Profile of Ahmednagar District Chapter-3 Profile of Ahmednagar District
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CHAPTER - 3 PROFILE OF AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT CHAPTER-3 PROFILE OF AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT 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<ets. 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 India”, 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, Shrigonda, Shevgaon, Sangamner, Nagar, Kopargaon, Akole, Karjat, Pamer and Rahuri. In 1913 Pathardi Peta was created and the remaining part of Jamkhed Taluka was renamed as Jamkhed Mahal, subsequently, Karjat Taluka was down graded as Karjat Peta during 1931-41. The upgrading of Pathardi and Karjat Talukas were marked in 1941-51. In 1945 Shrirampur 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 Maharashtra 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 Rahata Taluka, 58 villages were included, from which some villages were from Shrirampur and Kopargaon Taluka 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, Parner, 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 Akole Taluka has highest numt>er of villages i.e. 191 (12.08%) and Shrirampur Taluka 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 Pravara river 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 Godavari River 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.