Bapatla District | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Guntur District

• Guntur District's establishment: Guntur District was officially formed on October 1, 1904, with its headquarters in Guntur. This creation followed the division of the former Krishna and Nellore districts.
• Historical background: Prior to 1859, there existed a 'Guntur District' with Guntur as its headquarters, albeit with different territorial boundaries. In 1859, this district was dissolved and its territories were divided between Machilipatnam and Rajahmundry districts, later renamed Krishna and Godavari.

Evolution of Guntur District

• Formation changes: In 1904, Guntur district emerged as an independent entity, incorporating areas from the Talukas of Tenali, Bapatla, Guntur, Sattenapalli, Narasaraopet, Vinukonda, Palnadu from the former Krishna district, and Ongole taluk from Nellore district.
• Tenali taluk split: On July 1, 1909, Tenali taluk was divided into two separate taluks, Tenali and Repalle, marking an administrative change within the district.
• 1970 restructuring: In February 1970, a new district was established with Ongole as its headquarters, leading to the transfer of parts of Bapatla and Narasaraopet taluks, along with the entire Ongole taluk, to Prakasam District. This reorganization left Guntur district with eight taluks.
• 1977 reorganization: Effective November 1, 1977, the eight existing taluks within Guntur district were restructured into eleven taluks. This involved upgrading the sub-taluks of Mangalagiri, Ponnuru, and Macherla to full-fledged taluks, resulting in the division of the old Guntur, Bapatla, and Palnadu taluks.

Evolution of Taluks and Districts in Guntur

• Chilakaluripet taluk was established in 1980 as the 12th taluk by incorporating parts from Narasaraopet and Guntur Taluks.
• In 1981-1982, several taluks were further divided, leading to the creation of new taluks such as Pallapatla and Repalle, Tenali and Emani, Guntur and Prathipadu, Sattenapalli, Tyalluru, Rajupalem, Vinukonda, Ipuru, Gurazala, and Piduguralla, totaling 19 taluks by the end of 1981-82. Plans to establish Amrathaluru and Tadikonda as taluks were considered but not executed.
• By May 25, 1985, 57 Mandals were established, replacing the erstwhile taluks and Firkhas, with the primary aim of bringing administration closer to the people.

Division of Guntur District

• According to Gazette No. 939 dated January 26, 2022, Guntur District was restructured into three districts: Guntur (18 Mandals), Narasaraopet / Palnadu (28 Mandals), and Bapatla (25 Mandals). Notably, 12 Mandals from Tenali Division and 13 Mandals from Prakasam District were merged into Bapatla District.

Geographical Boundaries

• Guntur District is bordered to the north by Guntur District, to the west by Palnadu / Narasaraopet and Prakasam Districts, to the south by the Bay of Bengal, and to the east by the Krishna Western Delta.

Demographic Details

• The district's population stands at 1,586,918 with a population density of 414 per square kilometer. The literacy rate is 54.70%, and the urban population constitutes 17.90% of the total population.

Land Utilization

• The district spans an area of 3,82,884 hectares, with 12,032 hectares covered by forests. The net sown area amounts to 2,36,866 hectares. The total cropped area is 1,94,882 hectares, with 85,729 hectares being sown more than once in a year.

Natural Resources

• Rich in resources, the district boasts sand reserves in Bhattiprolu and Kollur Mandals, as well as gravel deposits in Amarthalur, Kollur, Bhattiprolu, Karlapalem, and Bapatla.

Climate

• The district experiences an average rainfall of 925.3 mm, characterized by warm summers.

Rivers

• Notable water bodies include the Krishna River, which courses through the district for around 39 km.

Developmental Activities

• Agriculture: The district's soils, predominantly black cotton and sandy loamy, are highly fertile.
• Crops: Primary crops cultivated are paddy, jowar, blackgram, greengram, bengalgram, redgram, cotton, groundnut, chillies, and sugarcane.
• Irrigation: The main irrigation project is the Krishna Western Delta, supplemented by minor sources like tanks, filter points, and tube wells.
• Education: Established in 1945, the Agricultural College in Bapatla is one of the oldest in Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, focusing on agricultural research and education.

Industries

The district is renowned for NSL Text Tiles located in P.V. Palem Mandal.
Air Force Base:

• The Suryalanka Indian Air Force base, near Bapatla on the Bay of Bengal shore, conducts activities like missile testing and guided weapon firing.

Transport:

• The National Highway 216 runs through the town, connecting Digamarru and Ongole.
• State Highway 48, also known as Guntur-Bapatla-Chirala (G.B.C) Road, passes through Ponnur.

Nizampatnam Fishing Harbour:

• The state government plans to finish the second phase of the Nizampatnam fishing harbor costing Rs 451 crore.
• The project aims to be a standalone coastal structure with a fish landing capacity of 62,000 tonnes per year.

Cultural Tourism

Singarakonda Temple

• Singarakonda Temple is renowned for Sri Prasannanjaneya Swamy and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy shrines.
• Historically, the temple dates back to the 14th century during King Devarayalu's era.
• The construction of the Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple on Singarakonda hill was initiated in 1443-44, as evidenced by Sila Sashan's findings on the Garuda Stambham.
• It is situated in close proximity to the Addanki mandal.

Religious Tourism

Bapatla Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple

• Bapatla Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Venugopala Swamy. Pavitrotsvam and Rathotsavam are grand celebrations where thousands of devotees participate.
• Currently, this temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India department.
• The main deity here is Ksheera Bhavanarayana Swamy, who resides with His consort Sundarvalli. The deity is Swayambhu.

Eco-Tourism

Suryalanka Beach

• Suryalanka Beach, also known as Bapatla Beach, is situated around 9 kilometers from Bapatla. 
• This beach is surrounded by numerous resorts in close proximity, offering visitors a picturesque view of the sun, sea, and sand. 
• It is a popular destination for swimming and relaxation.

Vodarevu Beach

• Vodarevu Beach, located 8 kilometers from Chirala, is a frequented spot known for its range of water sports and fishing opportunities. 
• Visitors can also enjoy boat rides along the coast, adding to the excitement of the visit.

Ramapuram Beach

• Ramapuram Beach, recognized for its cleanliness and tranquility, is a serene location where the sound of crashing waves and chirping birds create a peaceful ambiance. 
• Situated near Chirala mandal, this beach provides a calming retreat for nature enthusiasts.