than half of the
national average of rail density.
The construction of new 546 km
long rail network including Rajhara-
Rowghat rail project, 311 km long
East and East-West Rail Corridors
and 140 km long Rowghat-Jagdalpur
rail project are underway in the
state.
The Chhattisgarh government has
now decided to form a joint venture
company with the Ministry of
Railways for the expansion of
railway tracks in the state. The
decision to form a joint venture
company with Ministry of Railways
was taken during a meeting of the
state cabinet chaired by Chief
Minister on 5 February 2016. An
MoU will shortly be signed between
the state Commerce and Industries
Department and the railway ministry
in this regard. Under the MoU, the
state government will have 51%
share and the railways remaining
49% share. The proposed joint
venture company will identify viable
rail projects in the state and
implement them.
Major Railway heads
are Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Champa,
Raigarh, Rajnandgaon
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 Chattisgarh Geography
The railway route length in
Chhattisgarh is approximately 2400
km long. Chhattisgarh is well linked
through Rail Services to major
Indian cities.
Airways:
Chhattisgarh state of India is well
connected with the rest of the
country through Air Transport. The
airport list includes commercially
used (domestic and international),
privately used, military and flying
schools.
Listed below is the airports in
Chhattisgarh:
Airport Name
Bilaspur Airport
Raigarh Airport
OP Jindal Airport
Jagdalpur Airport
Swami Vivekananda Airport
Swami Vivekananda Airport
International Airport at Guwahati is
the only International airport. It is
also the only International airport in
the state.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Climate of Chhattisgarh
Climate is defined as the weather
conditions prevailing in general or
over prolonged period of time ,
usually for 35 years.
The climate of Chattisgarh is
tropical. It is hot and humid because
of its proximity to the tropic of
cancer and its dependence on the
monsoons for rains.
Summer temperature can reach up
to 45'C(113'F).The monsoon season
is from late June to October and is a
welcome respite from the head.
The average rainfall of Chhattisgarh
is 1292 mm.
City Served Category
Winter is from November to January
Bilaspur Flying School
and is a good time to visit
RaigarhChattisgarh.Winters
Domestic are pleasant
with low temperature and less
Raigarh Private
humidity.
Jagdalpur Domestic
Temperature of Chattisgarh
Raipur Domestic
1. In the month of January
10'C isotherm passes through the
northern part of Chattisgarh.
As we pass from north to south, the
temp increases and 12.5'C isotherm
passes through mid of the state.
15'C passes through South Western
part of Dantewada.
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 Chattisgarh Geography
2. In the month of June
The temp of state in the month of
June varies from 37'C to 42.5'C.
The lowest temp of the month has
been recorded in the Sarguja dist. of
northern Chattisgarh, where 37'C
isotherm passes through it.
While 40'C isotherm passes through
Jashpoor, Raigarh, Korba, Bilaspur,
Kabirdham.
Another isotherm passes through
Eastern part of Bastar and western
part of Dantewada.
Temp increases from march to June,
but by the end of June , the
temperature decreases as the
monsoon arises.
In July Raipur's temp remain about
27-28'C.There is no variation in the
temp in the month of September.
But in the most of September and
October , when the sky is clear ,
there is a slight increase in the
temp.
Rainfall
Chattisgarh experiences monsoonal
rainfall.
Maximum rainfall is received by Bay
of Bengal branch.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Amount of rainfall decreases from
east to west.
Average rainfall is more in north
east Chattisgarh due to its hilly
tract. The climate of Bastar is cold
and moist with heavy rainfall.
In summer the area is generally
cool.
Abhujhamar situated in the same
region receives the maximum
rainfall, roughly 187.5 cm.
Seasons
Like in most of India , there are 3
seasons in the Chattisgarh
1. Hot Season
This season starts from March and
goes up to mid June. In the month
of June , when the sun shines
vertically over the tropic of cancer ,
due to high temp , the pressure
decreases and temp rises to as
much as 42.5'C in some parts of the
state.
2. Rainy season
From mid June to September
Ambikapur, Bilaspur and Bastar
experiences rain more than 100 cm.
In the last week of September ,the
velocity of monsoon decreases and
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 Chattisgarh Geography
sky becomes clear and the amount
of rainfall also decreases.
3. Winter Season
It starts from November to January
In September temp starts
decreasing , this is caused due to
rainfall and humidity,
and winter arrives in November.
Cropping
pattern
Chhattisgarh
Cropping pattern : The yearly
sequence and spatial arrangement of
crops on a given area.
The cropping patterns of a region are
closely influenced by the geo-
climatic, socio-cultural, economic
and political factors. The physical
environment (physiographic,
climate, soils and water) imposes
limits on the growth and distribution
of crops.
Cropping pattern followed in
Chhattisgarh is Rabi, Kharif and
Zaid.
Kharif : From July to October
Crops: Rice, Millets,
Rabi: From October to March
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Crops: Wheat, Grams, Mustard
Zaid: From March to June
Crops: Fodder crops
Land Pattern Use in Chhattisga
in
Fig: Land Use Pattern in
Chhattisgarh
In order to unlock the true potential
of agriculture sector in the state,
government is paying special
attention towards better management
of its water resources.
There are several types of cropping
systems based on resources and
technology available. For example
Mono Cropping, Sequential
cropping etc.
Chhattisgarh is majorly a mono
cropping state, as it is directly
Page 51
 Chattisgarh Geography
dependent on Monsoon. Although in
some parts of state, where irrigation
facilities are there multi-cropping is
also practiced.
The total geographical area is
around 13.79 million hectare of
which cultivable land area is 4.67
million hectare & forestland area is
6.35 million hectare with around 26
million populations.
Kharif crops:
Almost 80 percent of the population
in the state is engaged in agriculture
and 43 percent of the entire arable
land is under cultivation.
Paddy is the principal crop and the
central plains of Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh is also known as rice
bowl of central India.
Other crops are sugarcane, maize,
coarse grains.
Rabi Crops:
Major Rabi crops grown in state are
wheat, groundnut, pulses, and
oilseeds.
Pulse production in the state has
grown up significantly.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Zaid Crops: In this mainly crops
are grown for fodder for livestock.
To reduce the farmer‟s dependence
on rainfall, government is working
towards increasing the irrigation
potential of the state. It is estimated
that approximately 1.41million
hectares can be potentially irrigated
covering 30 percent of the entire
cropped area in the state. Ravi
Shankar Sagar Mahanadi project,
Kodar and, Hasdeo-Bango are some
of the important irrigation projects
in the state.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF
CHATTISGARH
Rivers of Chhattisgarh adorn the
Indian state and shapes the affluence
of the region. The rivers of
Chhattisgarh are of much
significance to the state from a stand
point of economic, social, political
and religious views. Chhattisgarh,
situated amidst lush green hills and
plateaus, is interspersed with several
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 Chattisgarh Geography
rivers that flow through the state.
Due to the presence of natural
drainage systems, Chhattisgarh is
blessed abundantly with prolific and
fertile plains.
There is a huge demand for water
required for irrigation and
cultivation. Most of the major towns
and cities of the state have emerged
on the banks of the rivers. Raipur,
the capital of Chhattisgarh, is
situated on the banks of Kole River.
Moreover, Maniyari River flows
through Taalagaon, Jagdalpur is
placed on the river banks
of Indravati Riverand Bilaspur is
located near river Arpa.
Numerous religious and pilgrimage
destinations have also emerged near
these rivers. Danteshwari
temple in Dantewada is located on
the confluence of two rivers, namely
Dankini and Shankini Rivers.
Moreover, Rajim is situated on the
confluence of the rivers
Sondhul, Mahanadi and Pairi. The
Rivers of Chhattisgarh have become
a major tourist attraction in the state
due to the various beautiful
waterfalls and stunning rapids in the
rivers.
The most significant rivers of
Chhattisgarh are Narmada River,
Mahanadi, Godavari
River, Indravati and few more. The
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
state is manly drained by these rivers
and their tributaries, distributaries
and streams. The Mahanadi River
basin, which is segregated by
the Chota Nagpur Plateau and the
Satpura Range, is considered as the
central portion of the state. Northern
region of the state includes the Indo-
Gangetic Plain where as the
southern part comprises of the
Godavari river and tributaries.
The State is divided in to five river
basins. Mahanadi Basin drains out
75,858.45 Sq km, Godavari Basin
drains out 38,694.02 Sq km, Ganga
Basin drains out 18,406.65 Sq km,
Brahmani Basin drains out 1,394.55
Sq km and Narmada Basin drains
out 743.88 Sq km of catchment area
in the state.
1. Mahanadi Basin
River Mahanadi, draining the
vast central region of
Chhattisgarh state, forms the
most important and biggest water
body of the state. This river
system collects almost all the
rainwater of the basin and carries
it to the Bay of Bengal. The
volume of water varies
considerably between the rainy
and the dry season. The
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Mahanadi, after collecting a
number of streams in the Kanker
tehsil, flows towards the north
traversing Raipur district in a
northeast direction for about 204
kms, until it is met from the west
by its biggest tributary, the
Seonath.
The portion of Mahanadi Basin
located in Chhattisgarh is divided
further into a few more basins.
The Chhattisgarh Basin lies in
the central districts, in the north
are the Raigarh basin,
HasdoRampur basin and the
Korba, and in the south is the
Kanker basin. The Chhattisgarh
Basin, formed by the Mahanadi
and its main tributary Seonath,
drains the central districts of
Rajnandgaon, Durg, Raipur and
southern Bilaspur, and is the
most extensive and agriculturally
rich region in the state.
It is referred to as the `rice bowl'
of the country and supports a
large chunk of the population of
the state. Paradoxically, this is
also the area of greatest drought
related distress. Most of the
tributaries of Mahanadi join in
from the western and northern
side. The major ones among
these are Maini, Kelo, Mand,
Baroi and Hasdo
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Seonath Sub Basin(Shivnath
river)
Shivnath river originates from
Panabaras hill 624 m above from sea
level in AmbagarhChowki division
of Rajnandgaon District of
chattisgarh.
Shivnath River is the biggest
tributary of Mahanadi river, which it
joins in Khargahni in Bilaspur
district in Chhattisgarh, India. It has
a total course of 290 km. Shivnath
could also mean a lord shiva for the
Hindu religion .
Hasdeo Sub Basin
Hasdeo River, a major tributary of
the Mahanadi, is one of the
important rivers of Chhattisgarh. It
flows towards south of the
state,through Koriya, Bilaspur and K
orba Districts. During its course, this
river merges with its tributaries such
as Gej and the Chornai on the left
bank and the Tan and the Ahiran on
the right before it meets the
Mahanadi .Hasdeo has a total length
of 245 km and has its origin in
Mendra village. Other tributaries of
Hasdeo include Jhumka and Bania.
Along the river lie rocks and hilly
areas, thin forest areas and important
settlements such as Sonhat, Ghugra,
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Manendragarh, Kosgain, Korba and
Champa.
Mand Sub Basin
The Mand River is a tributary of
the Mahanadi in India. It joins the
Mahanadi in Chandrapur,
in Maharashtra, 28 km from
the Odisha border and before the
river reaches the Hirakud Dam.
The river, whose total length is 241
km, rises to an elevation of about
686 m in Surguja
district in Chhattisgarh. It receives
the drainage of the southern part of
the Mainpat Plateau, an area of
about 5200 km.
Ib Sub Basin
Ib River is a tributary
of Mahanadi river in North-Eastern
Central India. It joins Mahanadi
river flowing directly into
the HirakudReservoir.The river
originates in hills near Pandrapet at
an elevation of 762 metres
(2,500 ft). It passes through Raigarh
district and Jashpur district
of Chhattisgarh and Jharsuguda and
Sundargarh District of Odishaand
finally meets Mahanadi at Hirakud
Dam in the state .
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Pairi sub Basin
Pairi River is one of the important
tributaries of Mahanadi and it joins
the Mahanadi near Rajim, Gariaband
district in Chhattisgarh, India.
Originating in the Bhatigarh hills
(493m) located near Bindravagarh of
Raipur district, the river flows
southwards and meets the Mahandi
near Rajim. The river forms a
catchment area of 3000 sq km in
Raipur district.
Jonk sub Basin
Flowing via the mountainous areas
of the Mahasamund through Raipur
district, the river goes eastwards to
join the Mahanadi from
Shivrinarayan. Its drainage area is
2480 square km in Raipur district.
Kelo Sub Basin
This river originates in the
Gharghoda tehsil‟s Ludega hills
located in the Raigarh district.
Flowing from north to south from
the Gharghoda and Raigarh districts,
it reaches a place named
MahadevPali in the state of Orissa
and joins the Mahanadi river.
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Tel Sub Basin
Tel is an important tributary of
Mahanadi. It flows just eight
kilometres away from the town
of Titilagarh. This significant
tributary of the Mahanadi
river meets the main river
at Sonpur or Subarnapur. The
convergence of the two rivers offers
a remarkable view against a colorful
landscape. Baidyanath temple,
which is famous for the
Kosaleshwar Shiva temple, is
located on the left bank of the Tel
River.
2. Godavari Basin
Indravati Sub Basin
The Indravati river is the principal
subsidiary of the Godavari river and
the largest river in Bastar district. Its
origin is in the Kalahandi plateau of
Orissa. After completing a distance
of about 370km in Bastar, and
flowing from east to west, it joins
the Godavari river. This river creates
the spectacular Chitrakote waterfall,
about 35 miles west from Jagdalpur.
Sabari Sub Basin
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
The origin of this river is in the
Bailadila hill near Dantewada. It
then flows through the south-eastern
boundary of Bastar into Andhra
Pradesh and joins the Godavari river
in Kunavaram. In Bastar district the
Shabari river flows at a length of
150km, in which it forms a
catchment area of 5680 km.
3. Ganga Basin
The Ganges catchment system is
spread for about 15% of the state.
Under this flow field, 5% is in
Bilaspur district, 14% is in Raigarh
district and 8% is in Surguja district.
Son
The river Sone is an important right
bank tributary of the river Ganga. It
originates from Amarkantak high
lands in hills of Maikala range in
Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh at
an elevation of 640 m and latitude
20°44‟ N and longitude 82°4‟E. The
river outfalls into the Ganga at about
16 km. upstream of Patna at latitude
25°14‟ N and longitude 84°42‟ E .
The total length of the river is 881
km. The total catchment area of
river system is 70,055 sq.km.
The catchment of the whole river
system is surrounded by the
Vindhachal range in the North, the
Punpun river system and the
Chotanagpur plateau on the East, the
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Baghelkhand plateau and the
Mahadeva hills on the South and the
forest clad Maikal and Bhamver
ranges on the West .
Kanhar, Rihand, Gopad, Banas,
Bijal are its other tributaries.
Kanhar River
Flowing from the North-West of
Bilaspur district, through the
Khudiya plateau, it finally falls from
a mountainous region named
Bakhona. The origination point of
this river is 1012m high. From here
it takes a northern course to the
Samari Tehsil, where it falls into a
60m high waterfall called Kothri.
After which, it joins the Son river on
the borders of Satna and Son district.
The Kanhar river forms a catchment
area of 3030sq km in the Surguja
district. SindurGalphula, Datram,
Pengn, ect are its major tributaries.
Rihand River
This river stems from the 1088m
high Matringa hills located in
Mainpat plateau of the Surguja
district. Flowing towards north from
its point of origin, the river creates
the Surguja basin. That's why it is
called the lifeline of Surguja district.
It has the largest catchment area of
145km. A dam called the Rihand has
been constructed over it in the
Mirzapur region. After reaching the
Rihand basin, it finally enters Uttar
Pradesh and joins the Son river.
Ghunghuta, Morni, Mahan, Surya,
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Gobri, etc are its main tributaries.
The Rhand river‟s principal
subsidiary is Naida.
4. Brahmini Basin
The Brahmani is formed by the
confluence of the rivers South Koel
and Sankh near the major industrial
town of Rourkela . The Sankh has its
origins near the Jharkhand-
Chhattisgarh border, not far from
the Netarhat Plateau. The South
Koel too arises in Jharkhand,
near Lohardaga, on the other side of
a watershed that also gives rise to
the Damodar River. Both of these
sources are in the Chota Nagpur
Plateau. The site of the Brahmani's
origin is mythologically reputed to
be the place where
Sage Parashara fell in love with the
fisherman's daughter, Satyavati who
later gave birth to Ved Vyasa, the
compiler of the Mahabharata. The
place is thus called Ved Vyasa.[
5. Narmada Basin
Narmada originates from the Satpura
range in Amarkantak of
Chhattisgarh. The Narmada River
moves from east towards west and
reaches the Arabian Sea. In
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Chhattisgarh, it is also known as
Reva, and the sacred river is
believed to be associated with Lord
Shiva. The people of the region
believe that viewing Narmada River
is considered as an auspicious sight
and thus it is a well renowned
religious and pilgrimage site.
Other important Rivers
Tandula River
This is Shivnath‟s main tributary. Its
origin is in the hills of Kanker
district‟s Bhanupratappur tehsil.
Kharun River
Flowing from the south-east of Durg
district, 80 km northwards to a place
named Somnath near Simga, the
river falls into Shivnath. This river
forms a drainage area of 180 sq km
in Durg district and 2700 sq km in
Raipur district.
Borai River
The Borai River stems from the
Korba plateau. Flowing southwards
from its origin, it joins the Mahanadi
River. It is one of the major
tributaries of the Shivnath river.
Doodh River
15km from Kanker district are the
Malajkundam hills, the source of
this river have been located here.
From here it flows eastward and
joins the Mahanadi River.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
ankini and Shankini River
These two rivers are the main
tributaries of the Indravati. The
Dankini River originates in the
Dangri-Dongri and the Shankhini
river originates in the Bailadila
mountains. The Dankini and
Shankini River blend into each other
at Dantewada.
Bagh River
This river originates from a plateau
located in the Rajnandgaon district.
This river forms the border of
Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.
Narangi River
This river emerges from the
Kondagaon tehsil of Bastar district.
It then merges into the Indravati
river near Chitrakote waterfall.
Kotri River
The river emerges in the high
grounds of Durg district, and joins
the Indravati river in Kanker district.
Its largest catchment area is in the
Rajnandgaon district.
Energy Resources of Chattisgarh
Chattisgarh is rich in energy
resources. Coal is the major source
of Energy in Chattisgarh. Apart from
Coal Thermal power, Hydro power,
geothermal power and Renewable
source constitutes the Energy
Resource of Chattisgarh.
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Coal
The state has 16% of the total coal
deposits of India. 44483 million
tonnes coal has been estimated in
12 coalfields of the State located in
Raigarh, Surguja, Koriya and
Korba districts.
The state ranks 2nd in coal
production by contributing over
18% to the total national
production. Most of the coal
deposits are of power grade coal.
NTPC & CSEB in Korba are the
major producer of thermal power
and new a plant of NTPC has been
started in Seepat, Bilaspur.
Potential for more power
generation units exist in the State.
New capacities of 10,000 MW are
expected to materialize.
Coalfields of Chattisgarh are
1. SOHAGPUR COALFIELD -
Non-Coking Coal. Sohagpur
Coalfield is a part of Central
India Coalfields. It is spread
over the districts
of Surguja, Koriya (both in
Chhattisgarh), Shahdol and Uma
ria (both in Madhya Pradesh).
2. SONHAT COALFIELD- Semi
Coking and Non Coking Coal
.It is in Koriya district of state.
Sonhat represents one of the
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
largest coal reserve
in India having estimated
reserves of 2.67 billion tonnes
of coal.
3. JHILIMILI COALFIELD-
Non-Coking Coal. Jhilimili
Coalfield is a part of Central
India Coalfields. The latter is
spread over the districts
of Surguja, Koriya (both in
Chhattisgarh), Shahdol and Uma
ria (both in Madhya Pradesh).
Estimated total reserves are
215.31 million tonnes, out of
which about half have been
indicated to be Grade
I. According to the Geological
Survey of India, total reserves of
non-coking coal (as of 1 January
2004) in Jhilimili Coalfield (up
to a depth of 300m) was 267.10
million tonnes.
4. CHIRIMIRI COALFIELD-
Non-Coking Coal. Chirimiri
Coalfield is located in Koriya
district in
the Indian state of Chhattisgarh i
n the valley of the Hasdeo
River, a tributary of
the Mahanadi.
5. BISRAMPUR COALFIELD-
Non-Coking Coal. The 3
million ton-per-annum
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Bisrampur coal mine is owned
by South Eastern Coalfields
Limited (a subsidiary of state-
owned Coal India).it is in
Surajpur district.
6. LAKHANPUR COALFIELD-
Non-Coking Coal. jharsugda
district.
7. PANCHBAHINI
COALFIELD- Non Coking
Coal found here.
8. HASDO-ARAND
COALFIELD- Non-Coking
Coal. The Hasdeo-Arand coal
mines are a 5 million ton-per-
annum (MTPA) network of
mines on the Hasdeo-Arand
coalfield in Chhattisgarh state,
India.It is in Korba district.
9. SENDURGARH COALFIELD
- Non-Coking Coal.
10.KORBA COALFIELD- Non-
Coking Coal. Korba
Coalfield is located in Korba
district in
the Indian state of Chhattisgarh i
n the basin of the Hasdeo River,
a tributary of the Mahanadi.
According to Geological Survey
of India, total reserves (including
proved, indicated and inferred
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
reserves) of non-coking coal (as
on 1.1.2004) in Korba Coalfield
was 10,074.77 million tonnes,
out of which 7,732.87 was up to
a depth of 300 m and 2,341.90
million tonnes was at a depth of
300–600 m.
MAND-RAIGARH
COALFIELD- Non-Coking
Coal. Mand Raigarh Coalfield is
located in Raigarh district in
the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It
lies in the valley of the Mand River,
a tributary of the Mahanadi. Mand
Raigarh Coalfield, along with Korba
and Hasdo Arand Coalfields forms
the South Chhattisgarh Coalfields.
11.TATAPANI-RAMKOLA
COALFIELD- Non-Coking
Coal. Surguja district.
Thermal Power
Chhattisgarh is located in Central
India. The State has vast coal
Resources and Korba in
Chhattisgarh is the Power Capital of
the country. NTPC has Super
Thermal Power Plant in Korba and
is working at 90% Plant Load
Factor.
Some of the premier Chattisgarh
power stations are as follows
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 Chattisgarh Geography
: near Raigarh town.The power plant
Korba (West) Thermal Power
Station.- Hasdeo Thermal Power
Station also known as Korba West
Thermal Power Station, a 840 MW
(4x210 MW) coal-based thermal
power plant. Capacity addition of
500 MW (2x250 MW) is ongoing at
the site, this phase is known as
Korba West Extension Thermal
Power Plant. It is in District of
Bilaspur.
Korba (East) Thermal Power
Station) - Korba Thermal Power
Station also known as Korba East
Thermal Power Station, Korba
Thermal Power Station is among the
largest thermal power plants in the
country. It is a coal power station
located at Jamanipali in Korba. The
thermal power station has a power
generating capacity of 540 MW.
Korba Super Thermal Power
Station
Korba Super Thermal Power Plant is
situated at Jamanipali in
Chhattisgarh. It is 1 of the coal
based thermal power station by
NTPC.
Jindal Megha PP (private)
Jindal Tanmar Thermal Power
Plant is a coal-based thermal power
plant located in Tamnar village
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
is operated by the Jindal Power
Limited which is a subsidiary
of Jindal Steel And Power.
The coal for the plant is sourced
from captive coal mine. The
Engineering, procurement and
construction contract was given
to BHEL. current capacity is of 600
MW.
LANCO Thermal Power Station
Lanco Amarkantak Power
Plant is a coal based thermal power
project located at Pathadi village
in Korba district . The power plant
owned and operated by Lanco
Infratech. current capacity of 300
MW.
Sipat TPP
Sipat Super Thermal Power
Station or Rajiv Gandhi Super
Thermal Power Station is located
at Sipat in Bilaspur District . The
power plant is one of the coal based
power plants of NTPC. The coal for
the power plant is sourced from
Dipika Mines of South Eastern
Coalfields.
The project has an installed capacity
of 2980 MW consisting of two
stages, stage one which got
commissioned late was of 3 units of
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 Chattisgarh Geography
660 MW each involving super-
critical boilers technology and stage
two consisted of 2 units of 500 MW
each.
Hydro Power
Gangrel Hydroelectric Project
Gangrel Dam, also known as
the R.S. Sagar Dam, is located
in Chhattisgarh, India. It is built
across the Mahanadi River. It is
located in Dhamtari district. It is
the longest dam in Chhattisgarh.
This dam supplies year round
irrigation, allowing farmers to
harvest two crops per year. The dam
also supplies 10 MW of hydro-
electric power capacity.
Hasdeo Bango Hydroelectric
Project
The Hasdeo Bango Hydro Electric
Plant is situated at Hasdeo River,
having capacity of generating 120
MW power. Hasdeo Bango Dam is
situated about 42 km up-stream of
Hasdeo Bango River at Korba, in
Chhattisgarh. The dam is
constructed on the Hasdeo River.
The dam is about 555 m long and
has 11 gates, out of which 10 are
operational. There is a 177 m long
rock filled dam and a 1778 m long
earthen dam to the left and right of
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Bango Dam. The dam with its big
power house is a tourist attraction.
Sikaser Hydroelectric Project
It is at pairi river. it has total
installed capacity of 7 MW.
Geothermal power
Besides conventional sources of
Energy State of Chattisgarh is also
rich in non conventional sources
of Energy like Geothermal.
The first geo-thermal power project
for India will be established in
Tatapani, Balrampur district
Chhattisgarh. India‟s first geo-
thermal power project would use
underground hot water springs at
Tatapani to convert it into steam,
and then generate electricity by
using special technology. A
memorandum of understanding in
this connection was signed
between National Thermal Power
Corp. (NTPC) and Chhattisgarh
Renewable Energy Development
Agency (CREDA).
Unlike traditional power plants,
geothermal power plants use a
renewable resource that needn‟t be
imported. However, the initial costs
are on the higher side because of
exploration costs and the possibility
of only one in many explorations
resulting in a sustainable and useful
reservoir.
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Renewable Energy
Chhattisgarh currently has a total
renewable energy potential of 4,500
MW which includes solar (grid
connected and roof top), wind,
biomass and small hydro. The state
is planning to add 2,640 MW of
capacity during the next 4 years till
FY 2018-19.
The state has also planned install
solar powered pump sets for
agriculture consumers which will
benefit 16,000 consumers.
Chhattisgarh Government has also
planned to distribute 3 LED lamp to
each of 16 lakh BPL household &
up to 5 LED lamp to each of 18 lakh
APL household through EESL.
Some vital information regarding
Renewable Energy
 CREDA – the State Nodal
Agency of Ministry of New &
Renewable Energy (Govt. of
India) responsible for
Development, Deployment
and Promotion of Renewable
Energy in the State .
 Total Installed Capacity of
Power Generation – 5407
MW.
 RE based Power plant - 279
M. Contribution of RE
Power - over 5 %.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
 State Electricity Regulatory
Commissions (SERC) has
mandated Renewable
Purchase Obligations to
promote RE.
 Obligated entities require to
procure RE Power up to 20%
(by 2020) of their power
consumption.
 RE Power generation is
declared as priority sector
under state industrial policy.
 Announced attractive state
policy for promotion of Solar,
Wind, Hydro & Biomass
power project. New Solar
Policy to be announced soon.
Factors / Strategies Contributing
to Success of Renewable Energy
 State and central
financial support for
installation of systems.
 Annual Budgetary
support from state
Govt. for O & M of the
installed systems.
 Organizational set up
for every plant to
ensure functionality &
monitoring of systems
through service
providers .
 Community
participation/involveme
nt from site survey to
completion of projects
Page 63
 Chattisgarh Geography
Which encourage
ownership of villagers.
 Need/demand based
system‟s capacity
assessment and
readiness of users
/consumers to pay
charges.
 Timely completion of
projects and capacity
enhancement wherever
required.
CREDA - Chhattisgarh State
Renewable Energy Development
Agency
 It has been constituted on 25th
May 2001 under the
Department of Energy,
Government of Chhattisgarh
for implementation of various
schemes pertaining to
Renewable Energy sources
and Energy Conservation
activities.
 It is registered under Society
Act 1973 with the controlling
body being Energy
Department, Govt. of
Chhattisgarh.
 CREDA is established as the
State Nodal Agency by State
Govt. for development and
promotion of non-
Since its inception, CREDA did
conventional & renewable
extensive work in the field of
sources of energy.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
 Most of the scheme like
National Programme on Bio-
gas Development, Solar
Thermal, Solar Photo Voltaic,
Remote Village Electrification
and Biomass Gasifier,
sponsored by Ministry of
Non-Conventional &
Renewable Energy Sources
(MNRE), Government of
India are implemented by
CREDA.
 Government of Chhattisgarh
has notified CREDA as the
State Designated Agency
(SDA) to coordinate, regulate
and enforce the provision of
the Energy Conservation Act-
2001 and implement schemes
under the Act within the State
of Chhattisgarh.
 This is a significant step
forward for CREDA having
additional responsibility of
promoting energy efficiency
and developing energy
conservation projects besides
facilitating renewable energy
development within
Chhattisgarh State. Within a
short span, CREDA has done
a pioneering job in various
energy efficiency activities in
Chhattisgarh.
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Renewable Energy focusing on rural
areas and stand alone devices. It has
implemented projects in the field of
power generation from renewable
energy and environment friendly
sources. To undertake this onerous
responsibility, CREDA has
positioned itself as an organization
with enough financial and human
capabilities having a professional
organizational structure. It has also
undertaken extensive human
resource development activities
which has created a modern working
environment for its staff.
Energy Policy of Chattisgarh
Keeping in view the above
objectives the State Government
enunciates the
Following Energy Policy:
Rural Electrification: To bring per
capita electricity consumption at par
with national level, State
Government accords highest priority
to providing electricity to all the
villages and Majra /Tolas (Hamlets).
Transmission & Distribution
network shall be accordingly
strengthened.
Energy for Agriculture: Keeping
in view the important role of
agriculture in the State's economic
development and low irrigation
percentage, priority shall be
accorded to energisation of
agriculture pump sets.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Energy for Industries: For giving
impetus to industrial investment in
the State, it is absolutely essential
that industries get quality power at
reasonable rates. State Government
resolves to make reliable power
available to industries at reasonable
rates so that in the present
competitive scenario, new industries
get attracted to the State. A separate
package shall be prepared to. Revive
the closed industries.
Captives Power Plants: Keeping in
view the State Government's resolve
to make Chhattisgarh 'Power Hub' of
the nation, State Government would
encourage power generation through
captive power plants and would
liberally grant permission for the
same. Captive power plant owners
would be allowed to sell power to
their sister concerns. However, sale
to third party within the State shall
not be allowed.
Generation: Because of abundant
availability of coal and water, there
exists a wide scope for coal-based
power projects in the State. In
addition, the State has very good
potential for power generation
through non-conventional energy
sources especially through Hydel
projects.
Power Sector Reforms:
Keeping in view the national policy
for power sector reforms, State
Government shall take following
steps: -
Page 65
 Chattisgarh Geography
(a) A separate State Electricity
Regulatory Commission has been
constituted.
It shall be made effective.
(b) Existing electricity tariff shall be
rationalized.
(c) If any policy of the State
Government for fulfilment of social
objectives of the State results in
financial loss to CSEB then the loss
shall be compensated by State
Government by making provision in
the Budget.
(d) To bring down line losses in
Transmission and Distribution
(T&D), effective metering at all
levels of T &D shall be done, so that
proper energy audit can be under-
taken and accountability fixed.
(e) With a view to avert energy theft,
cent-percent metering of all
consumers
is essential. Due to the large
quantum of this work, it shall be
done in a phased manner,.
(f) To curb the increasing tendency
of energy theft, effective steps shall
be taken by State Government.
Surprise checks by flying squads
will be conducted and strict legal
action will be taken against those
found indulging in theft. Informers
of energy theft shall be rewarded.
Services of judicial officers will also
be obtained as per requirement.
(g) Keeping In view the experience
of other States in the process of
power sector reforms and
considering local situations, all-
possible efforts shall be made to
make CSEB more efficient.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
(h) Private investment and
participation shall be encouraged in
transmission sector.
(i) There is an immediate need for
reforms in distribution sector. To
begin with, distribution work of
some areas in the State shall be
given to private.
Development of Non Conventional
Energy
There exists a large scope of energy
generation and utilization in the
State
Through Solar, Biomass, Bio-gas,
Hydel etc. Non-conventional energy
Resources are also very important
from the viewpoint of environment
Conservation.Therefore installation
of power plants using non-
conventional
Energy resources shall be
encouraged by State Government.
Energy Conservation and Demand
side management
Looking to the importance of energy
and it's high generation cost, it is not
only essential to stop misuse of
energy but also to conserve energy
by way of
demand side management. Effective
measures for creating i awareness
about
energy efficient appliances like
agriculture pump sets, energy
efficient bulb
tube lights etc, shall be taken by
State Government.
Consumer Satisfaction
State Government is of clear opinion
that in energy sector, consumer
Page 66
 Chattisgarh Geography
Satisfaction is supreme. Therefore,
for speedy Redressal of complaints
of all
Category of consumers viz -
agriculture, industry, domestic and
others, a
System shall be devised by which
Redressal is ensured within a fixed
time
Limit. Electricity bills will be
simplified and services of Banks and
Information
Technology (IT) shall be availed to
improve the process of payment of
energy
Bill.
Industrial development
of chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is the 17th most
populated state in the country. A resource-
rich state, it is a source of electricity and
steel for the country, accounting for 15% of
total steel produced. Chhattisgarh is one of
the fastest-developing states in India.
Industrial sector
Power sector
Chhattisgarh is one of the few states of India
where the power sector is effectively
developed. Based on the current production
of surplus electric power, the position of the
State is comfortable and profitable. The
Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB)
is in a strong position to meet the electricity
requirement of the new state and is in good
financial health. Chhattisgarh provides
electricity to several other states because of
surplus production.
In Chhattisgarh, National Thermal Power
Corporation Limited (|NTPC) has Sipat
Thermal Power Station with a capacity of
2,980 MW at Sipat, Bilaspur; GMR Power in
Tilda and Korba Super Thermal Power
Station with a capacity of 2,600 MW at
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Korba, while CSEB's units have a thermal
capacity of 1,780 MW and hydel capacity of
130 MW. Apart from NTPC and CSEB, there
are a number of private generation units of
large and small capacity. The state
government has pursued a liberal policy with
regard to captive generation which has
resulted in a number of private players
coming up.
The state has potential of 61,000 MW of
additional thermal power in terms of
availability of coal for more than 100 years
and more than 2,500 MW hydel capacity. To
use this vast potential, substantial additions
to the existing generation capacity are
already under way.
Steel sector
The steel industry is one of the biggest
heavy industries of Chhattisgarh. Bhilai
Steel Plant, Bhilai operated by SAIL, with a
capacity of 5.4 million tonnes per year, is
regarded as a significant growth indicator of
the state. More than 100 steel rolling mills,
90 sponge iron plants and ferro-alloy units
are in Chhattisgarh. Along with Bhilai, today
Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba and Raigarh have
become the steel hub of Chhattisgarh.
Today, Raipur has become the center of the
steel sector, the biggest market for steel in
India.
Aluminium sector
The aluminium industry of Chhattisgarh was
established by Bharat Aluminium Company
Limited, which has a capacity of around one
million tonnes each year.
Natural resources
Forest
Forests occupy 41.33% of the total area (as
per the latest report by the Indian Forest
Service) and the rich forest resources
include wood, tendu leaves, honey and lac.
Approximately 3%is under very dense
forest, 25.97% is moderately dense, 12.28%
is open forest and 0.09%is scrub.
Mineral deposits
Chhattisgarh is located in central India. It
is among the richest Indian states in terms
of mineral wealth, with 28 varieties of
major minerals, including diamonds.
Chhattisgarh is ranked fifth in terms of
value of major mineral production in India.
Page 67
 Chattisgarh Geography

It produces 20% of the country's total Chhattisgarh for export promotion in the
cement produce. It has the highest output of state.
coal in the country with second highest
reserves. It is third in iron ore production and
first in tin
production. Limestone, dolomite and bauxite
are abundant. It is the only tin-ore
producing state in India. Other commercially Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development
extracted minerals include Corporation (CSIDC) is a Government of
corandum, garnet, quartz, marble, alexandrit Chhattisgarh undertaking (registered under the
e and diamonds.
Chhattisgarh is the only state in India that Companies Act, 1956) under the administrative
produces tin concentrates. The state accounts control of Department of Commerce & Industry
for 35.4 per cent of tin ore reserves of India. and is the nodal agency to facilitate and promote
Tin concentrate production in the state stood
at 8.81 million tonnes. industrial development in the State. CSIDC has
been primarily involved in industrial promotion
and facilitation; export promotion; industrial
Information and technologies potential surveys; land allotment to industries;
In recent years, Chhattisgarh is also getting entrepreneurship development; training; public
exposure in information technology (IT) private partnerships (PPP); and development,
projects and consultancy. Its government is
also promoting IT and has set up a body to maintenance and up gradation of industrial areas.
take care of the IT solutions. The body,
known as CHIPS, is providing large IT It acts as the facilitator for development of small,
projects such as Choice, Swan, etc.
medium and large industries in the State . It
Major companies provides escort services and endeavors to remove
Major companies with a presence in the bottlenecks in industrial development. It
state include: conceptualizes, conceives, plans, implements and
maintenance of various industrial infrastructural
 Metal: Bhilai Steel Plant, Jindal Steel
facilities. Over the years, CSIDC has played a
and Power, Bharat Aluminium Company
 Oil: Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan pioneering role in development of large industrial
Petroleum Corporation Limited growth centres and industrial areas at Urla, Siltara,
 Engineering: Simplex Casting Ltd, Sirgitti and Tifra; and the proposed Electronics
 Real estate: CHPL-Dream-Homes Manufacturing Cluster (EMC); Information
(Chouhan Housing Pvt Ltd.) Technology (IT) Park; and Mega Food Park. It also
 Mining: NMDC, South Eastern
works for providing raw materials like iron and
Coalfields
 Power : NTPC, Lanco Infratech, KSK steel, coal to local SSI and other units and also
Energy Ventures, Vandana engaged in testing and certification services of
Vidyut, Chhattisgarh State Power industrial and other products and run production
Generation Company, Jindal Power units manufacturing furniture and agricultural
Limited.
implements.
Exports
Nearly 75% of exports comes from Bhilai
and the remaining from Urla, Bhanpuri and
Sirgitti. The major exports products include
steel, handicrafts, handlooms, blended yarn,
food and agri-products, iron, aluminium,
cement, minerals and engineering products.
Advantage Chhattisgarh:
CSIDC (Chhattisgarh State Industrial
Development Corporation Limited) is the
nodal agency of the Government of

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 Chattisgarh Geography
Centrally Located & Well
Ease of Doing Business
Connected
wer cost of Doing Business Rich in Natural Resources State of the art Infrastructure
Developed Core Sectors-
Access to Major Markets
mineral & energy rich
The natural resources, policy
incentives and infrastructure in the
state support investments in the iron
and steel, cement and power sectors.
Korba district in Chhattisgarh is known
as the power capital of India. In the
12th Five-Year Plan, the Government
plans to increase power generation
capacity by 30,000 MW. The state
accounts for 22.60 per cent of coal
production and 19.80 per cent of
steel/sponge iron production in India.
Moreover, considerable reserves of
bauxite, limestone and quartzite are
available in the state.
Between 2004-05 and 2015-16, the
Gross state domestic product (GSDP)
of the state grew at a CAGR of 11.83
per cent to US$ 36.6 billion whereas
the net state domestic product (NSDP)
grew at a CAGR of 10.21 per cent to
US$ 26.9 billion.
Chhattisgarh is making significant
investments in industrial infrastructure.
The Chhattisgarh State Industrial
Development Corporation (CSIDC)
has set up industrial growth centres,
five industrial parks and three
integrated infrastructure development
centres (IIDC). The state has a notified
special economic zone (SEZ) in
Rajnandgaon District.
The following are some of the major
initiatives taken by the government to
promote Chhattisgarh as an
investment destination:
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
 A wide range of fiscal and policy incentives
Skilled manpower &
knowledge Hub for businesses have been announced
under the state’s Industrial Policy 2014-19.
 The Government of Chhattisgarh plans to
set up a food processing park in
Rajnandgaon district on around 303
Stable & Progressive hectares of land.
Government During 2015-16, the state government
proposed an outlay of US$ 13.27 million
under Mission for Integrated Development
of Horticulture (MIDH) and released US$
6.63 million till November 2015.
 Under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and
Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the
Urban Development Ministry approved an
investment of US$ 331.4 million for
infrastructure development of 9 cities in
Chhattisgarh.
 The state government has signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) and
IRCON International Ltd for the
construction of about 300 km of rail
network in the state. The project would
have two rail corridors - East Corridor and
East-West Corridor.
 Till March 2015, around 17,615 small
industries have been established in the
state, which are generating 102,241
employment opportunities. For the same
period of time, around 162 large industries
have been established in the state with
21,693 employment opportunities.
 As per Budget 2015-16, an investment of
US$ 1.66 billion is estimated for
upgradation of 2,000 km of existing roads
under the PPP mode. Under Prime
Minister’s Rural Roads Scheme, US$
116.6 million has been allocated for the
road connectivity in the rural areas.
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 Chattisgarh Geography

Minerals in Bailadilla iron ore deposits

Chattisgarh (Bastar dist.) located in southern
part of the range are world-class
Chhattisgarh is rich in minerals. It
and being mined from the leased
produces 20% of the country's total
area to National Mineral
cement produce. It has the highest
Development Corporation, Ltd.
output of coal in the country with
(NMDC). Iron ore of Dalli-
second highest reserves. It is third in
Rajhara (durg Dist.) located in
iron ore production and first in tin
the central parts of the range are
production. Limestone, Dolomite an
captive mines of Bhilai Steel
d Bauxite are abundant. It is the
Plant (BSP).
only Tin -ore producing state in
India. Other commercially extracted Recently an iron ore bearing area
minerals include is discovered in Kabirdham
corandum, garnet, quartz, marble, al district and known as Eklama iron
exandrite and diamonds. ore complex. This area is expected
to yield high-grade hematitic iron
The mineral resources have ore in substantial quantity and
immense potential for large support iron & steel units.
investments in mining, setting of
At a few places, small deposits
mineral based industries and
(including isolated patches) may
generating employment.
be related to other geological
Chhattisgarh nestles atop the world's
phenomenon are also known,
largest kimberlite area. Eight blocks
which may not be economical for
have been demarcated for diamond
large establishment mine
exploration.
production. However, they can be
Iron ore used for sponge iron units.
Iron ore deposits of Chhattisgarh
contains high grade Heamitite ores
.These rocks are entirely spread
from North to South about 370
km in length that are extending
Bauxite
from Bailadilla to Rajhara in
southwestern Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh mainly comprises
occupying Dantewara, Bastar, metal (B & C) and refractory grade
Kanker, Narainpur, Rajnandgaon, (A) bauxite, located in Surguja,
Durg and Kawardha districts. Korba, Jashpur, Kanker, Bastar and

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 Chattisgarh Geography

Kabirdham districts. Total estimated basaltic flows containing

reserves of all grades are of the tune Bauxite in the form of
of 148 million tonnes. pockets and lenses of
various dimensions.
Brief information of known
bauxite bearing areas is as  Keshkal Area- Bauxite is
follows: developed in the form of
pockets and lenses on small
 Manipat- Mainpat
plateaus of varying
occupying about 470 km2
dimensions in Keshkal area.
area, which is situated in the
Bauxite of this area belongs
southeastern part of the
to A and B grade and may
Surguja district. Bauxite is
be considered as refractory
widely developed in the
grade. It is situated in
form of pockets and lenses
Kanker District.
within extensively
developed laterite over the  Kabirdham District - In
Deccan basaltic plateau. the district, Bauxite is
known in and around
 Jamirapat- Samripat and
villages Bodai Daldali,
Jamirapat forming irregular
Keshmarda, Rabda,
plateaus occupying about
Mundadadar and Samsetta.
322km2 and 112km2 area
A total reserves of 6.12
respectively are situated in
million tones of metal grade
the eastern part of the
bauxite is expected from the
Surguja district. Bauxite is
area. The area is leased out
widely developed in the
to BALCO.
form of pockets and lenses
within extensive laterite  Bastar District- A small
over the Deccan basaltic bauxite pocket has been
plateau. discovered by DGM in
Asna - Tarapur area of
Bastar district. The area is a
 Pandarpat- Pandrapat
few kms. away from
forms an irregular shaped
Jagdalpur 1.5 million tones
plateau of about 500 km2
of bauxite has been
in the western part of
estimated from the area.
Jashpur district. These
plateaus are capped by
laterite, over the Deccan
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 Chattisgarh Geography

Coal

Limestone  The state has 16% of the

total coal deposits of India.
Limestone and Dolomite are the
 44483 million tonnes coal
carbonate rocks that are mainly
has been estimated in 12
used for cement manufacture and
coalfields of the State
metallurgical purposes with other
located in Raigarh, Surguja,
allied uses of calcinations, flux,
Koriya and Korba districts.
refractory bricks, dimension
 The state ranks 2nd in coal
stones etc. based on the grade.
production by contributing
These sedimentary rock are
over 18% to the total
precipitated in identical
national production.
environment to form widespread
and continuous deposits.  Most of the coal deposits are
of power grade coal. NTPC
Limestone comprises of high
& CSEB in Korba are the
calcium carbonate, while
major producer of thermal
Dolomite is a double carbonate
power and new a plant of
with higher concentrations of
NTPC has been started in
magnesium carbonate (>19%
Seepat, Bilaspur.
MgO) and calcium carbonate
 Potential for more power
(20~35% CaO).
generation units exist in the
Limestone and dolomite deposits State. New capacities of
are known in the State located in 10,000 MW are expected to
Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa, materialize.
Kabirdham, Bilaspur, Raipur,
Note- more details on Coal
Durg, Rajnandgaon districts
deposits have been provided in
forming part of Chhattisgarh basin
notes on energy resources of
and in Jagdalpur district within
Chattisgarh.
Indravati basin and in Dantewara
district in Sukma basin.
Tin Ore
Total estimated deposits of all
Chhattisgarh is the only tin
grades of limestone are of the tune
producing State in India. Tin ore
of about 9038 million tones and
is known as cassiterite, which was
estimated reserves of dolomite are
reported in Dantewara district.
of the tune of 847 million tones as
Cassiterite bearing pegmatites are
per Indian Bureau of Mines .
reportedly rich in collumbite and
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 Chattisgarh Geography
tantalite, which are ore of rare
metals niobium and tantalum,
respectively.
Major Tin ore producing areas are
 Tongpal Area
 Katekalyan Area
 Padapur-Bacheli Area
Corundum
Corundum is a rock-
forming mineral that is found
in igneous, metamorphic,
and sedimentary rocks. It is an
aluminum oxide with a chemical
composition of Al2O3 and a
hexagonal crystal structure.
The mineral is widely known for its
extreme hardness and for the fact
that it is sometimes found as
beautiful transparent crystals in
many different colors.
A gemstone-quality specimen of
corundum with a deep red color is
known as a "ruby." A gemstone-
quality corundum with a blue color
is called a "sapphire." Colorless
corundum is known as "white
sapphire." Corundum of any other
color is known as "fancy
sapphire."
In Chhattisgarh corundum occurs in
Bhopalpatnam and Sukma areas of
Dantewara/Bijapur
distrticts. Minor occurrences are
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
also reported from Deobhog area of
Raipur district. Total 48 tonne of
corundum has been estimated in the
State.
Major areas are
Kuchnoor - Kuchnoor is situated
2 km. NW of Bhopalpatnam. The
host rock of corundum in this area
is biotite granite gneisses. The
corundum occurrence in the area
is restricted to only lateral
extension.
Ulloor -
Primary and placer both type of
corundum reported in the village
Ulloor. Placer corundum is
encountered in Pedakonta nala.
Primary corundum found at the
depth of 3.85 m. in biotite granite
gneiss.
Dampaya area -
In this area, pieces of corundum
were recovered from nala section.
Corundum is pinkish yellow,
translucent, hexagonal barrel
shaped. Country rock of the area is
granite gneiss. It comes under
forest area.
Dhangal -
The corundum recovered is insitu
i.e. from biotite granite gneisses.
The corundum is pinkish violet in
colour and characterised by basal
pinacoid prism and striations.
Corundum is translucent and can
Page 73
 Chattisgarh Geography
be placed in semiprecious stone
category.
Chikudapalli - The area is
situated 5 km. due NE of
Bhopalpatnam. The blue
corundum (Sapphire variety) was
recovered from pits upper soil
zone.
Yapla - The corundum is
recovered from Gorla nala section
near village Yapla. The corundum
is yellowish and pink in colour.
The country rock of the area is
granite gneisss.
Sonakukanar, Sukma area-
Corundum has been reported
around villages Sonakukanar and
Nagaras. Here corundum occurs
within fuchiste schist in
disseminated form.
Apart from these bulk minerals,
there are number of other
minerals available in the state.
Some important one's are
described here –
Diamond:
Incidences of diamond in the rivers
of the State and discovery of
diamondiferous kimberlite in
Mainpur area of Raipur district
have attracted global attention. So
far six kimberlites in Mainpur area
and two kimberlite in Tokapal area
have been discovered. Eight blocks
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
have been demarcated based on
structural controls to host
kimberlites in Chhattisgarh.
Potentially 3 diamondiferous
kimberlites pipes have been
identified in Behradih and
Payalikhand villages of Raipur
district. The State has emerged as a
hotspot for potential diamond
mining with all major mining
companies engaged in
reconnaissance operations.
Other Gem Stones
A rare gem mineral like
Alexandrite is found in the State.
Other gemstones like Garnet,
Beryl, Rosy quartz, amethyst etc
are also reported. Based on the
minerals strength of the State,
Gems and Jewellery Park is
planned near Raipur.
Dimension Stones
Multicolored and texturally
different granites are widely
distributed in the State. Limestone,
dolomite of attractive colour and
design are extensively available in
the State. Quartzite, sandstone and
shales are also widely exposed
which can be suitable as dimension
stone. Export oriented cutting &
polishing units are working in the
State and prospects for many more
exist.
Gold
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 Chattisgarh Geography
Potentially gold bearing rocks are
available in Raipur and
Mahasamund districts. Placer gold
panning is widely recorded from
Jashpur, Kanker, Mahasamund and
Bastar districts. ~3 tonnes of gold
reserves are estimated in the State.
Global mining companies like ACC
Rio Tinto and Geomysore Services
Pvt. Ltd., etc. are engaged in
reconnaissance & prospecting
operations for gold deposits in the
State.
Base Metals
Potential base metals like copper,
lead indications are known from
Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund and
Dantewara districts. These metals
can be used in electric wires,
batteries, manufacture of pigments,
alloys etc.
Other minerals like clays, quartzite,
fluorite, andalucite, kyanite,
sillimanite, talc, soapstone, steatite,
marble, silica sand, etc. are also
reported from various part of the
States.
Directorate of Geology and
Mining
Directorate of Geology and
Mining, Chhattisgarh is the State
agency engaged in exploration of
the mineral resources of the state.
It has dedicated and skilled, teams
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
of geoscientists, chemists,
surveyors and drillers, who are
engaged in various qualitative &
quantitative aspects of mineral
investigation in the State. The
Directorate has been instrumental
in locating important mineral
deposits in various part of the
State notably the diamondiferous
kimberlite in Mainpur, gold in
Sonakhan, iron ore in Kawardha
District.
Functions
The Directorate of Geology and
Mining has been committed to
discharge the following functions:-
1. Mineral Exploration
2. Mineral Administration
Mineral Exploration –
Under this, the directorate caries out
geological survey of the mineralized
areas and delineate the potential
zone for mineral exploration. Such
potential zones are prospected by
pitting/trenching and drilling.
Geochemical, Geophysical,
Petrological and Remote Sensing
Techniques are utilized for the
geological survey of mineralized
zones to prove the quantity and
quality of the mineral present in the
area to evaluate their industrial
potentiality.
Mineral Administration –
It is an important aspect being
executed through mining
Officers/Assistant M.O. posted in all
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 Chattisgarh Geography
the district head quarters in the
Collectorate. They receive
applications for various mineral
concessions, process them within
stipulated time and grant the leases
to the applicant. Apart from this they
also assess and realize the royalty on
the minerals produce. Strict check
on illegal extraction of minerals,
pilferage of mineral revenue,
implementation of rules and
regulations by the lessee are being
carried out by departmental
MO/AMO's through mining
inspectors of the concerned districts.
The reconnaissance permit granted
by Govt. Is also monitored by this
wing.
Rivers and Drainage system of
Chhattisgarh:-
The rivers of Chhattisgarh are of much
signifance to the state from a stand point of
economic, social, political and religious
views. The State of Chhattisgarh is divided
in to five river basins. Mahanadi Basin
drains out 75,858.45 Sq km, Godavari
Basin drains out 38,694.02 Sq km, Ganga
Basin drains out 18,406.65 Sq km,
Brahmani Basin drains out 1,394.55 Sq km
and Narmada Basin drains out 743.88 Sq
km of catchment area in the state.
1. Mahanadi Basin:-
Mahanadi Basin extends over an area of
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
141589 Sq km which is nearly 4.3 percent
of total geographical area of the country.
The basin lies in the states of Chhattisgarh
(75,858.45 Sq km), Orissa (65,580 Sq km),
Bihar (635 Sq km) and Maharashtra (238
Sq km). Mahanadi river rises from Raipur
district of Chhattisgarh and flows for about
851 km before its outfall into the Bay of
Bengal . Its main tributaries are
Seonath, Jonk, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, Ong,
and Tel. Most of the tributaries of
Mahanadi join in from the western and
northern side. Physiographically the basin
can be divided into four regions namely
the Northern, Plateau, the Eastern Ghats
the Coastal Plain and the Erosional Plains
of Central Table Land . The first two are
hilly regions. The coastal plain is the
central interior region of the basin
traversed by the river and its tributaries.
Main Sub Basins of Mahanadi are:--
a. Seonath Sub Basin:-
The Seonath River Originates near village
Panabaras in the Rajnandgaon District.
The Basin area of river up to confluence
with the Mahanadi River is 30,860 Sq Km
. The river traverses a length 380 Km. The
main tributaries of Seonath river are
Tandula, Kharun, Arpa, Hamp, Agar and
Maniyari Rivers. Tandula is not only an
important tributary, but also forms a big
reservoir in the district, from which a canal
carries water towards the northeast of
Durg. Kharum and Jamunia are two other
important tributaries near Raipur. The
mean annual rainfall in the basin varies
from 1005 mm to 1255 mm.
b. Hasdeo Sub basin:-
Hasdeo River, a major tributary of the
mahanadi, is one of the important rivers of
Chhatisgarh. Hasdeo has a total length of
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 Chattisgarh Geography

245 Km and has its origin in Mendra

village. It flows towards south of the state,
through Koriya, Bilaspur and Korba
Districts. During its course, this river
merges with its tributaries such as Gej and
the Chornai on the left bank and the Tan
and the Ahiran on the right before it meets
the mahanadi. Other tributaries of Hasdeo
include Jhumka and Bania.

c. Pairi Sub basin:-

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 Chattisgarh Geography
River Pairi, running down from Raipur
uplands, drains a significant portion of the
entire undivided Raipur district.
Originating in the Bhatigarh hills (493 m)
located near Bindravagarh of Raipur
District, the river flows southwards and
meets the mahanadi near Rajim.
d. Tel Sub basin:--
This is an important tributary of Mahanadi,
which meets the main river at Sonpur or
Subarnapur. Baidyanath temple, which is
famous for the Kosaleshwar Shiva Temple,
is located on the left bank of the tel river.
e. Ib Sub basin:-
Ib river joins Mahanadi river flowing
directly into the Hirakund Reservoir. The
river originates in hills near Pandrapet.
f. Mand Sub basin:-
Mand river joins the Mahanadi in
Chandrapur, in Maharashtra, before the
river reaches the Hirakund Dam.
g. Jonk Sub basin:-
It flows via the Mountanious areas of the
Mahasamund, the river goes eastwards to
join the Mahanadi form Shivrinarayan.
h. Kelo Sub basin:-
Kelo river originates in the Ludega hills
located in the Raigarh District. It reaches a
place name MahadevPali in Orrisa and
joins the Mahanadi.
i. Others Sub basin:--
Though the contribution of the tributaries
from the eastern side of the
Mahanadi is lesser, both in number and in
volume, three important rivers deserve a
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
mention here. A small river, Silari, is
important as it links a big reservoir,
Maramsilli, in the southwest of
Raipur district to Mahanadi.
2. GODAVARI BASIN:-
Godavari rises in the Sahyadris near
Triambakeswar, about 80 km from the
shore of Arabian Sea, at an elevation of
1,067 m in the Nasik district of
Maharashtra. After flowing for about
1,465 km in a general south-easterly
direction through Maharashtra and Andhra
Pradesh, Godavari falls into the Bay of
Bengal north of Rajahmundry. The basin
extends over an area of 312,813 Sq km,
which is nearly 10% of the total
geographical area of the country. Out of
the total basin area of 312,813 Sq km, the
major parts of the basin falls in
Maharashtra state. Further, about 38694.02
Sq km which is only 12.36% of the basin
area falls in the Chhattisgarh state.
a. Indravati Sub basin:-
Indravati is a important tributary of
Godavari. The river and its tributaries are
located in the Bastar area. Originating
from Orissa it divides the area into two
halves. Its major tributaries are Narangi,
Baordhig, Nibra, Kotri, and a stream, the
Chintavagu.
b. Other Sub basin of Godavari Basin:-
Besides the Indravati and its tributaries,
there are three important streams in the
Bastar area, all direct tributaries of
Godavari. These are Talperu, Chinta, and
Sabari. In the Dandakaranya region lying
to the south of Indravati most of the rivers
are perennial, though with highly
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 Chattisgarh Geography
fluctuating regime. Due to rapid run-off
and evaporation, the land dries up very
quickly after the monsoons. A very
negligible amount of their water is used for
agriculture.
3. GANGA BASIN:-
The Ganga basin extends over an area of
1,086,000 Sq km. The drainage area lying
in India is 862,769 Sq km which is
nearly26.2% of the total geographical area
of the country. Out of the total basin area
about 18,406.65 Sq km which is only
1.695 % of the basin area falls in the
Chhattisgarh state.
a. Son sub basin:-
The river Son is an right bank tributary of
the river Ganga. it originates from
Amarkantak plateaeu of Maikala range in
Bilaspur district of Chhatisgarh. Kanhar,
Rihand, Gopad, Banas, Bijal are its other
tributaries.
 Rihand river:-- Rihand is a major
river-body in the state, rising in the
south of Surguja and flowing
northwards, draining the Surguja
Basin. it is a tributary of Son,
which in turn merges with the
Ganga. Before meeting Son, it is
joined by three main tributaries
during its course northwards in
Surguja district. These are
Gungata, Mahan and Moran.
 Kanhar river:--In the eastern part
of Surguja is the Kanhar river,
which flows for only for a few
kilometers in this district, before
joining the Son river in the state of
Uttar Pradesh.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
4. BRAHMANI BASIN:-
The Brahmani Basin lies in the districts of
Raigarh and Sarguja in Chhattisgarh,
Ranchi and Singhbhumi in Jharkhand and
Sundergarh, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Angul,
Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Jajpur and
Kendrapara in Orissa. Brahmani basin is
situated between Mahanadi Basin (on the
right) and Baitarani Basin (on the left).
Chhotanagpur Plateau in the East and
South bound the basin, in the north a ridge
separates it from Mahanadi basin, and to
the east of the basin lie the Bay of Bengal
and the Baitarani basin. Out of the total
basin area of 39,269 Sqkm, the major parts
of the basin falls in Orissa state. Further,
about 1,394.45 Sqkm which is only 3.55%
of the basin area falls in the Chhattisgarh
state.
5. NARMADA BASIN:-
The Narmada River, rises in the
Amarkantak Plateau of Maikal range in the
Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh at an
elevation of 1057 meters. The river travels
a distance of 1,312 km before it falls into
Gulf of Cambay (Khambat) in the Arabian
Sea near Bharuch in Gujarat. The
Narmada basin extends over an area of
98,796 Sq km and Out of the total basin
area about 743.88 Sq km which is only
0.75% of the basin are falls in the
Chhattisgarh state.
Thus, we find that there are many basins
and sub-basins in the region, especially in
the southern
and eastern parts of the state. The rivers
draining these basins usually carry huge
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 Chattisgarh Geography
volumes in the
rains, but are usually flowing in deep
gorges in hilly areas. These offer a rich
potential for
rainwater harvesting and surface irrigation
projects that protect kharif.
Rivers and Drainage system of
Chhattisgarh:-
The rivers of Chhattisgarh are of much
signifance to the state from a stand point of
economic, social, political and religious
views. The State of Chhattisgarh is divided
in to five river basins. Mahanadi Basin
drains out 75,858.45 Sq km, Godavari
Basin drains out 38,694.02 Sq km, Ganga
Basin drains out 18,406.65 Sq km,
Brahmani Basin drains out 1,394.55 Sq km
and Narmada Basin drains out 743.88 Sq
km of catchment area in the state.
1. Mahanadi Basin:-
Mahanadi Basin extends over an area of
141589 Sq km which is nearly 4.3 percent
of total geographical area of the country.
The basin lies in the states of Chhattisgarh
(75,858.45 Sq km), Orissa (65,580 Sq km),
Bihar (635 Sq km) and Maharashtra (238
Sq km). Mahanadi river rises from Raipur
district of Chhattisgarh and flows for about
851 km before its outfall into the Bay of
Bengal . Its main tributaries are
Seonath, Jonk, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, Ong,
and Tel. Most of the tributaries of
Mahanadi join in from the western and
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
northern side. Physiographically the basin
can be divided into four regions namely
the Northern, Plateau, the Eastern Ghats
the Coastal Plain and the Erosional Plains
of Central Table Land . The first two are
hilly regions. The coastal plain is the
central interior region of the basin
traversed by the river and its tributaries.
Main Sub Basins of Mahanadi are:--
a. Seonath Sub Basin:-
The Seonath River Originates near village
Panabaras in the Rajnandgaon District.
The Basin area of river up to confluence
with the Mahanadi River is 30,860 Sq Km
. The river traverses a length 380 Km. The
main tributaries of Seonath river are
Tandula, Kharun, Arpa, Hamp, Agar and
Maniyari Rivers. Tandula is not only an
important tributary, but also forms a big
reservoir in the district, from which a canal
carries water towards the northeast of
Durg. Kharum and Jamunia are two other
important tributaries near Raipur. The
mean annual rainfall in the basin varies
from 1005 mm to 1255 mm.
b. Hasdeo Sub basin:-
Hasdeo River, a major tributary of the
mahanadi, is one of the important rivers of
Chhatisgarh. Hasdeo has a total length of
245 Km and has its origin in Mendra
village. It flows towards south of the state,
through Koriya, Bilaspur and Korba
Districts. During its course, this river
merges with its tributaries such as Gej and
the Chornai on the left bank and the Tan
and the Ahiran on the right before it meets
the mahanadi. Other tributaries of Hasdeo
include Jhumka and Bania.
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 Chattisgarh Geography
c. Pairi Sub basin:-
River Pairi, running down from Raipur
uplands, drains a significant portion of the
entire undivided Raipur district.
Originating in the Bhatigarh hills (493 m)
located near Bindravagarh of Raipur
District, the river flows southwards and
meets the mahanadi near Rajim.
d. Tel Sub basin:--
This is an important tributary of Mahanadi,
which meets the main river at Sonpur or
Subarnapur. Baidyanath temple, which is
famous for the Kosaleshwar Shiva Temple,
is located on the left bank of the tel river.
e. Ib Sub basin:-
Ib river joins Mahanadi river flowing
directly into the Hirakund Reservoir. The
river originates in hills near Pandrapet.
f. Mand Sub basin:-
Mand river joins the Mahanadi in
Chandrapur, in Maharashtra, before the
river reaches the Hirakund Dam.
g. Jonk Sub basin:-
It flows via the Mountanious areas of the
Mahasamund, the river goes eastwards to
join the Mahanadi form Shivrinarayan.
h. Kelo Sub basin:-
Kelo river originates in the Ludega hills
located in the Raigarh District. It reaches a
place name MahadevPali in Orrisa and
joins the Mahanadi.
i. Others Sub basin:--
Though the contribution of the tributaries
from the eastern side of the
Mahanadi is lesser, both in number and in
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
volume, three important rivers deserve a
mention here. A small river, Silari, is
important as it links a big reservoir,
Maramsilli, in the southwest of
Raipur district to Mahanadi.
2. GODAVARI BASIN:-
Godavari rises in the Sahyadris near
Triambakeswar, about 80 km from the
shore of Arabian Sea, at an elevation of
1,067 m in the Nasik district of
Maharashtra. After flowing for about
1,465 km in a general south-easterly
direction through Maharashtra and Andhra
Pradesh, Godavari falls into the Bay of
Bengal north of Rajahmundry. The basin
extends over an area of 312,813 Sq km,
which is nearly 10% of the total
geographical area of the country. Out of
the total basin area of 312,813 Sq km, the
major parts of the basin falls in
Maharashtra state. Further, about 38694.02
Sq km which is only 12.36% of the basin
area falls in the Chhattisgarh state.
a. Indravati Sub basin:-
Indravati is a important tributary of
Godavari. The river and its tributaries are
located in the Bastar area. Originating
from Orissa it divides the area into two
halves. Its major tributaries are Narangi,
Baordhig, Nibra, Kotri, and a stream, the
Chintavagu.
b. Other Sub basin of Godavari Basin:-
Besides the Indravati and its tributaries,
there are three important streams in the
Bastar area, all direct tributaries of
Godavari. These are Talperu, Chinta, and
Sabari. In the Dandakaranya region lying
to the south of Indravati most of the rivers
Page 81
 Chattisgarh Geography
are perennial, though with highly
fluctuating regime. Due to rapid run-off
and evaporation, the land dries up very
quickly after the monsoons. A very
negligible amount of their water is used for
agriculture.
3. GANGA BASIN:-
The Ganga basin extends over an area of
1,086,000 Sq km. The drainage area lying
in India is 862,769 Sq km which is
nearly26.2% of the total geographical area
of the country. Out of the total basin area
about 18,406.65 Sq km which is only
1.695 % of the basin area falls in the
Chhattisgarh state.
a. Son sub basin:-
The river Son is an right bank tributary of
the river Ganga. it originates from
Amarkantak plateaeu of Maikala range in
Bilaspur district of Chhatisgarh. Kanhar,
Rihand, Gopad, Banas, Bijal are its other
tributaries.
 Rihand river:-- Rihand is a major
river-body in the state, rising in the
south of Surguja and flowing
northwards, draining the Surguja
Basin. it is a tributary of Son,
which in turn merges with the
Ganga. Before meeting Son, it is
joined by three main tributaries
during its course northwards in
Surguja district. These are
Gungata, Mahan and Moran.
 Kanhar river:--In the eastern part
of Surguja is the Kanhar river,
which flows for only for a few
kilometers in this district, before
joining the Son river in the state of
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Uttar Pradesh.
4. BRAHMANI BASIN:-
The Brahmani Basin lies in the districts of
Raigarh and Sarguja in Chhattisgarh,
Ranchi and Singhbhumi in Jharkhand and
Sundergarh, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Angul,
Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Jajpur and
Kendrapara in Orissa. Brahmani basin is
situated between Mahanadi Basin (on the
right) and Baitarani Basin (on the left).
Chhotanagpur Plateau in the East and
South bound the basin, in the north a ridge
separates it from Mahanadi basin, and to
the east of the basin lie the Bay of Bengal
and the Baitarani basin. Out of the total
basin area of 39,269 Sqkm, the major parts
of the basin falls in Orissa state. Further,
about 1,394.45 Sqkm which is only 3.55%
of the basin area falls in the Chhattisgarh
state.
5. NARMADA BASIN:-
The Narmada River, rises in the
Amarkantak Plateau of Maikal range in the
Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh at an
elevation of 1057 meters. The river travels
a distance of 1,312 km before it falls into
Gulf of Cambay (Khambat) in the Arabian
Sea near Bharuch in Gujarat. The
Narmada basin extends over an area of
98,796 Sq km and Out of the total basin
area about 743.88 Sq km which is only
0.75% of the basin are falls in the
Chhattisgarh state.
Thus, we find that there are many basins
and sub-basins in the region, especially in
the southern
and eastern parts of the state. The rivers
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 Chattisgarh Geography

draining these basins usually carry huge plants. The populace of

volumes in the Chhattisgarh is mainly
rains, but are usually flowing in deep dominated by tribal
gorges in hilly areas. These offer a rich
potential for The oldest and most populous
tribe of Chhattisgarh are the
rainwater harvesting and surface irrigation
Gonds.
projects that protect kharif.

The main tribes in

Chhattisgarh are:
1. Bastar – Gond,
Abujmaria , Bisonhorn
Maria, Muria,
TRIBES OF CHATTISGARH
Halba, Bhatra, Parja,
(compiled by Dhurvaa
vibhumishra88) 2. Dantewara – Muriya,
Dandami Mariya or Gond,
“Tribal” is the word used in
Dorla,
India to refer to inhabitants Halba
known elsewhere as 3. Koriya – Kol, Gond,
“indigenous”. Bhunjia
4. Korba – Korwa, Gond,
British ethnographers Rajgond, Kawar,
classified tribal as “animists”. Bhaiyana,
Binjwar, Dhanwar
As per the National Census, 5. Bilaspur and Raipur –
they are classified as Parghi, Savra, Manji,
“aboriginals” and listed Bhayna
according to the tribe. 6. Gariabandh, Mainpur,
Dhura, Dhamtari – Kamar
The Hindi word for tribal is 7. Surguja and
adivasi, meaning “ancient Jashpur – Munda
inhabitants.
The main tribes of the
Chhattisgarh, the "rice bowl" Chhattisgarh are as
of India is famed for its mind- follows:-
blowing natural splendour,
cultural extravaganzas, Gond- The etymological
significance of the term
storehouse of minerals and
Gond is derived from the
power and large iron and steel

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 Chattisgarh Geography
Telegu connotation"Kond"
meaning hill.
 The Gond tribe of
Bastar is one of the
most famed tribes in
India, recognized for
their exceptional
Ghotul system of
marriages.
 They mainly practice
the traditional Hindu
customs and marry
within the family in
order to preserve the
customary
completion of the
nuptial vows within
the family.
 Gond society is
somewhat
matriarchal where
the groom has to pay
a substantial dowry
top the bride's family
to pay his due
respects.
 The tribal, who are
also known as
Kyotorias are
extensively dispersed
throughout
Chhattisgarh.
Abuj Maria: The Abhuj
Maria tribal are very very
much feared by mankind.
 They are a primitive
race whose
mannerisms are
rather ferocious.
They savage and
barbaric tribesmen
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
are hostile to
strangers are
sometimes directly
shoot them with their
arrows.
 They seldom clean
themselves or their
garments. Even when
drinking water, they
don't use the normal
human convention of
using a vessel or
container. Instead
they drink straight
from the pond
replicating an
animal.
 It is one of the major
sub castes of the
Gond tribal group.
They dwell in isolated
enclaves of
Narayanpur, Bastar.
 Money and material
pleasure rarely lure
the people of this
caste.
Bison Horn Maria: one of
the well-known tribal
groups. Mostly
concentrated in Bastar
region. Chief sub caste of
ethnic community called
Gond.
 Mostly exist in the
district of Garhicholi
in Maharastra and
in some parts of
MP.
 This tribal
community of
Page 84
 Chattisgarh Geography
Chhattisgarh derived
their name from their
unique custom of
wearing a
distinctive
headdress, which
resembles the horns
of a wild bison. They
generally wear that
headdress during
marriage dances or
other ceremonies.
 This main distinct
language spoken by
this tribe of
Chhattisgarh is
Dandami Maria.
 Bison Horn Marias
worship spirits and
non-human objects.
Their religious belief
is a combination of
Hinduism with
animistic beliefs.
They worship varied
gods. These Clan
Gods are housed on
the border of every
village so as to
protect the village
from any external or
black magic.
 The Bison Horn
Maria men have got a
distinct hairstyle of
long pony tail.
Besides that, they
carry a tobacco box
and a special kind of
comb. This comb
remains attached to
their loincloth.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
 Women of Bison
Horn tribal group
generally dress in
white skirts. They
even use varied
jewellery for
adornment.
 The bison horn
shaped headdress
worn by them are
nowadays made of
cattle horns because
of the scarcity of
bison horns.
Muria: well-known sub
caste of Gonds.
 The Murias are more
advanced and
broadminded and live
in the open amidst
the vast rolling plains
and valleys.
 The Muria economy
is predominantly
agrarian. They
cultivate rice in
plenty. Some Muria
tribal also depend up
on collecting forest
products.
 In case of illness and
maladies they seek
the remedial powers
of the Mahua plant.
The tribal are a
highly superstitious
lot who believe in
worshiping the cult
gods and goddesses.
 The Muria society is
devoid of a caste
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 Chattisgarh Geography
system and the
people also practice
magic,dark arts and
wizardry.
 The tribes of Muria
inhabit in the dense
forest zones of
Kondagon tehsil
and Narayanpur
tehsil of bastar.
Halba: The mannerisms
and lifestyle of the Halbas
who inhabit Bastar closely
resemble that of their
counterpart who reside in
Andhra Pradesh's
Warangal District.
 The Halba tribe owes
its nomenclature to
the term 'Hal' that
locally means
ploughing or
farming.
 Extensively spread in
chattisgarh, MP,
Odisha and
Maharastra. In
chattisgarh they
dwell in Bastar,
Raipur and Durg
region.
 They also enjoy the
privileged status of a
high local caste and
hence are deeply
revered in the tribal
society. The unique
individuality of the
Halbas is evinced by
their apparels,
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
dialects and
traditional customs.
Dhurvaa: most noteworthy
aboriginal tribe that
occupies the abode of
bastar region.
 In social ladder, the
dhruvaa position is
2NDafter the elite
Bhatra tribals.
 Their society is
progressive and
broadminded and
polygamy is a
common and
accepted practice.
The women, who are
responsible for all
domestic matters are
held in high esteem
and thus they are
very haughty. The
men are generally
indolent and except
for the routine
cultivation and
hunting, they don't
take much interest in
domestic affairs.
 The Dhurvas depend
upon agriculture for
their economic
subsistence. The
tribal people are also
talented craftsmen
whose expertise is
manifested by the
exquisite handicrafts
that they make out of
cane and other forest
products.
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 Chattisgarh Geography

 They are highly 4. Binjwar: community

religious and pious of MP, concenterated
and worship several in Chattisgarh area.
local cult gods and Two endogamous
goddesses. Mirth and divisions, the
merrymaking are an Sonvaha Bijwar and
eminent part of all the Binjwar proper
celebrations and no instituted in large
religious celebration no.s in region of
is complete without Bilaspur, Raipur,
animal sacrifice and Raigarh and
coconut is also Sarguja.
offered to mollify the
deities.
Other terminologies:-

Various types of dances

Some other important among the tribal
castes of Chattisgarh are
as follows:- 1.) Saila Dance

1. Kol: general name of Only males participate in this

Munda, Oraon and group dance, performed
Ho adivasi of Bihar, during public functions,
Chattisgarh, MP, national festivals, and
Tripura, Assam,
Nepal and political rallies, and in
Bangladesh. January after cutting the
crop. All the dancers hold two
2. Korba: one of the hard bamboo sticks and
famous ST of India. strike the sticks of their
They subsist in forest
and hills of neighbour in unison.
Chotanagpur.

3. Kawar: found 2.) Suwa Dance

extensively in
Raipur, Bilaspur, This is a dance by which a
Raigarh, Durg and young girl lets a young boy
Sarguja. know she is interested in him.
When a marriageable young

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 Chattisgarh Geography
boy listen this song and sees
the girl dancing, he sends a
marriage proposal to her
parents. It is also danced to
please the goddess of wealth.
3.) Karma Dance
“Karam” is a tree worshipped
by the locals. According to
legend, in an ancient war,
only a young couple that hid
in the hollow trunk of this
tree was left alive, and ever
since then this tree has been
regarded as sacred. The
karma dance is performed
according to caste, but holds
the same significance across
all castes. Male and female
dancers are chained together
to form a circle. A branch of
the karam tree is passed
among the dancers as they
sing and dance in praise of
the karam tree. This branch
should not touch the earth.
At the end of the dance, it is
washed with milk and rice
beer and later it is planted in
the middle of the dancing
arena. Also worth watching is
the stilt dance.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
Wildlife and Ecotourism in
Chattisgarh
Indian state of Chhattisgarh is famou
s for its enchantingly beautiful
natural landscapes, rich cultural herit
age and unique tribal populations. W
ith over 4% of its total area under for
ests, Chhattisgarh is also amongst th
e greenest states of
India. The Chhattisgarh region is kn
own as a great repository of biologic
al diversit
y. The unique combination of rich c
ultural heritage and biological divers
ity makes
Chhattisgarh an ideal ecotourism des
tination with immense potentials for
the growth ecotourism the region. T
he Indian Govt. is actively collaborat
ing with the local officialsof the stat
e to realize the full potential of eco t
ourism growth of the region in order
to make Chhattisgarh as one of the
most important ecotourism destinati
ons in India.
Chhattisgarh is one of the greenest st
ates of India with over 44 % of its to
tal area under lush forests. The fores
ts of Chhattisgarh are not only know
n for their diverse floraand fauna but
also contain about 88 species of me
dicinal plants. Chhattisgarh is also u
nique in its wildlife population and h
as 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife
Sanctuaries, housing some of the rar
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 Chattisgarh Geography
e wildlife and bird species. With so
much of
variety for eco tourism, Chhattisgarh
promises to be an ideal holiday dest
ination for nature lovers, wildlife ent
husiasts and also for those who want
to discover the unique tribal life of
the region.
Chhattisgarh has identified some reg
ions with a very high potentiality for
ecotourism.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Badalkhol
Badalkhol sanctuary is located in
Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. It
lies on the banks of Eib River and
Dorki River and spreads over an
area of 105 sq km. The sanctuary‟s
vegetation is dominated by Sal
forests. It is home to panther, chital,
wild bear, jungle cat, monkey,
jackals, hyena, bear, wolf, fox,
cobra, kraits, python, red spur fall,
bhura teetar, kala teetar, tree pie,
green pigeon and rollers.
Sitanadi
The wildlife sanctuary was
established in 1974 under Wildlife
Protection Act of 1972. This
sanctuary sprawls over an area of
556 sq km It is named after Sitanadi
River which originates from this
sanctuary and joins Mahanadi River.
Barnawapara
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
This Wildlife sanctuary, is named
after Bar and nawapara forest
villages, which are in the heart of the
sanctuary, Raipur district. The well
stocked forests of the Sanctuary
Classified as Teak, sal and mixed
forests. This sanctuary is famous for
the frequent sighting of the Indian
bison (Gaur) Cheetal, Sambhar,
Neelgai, Wild boar are commonly
seen.Bar-Nawapara boosts of over
150 species Birds.
Tamor Pingla
Main wildlife attraction is Nilgai,
Chital, Sambar, Chinkara, deerwild
boars, foxes. The Tamor Pingla
Wildlife Sanctuary which is located
in the Surjuga District is so called
because of the 2 prominent features
of this piece of land the Tamor Hill
and the Pingla Nalla (stream).
Bairamgarh
One of the prime attractions at
Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is
the wild buffalo. Hill Hynas can also
be seen. The tigers and leopards are
also available in this santuary;
however, they are less in number.
Chinkaras can be easily sighted so
are the Indian Gazelle and Chital.
Bhoramdeo
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 Chattisgarh Geography
This Wildlife Sanctuary also known
as Bhoramdeo is located in
Kabirdham district at a distance of
140 km from Raipur and is named
after the famous Bhoramdeo
temples.
Gomarda
Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS) is one of
the Wildlife Sanctuaries in
Chhattisgarh and it is located near
Sarangarh town in Raigarh district
of Chhattisgarh. A variety of exotic
wildlife can be witnessed if one
arrives at the Gomarda Wildlife
Sanctuary. Wild animals found in
the sanctuary include leopard, wild
dog, jackal, fox, bedi or predators
such as wild cat, gaur, nilgai,
Sambar, chital, kotri.
The Pamed
Wildlife Sanctuary is an important
wildlife reserve in Chhattisgarh.
With an area of 262 sq km, it is
placed in the Dantewada district in
southern part of Chhattisgarh and
the Sanctuary is close to the sate
border with Andhra Pradesh. Pamed
Wildlife Sanctuary has some
precious trees like Sal and teak.
There are mixed forests creating a
different aura about the place.
Chattisgarh.pscnotes.com
National Parks and biosphere
Reserve
Kanger Valley National Park
It is one of the most beautiful and
picturesque national parks of India.
The beautiful park is located on the
banks of Kholaba River at a distance
of about 27 km from Jagdalpur
(headquarter of Bastar). Spread over
an area of approximately 200 sq km
comprising mainly of hilly terrain,
the Park derives its name from the
Kanger River, which flows
throughout its length.
Guru Ghasidas National Park
It is marked as one of the most
unique of all the protected areas in
Chhattisgarh. If you are considering
a Tour to Chhattisgarh try to include
this park in your travel itinerary. The
diverse vegetation of the region
consists of a wide variety of
mammal population. Tigers,
Leopards, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara,
Jackals, Sambar, Four-horned
Antelopes, Jungle Cat, Barking
Deer, Porcupine, Monkey, Bison,
Striped Hyena, Sloth Bear, Wild
Dogs are some of the common
species found in this region. It is
also an ideal place to watch
migratory birds. The best time to
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 Chattisgarh Geography

visit this place is during November Indian giant squirrel, chinkara, wild
dog, hyena, sambar, chital and over
to June.
150 species of birds. Even a short
Tiger Reserve trek through this park easily reveals
its extraordinary beauty and
Indravati National Park biodiversity.

It is the finest and most famous

wildlife parks of Chhattisgarh.
Indravati National Park is located in
Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.
The Park derives its name from the
Indravati River, which flows from
east to west and forms the northern
boundary of the reserve with the
Indian state of Maharashtra. With a
total area of approximately 2799.08
sq km, Indravati attained the status
of a National Park in 1981 and a
Tiger Reserve in 1983 under the
famous Project Tiger of India to
become one of the most famous tiger
reserves of India.
Achanakmar Tiger Reserve
It is in Chhattisgarh is a tropical
moist deciduous and tropical dry
deciduous forest. The reserve is also
a part of the much larger
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere
Reserve. Sal, bija, saja, haldu, teak,
tinsa, dhawara, lendia, khamar and
bamboo flourish here along with
over 600 species of medicinal plants.
The winding Maniyari river that
flows right through the heart of the
reserve is its lifeline. Wild fauna
found here includes the tiger,
leopard, bison, flying squirrel,

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