Chapter Ii Chapter Ii

CHAPTER II CHAPTER II

STUDY AREA AND METHODS OF STUDY

2.1. Geographical set-up:-

2.1.1. Introduction:-

Shrigonda is the third largest tahsil in the Ahmednagar district with geographical area about 1629.94 km2 and occupies 9.56% of the total area of the district. The total population of the Shrigonda tahsil is 277319 as per the census of 2001. The total urban area is nearly 83.65 km2 covers about 5.13% area of the tahsil and the urban population is 9.49% to the total population of the Shrigonda tahsil (census handbook 2001).

2.1.2. Location :- S

Shrigonda is one of the tahsil in Ahmednagar district and covers southern part of the district. Shrigonda tahsil extends between the 18- 21' 18"

N t©'l8Q 54' 07" N latitudes and 74e 23' 11" E ^74a 56' 40" E longitudes.

Shrigonda tahsil comprises the part of Bhima basin. (Fig 2.1)

The southern limit of Shrigonda tahsil starts from Angare village

(situated on left bank of river Bhima) and extends northward upto north boundary of the village Chikhali. The western limit of the tahsil is characterized by NW to SE flowing river Ghod and eastern limit is bounded by

Karjat tahsil in Ahmednagar district. i

Administrative boundaries of Shrigonda tahsil are well defined by the boundaries of Daund tahsil to the south, Shirur tahsil to the west (Pune district) and Karjat tahsil to the East, Nagar tahsil to the north (Ahmednagar district), Ashti tahsil to the NE (Beed District) Shrigonda Tahsil comprises about 115 villages according to census of 2001. (Census handbook 2001) 46 fable 2.1 Administrative Divisions of S hrigo nda tahsil Code Code Code Code Code Village Village Village Village Village No. No. No. No. No. cn CO o •3- CM <* - Hingani D Kharatwadi Ghutewadi Khandgaon Kasti £ 0 m CM CM Gavhanewadi Belwandi B Chikhali Pisorekhand Mundhekarwadi cn in <* cn CM CD CM CO Deodaithan Policewadi Koregaon Mahadeowadi Velu CD m O CO cn CM •sr Yavati Mhase Vithhekarwadi Kosegavhan Chorachiwadi in cn 0 CM m Sarolasomwanshi Wadgaon shindodi Bhapakarwadi Takali lonar Bhingan Dumala cn 0 m CM in CM cn CD Koregavhan Yalpane Pandharewadi Bhangaon Chandagaon C3> in CO cn CO o CD r-. Chambhurdi Pisore B Lagadwadi Deulgaon Takali Kadewalit m -3- o O CO CO Ukhalqaon Parvatwadi Kolgaon Ghugalwadgaon Bhingan Khalasa m m o 0 CO CM cn Visapur Mahadeowadi Ghargaon Tandali D Ad ho re wad i o Mungusgaon CO CO Lonivyanknath in CD Ghotavi cn Surodi O CM Chikhalthanwadi m CO o o CO - Pimpalgaon pisa CO -a- Chimbhale Kothul Pargaon Sudrik Shipalkarwadi CO m 0 o CM Nimbavi Bori Dhoraie 0 Khetmaliswadi Sangavi Dumala m CO CO in cn o CO Kondegavhan Hangewadi Wadghul CO CM Wadali Nimgaon khalu O CD ^ 0 r-- CD O Arangaon D Wangadari Kamathi CO CO Belwandi Kothar Gar o m CO 0 S Dhawalgaon Dhokraimal Mandavgan 0 Adhalgaon Kauthe 0 CO CO en CO CM o Rajapur Chormalewadi Banpimpri 0 m Gavhanewadi Angar N- O CO CO o cn Danewadi Masalwadi Tardagavhan 0 CD Dokewadi Arvi 0 5- CO o Math Domaiewadi Chavarsangavi CO Bhavadi Afanuj cn "st" CM CD m -

Mengalwadi Shirasgaon Bodakha Thitesangavi CO 0 Kokangaon Kansewadi CO CM o CD CD CM 0 cn VZ VZ Raygavhan Baburdi Ghogargaon Hiradqaon Pedgaon CD cn o Pimpri kolandar Madhewadgaon Ruikhel Ghodegaon CO Anandawadi CM CM CO 0 ^1- Ukkadgaon Mahtarpimpri Mahandulwadi CD Limpangaon Shedgaon CO CD CM CO en CM Erondali Suregaon Bangarde Jangalewadi m Shrigonda w a> o JS -J > CO a> I w < i _Q> < O a 1- ngC i IGO N oc ^ X o CO CO Q. (0

4fe 2.1.3. Climatic conditions:-

Shrigonda tahsil covers mostly semi-arid tract of the deccan peninsula.

It comes under the rain shadow region of monsoon zone of Ahmednagar district. The climate of the study area is characterised by a hot summer and generally dryness except during the southwest monsoon. The weather conditions throughout the year clearly demarcate three seasons i.e. summer,

rainy (southwest monsoon & north-eastern retreating monsoon) and winter.

The average annual rainfall is 522 mm. The distribution of rainfall is uneven.

The daily mean maximum temperature is 38.92C in summer and 22.49C in winter.

2.1.3.1. Temperature Variation:-

The air temperature rises from the month of March. The month of May

is the hottest month in the year. The mean maximum temperature increases

up to 38.9QC & the mean minimum temperature is 22.4SC on individual days during the hot weather period. Occasionally temperature goes up to 43SC to

44SC at the end of the month of May. (Fig 2.2)

In the wet monsoon the daily range of temperature is stable. The

hottest day position associated in the month of October; hence it is called

October heat.

The cold season start from mid November and day and night temperatures \A*i|l rapidly decreased The December is the coldest month in the year over the study area. The mean maximum temperature is 11.79C. The wind blow from north direction and daily mean temperature decreases upto

7QC to 59C some times affected by cold waves associated from the NW disturbance across the northern part of India and in the study area. 50 S002

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51 Table 2.1 Annual Average Temperatures (°C) (1975 to 2003)

YEAR M.MAX H.MAX M.MIN LMIN

1975 32.73 35.53 18.13 15.19

1976 33.23 36.33 18.33 14.92

1977 33.78 37.02 18.93 14.18

1978 33.38 36.48 18.15 15.03

1979 33.76 37.00 18.52 14.64

1980 34.23 37.34 18.68 14.65

1981 28.33 30.93 15.41 12.54

1982 23.33 25.93 15.98 13.07

1983 30.96 33.37 18.31 14.87

1984 32.63 35.22 17.56 14.35

1985 32.44 35.24 17.53 14.05

1986 33.45 36.39 18.46 14.95

1987 31.95 35.18 18.17 14.71

1988 30.64 32.80 15.90 14.96

1989 31.13 34.56 18.28 15.03

1990 22.72 38.18 19.25 12.05

1991 27.83 33.08 17.02 12.70

1992 26.17 35.92 17.77 11.48

1993 31.13 30.75 20.08 15.04

1996 26.67 22.26 17.58 13.50

1997 25.03 34.73 18.15 18.10

1998 27.58 27.68 21.55 14.48 1999 33.18 36.62 19.06 15.71

2000 33.48 37.12 17.29 13.79

2001 36.38 39.18 16.92 12.68

2002 31.50 36.04 18.94 15.16

2003 25.92 31.95 17.63 11.55

(Source - IMD, Pune) 2.1.3.2. Rainfall Variation:-

The mean annual rainfall varies from 500 mm to 550 mm in the study area. Average annual rainfall received up to 522 mm. The rainy season extends from the month of June to the end of September. The intensity of rainfall is greater in the month of June. The amount of rainfall nearly 77% receives between four months (June to September). The remaining rainfall receives in October and November from the NE retreating monsoon.

The Shrigonda tahsil comes under the effect of drought prone condition and rain shadow regions, rainfall is very irregular. The onset of monsoon, amount of rainfall and the variability of rain are very irregular in the study area.

The agricultural activities in the northern part are entirely dependent on amount of rainfall. The rainy days are less than 50 throughout the year; hence area experiences long dry periods. It is inferred from the IMD office and discussion with scientist that the probability of moderate drought is as high as

75% and that of severe drought is 50% for the region.

Droughts are one of the most natural hazards in this area and entire economy of the tahsil thus gets affected due to these events. Q. -1 CO c/) m r c < o h- < CO Q 1— Z >m o0 CO ^*m •^ X c T. (0 CO QC

5^ Tabie 2.2 Drought Years in the Shrigonda tahsil (1901 to 2005)

Sr. No. Year Magnitude of drought

1 1901 Moderate

2 1904 Moderate

3 1905 Moderate

4 1908 Moderate

5 1912 Severe

6 1918 Moderate

7 1920 Moderate

8 1936 Moderate

9 1939 i orate

10 1941 Moderate

11 1945 Moderate

12 1952 Moderate

13 1963 Moderate

14 1965 Moderate

15 1971 Moderate

16 1972 Severe

17 1984 Moderate

18 1991 Moderate

19 1992 Moderate

20 1994 Severe

21 2002 Moderate

22 2003 Severe

(Source GSDA, (Source Ahmednagar, 2005) It can be observed from the table 2.2 that during a span of forty years magnitude of droughts remained to be moderate to severe. The frequency of moderate and severe drought is noticed for several years and given in decade wise in table 2.3.

Severe drought associated one time in every decade and the frequency of moderate drought is two times in the every decades. The frequency of droughts for every decade is tabulated in the following table.

Table 2.3 Frequencies of Drought Years for Shrigonda Tahsil (1901 to

2006)

Sr. No. Years Frequency of Drought

1 1901-1910 4

2 1911-1920 3 (1 severe)

3 1921-1930 1

4 1931-1940 2

5 1941-1950 2

6 1951-1960 1

7 1960-1970 2 (1 severe)

8 1971-1980 2 (1 severe)

9 1981-1990 1

10 1991-2000 3 (1 severe)

11 2001-2006 2 (1 severe)

(Source- GSDA, Ahmednagar-2006)

Rainfall variations within the tahsil have been produced in raster format, which

summarises average annual variation in rainfall within the tahsil. (Table 2.4) a> TO to > Sea l < Q O) i> O "l_ JZ: S o•^5 " *

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5? Table 2.4 Area under Rain gauge Station:

Sr. No. Rain gauge Station Area (sq. km.) Average rainfall (mm)

1 Madhe wadgaon 82.19 436.06

2 Belwandi 202.84 345.61

3 Takali K. + Shrigonda 405.15 446.86

4 Kasti 183 410.21

5 Mandavgan + Kolgaon 450.44 389.09

5 Deodaithan 306.32 395.33

Total 1629.94 2423.16

Equation -

X1.P1+X2.P2+X3.P3+X4.P4+X5.P5+X6.P6 X

Where,

P= Average Rainfall.

X1 to X6 = Area which having under the rainfall recording station

P1 to P6 = Rainfall recorded from each of the rainfall recording station.

X = Total area for average rainfall.

82,19*436.06+202.84*345:61 + 405.15* 446.86+183*410.21 +450.44* 389.03+ 306.32*395.33

p =______:—_^ — : : _ 1629.94

35839.77+70103.53+181045.33+75068.43+175261.70+121097.43 ., r 1629.94 .

P= 403.94 mm

The table 2.4 shows tabulated areas under rain gauge station. The Thiessen

model calculates the average rainfall in particular area with the help of

equation

58 2.1.3.3. Variation in wind direction and velocity: Table 2.5. Average wind velocity and direction in Shrigonda Tahsil

Monthly

Month No. of days Average

Direction Total velocity

N NE E SE S SW W NW (km/hr)

January 4 6 1 2 3 3 9 2 31 5.12

February 7 3 4 9 1 1 2 1 28 4.9

March 6 4 5 7 1 2 2 3 31 5.3

April 8 3 1 7 1 4 1 5 30 5.4

May 8 4 6 4 3 5 1 0 31 7.4

June 12 6 5 6 0 0 1 0 30 6.5

July 13 4 5 8 0 1 0 0 31 6

August 9 7 3 8 1 1 2 0 31 5.1

September 4 9 5 9 0 1 2 0 30 ,4.94

October 1 1 5 7 5 9 2 1 31 4.88

November 5 3 0 2 6 8 6 1 30 3.08

December 6 3 1 4 3 4 7 3 31 4.69

Total 83 51 42 78 22 39 33 17 365 63.31

(Source-IMD, Pune -2006) The wind speed is greater at the end of summer and beginning of southwest monsoon. In the monsoon period the winds blow from southwest to northeast. After the southwest monsoon the wind direction becomes opposite and blows from northeast to southwest. Stormy wind blows in the months of

April and mostly associated with whirls. It can be observed from the fig 2.5 that the maximum days of wind direction are from South to North and Northwest to Southeast.

2.1.3.4. Variation in Humidity:-

The duration of dryness is longer in the study area. During the months of hot summer (March to May) and particularly at noon the average relative humidity is less than 40%. The humidity rises at the end of May over the study area.

In the winter season, relative humidity varies but little than that in the hot weather period, the air is driest with relative humidity of less than 50% in the study area. The Clear sky, fine and dry weather, low humidity and absence of rainfall become the general picture of the study area.

2.1.3.5. Variation in evaporation:-

The rate of evaporation is higher during the months of summer i.e. from

March to May. The maximum evaporation rises upto 13.3 mm in the month of

April and minimum evaporation is observed to be 3.9 mm in the month of

August. An annual average evaporation varies between is 8 mm to 9 mm throughout the year.

Table 2.6. Average monthly evaporation

Month Evaporation (mm)

Min Max Average

January 9.2 10.2 9.8

February 9.5 11.1 10.3

March 11.2 12.8 12.1

April 12.1 13.3 12.7

May 11.9 13 11.3 CM 00 CD TT CM LULU uojiejodeA^ June in 12.3 9

July 4.3 12.2 9.34

August 3.9 10.6 8.21

September 5 6.8 5.4

October 4.8 7.6 5.4

November 5.3 7.7 6.5

December 5.5 7.7 6.8

Total 90.4 125.3 106.85

Mean 7.53 10.44 8.91

(Source - IMD, Pune, 2006)

2.1.3.6. Seasons:-

Shrigonda tahsil is located in the tropical region. The three seasons are associated in this region.

Hot dry weather season: During summer season, due to rising of temperature and diminishing pressure, important changes take place in the surface air movements over the study area. The daily range of temperature is not very high. Irregularly distributed thunderstorms occur in the months of

April, May and small amount of rainfall received from pre-monsoon rainfall.

The total rainfall of season is less than 2.5 cm in the study area. It is called as pre monsoon. Mean maximum temperature is more than 35QC and mean minimum temperature is more than 20QC in the summer season but air pressure is also less than 940 mb and relative humidity is less than 30%.

Wet season: The rainfall is very erratic and small in amount; therefore its failure often brings drought and famines. The highest amount of rain receives in the months from June to mid September. The study area receives annual average rainfall up to 522 mm. The air temperature is more than 25°C in wet season and air pressure also more than 930 mb. The humidity also increases with increasing temperature. It is more than 60 %.

Cold season: In this season the air pressure is more than 940 mb over the study area. The mean maximum temperature decreases to 259C and mean minimum temperature reduced to 8SC and relative humidity also less than

50%. The sky remains clear almost throughout the season and very littlie rainfalls (2mm to 2.5mm) receive from the cyclone. It is useful for the rabbi crops of wheat; Jowar etc. but destroy the fruit plants like grapes.

2.1.4. Physiography:

2.1.4.1. Altitude variation :-

The study area is located on the plateau of Ahmednagar district. It is a part of the deccan traps. Physiographically, there are more variations in the

Shrigonda tahsil. The highest maximum elevation in the study area is 849 M above MSL at the Pan hill near the village Kothul and lower minimum elevation is 500 M above MSL at Pedgaon near the left bank of river Bhima.

Physiographically study area is divided by the hill range of Baleswara running NW to SE that separates very littlie part of the tahsil to North and

maximum area to South. Locally it is also known as Saklai- Konjai- Khakiba-

Mahadeo hill range.

The altitude variation of the study area is remarkable and almost 65%

(1060 km2) of land surface area lies below 700 M contour and rest of the area amounts to 35 % of the total geographical area. This indicates that vast stretch of area exhibits a plain topography except few undulations and dissection in topography. X ooooooooooooooooooooooo LU 05 TO CO iom ^ Q

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fe5 Table 2.7. Contour wise extent of area

Sr. No. Class interval Area in sq. km. Area in %

1 Less-500 24.71 1.515

2 500-540 96.72 5.933

3 540-580 471.52 28.928

4 580-620 86.85 5.327

5 620-660 64.99 3.987

6 660-700 311.63 19.124

7 700-740 446.13 27.371

8 740-780 43.99 2.698

9 780-820 57.39 3.522

10 820-Above 26.01 1.595

Total 1629.94 100

2.1.4.2. Extent of different physiographical units: -

The Shrigonda Tahsil is divided in seven watershed divisions. The watershed codes assigned by GSDA are SA-5; SA-11 pertaining to river Sina covers the northern part of the tahsil and BM-28, BM-29, BM-30, BM-31 and BM-33 pertaining to river Bhima comprises the southern part of the tahsil.

The major area of the tahsil has undulating to plain topography, which are interrupted by the hill range running in NW to SE in direction. Thus it can be stated that general slope direction of the study area is from North to South.

The area is almost plain interrupted by hills and dissected plateaus. The hilly area accounts to 16.71% of the total surface area of the tahsil and plateau covers about 2.62% of the total area of the tahsil and plain area spread over 2222 22222 22 22 2222222 2

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Plateaus and plain topographical features are present in the study area.

The watersheds BM-28, BM-29, BM-30, BM-31 and BM-33 cover the southern part of the tahsil. The landscape of these watersheds can be divided into four physical units like mesa, escarpment, pediments and piedmonts. In these watersheds, the major area has plain topography. Northern part of the watershed is moderate sloping area with undulating topography, plain to

rolling topography having slope gradient between 1 to 3 percent. Small rills, streams sub-tributaries flow from north to south direction and finally meet to rivers Bhima & Ghod.

Table 2.8. Extent of different physiographical features in Shrigonda tahsil (in km2 and %)

Sr. Location Physiographical units (area in km2)

No. Hills Plateau Plain Total

1 Shrigonda (Area in sq. km.) 272.42 32.72 1314.81 1629.94

2 % Area of Shrigonda tahsil 16.71 2.62 80.67 100

2.1.5. Geology:-

The entire. Ahmednagar district forms the part of the Deccan volcanic

province. In Shrigonda tahsil, the trap rock is distinctly stratified and as in the

rest of Deccan, the alternative beds of basalt and amygdaloidal preserve a

striking parallelism to each other. To the eye, they appear horizontal, but

surveys have shown that, the flows have a slight dip to the south and east.

The basaltic lava of the Deccan traps is the only major geological formations

in the district. The traps flows are horizontal and numbers of flows occur in the D • D Q * a § ^ a 0. s y la C ^-J 5! CL a<5 K) & us. 0. s(0 ft 3 -£J fi 5 •a K § 1 1 Q 1 ft a >. 5 c S £ en I § k. 1 %g % o 0 g 29 s£f ae «J * * c

73 district. The top layer of the flow generally consists of vertical and amygdule zeolitic traps. The vesicles (a small bladder or blister) are often filled by secondary silica, calcite and zeolites. The bottom layers usually consist of massive trap. The flows are generally separated by clays. The flows are reported to be associated with basic intrusive in the form of dykes. The average flow thickness ranges between 15 to 25 meters.

2.1.5.1. Rock type:-

Prismatic disposition is observed more markedly and perfectly in the basalt strata than in the amygdaloidal. Perfect columns are generally small, but the prismatic structure, sometimes manifests itself in basaltic and amygdaloidal columns (many feet in diameter) near the face of the hill at village Kothul, the village located in Shrigonda tahsil. It is 40 km away from the Ahmednagar. There is thick stratum of Coarse-grained gray homogeneous basalt, which is crowned by a temple of 'Lord Khandoba'.

Vertical and horizontal fissures are seen in the lateral or exposed edge of this stratum. But they are so far apart as to leave huge blocks between them giving the appearance of massive articulated pilasters supporting the superstructure of the hill. Parts of the exposed edge are detached from its mass leaving rule columns four or five feet in diameter and eight or ten feet in height composed of three or four hung stones which have a disposition to geometrical form.

Round or oval masses of compact basalt, with concentric layers like the onion known as nodular basalt are widely diffused and form other characteristics of the Deccan trap formation. They are observed at all elevations in rock-cutting and are frequently found loose at the base of hill ranges of decomposing strata. These features are found in the foothills.

Another distinctive feature of the Deccan trap formation is the occurrence of immense quantities of loose basalt stones of all size which look as if they had been showered on the land, also of masses of rock piled into heaps as if by the labour of man. Their partial distribution is not less remarkable than their abundance. Many of these stones show a geometrical form and it is by no means rare to meet with prisms of three or four sides and cubes almost perfect. Stones with two perfect planes are very common. Their texture is coarse grained and their colour verges on black. In many places generally hilly area of the Shrigonda, they covers fie.lds several acres in extension. So thickly that the black soil on which they rest is not distinguishable while neighbouring fields have not a stone. These types of geographical structures are shown in the villages like Kosegavhan, Takali

Lonar, Pisora khand, Dhoraja, kothul, kolgoan, chikhali, Bangarde, Ruikhel

Ghogargaon, Mandavgaon kamathi Wadghul, Suregaon, etc. which situated along the range.

Sheets of rock of considerable superficial extent and totally destitute of soil occur in all parts of the study area in dispersed but especially in the hilly tracks. They are intersected by fissures lined internally on both sides with layers of chalcedony, cachalog, hamstone and semiopal, the innermost layer being frequently composed of crystals of quartz. Generally colourless and sometimes through rarely, associated with calcspar.

The Deccan basalt flows occurring in the study area are compact basalts. The compact basalt flows include two sections that have different resistance to weathering. The basalt dense rock is resistant while breccias parts break down early. Large boulders are released and these accumulated at the base of hills. The steep slopes, terraces, scarps and benches are common geomorphic features generally observed in northern part of the tahsil.

The soil in such parts is usually sandy with siliceous pebbles.

However, the soil in inter-boulder area is thick enough to support vegetation, especially shrubs.

Along the 'bank of the rivers, alluvium is found. The thickness of this alluvium varies up to 3 meters. The most commonly observed alluvial deposits are on the bank of river and the gentle slopes of the region. The very shallow soil (murum) and red colour soil are created near the hilly areas. Their depths are very less. Weathering of trap yields lime Kanker is found in abundance at places along riverbanks and in alluvium. The Kankers occur in the form of nodules or in the form of thin 5 to 10 cm thick.

2.1.5.2 Geological structure: -

Table 2.9 Extents of geological units in Shrigonda Tahsil:-

Sr. No. Types of rock Area km2 Area %

1 Low dissected basaltic plateau 235.54 14.45

2 Moderately dissected basaltic plateau 146.61 8.99

3 Highly dissected basaltic plateau 427.54 26.33

4 Undissected basaltic plateau 820.25 50.32

Total 1629.94 100

5 Fracture line 75181 M (Length)

(Source - Reproduced from Map prepared by GSDA, Ahmednagar) Lineaments:

The satellite imagery depicts a moderate network of lineaments, which are the major trends in the Deccan trap formation. The prominent trends of lineaments are in north-south, northeast-southwest and northwest-southeast direction. It is observed that, northwest-southeast lineaments have controlled the drainage courses of the major rivers Sina, Ghod and other major distributaries.

Highly dissected plateau (HDP)

The steep sloping topography covers 427.54-km2 area (26.33% to the total area of the tahsil). The soil is very shallow with thin weathered material. It is dominated by scrublands and has high drainage density. Due to these characters, such areas have been classified as highly dissected plateau.

(HDP)

Highly dissected plateau areas are confined to higher reaches of the major valley. These areas are prominent in the villages Kosegavhan (73),

Takali lonar (74), Ghutewadi (47), Pisore khand (71) Bhangaon (75), Kolgaon

(55), Kothul (47), Chikhali (48), Koregaon (49), Wadghul (59), Kamathi (60),

Bangarde (69), Ruikhel (67) etc. in Shrigonda tahsil.

Moderate dissected plateau (MDP)

The areas covered by Deccan traps, which have moderate slope, moderate drainage density, moderate soil cover and moderate thickness of weathered material have been classified as moderately dissected plateau and covers 161.46 km2 area (8.99% to the total area of the tahsil). The prominent dissected plateau occur away from the foothill zone i.e. villages Tandali dumala (78), Adhalgaon (84), Deulgaon (76), Belwadi kothar (83), Ghogargaon (66), Mandavgan (61), Hingani dumala (1), Bori (35), Shirsgaon bodakha (42), Yalpane (29), Chimbhale (34) etc. These lands are dominated by seasonal agricultural activities.

Low dissected plateau (LDP)

The areas covered by the Deccan traps that have gentle slope, less drainage density, thick soil and weathered material have been classified as slightly dissected plateau. The slightly dissected plateau areas are confiend to the lower reaches of major valley of river and the area is 245.54 km2 (14.45% to total area of the tahsil).

The prominent slightly dissected plateau areas occur along the left bank of Ghod river- Hangewadi (36), Wangadari (37), Kasti (93), Sangavi dumala (104), the left bank of Bhima, Nimgaon Khalu (105), Ajanuj (110), Arvi

(109), Anandwadi (113), Pedgaon (112) and Thite Sangavi (65) on the right bank of river Sina. This area also shows intensive agriculture mostly dominated by irrigated crops.

Denuded hills (DH)

The isolated hills with steep slopes have been classified as denuded hills. According to their extent the denuded hills have large areas. These isolated hills are generally covered by scrublands.

2.1.5.3. Fluctuation of static ground water levels: -

A static ground water levels in the study area clearly indicates there is a high fluctuation of SGWLs in pre and post monsoon through out the entire tahsil. This may be due to drastic dry periods prevails over a period of more than eight to nine months which is highly reflected on ground water levels. There is a considerable fluctuation in SGWLs.in the entire study area. 2.1.6 Soils:-

Soils of the study area reflect the influence of underlying strata and fluctuating rains. Study area is part of rain shadow and rainy scarcity zones of

Balaghat on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. The important parent materials loamy typic Ustropepts and Udic Rhodustafs with severe erosion

and moderate stoniness. The soil survey and testing department - formulated various types of soils in Shrigonda tahsil on the basis of depth (Table no.

2.12.)

On the basis of texture, depth and physical characteristics, the soils of

Shrigonda tahsil can be divided into following types.

Very shallow soil:

The shallow soils are associated with hilly track of the tahsil and mainly

comprises the villages namely Sarola somwanshi, Koregavhan, Arangaon D,

Dhawalgaon, Bangarde, Pisorekhand, Kosegavhan. They are associated with

shallow, well-drained loamy calcareous soils with severe erosion and

moderate stoniness. It covers the area about 0.4 % to the total study area.

Shallow soil:

The shallow soil covers hillock and hill surrounding area. It covers

about 58.71 % to the tahsil. It covers villages namely Sarola somwanshi (5),

Koregavhan (6), Kondegavhan (13), Arangaon D (14) in the north western

part. They consist of slightly shallow coarse types of soil. It is well drained

clayey soil on gently sloping lands with moderate erosion and moderate

stoniness. Soi l | B o n zUJ f | « UoJ 1 *> 3 Q. -i 1^ • 1 8 1 Q i%l •1 5 2 I

(/) (/) Q. < h- h- < — Q o CO o cc "(52 * X CO

60 In the northern part the area is undulating lands and covers the village's namely Ukhalgaon (8), Ghutewadi (47), Chikhali (48), Koregaon (49),

Vithhekarwadi (50), Bhapakarwadi (51), Pandharewadi (52). The Baleshwar

hill range running NW to SE direction in the northern east part of the study

area. It mainly of the villages namely Kothul (57), Dhoraje (58),Wadghul (59),

Kamathi (60) , Bangarde (69), Khandgaon (70), Pisorekhand (71) etc. The soil

is shallow, well drained, loamy calcareous, soils on gently sloping undulating

lands with moderate erosion.

The village Kosegavhan (73) situated in the eastern part of the tahsil

on the southern slope of the running hill. Physiographically it is undulating

land with mesas and buttes at top. The soils are shallow, excessively drained,

loamy soils on moderately sloping undulating lands, with severe erosion and

strong stoniness.

3) Medium deep soil:

The medium deep soils are associated in the area of isolated hills. It

covers the area about 11.48 % of the study area. These soils are associated

in the north eastern part and mainly comprises the villages code no.

Mandavgan (61), Ruikhel (67), Mahandulwadi (68), and to the southern part of

hill range village code no. Gavhanewadi (2), Pimpalgaon pisa (11), Nimbavi

(12), Erondali (23), Kharatwadi (24), Parvatwadi (31), Mahadeowadi (32),

Lonivyanknath (33), Deulgaon (76), Surodi (79), Khetmaliswadi (81), Wadali

(82), Kokangaon (88), Hiradgaon (89) etc. The soils are mainly medium deep,

moderately well drained, fine, calcareous soils with moderate erosion.

e>i 4) Deep soil:

The deep soils are observed in the basins of major rivers Hanga, Dev and the mainly on the right bank of rivers Ghod and Bhima. The depth of soil is 50-100 cm. the villages namely Rajapur (16), Mengalwadi (19), Mhase

(27), Wadgaon shindodi (28), Yalpane (29), Bori (35), Hangewadi (36),

Dhokraimal (38), Domalewadi (41), Domalewadi (93) under the irrigation and

Tardagavhan (63), Chavarsangavi (64), Thitesangayi (65), Ghogargaon (66) in north eastern part of tahsil. The soils are deep, well drained, fine soils on gently sloping plains and valleys with slight erosion. It covers 18.89 % part of the tahsil in basin area of rivers Hanga and Dev.

5) Very deep soils:

On the right bank of rivers Ghod and Bhima soils are mainly very deep, poorly drained, clayey soils, on very gently sloping plains and valleys with moderate erosion and slight salinity. Deep soils are covered the area about

10.52 % of the area of tahsil.

The major soils in the present study area are regur (black), red, coarse (gray including white, very shallow soil) and alluvial. These are common soils in the Shrigonda tahsil. Regur (black) soil is more suited for wheat / sugarcane than the other crops. Heavy clay is rich in moisture holding and hard to work in a rain and full of cracks in the hot weather. Clay loam is easier to work than the black. It is generally found on the tableland of the study area.

Sandy loam found in dispersed form in the study area. These soils do not cover large area but found in mixed with black soil. Table 2.10 & 11 Static groundwater levels in Shrigonda Tahsil

10 (May 1994 to May 2004)

Sr. Year Static GW Levels (Metres)

No. 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

1 Pre.monsoon 7.2 6.47 4.25 6.5 7.2 4.45 4.48 4.11 5.94 8.37 5.35

May

2 post monsoon 7.13 8.44 9.57 8.76 7.71 5.57 5.47 7.94 8.14 9.79 10.73

Oct.

Shriqonda Tahsil-Grounwater leveld 994-2004)

12 -,

10 -J I 8 " 1 J

leve l a 11J I

e n • J Id 1 II 1 Wate r 1 • 1 1 • . 11 1 J 5 1 2 - 1 1

0 1 1 • ••••• 1994 1995 19S 6 1997 1998 Yea199r 9 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

• Pre Monsoon • Post Monsoon

S3 The red shallow soils are found at the foot hills. Its depth is very less. It occupies large area of the Shrigonda tahsil. The hillsides and slopes are stony with rock fields occasionally near streams. Most of poor and shallow soil in the plain area is suitable only for the growth of millets. Among these poor soils some are lowlands especially in black and red soils rich and yielding good, garden crops when watered.

The Soil Survey and Testing Department, Ahmednager surveyed cultivable land of 123974.65 ha. These areas are divided in five classes. Area under each class is given below excluding area under reserved forest, settlements, dams, tanks, rivers, nallas, gavthans and command area. On the basis of the depth, the soils in Shrigonda tahsil are classified as follows.

Table 2.12 Soil depth classification

Area Estimated

Code Depth Class surveyed area Cultivable

(Cm) (ha) (ha) Land (%)

d1 00-7.5 Very shallow 168 487.95 0.4

d2 7.5-25 Shallow 25063 72794.87 58.71

Medium

d3 25-50 deep 4903 14240.64 11.48

d4 50-100 Deep 8063 23418.78 18.89

d5 100 to Very deep 4487 13032.38 10.52

Total 42648 123974.65 100

(Source - Soil Survey and Testing Department, Ahmednagar -2005) 2.1.7. Drainage System:-

The study area exhibits sub-dendritic drainage pattern. The Bhima is the major river in the Maharashtra. The Shrigonda tahsil is situated on the left bank of river Bhima and comes under its watershed. The whole tahsil is covered by the basins of Right bank tributaries of Bhima like Ghod, Hanga, palshi, Sarswati, Deo, kanher, Lokhara nala, Gadage odha, Kokari odha,

Khatic nala, Sima nadi, Bhairoba nala and main tributaries of Sina river to the northern part of tahsil like Mandavi, Jambhul nala, murud etc. The tributaries and their streams are characterised by a number of fingertip channels. The overall drainage system is well developed and sub channels are non- perennial in nature.

The trunk stream is of the 3rd order and developed on the lineament running in the Bhima E, Ghod NW to SE, Sina NW to SE direction. Their tributaries also flow in N to S direction of Bhima, NE to SW at Ghod and NW to SE at Sina river rills, Odha and tributaries. The tributaries maximum length is 30 km in tahsil.

All the rivers in Shrigonda tahsil flows for only three to four months in the year. The Mandavi river cover the area of Mandavgan, Kamthi, Walghud,

Khandagaon, Banpimpri and small odha rills are jambhul nala Ghogargaon,

Ruikhel, Bangarda. This area comes under the river Sina. This east flowing river meets to river Bhima in Solapur district.

The rivers Bhima and Ghod and their tributaries covered the majority part of Shrigonda tahsil. Nearly 80% from the W to E hill regions and their southern part upto river Bhima from the west to east sequence Hanga, Palsi, <2 ~ « " « g « •= o c> c 5 C S .c

S>6 o < I tn _i if) 1" ££ o Z Q i- < (/) O _ a E (0 w Q. (0 c o 1—

-i egend • "O Excessively Iraine • Well drained • Moderatly dr dinec D Imperfectly • rame • i "S * &T- Kakeri, Nurdi. Karwar, Sarswati, Ambil, Dev, Lokhara etc. covered major part ofTahsil.

2.1.8. Natural vegetation:-

'2.1.8.1. Major plant species:-

The natural vegetation types are the combined result of climate, soil, topography and biotic factors. The most important is the climatic factor, which influences on vegetation cover as a whole.

The natural vegetation in the Shrigonda tahsil represents the "Southern

Tropical Dry Deciduous" type and they are scattered. The study area comes under the rain shadow area of Ahmednagar district. An annual rainfall is 522 mm and annual average temperature is 35QC The average annual relative humidity is also less than 50% means climatologically dry season is longer, tropical dry deciduous trees and shrubs naturally grown in the study area.

Trees and shrubs naturally grow in the study area. Their properties are related to the tropical dry deciduous type of vegetation. But now the proportion of natural vegetation cover is rapidly decreasing in the study area.

In Ahmednagar district 11.8% area is under the forest and out of it about 22% has been transferred towards the revenue department. In the

Shrigonda tahsil the forest area spreads over 66 villages and occupied an area nearly 9247.19 ha. It is 5.67% to the total area of the Shrigonda tahsil.

This area that is under the control of reserved forest (6922.19 ha i.e. 4.24%) and unclassified forest, open forest and revenue department (2325.04 ha i.e. 1.43%). Rest of the area is characterised by deforested area and one can find very low density of the trees in this area nearly less than 11 % in the study area. The main typical local species of tropical dry deciduous forest are mainly Babhul (Acacia nilotica spp.), Neem (Azaderachta Indica.), Khair

(Acacia catechu), Hivar (Acacia leucaphlora), Ghaypat (Agave sisalana) etc. are observed throughout the tahsil.

2.1.8.2. Forest types :-

1. Reserved forest:- An area notified under the provisions of Indian forest act having full degree of protection in reserved forest all activities are prohibited unless permitted, i.e. Deulgaon (76), Pisora Khand (71), Takali Lonar (74),

Bangarde (69), Ruikhel (67), Kamthi (60), Surodi (79), Suregaon (46),

Mungusgaon (10), Chambhurdi (7), Sarola (5), Wadgaon Sindodi (28),

Chimbhale (34), Mahatarpimpri (45) etc. and about 6922.19 ha land surface area is confined to reserved forest area. The area is 4.22% to the total area of

Shrigonda tahsil.

2. Unclassed forest:-An area recorded as forest but not included in reserved or protected forest categories.This type of forest occupied the area about

2325.04 ha (1.43%) and mainly covers Gar (106), Sangavi Dumala (104),

Tandali Dumala (78), Takali lonar (74), Ruikhel (67), Mandavgan (61),

Koregaon (49) villages. However the villages Deulgaon (76), Bangarde (69),

Kolgaon(54), Mungasgaon (10), Ruikhel (67) etc are situated very near to

Rehekuri sanctuary and thus showing considerable density of the trees.

Forest products mainly include grass, Babhul (Acacia nilotica spp.), Ber

(Zizyphus mauritina), Neem (Azaderachta Indica.), Khair (Acacia catechu), etc.

2.1.8.3. Forest area:-

Table 2.13. Village wise area under forests in the Shrigonda Tahsil Sr. Name of Forest area Revenue dept. Total

No. the village (hectare) (hectare) hectare

1 Shrigonda 162.95 • 102.6 265.55

2 Velu 14.4 0 14.4

3 Shedgaon 99.99 0 99.99

4 Takali kadewalit 225.3 192 417.3

5 Hiradgaon 140.93 0 140.93

6 Pargoan sudrik 55.43 23.81 79.24

7 Deulgaon 367.17 0 367.17

8 Belwandikothar 19.7 0 19.7

9 Kosegavhan 993.77 1022.21 2015.98

10 Tandali dumala 185.07 4 189.07

11 Bhawadi 123.52 9.79 133.31

12 Kokangaon 138.13 44.85 182.98

13 Ghodegaon 65.96 20 85.96

14. Mandavgan 99.63 40.15 139.78

15 Mahandulwadi 79.3 0 79.3

16 Kamathi 349.66 270.35 620.01

17 Khandgaon 123.5 2.49 125.99

18 Pisorekhand 221.22 13.54 234.76

19 Walghud 307.26 0 307.26

20 Bhangaon 970.42 207.17 1177.59

21 Dhoraje 323.74 0 323.74

22 Ruikhel 465.66 144.99 610.65 23 Bangarde 149.1 3.75 152.85

24 Nimgoan khalu 17.24 0 17.24

25 Kothul 32 0 32

26 Ajnuj 13.41 0 13.41

27 Ghotavi 12.51 19.84 32.35

28 Adhalgaon 120.34 100.11 220.45

29 Surodi 31.81 0 31.81

30 Takali lonar 478.61 0 478.61

31 Chandagaon 45 0 45

32 Pedgaon 19.3 0 19.3

33 Kolgaon 470.12 103.39 573.51

34 Chikhali 543.95 102.16 646.11

35 Kothul 303.11 0.05 303.16

36 Koregaon 186.68 184.31 370.99

37 Chimbhale 126.21 45.65 171.86

38 Bori 110.22 25.09 135.31

Wadgaon

39 shindodi 81.56 0 81.56

40 Raygavhan 73.8 27.25 101.05

41 Erondali 113.68 16.16 129.84

42 Belwandi.Bk. 115.14 123.52 238.66

43 Suregaon- 176.71 69.55 246.26

44 Ukkadgaon 161.63 48.33 209.96

45 Rajapur 94.95 32.53 127.48 46 Chambhurdi 31.4 0 31.4

47 Ukhalgaon 87.23 0.27 87.5

48 Koregavhan 59.57 0 59.57

49 Kondegavhan 19.05 0 19.05

50 Yelpane 251.56 352.62 604.18

51 Lonivyanknath 31.12 0 31.12

52 Baburdi 78.17 110.24 188.41

53 Math 42.34 33.3 75.64

54 Ghargaon 0 33.05 33.05

55 Kasti 0 0.24 0.24

56 Mhatarpimpari 0 134.7 134.7

57 Madhewadgaon 57.21 6.02 63.23

58 Mungusgaon 58.3 0.1 58.4

59 Sarolasomwansi 22.74 0 22.74

60 Wangadari 27.76 66.28 94.04

61 Pisore Bk. 79.7 204.79 284.49

62 Mhase 51.31 0 51.31

63 Banpimpari 9.57 0 9.57

64 Ghogargaon 40.12 0 40.12

65 Pimpalgoan pisa 0 1.31 1.31

66 Pimpari kolandar 4.94 4.94 9.88

Total 6922.15 2325.04 9247.19

(Source - Forest and Revenue Department, Shrigonda, 2005) 2.1.9. Cultural landscape:-

2.1.9.1. Historical background :-

Brief History of the Ahmednagar district: The district of Ahmednagar is named after Ahmednagar town. The town is famous since the medieval times.

In the year 1490 when Ahmed Nizam Shah, the founder of the Nizam dynasty defeated the Bahamany troops under Jahangir Khan built a place in the year

1494 close to the Bag Nizam upon the left bank of Sina river and called after himself 'Ahmednagar'.

The Ahmednagar district popularly called Nagar and came into existence in 1818. The sub-collector of Nashik was abolished in 1856 and in

1869; the area reverted to Ahmednagar district. In 1869 witnessed the declaration of Solapur and Nashik as an independent districts thus leading to the shaping and emergence of present Ahmednagar district.

The district has a history of evaluation as much as in 1891. It includes the sub-divisions of Jamkhed, Newasa, Shrigonda, Shevgaon,

Sangamner, Nagar, Kopergaon, Akola, Karjat, Parner and Rahuri. In 1913

Pathardi was created. In 1945 Shrirampur tahsil came into being. In 1997

Rahata tahsil was created.

Brief History of the Shrigonda Tahsil: Shrigonda is one of the fourteen tahsils of Ahmednagar district. It was created in 1891. The Shrigonda tahsil covered an area 1629.94 km2 and 104 villages as per 1981 census, 115 as

1991 census. The Shrigonda town converted into Municipal Corporation in

1990. The 84 grampanchayats were established in the tahsil as per revenue record in 2001. The Shrigonda is feudalism of chieftain's Mahadaji Shinde. The

Bahadur fort at Pedgaon and Mahadaji Shinde palace in Shrigonda are the historical places in Shrigonda tahsil. The Siddheswar temple at Mandavgan,

Kashi Vishwanath temple at Dhoraja, Hangeswar temple at Chimbhala,

Mahadev valley at Kosegavhan, Krushna temple at Ghogargaon, Shaikh

Mahamad Maharaj Darga, Buddha Vihar, Church, Jain temple at Shrigonda are the religious places in tahsil.

Out of nine beggars' home in Maharashtra, four beggars' home namely

Visapur, Pimpalgaon Pisa, Chimbhala and Ghaypatwadi are located in

Shrigonda tahsil. The famous Visapur prison is built on the bank of Visapur dam in 1930. The dear and black duck sanctuary is also developed in the tahsil. The 'Hanga Jal Setu' is the longest in Asia continent built on.the river

Hanga.

The Shrigonda is situated on the bank of the river Sarswati. In the changing scenario, the inhabitants have preserved the historical and cultural importance. The town was known as Shirpur, Chambhargonda and now as

Shrigonda. It is believed that Bhagawan Vishnu located this town due to insistence of Goddess Laxmi and Worship of great devotee Pandu Vipra.

In 1891, it has it got status of Taluka. Shrigonda city is well known for temples. These temples are known for their structural excellence. There are more than 60 temples in Shrigonda city. As a result of this Shrigonda is known as 'Dakshin Kashi'. It is also a land of famous Saints. In this list, Saint

Rohidas, Shaikh Mahammad Maharaja, Saint Pralhad, Saint Govind Maharaj,

Saint Rawal and Saint Keni are most honoured. It is believed that they went to grave alive. o o CM

Tota l i. 5748 7 7139 0 8874 7

11479 2 13430 4 CO CD a> c r- CM (0 (0 m x> o o o •sj- f^ CO 3 o CM D5

Fer n CO C •a CD E 0433 5 2159 2 Rura l 5748 7 7139 0 8874 7 "i 11 o CO *tf in o CO X! o T3 608 2 751 9 h- 926 7 CO 1430 1 1209 1 X c O) en w « CO CO 3 (0 -Q o o o T— CD CO £ 1— CO c O m 3 ^ CD HM in CD o (0 __ CO .,_ __ CD 3 Rur a Var i 6082 ' 751 9 926 7 O 1293 1 1097 2 c CO o Q. "43 8 - _C0 CO m ,_ CO m 3 £ 1 LO m •1 O) CD ^r CO ^r cri K: Q. CM CM CM CM

O diff e CL " Deca d «* T" CO h- 00 CO CO co 00 T— csi o CM 00 CM CO 1- 1— •St- co CO r^ T~ "r" "r" CM CM c CD .,_ to <* CO o o o Ur b 21 6 26 3

CO T_ CO o CO to T— 00 -I— CD CO i— CO m ^1- O en 3 00 CD 'vf o T— •sr 00 in oc T— CM CM •*~ "•"" i_ (0 CO r*>- 00 en o d> en en O en o >- T— "r_ 1_ 1_ CM

95 2.1.9.2. Demographic profile of Shrigonda Tahsil:-

2.1.9.2.1. Population :-

The total population of Shrigonda tahsil has continuously increasing from

1961. As per census handbook (2001) the growth of population indicates that population becomes almost double per three decades. The growth rate of population was 1.93% in 1971, 1.92%, 2.3%, and 1.5% as per census 1981,

1991, and 2001 respectively. The entire Shrigonda tahsil covers about 6.79% population of the district. The following table shows the villages in the tahsil classified on the basis of population groups.

2.1.9.2.2 Population density:-

The density of population in Shrigonda tahsil shows increasing trend since 1961. It is about 74 persons per km2 in 1961 and 145 persons per km2 in 1991 and 173 persons per km2 in 2001.

The population density is below average in about 76 villages, and it is noticed to be above average in 39 villages (2001 census handbook) in

Shrigonda tahsil. The classification of density shows above 59 villages range between 100 to 200 and 23 villages between 200 to 300 persons/ km2

Table 2.15 Population Density in Shrigonda Tahsil

Population Density Sr. No. Year (Per sq. km.) 1 1961 74 2 1971 91 3 1981 112 4 1991 145 5 2001 173 (Source - Census Handbook, Ahmednagar, 1991 & 2001) y-^ -—• •?.-•. # ^^ -•-. -•-' # # # T— Lf> in CO ^Ll- co —cr>, rr> tr> ^r CT> m •» cW CN «•» ** o CD o o o E O"— " o o O o o CD _*: Ll"i o fcO o ii-' & o CO CO e> CO •o w ^ *~ CN p"< «* •* O 'j o o o o H h- h- h- 1- il o o •«&• O) C o o O O i

o o

Q. (0 < "w < c a a) o a c g o cc SS. 3 c/> Q. O Q.

9? Very low density is confined to about 21 villages and recorded to be less than 100 persons/ km2 in the villages mainly located along hill slopes and non-irrigated area, whereas density of population above 300 persons/ km2 is observed mainly in irrigated part of the tahsil with fertile soil environment in plain topography.

2.1.9.2.3. Literacy :-

Shrigonda Tahsil as whole, the literacy rate for male is much higher than that of females. The village wise break up shows that Visapur village

(84%) stands top in the list, and Bhingan Dumala with only 46.8% stands at bottom in the tahsil. It is observed that in most of the cases, the Shrigonda town having urban pockets have literacy rates higher than the tahsil, which confirms the fact that urban centre and surrounding areas have better infrastructure as far as the educational facilities are concerned. The

Shrigonda town has the high literacy rates for both males and females i.e.

88.68% and 61.23% respectively.

As regards rural area of the tahsil, the total literacy rate is 72.1 % while male literacy accounting for 82.5% and female literacy for 60.89%. Visapur village has the highest literacy rate of 84.6 % with 91.1 % of the male and

76.9 % of the females are literate but Pandharewadi has the highest literacy rate 93.29 % in male population and Visapur has 76.6% in female population.

The lowest literacy rate is noticed for Bhingan Dumala i.e. 46.8%. As far as average male and female literacy for Shrigonda tahsil is concerned this is noticed to be 58.7% and 32.9% respectively. --_ .-. : •>" si si j? sT S* m CO ro .-—-. si si '.-- ••*: r-- •=• c-i ••*. •• •• •:*. •=! CI a •z*. I--1 -*•-•- cq r*-t •-1 i—< c> •=• •=' '-- .—i 1--1 'O Oj r-- •=• i;- "-* j •:•:: •"1 : -1 •=:

:ATI < rf**:l r-- ct-f CO .?. •••-i UL ••-. '--i •o 'O r-* - r- •:•:• C' o o o o o <-• i- E- f-> H E-H t-> E-< o n't 'O •3. 1—1 -i- r-- Q PI

RAC Y r-- •:•:•

(/)

< o H re < DC Q >» 2* o O re o^^" •^H DC ^ X 0)

33 Table 2.16 Literacy in Shrigonda Tahsil (2001)

Total Male Female Total 8296 9488 7003 Average 72.13 82.5 60.89

Table: 2.17 Literacy in Shrigonda Tahsil (classification)

Class No. of Villages (% Literates) Males Females <50 0 9 50-60 2 42 60-70 0 51 70-80 58 13 80-90 50 0 >90 5 0 Total no. of villages 115 115

2.1.9.2.4. Sexratio:-

Table 2.18 Sex Ratio in Shrigonda tahsil

Year Female per 1000 male Change in %

1961 945 -

1971 949 0.4

1981 958 0.9

1991 949 -0.9

2001 939 -1.0

2.1.9.3. Occupational structure:-

2.1.9.3.1. Major occupations:- SS 5S #- £ # & CO CO CS)

to (N m m M t^ r- •** co o co co en en T— il Q a o o a o h- |_ h- h- H h-N 3 0) (D hw o CO CO CO p CO C'-O- r-j en iri fN' co co en en en -*- DIDIDD

_l O CO "J X < oc 1- X < CaO> Q c 2 O c o 4Mo# DC TO CO re

\o\ Agriculture is the major occupation in the study area. Nearly 1/4 of the total population 24.86% are the farmers and nearly 1/8 mean 12.72% are the farm workers. Out of the total population 37.58% are directly engaged in agriculture. The seasonal worker population is 5.29%. Other workers engaged in hunting and cattle grazing, mining, building constructions, trade and transport is noticed to be very less. The non-worker population includes the various services and older people.

Table 2.19. Occupational structure of Shrigonda Tahsil

Sr. 1961-62 2001-02 Occupation No. Percentage to Percentage to total population total population

1 Cultivators 34.85 24.858

2 Agricultural labour 8.84 12.721

3 Industrial worker 0.48 0.609

4 Household industrial worker 0 0.659

5 Manufacturing 1.59 0.679

6 Building construction 0.29 0.659

7 Trade & commerce 0.68 1.211

8 Transport 0.35 0.599

9 Other services 2.13 2.164

10 Marginal workers 0 5.29

11 Total worker 49.75 49.449

12 Total non-workers 50.2 50.48

Total Population 99.95 99.954

(So jrce - 'Aarthik Samalochan - Ahmedn agar', Government of Maharashtra , 2004-05)

\ot 2.1.9.3.1.1. Agnculture:-

Very large proportion of population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. Agriculture in the tahsil depends mainly on the amount of rainfall

and irrigation facilities. About 123974.65 ha (76.48%) of land is available for

agriculture. Coarse sand, black alluvial and shallow medium deep soils are spread over the entire study area. The actual sowing operations of Kharip

crops start with regular southwest monsoon, which generally commences, in

the second week of June. Groundnuts are grown wherever water is available.

The shortage of water supply either due to late arrival or poor performance of

monsoon and therefore Bajara, Mung and such other crops are generally

grown by the farmers that mature before September.

Rabbi season starts from September onwards. The major rabbi crops

grown in the tahsil mainly include Jowar, Wheat and Grams. The tahsil has

considerable area under rabbi in comparison with Kharip crops. The spells

received in September are of utmost importance as far as the rabbi season of

the crops is concerned.