Srikakulam District - 1 | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Srikakulam District is located in the extreme northeastern part of Andhra Pradesh.
• Geographic Coordinates: 18°-20' to 19°-10' Northern latitude and 83°-50' to 84°-50' Eastern longitude.
• The Nagavali, Vamsadhara, Suvarnamukhi, Vegavathi, Mahendratanaya, Gomukhi, Champavathi, Bahuda, and Kumbikota Gedda are the significant rivers in the district.
• The Vamsadhara river originates in the Eastern Ghats of Orissa State and meets the Bay of Bengal near Kalingapatnam.
• The Nagavali and Suvarnamukhi rivers also have their sources in the Eastern Ghats, with Nagavali joining the Bay of Bengal at Kallepalli.
• Vegavathi river flows from west to east, eventually merging with Suvarnamukhi. Gomukhi joins Suvarnamukhi at Sirlam Village.
• Mahendratanaya, a tributary of Vamsadhara, merges with it at Komanapalli Village.
• Another river from the Eastern Ghats passes through Mandasa and Sompeta Mandals before reaching the Bay of Bengal at Baruva.
• The Bahuda river enters Srikakulam District at Boddapadu Village and flows through Ichapuram, Kaviti, and Mandasa before entering the Bay of Bengal at Donkuru.
• The district boasts a seacoast that spans 193 kilometers.

Boundaries and Topography

• The district is bordered by Kandivalasagedda, Vamsadhara, and Bahuda rivers at certain points along their paths, while a range of hills from the eastern Ghats runs from the northeast. Vizianagaram District lies to the south and west, with Orissa to the north and the Bay of Bengal to the east.
• Srikakulam District got its name from the town of Srikakulam, where its headquarters are located. The district was established in 1950 by separating it from Visakhapatnam District.
• Over time, there were territorial changes in the district. In November 1969, 63 villages from Saluru Taluk and 44 villages from Bobbili Taluk were transferred to the newly formed Gajapathinagaram Taluk of Visakhapatnam District.
• In May 1979, significant territorial adjustments occurred due to the creation of a new district headquartered in Vizianagaram. This led to the transfer of Salur, Bobbili, Parvathipuram, and Cheepurupalli Taluks to the new district.

Land Utilization

• The total geographical area of the district is 583,700 hectares, which is divided into 38 Mandals across three Revenue Divisions: Srikakulam, Palakonda, and Tekkali.
• In the year 2009-10, the cultivable land, including net area sown, current fallows, and other fallow lands, covered 356,654 hectares, representing 61.10% of the district's total geographical area.
• The forest area in the district during 2009-10 comprised 68,641 hectares, accounting for 11.76% of the area, which is significant for the ecological balance.
• Land put to non-agricultural uses, such as buildings, roads, railways, or water bodies like rivers and canals, occupied 99,269 hectares, making up 17.01% of the geographical area.
• Barren and uncultivable lands like mountains and deserts covered 49,687 hectares, which is 8.51% of the total area.
• Permanent pastures and other grazing lands covered 942 hectares, accounting for 0.16%.
• Miscellaneous tree crops and groves not included in the net area sown amounted to 7,451 hectares, representing 1.27%.
• Culturable waste in 2009-10 was 659 hectares, making up 0.11% of the area.
• Other fallow lands covered 17,487 hectares, which accounted for 2.99%.
• Current fallow lands amounted to 54,523 hectares, representing 9.34%.
• The net area sown was 284,644 hectares, accounting for 48.76% of the total geographical area.

Natural Resources

• The Srikakulam District is located in the North Coastal Plain within the Agro-Climatic Zone, with a portion also falling in Tribal Areas.
• The district comprises two main natural regions:
  • The Hilly Region known as the Agency Area, primarily inhabited by Tribal communities.
  • The Plain Area, characterized by its flat terrain.
• Notable rivers such as Vamsadhara and Nagavali flow through the district from the North to the East.
• The district is home to several major and medium irrigation projects, including BRR Vamsadhara Project, Madduvalasa, Thotapalli, Narayanapuram Anicut, Kalingadala Reservoir, Dabarsingi Reservoir, Bondigedda Reservoir, Gajjiligedda Reservoir, Thotapalli Reservoir, and Pydigam Project.

Developmental Activities

Agriculture

• The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the district's economy, with 47.36% of the main workers in the population engaged in this sector.
• Among these workers, 32.14% are cultivators and agricultural laborers who rely heavily on agriculture.
• Agriculture in Srikakulam is predominantly reliant on rainfall, with the monsoon and seasonal conditions significantly impacting production.
• During the 2009-10 period, the district experienced a deficit in rainfall, with a negative deviation of -15.3% during the South-West Monsoon and a scanty deviation of -37.2% in the North-East Monsoon.
• The overall rainfall for the year was 978.1 mm, showing a deficit of 15.8% compared to the district's normal rainfall of 1162.5 mm.
• The net area sown in the district decreased by 11.57% from 2008-09 to 2009-10, reaching 2,84,644 hectares.

Irrigation

• The total irrigated area in 2009-10 was 189729 hectares, covering 46.81% of the gross cropped area, a slight decrease from the previous year.

Education

• The district faces challenges in education infrastructure, with 2714 primary schools and 847 upper primary schools catering to a total of 1.41 lakh and 1.08 lakh students respectively. 
• High schools, junior colleges, degree colleges, and other educational institutions are struggling to meet the educational needs.

Industries

• The district hosts 25 large and medium-scale industries with a significant investment and employment opportunities. 
• Additionally, there are over 1100 tiny and small-scale industries providing employment to a substantial workforce. 
• The district shows potential for further industrial growth due to government incentives and available resources.

Transport and Communications

• The district is well-connected by NH5, spanning approximately 194 kilometers, facilitating transportation and communication across various mandals.

Tourism

Cultural Tourism

Salihundam

• Location: Salihundam is a village and panchayat in Gara Mandal of SRIKAKULAM district in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located on the south bank of River Vamsadhara, 5 kilometers west of Kalingapatnam, and 18 kilometers from SRIKAKULAM town.
• Former Name: Originally known as Salivatika, which means rice emporium. It was also referred to as "Salyapetika," meaning box of bones or relics.
• Discovery: Discovered by Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy in 1919.
• Buddhist Influence: The site features numerous Buddhist stupas and a large monastic complex on a hillock amidst picturesque surroundings.
• Artifacts: Excavations unearthed relic caskets, four stupas, a Chaityagriha, temples, and sculptures representing Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism from the 2nd century BC to the 12th century AD.
• Significant Statues: Statues of 'Tara' and Marichi were found here, contributing to the spread of Buddhism to Sumatra and other far-eastern regions.

Rajam

• Rajam, also known as Razam, is a census town, municipality, and mandal headquarters located in the SRIKAKULAM district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
• Rajam mandal shares borders with Ganguvari Sigadam, Santhakavati, and Regidi Amadalavalasa mandals of SRIKAKULAM district and Vizianagaram district.
• Located at a distance of 40 kilometers from SRIKAKULAM town, Rajam holds sentimental value due to its historical connection with Tandra Paparayudu, the brave Sardar of Bobbili.

Danthapuri

• Danthapuri, situated near Amadalavalasa, is a historically significant village in India.
• Located 10 kilometers from Amadalavalasa on the way to Hiramandalam, Danthapuri houses ancient Buddha stupas.
• It is believed to have been a center of Buddha religion and a residence for shiddhardas.
• An important archaeological site, referred to as Boudha Gynana Dantha Puri, has yielded various artifacts like bricks, pots, terracotta articles, beads, and more.
• Following the Kalinga battle in 261 BC, Ashoka Chakravarthi elevated Danthapuri, which was then considered the capital by Kalinga Rajas.
• Brahma Datta Kalinga Raja constructed a monument on Boudha Gyana Dahtha, as presented by Arhat Kheru Terudu, solidifying Danthapuri's significance.

Eco Tourism

Kalingapatnam

• Kalingapatnam is a historical site that traces its origins to the arrival of European traders in India. These traders utilized it as a port for their ships.
• Until 1958, Kalingapatnam served as a significant port where large ships from Malaysia and Singapore docked. Goods such as perfumes, clothing, and other items were exported from this port.
• The area was known for its extensive coconut plantation, which extended along the local beaches and contributed to the export industry.
• During the period of British colonial rule, the port was closed to prevent incursions by other foreign powers. Despite this, the lighthouse constructed during British times still stands near the port as a historical landmark.
• Overall, Kalingapatnam's history is intertwined with trade, colonialism, and the strategic significance of its port in facilitating commerce and maritime activities.

Kaviti

• Kaviti village is located around 130 kilometers away from the District headquarters, nestled between the towns of Sompeta and Ichapuram to the East.
• The region known as Kaviti Mandal is commonly referred to as Uddanam or Udyanavanam, showcasing a picturesque coastal area adorned with abundant Coconut, Cashewnut, and Jackfruit trees.
• Uddanam is a scenic destination attracting visitors, featuring two prominent temples - Chintamani Ammavaru and Sri Sitharamaswamy temple.

Baruva

• Baruva, situated in Sompeta Mandal, is located approximately 109 kilometers away from SRIKAKULAM town.
• This area is home to the renowned Sri Kotilingeswara Swamy and Janardhana Swamy temples, along with a coconut nursery and a Coir Industry.
• The river Mahendra Tanaya converges with the sea at Baruva, attracting numerous individuals for sea baths during festivals.
• Historically, Baruva served as a significant seaport marked by two fifty-feet high obelisks above sea level, one black and the other white.

Forest Tourism

Telineelapuram

• Telineelapuram is a quaint village situated 65 kilometers away from Srikakulam and merely 7 kilometers from Tekkali in Tekkali mandal.
• Telukunchi, found in Ichchapuram mandal, is positioned around 115 kilometers from Srikakulam.
• Annually, more than 3,000 pelicans and painted storks journey from Siberia to these villages during September, staying until March, attracting bird enthusiasts.
• Andhra University researchers have observed this migratory pattern for 15 years, with the birds originally numbering over 10,000 but now reduced to approximately 3,000.
• The Tekkali creek and neighboring villages like Telineelapuram, Ijjuvaram, and Naupada serve as temporary homes for these winged visitors from distant lands such as Siberia, Russia, Malaysia, Hungary, Singapore, and Germany. Additionally, 113 species of inland birds, including many migrants from other states, can be spotted in the area.
• Weather Conditions: Summer temperatures range from 22°C to 39°C, while winter temperatures vary between 15°C and 26°C.