CHAPTER - 3 PROFILE OF DISTRICT CHAPTER-3 PROFILE OF

CONTENTS

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Historical Background of Ahmednagar District

3.3 Geographical Structure of Ahmednagar District

3.3.1 Location

3.3.2 Area

3.3.3 Boundaries

3.3.4 Rivers

3.3.5 Rainfall

3.4 Population of Ahmednagar District

3.5 Agriculture in Ahmednagar District

3.5.1 Distribution of Landholding

3.5.2 Land Utilisation

3.6 Forest in Ahmednagar District

3.7 Social Infrastructure of Ahmednagar District

3.7.1 Educational Institutions

3.7.2 Hospitals and Health Facilities

104 3.7.3 Drinking Water Facilities

3.8 Economic Infrastructure of Ahmednagar District

3.8.1 Co-operative societies

3.8.2 Sugar industries

3.8.3 Net Work of Banks

3.8.4 Transport and Communication

3.9 Industrial Development in Ahmednagar District

3.9.1 Industrial Development

3.9.2 Occupational Pattern

3.10 Other Aspects

3.10.1 The vehicle Research and Development Establishment

(VRDE)

3.10.2 Holy Shrines and Tourist Places

105 CHAPTER - 3 PROFILE OF AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT

3.1 Introduction In this chapter, an attempt is made to review briefly the economy and the very geographical facets of Ahmednagar District. In it, it has been tried to tress the important socio-economic factors contributed in the development of the regulated mari

3.2 Historical Background of Ahmednagar District:

The history of Ahmednagar District is very predominant and stimulating as it has enlightened with the resourcefulness for many researchers.

Ahmednagar District is popular and always remained at the forefront, particulariy of the progressive farming, industries, social and the political activities. The District has a great historical genetic elements and traditions. Ahmednagar is renowned for the historical fort, called ‘Ahmednagar Bhuikot Fort’. It was constructed by Ahmed Nizam Shah, in 1490. It had witnessed many historical battles. It was prison for housing the national leaders like Jawaharial Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and many more, during the freedom movement of 1942. Pt. Jawaharial Nehru penned down his worid known autobiography ‘Discovery of ”, in his confinement in this fort. The famous ‘Chandbibi Mahal’, the symbol of bravery of woman is, just 9 kms also in vicinity of this fort which is built up in stone masonry in a hexagonal pattem.

‘Nagar* celebrated name of this district, but ironically Ahmednagar appeared in the map in 1818. In 1822 its boundaries spread between Vani in Dindori, Sub-division of Nashik and Kannala Tehsil of Solapur District. In

106 1830, Solapur sub-collectorate was inducted in tlie District and continued as such till; it had gained the status of an independent collectorate in 1838. During 1837 - 1838, Nashik sub-collectorate comprising of sub-division of Sinner, Chandor, Dindori, Nashik, Igatpuri and Peth Taluka were also in Ahmednagar District. Subsequently, this sub-collectorate of Nashik was abolished in 1856 and the area reverted to Ahmednagar District. The shaping and emergence of present Ahmednagar District was the outcome of the declaration of Solapur and Nashik as the independent Districts in 1869.

In fact, the district had the quell history of evaluation. In 1891, it was bestowed with the sub-division of Jamkhed, Newasa, , Shevgaon, , Nagar, , , Karjat, Pamer and Rahuri.

In 1913 Pathardi Peta was created and the remaining part of was renamed as Jamkhed Mahal, subsequently, was down graded as Karjat Peta during 1931-41. The upgrading of Pathardi and Karjat Talukas were marked in 1941-51. In 1945 Taluka came into being Jurisdiction of the Districts. The changes of 1950 had resulted in the transfer of 21 villages to Beed District and one village to Aurangabad District with the reorganization of States. The District was incorporated into Bombay State in 1956. However, since 1960 it constitutes a part of the State.

In 1961, Ahmednagar district had been comprised of 1318 inhabited villages and 6 towns, dispersed over 12 Talukas and one Mahal. During the decades 61, 71 in 28th century with the up-grading of Jamkhed Mahal, the number of Talukas went to 13 and at the time the 1971 census, there were 1312 inhabited villages and 6 towns. The position was intact and to be the same till 1981 Census.

Rahata Taluka was created on 26th June, 1999. In this ceremony, in , 58 villages were included, from which some villages were from Shrirampur and up to this stage there were having only Panchyat Samiti offices and Taluka offices.

107 3.3 Geographical Structure of Ahmednagar District:

The importance of favorable natural circumstances to the economic development can not be over emphasized. Hence, the presentation of the following resources available in Ahmednagar District will enable us to know the activities of the developing large-scale Industries, bank activities, educational activities and the dairy activities. The co-operative basis, which is a unique kientlty of the democracy, boomed truly in this district only.

3.3.1 Location :

Ahmednagar is the gateway of Marathwada and VkJharbha from westem Maharashtra. Ahmednagar is situated at a distance of 118 Kms from Pune. Ahmednagar district lies between the northern latitudes of 18°.2’ and 19°.9’ and the eastem longitudes of 73°.9’ and 75^.5’ east longitudes and lies in the central belt of Maharashtra State. The district is situated partly in the upper Godawari basin and partly in the Bhima basin.

The District of Ahmednagar is bounded on the north by Nashik district; south by Solapur district; east by Beed and Osmanabad district; west by Thane and Pune districts and North - East by Aurangabad district.

3.3.2 Area: Ahmednagar district is area wise, the largest district in Maharashtra State. It comprises an area of 17,113.80 Sq. Kms. (shown 2001 Census). For administrative convenience 'the district is divided into four revenue divisions. Viz. Ahmednagar (which includes Ahmednagar, , Pathardi and Shevgaon Talukas); Katjat (which includes Karjat, Shrigonda and Jamkhed Talukas); Shrirampur (which includes Shrirampur, Rahuri and Newasa Talukas); and Sangamner (which includes Sangamner, Akole and Kopargaon and Rahata Talukas) New Rahata Taluka was came in existence from 26th June 1999.

108 The following Table No. 3.1 gives Talukawise area and villages of Ahmednagar district.

Table No. 3.1 Talukawise Area and Villages of Ahmednagar District 8. Name of the Area in No. of Villages Percentage N. Talukas Sq. Km. Percentage 1 Akole 1,503.79 8.79 191 12.08 2 Sangamner 1,678.62 9.81 169 10.69 3 Kopargaon 725.16 4.24 79 5.00 4 Rahata 659.19 3.85 58 3.67

5 Shrirampur 569.87 3.33 54 3.42 6 Newasa 1,286.55 7.52 129 8.16 7 Shevgaon 1,031.29 6.03 112 7.08

8 Pathardi 1,203.49 7.03 134 8.48

9 Nagar 1,524.75 8.91 107 6.77

10 Rahuri 1,020.12 5.96 96 6.07 11 Pamer 1,933.25 11.30 131 8.28 12 Shrigonda 1,605.83 9.38 114 7.21

13 Karjat 1,493.07 8.72 121 7.65

14 Jamkhed 878.62 5.13 86 5.44

Total 17,113.80 100.00 1,581 100.00

Source: Socio Economic Survey of Ahmednagar District 2001-02, P.1.

Pamer Taluka has the highest area i.e. 1933.25 sq. km (11.30%) and has highest numt>er of villages i.e. 191 (12.08%) and is having the lowest in area i.e. 569.87 (3.33%) and in number of villages i.e. 54 (3.42%) also.

3.3.3 Boundaries: The district of Ahmednagar is bounded to the north by Nashik district; south by Solapur district; east by Beed and Osmanabad

109 districts; west by Thane and Pune districts and north-east by Aurangabad district. It is located at the central place in Maharashtra State. It has in about 260 Kms long breadth and 210 Kms broad widths. In view of the physical set-up of Ahmednagar district; as understood, have a physical division, viz. Western hilly region, Central plateau region and the region of Northern and Southern plains. Akole and Sangamner blocks fall in Western hilly region, where as Parner, Ahmednagar and parts of Sangamner, Shrigonda and Kaijat blocks fail In Central plateau region. The region of Northem and Southern plains comprises of Shrirampur, Rahuri, Newasa, Shevgaon and Pathardi blocks. This is the region of the Godavari and the basins. Parts of the Southern blocks of Shrigonda, Karjat and Jamkhed falls in the basins of the Ghod, Bhima and the Sina rivers.

Minerals: Ahmednagar District does not possess any mineral of economic importance. However, stones, loose rocks and sand are available in abundance. But in the soil of the district these shortcoming are accomplished by the nature.

3.3.4 Soil:

In Ahmednagar district the examination of soils reveals that there are relatively more fertile and deep black soils in Shrirampur, Newasa and Kopargaon blocks. There are blocks such as Ahmednagar, Pamer, Sangamner, Pathardi, Jamkhed and Shrigonda that have relatively a higher proportion of shallow soil. The Shevgaon and Karjat blocks have comparatively much less proportion of shallow soil. In Akole block the soil is reddish, sloppy and poor in texture.

3.3.5 Rivers: Ahmednagar is recognized as the land of the rivers. Many important rivers have gifted the district with the district features. It can be viewed as follows.

110 originates in the Tryambak hills of the Nashik district on the eastern slopes of the Sahyadri and after passing through Nashik city it enters in the district with considerable high stream near the village Wadgaon in Kopargaon taluka.

The Pravara is an important tributary of the Godavari. It rises in the eastem slopes of the Sahyadri between the high peaks and hills forts of Kulang and Ratangad. It flows through Akole, Sangamner, Rahata, Shrirampur and Newasa tahsils. At Newasa, it joins Mula and the united stream then tums to the north east joining Godawari at Kaiygaon Toka. The total length of the Pravara is 200 Kms. The upper part of the Pravara is in the amphitheatre between the ranges and has been developed into a huge reservoir lake, the Lake Aurther, behind the Wilson Dam near . The Pravara’s left bank and the right bank canal taking off from a pick up weir at Ozar village 90 Kms. down-stream of the dam. The system inigates an area of 39,500 hectares of a mixed crop mainly for Rahata, Shrirampur and some parts of Newasa taluka from the northem part of the district.

Mula River rises on the eastern slopes of the Sahyadri at Ratangad. It crosses Akole, Sangamner, Rahata and Rahuri talukas and joins the Pravara at Newasa. The total length of the river from its source to it confluence with the Pravara is 145 Kms.

The Ghod river the main left bank tributary of the Bhima, rises on the slopes of the Sahyadri in Junnar taluka of Pune district. It flows in a southeast direction for over 60 Kms.

The Bhima river drains the Southern part of Ahmednagar district, comprising the greater part of Karjat and Shrigonda talukas. It enters into the District near the village Sangvi Dumal in the and for some 60 Kms.

I ll Climate: Ahmednagar, even though drought district, next it’s identity to climate too. The climates of the district are characterized by a hot summer and generally dry during major part of year except during the southeast Monsoon season, when the relative humility is between 60% and 80% which decreases later rapidly.

3.3.6 Rainfall:

Ahmednagar district receives rain mainly from the south - west monsoon but the distribution rainfall is mostly uneven. The following Table No. 3.2 shows the rainfall conditions of Ahmednagar District from the year 1990-91 to 2001-02.

Table No. 3.2 Rainfall of Ahmednagar District for the period 1990-91 to 2001-02 Sr. No. Year Total Rainfall in mm (Average) 1 1990-91 412 2 1991-92 400 3 1992-93 385 4 1993-94 414 5 1994-95 402 6 1995-96 426 7 1996-97 445 8 1997-98 398 9 1998-99 386 10 1999-00 427 11 2000-01 566 12 2001-02 590 Source: Socio Economic Survey of Ahmednagar District from 1990-91 to 2001-02 P. 25, 26 & 27.

The above Table No. 3.2 reveals that the major portion of the District shows in the zone of low rain fall i.e. 3 mm annually. Westem part of Akole Taluka gets highest annual rainfall. The rain starts early in the month of June and last till the end of September. The intensity of rainfall is higher in second week of July season and the season generally closes with some showers in November and December.

112 The distribution of rainfall is very uneven in the District. Therefore major part of the District is found to be prone to scarcity conditions. It is generally experienced that out of five years three years are scarcity years, one year is having average rainfall and one year receives good rain.

3.4 Population o Ahmednagar D istrict:

The following Table No. 3.3 shows the population of Ahmednagar District from 1961 to 2001.

Table No. 3.3 Population of Ahmednagar District from 1961 to 2001 s. N. Years Population of District Total Urban Rural 1 1961 1775969 187315 1588654 2 1971 2269117 251500 2017617 3 1981 2708309 351368 2356941 4 1991 3372935 533481 2839454 5 2001 4088077 803597 3284480 Source: Socio Economic Abstract of Ahmednagar District 2001-02 P.5

The above Table No. 3.3 reveals that the population of Ahmednagar district is continuously increasing from 1961. The table also reveals that the total population of District is 40.88 lakhs of which 32.85 lakhs is rural and 8.04 lakhs is urban. The density of population is 239 per Sq. Km.

3.5 Agriculture in Ahmednagar District:

The present position Sugar and Dairy industries in the district is having the over all affect on the agro-economic environment. Therefore, it becomes inevitable to make a mention of agriculture environment of the district.

113 3.5.1 Distribution of l_and Holding : As per socio-econoinic survey 2001-02 the total number of landholders (Khatedars) and the size of landholding on their name is shown in Table No. 3.4 below;

Table No. 3.4 Size of Landholding in Ahmednagar District 2001 -02 Sr. Size of Land Landholders Area No. hectares Numbers Percentage Hectares Percentage 1 Uptol 2,39,151 35.14 1,27,900 9.49 01 to 1.99 2,13,899 31.42 3,12,445 23.19 02 to 3.99 1,57,906 23.20 4,23,553 31.44. 04 to 4.99 61,517 9.04 3,52,165 26.14 10 and above 8,136 1.20 1,31,259 9.74 Total 6,80,609 100.00 13,47,322 100.00 Source : Socio Economic Abstract of Ahmednagar District 2001-02, P. 09

The above table 3.4 reveals that in Ahmednagar district, 35.14% landholders had only 9.49% of area of landholding having a land size up to one hector only. Whereas 31.44% landholders had 23.19% landholding having a land size up to 1.99 hectors. In other words, 66.56% of the total cultivators in the District own less than 2 hectors of land and other 33.44% landholders own more than 2 hector of land.

In this way, it is evident that more than 66% of the landholders of the District belong to the small and marginal farmer’s category who have dairy fanning as a secondary source of income.

3.5.2 Land Utilization:

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Ahmednagar district which is evident from the fact that 75.42% of the working population is engaged in agricultural. The total geographical area of District is 17,02,000 hectors.

114 Table No. 3.5 Ahmednagar District: Land utilization (1997-98)

Sr.. Pattern of Land use Area in Percentage to total No. lOOHect. geographical area 1 Forests 1,676 9.85% Barren and uncultivable land 1,419 8.34% Other fellow lands 1,036 6.08% Total fellow (cun-ent & others) 1,664 9.78% Net area sown 11,225 65.95% Total Geographic Area 17,020 100.00%

Source: Socio Economic Abstract of Ahmednagar District, 2001-02, P. 8

In Ahmednagar district 66% of the geographical area is cultivated, whereas forest, barren lands cultivable waste and grazing lands etc. put together account for 34%.

In 1997-98, the total cultivated area was 13.84 lakhs hectares. Out of this, the single cropped area was 11.23 lakhs hectares and the multiple cropped areas were 2 lakhs hectares. The percentage of multiple cropped area of the total cropped area was 14.45% of the total cropped area.

3.6 Forest in Ahmednagar District:

This includes all land classified as forest under any legal enactment dealing with the forest or the administered as forest whether state owned or private whether wooded or simply maintained as forest land with forest area itself there may be occasionally cultivated patches or grazing lands, but such areas too are shown as forest. The following Table 3.6 with Talukawise forest area in the Ahmednagar District.

115 Table No. 3.6 Talukawise forest Area (in hectors) Sr. Name of the Total Area Rank No. Talukas 1 Nagar 56.52 7 2 Rahuri 42.32 9 3 Shrirampur 8.64 13 4 Newasa 28.68 10 5 Shevgaon 21.62 12 6 Pathardi 61.54 6 7 Jamkhed 55.17 8 8 Kaijat 66.67 5 9 Shrigonda 70.18 4 10 Pamer 73.28 3 11 Akole 85.47 2 12 Sangamner 87.65 1 13 Kopargaon 28.16 11

Source : Ahmednagar District Census Hand-Book 1991 P. 7 & 53

116 3.7 Social Infrastructure of Ahmednagar District:

3.7.1 Educational Institutions:

The Table No. 3.7 deals with the educational institute, teachers and students in Ahmednagar District.

Table No. 3.7 Educational Institute, Teachers and Students in Ahmednagar District 2001-02

Sr. Type of Institution No. of No. of No. of No. of No. Institutional Teachers Students students per Branches Teachers

1 Pre-Primary Schools 2,755 2,900 1,37,014 47

2 Primary schools

a) One Teacher school --- -

b) Junior Primary School 2,416 7,911 2,83,115 36

c) Senior Primary School 655 5,040 2,08,012 41

Total (a+b+c) 3,071 12,951 4,91,127 38

3 Secondary School 510 6,297 2,27,198 36

4 Higher Secondary School 129 4,556 1,71,366 38

5 General educational 48 1,710 54,867 32 Colleges (i.e. Arts, Science & Commerce)

Total in District 6,513 28,414 10,81,572 38

Source: Socio Economic Abstract of Ahmednagar District 2001-2002 P. 160.

The Table No. 3.7 indicates that the total number of students was steadily falling down from primary schools to general educational colleges.

3.7.2 Hospitals and Health Facilities :

Health facilities to the people are provided by the state govemment, the local govemment and private practitioners. In 2001-02 the District had 19 General Hospitals, 11 Hospitals, 5 Maternity Houses and 88 Primary Health Centres. There were 280 Doctors and

117 996 Nurses In Ahmednagar District to provide hygienic assistance to the people of Ahmednagar district.

3.7.3 Drinking Water Facilities: Being the continuous drought affected region, Ahmednagar District faces severe problem of drinking water from time to time and water scarcity is the major Impediment In Its overall development. It is generally experienced that out of every 3-5 years there is a year of scarcity. One year is as an average year of scarcity and one year as a good year. Most of the villages In the District face the water scarcity in summer. In the year 1997-98,192 villages and 240 hamlets were provided with drinking water by Tankers. In the year 2001-02 more than 400 villages were badly a ff^ e d by water shortage.

3.8 Economic Infrastructure of Ahmednagar District:

3.8.1 Co-operative Societies:

The Ahmednagar District has a developed networit of various co-operative institutions, which Is evident from the statistics given In Table 3.8 below.

118 Table No. 3.8 Co-operative societies in Ahmednagar District (31.3.2002) Sr. Category of Institution No. of Percentage of No Institution Institutions 1 District central co-op bank 01 0.01 Prinrjary Agricultural Credit Societies 1,228 14.55 Farmer’s Service Societies 01 0.01 AdiwasI Servie Societies 37 0.44 Urban Co-operative Banks 21 0.25 Employee Co-operative Credit Societies 01 0.01 Non-Agricultural Employees Co-op Societies 211 2.50 8 Urban Credit Societies 820 9.72 9 District Selling Co-operative 01 0.01 10 Taluka Kharedl Vlkri Sangh (A) General 14 0.17 (B) Special 34 0.40 11 Other oil seeds societies 02 0.02 12 Producing co-operatives 4,380 51.92 13 Social Service Co-operatives 1,686 19.99 Total 8,437 100.00 Source: Socio Economic Abstract Ahmednagar District (2001-02), P. 127

Table No. 3.8 reveals that the District is very rich in various co­ operative institutions. But as the District is basically agrarian, the role of primary agricultural credit societies is very vital. The role of producers’ Co-operative societies has also been dominant in the economic development of the District.

3.8.2 Sugar fiactories: Ahmednagar District is often described as sugar bowl of Maharashtra as it produces neariy 1/3rd of the sugar in the state. The infomnation regarding sugar factories in the Ahmednagar District is given in Table No. 3.9.

119 Table No. 3.9 Sugar Factories in the Ahmednagar District

Sr. Taluka Name of the Co-operative Crushing Actual Sugar No. sugar ^ctory and its block capacity crushing production m-Tons (M-Tms) (m-Tons) 1 Rahuri The Rahuri S.S.K. Ltd. 4250 815473 100455 Shivajinagar 2 Rahata The Padmashri Vikhe Patil 4000 844111 102785 S.SK. Ltd 3 Rahata The Ganesh S.S.K. Ltd, 1750 391251 49133 Ganeshnagar 4 Shrirampur The Ashok S.S.K. Ltd, 2600 459916 55138 Ashoknagar 5 Newasa The Dynaneshwar S.S.K. Ltd, 3000 744959 87469 Bhende 6 Newasa The Mula S.S.K. Ltd, sonal 2500 550296 67496 7 Pathardi The Vrudheshwer S.S.K. Ltd 2500 407170 43325 Adinathnagar 8 Kanat The Jagdamba S.S.K. Ltd 800 161710 16619 Rashin 9 Shrigonda The Shrigonda S.S.K. Ltd, 3500 612908 71310 Shrigonda 10 Shrigonda The Sailkmpa S.S.K. Ltd 1500 157108 18561 Devdaithan (Private) 11 Pamer The Pamer S.S.K. Ltd 1250 141735 14865 Devibhoyare 12 Sagamner The Sagamner Bhag S.S.K. 3500 907418 108123 Ltd Sangamner 13 Kopargaon The Kopargan S.S.K. Ltd, 3000 566994 66750 Kolpewadi 14 Kopargaon The Sanjeevani S.S.K. Ltd 2100 512818 60028 Sanjanandnagar. 15 Shevgaon The Kedareshwar S.S.K. Ltd 2500 453735 49815 Bhodhegaon 16 Akole The Agasti S.S.K. Ltd, Akole 2500 476450 56751 17 Shrigonda The Kulkadi S.S.K. Ltd 2500 Newely Established Pimpalgaonpisa 18 Ahmednagar The S.S.K. Ltd 2500 Neweiy Established Walaki Total 8240052 970623

Source : Socio-Economic Abstract Ahmednagar District (2001-2002), P.215.

Most of the co-operative sugar factories are facing the problem of sugarcane shortage.

120 3.8.3 Network of Banks:

In 2001-02 the total of 312 towns and villages had banking facility. There were 207 branches of commercial banks and 416 branches of the Ahmednagar District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd. The proportional availability was 5 bank branches per lakh of population.

The Central Bank of India is acting as the Leading Bank in the District. The Bank prepares the District potential iinked-credit plan for each block and co-ordinates the credit supply of various banks in the District. The number of banks and their branches in the district is shown in Table No. 3.10.

Table No. 3.10 Banks and its Branches in Ahmednagar District Sr. Block No. of Towns & Commercial Branches & No. villages served by Bank Co-operative Banks Branches 1 Nagar 30 45 59 2 Rahuri 29 12 34 3 Shrirampur 23 21 42 4 Newasa 24 13 31 5 Shevgaon 17 08 21 6 Pathardi 17 12 18 7 Jamkhed 12 07 12 8 Karjat 16 12 18 9 Shrigonda 21 13 23 10 Pamer 26 11 31 11 Akole 21 12 24 12 Sangamner 44 18 50 13 Kopargaon 32 23 53 14 Rahata Newly Established Total 312 207 416

Source: Socio-Economic Abstract of Ahmednagar District (2001-02) P. 236

121 3.8.4 Transport and Communication:

The wide - spread area of Ahmednagar district is a backbone of the alt round development. But in that concern, all the important towns and villages in the District are well-connected by a glossy network of roads. The Central Railway’s Dound-Manmad single railway line the life line of the district passes through the mkldie of the District. A total of 197 Kms and has 24 stations. However the quantum of transport of goods and passengers is very limited as there is a big and strong network of Road transport. By the end of the year 2001-2002, the District had 14,454 Kms. lengths of roads. The Pune-Nashik National Highway measuring 60 Kms run through Sangamner block of the district, attracting many travelers.

The roads maintained by the State Govemment account for a length of 1710 Kms (33%), while the rest of 12,744 Kms (67%) length by Zillha Parishad.

The District is well sensed by the buses of Maharashtra State Road Transport. In 2001-02, the 760 buses were on some 803 roads. A total of 2,79,223 registered vehicles were on the road of which two- wheelers account for 74%, Tmcks 4%, Jeeps, Motors, Auto Rickshaws 10% and other vehicles 12%.

In Ahmednagar district there were 654 Post-Offices, 84 Telegraph Offices providing postal services to 2243 Villages have the Post Offices. The district has a good Telephone Network with the strength of 1, 27,484 Telephone connections and it is increasing at a faster rate.

In the year 2001-02, the proportion of the Post-Offi<»s was 16 per one lakh population and 3,106 Telephone per one lakh population.

Presently, there is a medium range Television Transmitting Centre and a small range Radio Transmitting Centre at district place

122 and they are providing good and directifled services that are used for social development and recreation.

3.9 Industrial Development in Ahmednagar District: 3.9.1 Industrial Development: The whim of newly-bom skills in the industry as the exquisite characteristic, industrially, Maharashtra State is one of the advanced States in the country but Ahmednagar District is not much advanced like other Districts in the State. Due to the less rain fall and limited agricultural resources not enough for the necessary encouragement for the industrialization. The District is having limited minerals or forest resources. There are 16 Co-operative Sugar Factories; two Cotton Mills and 12,198 other Small Scale Manufacturing Industries in the District. Proud, Ahmednagar District is famous for the good production of sugar. The first sugar factory in Maharashtra State was established named Belapur sugar factory at Harigaon near Belapur Railway Station in 1919 Taluka Shgrirampur in Ahmednagar District. But. at present this factory is not working. The most important small scale industries in the District are Sugar Mills, Gining Pressing, Poultry, Bread making. Oil Mills, Distilleries, Chemical Industries, Milk Processing, Engineering Units etc. Industrial Estates in the District are located at Ahmednagar, Shrirampur, Supa (Pamer), Kopargaon, Sangamner and Newasa. Tracing traditional ways of getting every, recently one important unit is In progress in the Electricity Generating fiekJ using wind power as natural, energy source is situated at Shahajapur Tal. Parner. The name of this unit is ‘Wind-Mill” of Suzlon India (Pvt.) Ltd. which generates 50 megawatt electricity per day. Industrial estates in the District are located at Ahmednagar, Shrirampur, Kopargaon, Sangamner and Supa-Pamer having a good number of small scale industries.

123 Bhingar, , Pathardi and Sangamner are also known as centres for handloom weaving, Small Industries such as ‘Bidi Udyog’ and ‘Ghaypat Rope’ making are found in Ahmednagar, Akole, Pamer, Sangamner and Shrigonda talukas.

The Government of Maharashtra State has declared new industrial policy granting the status of D plus in Supa-Pamer MIDC on Nagar-Pune high way.

3.9.2 Occupational Pattern:

Table No. 3.11 shows the status of total workers engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Agriculture has remained the main occupation in the District. Since majority of the population in the district Is engaged in agriculture and allied activities, it can be observed that there is an ample scope for agro-based and allied activities such as dairy, poultry etc. in the district.

From the Table No. 3.11, it is a crystalline fact that there are about 14 types of business areas. These can be spit up into two categories such as rural and urban. On the basis of this, it is possible to study the exact figures, number of industries and number of wori

124 Table 3.11 Occupation Pattern in tlie Ahmednagar District S.N. Types of Rural Urban Total Business and Industries Workers Industries Workers Industries Percentage of Workers Percentage Industries Industries of Workers 1 Agriculture 42,928 86,667 2,254 4,613 45,182 33.78 91,280 23.22 2 Mining & Quarrying 61 589 3 5 64 0.05 594 0.15 3 Manu^cturing / 8,140 63,063 4,058 16,680 12,198 9.12 79,743 20.28 Product Industry 4 Electricity gas & 7 40 10 43 17 0.01 83 0.02 water supply 5 Constnjction 1,698 3,724 382 1,090 2,080 1.56 4,814 1.22 6 Whole sale Trade 704 2,277 1,307 2,710 2,011 1.50 4,987 1.27 7 Retail Trade 18,624 34,124 14,672 27,739 33,296 24.90 61,863 15.73 8 Canteen & Hotels 3,476 9,529 2,384 7,881 5,860 4.38 17,410 4.43 9 Transport 699 1,687 783 1,312 1,482 1.11 2,999 0.76 10 Ware Housing 40 182 129 408 169 0.13 590 0.15 & Storage 11 Communication 447 1,172 521 1,459 968 0.72 2,631 0.67 12 Banking, Insurance, 1,244 5,136 1,669 7,137 2,913 2.18 12,273 3.12 Estate & other Services 13 Social & Private 18,739 66,984 8,760 46,962 27,499 20.56 1,13,946 28.98 Services 14 Other Services —— — — — — --— Total 96,807 2,75,174 36.932 1,18,039 1,33,739 100.00 3,93,213 100.00 Source: Spcio -r Economic Survey of Ahmednagar District 2001-2002, P. 114.

125 3.10 Other Aspects:

3.10.1 The Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE)

Ahmednagar district is not for behind in the Vehicle Research, as it has the nation’s first and for most vehicle testing establishment.

VRDE is located on Ahmednagar - Dound road at about 8 Kms from the city; this is the only institution of its kind In India, where all types of new vehicles are examined and tested for proving trials. It carries out research and development work for the Indian Army as well as for the private sector. It is really the proud of Ahmednagar district.

3.10.2 Holy Shrines and Tourist Places:

Shirdi (Tal. Kopargaon), Shani-Shingnapur, Newasa and Devgad (Tal. Newasa) and Madhi and Mohata Devi (Tal. Pathardi) are the important places of holy shrines in the District. A beautiful Measonary dam constructed at Shendi village known as Bhandardara Dam and Randha Fall in Akole Taluka and Soutada Fall in Jamkhed Taluka are the important tourist places in the District. Bhuikot fort and Chandbibi’s Mahal in Nagar Taluka are the well known historical places in the Ahmednagar District.

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