Amravati-District

Introduction:
A) Location: 
Amravati District is located due northeast of Maharashtra state having 76⁰ 37′ 27″ E latitude and 20⁰ 32′, to 21⁰ 46′, N longitude. Due north and west are Madhya Pradesh state border, due south is Akola and Yavatmal district, while towards east are Nagpur and Wardha district. There is a Satpuda range towards north of the district.

3. B) Area: 
   The total geographical area of Amravati District is 12212 sq. km., and it is only 3.97 % area of Maharashtra Deccan Trap covers 75% area while 25% area is covered by Purna alluvium. The total area of alluvium is 3053 sq. km. out of which 1562 sq. km. area belongs to saline zone, which is quality-affected area. The ground water in this area is not used for irrigation and drinking water purposes. In northeast part of district there is high irrigation activity mainly orange fruit crop. 
4. C) Landuse: 
   The land utilization pattern of Amravati district is as below.
   1) Total area – 12212 sq. km.
   2) Forest area – 3577 sq.km.
   3) Cultivable area-7407 sq.km.
   D) Administrative setup:
   From administrative point of view Amravati district is divided into 14 taluka. 

1. E) Total Villages

1)Total villages – 1996
2) Habitation villages – 1681
3) Uninhabited villages – 315
4) Population more then 2000 – 1544
5) Villages connected by electricity -100%

14. F) Population Details
    1) Total population – 14.83 lakh
    2) Schedule caste – 3.84 lakh
    3) Schedule tribe – 3.16 lakh 
    4) Percentage of literacy – 70%

Geography:

The district is mainly divided into two geographical regions, the Melghat hilly area of Satpuda range and plain area. The prominent hill range in the district is the Gawilgarh hill which is in the northwest of district in Melghat area of Chikhaldara tahsil.

The plain area may be Subdivided into further subtypes 

1. a) Foothills belt of light & medium black soils with pebble/boulder zone, with abundant ground water supplies, sloping away from Satpuda range.
   b) The region of deep & fertile soils of the southwest where the sub-soil water is very often saline.
   c) The region of light red & medium black soils are of eastern Amravati & Chandur Rly taluka
   d) Patches of fertile black soil adjoining Morshi & Warud area.
2. A) Elevation

The crests of this range attain an average elevation about 1000 m. The highest point being Vairat with 1177.75 m. elevation

1. B) Rainfall and Temperature

The climate of this district is hot and dry. The year is divided into three seasons, cold season from November to February, hot season from March to May and the monsoon season from June to October. The area receives rainfall during southwest monsoon. The average rainfall is 700-800 mm. The maximum temperature during summer goes up to 46⁰c while the minimum temperature during winter drops to 50⁰ to 90⁰ c.

1. C) River and Drainage pattern

There are three main river Tapi, Purna and Wardha. The Purna originates in the southern slopes of Gawilgarh hills and flows towards south and south-east direction till it turns westward and form a part of the district boundary between Amravati & Akola. Pedhi, Aran, Chandrabhaga and the Shahnoor are important tributaries of Purna. The Wardha river rises at Mutai in Madhya Pradesh and forms the eastern boundary of district and receives a few short tributaries at its right flowing within district. Maru And Chargar are important tributaries that join Wardha. The Tapi flows along the N-W boundary of the district. Khardu, Sipna, Dewa and Dhulghat are its tributaries. The area shows dendritic drainage pattern, while Purna alluvium shows parallel to sub parallel drainage pattern & it is almost plain area.

1. D) Morphological Classification

1) Run off zone – 303) Storage. (25%)
2) Recharge zone – 4191 sq. km. (34%)
3) Storage zone – 4930 sq. km. (41%)

Geology and Geomorphology:

Northern part of district is mostly hilly and is covered by forest. The northwest part is covered by thick forest of teakwood. The central part is covered by Purna alluvium, total area is 3053 sq. km. having north- south slope direction. The Purna alluvium consists of silt, clay, and sand. The Bazada zone foothill portion of Satpuda range covers part of Anjangaon Surji, Achalpur & Chandur Bazar taluka and it consists of clay, boulders & pebbles. The total coverage of this alluvial area is 25% of the district area.

Irrigation projects: 

1) Upper Wardha Dam – Morshi
2) Shekdari Project – Urad, Tq Warud
3) Shahnoor Project- Anjangaon Surji
4) Purna project – Chandur Bazar 
5) Chandrabhaga project – Achalpur

 Hydrogeology:

The storage capacity and the transmissivity of the basalt flows are not uniform. It changes from place to place and flow to flow. The lateral flow continues for considerable distance while the weathered mantle is thick. In the Deccan trap area, the primary porosity is due to presence of interconnected vesicles when it is not filled by secondary material while secondary porosity is developed due to weathering and cooling of flows in alluvial area the sandy zone becomes a good aquifer having good porosity and permeability. The ground water is tapped by the tube wells in this area.

Hydrology Project

Under the Hydrology Project in Amravati district, 150 observation wells have been selected based on geomorphological classification. The water level is measured in the months of October, January, March and May.

Historical:

 Amravati, a city in Maharashtra, boasts a rich history, evolving from ancient settlements to a modern hub, influenced by various dynasties, colonial rule, and progress. It was part of the Berar region and saw periods of rule by the Nizam, Bhosale, and the British East India Company before becoming part of Maharashtra. 

Cultural:
Amravati’s culture blends ancient traditions with modern life. The Ambadevi Temple is its spiritual heart, reflecting deep religious roots. Marathi culture prevails, with vibrant festivals like Ganeshotsav and Diwali. Varhadi, a local dialect of Marathi, shapes daily communication. Folk arts, including Lavani and Tamasha, entertain and preserve traditions. Tribal influences from the nearby hills add unique cultural dimensions. Diverse communities contribute to a rich tapestry of customs and beliefs. Food plays a significant role, showcasing Maharashtrian cuisine. Educational institutions foster intellectual and artistic growth. Amravati’s cultural landscape is a dynamic mix of historical heritage and contemporary expression.