Economy of District Chamba | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

Chamba is a district with rich agricultural, historical, and cultural heritage, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known for its distinct tribal communities, unique crafts, and natural beauty. Here’s an in-depth look at various aspects of Chamba district, including its agriculture, infrastructure, education, and cultural heritage.

• Wheat and Barley are the primary crops grown during the Rabi season, while Maize, Potato, and Paddy are the main crops for the Kharif season.
• Seed multiplication farms can be found in Bhanota, Rajura, Bhagat, Thullet, Ahla, and Dharwas.
• In 1955, large-scale production of fruit began in Chamba.
• Apple orchards are located in Churah, Bharmaur, Pangi, and Salooni.
• Olive development centers are situated in Lanji, Saro, and Rajnagar.
• The district has three types of landholdings: Zamindari, Pattedari, and Bhaichara. The Zamindari system was abolished by the HP Abolition of Big Landed Estates and Land Reforms Act in 1953.
• A sheep breeding farm was set up at Sarol.
• In 1978, the Chamba Milk Supply Scheme was launched.
• A Milk Chilling Centre was established in 1985.
• The first hydro-station in Chamba town was started in 1910.
• By 1988, all 1114 villages in Chamba district received electricity.
• The Chamera Dam on the Ravi River was developed in three phases:
  • 1st phase - 540 MW
  • 2nd phase - 300 MW
  • 3rd phase - 231 MW
• All phases are owned by NHPC.
• In 1957, a branch of the State Bank of India opened in Chamba.
• On 6th April 1965, a branch of the HP State Cooperative Bank Ltd. was established.
• The main tribes in Chamba district include Gujjars, Pangwals, Bhots, and Gaddi.
• People in Chamba typically eat four meals a day:
  • Nawari (breakfast)
  • Kalwar (lunch)
  • Archni (afternoon meal similar to Kalwar)
  • Biali (dinner)
• The common headpiece worn by women in Churah and Pangi is called Jagi.
• Women typically wear Kurta, Salwar, and Chadru, while men wear Chola and Dora.
• According to the 2011 census, the sex ratio in Chamba is 986 females for every 1000 males.
• A fair is held in Manimahesh during the Radha Astmi festival in September.
• Chamba was known for its artistic handmade Chappals. Long ago, the region was shoeless until a Kangra Rani, who married into the Chamba Royal family, brought a cobbler family in her dowry, helping to spread this craft.
• Models of plain Chappals include Nakodar, Jalidar, and Khopa.
• Construction of two girls' hostels in Chamba, named Himgiri and Mehla, was completed in the educationally backward blocks under RMSA, each with a capacity for 50 girls during the year 2018-19.

District Highlights of 2011 Census

• Chamba district ranks 7th in population among the districts.
• It has improved its sex ratio rank from 6th in the 2001 census to 4th in the 2011 census, with 986 females for every 1,000 males, compared to the state average of 972 females per 1,000 males.
• Chamba district ranks 5th for its workforce, with a total of 294,035 workers out of 3,559,422 workers in the state.
• In terms of population growth over the decade from 2001 to 2011, Chamba ranks 7th with a growth rate of 12.6%, while the state average is 12.9%.
• Chamba has a population density of 80 people per square kilometer, placing it 9th in the state.
• It ranks 8th among districts for literacy, with a literate population of 323,842 individuals.
• Chamba district has the highest population of scheduled tribes in the state, totaling 135,500 individuals. The tribal areas include Pangi, Bharmour, and Holi sub-tehsil.
• The local economy primarily relies on agriculture, with 196,665 cultivators, ranking 5th in the state.
• Chamba is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, attracting many tourists year-round, thanks to the Sub-Himalayan mountain range filled with diverse plants and animals.
• It is an important tourist destination in the state, featuring popular spots like Chamba town, Khajjiar, Dalhousie, and Bharmour.
• Chamba is famous for traditional crafts such as Chamba Chappal, Chamba Rumal, Chamba Paintings, and Chamba Chuk, alongside ancient temples and the Bhuri Singh Museum.
• The Mani Mahesh pilgrimage site, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located at an altitude of 5,656 meters and attracts visitors from Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
• Chamba is also known for the Minjar Fair, a vibrant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm for seven days starting from the last Sunday in July.
• The district has a rich cultural heritage, with residents engaged in activities like metal craft, embroidery, wood carving, stone carving, and painting.
• Many notable individuals from Chamba have received National Awards for their contributions, such as Smt. Maheshi Devi, Smt. Kamla Nayyar, and Smt. Lalita Waqil in Chamba Rumal.
• Sh. Vijay Sharma and Mohd. Latif have won National Awards in Chamba Painting and wood carving, respectively.
• Chamba district is also recognized for its hydropower generation, featuring projects like Baira Siul, Chamera-I, and Chamera-II.
• All villages in the district have access to electricity and clean drinking water.