ODISHA DISTRICT GAZETTEERS

KORAPUT

GOPABANDHU ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION

[GAZETTEERS UNIT]
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA
ODISHA DISTRICT GAZETTEERS

KORAPUT

DR. TARADATT, IAS

CHIEF EDITOR, GAZETTEERS &
DIRECTOR GENERAL, TRAINING COORDINATION

GOPABANDHU ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION

[GAZETTEERS UNIT]
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA
ii
iii
 PREFACE

The Gazetteer is an authoritative document that describes a District in

all its hues–the economy, society, political and administrative setup, its
history, geography, climate and natural phenomena, biodiversity and natural
resource endowments. It highlights key developments over time in all such
facets, whilst serving as a placeholder for the timelessness of its unique
culture and ethos. It permits viewing a District beyond the prismatic image of
a geographical or administrative unit, since the Gazetteer holistically
captures its socio-cultural diversity, traditions, and practices, the creative
contributions and industriousness of its people and luminaries, and builds on
the economic, commercial and social interplay with the rest of the State and
the country at large. The document which is a centrepiece of the District is
developed and brought out by the State administration with the cooperation
and contributions of all concerned. Its purpose is to generate awareness,
public consciousness, spirit of cooperation, pride in contribution to the
development of a District, and to serve multifarious interests and address
concerns of the people of a District and others in any way concerned.
Historically, the ―Imperial Gazetteers‖ were prepared by Colonial
administrators for the six Districts of the then Orissa, namely, Angul,
Balasore, Cuttack, Koraput, Puri, and Sambalpur. After Independence, the
Scheme for compilation of District Gazetteers devolved from the Central
Sector to the State Sector in 1957. Within the State, the responsibility for
developing the Gazetteers was transferred from the Revenue Department to
the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration (GAA) in 1999. In this process,
the ―District Gazetteers‖ of all thirteen Districts were published as follows:
Koraput/1966 (Supplement/1984), Mayurbhanj/1967, Bolangir/1968,
Sambalpur/1971, Dhenkanal/1972, Sundargarh/1975, Puri/1977,
Kalahandi/1980, Boudh-Khondmal/1983, Keonjhar/1986, Balasore/1994,
Ganjam/1995 and Cuttack/1992. The Gazetteers of Balasore/1994,
Ganjam/1995 and Cuttack/1992, however, could not capture the implications
of the reorganisation of these Districts. Though 10 out of 13 Districts had
been reorganised into 27 and the total number of Districts in the State had
gone up to 30, the reality remained to be captured in the Districts‘
Gazetteers.
Be it so, the time is now ripe to build on the rich cache of Gazetteers
available across the Districts in Odisha, and to develop updated documents
that capture the essence of each District as it exists today. The Districts
have evolved over the last couple of decades as a result of various natural

iv
phenomena and unforeseen forces, besides a slew of economic and social
sector reforms undertaken at the National, State and local levels. The
resulting impacts have been more cataclysmic in some Districts than others,
which are reflective of the complex dynamics at work which determine a
District‘s state of preparedness and receptivity to change or its absorptive
capacity. This diversity in impacts across Districts is now captured both in
measurable parameters and non-measurable underlying trends and
perceptions in the updated District Gazetteers.
Besides catching up with the developments in each of the thirty Districts
and the environs, it was felt opportune to capture the major shifts in areas
and issues of priority and concern across the districts by suitably
restructuring the document, to recount the post-Independence events in brief
for their historic value and evolutionary impact on the District, and to bridge
an important lacuna, viz. incorporating the role played by freedom fighters
from each District in India‘s Independence, which was sparingly mentioned
in the Gazetteers initially prepared by colonial administrators. Though the
updated Gazetteers draw heavily on the past Gazetteers of thirteen
undivided Districts, the documents were also restructured to provide for
elimination, modification and insertion of some issues in discussion with the
Consulting Editors and District Administration in order to present a
comprehensive and contemporaneous picture of the Districts.
The task of developing and updating the Gazetteers for the present 30
Districts was initiated in the first week of May 2015. Procedurally, a series of
time-bound initiatives taken since then were bed-rocked on the complete
and continuous involvement of the District Collector and heads of concerned
line departments at the district level in the coverage of issues and
developments over time, coupled with specific participation of a number of
scholars and experts, including some senior serving and retired civil
servants. A standardised synopsis of the District Gazetteer was prepared by
GAA to assist in the development of the initial drafts by each District
Administration. For this exercise, a Committee was constituted by GAA
under the District Collector to steer the development of the initial draft for the
respective District. A number of Sub-Committees comprising officials and
experts were also constituted, again at District level, for drafting specific and
thematic chapters. The initial drafts prepared by the District Administration
were received by GAA starting in August 2015. After in-house scrutiny of
these drafts, detailed comments and suggestions for bridging information
gaps were sent by GAA to enable suitable revisions by the District
Administration. A process of continuous monitoring of the development of
the next stage of drafts was followed, and the second drafts were received
by GAA by the end of October 2015. This revised draft Gazetteer of each
v
District was then placed for scrutiny at two levels– the first by the public at
large by hosting the drafts at the website of GAA
(gopabandhuacademy.gov.in), and the second by a set of 30 Experts, one
for each District, designated as Consulting Editor.
Simultaneously, Government in General Administration Department
(GAD) with the approval of Hon‘ble Chief Minister reconstituted the State
Advisory Committee (SAC) and State Working Committee (SWC) on
Gazetteers vide Notification No. 23473 dated 26 September, 2015. The SAC
continues to be headed by Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha. The
SWC hereafter was to be chaired by the Director General, GAA, who had
also been notified as the ex-officio Chief Editor of Gazetteers, besides being
granted functional freedom to prepare and publish the Gazetteers. A series
of meetings were held by DG, GAA with the Consulting Editors appointed for
refinement of the drafts prepared at the District level to discuss and to
ensure accuracy and coherence, quality and content. The Consulting Editors
also visited the respective Districts regularly to interact with senior officials,
governmental and non-governmental organisations and persons concerned
with the preparation of the initial two drafts. The drafts reviewed by DG,
GAA, with the Consulting Editors were forwarded to the District Collectors for
authentication of content and further improvements in quality, wherever felt
necessary.
The final round of discussions with the Consulting Editors was held in
GAA in February through till April 2016, and the draft Gazetteers, finalised at
this stage again in consultation with the District Collectors, were placed
before the SWC. Drafts recommended by it were placed before the SAC for
approval. The final approved documents were sent to Government Press,
Cuttack for printing and publishing.
The Imperial Gazetteer of Koraput, prepared by Commissioner R. C. S.
Bell was published in 1945. Subsequently, Government of Odisha took up
the task of preparing District Gazetteers and in the process the revised
Koraput District Gazetteer was published in 1966. A Supplementary to that
was also brought out in 1984. The district got reorganised vide the
th
Notification dated 30 December, 1993. However, Gazetteer of the
successor Koraput district remained to be developed. A long time passed
since.
I must thank Mr V. Jaya Kumar, IAS, Collector, Koraput and his
dedicated team of locally available experts including line department officers
for putting up immense efforts to develop the initial draft by capturing
developments that had taken place after the previous Koraput Gazetteer
was published.
vi
 Mr. Sanjib Chandra Hota, IAS (Retired), who served the undivided
parent district of Koraput with distinction about 35 years back accepted the
challenge of fine-tuning the draft as Consulting Editor with grace and his
well-known professional competence and commitment. It may not suffice to
simply say that I owe him a debt of gratitude.
I convey sincere gratitude to the members of the State Working
Committee and State Advisory Committee for their valuable inputs and
advice. I will be failing in my duty if I do not acknowledge the contribution of
my friends and colleagues in the State Administration and particularly those
at GAA, namely Dr. Rabinarayan Patra, Deputy Director (Studies), Shri
Subrat Kuanr, Research Officer and Dr. Rabindra Kumar Swain, Compiler.
Finally, despite optimum efforts to plug the obvious limitations and
lacunae in the Gazetteer, factual deficiencies, misspellings and grammatical
errors might be found. The responsibility for all its shortcomings doubtless
remains mine. With an eye to the future, I urge all readers, including
thematic experts, young scholars, and luminaries, to offer their valuable
suggestions for improving the quality and contents of the document for the
next addition with the passage of time.
I would like to thank the people of the District of Koraput for their
contributions over time to the making of the District as we now know it, and
commend this document to them and to all other stakeholders within the
State and elsewhere.
Dr. Taradatt, IAS
Chief Editor, Gazetteers &
Director General, GAA

vii
 NOTE FROM CONSULTING EDITOR

Koraput district came into existence with the creation of Odisha

province in April, 1936 as the first linguistic province in the country prior to
which it was a part of Vizagapattam district in Madras Presidency. The other
linguistic province created at the same time was Sindh ( now in Pakistan).
The first district gazetteer of Koraput district was written by Sri R.C.S. Bell,
ICS in 1941who was the first Collector of the district. Subsequently, the next
gazetteer of Koraput district was edited by Late Nilamani Senapati, ICS
(Retd.) (Chief Editor) & Late Dr. Navin Kumar Sahu (State Editor) in the year
1966. After an interval of four decades State Government have appreciated
the necessity of writing and revising the gazetteers of the districts of Odisha.
While editing the present gazetteer, it is not only up dating the events but
also to relook to the past.
After independence of the country, Koraput district was one of the few
large districts of the country. In the year 1992, Government decided to create
new districts appreciating the need of administrative viability and bringing
administration closer to the people. Larger Koraput district was divided into
four districts namely; Rayagada, Koraput, Nawarangpur and Malkangir in
1992. Therefore, while editing the present gazetteer, the facts and
information are to be confined to the present district of Koraput which is
much smaller than the earlier one. A lot of materials had to be borrowed
considerably from both the earlier gazetteers particularly relating to chapters
on Geography, History, Archaeological Remains and People and Tribes. The
gazetteer is divided into 18 Chapters. While writing the Chapter on History, it
was felt necessary of retaining the entire text of the previous gazetteer of
Senapati and Sahu because it was difficult to confine it to the present
Koraput district. History of Nandapur kingdom is closely related the history of
Koraput. Capital of this kingdom was at Nandapur which was later on shifted
to Jeypore; for a few years Narayanpatna was its capital. All these three
places are now in the present Koraput district. Events of history of Nandapur
dynasty moved from its capital for a few centuries to other parts of the
kingdom. Similarly flow of important events from other regions coverged in
the capital. So it is necessary to retain the history of pre independence
period as narrated in the previous gazetteer as such. Events of post
independence period are given in this Chapter on History. A separate
Chapter on Forest is given which was part of the Chapter on Agriculture in
the earlier gazetteer. Similarly, a Chapter on Geography is also given. There
is a separate Chapter on ―Archaeological Remains‖.
Koraput district even today presents a picture of paradoxes. On the
main National Highway where Hindusthan Aeronautic Ltd. is located
viii
manufacturing sophisticated MIG Engine, we find a long line of tribal people
in bare body with only a loin cloth moving towards the receding forest to
collect forest produce to eke out a living. What can be a more contrasting
juxtaposition than this? Koraput is said to be the land where large varieties
of paddy including scented variety are grown by local people which have a
special quality and tastet. Folklore of the tribals abounds pertaining to
different tribes which contributes to cultural heritage of Odisha. Tribals still
continue to be a marginalised group in this district as in any other parts of
Odisha. After independence this district has been visited with problems of
displacement of population, emigration to other places for earning livelihood
while at the same time a number of development projects like NALCO, HAL,
Upper Kolab Multi Irrigation Project have come up along with construction of
Railway line from Koraput to Rayagada and the other railway line from
Kirundulu (Andhra Pradesh) to Boiladila (Chhatishgarh) passing through
Koraput district. Several Highways pass through the district and many new
roads are constructed improving the connectivity in the district. Still there are
quite a number of inaccessible pockets where particularly during rainy
season, inhabitants mainly tribal face serious problems on access to health
care and sanitation due to absence of all weather roads. They fall ill of water
borne diseases as they do not get potable water and sometimes patients are
carried manually to the nearest Public Health Dispensary/Hospital. Never
the less number of changes have taken place in positive direction in
developing different types of infrastructure in the district and bringing
administration nearer to the people which improved the living standard of
people.
Koraput district which was full of forest now presents a very
disappointing picture of receding forest land with thinner canopy of trees and
dwindling wild life. Many flora and fauna have disappeared permanently
because of reduction of jungles for new projects as well as used for slash
and burn cultivation locally called podu by people. Organised forest mafia is
also responsible for thinning the forest. Local people still in large number
depend upon forest for fuel wood which lead to destruction of forest also.
Sandal wood trees are now rare in sight. Lush green sal forest of Ramgiri is
only a fraction of what it was three decades ago.
While editing the gazetteer some peculiarities of Koraput district are
highlighted like the confluence point of latitude and longitude of earth
intercepting in this district in Murani river in Laxmipur Block and growing
summer paddy in ravine of the district perennially irrigated by natural
mountain stream. These lands are called jholla lands In Odisha, Koraput,
Malkangiri ( in Bonda hills) and Raygada are the only districts where summer

ix
paddy is grown without any irrigation project but by harnessing the flow of
mountain streams.
This district presents a wonderful scope for tourism. It is abode of
several tribal groups having distinct ethnic origins. Tourists particularly from
Western countries develop an interest for tribal life style, their songs, music
and dance. They develop a liking to spend a few days in their villages to live
with them. A liberal policy in this regard allowing foreign tourists to this
district may boost tribal tourism. How ever left wing militancy in the district
poses problems for the safety of the foreign tourists. It is a challenge to the
district administration. Koraput‘s geography is intermingled with its history.
As a traveller traverses the bank of river Kolab- Saveri, he begins his journey
from Sunabeda hearing the sound of the MIG factory; as he moves down
stream farther towards Kundra, flow of Saveri reveverates the inspiring
words of the tribal martyr Laxmana Naiko addressing to his fellow brethren
with conviction about freedom struggle .
I am particularly indebted to Sri Jay Kumar, Collector of Koraput and Sri
Ekadashi Jena, ADM, Koraput. I am grateful to Sri Uma Charan Dash,
retired Headmaster of Koraput High School had assisted me in editing the
Chapter on History relating to post independence period and Chapter on
Education and Literature. I am specially indebted to Dr. Kornel Das who had
assisted me a lot in editing the Chapters on Archaeological Remains, People
and Tribes and on Veterinary & Animal Husbandry portion of the Chapter on
Agriculture. Officers of Koraput district had assisted me a lot in furnishing old
as well as updated information on different Chapters which have helped a lot
in compiling and editing the gazetteer. I am equally thankful to Sri Bichitra
Nanda Mohanty, Private Secretary to State Election Commissioner,Odisha,
Sri Dipak Ranjan Mohanty of State Election Commission and Sri Subhendu
Padhi of Koraput Collectorate in arranging the Chapters and helping me in
editing the gazetteer. Dr Taradatt, Director General of Gopabandhu
Academy of Administration has all along taken interest in timely editing of
this gazetteer. I am thankful to him in getting all assistance from him.
I am sure; this gazetteer will present a pleasant and educating reading
to a person to get glimpses of Koraput district from different vision. Collective
efforts of several people both officials and others have considerably made in
bringing the present shape to the gazetteer.

Sanjib Chandra Hota, IAS (Retd.),

Former Member, Board of Revenue &
Former State Election Commissioner, Odisha.Bhubaneswar

x
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE NO.

I GENERAL 01 – 05
Introduction-Origin of the Name of the
District-Location, General Boundaries and
Population-History of the District as an
administrative unit-Sub-divisions-Tahasils
and Police Stations
ÌI GEOGRAPHY 06 – 22
Hill System- River system-Lakes and Tanks-
Geological details- Mineral Wealth- Climate-
Temperature- Humidity- Winds- Special
Weather Phenomena- Total Rain Fall
distribution during 1995-2015
III HISTORY 23 – 87
Early History- Muslim Occupation- Anglo-
French Conflict -British Occupation- National
Movement- History of post- independence -
Rehabilitation and Resettlement - Upper
Kolab Multi Pupose Project - NALCO- Social
Life- Cultural Life- Immigration and
emigration issues including urbanisation of
population in the district- Consequences of
Migration- Major Settlement Operation 1938-
64- HAL- Naval Armament Depot, Sunabeda-
Machkund Project – Left wing militancy
IV ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS OF 88 – 104
KORAPUT DISTRICT
Archaeological remains of Koraput district-
Jain Antiquities and Monuments- Jainism-
Buddhism -Hindu Archaeology and
Monuments in Koraput

xi
 V PEOPLE- TRIBE AND CASTE (CUSTOM 105 – 152
AND CULTURE)
Ethno-linguistic Classification- Linguistic
Reports on Koraput Population- Custom and
Tradition, Cremation and Burial, Socio-
Cultural Life and Other cultural milieu-
General structure of Tribes in Koraput-
Village Institutions- Social Structure- General
Structure of Caste- Scheduled Castes -
Women and Society- Festivals
VI FOREST 153 – 201
History of Forest Conservation and
Administration- Methods of Forest
Exploitation in the Estate Period-
Geographical Area -Forest Area and
Topography- Climate - Rights And
Concession- Forest Rights Act – 2006-
Encroachment-Biodiversity Survey -Fauna-
Man Animal Conflict- Forest Conservation -
Forest Fire and Protection- Administrative Set
Up-Climate and Rainfall- Flora-Fauna
VII AGRICULTURE 202 – 265
Introduction- Advantages of Terraced Paddy
Cultivation- Special Cultivation Practices
Followed by Tribal Communities of Undivided
Koraput District- Shifting Cultivation-
Agricultural Crops-Horticultural Crops-
Irrigation Facility -Manure and Compost -
Fertilizers Programme in the District-
Agricultural Technology And Productivity -
Watershed - Animal Husbandry and
Veterinary- OMFED- Fisheries Activities at a
Glance
VIII INDUSTRIES AND MINING 266 – 289
History and Evolution of Industry in the
District-Hydro- Thermal Power- NALCO,
Damanjodi- Handicrafts- Textile and
Handloom Sector

xii
IX BANKING TRADE AND COMMERCE 290 – 302
Evolution of Banking, Trade and Commerce
in the District-Integrated Cooperative
Development Project- Cooperative Banks-
Regional Cooperative Marketing Societies
(R.C.M.S)- Trade And Commerce -
Regulated Market Committees
X ROAD, TRANSPORT AND 303 – 318
COMMUNICATION
Evolution of Transport and Communication
system in the District- Road Transport- City
Bus Service- Railways- Waterways and Ferry
system- Airstrips and Aerodrome- Postal
Services- Radio and Wireless Systems and
Stations
XI ECONOMIC TRENDS 319 – 335
State Domestic Product - Work participation
rate in the District - Human Development
Index -The Agriculture Sector - The Industry
Sector - Service Sector - SGSY, MGNREGS
XII GENERAL AND REVENUE 336 – 364
ADMINISTRATION
District Administration General Overview-
Bora muttha- Revenue Rent Collection
System- Sub-Divisional Level Administration-
Rayatwari-Present Land Revenue System-
Survey and Settlement- Administrative
control
XIII LAW AND ORDER AND JUSTICE 365 – 398
Introduction-District Intelligance Bureau-
Police Set up-Social Policing- Home Guards
Organization-Pigeon Service-Fire Service-
Grievance-Jail And Jail Administration,
Prisoners' Welfare-Education- Criminal
Cases -Civil Courts -Fast Track Court
XIV LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT 399 – 413
rd
The 73 Amendment- Panchayats Extension
to Schedule Areas Acts (PESA)-Urban Local
Bodies-Jeypore Municipality-Koraput
Municipality-Sunabeda Municipality-Kotpad
N.A.C.-District Urban Development Agency
(DUDA)

xiii
XV MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 414 – 434
SERVICES
Public Health and Medical facilities in early
times- Vector Born Diseases- Events on
Malaria- Filaria and Dengue-Venereal
Disease -Maternal, Child Mortality and
Health care-Family welfare programme in
the district - Terminal diseases and their
treatment
XVI EDUCATION AND LITERATURE 435 – 466
Historical Background of Education in the
District-Ekalabya Vidyalaya-Growth of
literacy-Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan (SSA)-Tribal
Schools and Hostels - Higher Education-
Central University of Odisha, Koraput-Indira
Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Regional Centre, Koraput-Technical
Education- Eminent Writers and Poets of
Koraput District
XVII PLACES OF TOURISM 467 – 477
Fairs & Festivals- Tribal Museum, Koraput-
Gupteswar-Deomali-Machhkund (Duduma)-
Nandapur- Jeypore-Damanjodi-
Narayanpatna- Maliguda
XVIII MISCELLANEOUS 478 – 494
Disability & Social Welfare Schemes of
Koraput District- District Disability
Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), Koraput.-
Special School For Mentally Rrtarded.
(MANAS)- Social Welfare- Mamata Scheme-
Welfares Administration- Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA)
INDEX
BIBLIOGRAPHY

xiv
 ABBREVIATIONS

AC : Assembly Constituencies
A. D. : Ano Domini
A.H & VS : Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services
A.P : Andhra Pradesh
AABY : Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana
AAE : Assistant Agriculture Engineer
AAI : Airport Authority of India
AAO : Assistant Agriculture Officer
ACA : Additional Central Assistance
ACF : Assistant Conservator of Forest
ACT : Artisunate Combined Treatment
ADAVS : Aeronautices Dayanand Anglo Vedic School
ADD : Acute Diarrheal Diseases
ADMO : Addl. District Medical Officers ADMO
ADVO : Additional District Veterinary Officer
AES : Aeronautical Education Society
AICD : Artificial Insemination and Cattle Development
AICRP : All India Coordinated Research Project on Spices
AICTE : All India Council for Technical Education
ANC : Ante Natal Care
ANO : Anti Naxal Operation
AO : Agriculture Officer
AOFFP : Area Oriented Fuel wood & Fodder Project
APD : Assistant Project Director
APH : Ante Partom Heamorrage
APITCO : Andhra Pradesh Industrial Techno-Craft Organisation
ARDD : Animal Resource Development Department
ART : Anti Retro-Viral Therapy
ASI : Assistant Sub-Inspector
ATLT : Agency Tract Land Transfer
ATMA : Agricultural Technology Management Agency
AWW : Angan Wadi Worker
AYUSH : Ayurvedic Yoga Unani Siddha Homeopathy CHCS
B. C. : Before Christ
B.Com : Bachelor of Commerce
B.Sc : Bachelor of Science
BA : Bachelor of Arts
BAIF : Bharatiya Agro Industry Foundation
BBSA : BhimabhoiBhinakhyamaSamarthaAbhijan
BCA : Bachelor of Computer Application
xv
BDO : Block Development Officer
B.Ed. : Bachelor of Education
BEOC : Basic Emergency Obstetric Care
BGGY : Biju Gaon Gadi Yojana
BGPPL : BILT Graphic Paper Product Limited
BHP : Break Horse Power
BIFR : Bureau of Industrial and Finance Restructure
BILT : Ballarpur Industries Limited
BPGY : Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana
BRGF : Backward Regions Grant Fund
BSE : Board of Secondary Education
BSF : Border Security Force
BSNL : Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
BSW : Bachelor of Social Work
BT : Black-topped
C.G. : Chattisgarh
C.P.M.L : Comunist Party Marxist-Leninist
CAE : Commercial Agri- Enterprise Programme
CALP : Computer Aided Learning program
CAS : Centre for Anthropological Studies
CATP : Catchment Area Treatment Plan
CBD : Convention on Biodiversity
CBNAAT : Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
CBR : Community Based Rehabilitation
CBSE : Central Board of Secondary Education
CBT : Capacity Building Tram
CBWR : Compulsory Basic Water Rule
CCBF : Central Cattle Breeding Farm Odisha State Housing Board
(OSHB
CDMO : Chief District Medical Officer
CDVO : Chief District Veterinary Officer
CE : Centre for Economics
CELL : Centre for English Language & Literature
CEmOC : Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care
CHC : Community Health Centers
CISF : Central Industrial Security Force
CJMC : Centre for Journalism & Mass Communication
CM : Centre for Mathematics
CMAS : Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha
CMAS : Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha
COATS : Council of Analytical Tribal Studies
CoBRA : Combat Battalion for Resolute Action
xvi
COLL : Centre for Odia Language & Literature
CPSE : Central Public Sector Undertaking
CRPF : Central Reserve Police Force
CRS : Calf Rearing Scheme
CSO : Central Statistical Organisation
CSPS : Centrally Sponsored Planned Scheme
CSR : Corporate Social Responsibility
CSS : Centre for Sociological Studies
CTE : Centre for Teacher Education
DDA : Dandakaranya Development Authority
DANIDA : Danish International Development Agency
DAO : District Agriculture Officers
DAP : Di-Ammonium Phosphate
DAPCU : District Aids Prevention and Control Unit
DAV : Dayananda Anglo Vedic
DCS : Director of Correctional Services
DDA : Deputy Director of Agriculture
DDMC : District Disaster Management Committee
DDMP : District Disaster Management Plan
DDP : District Domestic Product
DDRC : District Disability Rehabilitation Centre
DDSC : Deputy Director Soil Conservation
DEC : Diethyl Carbamin Citrate
DEDS : Dairy Entrepreneurship Development scheme
DEO : District Education Officer
DES : Directorates of Economic and Statistics
DFID : Department for International Development
DHH : District Head Quarter Hospital
DHRPC : District Human Right Protection Cell
DIB : District Intelligance Bureau
DIC : District Industry Center
DIET : District Institute of Education and Training
DIGP : Deputy Inspector General of Police
DLC : Deisrict Level Committee
DMO : District Malaria Officer
DNA : Department of biotechnology and Natural Awareness
DP : Delivery Points
DPEP : District Primary Education Programme
DPHL : District Public Health Laboratory
DPMU : District Programme Management Unit
DPR : Detailed Project Report
DPs : Displaced Persons
xvii
DRCS : Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies
DRDA : District Rural Development Agency
DRI : Differential Rate of Interest
DSFL : District Forensic Science Laboratory
DSSO : District Small Savings Officer
DSWO : District Social Welfare Officer
DTM : District Transport Manager
DUDA : District Urban Development Agency
DVO : District Veterinary Officer
ECCE : Early Childhood Care and Education scheme
EDCT : Early Diagnosis and Complete Treatment
EDCT : Early Diagnostic and Complete Treatment
EGS : Employment Guarantee Scheme
EMIS : Educational Management Information System
EMRS : Ekalbya Model Residential School
EPF : Employees Provident Fund
ESI : Employees State Insurance
FFDA : Fish Farmers‘ Development Agency
FFS : Farmer‘s Field School
FHS : Foetal Heart Sound
FIAC : Farm Information & Advisory Centers
FSAI : Frozen Semen Artificial Insemination
GDDP : Gross District Domestic product
GDP : Gross Domestic Product
GGY : Gopabandhu Gramin Yojana
GHG : Green House Gas
GIIT : Gopabandhu Industrial Training Institute
GIP : Gone into Production
GKS : Gaon Kalyan Samiti
GP : Gram Panchayat
GR : Gram Rakhis
GRS : Gram Rojgar Sevaks
GSDP : Gross State Domestic Product
GVA : Gross Value Added
GVO : Gross Value of Output
H&UD/HUD : Housing and Urban Development
HAL : Hindustan Aeronautics LimitedADM
HARS : High Altitude Research Station
HDI : Human Development Index
HDPE : High Density Poly Ethen
HIV : High Immuno Deficiency Virus
HQ : Headquarters
xviii
HRD : Human Resource Development
HSC : High School Certificate
HSSC : Higher Secondary School Certificate
HYV : High Yielding Variety
I.G.P : Inspector General of Prison
I.N.A : Indian National Army
I.S.B : Inter State Boundary
IAEP : Integrated Afforestation & Eco-development Project
IAHTU : Integrated Anti Human Trafficking Unit
IAP : Integrated Action Plan
IAS : Indian Administrative Service
IAY : Indira Awasa Yojana
ICDS : Integrated Child Development Scheme
ICMR : Indian Council of Medical Research
ICRISAT : International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics
ICS : Indian Civil Service
ICSE : Indian Council of School Education
ICU : Intensive Care Unit
IDC : Industrial Development Corporation
IDCOL : Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha Ltd
IDCWDP : Indo-Danish Comprehensive Watershed Development
Project
IDRC : International Development Research Centre
IDSP : Integrated Disease Surveillance
IEC : Information Education and Communication
IGNOU : Indira Gandhi National Open University
IIDCO : Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation
ILDP : Integrated Livestock Development Project
IMD : Indian Meteorological Department
IMR : Infant Mortality Ratio
INSAS : Indian Small Arms System
IPHS : Indian Public Health Standards
IPM : Integrated Pest Management
IPR : Industrial Policy Resolution
IRS : Indoor Residual Spray
ISM : Indian Systems of Medicines
IT : Information Technology
ITDA : Integrated Tribal Development Agency
ITI : Industrial Training Institute
ITK : Indigenous Technical Knowhow
IWDP : Integrated Watershed Development Project
IWMP : Integrated Watershed ManagementProgramme
xix
J F MC : Joint Forest Management Committee
JELC : Jeypore Evangelical Lutheran Church
JFM : Joint Forest Management
JKGVY : Jagelal Kamalpati Singhania Gram Vikas Yojana
JKSUTT : Jeypore-Koraput-Sunabeda Urban Transport Trust
JNNULM : Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Livelihoods Mission
JSY : JananiSurakhyaYojana
K.L : Kendu Leaf
KBK : Korapu-Bolangir-Kalahandi Districts
KCCB : Koraput Central Co-operative Bank
KFD : Koraput Forest Division
KGBV : Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalaya
KMs : Kilometers
KPT : Koraput
KRIT : Koraput Regional Improvement Trust
KVK : Krishi Vigyan Kendra
L.I.P : Lift Irrigation Point
LAMPCS : Large Agriculture Multipurpose Co-operative Societies
LBW : Low Birth Weight
LDP : Land Displaced Persons
LIC : Life Insurance Corporation
LLIN : Long Lasting Insecticide Net
LMG : Light Machine Gun
LQAS : Lot Quality Assurance Survey
LWE : Left Wing Extremism
M.D.R : Major District Roads
M.S.L : Mean Sea Level
MA : Master of Arts
MAWS : Magazines and Ammunition Workshop
MB : Bachelor of Medicine
MBA : Master of Business Administration
MBPY : Madhu Babu Pension Yojana
MCH : Maternal and Child Health
MDA : Mass Drug Administration
MDD : Malaria Dengue Diarrhoea
MDR : Maternal Death Review
MES : Modular Employable Skill
MFP : Minor Forest Produce
MHT : Mobile Health Teams
MHUs : Mobile Health Units
MIDH : Mission for Integrated Development of Horticultu
MIP : Minor Irrigation Projects
xx
MLA : Member of Legislative Assembly
MNREGA : Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
MOU : Memorandum of Understanding
MSME : Micro Small Medium Enterprises
MSP : Minimum support Price
MSSRF : M.S Swaminathan Research Foundation
MT : Millian Tonne/Metric Tonne
MTUHI : Modernization and Technological up gradation of Handicraft
Industries
MUPP : Microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme
MUY : Matshyajibi Unnayana Yojana
MVU : Mobile Veterinary Unit
MW : Mega Watt
MWS : Millian Well Scheme
NABARD : National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
NABGR : National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
NAC : Notified Area Council
NAD : Naval Armament Depot
NAD : National Accounts Division
NALCO : National AluminiumCopany
NARP : National Agriculture Research Project
NATP : National Agricultural Technology Project
NBCC : New Born Care Corners
NBSU : New Born Stabilization Units
NDDP : Net District Domestic product
NFDB : National Fisheries Development Board
NFSA : National Food Security Act
NGO : Non-Government Organisation
NH : National Highway
NHM : National Health Mission
NIOS : National Institute of Open Schooling
NLEP : National Leprosy
NLM : National Livestock Mission
NMPS : National Mission for Protein Supplementation
NMPS : National Mission for Protein Supplementation
NMR : Neonatal Mortality Rate
NOAP : National Old Age Pension
NFBS : National Family Benefit Scheme
NPCBB : National Programme of Cattle & Buffalo Breeding
NPK : Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash Indigenous Technical
Knowhow
NRCs : Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre
xxi
NRLM : National Rural Livelihoods Mission)
NSSK : Navajata Sishu Suraksha Karyakrama
NSSO : National Sample Survey Organisation
NTFP : Non-Timber Forest Products
NVA : Net Value Added
NVBDCP : National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme
NWDPRA : National Watershed Development Project in Rainfed Areas
OFDC : Odisha Forest CorporationO F D C
O.D.R : Other District Roads
OADP : Odisha Agriculture Development Project
OAIC : Odisha Agro-Industry Corporation Ltd
OAPF : Odisha Auxiliary Police Force
GR : Gram Rakhis
OAPMA : Odisha Agriculture Produce Market Act
OBC : Other Backward Class
ODRAF : Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force
OEA : Odisha Estate Abolition Act
OFDC : Odisha Forest Development Corporation
OGPA : Odisha Gram Panchayat Act
OHPC : Odisha Hydro Power Corporation
OHRC : Odisha Human Right Commission
OLA : Odisha Legislative Assembly
OLIC : Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation
OLM : Odisha Livelihoods Mission
OLRDS : Odisha Livestock Resources Development Society
OMC : Odisha Mining Corporation
OMFED : Odisha Milk Federation
OPDC : Odisha Pisciculture Development Corporation
OPH&WC : Odisha Police Housing and Welfare Corporation
ORSAC : Odisha Remote Sensing Application Centre
ORTPS Act. : Odisha Right to Public Services Act
OSACS : Odisha State AIDS Control Society
OSAP : Odisha Special Armed Police
OSCMF : Odisha State Consumer Marketing Federation
OSD : Officer on Special Duty
OSDLR : Officer on Special Duty, Land Reforms
OSHB : Odisha State Housing Board
OSRTC : Odisha State Road Transport Corporation
OSSC : Odisha State Seed Corporation
OSSF : Odisha Special Striking Force
OT : One Time Tax
OTELP : Odisha Tribal Employment and Livelihood Project
xxii
OUAT : Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology
OVD : Officially Valid Documents
P M G SY : Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana
P.W.G : People‘s War Group
PCI : Pharmacy Council of India
PCR : Police Control Room
PDE : Promotion of Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme
PESA : Panchayats Extension to Schedule Areas
PFs : Protected Forests
PH : Physically
PHC : Primary Health Centers
PIA : Project Implementing Agency
PL : Protected Land
PLA : Participatory Learning and Action
PMEGP : Prime Minsiter Employment Generation Programme
PMJDY : Pradhan Mantri Jan-DhanYojana
PMS : Paper Mill Sludge
PPH : Post-Partom Haemoreage
PPP : Public-Private Partnership
PRF : Propose Reserve Forest
PRFs : Proposed Reserve Forests
PRI : Panchayat Raj Institutions
PS : Police Station
PSU : Public Sector Undertakings
PWD : Public Works Department
R & DM : Revenue and Disaster Management
RBSK : Reproductive & Child Health Services
RCHS : Rastriya Bal Swathya Karyakrama
RDC : Regional Diagnostic Centre
RDK : Rapid Diagnostic Kit
RE : Rural Electrification
RET : Rare Endemic & Threatened
RF : Reserve Forests
RI : Revenue Inspector
RKVY : Rastriya Krushi Vikash Yojana
RL : Reserve Land
RLTAP : Revised Long Term Action Plan
RMC : Regulated Market Committees
RMSA : Rastriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan
RNTCP : Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program
ROR : Record of Rights
RPF : Reserve Police Force
xxiii
RRP : Road Requirement Plan
RRTTS : Regional Research Technology Transfer Station
RRTTSS : Regional Research & Technology Transfer Sub-Station
RRTTSS : Regional Research Technology Transfer Sub-Station
RTA : Regional Transport Authority
RTE : Right to Education
RTO : Regional Transport Officer
RVEP : Remote Village Electrification Programme
RWSS : Rural Water Supplyand Sanitation
SJ&E : Social Justice and Empowerment
S&ME : Small and Medium Enterprises
SAM : Severe Acute Malnutrition
SBA : Skilled Birth Attendant
SC : Scheduled Caste
SHELM : Schleswig Holstein Evangelical Lutheran Mission Society of
Germany
SCO : Seed Certification Officer
SDH : Sub-Divisional Hospital
SDI : Skill Development Initiative
SDP : State Domestic Product
SDSP : Small Dughouse Suck and Pond
SDVO : Sub-Divisional Veterinary Officer
SEBC : Socially and Economically Backward Classes
SFC : State Finance Commission
SFDA : State Forest Development Agency
SGSY : Swarnajayanti Gram SwarojagarYojana
SH : State Highway
SHELM : Schleswig Holstein Evangelical Lutheran Mission
SHG : Self Help Groups
SIDA : Swedish International Development Agency
SLNA : State Level Nodal Agency
SMPB : State Medicinal Plant Board
SNCU : Special New Born Care Units
SNP : Supplementary nutrition programme
SOG : Special Operation Group
SOMERU : South Odisha Monitoring Evaluation and Research Unit
SOP : Standard Operating Procedure
SOVA : Southern Odisha Voluntary Organisation
SP : Superintendent of Police
SNCU : Special New Born Care Unit
SPO : Special Police officer
SPV : Special Purpose Vehicle
xxiv
SRE : Security Related Expenditure
SSA : Secondary Switching Area
SSA : Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
SSD : ST and SC Development
SSLC : Secondary School Leaving Certificate
SSP : Single Super Phosphate
ST : Scheduled Tribe
STA : State Transport Authority
STU : State Transport Undertaking
SVNIRTAR : Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation
Training and Research
SWR : South Western Range
THR : Take Home Ration
TMIP : Telingiri Medium Irrigation Project
TPH : Tones Per Hour
TRW : Tribal Rural Welfare
TSA : Total Study Area
UEE : Universalization of Elementary Education
UKHEP : Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project
UKP : Upper Kolab Project
ULB : Urban Local Body
UNDP : United Nations Development Programme
UNICEF : United Nations International Childern‘s Emergency Fund
UP : Uttar Pradesh
USSR : Union of Sovet Socialist Republic
VAT : Value Added Tax
VCRC : Vector Control Research Centre
VFs : Village Forests
VHND : Village Health Nutrition Day
VIP : Very Important Person
VLW : Village Level Workers
VS : Vidyalays
VSS : Van Sanrskhyan Samiti
VT : Veterinary Technician
WCDC : Women and Child Development Council
WDF : Watershed Development Fund
WEO : Welfare Extension Officer
WHO : World Health Organisation
WHS : Water Harvesting Structure

xxv
 CHAPTER- I

GENERAL
Introduction
The present Koraput district forms a part of the legendary
Dandakaranya or Dandaka forest which has been lavishly described in the
most famous Indian Epic, the Ramayan. From that time it has retained its
prestine beauties in shape of flora and fauna, rolling mountains, undulating
meadows, terraced valleys leading upto verdant hills, roaring waterfalls,
oozing springs, green-yellow scene of primitive crops, soothing climate,
simple populace with aboriginal culture, which inspires tourists to the land to
compare their experiences with that of Kashmir- the heaven on earth.
Koraput with her golden autumn and misty mornings of the rainy days, her
painted spring and slumbering summer and her winter ranging from fierce to
mild provides varieties of living in different seasons, rare elsewhere. Here in
spring nature and man vie with each other to make living joyous. Koraput
with her original natives living there from pre historic days yet accepting
outsiders who are so different from them in life style but are latest
development of Homo sapiens of later development is a place where old and
new coexist. Various tribes with their distinct ethnicity live on hills as well as
in valleys establishing a harmony with Mother Nature yet adjusting
themselves to the changes of time. Indeed Koraput is a museum of old and
new in nature and human endeavour. Human endeavour exhibits itself by
producing electricity from the falling Stream of Mountain River,
manufacturing sophisticated engines and mining and processing precious
minerals while rehabilitating many displaced persons and giving employment
to the local people as well as the out siders in different projects. Koraput is a
un written book for the anthropologists who read social anatomy of tribal life
and culture. Koraput has both plant life and wild life which would give years
of study to Biologists and limitless adventure for mountaineers.
Origin of the Name of the District
The district of Koraput derives its name from its headquarters, the
present town of Koraput. In ancient times when the Nalas were ruling over
this tract, Pushkari near modern Umarkote was their capital city. In the
medieval period Nandapur developed as the capital under the Silavamsi
kings and after them under the kings of the solar dynasty. Vira Vikrama Deo
th
of the solar dynasty shifted his capital to Jeypore about the middle of the 17
century and developed into a prosperous town. Koraput was chosen by the
British in 1870 for better health prospects because of its higher elevation
surrounding mountain ranges which keeps the climate cool compared to
1
Jeypore which is in a valley even though it was the seat of the Maharaja as
capital of Jeypore estate.The origin of the name of Koraput is obscure.
According to Mr. R.C.S. Bell, the name of the town is ‗Kora-Putti‘ or ―the
hamlet of the ―Nux-vomica‖ and it is derived presumably from Kora that must
at one time have been prominent near the site. Some opine that the word is
derived from KHORA a sect of people who still inhabit nearby villages.
According to the second theory, Koraput is a corrupted form of ‗Karaka-
Pentho‘. Karaka literally means ‗hail-stone‘. Another opinion is often found
that the term Kora that means the Sun God who was worshipped by the local
tribals in ancient times. Hence the town was so named.
It is also believed that one ‗Khora Naiko‘ laid foundation of the village
during the time of Nandapur kings. He hailed probably from Ranpur and
served under the Nandapur kings in the Militia, and for his faithful and
meritorious services he was permitted to establish this village which was
named after him as Khora Putu, and later on the name has been
abbreviated to ‗Koraput‘.
Location, General Boundaries and Population
The erstwhile undivided district of Koraput has been divided into four
districts, namely, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nowrangapur in 1992.
So the present Koraput district is located between 18 degree 13‘ and 19
degree 10‘ North Latitudes and 82 degree 5‘ and 83 degree 23‘ East
Longitudes. On the extreme North it is bounded by Nabarangpur district, on
the West by Bastar district of Chattisgarh State, on the South by the district
of Malkangiri and on the East by the districts of Vizianagaram and
Srikakulam of Andhra Pradesh State. Its area is 8807Sq.Kms.
Population Koraput District Profile (As per 2011 Census)
Description 2011 2001
Total 1379647 1180637
Population
Male 678809 590743
Female 700838 589894
Population 16.86% 14.67%
Growth
Area in Sq. 8807 8807
Km

The density of village population is given below.

Density of Population No. of Villages
0 to 499 1232
500 to 999 367
1000 to 1999 342
2000 above 92

2
 According to 2011 Census total population of this district is 13, 79, 647.
The table given below indicates the profile of population in this district.
Sl No Unit Total Male Female
1 Population (Total) - 2011 1379647 678809 700838
2 ST Population 697583 337373 360210
3 SC population 196540 96789 99751
4 Literacy (Total) 568090 340843 227247
5 Literacy Rural 404425 250926 153499
6 Literacy Urban 163665 89917 73748

History of the District as an administrative unit

The whole of the district of erstwhile larger Koraput comprises the ex-
estates of Jeypore and Kashipur zamindari of erstwhile Kalahandi princely
state. In the beginning when Koraput district (undivided) was consitituted
after formation of Odisha province in 1936, Kasipur was not a part of
Koraput. After independence when Kalahandi district was formed, Kasipur
continued to be its part till 1962 and in the same year it was taken out of
Kalahandi district and made a part of Koraput district as a Tahasil. Vinayak
Deo, the founder of the present Jeypore Raj family, inherited the kingdom
th
from the Silavamsis by the middle of the 15 century A.D. It is said that this
Kingdom then extended up to Budalinga of Kalahandi district in the North, up
to Kambamottu in the present Malkangiri district in the South, up to Bhaskar
River in the present Nabarangpur district in the West and up to the coastal
plains in the East. The capital of the Kingdom was at Nandapur which had
been founded by the Silavamsis. This kingdom, however, lost its
independence in 1571A.D. and became a feudatory of the Qutub Shahis of
Golkonda. The Nandapur kings started paying annual tribute to the Sultans.
th
During the time of Viravikrama Deo, who ruled in the middle of the 17
Century A.D., the amount of such annual tribute was Rs. 24,000. During the
rule of Sri Biswambhara Deo, I (1672-1676) and his successor Sri Mallaki
Mardana Krishna (1676 -1681) a number of feudal estates were created
which in course of time assumed independence. During the time of Balaram
Deo III (1711 -1713) large number of zamindars and feudatories seceded
from the Jeypore Kingdom with the help of the Marathas. Viziaram Raju of
Vizianagaram took away a large slice of coastal territory with the help of
Jafar Ali Khan, the Fouzdar of Chicacole, during the reign of Biswambhara
Deo II (1713-1752). In 1768 the descendants of Viziaram Raju claimed
Kashipuram, Nandapur, Madgol etc., under an alleged patta of Salabat Jang
and they were supported by the East India Company. Vikram Deo I, the then
ruler, held back those territories in lieu of an annual rent of Rs. 40, 000 of
which no more than three-fourths were ever paid. It was during the rule of
Vikram Deo II that the capital of the kingdom was finally transferred to
Jeypore.
3
 Though Lord Clive obtained in 1765 from the Moghul Emperor a Firman
granting the Northern Sircars to the Company and four years later
Vizagpatnam was made the headquarters of the district a century elapsed
before the British Government assumed the direct administration of Jeypore
territory. At that time the whole of modern Koraput district was not directly
under the control of the Rajas of Jeypore. There were a number of semi-
independent chiefs like the zamindar of Pachipenta and Raja of Bissam
Cuttack who were administering their own territories without having any
concern with the Jeypore kings. The Kotpad Pargana and the Salimi Mutta
were parts of Bastar till 1777 and 1828 A.D. respectively. This state of
affairs continued till 1862 A.D and on Ist January, 1863 A.D. British
Government appointed an Assistant Agent at Jeypore with jurisdiction over
the present Malkangiri, Nowrangpur and Koraput (except Narayanapatna
P.S.) sub-divisions. Another Assistant Agent at Parvatipuram with
jurisdiction over Narayapatna police station and Rayagada and Gunupur
subdivisions was also appointed under the Collector of Vizagapatam for the
administration of civil and criminal justice.
From the time of assumption of administration by the British
Government no perceptible change occurred in the territorial limits of the
Jeypore estate till the time of Vikram Deo III (1889-1920). This ruler
purchased the Pachipenta estate for six lakhs of rupees and thus the
boundary of Jeypore extended down to the Ghat near Itikavalasa. In 1920
he also acquired a portion of the Madgol estate by purchase and the other
portion was later on acquired by his son Rama Chandra Deo by
relinquishment in the year 1928 A.D.
The district of Vizagpatam, like those of Ganjam and East Godavari
districts, was divided into two sharply distinct portions, namely, the Plains
and the Agency. Due to some administrative difficulties, T. Harris, Agent to
the Governor in Vizagpatam district strongly urged the Government of
Madras to form a single administrative division of the Agencies in the three
districts. His plan was approved and in 1920, all the Agency tracts were
removed from the control of Collectors and were placed under the charge of
a Commissioner who had his headquarters at Waltair. The administrative
subdivisions were distributed as far as possible on linguistic lines overriding
the former district boundaries. The present Koraput district was parceled out
among four subdivisions called Kondh, Savara, Odia and Ghats each in
charge of an Officer, designated as Assistant Commissioner. Due to some
practical difficulties, lack of accommodation and financial stringency, the
experiment had to be abandoned in 1923. The office of the Commissioner
was abolished and the old arrangements were restored.

4
 No further changes of importance were made until the formation of
Odisha Province in 1936 when Koraput district was created and a number of
changes were found necessary. The Parlakimedi taluk was included in the
district for seven months after which it was again restored to Ganjam. The
district is now in charge of a District Magistrate and Collector with
headquarters at Koraput. There were, at the beginning, two subdivisions –
Rayagada and Koraput. Koraput subdivision comprised five taluks namely,
st
Koraput, Pottangi, Jeypore, Nowrangpur and Malkangiri. On 1 March, 1941
a new subdivision called Nowrangpur subdivision consisting of the taluks of
Malkangiri, Jeypore and Nowrangpur was created. The taluks of Koraput
and Pottangi were abolished and the Narayanapatna Agency which was
separated from Rayagada Taluk constituted the new Koraput subdivision.
The arrangement of three subdivisions continued till 1962 although
meanwhile some new taluks or tahasils were created.Subseqently Malkangiri
and Jeypore sub divisions were created. In 1992, Koraput was divided into
four districts. Present Koraput district has now two subdivisions with the
Tahsils as shown against them Koraput Sub-Division: Koraput, Nandapur,
Machkund, Pottangi, Semiliguda Bandhugaon, Narayanpatna, Laxmipur and
Dasamantpur. Jeypore: Sub-Division.Borigumma, Jeypore, Kotpad, Kundra
and Boipariguda.
Fourteen Tahasils are co terminus with fourteen Blocks vide
Notification No. 17662, Dated 19.04.2008 and No. 33533 / R &DM, Dated
06.08.2008 of the Government in Revenue and Disaster Management
Department Government of Odisha. There are 23 Police Stations in the
district.

5
 CHAPTER-II

GEOGRAPHY

Maligaon Confluence point, Murani River

Unique feature of Koraput district is that an intersection point of
longitude and latitude of earth lies in this district. It is called a Degree
Confluence point in the words of Alex Jarret, an American programmer from
New Hampshire.
The Confluence Point in Koraput District is near the village of Maligam
under Dashmantpur Police station in Laxmipur Block. It is about 25 k.m. from
Koraput. Confluence means meeting of longitude and latitude of earth. The
exact point is in the middle of the Murani River, which flows its way among
the small hills. The Point has been clearly marked on the Survey of India
Topo Sheet No 65J13, by the banks of the river. It is 19.00.000 N 83.00.000
E. However, the Confluence Point lies centered in the middle of the river.
The old 1942 Survey of India map sheet could not give the exact location on
the ground as the river had altered its course by at least 30 meters since the
survey. The only way to reach the Point was to wade through the thigh deep
water. Anil Dhir, a journalist and Kashinath Sahu located this point in 2014.

6
 The whole district can be divided into two geographical divisions each
of which can be separated by natural barriers as their respective limits with
undulated Koraput sub division and plain Jeypore sub division. The portion
of plateau which lies in the Koraput district consists of an undulating table
land profusely scattered with hundreds of little hills of remarkable similarity in
appearance. The process of denudation has advanced too far and the hills
are either covered with low scrub or disfigured with patches barred by
shifting cultivation. The average rainfall of the plateau is 1560 mm and of this
the greater part falls during the months of July and August. It is drained
westward by the rivers, Indravati, Kolab and southward by the Machkund
towards the Godavari valley. This plateau is really a rare gift of nature for its
scenic beauty. This is not so in case of Jeypore Sub-division which is more
or less plain.
Hill System
This district lies on a section of the Eastern Ghats and consists of two
natural divisions having mean elevations of 915 and 610 meters respectively
above the sea level. There are number of mountain ranges and isolated hills
that rise out of these table lands. Taking them in order from north to south
the most notable heights are Panchapat Mali (1336.89 mtrs), Karnapadi
Dongar (1487.5 mtrs) Meyamali Parbat (1500.30 mtrs) Turia Dongar
(1598.78 mtrs), Deomali (1672.56 mtrs), Polamakani Parbat (1585.67 mtrs)
and Sirimanda Parbat or Damuku (1415.24 mtrs). The village Pottangi lies
at the foot of the last named Damuku. Deomali, also known as Duhdari,
whose twin peaks can be clearly seen from Koraput on any fine day, is the
highest mountain peak in the district as also in the whole of Odisha.
In Jeypore sub-division there are low hills, some of which rise to 793
mtrs. Elsewhere, the plain is only broken by isolated hills, among which
those near Podagada (930 mtrs), Borigumma (916 mtrs) and Boipariguda
(927 mtrs) may be mentioned.
River system
The district has many rivers and perennial streams. Almost the entire
Koraput district is drained by four rivers namely the Indravati, the Kolab, the
Machkund and the Champabati or Jhanjabati, with their tributaries. These
rivers flow inland westward and the southward into the valley of the
Godavari.
Indrāvati River
The Indravati starts from the forest land of Kalahandi and after
receiving a number of perennial hill streams, rising in Kashipur Tahsil and

7
Nowrangpur and Koraput subdivisions, it enters Bastar after flowing through
Nowrangpur district and Kotpad Tahasil of Koraput. The Bhaskel joins it just
before it leaves Koraput District. It forms the beautiful Chitrakota falls about
40 kilometers west of Jagadalpur in Bastar district of Chattishgarh. The total
length is 526 kms, of which 123 kms run through Koraput district or along its
boundary.
Kolab River
The Kolab rises near Sinkaram hill on the 915 mtrs plateau, flows north-
west in a winding bed, passing eight kilometers to the south of Koraput and
falls down to the 610 mtrs plateau not far south of Jeypore. At Bagara, to
which a branch road leads from the top of the Jeypore Ghat there are three
small falls whose potentialities as sources of hydro-electric power were
investigated in the thirties of the last century. At present hydro electricity is
produced after the installation of a hydro power plant at the foot of the hill to
the side of Jeypore town which is functioning since 10.03.1988. At the end of
its decent to the Jeypore plateau the river is spanned by a fine bridge near
Kotta. It flows right across the Jeypore tahsil in a north-west direction for 32
kilometers to 48 kilometers and then suddenly runs nearly south, forming the
boundary between Koraput and Bastar. It then runs south back into this
district forming, for a few kilometers, the boundary between Nowrangpur and
Malkangiri districts passing at this point through a gorge in the wild hills to
the west of Ramagiri, which are called Tulisi Dongar range. As it issues from
this it falls about 15 mtrs into a large pool, 4 or 5 mtrs deep, into which in
days gone by, as tradition goes, witches used to be thrown with a stone
round their neck. Turning west again, and passing Salimi, the river flows into
Bastar past Sukuma, and at last again divides Bastar from Koraput, forming
the western boundary of Malkangiri subdivision for many kilometers. In the
last part of its course, it is called the Sabari or Saberi. At Motu the extreme
south-western corner of Malkangiri district it meets the Sileru to pass out of
Odisha into Andhra Pradesh and falls eventually into the river Godavari. The
total length of the Kolab - Sabari is 448 kilometers, of which all but 88
kilometers flow through this district or along its boundary.
Machkund River
The Machkund rises in the Madgol hills of Visakhapatnam district on
the 915 meters plateau, and near Wondragedda, not many miles off its
sources; it becomes the boundary between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
For some 48 kilometers or more the river runs nearly north along a very
meandering course through the wide Padwa valley. Five kilometers from the
bend and about the same distance south of Badigada the descent is barred
by a huge barrier of rock shut in on either side by walls of rock two or three
8
hundred feet in height. Below this is a sheer abyss over which the river used
to fling itself into a boiling pool half hidden by dense clouds of spray, on
which the sunlight used to throw the brightest of rainbows. In the dry season
it was possible to scramble to the edge of the abyss and look straight down
through the spray into the great pool beneath, while from beneath the scene
was the most impressive, inspiring a mixed sense of awe and beauty in the
minds of the visitors. But, with the diversion of the stream and installation of
the Machkund Hydro-electric Project that beautiful sight is no more to be
seen. These falls, with a 165-mtrs drop, are known by the name Duduma
falls presumably in the absence of an adjacent village to name them after, as
the word ‗Duduma‘ itself means ‗Waterfall‘. Below the falls for five or six
kilometers the river flows towards the south-west in a deep and a gloomy
gorge, hemmed in on both sides by rock walls seven or eight hundred feet
high into which it is impossible to descend except by the winch or the flight of
steps of the Machkund Project. The river flows down this narrow valley shut
in by high hills till it reaches Kondakamberu (Malkangiri district) 67
kilometers from Badigada. This valley of the Machkund is the most
inaccessible and the least populated region in the whole district. On the way
one meets a small village of primitive tribes named Didayis, who are not
found anywhere but in this valley, while at one point the path runs through
dense forests for twenty four kilometers without any sight of human
habitation. The surrounding forests used to serve as admirable abode of wild
life and even in the middle of summer there is a broad stream in the river
some 0.70 meter deep. It would be possible to make the whole journey from
the falls to Kondakamberu in a dugout canoe at any time of the year. At
Kondakamberu (427 meters above sea-level) the river is some 7.31 meters
wide and unaffordable at all seasons. It is now joined by a large tributary,
the Gurupriya, which rises in the high hills of Madgol and flows entirely
through forest down a steep and rocky course. A few miles beyond
Kondakamberu the river assumes the name ‗Sileru‘ (Rocky stream) and
once again becomes the boundary of the State, separating it this time from
the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. It flows by a much steeper
gradient than before, abounding in Mahaseer ( a rare type of game fish) and
crocodiles until at Motu it joints Sabari. Nothing can excel the supreme
beauty of this lonely river, with its bamboo-covered banks, its deep long
reaches of water, it falls, its grass-covered islets and its rushing clear water.
Its length is 294 Kms, of which there is a sixty one kilo meter flow through
this district and 192 kms along its boundaries.
Champabati / Jhanjabati River
The river Champabati and Jhanjabati rises in Bijaghati hills of Pottangi
area as two small strips. After flowing some kilometers at Goriagada of
9
Narayanapatna they join together and become a river named Jhanjabati.
The river flows through Narayanapatna and Rayagada areas until it joins
the river Nagavali.
Lakes and Tanks
No lakes exist in the district. Tanks are not numerous, but large
embankments holding up wide sheets of water known as ‗Sagar‘ exist at
Jeypore and Kotpad. The Jagannath Sagar at Jeypore, the Damayanti
Sagar at Kotpad are some of the largest tanks in the district. These tanks,
which owe their existence to the enterprise of former rulers of the country,
are intended primarily for drinking purposes, but they are also sometimes
tapped for irrigation and fishery. Smaller four sided tanks, excavated in low-
lying land, are known as ‗Mundas‘ or ‗Bandhas‘. Most of these have been
built by charitable persons to commemorate their piety, and they are
intended only for drinking or bathing.
Immediately to the west of the town of Jeypore there is a great tank
called ‗Jagannath Sagar‘ which is one mile long and half a mile wide. It never
dries up in the summer.
Near Kotpad the Indrāvati behaves like a deltaic river spreading out into
depressions and leaving oxbow lakes. Some of the lakes contain water
throughout the year and breed various fish and birds.
In the upstream area of th Kolab hydro electric project, there exists the
beautiful Kolab reservoir spread over a huge area in Koraput sub division. it
is very scenic and has huge potential for development as a tourist spot.
Geological details
The Indian peninsula may be pictured as a triangular slab with its
eastern and western edges curled up forming the Eastern and Western
Ghats respectively. In earlier geological times the zone now occupied by the
Eastern Ghats in Odisha was at the base level, comparable to the preset-
day lower levels of the central part of the peninsula with all the streams
draining eastward. Even at that time the main streams like the Brahmani,
the Mahanadi and the Godavari were in existence, the general slope of the
surface was also at that time towards the east. This surface was flat though
gently undulating but with residual hills rising here and there to a height of
about 305 to 610 meters. Sometime subsequent to the deposition of the
Gondwana beds south-west of Cuttack and in Angul, the eastern zone
continues to rise along a belt extending from the Chhota Nagpur plateau in
Bihar, through Ganjam and Koraput and into Madras. Downward erosion
along the old drainage lines, however, kept pace with this uplift and the main

10
streams maintained more or less their old courses. It is also probable that
stream alignments were partly influenced by trough faulting in the direction of
the main river valleys, as it will be noted that the faulted boundaries of the
Talcher-Rampur Gondwana basins follow the trend of the main N.W.S.E.
valleys. Uplift did not take place at a single stage, the first uplift of the order
of about 305 meters giving rise to a plateau, the edges of which soon
became deeply eroded. The undulating uplands of this plateau became
covered with an extensive capping of late rite.
The Koraput plateau and the high hills of the Eastern Ghats are the
representatives of this early lateralized surface.After prolonged erosion of
this old plateau during which its western part was reduced to a peneplain,
uplift was renewed. The older surface was carried to a level of 915 meters,
and the newer peneplain to 610 meters. Subsequent erosion has removed
much of this second peneplain, but part of it is preserved in the 610 meters
plateau of Jeypore.
Geological Antiquity
The district falls naturally into two parts each characterized by a
distinct suite of rocks, the 2,000-foor plateau of Jeypore with its much lower
extension into the Malkangiri subdivision and the high hilly regions of the
Eastern Ghats lying between the Jeypore plateau and the Visakhapatnam
coastal plains. The inland hill tract of the district is chiefly composed of
rocks of a very ancient age, so completely altered and crystallized by
metaphorism that all traces of their original nature are lost and any organic
remains, which they may originally have contained, obliterated. The same
rocks cover enormous area in eastern and southern India and are usually
spoken of in works on ‗Indian Geology‘ as the crystalline or metamorphic
series.
The plateau is an eastern extension of the great plains of Bastar with
which it is geologically connected. On its eastern and southern sides, it is
bounded by the high lands of the Rayagada district and the Eastern Ghats,
respectively. Within the Koraput district itself the Jeypore plateau attains a
width of nearly 64 kilometers at one place in an east-west direction and it
maintains almost uninterruptedly an average elevation of nearly 610 meters
above the sea-level for 160 kilometers in a north-south direction. The
northern edge of the plateau ends against the high lands of Raipur district
and its southern edge is reached near Ramagiri and the Kolab. From here
the main plateau descends into the low-lying tracts of Malkangiri about 274
meters high at their northern end and gradually falling away in a south-
westerly direction to 46 meters at Motu at the extreme south-western corner
of the district.The oldest rocks of the above region are a series of
11
metamorphosed sediments, which have been intruded successively by
granites, green stones, charnockites and dolerites. As a result of different
types of metamorphism, the texture of these rocks is either schistose or
gneissose. They all belong to the great Archaean system of the Indian
Peninsula.
Geological Formation of the District
The chief groups of the district are Archacans, Cuddapans, Tertiary and
recent formations like Lateite and Alluyvium.The Archacans of the district
may be divided into two main rock groups Sedimentary rocks and their
metamorphic variants with which are associated basis igneous rocks. Winder
spread intrusions of granite and charnockites.
The Sedimentary Archacan rocks of the district are highly
metamorphosed. The chief rock type consists of quartz, garnet and
sillimanite with some feldspars and graphite and very often manganese and
iron minerals and is known as Khondalite. In a few localities calcgneisses,
quartz-veins, garnetiferous quarzites, crystalline limestone are associated
with typical khondalites, Khondalitic rocks form a part of the Koraput plateau
which passes southwards into the Visakhapatnam district in Andhra
Pradesh.
Metamorphosed Archacan sediments of a different type which have not
suffered such intense metamorphism as the khondalites occupy large areas
on the western and south-westerbn parts of the Jeypore plateau and extend
into the lower tracts of Malkangiri. These rocks known as the Bengal series
extend westwards into Bastar where they are better developed and were first
studied and named by Dr. H. Crookshank. Included within the Bengpals of
Koraput district are andalusite bearing grits and schists, chlorite and beitite
schists and coarse crystalline quartzites and associated with them are
haematite- quartzites, banded magnetite and gruineite-quartzite and calc-
grannulite.
The above Archacan sediments are associated with basic laves and
minor intrusions which are also present in the gneisses to be described next.
The basic rocks have been subjected to varying degrees of metamorphism
and in all probability belong to more than one period. They consist of
epidiorites, amphibolites, hornblende diopside-chlorite and talc-schists. The
green stone intrusions in the Tulsi and Lokki hills assume enormous
proportions for rocks of this type.
In most parts of Koraput the metamorphosed sediments have not been
separated from the igneous rocks intruded into them. The following types

12
have, however, been noted and may be correlated with the Bengpals of
Bastar.
1. Grits with andalusite in the Lokki and Tulsi hills.
2. Andalusite schists in the Kolab valley near Salimi.
3. Banded haematitie-quartzites at Akkuru-Parratam.
4. Chlorite and biotite-schists in the Pettangunga reserved forest.
5. Banded-magnetite and Grunerite quartzites at mile 2 of the
Malkangiri-Balimela road.
6. Coarse-crystalline quartites in the hills filling the angle between the
Sileru and Sabari rivers.
By far the commonest rock type on the Jeypore plateau and in the
Malknagiri district is granite gnesis. In the low-lying area between Malkangiri
and Salimi this is coarse porphyritic rock but it becomes finer as one
approaches the margin of the Eastern Ghats. Here it is associated with
numerous bands of hornblende-schist of uncertain origin.
The complex group of granite-gneisses and metamorphic rocks has
been so much altered by regional metamorphism and different cycles of
igneous activity that the nature of the parent rocks cannot always be
determined. Some of them may represent the crystralline products of true
melts whereas others appear to be hybrids or remnants of older rocks which
have absorbed liquid or have been altered by gaseous and liquid
emanations. Other types of gneisses found in the district are porphyritic
granite-gneiss, garnetiferous grantitoid-gneiss, fine-grained biotite-gneiss
and charnockites. Garetirerous-gneisses are mineralogically similar to
biotite-granite but are characterized by an abundance of red garnet. They
vary from coarse-grained banded gneisses and typical injection gneisses to
entirely massive granites and carry bands and patches of basic
hypersthenes-grannulites and other dark coloured rocks. Basic charnockites
occur in the form of minor patches or bands. Associated with the granite-
gneisses near Koraput are some very interesting nepheline syenites. These
are of two types, the first light in colour with streak and patches of biotite and
hornblendes and the second composed of porphyritic masses of nepheline
in a mylonitic matrix.
Immediately on the western side of the charnockite massif of the
Eastern Ghats in Malknagiri district occur very fine-grained bniotite gneiss
quite different from the coarsely crystalline granite-gneiss described earlier.
It consists of fine angular grains of quartz and feldspar with a variable but
small quantity of green biotite. This gneiss was formerly regarded as
13
sedimentary in origin but Dr. Crook Shank thinks that it is a granulated
variety of a slightly porphyritic granite-gneiss which occurs further west.
Garnet is rather rare in this biotite-gneiss which is associated with numerous
bands of hornblende-schist of uncertain origin. Large masses of white
crystalline quartzite occur in many places among the hornblende-schists and
biotite gneisses.
Hypersthene- gneisses and huypersthene- granulites (charnockites)
varying in composition from basic to acid are found as intrusions in the older
gneisses within a few miles of the main range of the Eastern Ghats. They
intrude, at many places, khondalites giving rise to some very interesting
contact phenomena in certain localities.The most striking of these is the
development of the rare mineral sapphirine and green spineland local
cordierite. Massive charnockites grade to hypersthenes-gneisses which also
vary in composition from basic to acid and these in turn are found to grade
into biotite-gneisses. It is difficult at places to decide whether to classify
some specimens as charnockite or as biotite-gnesis.
Associated with the hypersthenes-gneisses of Malkangiri some
gneissic-soda-granites are believed to have originated by the invasion of the
pre-existing rocks by alkaline solutions.
It has been observed that the trend of the schistose inclusions in the
gneisses, the strike of the basic rocks and khondalites and the trend of
Cuddapahs all conform to the foliation of the gneisses in the neighborhood.
Dolerites which are commonly almost unaltered occur as intrusions
both in the older gneisses and in the charnockites along the western margin
of the Jeypore plateau. The age of the newer dolerites is clearly younger
than that of the charnockites as dykes of the former cut the charnockites at
several places. None of these newer dolerite dykes has yet been found to
intrude into the Cuddapahs and in all probability the newer dolerites are
older than the rocks of the Cuddapah system.
Many of the above rock types occupy larger areas of the Koraput and
Jeypore plateaus. Resting unconfirmably on the surface of the Archacans
along the Bastar-Koraput border from latitudes 18degree 22‘ to 18 degree
32‘ and again from latitudes 18 degree 48‘ to 19 degree21‘, lie a series of
ancient unfossiliferous sedimentaries doubtfully referred to as the
Cuddapahs. The rocks are normally horizontally bedded but marginally they
are frequently folded and faulted. The main part of this series in Koraput
district is formed of purple shales and slates with inter-calations of
limestones in placed overlying a variable thickness of coarse white quartzite.
Exposures of these are seen around the Gupteswar-Siriveda area near

14
 Jeypore and Damanjodi-Kondajodi area near Kotpad. Laterite cappings of
the Koraput district are over 915 meters high. High level laterite is also
known at heights of 915 meters to 1220 meters capping the khondalites. It
is also found on the 610 meters Jeypore plateau near Kotpad.
Mineral Wealth
Koraput district with its fascinating natural beauty, rich tribal cultural
heritage has a potential reserve of bauxite, limestone, decorative-dimension
stone which fetches crores of rupees annually as royalty for State Exchequer
and supports the industrial progress of the state. There is also promising
gemstone occurrence and gold mineralization within the district
The following paragraphs are a brief account of the economic minerals
of the district.The important major mineral of the district are Bauxite,
limestone abd china Clay.
The following table gives the list of working mining activity of Koraput
district
Sl. Location the mining Name of the Name of Average Average
No lease lease the Mineral monthly monthly mining
mineral revenue
excavation credited to
quantity in M.T Government
Treasury
01 Panchapattamali M/S NALCO Ltd Bauxite 5 Lakhs 7 crore
Bauxite, Mines,
02 Ampavalley M/S IDC Ltd Limestone 30,000 24 Lakhs
Limestone Mines

Although there has been no sustained prospecting, it is well known that

the district is rich in mineral deposits of which the important ones are given
below
Clay
At several places on the Koraput plateau particularly near the district
headquarters, large and small sized deposits of china-clay of inferior quality
are present. Pottery clay deposits are found in the immediate vicinity of
Jeypore, Demsaguda and Bondosal in huge quantities and are being used in
the Jeypore factory. Kaolin occurrences are reported from Boipariguda,
Oduguda and Musoriguda, but the Kaolin is sandy and stained. Fireclay is
seen near Deodar. Its plasticity is good, shrinkage is 7.5 per cent and it
stands 1,400 C of temperature. The river alluvium near Jeypore carries vast
quantities of pottery clay. At both places theclay is used by the local tile
factories for the manufacture of roofing and paving tiles, drain pipes, flower
pots, vases etc.

15
Limestone
Extensive deposits of fluxgrade limestone are found in the Siriveda,
Gupteswar areas in the Ramagiri Police Station and Kondajodi-Dumajodi
areas in the Kotpad tahsil. Limestones of excellent quality (cement grade)
are found in an area nearly eight square miles between Umpavalli and
Tummiguda villages in the Pottangi tahsil. Apart from these, minor
occurrences of limestone and lime kankar are found all over the district.
Manganese
Important deposits are found in the places Devajolla and Kuttingi
Deposits of other minor occurrences are found at Khalkona, Pukkiti,
Dumriput, Koraput in Koraput subdivision.
Mica
It is found in workable quantities near Borigumma and Kimka.
Ochre
Minor deposits of yellow ochre are found near Boipariguda.
Bauxite
For its vast reserve of bauxite, the ore for aluminium ―The wonder
Metal‖, the district has acquired a distinct place in the global mineral map. In
the district, bauxite occurs as duricrust on a number of khondalite plateaux.
The most important plateaux are Panchpatmali, Pottangi, Maliparbat,
Karnapodikonda, Kodingamali, Ballada, and parts of Chittamgundi plateau
(Odisha portion).In addition, there are a number of smaller plateaux like
Hatimali, Gusuramali, Ramagarh, Chemamali, Sargighatimali, Karki, Khurji,
Barhapadar, Kaurikhala, Geruput etc. In this bauxite, the main aluminous
mineral is gibbsite. Of these plateaux the 21 kms long and average width of
2.5 km, Panchpatmali plateau is the longest one in Asia. This is the only
working bauxite mine in the district and caters to the entire need of National
Allumium Company (NALCO).
Limestone
Limestone is the Second most important mineral of the district after
bauxite. Basing on genesis limestone can be divided into three groups i.e.
igneous, sedimentary and organo-sedimentary. Out of these, the igneous
variety occurs around Umpavali village in Sunki valley and is the most
important limestone deposit. From field disposition and chemical character
this has been termed as ‗Carbonatite‘. The chief CaCO3 bearing mineral is
calcite. This limestone mainly conforms to cement grade, but there are also
flux grade bands.
16
 The sedimentary limestone is reported from Binsuli area.The organo-
sedimentary (stromatolitic) limestone is reported from Gupteswar-Dumajodi-
Kondajodi tract.
Dimension stone
The district has a substantial reserve of dimension and decorative
stone. Among these, the dolerites of Girigaon, Bichalkota and augen gneiss
of Marichamal, Charanguli and Telari, pink granite of Binesuar and
Porphyritic granite of Pottangi are important. The augen gneiss, because of
its mosaic look on polished surface is of export quality.
Mica
Mica occurrences reported from Limca Dabugurha, Kudamandi,
Kanapadar. However these occurrences limited both in quality and quantity.
Quartzite
Quartzite occurrences have been identified around Dalapur,
Kumahandi, Pandrichintalu, Bangariguda of Koraput district.
Graphite
Graphite has been reported in the district from Raishila.
Nepheline Syenite
Nepheline Syenite is exposed around Chindri and Mastiput villages.
Soap Stone
Soap stones are reported from Minarbali and Kenduput villages.
Gold and Semi-precious Stone
Field evidences gathered so far have given hope for future prospects of
the district in respect of these items -
Gold
The hope for future prospects of the district with respect to gold
mineralization is confirmed by identification of an auriferous tract over 15 sq.
km around Bathiguda, Pandiguda & Malayaguda in Kolab river catchment
area.
Semi-precious Stones
Occurrence of cat‘s eye, moonstone in Turia and Lula indicate
possibility of gem tracts in the district.

17
Climate
The climate of the major portion of the district which lies in the plateau
region to the west of the Eastern Ghats is more like that of the Deccan than
that of the east-coast region. But due to the elevation and its situation in the
north-eastern corner of the Deccan plateau the climate is milder than in the
main Deccan plateau. The year may be divided into four seasons, the hot
season from March to May, the monsoon season from June to September,
the post-monsoon months October and November, and the cold season from
December to February.
Records of rainfall are available for nine stations in the district for
periods ranging from 1995 to 2015. The average annual rainfall over the
district is 1,560 mm. the spatial distribution of rainfall is largely influenced by
the Eastern Ghats which run roughly from south-west to north-east. Areas to
the eastern side of the Ghats get lesser rain than those on the Ghats and to
their west, the latter being on the windward side during the monsoon
season. During the other season there is not much difference in the rainfall
over the areas on the Ghats and to the west.
The monsoon currents rising up the hills, which here from the Eastern
Ghats almost like a boundary wall stretching from north-east to south-west in
the eastern border of the district, cause heavy precipitation on the hills and
on their western slopes. By the time the currents have gone over the hills
much of its water content has dropped. The areas, lying east of the hill
system may be called under rain-shadow, receive much less rainfall. Koraput
region with an elevation of 3,000 feet has an average of 1,700 mm.
Seventy-nine percent of the annual rainfall in the district falls during the
monsoon season. July and August are rainiest months in the year. The
variation in the rainfall from year to year is not large. During the fifty-year
period 1901 to 1950, year 1914 was the year with the highest rainfall
amounting to 129 per cent of the normal. The lowest rainfall in the district
occurred in 1920 and amounted to 69 per cent of the normal. During the fifty-
year period there were only five years when the rainfall was less than 80 per
cent of the normal.
About frequency of rainfall, analysis of data collected for the period
from 1901 to 1959 reveals tha for 33 years rainfall in the district was
between 1,300 and 1,700 mm.
On an average on 82 days in a year rainfall of 2.5 mm or more occurs.
As with the amount of rainfall, the number of rainy days is more on the Ghats
and the portion of the district to the west than the portions on the eastern
side of the Ghats.
18
 The heaviest rainfall in 24 hours which fell in the district was 546.1 mm
th
(21.5‖) at Pottangi on 14 October, 1931. In July 1962 Jeypore received
th th
heavy rainfall 1.216 mm (27.9‖) during the month. On 9 and 10 of the
month when rainfall was heaviest it recorded 283.2 mm (11.1‖) and
287.3mm (11.3‖).
Temperature
Meteorological data are available for a few years from the observatory
at Koraput. December is the coldest part of the year with the mean daily
minimum temperature at 11.2 degree C (52.2 degree F.). Both day and night
temperatures progressively increase after January till May which is the
hottest month. On individual days in this month and in June before the onset
of the monsoon maximum temperatures may reach over 38 degree C (100.4
degree F). Thereafter temperatures decrease with the onset of the monsoon.
During the monsoon, weather is cool and pleasant with day temperatures
nearly the same as those in the cold season.
Spatial distribution of temperature varies widely. On the 2,000 feet
plateau the maximum in summer may go up to 112 degree although the
temperature at Koraput may not be over 103 degree. Similarly, in winter the
3,000 feet plateau of Koraput may be very cold while the 2,000‘ plateau at
Jeypore may be called cool.
Humidity
Humidity is generally high especially in the monsoon and post-monsoon
months. In other months, afternoons are comparatively drier. Daily variation
of temperature causes morning dew which farmers dislike.
Humidity varies widely between the monsoon months of July and
August and the winter months of November and December. The aridity of
different regions also varies very widely. Koraput has enough water going
down the streams to serve men and cattle even in the hottest of summer.
Winds
During the summer months winds are generally light and blow from
directions mainly between south and west. During the monsoon season
winds strengthen and blow from a South-westerly or westerly direction. In
the post-monsoon and cold seasons winds are light and variable.
Special Weather Phenomena
The district is affected by depression from the Bay of Bengal
particularly in September and October that cause high wind and widespread

19
heavy rain. A few thunder storms occur in the pre-monsoon months. Fog
occurs in the months of November to January.
In the monsoon months on the 3,000 foot plateau, it rains for days
together. At present, due to deforestation and mining activities intensity of
rain has been changed and occasionally noticed. The rain fall generally
occurs due to depression.
Rainfall
The district receives maximum rainfall during the months from June to
October from Southwest monsoon. A careful study of pattern of rainfall
distribution in temporal and geographical and special aspect reveals that in
three years i.e. 2004, 2006 and 2013 received highest rainfall among other
years.
Year / Monthwise Average Rainfall Report (in mm) of Koraput District
from 1995-2015 (upto 23.07.2015)
Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total
1995 34.2 118 - 20 348 148 399 286 248 140 9 - 1750.2
1996 2 - - - 23 126 418 321 225 15 18 - 1148
1997 8 - 19 69 32 92 322 300 298 3 62 35 1240
1998 - 18 - 29 33 202 343 182 461 135 82 - 1485
1999 - - 28 - 211 274 161 520 167 35 - - 1396
2000 - 33 - 40 82 457 333 403 350 30 - - 1728
2001 - - 3 99 205 247 458 615 241 90 - - 1958
2002 45 - - 47 12 398 365 335 119 120 - - 1441
2003 - - - 100 - 57 409 519 201 200 - - 1486
2004 35 - - - - 342 483.5 415 518 519 - - 2312.5
2005 - - - - 30 245 230.5 275 290 24 4 - 1098.5
2006 - - 22.4 84.5 114 182.6 493.5 654.9 346.6 51.55 - - 1950.2
2007 - - - 36 72 261 166 276 270 226 - - 1307
2008 40.1 14.3 52.1 16.5 12.86 197.3 235.5 412.5 315 35.92 4.28 - 1336.4
2009 6.54 1.08 1.27 0.18 34.35 95.35 434.7 233.9 124.5 91.29 30.02 1.13 1054.3
2010 27.1 5.6 2.74 21.9 62.24 98.07 389.9 324.3 383.6 137.6 82.24 28.8 1564.1
2011 3.71 5.29 1.64 72.5 51.76 146.8 224.2 308.3 338.6 11.39 0.57 6.66 1171.4
2012 17 0.07 5.23 45.7 16.41 128.3 349.2 521.5 268.7 55.63 104.1 - 1511.9
2013 16.7 2.27 1.21 81.8 25.21 532.5 349.2 311.7 211.9 292.6 6 - 1831.1
2014 1.82 4.03 44.6 37.1 104.5 156.4 509.7 400.6 258.8 202.3 3.07 4 1726.8
2015 1.11 2.83 23.4 85.6 57.7 336.1 113.2 -- -- -- -- -- 619.96

20
 The rainfall trends in 2008 reveals two things i.e. the rainfall spread
across all the months except December and highest rainfall in the month of
July. In the Graph given below shows yearly changes in the rainfall.
However, the range of rainfall remains between 1000 mm to 2300 mm.

1000
800
600
400 2014

200 1995

0
Mar

Oct
Nov
June

Aug
Apr
Jan

July

Dec
Sept
Feb

May

Month wise Rain Fall distribution during the year 1995-2015

Rainfall
(in mm)
3000
2000
1000 Rainfall
0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21

21
Total Rain Fall distribution during the year 1995-2015
Rainfall is the important element of the economy of a district like
Koraput. Although the monsoons affect most part of the district, there is
great regional and temporal variation in the distribution of rainfall. Over 80%
of the annual rainfall is received in the four rainy months of June to
September. Monsoon sets in around middle of June (or sometimes late May)
and continues till September (sometimes upto October) Nearly 80% of the
rainfall is received from the southwest monsoon coming from Arabian sea
side. During the monsoon the wind direction is from west or south west. The
distribution of rainfall is influenced by the Eastern Ghat hill ranges.Regions
on the wind ward side (Western side of the hills) receive more rains than
others.
During the last 20 years the highest rainfall occurred during 2004 and
the lowest rainfall was during 2009. Barring 2009 the rain fall in the district is
steady. Though the variation is not much, rain is significant from July to
September .This is probably due to the gross ecological changes brought
about by gradual deforestation due to Podu cultivation.

22
 CHAPTER-III

HISTORY
Early History
The territory comprising the existing district of Koraput with its hills and
impenetrable fastnesses was a part of the ancient Atavika land referred to in
the Special Rock Edicts of Asoka. From these edicts it is known that the
Atavika people were a great source of strength of Kalinga. In the third
century B. C Asoka occupied Kalinga in 261 B. C, but the land of the
Atavikas which could not be conquered remained outside his empire. The
emperor in his special rock Edict, No. 2, clearly referred to the Atavika
people as his unconquered neighbours. The fierce and war-like people of
that territory were a constant source of anxiety for him and he was trying his
best to appease them and make them his allies. He eschewed the idea of
subduing them by his military prowess and initiated a sublime idea of
conquering the hearts of these people by paternalism flavoured with love.
Very little is known about the history of this region after Asoka till the rise of
the Mahameghavahana dynasty in the first century B. C. when Kalinga
regained her political predominance. Under Kharavela, the third ruler of this
dynasty, Kalinga became one of the strongest power in India and the Atavika
land comprised an important part of her growing empire. This territory
appears to have been referred to as the 'invincible Vidyadhara region' in the
Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela. This inscription reveals that
Kharavela in his fourth regnal year pulled the resources of the invincible
Vidyadhara territory that had been the military recruiting ground for the
former kings of Kalinga and marched to the west to subdue the Rathikas and
Bhojakas. From this record it becomes clear that the forest-clad territory
lying to the west of Kalinga formed a great source of strength for that
kingdom in ancient times. Nothing more, however, is known about the history
of this territory during the pre-Christian centuries.
The Satavahanas
The Nasik Inscription of Vasisthiputra Pulumavi dated in his 19th regnal
year (Cir. 149 A. D.) indicates that this region formed a part of the extensive
empire of Gautamiputra Satakarni (Cir. 106—130 A. D.) which extended
from the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) to the Eastern Ghats (Mahendragiri).
Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by Vasisthiputra Pulumavi (Cir.
130—159 A. D.) who maintained the integrity of the empire but after him it
rapidly began to decline. The next great king of this dynasty was Sri Yajna
Satakarni who flourished from Cir. 174 to 202 A. D. but it is not known
whether the easternmost region including Koraput formed part of his empire.

23
The Ikshvakus
In the third century A. D. the supremacy of the Andhra Satavahanas
was supplanted by that of the Ikshvakus but the Ikshvaku dominion was not
as extensive as the Satavahana empire. The epigraphical records of the
Ikshvakus are found in the Eastern Deccan whereas the Satavahana
inscriptions are found both in the Eastern and Western Deccan. Evidently
the Ikshvaku dominion comprised the eastern part of the Satavahana empire
and Sri B. V. Krishna Rao is of opinion that it extended over Andhradesa,
Kalinga and Kosala and from the banks of Penna or Pinakini on the south to
the foot of the Mekala range on the north. The inscriptions as well as the
Puranas testify to the fact that Sri Santamula, the founder of the Ikshvaku
power, acquired great wealth and won extensive territories by Digvijaya,
after which he performed several Vedic sacrifices including a horse-sacrifice.
His son and successor, Mathariputra Sri Virapurushadatta was by far the
greatest monarch of this dynasty and under his rule the Ikshvaku suzerainty
embraced the whole of the Eastern Deccan. Thus Koraput region passed
from the hands of the Satavahanas to those of the Ikshvakus in the third
century A. D.
The Vakatakas
By the middle of the third century A. D. the Vakatakas came to
prominence in North Deccan and Vindhyasakti, the founder of the dynasty,
succeeded in extending his kingdom from Malaya to Vidarbha. Pravarasena
I, the son and successor of Vindhyasakti, widely extended his patrimony in
all directions, after which he performed four horse-sacrifices signifying
probably his successful campaigns in four quarters. His conquest of eastern
and north-eastern region very likely brought Bastar-Koraput area to the
Vakataka dominion. The great achievements of Pravarasena justify his
proud title of 'Samrat' which he assumed after performing a Vajapeya
sacrifice. None of the successors of Pravarasena claimed this ancestral title
although they ruled over quite extensive territories probably because none of
them performed this significant Vedic sacrifice. Pravarasena I was
succeeded by his son, Rudrasena who according to scholars was the same
as Rudradeva of Allahabad Pillar Inscription who was killed by
Samudragupta. Dr. A. S. Altekar, however, dismisses this supposition and
argues that Samudragupta did not overthrow Rudrasena and that his
conquests did not materially affect the Vakataka interests.
But the Koraput region was not under the rule of the Vakatakas at the
time of Samudragupta's campaign in Cir. 350 A. D. This region forming part
of the Mahakantara territory was then under a king named Vyaghraraja
whom Samudragupta claims to have defeated. The territory of Mahakantara
24
is very likely the same as the land of Maha vana referred to in one
Nagarjunakonda Inscription and it comprised the modern Koraput and
Kalahandi tracts. The Koraput region did not probably form a part of the
Gupta empire. None of the Gupta kings after Samudragupta are known to
have made a military venture towards south and south-west and Gupta
influence in the Deccan was more of cultural than of political importance.
Matrimonial relations of the Gupta monarchs with the Vakataka ruling family
of Berar region and with the Kadambas of Banavasi, the use of the Gupta
era in the official records of some kings like Bhimasena of South Kosala,
Prithivi Vigraha of Kalinga, Madhava Varman of Kongoda and Sambhuyasas
of Toshali; the discovery of the coin of king Mahendraditya in South Kosala,
as well as that of the Satara Gupta coin hoards are some of the important
vestiges to point out the cultural contact of the Gupta power with south and
south-eastern India. The political influence of the Gupta kings over this
region was short-lived but their cultural influence could endure for a long
time. The emergence of Saivism and Vaishnavism in the inaccessible region
of Koraput may be attributed to the influence and inspiration of the Gupta-
Vakataka culture.
The Nalas
In the 4th-5th century A. D. the Nalas rose to prominence with their
headquarters at Pushkari in the Umarkot tahsil of Nawarangpur district. We
know about the Nalas directly from four of their inscriptions, two inscribed on
copper plates and the other two on stones. The copperplate inscriptions are
the Rithapur plates of king Bhavadatta Varman and the Kesaribeda plates of
king Arthapati, and the two stone inscriptions are Podagada Inscription of
Skandavarman, son of Bhavadatta Varman and the Rajim Inscription of
Vilasatunga. We have also obtained 32 gold coins issued by Varaharaja, Sri
Arthapati Raja and Bhavadatta Varman. Short discussions on the
inscriptions and coins of the Nala kings have already been given above. Sri
S. N. Rajguru draws our attention to seal No. 25 found from the excavation
of Vita, belonging to a king named Brishadhwaja whose appallation
resembles that of the Nala king. Sri Rajguru is inclined to take Brishadhwaja
as one of the early Nala kings and the Vita seal has been attributed by Sir
John Marshall to the 3rd or 4th century A. D.
The Nala kings claimed descent from the famous King Nala of the
Nishadas described in the epics. It is supposed that Narwar, a variant of
Nalapura, situated on the right bank of the Kalasindhu, 40 miles to the south-
west of Gwalior, was the capital of the king Nala. Nothing definite, however,
can be said about it and we may say that the earliest known historical King
of this dynasty whose name is recorded as Brishadhwaja flourished in

25
Central India in Cir. fourth century A. D. The power of the early Nala kings
increased rapidly and by the time of king Varaharaja in early fifth century A.
D. the political supremacy of the Nalas extended over Bastar-Koraput
territories. The Edenga hoard of gold coins issued by king Varaharaja clearly
testifies to the fact that the Nalas were a mighty and prosperous power in the
fifth century A. D. ruling over north-eastern part of the Deccan. The rise of
the Nalas was a great challenge against the prestige and power of the
Vakataka monarchs and a clash between these two powers became
inevitable. It has already been pointed out that the Vakatakas held sway
over the Bastar-Koraput region at the time of Pravarasena I, but after him
their political influence declined for sometime over that region. The Vaka-
takas had to face formidable challenge of the Nala powers from the time of
Pravarasena II who attempted to recapture the lost territories. Under
Narendrasena, the son and successor of Pravarasena II, the Vakatakas
suffered serious reverses at the hands of the Nalas. The Nala king
Bhavadatta Varman who consolidated his power in Bastar-Koraput region,
invaded the Vakataka dominion and penetrated as far as Nandi-vardhana
which was one of the headquarters of the Vakatakas. Narendrasena
admitted defeat and was forced to surrender a part of his territory to the
victor who is known to have granted a village in Yeotmal in the heart of the
Vakataka dominion. After his victory, Bhavadatta Varman is known to have
proceeded up to Prayaga where he took his sacred bath at the confluence of
the Ganga and the Jamuna and granted lands to the Brahmins. It is not
known whether Prayaga was included in the empire of Bhavadatta Varman,
but there is no doubt that the Nala empire extended far and wide and
embraced a considerable portion of the Deccan and Northern India during
his time.
Bhavadatta Varman was succeeded by his son Arthapati Bhattaraka
who continued the struggle with the Vakataka power, but was subsequently
defeated and killed by Pravarasena II, the successor of Narendrasena. The
temporary eclipse of the Nala power has been referred to in the Podagada
stone inscription of Koraput district, wherefrom it is known that the lost glory
and prestige of the Nala dynasty were retrieved by Skanda Varman, the
brother of Arthapati. Skanda Varman must have defeated the Vakataka
power to regain his independence and he rehabilitated the city of Pushkari
which had been destroyed during the war with the Vakatakas. The rising
power of the Nalas under Skanda Varman was, however, short-lived and
soon after him they were completely defeated and crushed by Chalukya
Kirtivarman, who was said to be 'a night of death' to Nalas. After this serious
reverse they apparently shifted to South Kosala and ruled there for
sometime. The Rajivalochan Temple Inscription at Rajim preserves the

26
names of three generations of Nala kings Prithviraja, Viruparaja and
Vilasatunga. The Nalas, however, were not completely ousted from the
Bastar-Koraput regions and a copperplate grant discovered from the village
Pandiyapathara near Aska reveals that even as late as the 10th century A.
D. one Nala king named Bhimasena was ruling over the territory known as
Khindira-sringamandala comprising parts of modern Ganjam and Koraput
districts.
The Matharas
Contemporaneous with the early Nalas of Pushkari the Matharas ruled
over the eastern coast of modern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh and their
territory comprised for sometime parts cf Koraput district. The earliest known
Mathara king was Visakha Varman who started his rule about the middle of
the fourth century A. D. from Sripura identified with modern Batia Sripura
near Parlakimedi in Ganjam district. The territory considerably extended
under the next ruler Uma Varman who assumed the title of 'Lord of Kalinga'
and made Simhapura, the modern Singupuram in Srikakulam district which
was his political headquarters. The next ruler was Sankara Varman about
whom we do not know much. The records of the family make only passing
reference to him and call him as "one who increases the glory of the Mathara
family". His son and successor Maharaj Sakti Varman were by far the
greatest among the Mathara rulers and he extended his political suzerainty
from the Mahanadi in the north to the Krishna in the south. The valleys of the
Vamsadhara, Nagavali and Jhanjhavati very likely formed parts of his far
flung empire the headquarters of which then shifted from Simhapura to
Pishtapura. The son of Sakti Varman was Ananta Sakti Varman during
whose rule the extent of Mathara territory suffered some set-back because
of the rise of the Vishnu kundin power in the south and the headquarters had
to be retransferred from Pishtapura to Simhapura. The next two rulers
Chanda Varman and Prabhanjana Varman followed mild and peaceful policy
and although they failed to regain the Pishtapura region their sway over
parts of modern Koraput tract seems to have continued as revealed by the
epithet 'Sakala-Kalingadhipati'. The last ruler of the family, so far known to
us, was Nanda Prabhanjana Varman who was overpowered by the Eastern
Gangas about 498 A. D.
The Eastern Gangas
By the end of the fifth century A. D. the Eastern Gangas appeared in
south-eastern part of erstwhile larger Koraput district and started there a
small principality which was named after the traditional name of Trikalinga.
Their rule commenced from Cir. 498 A.' D. which is taken to be the initial
date of the Ganga era.
27
 The earliest king of this dynasty in Trikalinga was Indra Varman I,
whose copperplate grant discovered at Jirjingi near Tekkali in the Srikakulam
district( Andhra Pradesh) was issued on the 21 st day of Vaisakha in the
year 39, i.e., 537 A. D. The Godavari grant of Raja Prithvimula indicates that
Adhiraja Indra, who is identified with Indra Varman I, organised a mighty
confederacy and defeated Indra Bhattaraka, the Vishnukundin king of Vengi.
The next king after Indra Varman I of Trikalinga so far known to us was
Samanta Varman whose Ponnutur grant was issued in the year 64, i.e., 562
A. D. The grant was issued from Saumyavana which was described as an
abode of the Goddess Jayasree. It recorded the gift of the village
Pratisthapura in the Vishaya (district) of Daghapanchali on the occasion of
Uttarayana. King Samanta Varman was succeeded by Hasti Varman alias
Rajasimha and Ranabhita. The Narsimhapalii charter issued in the year 79
(i.e., 577 A. D.) and the Urlam charter dated in the year 80 (i.e., 578 A. D.)
reveal that Hasti Varman acquired sovereignty over Sakala-Kalinga by
wielding the quivering edge of his own sword. He transferred his capital from
Dantapura to Kalinga-nagara (modern Mukhalingam) which according to his
charters was 'comfortable in all seasons'. He was succeeded by Indra
Varman II who is known to us by three of his Copperplate Charters—
Achyutapuram, Santabommali and Parlakimedi. Like his predecessor, Indra
Varman declared himself as the Lord of Sakala-Kalinga, and assumed the
title of Rajasimha. In the chronology of the early Eastern Ganga kings of
Kalinga, there is a hiatus between the Urajam plates of Indra Varman II
dated in the year 97 (595 A. D.) and the Chicacole plates of Indra Varman III
dated in the year 128 (i.e., 626 A. D.). This was the period when the Eastern
Chalukyas of Badami extended their suzerainty almost in the whole of the
Deccan. Pulakesin II, the son of Kirti Varman and the nephew of the hero
Mangalesa, came to the throne in 609 A.D. and at once began his career of
expansion. His North-Indian contemporary Harshavardhana was also then
bidding for a career of conquest, and several states at the fringe of the
Deccan and North India began to toss in between these two imperial powers.
When Harshavardhana conquered the Odra country and thundered at the
gates of Kongoda (modern Ganjam district) Pulakesin lost no time to engulf
the whole of Kalinga and also Kosala. Thus the political power of the rising
Eastern Gangas was eclipsed for a time. Indra Varman III, however,
succeeded in maintaining his authority as a feudatory over Kalinga although
he lost his hold over the Trikalinga territory. The city of Dantapura which was
once the metropolis of Trikalinga during the time of Indra Varman I, was
included in the kingdom of Indra Varman III. It was from this city that the king
granted the Purle charter in the year 137 (635 "A. D.) to Brahmin Bhavadatta
of Kausika-gotra who hailed from Trikalinga, donating the village Bhukkukura

28
in the Kuruka Rashtra on the occasion of the full-moon day of the month of
Kartika.
The history of Trikalinga territory after Pulakesin II remains in obscurity
for about two centuries. Neither the Eastern Gangas nor the Eastern
Chalukyas seem to have exercised undisputed sovereignty over this region
during this period. The Chalukyas continued to maintain their sway over
Vengi region and the Masulipatam plates of Anuria-1 (Cir. 918 to 925 A. D.)
reveals that the forest-clad Trikalinga was an adjoining territory to
Vengimandalam. On the other hand, no king of Eastern Ganga dynasty of
Kalinga assumed the title of Trikalingadhipati or Sakala-Kalingadhipati till the
time of Vajrahasta V, who ascended the throne in 1038 A. D.
The Somavamsis
Trikalinga, however, came into prominence with the rise of the
Somavamsis in South Kosala. Mahabhavagupta Janamejaya I who
consolidated the powers of the Somavamsis in Sambalpur-Sonepur regions
by middle of the 9th century A. D. extended authority over this territory and
declared himself as Trikalingadhipati. The Somavamsi kings who followed
him assumed this epithet till the time of Mahabhavagupta Udyotakesari who
has been assigned to the end of the 10th and the beginning of the 11th
century A. D.
Udyotakesari is probably the last king of the dynasty to have suzerainty
over the Trikalinga region. The kings who followed him were Janmejaya II,
Puranjaya and Karnadeva who were too weak to maintain the integrity of the
Somavamsi empire. In about 1023 A. D. the famous Chola king Rajendra
Chola occupied the Bastar-Koraput region then known as Chakrakota after
which he also conquered Kosala and Odra territories. His victory appears to
be short-lived and after the withdrawal of his conquering arms, the Trikalinga
region was claimed by the Ganga king Vajrahasta V, who revived the early
family title of Trikalingadhipati. All the Ganga kings who followed Vajrahasta
V are known to have borne the title of Trikalingadhipati till the time of
Narasimhadeva II who ruled from 1278 to 1305 A. D.
The Later Gangas and the Kalachuris
At the outset, there was a great political rivalry between the Gangas of
Kalinga and the Kalachuris of Ratnapur and Dahala. The Kalachuris of
Dahala persistently claimed the title of Trikalingadhipati as a challenge to the
authority of the Gangas over that region. The Ganga king Vajrahasta V
attempted reconciliation with the Kalachuris and married Vijaya Mahadevi, a
Kalachuri princess. His grandson Chodaganga Deva occupied Utkala
defeating the last Somavamsi king in about 1112 A.D. Jajalladeva I of
29
Ratnapur occupied South Kosala defeating the king Bhujabala of
Suvarnapura sometime,before 1114 A. D. The Kalachuris then speedily
extended their political power over Kimedi, Lanjika and Andhra regions, at
which Chodagarga lost no time to get possession of the whole of Vengi
about 1118 A. D. The Trikalinga territory thus became the bone of
contention between these two powers and when Ratnadeva II succeeded
Jajalladeva there took place a war between him and Chodaganga Deva in
which the latter suffered some serious reverses. After Chodaganga, his
successor Jateswara Kamarnava continued the war with his contemporary
Kalachuri king Prithvideva II and the latter has been credited with victory
over the Ganga king in the Kharod Inscription of 1181 A. D. The Ganga-
Kalachuri war, however, was a long-drawn one and the issue between them
remained unsettled till the time of the Ganga king Anangabhima Deva III,
who ascended the throne in his newly built Varanasi-Kataka (modern
Cuttack) in 1211 A.D. The Chateswara Inscription reveals that Vishnu, the
General of Anangabhima, crushingly defeated the king of Tummana, the
Kalachuri king of Ratnapur, while fighting on the banks of the Bhima at the
skirts of the Vindhya hills and on the seashore.This defeat enabled the
Gangas to exercise undisputed authority over the Trikalinga regions and it
also enabled them to annex South Kosala to their empire.

30
The Chindaka Nagas
During the interregnum, the Ganga-Kalachuri contest for supremacy in
the Bastar-Koraput region underwent important political changes. The Naga
dynasty had already established its rule in this region as early as the Saka
year 945 corresponding to 1023 A.D .The earliest known Naga king named
Nripati' Bhushana is believed to have entered into this territory in the train of
Rajendra Chola's campaign. It is not quite clear as to whether the Nagas
after Rajendra Chola owed allegiance to the Chalukya emperor Somesvara I
Ahavamalla (1042-1063 A.D.). It appears, however, that they enjoyed some
independent status owing to mutual rivalry and jealousy of the contemporary
r
imperial powers fo occupation of the Trikalinga territory.
The Nagas belonged to Kasyapa-gotra and they called themselves
Chindakas, probably because they hailed from Sindavadi country comprising
parts of modern Karnataka and Tamilnadu states. They not only had for their
crest the figure of the tigress with a cub, but also had the snake banner
(Phani Pataka) as a, symbol of royalty. The Sindas of Bagalkot, Yelburga in
the Mysore region and the Chindakas of Bastar-Koraput region belong quite
likely to the same stock.

31
 The fragmentary Errakote Inscription dated in the Saka year 945 (1023
A. D.) refers to the Naga king Nripati Bhushana who has been taken to be
the earliest king of the Chindaka Nagas in Chakrakota roughly comprising
the Bastar-Koraput area. He was succeeded by king Jagadeka Bhushana
alias Dharavarsha who is referred to in the Barsur Inscription of 1060 A. D.
The Telugu Chodas, who had entered into Bastar-Koraput region along with
the military expedition of the famous Vikramaditya VI sometime before 1063
A. D. (the date of the death of Somesvara I, Ahavamalla the father of
Vikramaditya VI), settled in that region as the feudatories of the Chindaka
Nagas and became a source of strength for them. The Telugu Choda chief
Mahamandale-swara Chandraditya Maharaja, the lord of Ammagama, was a
feudatory of Chindaka Naga king Dharavarsha Jagadeka Bhushana. When
Maharaja Chandraditya consecrated the temple of God Chandradityeswara
constructed by him on the bank of the tank named Chandraditya Samudra
excavated by him in the city of Barsur in 1060 A. D. his overlord Jagadeka
Bhushana personally attended the ceremony and allowed the sale of two
villages for the maintenance of the temple.
Jagadeka Bhushana was not in good terms with the Bhanjas of Khinali
then comprising the parts of modern Ganjam, Baudh and Kandhmals
districts and he appears to have been defeated by the Bhanja king
Yasobhanja who in his Antarigam charter calls himself 'Jagadeka-malla
Vijayi', the vanquisher of Jagadeka Malla. This Jagadeka Malla has been
identified by Prof. R. D. Banerji with the Mehara chief Jaga Malla, the
feudatory of the Chalukya king Bhima I of Gujerat of Vikram Sambat 1264,
i.e., 1207 A. D. and he has also been sometimes identified with Jagadeka
Malla of the Chalukya dynasty of Kalyani ruling from 1139 to 1149 A. D. But
as the Antarigam charter reveals that Yasobhanja in later part of his career
was influenced by saint Ramanuja and embraced Vaishnava cult, he may
well be assigned to the second half of the 11th century A. D. and his
adversary Jagadeka Malla may, therefore, be identified with Chindaka Naga
king Dharavarsha Jagadeka Bhushana. Very probably Jagadeka Bhushana
was killed by Yasobhanja in 1060 A. D. and after his death the Chindaka
Naga throne was usurped by one of his relatives named Madhurantaka who
issued the Danteswara Inscription in 1061 A. D. Somesvara, the son of
Jagadeka Bhushana, claimed his paternal kingdom and bitter rivalry started
between him and Madhurantaka for the succession to the Chindaka Naga
throne. Madhurantaka in order to secure his possession solicited help from
the Cholas of Vengi while Somesvara was supported by the Later Chalukyas
of Kalyana. The Rajapur plates indicate that Madhurantaka ruled at least up
to 1065 A. D. when he registered the grant of the village Rajapura located 22
miles north of modern Jagadalpur in Bhramarakotya Mandala, identified with

32
modern Umarkot region of Nawarangpur district, which was then a part of
Chakrakota. War however, continued between Madhurantaka and
Somesvara for the occupation of Chindaka Naga throne and one mutilated
Kuruspal Inscription reveals that Somesvara obtaining favour of the Goddess
Vindhyavasini killed the powerful king Madhurantaka in a battle-field and
acquired suzerainty over Chakrakota. Kulottunga Chola, the then ruler of
Vengi, had given help to Madhurantaka whereupon Somesvara is known to
have marched into the kingdom of Vengi in course of the war. The said
Kuruspal Inscription mentions that Somesvara burnt Vengi, subjugated
Bhadra-pattana and Vajra and annexed six lakhs and ninety-six villages of
Kosala. Bhadrapattana and Vajra are identified with modern Bhandak and
Wairi-garh, respectively of Madhya Pradesh and it may be said that the
accounts of Somesvara's claim of Kosala have been somewhat
exaggerated. It is, however, certain that Somesvara was a great adversary
of Kulottunga of Vengi and the latter in 1074 A. D. speaks of his triumph over
Vayiragaram (same as Vajra) and Sakka akottam (Chakrakota). Somesvara
could obtain assistance from the generals of Chodaganga Deva of Kalinga
after the accession of that Ganga Prince to the throne in 1077 A. D. The
strength of Kulottunga had, however, increased tremendously from 1070 A D
onwards when he usurped the Chola throne and became the lord of a mighty
and extensive empire. But the Chindaka Nagas with the help of their friendly
neighbours succeeded in maintaining their political integrity for a long time.
Somesvara was a very ambitious king and he aimed at carving out an
empire for himself incorporating the whole of South Kosala into his dominion.
He seems to have utilised the power of his stalwart feudatories, the Telugu
Chodas, to conquer for him the territory of Kosala and the Telugu Choda
chief Yasoraja, father of Chandraditya (the lieutenant of Dharavarsha
Jagadeka Bhushana), succeeded in establishing there a principality which
was subsequently ruled by his own descendants.Somesvara was the last
great king of the Chindaka Naga dynasty and after his death the power of
this family began to decline steadily. The Narayanpatna Inscription dated in
1111 A. D. reveals that Kanhara, the son of Somesvara and the grandson of
Gunda Mahadevi (mother of Somesvara), succeeded his father sometime
before that year, but nothing more is known about him owing to paucity of
reliable records. Although the Chindaka Nagas ceased to be reckoned as a
political power after Somesvara, scions of his family continued to rule in the
Bastar-Koraput area during the 13th century A. D. A king named Jagadeka
Bhushana Narasimha was ruling over this region during 1218—1224 A. D.
as known from the Jatanpal and Dantesvaraf Inscriptions. Maharaja
Jagadeka Bhushana mentioned in the Bhairamgarh Inscription as the
worshipper of the feet of Manikya Devi (Danteswari of Dantewada) is taken

33
to be the same as Jagadeka Bhushana Narasimha, but nothing much is
known about him.
The Matsya family
By the middle of 13th century, the south-eastern part of Chindaka Naga
dominion passed, on to the hands of a new line of chiefs known in history as
the Matsya family and the territory over which they ruled was called
'Vaddadi'. The name Vaddadi is said to have been derived from Odda-Adi
meaning the beginning of Odra country and a small village named Vaddadi
(17°50' N—82°56' E) is found even today at the entrance of the hilly tract of
Madgol which was under the possession of the zamindar of Jeypore. The
Dribbida copperplate grant of dated Saka 1191 gives an interesting account
of the origin of the Matsya family of Vaddadi. Arjuna Deva Narasimha
Vardhana, the donor of the Dribbida grant, may be taken as the first great
ruler of this family as his father Jayanta Raju and grandfather Mankaditya
Raju are obscure and unimportant figures in history. Jayanta Raju, son of
Mankaditya Raju, was a feudatory under the famous Ganga king Narasimha
Deva 1 and he had three sons named Narasimhavardhana Arjuna Deva, Sri
Ranga Vardhana Mankaditya and Gopalavardhana Annama Raju. Out of
these sons, the youngest Gopalavardhana was a great hero and is declared
a victor in many a battle. He died in 1292 A. D. Sri Rangavardhana
Mankaditya married Sriya Devi and begot a son named Jayantika Raju. The
eldest Narasimhavardhana Arjuna Deva ascended the throne of Vaddadi
after his father and ruled during the second half of the 13th century A.D. He
was a contemporary of the Ganga kings Bhanudeva I (1274—1278) and
Narasimha Deva II (1278—1305). King Arjuna Deva married Surama
(domestic name Kondika), the daughter of Virupaneni of Paddamunnetti
Praketi family of Draksharama and gave her a village called 'Maruwada'
identified with the modern village 'Maruwada' on the left bank of the
Matsyeru river a little below the Duduma fall. The king is said to have built a
temple of Arjuna Deva Vaibhogaraya on the crest of Arjunagiri near the
modern town of Madgol.
Narasimhavardhana Arjuna Deva was succeeded by his son
Srikrishnavardhana Jayanta Raju towards the end of the 13th century. This
king is known to have donated the villages of Gudisingaram and Gotlam to
the God Simhachalam in 1337 A. D. and his queen Bhima Devi has also
recorded a donation to Simhachalam on Margasira Su.13, Saka 1270
corresponding to Thursday, 4th December 1348 A.D. Jayanta Raju is known
to have ruled for a long time and he was succeeded by his son Vira Arjuna
Deva sometime before 1354 A. D. He was a feudatory of Ganga king
Narasimha Deva III who ruled from 1352 A. D. to 1378 A. D. In 1361 A. D.

34
Sultan Feroz Toghluq of Delhi invaded Odisha and occupied for sometime
the capital Varanasi-Kataka. This great onslaught led to the decline of the
prestige and power of the Ganga monarch and taking advantage of it Vira
Arjuna tried to shake off the Ganga suzerainty by the help of the Reddis of
Rajahmundry. In 1375 he gave the village Gottivada to Chinnama Naidu, the
son of Narayan Das, the Chief Minister of Anavema Reddi, evidently with a
view to maintaining his good relations with the Reddi chief. Vira Arjuna was
succeeded by his son Pratapa Arjuna about 1381 A. D. and the new ruler
was a feudatory of the Ganga king Narasimha Deva IV. In 1381, the year of
accession of Pratapa Arjuna, the Reddi chief Anavema invaded Odisha
defying the authority of the Gangas and occupied Simhachalam region. But
immediately after this venture he was killed by the Velama chief Simgama II
who lost no time to consolidate his power in Simhachalam and if the Velugoti
Vamsavali is to be believed, wrested the Gajapati monarch in the battle. The
Anaparti and the Gopavaram grants reveal that Kumaragiri Reddi who had
regained his suzerainty over Rajahmundry in 1389 invaded Odisha under his
able general Kataya-vema who defeated the Gajapati king and assumed the
proud title of 'Kataka Churakara'—the destroyer of Kataka. In an inscription
of the same year (1389 A. D.) another general of Kumaragiri named Devaya
alias Goghnaya also claims victory oyer the Ganga monarch. Evidently
Narasimha Deva IV suffered some serious reverses at the hands of the
Reddis and the territory of Vaddadi appears to have slipped away from his
suzerainty for sometime. But one Simhachalam Inscription reveals that he
could regain his power in that region in 1391 A.D.
Under Bhanudeva IV, when Kapileswara Routray became the minister
and general, the southern frontier of Odisha demanded his immediate
attention. As a vigorous and ambitious general, he made up his mind to
pursue the aggressive policy in the south. In 1420 A. D. the Odia army
marched against the Reddi powers and successfully drove them away from
the famous stronghold of Kondavidu. Pratapa Arjuna, the chief of Vaddadi,
appears to have sent armies against the Reddis during this conflict and he
claims to have conquered Jantaranadu in 1421 A. D. which was then
apparently under the Reddis.
It is not known for certain whether Jayanta Raju, son of Pratapa Arjuna,
ruled over Vaddadi territory or not, as no records directly issued by him are
available to us. It was probably during the time of Pratapa Arujna that
Singamma, daughter of Jayanta Raju, was given in marriage to Viswanadha
Raju, the Silavamsi prince of Nandapur and thus the Matsya and the Sila
families came very close together. Two inscriptions dated Saka 1348
Plavanga Ashadha Su. 11 and 15, Friday and Tuesday corresponding to 4th
and 8th July 1427 A D record the gift of Singamma, wife of Viswanadha Raju
35
of the Matsya family of Vaddadi.This indicates that the marriage was
performed sometime before 1427 A. D. and probably during the rule of
Pratapa Arjuna. Singa Raju, the grandr son of Pratapa Arjunaru, led
contemporaneous with the Silavamsi king Pratapa Ganga Raju, son of
Viswanadha Raju and both these rulers are known to have jointly donated
the village Kampana in the territory of Killaris (Bobbili). Vallabhadeva Raju
who succeeded Singa Raju was a feudatory of Gajapati Purushottama Deva.
He performed the Agaistoma sacrifice on the banks of the Danta near
Duttada where he also dedicated a temple to God Vallabharaya and donated
the village Annavaram for the maintenance of his worship. One of his
subordinates named Malaya set up an image of Garuda in the said temple
for the merit of the chief. Vallabhadeva Raju was probably succeeded by
Pratapa Sri Ganga Raju, but the relation between them is not yet known to
us. The latter was succeeded by his son Vira Pratapa Singa Raju and both
father and the son appear to have ruled one after the other as feudatories of
the Gajapati king Prataparudra Deva. When Krishnadeva Raya, the great
king of Vijayanagar, invaded Odisha in 1512 A D the chief of Vaddadi fought
against the Vijayanagar forces along with the other chiefs of Odisha.
Krishnadeva Raya occupied the stronghold of Udayagiri and the
impregnable fort of Kondavidu in 1515 A D after which he took possession of
Kondapalle in 1516 A D .After Konda-palle, the next onslaught came upon
Simhachalam and the Vaddadi territory. The Telugu Prabhandha
'Manucharitam' written by Alksani Peddanna, the court-poet of Krishnadeva
Raya, as well as the 'Amukta MalyadcC attributed to Krishnadeva Raya
himself, declare that Krishnadeva Raya destroyed Madems (Madgol), turned
Vaddadi to ashes and ignited Kataka. It is presumed that Pratapa Sri Ranga
Raju died fighting against Krishnadeva Raya and as his rule was of short
duration, no records issued by him are found at present. A contemporary
Telugu prose work 'Rayavachakam states that Prataparudra Gajapati fought
against the forces of Vijayanagar personally with the help of his 16
Mahapatras (Generals) one of whom, according to Sri G. Ramadas was the
chief of Vaddadi. Gurasada Sriramamurthi Pantulu in his 'History of the
Telegu Poets' states the names of 16 Mahapatras of Prataparudra Deva and
among them Rana Ranga Patra may be identified with Pratapa Sri Ranga
Raju, father of Virapratapa Singa Raju. Mahamandaleswara Singa Raju is
the last known ruler of this dynasty and he is konwn to have made
Agraharams and Khondikas tax-free. The genealogy of the Matsya family is
presented at Appendix 1 of this Chapter.
The Silavamsa
The Silavamsis of Nandapur were a branch of the famous Saila vamsis
who ruled over the Vindhya tract from their capital at Nandi-vardhana
36
(Nagardhan) about twenty miles north-west of modern Nagpur. The Ragholi
plates reveal that the Sailavamsi rulers had gained victories over the kings
ruling over Gujerat, Benaras, Bengal and Bihar regions. They declined with
the rise of the Haihayas of Ratnapur early in the 12th century A. D. and their
territory was subsequently incorporated into the Haihaya kingdom. After the
fall of the dynasty a branch of it migrated towards Trikalinga and succeeded
in carving out a dominion in modern Koraput region. The capital of the new
kingdom was named as Nandapur after the ancestral capital Nandivardhana
and the rivulet flowing close to its site was called Sila after the name of the
ruling dynasty.
Altogether three generations of rulers of this family are known to us.
The earliest known king Ganga Raju was ruling over Nandapur sometime in
the middle of the 14th century A. D. His son Viswanadha Raju alias Bhairava
Raju was ruling at Nandapur in the second half of the 14th century A.D. It
has already been pointed out that he married the princess Singamma, the
daughter of Jayanta Raju of Matsya family of Vaddadi. His son Pratapa
Ganga Raju was a powerful ruler and a feudatory of Kapileswara Deva, the
famous Suryavamsi monarch of Odisha. He has left two inscriptions, one at
Srikurmam dated 1435 A D and the other at Simhachalam dated 1437 A. D.
The Srikurmam Inscription states that he washed his sword in the sea and
offered the village Kakatapalli and some silver vessels to God Sri Kurma.
According to Bidyadhar Singh the Silavamsi dominion under Pratapa Ganga
Raju extended to the north up to Budalinga in the present Kalahandi district,
on the south up to Kambammottu in the Malkangiri area in the west up to
Bhaskar river and on the east up to Chicacole Nagar-khana. Its limit also
extended up to Gummagada and Pottachanchada in Parlakimedi and
Badakimedi, respectively. The ruins of the famous throne of 32 steps (
Batrish Singhasana) found at Nandapur are ascribed to the rulers of this
dynasty. It indicates that these rulers with their power and pelf emulated the
glory of the famous Vikramaditya of Ujjain who is said to have mounted the
throne of 32 steps. Both Jainism and Saktism are known to have flourished
in the Nandapur kingdom during this period and ruins of Jaina and Sakta
temples are still found in neighbourhood of the village Nandapur.
The Suryavamsa
Pratapa Ganga Raju was the last king of the Silavamsa and after his
death he was succeeded to the throne by Sri Vinayaka Deo who founded the
rule of a new dynasty which ruled over Nandapur dominion in continuous
succession till the end of the British period. The dynasty to which Sri
Vinayaka Deo belongs is not definitely known to us, and while Carmaichael
is of opinion that he was a Rajput of the Lunar dynasty, the tradition

37
recorded in Vadivelu's 'Ruling Chiefs, Nobles and Zamin-dars of India'states
that Vinayaka Deo was a descendant of the Solar race ruling over Kashmir
and Jammu. Carmaichael observes "the Rajah of Jeypore claims descent
from an ancient line of kings in Jambudesa. After noting the names of eighty-
seven kings, the family chronicle introduces a prince named Vinayaka Deo
who was encouraged by a dream to go forth and found a new dynasty at
Nandapuram, the ancient capital of Jeypore kingdom. The Rajah of the
country who was of the Silavamsa received him with the great cordiality and
marrying him to his only child, shortly after resigned the throne in his favour".
A different theory is however advanced by the author of the
'Gangavamsanucharitam' who lived in the middle of the 18th century A. D.
He states that the eldest son of Bhanu Deo IV, the last of the Ganga kings of
Kalinga, was deprived of his kingdom as Kapileswara Deva usurped the
throne and thereafter he went southwards and founded a kingdom at Gudari
now in Gunupur sub division of Rayagada district and that subsequently the
Gudari kings became masters of Nandapur. This theory lacks confirmatory
evidence and it may be said that the rule of this new family at Nandapur
started not long after the accession of Kapileswara Deva. Oramf advances
another theory in his report on 'Nandapuram or Jeypore of 1784 A. D.'
Relating to the origin of the Nandapur ruling dynasty, he says "Ramachandra
Deo, Rajah of Nandapuram,is descended of a Rajah formerly a servant and
a favourite to an ancient king of Jagannath and sovereign of these northern
circars, who gave him a daughter in marriage and bestowed this feudatory
principality upon him." It was about 1435 A. D. that the plain lands of Odisha
and Northern Circars passed from the sway of the Ganga dynasty to that of
the Suryavamsi Gajapati kings. As the change of dynasty occurs almost
contemporaneously in Nandapur and as this new line of kings were
obviously of Odia descent, it is not unlikely that the Nandapur kingdom was
conferred by Kapileswara Deva, the fitst Suryavamsi Gajapati, to one of the
scions on his family as a mark of favour.
Vinayaka Deo is said to have married princess Lilavati, daughter of
Pratapa Ganga Raju, the last Silavamsi ruler of Nandapur and ascended the
throne of thirty-two steps after Pratapa Ganga. It is said that at the beginning
Vinayaka Deo was not recognised as a ruler by a section of people who
overthrew his rule and at that critical period he was helped by an influential
merchant named Lobinia to recover his possession. The merchant prince
offered him a large army of cavalry and infantry and also 10,000 cattle for
transport, and with this help Vinayaka Deo reoccupied Nandapur and
suppressed the turbulent enemies. After thus securing his throne he firmly
ruled over his territory which according to tradition extended as far as the

38
Guntur district in the south. The Jeypore ruling family which bears the name
of Deo and has 'Sun' as its emblem has descended from this ruler.
Vinayaka Deo was succeeded by his son Vijaya Chandra who consoli-
dated the newly earned kingdom by subduing some rebellious chiefs. He
was a contemporary of Gajapati Purushottama Deva and he appears to
have fought for him during his expedition against Kanchi and Vijayanagar.
The episode that he stole away the original image of Kanaka-Durga and the
stone image of Vallabha Narayana from the custody of the armies of
Purushottama Deva, when they were led astray in the dense forests on their
return from the expedition of Kanchi-Kaveri, is more legendary than
historical. It may, however, be said that the image of the Goddess Kanaka-
Durga which was being regarded as the family deity of Jeypore Raj family
was installed by Vijaya Chandra who also appears to have brought to his
capital the image of Vallabha Narayana that had been installed at Duttada
by Vallabhadeva Raju of the Matsya family of Vaddadi. Vijaya Chandra died
in 1510 A. D. and was succeeded by his son Bhairava Deo who was a
feudatory of Gajapati Pratapa-rudra Deva. When Krishnadeva Raya invaded
the fort of Kondapalle in 1516 A.D. Bhairava Deo is said to have defended
the fort with great courage and heroism. He excavated a very large tank
called after him as 'Bhairava Sagar' in the modern Bobbili taluk of Srikakulam
district. He was succeeded by his son Viswanatha Deo who chose
Rayagada as his capital and shifted his headquarters to that new town. He
built an enormous mud-fort at Rayagada, the ruins of which are still to be
seen there. As a capital of the flourishing kingdom, Rayagada became
during that time a centre of trade and commerce for the east coast of India.
Viswanatha Deo also constructed rows of temples along the river Nagavali
and the ruined temple of Majhighariani near Rayagada is also attributed to
him. He was a devoted Vaishnava and during his rule Vaishnavism gained
much popularity in the Nandapur kingdom. He founded a village named
Viswanathapur after him and installed there the images of Sri Gopinath and
Harachandi which are worshipped till the present day by local people. It is
said that Viswanatha Deo assumed the title of 'Nauna Gajapati' which means
no less than a Gajapati or equal to Gajapati and this was used as a tradi-
tional title of the kings of this family after him. Very probably during the
period of chaos and confusion that followed after the death of Pratapa Rudra
Deva in 1540 A. D. Viswanatha Deo declared himself as a Gajapati. But after
the accession of Gobinda Vidyadhar to the Cuttack throne he seems to have
submitted to his sovereign authority. Viswanatha Deo ruled for a pretty long
time and he witnessed the fall of independent Hindu rule in Odisha in 1568,
when the rule of Mukunda Deva, the last independent Gajapati King of
Odisha, was overthrown by the Afghan forces of Bengal. He died in 1571

39
and at his death, his queens numbering more than 100 performed the rite of
'Sati' by jumping into a huge fire-pit constructed for the purpose near
Rayagada and the pit which is called today as 'Satikunda' is regarded as a
sacred site.
Muslim Occupation
In the later half of the 16th century, Vizagapatam plains became the
battle-field for the contending armies of local Hindu chiefs and the invading
Mohammdan armies of the Sultans of Golconda. The Gajapati kings of
Odisha continued to rule as sovereign power till Mukunda Harichandan was
overthrown in 1568 as a result of the Muslim invasion from Bengal. Three
years before that in 1565, king Rajaram of Vijayanagar had been defeated at
the battle of Talikota by a confederacy of the Muslim Sultans of the Deccan.
Thus with the fall of the powerful kingdoms of Odisha and Vijayanagar, the
Hindu power in the south steadily declined and the Mohammedans raised
their heads to dominate the South Indian politics. It was during the last year
of Viswanatha Deo's rule that the Nandapur kingdom encountered
formidable invasions of the Mohammedans from the south. Rufutt Khan who
had made his mark in the famous battle of Talikota was sent by his master
Ibrahim Qutb Shah, the Sultan of Golconda, to reduce the neighbouring
Hindu territories after the fall of Vijayanagar. Rufutt Khan marched with a
large army and occupied Rajahmundry and Kassimkota after defeating the
chiefs of those places. Thereafter, he proceeded towards Nandapur territory
which was then under the rule of the old king Viswanatha Deo.
Viswanatha Deo breathed his last in 1571 in the midst of the Muslim
invasion and his successor Balaram Deo who acknowldged defeat
concluded treaty with Rufutt Khan. He agreed to send annual tributes, to the
;
Sultan of Golconda and his name entered into Jumma Kaum l of the Qutb
Shahis.
With Balaram Deo who was the 4th in descent from Vinayaka Deo, the
Nandapur kingdom came under the Muslim domination, the Sultan of
Golconda being the overlord. Sultan Ibrahim Qutb Shah died in 1580 and
was succeeded by his son Mohammed Qutb II who had acted for sometime
as Governor of the Northern possessions under his father. The new Sultan
once again subdued Kassimkota and Nandapur and consolidated his
suzerainty over those territories. Balaram Deo was defeated for the second
time and was made to reiterate his obligations to send annual tribute to
Golconda. The Northern Circars were completely under the sway of Qutb
Shahis, who administered the territory through Fouzdars stationed at
different headquarters. The Nandapur kingdom came under the jurisdiction
of the Fouzdar of Chicacole, also known as the Seer Lascar, who governed
40
by the help of the local Hindu chiefs and zamindars to whom he delegated
the authority of the collection of land-revenue.
Balaram Deo was succeeded by his son Yasovanta Deo in 1597A D.
The Moghul emperor Akbar was then casting longing eyes on the Deccan
and as he devoted his strength to reduction of Ahmadnagar to submission,
the Qutb Shahi kingdom of Golconda was spared such aggressive invasion.
The situation in the Deccan became more complicated after the death of
Akbar in 1605 A D and Ahmadnagar successfully defied Moghul authority. It
was by that time that the feudatory chiefs of Golconda rose in general revolt
against Qutb Shah, and taking opportunity of it Yasovanta Deo (whom
Ferishta wrongly calls Veij Nat Deo) sent his force to make night attacks and
plunder the Mohammedans of Kassimkota. The Sultan of Golconda
despatched a large army under Chungiz Khan and Dharma Rao to suppress
the revolution and to punish Yasovanta Deo. The Mohammedan army
marched up to the Jeypore country where Krishna Deo, the nephew of the
Raja, together with a large number of courtiers sided with Chungiz Khan.
Yasovanta Deo readily submitted and agreed to send tribute regularly while
Krishna Deo was recognised as his rightful successor.
The accounts of Ferishta clearly indicate that Yasovanta Deo's
campaign against the Qutb Shah in 1609 ended in fiasco and that his
successor Krishna Deo, who was installed as the Raja by the help of
Mohammedan army, acknowledged the suzerainty of the Qutb Shahis and
agreed to pay the annual tribute. But sometime later, as the stipulated sum
for his installation and also the annual tribute were not paid the Sultan once
again sent his general Chungiz Khan against him and Krishna Deo was
compelled to pay the arrears due to him. The family records' of Jeypore Raj
mention that Yasovanta Deo was succeeded by Viravikrama Deo in 1647 A.
D. But Ferishta placed the rule of Krishna Deo in between that of Yasovanta
Deo and Viravikrama Deo. The family records ascribe long period of reign to
Yasovanta Deo from 1597A D to 1637 A D. But this does not agree with the
account of the Muslim Chronicle according to which Yasovanta Deo died
about 1610 A. D. Bidyadhar Singh Deo is inclined to believe that Yasovanta
Deo (Dasamatta Deo) continued to rule as a feeble ruler till 1622 A. D. and
that as there would have been a general anarchy after his death, Krishna
Deo was recognized by the Qutb Shahis as the ruler of Nandapur. The
opinion of Singh Deo is based on conjecture and we find no reason to
discard the accounts of Ferishta that Yasovanta Deo died of serious illness
shortly after the siege of his capital by Chungiz Khan, and Dharma Rao, the
generals of the Qutb Shah in 1609 A. D. and that his nephew who had taken
shelter in the Muslim camp was allowed to succeed to the throne. A
copperplate charter records the grant of Sri Lai Krishna Deo Maharaja in
41
Sambat 1570, i.e. A. D. 1648, to the commander of his forces conferring two
villages. This indicates that Krishna Deo who succeeded Yasovanta Deo
about 1610 A. D. continued to rule at least up to 1648 A. D.
Raja Krishna Deo was succeeded by his son Viravikrama Deo
sometime in the middle of the 17th century A. D. It is said that Vinayaka Deo
and his first six successors had each only one son and considering it
inauspicious Viravikrama Deo resolved to remove his headquarters
elsewhere. The astrologers reported that the site of the present Jeypore was
a place for the Kshatriya class and so was quite suitable to be the honoured
capital for his kingdom. Acting on the advice, it is said Viravikrama shifted his
capital to that place and named it as Jayapura. It was during his rule that
Gupteswara Shiva was discovered in a cave in the dense forest of Ramagiri
and the king made all possible arrangements for the worship of this deity.
Viravikrama granted Potnuru and Bhogapuram (now in Visakhapatnam
district) as Sarvamokhasa (rent-free) to members of Bahubalendra family
who had migrated to his kingdom from Rajahmundry and who had
matrimonial relations with the Nandapur family. The descendants of
Bahubalendra family are now living in Gunupur and Machhmora in
Parlakimedi tahsilof Ganjam district. This grant indicates that the
possessions of Viravikrama included not only the territory of the Jeypore
zamindari but also the land which lies at the base of the Ghats and even as
far east as Potnuru and Bhogapuram. He was paying a tribute of Rs. 24,000
to the Sultan of Golconda. In 1661 A D Abdullah, a relation of the Sultan of
Golconda, invaded the Jeypore hills, but as the Rajah was loyal to the
Sultan, he presented Viravikrama a sword ensign and standard together with
a copper plate grant conferring upon him the title of Maharaja. The copper-
plate is still preserved in the Jeypore palace and the two golden engigns
called 'Mahi' and 'Marad' were being used by the Maharajas during the
Dashara festival. Viravikrama Deo had two queens, the first queenbelonged
to the Ganga family of Badakhemundi and her son Sri Krishna Deo
succeeded Viravikrama in 1669 A.D.; the second queen who belonged to the
Ganga family of Parlakimedi was the mother of Yasovanta Deo who received
Gunupur as jagir. The Maharaja Sri Krishna Deo born in 1630 was installed
as king after the death of his father in 1669 A D. He granted Kumuli and
Gundredu as Mokhasa to the family of Pusha-pati Sitarama Chandra Raju,
the ancestor of the present Vizianagaram family as they had come over to
his territory deserting their ancestral home in Vijayawada. According to
Bidyadhar Singh, not only the ancestors of the present royal families of
Vizianagaram but also those of Bobbili settled as Mokhasadars in the
territories of the Nandapur kings. But in course of time, the prestige and
glory of Nandapur were eclipsed by them when the French and the English

42
began playing their political games. The Muttas known as Devapalli,
Rekapalli, Kataki and Kottapalem were granted to Chotrai, the house of
Suredi, Sivaram Mahapatra (once Minister of Nandapur) and the family of
Muttavaru, respectively, during the time of Sri Krishna Deo Maharaja. These
Muttas are now in the taluks of Vizianagaram, Salur, Gajapati-nagaram and
Cheepurapalli. The Narava Mutta in Vizagapatam taluk was granted to one
Jagannath Roy who also got the title of Medini Roy. All these indicate that
the territory of Sri Krishna Deo was quite extensive stretching far beyond the
limits of Jeypore zamindari and the king who had the title of Rajadhiraja and
Maharaja ruled over this country with the help of his able minister Parimalla
Basava who was a niyogi Brahmin.
Maharaja Sri Krishna Deo had four sons, viz., Biswambhara,
Mallakimardana Krishna, Hari and Balarama and these four brothers ruled
one after the other. The eldest one Biswambhara ascended the-throne after
the death of his father in 1672. He was a great military genius and with his
strong and well trained armies, was a terror to the European traders
particularly to the Dutch who used to call him 'Sumbar Deo'. It may be noted
here that not only Biswambhara Deo but also his successors down to
Raghunatha Krishna were known as 'Sumbar Deo' or 'Sumbur Dus' by the
Europeans. Biswambhara Deo's military exploit is known from an Odia
inscription on the temple of Lakshmi Narasimha Swami. It is known from this
inscription that the Nawab of Chicacole was defeated by him and was forced
to surrender two villages, Nandigram and Narasannapeta in Bontala Koduru
Mutta (now in Gajapatinagaram taluk of Andhra Pradesh)) for defraying the
expenditure for the worship of Lakshmi Narasimha Swami.
Biswambhara Deo organised the administrative system of his kingdom
in a systematic manner based on the land-tenure system. The occasion for
the introduction of this novel system was given by the Bahubalendras who
had got Mokhasas during the rule of Maharaja - Krishna Deo and gradually
becoming unruly encroached upon territories lying beyond the limits of their
Mokhasas as far as Gudivada. This unwarranted activity was rightly resented
by Biswambhara Deo who reoccupied the encroached territories and in order
to chastise the Bahubalendras confiscated most of their Mokhasa lands. The
Bahubalendras thereupon retreated towards the northern parts of Chicacole
leaving most of their lands at the mercy of the aggressive Pushapatis who
very soon extended their Mokhasas and occupied the Muttas of Potnuru and
Bhogapuram. It was to face this trouble that Biswambhara Deo organised
the feudal system in his kingdom. He divided his kingdom into a number of
estates and placed each in charge of a retainer who was made responsible
for peace and order of the estate. He owed direct allegiance to the king with
whom he was bound by the tie of feudal principles. He was to maintain an
43
army and was required to appear at the court when called upon. At the
beginning Biswambhara Deo organised feudal tenure in Souresa (Salur) and
Pedda Padma granting lands to the chief of the senior branch of the Kimuri
family and conferring on him the title of Bolyar Deo. After that the junior
branch of the Kimuri family was given Ramabhadrapuram with the title of
Rana-bahu. The family of Ranasingha got Shuidi or Chemudu (now in
Bobbili taluk). The family of Sanyasi Raju Dora received Kurupam with the
title of Baricharla. Jagannatha Raju Dora received Merangi with the title of
Satrucheria and Jogi Naik who was a faithful servant of Biswambhara Deo
was given the Mutta of Palem with the title of Patro. The son of one Donaita
who was a favourite of the king was given Pal-konda Virakotta with the title
of Narendra Roy. Tamanna Dora of Teda who used to be courageous in the
battle-field received the title of Dakshina Kavata Durga Raja and almost the
whole of the'zamin-dari of Pachipenta excluding the seven villages, viz.,
Sunki, Rajagada, Chalamput, Patraput, Podagada,, Bidari and an unknown
one. The Poram zamindari now in Bobbili taluk was given to Dinabandhu
Roy with the title Paikrai. Harihar Rai received the Mutta of Rangavalasa
(now in Gajapatinagaram taluk) with the title of Mangaraj. Garayay Deo
received the territory of Andra with the title Pratapa Roy. Mokhasas Kodur
and Bondapalli were conferred on Saluva Roy and Pitamani Roy
respectively. The Parlakimedi family received the Mutta of Varanasi with its
boundary extended up to Goribandha including portions of Gadi and
Brahmani. The Bhupati family of Madgol being proved disloyal was set aside
and Madgol was given to a man of Nukka caste with the title Ganatala
Sambhu Bhupati.
Thus Biswambhara Deo is regarded as the father of feudal system in
Nandapur kingdom traces of which still survive there. Placing himself at the
helm of this brilliant administrative organisation and commanding vast
resources of the far-flung Nandapur territory. Biswambhara ruled as a semi-
independent monarch, caring little for the Sultan Abu Hussain of Golconda,
who was then gasping in the whirl pool of Moghul imperialism.
Biswambhara Deo died issueless in 1676 and was succeeded by his
brother Krishna Deo, popularly known as Mallakimardana Krishna. The
French were by that time busy in building a maritime trade in the eastern
coast of India. Caron with the help of his lieutenant Francis Martin had
already built a French factory at Masulipatam and the French trade was
thriving vigorously under the patronage of the Sultan of Golconda. It is said
that a contingent of French soldiers led by Mallik, a commander of Golconda,
invaded the Nandapur kingdom but were repulsed by king Krishna Deo, who
having thus crushed general Mallik assumed the title of Mallakimardana. The

44
Nandapur forces captured from the Mohammedans fourteen country-made
cannons which are still preserved in the Jeypore palace.
Mallakimardana Krishna organised a confederacy of the chiefs of
Malkangiri area where he constructed a strong fort which was named after
him as Mallakimardanagarh, and the name Malkangiri is believed to have
been a variant form of it.
Mallakimardana Krishna was succeeded by his brother Hari Deo in
1681, and it was during his rule that the English built a factory at
Vizagapatam in 1682. Hari Deo died in 1684 and after him his brother
Balaram Deo II came to the throne and ruled till 1686. The ' very next year
witnessed the overthrow of the Sultan of Golconda by emperor Aurangazeb
who incorporated the entire Deccan to the Moghul empire and appointed the
Subedar of the Deccan who later on came to be known as the Nizam of
Hyderabad.
Balarama Deo II like three of his elder brothers had no male issue and
so he adopted a boy named Raghunatha from the collateral branch of his
family at Gunupur. It has already been pointed out that of the two sons of
Maharaja Viravikrama the elder Krishna Deo became the ruler of Nandapur
kingdom while the younger Yasovanta got the Jagir of Gunupur. Yasovanta's
son Viswanatha had three sons named Raghunatha, Sankara and Mukunda.
Maharaja Balaram Deo II adopted the eldest son Raghunatha who
succeeded him to the throne of Jeypore in 1686 A. D. assuming the name
Raghunatha Krishna. The second son Sankara remained as the Jagirdar of
Gunupur while the third son Mukunda received Rayagada as Jagir.
Raghunatha Krishna was popularly known as Sano Krishna Deo and he
was known to the Europeans by the name Sumbar Deo. He was a very
powerful ruler and his attitude towards the European traders was stern and
uncompromising. As pointed out above, the English first established a
factory at Vizagapatam in the year 1682, the Dutch having been a few years
before them at Bimilipatam. The Company's records mention a curious
incident of the year 1693:
"Ranga Rao, a neighbouring Raja (clearly the Raja of Bobbili)( upon
clearing a tank in his country found a vast treasure buried in earthen pots
with a small piece of copper in each pot mentioning what contained therein
and by whom buried, by which it appeared to belong to the family, of the
Sumberdues (the Rajas of Jeypore) and to be buried by the great-
grandfather of the present Raja, which has made a great contest between
the neighbouring Rajas and impeded all commerce in those parts, Ranga
Rao claiming it because took up in his Government and Sumberdue

45
asserting a right to it by the copperplates which specify it to be buried by his
ancestors who formerly had the Government of those parts. The event we
must leave to time, but it is conjectured and not without reason that upon the
Seer Lascar's return from Metchlepatam he will soon decide the matter to
the dissatisfaction of both parties by condemning it all to the king's and his
own particular treasure."
In 1694 A. D. Raghunatha Krishna appointed his own man in Bobbili
and marched against the Nawab of Chicacole and defeated and forced the
Nawab to accept a 'dishonourable treaty'. In October 1697, Raghunatha
Krishna and other hill chiefs again revolted and slew the Seer Lascar's
troops on every possible occasion and confined him to Chicacole. The
Company's agents did not interfere in the local disturbances, but
endeavoured to maintain friendly relation with the Fouzdar not always with
success as in 1711, the Fouzdar besieged Vizagapatam when the chief of
the factory was unable to repay a sum borrowed from him. After a blockade
of some months, the Company paid the amount and the siege was raised.
On the death of Raghunatha Krishna, Ramachandra Deo I succeeded
to the throne in 1708 A. D. He appointed Viziaram Raju of Vizia-nagaram
taluk, a relation of Pushapati, to look after the management of Jeypore
estate. This was a political blunder as this new Dewan secretly acted against
the interests of Jeypore and instigated the neighbouring zamindars of the
plains to encroach upon the contiguous territories of the Nandapur kingdom.
Balaram III, who succeeded Ramachandra Deo on his death in 1711, rightly
resented the appointment of Viziaram Raju and compelled him to retire from
administrative affairs. But it was too late as by the time all the zamindars in
the plains had seceded from his kingdom. The rulers of Bindra-Nowagarh.
Khariar and Kalahandi, on the northern borders of Jeypore, joined hands
with the Marathas against Jeypore. Thus, during the rule of Balaram Deo III
the territories of Jeypore began to shrink at the onslaught of the rising
neighbours.
Balaram III ruled for a brief period of two years and he was succeeded
by Biswambhara Deo II who ruled over Nandapur kingdom from 1712 to
1752 A. D. He assumed power at the age of 22 years probably with the help
of Maharaja Jugaraj Deo of Kalahandi, whom he gave away the garh of
Kashipur, together with Chandragiri, Bissamgiri and Mahul-patna in 1712. He
entrusted the management of his affairs to a Brahmin minister named
Mahidhara Mishra. He was a feeble and indifferent ruler and relied much
upon the faithfulness of his loyal servants named Chintamoni Gauda and
Allar Khan, a resident of Thuba village in Nandapur tahsil. He maintained a
big seraglio named Champanagar at Narayanpatna for the residence of his

46
mistresses called Ranis and constructed a big dam on the Jhanjhavati river
close by the side of the fort wall for the bathing purposes of his Ranis which
is called the Garia-ghat. By the side of the dam is noticed one small
Satikunda where some unknown lady ascended the funeral pyre of her
husband. The strategic position of the fort was enhanced by the construction
of the dam. Within the compound walls of Champanagar rested a big cannon
8 cubits long, which was being used against the French and the
Mohammedans. The king was an ardent lover of Vaishnavism and a number
of' Danasasanas' (grants) were granted to Brahmins in his regime. The
village of Maghuput near Gajapatinagaram (Srikakulam district in Andhra
Pradesh)) still bears testimony to his generousity. During his reign a great
portion of the coastal tract was taken away by Viziaram Raju who with the
help of Jafar Ali Khan encroached upon the territories of Nandapur.
Anglo-French conflict
The death of Aurangazeb in 1707 ushered in a chaotic period in the
history of the Deccan. The Subedar of the Deccan made himself
independent for all practical purposes and tried his best to bring order out of
confusion. He appointed Anwaruddin as the Fouzdar of Chica-cole Circar
which was firmly ruled by him till he became the Nawab of Arcot in 1744.
The death of the Subedar Asaf Jha Nizam Ulmulk in led to a serious trouble
for succession between his second son Nasirjung and his grandson
Muzafarjung in which the English and the French took the sides of the son
and the grandson, respectively. Matters became critical when Anwaruddin,
the Nawab of Arcot, was killed in giving rise to a dispute between his son
Ahmed Ali and Chanda Saheb for the Nawabship. In 1750 the French
protege Muzafarjung became the Nizam who was shortly after killed,
whereupon the French declared Salabatjung, the third son of Asaf Jha, as
the Nizam. Th-French general Bussey obtained from the new Nizam the four
Northern Circars including Chicacole in 1753 for maintenance of his troops.
When Bussey sent Lieutenant Morasin to take possession of the Circar
of Chicacole, Jafar Ali, the Fouzdar, prepared to resist the entry of the
French with the help of Gajapati Viziaram Raju of Vizianagaram. But the
attempt of Jafar Ali was foiled as Bussey could win over Viziaram Raju and
thereupon the discontented Fouzdar invited the Marathas of Nagpur to
invade the territory and under the guidance of the zamindar of Pachipenta
the Marathas marched through the Ghat roads and devastated the entire
Chicacole Circar. The English being the supporters of Jafar Ali, Vizagapatam
was spared from ravage. But this invasion ultimately brought disasters on
the Marathas themselves and more than half of their number fell a sacrifice
to the noxious air of the hills. The remnant of the invaders desperately

47
marched through hills and jungles by unfrequented routes and subsequently
crossing the Godavari could come back to their territory with considerable
booty.
The French, however, succeeded in consolidating their power in the
Northern Circars and in 1754 Bussey appointed a new Fouzdar at Chicacole
who was of doubtful loyalty. This Fouzdar intrigued against the French and
Bussey had to strive hard to restore French authority in 1756, when with the
help of Viziaram Raju he sacked Bobbili and Ganjam and subdued the local
chiefs and zamindars. The English of Vizagapatam surrendered in 1757 and
the reputation of the English in the Circars came to a low ebb. Fortunately for
the English, Viziaram Raju died in 1758 and was succeeded by Ananda Raju
who was a great enemy of the French and revolted against their authority in
the Circai. He invited the English to help him to expel the French from the
Circars. Clive immediately sent Col. Forde by sea who regained
Vizagapatam and with the help of the army of Ananda Raju fought against
the French at Rajahmundry on the 9th December. This battle of
Rajahmundry was one of the decisive battles fought between the French and
the English and the French being completely defeated lost their hold on the
Circars. It was after this battle that the Nizam Salabatjung deserted the
French and making common cause with the English restored his authority
over the Northern Circars.
During the period of struggle between the French and the English in the
Northern Circars, the kingdom of Nandapur was under the rule of Lal Krishna
Deo who ruled from 1752 to 1753. Like his elder brother Biswambhara Deo
II, he made Narayanpatna his capital. Taking advantage of his weakness
and the anarchy of the period, Viziaram Raju considerably extended his
territory at the cost of Nandapur kingdom.
In 1765 Clive obtained the Dewani of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha (to the
north of Suvarnarekha) from the Moghul emperor Shah alam who also
granted the Northern Circars to the Company by a Firman. In 1769
Vizagapatam was made a district headquarters with Mr. John Andrew as the
first Chief in Council. But although the British authority was established over
the Circars and political power was exercised over the plains, the hill
country of Jeypore remained outside the sphere of British administration and
almost a century elapsed before the direct administration of the British was
established in that inaccessible tract.
Vikram Deo I succeeded Lal Krishna Deo in 1758 and ruled for a long
time till 1781. He retransferred his capital from Narayanpatna to Jeypore
which had been deserted from the time of Balaram Deo in 1711 A. D. In
order to strengthen the capital he constructed a fort at the foot of the
48
Naktidongar hill. He married Lalitamani Devi, the grand-daughter of Raja
Udaya Singh of Kalahandi and consolidated his frieadship with the ruler of
that state. Vikram Deo had a strong army and he stationed a troop of 4000
to guard between Jeypore and Narayanpatna. The French, who led an
expedition through Malkangiri, were driven out by his army and he also
successfully hurled back the Marathas, who once marched as far as
Umarkot.
British Occupation
In 1768 the successor of Viziaram Raju claimed the Jeypore territory
under an alleged patta granted in 1752 by Salabatjung, the then Subedar of
the Deccan. The patta recorded the grant of the villages-Kasipuram}
Nandapur, Madgol, etc., by way of Jagir to Raja Viziaram Raj Manna Sultan
on an annual paymmt of Rs. 24,000. Vikram Deo refuted the claim of the
Raja of Vizianagaram and sent his Agent Jagannath Patro to Vizagapatam
to get support of the British authorities. But in September 1768 the Madras
Government acknowledged the Jagir of Viziaram Raju and thereupon some
disaffected chiefs and zamindars rose against Vizianagaram with the open
help of the Raja of Jeypore. It was during ths course of this disturbance that
the British first asserted their authority over the hill country by sending a
body of troops to Jeypore. In 1773 Vikram Deo assembled a strong force in
the Rayagada valley and made arrangements for a reinforcement of 2,000
Maratha horses. He offered the hand of his daughter to the Raja of
Parlakimedi to get his alliance in that critical time.
Captain Richard Matthews, who was then commanding the Northern
Circars, was deputed by the East India Company to march into the hill
country of Jeypore with a company of Sibbandis of the Raja of
Vizianagaram. Captain Matthews acting on his own initiative took possession
of Rayagada by 15th January 1775. He intimated the Chief in the Council at
Vizagapatam on 22nd January about his possession of passes leading
towards Narayanpatna. On 14th February, he wrote from his camp near
Jeypore that he had come through the pass with great difficulty as the
enemy continuously fought with his army and that he was by that time only
six coss from Jeypore. He besieged the fort of Jeypore in the last week of
February and defeated the Maratha troops who rushed to the help of the
Raja. Vikram Deo subsequently "agreed to surrender the fort and quit all
pretensions to the several pass leading into the Circar, requesting that he
might be spared the good country to the westward". Capt. Matthews took
possession of the fort built of mud. "The wall, 20 ft. high. The bastions very
good, the rampart tolerable and the ditch 20 ft. wide and as many deep". He
ordered the fort to be destroyed, and the ruins of it are seen at present to the

49
east of Jeypore town. As a result of this campaign, the Jeypore territory was
completely occupied by the British and large portion of the estate was
brought under the control of Raja of Vizianagaram who helped Captain
Matthews in his campaign.
The Madras Government appointed in 1776 a Committee of Circuit to
enquire into revenue system of the Northern Circars. The Committee was
recalled after two years but was again revived in 1783. In its report of 1784,
it expressed indignation about the maladministration of the Chiefs in Council
of Vizagapatam district and condemned the oppressive rule of Sitaram Raju,
Dewan of Vizianagaram estate. The Committee recommended Jeypore to be
treated as a separate zamin-dari independent of Vizianagaram and fixed its
peshkash at Rs. 35,000. The report of the Committee was, however, not
given effect to. In 1793 the Raja of Vizianagaram due to his misrule and
heavy arrears of peshkash money was sequestered and was directed to
leave his district. The Raja suddenly rose in rebellion and in July 1794 Lt.-
Col. Prendargast was sent to suppress him. The battle took place at
Padmanabham where the Raja was defeated and killed. The followers of the
Raja were, however, not suppressed and declaring his eight years old son
Narayan Raju as the Raja of Vizianagaram, they sought help from
Ramachandra Deo II, Raja of Jeypore. But Ramachandra Deo did not
support this rising and kept himself aloof from it, as a result of which the
rebellion automatically collapsed. The British satisfied with the neutrality of
the Raja of Jeypore granted him a permanent Sanad for the estate of
Jeypore for an annual peshkash of Rs. 25,000. They also liberally treated
other zamindars who had been dispossessed of their estates by Raja of
Vizianagaram and the estate of Vizianagaram greatly curtailed was restored
to the young Raja. In 1802-03, Permanent Settlement was introduced
throughout the district of Vizagapatam and Ramachandra Deo having
accepted this settlement got his peshkash reduced to Rs. 16,000. The
Permanent Settlement satisfied neither the ryots nor the zamindars and
chronic disturbances broke out in many of the estates of Vizagapatam
district. In 1832 disturbances in this district, as well as in the Parlakimedi
zamindari of Ganjam district, became very serious, as a result of which
George Russell, a member of the Board of Revenue, was sent as Special
Commissioner to find out measures for the suppression of the troubles and"
in 1839. On his advice, the Act XXVI was passed. According to this Act,
7/8th of the district was removed from the operation of much of the ordinary
law and administered directly by the Collector with extraordinary powers con-
ferred upon him in the capacity of Agent to the Governor. Later on, the
extent of application of this special law was gradually reduced but the
Jeypore estate continued to remain under this Act. After the creation of

50
separate Odisha Province in April 1936 and also the district of Koraput, this
Act operated in the whole of the district till it was abolished in 1952.
In 1848 during the rule of Maharaja Sri Vikram Deo a serious quarrel
took place between the Maharaja and his eldest son, the latter being
supported by the chief Queen and some influential Sirdars. Both the parties
solicited arbitration of Smollett, the Agent, who came to Parvatipuram
towards the end of April 1849 to hear complaints and to suggest some
compromise. The Maharaja did not come to meet him in person but the son
came with some Sirdars and armed guard of one thousand and demanded
some changes in administration.Smollett thereafter separated four taluks,
viz. Gunupur, Rayagada, Narayan-patna and Alamanda, which were lying, to
the east of the Ghats from the control of the ruler and placed them under the
administration of the British Government. It was held that the administration
of these taluks would be carried on by the Government accounting the
annual rent of about Rs. 50,000 for Maharaja. Neither of the parties was
satisfied with this arrangement and Smollett had again to come to
Parvatipuram to meet the father and the son. A temporary reconciliation
between them was effected and the taluks were given back to the Raja. But
soon after that the son imprisoned the Counsellors of his old father in the fort
at Rayagada and they were set free only after the intervention of Captain
Haly who was sent by the Agent for the purpose. The son, however,
subsequently submitted to his father and the disturbances ended in 1850.
On 10th July 1855, the Government authorised the Agent to assume
the control, both police, and revenue of the tracts above the Ghats, and to
manage directly the taluks below. But Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-
General, objected to such a policy as he thought that might involve the
British Government in a protracted jungle and hill war as in the case of
Ghumsur. Accordingly the Agent was again directed to the effect that the
assumption of the management of the hill zamindari was a measure to be
depreciated unless an imperative necessity existed for its adoption. But as
the attachment of Gunupur had been already made, it might not be
withdrawn. On receipt of these orders, Smollett addressed the government
advocating direct interference in Jeypore and to take up the revenue and
police management of the estate for better government and maintenance of
peace and order. But the opinion of Smollett was probably not
communicated to the Governor-General.
Smollett was succeeded as Agent by Reade who was advised to follow
a policy of non-interference. The old Maharaja Sri Vikram Deo died on 10th
August 1860 and was succeeded by his son Sri Ramachandra Deo. Fane,
the then Agent, observed that from the administrative experience of the

51
taluks below the Ghats no reasonable difficulty be apprehended in
establishing a police and proper tribunals in the hill tracts of Jeypore. He
supported the policy of Smolett and ultimately the proposal to locate an
Assistant Agent together with an Assistant Superintendent of Police at
Jeypore was sanctioned by Government. With the assumption of the direct
administration of the Jeypore country, four Sub-Magistrates were placed
above the Ghats at Jeypore, Nawrangpur, Mahadeoput and Aurada with a
considerable police force. In the territory below the Ghats, including the
Khond and Saora hill tracts, there were two Sub-Magistrates with police
force one at Gunupur and the other at Rayagada.
The introduction of the British Police and Magistracy into the Jeypore
territory gave rise to some reactions among the advisers of the Maharaja
and the situation was brought under control after the arrest of the leading
malcontents. In July 1864, there was an outbreak of the Sbora tribe
inhabiting the mountain country between Gunupur and Badakimedi. It was
occasioned by the improper arrest of the Headman of Puttasingi by an
Inspector of Police; although it originated as a local affair, it took a serious
turn by the month of November as the entire Saora tribe rose in arms against
the Government. The rising was suppressed with the combined force of
Ganjam and Vizaga-patam police as well as with the assistance of the
Maharaja of Jeypore. Five Saora leaders were hanged at the foot of the
Ghats and nine were transported for life, while orders were passed to station
a strong police guard at a central place in the Saora hills. When the police
guard moved to take this position towards the end of 1865, they were
attacked by the Saoras and were forced to retreat. But in January 1866, the
Saoras were overwhelmed and the police occupied the selected post firmly.
Three of the ring leaders were transported for life on that occasion.
Maharaja Ramachandra Deo III died in 1889 and his son Vikram Deo
III, who was then only 14 years of age succeeded to the estate which was
taken under the management of Court of Wards. H. D. Taylor, I.C.S. Agent
to the Governor at Vizagapatam, was appointed as Manager of the estate
and was given the charge of the taluks above the Ghats, while one Rao
Bahadur Purniah Pantulu was placed in charge of the rest of the tana. The
young Raja's education was entrusted to a renowned scholar, J. Marsha,
M.A., LL.B. He married in 1893 a princess of Udaipur state in C. P. On
attaining majority the estate was handed backto him in 1895 and a year after
the distinction of Maharaja was conferred on him. In 1906 Maharaja Vikram
Deo, K.C I. Ewas presented to the Prince of Wales when the latter visited
Madras. He purchased the Pachipenta estate for rupees six laks after which
the boundary of Jeypore estate was extended down to the Ghat near
Itikavalsa. The Pachipenta estate had formerly been granted by
52
Biswambhara Dso- I (1672—76) to guard the tract which led from the 3,000-
foot plateau into the Jeypore country and the chief of the estate was given
the title of Dakshina Kavata Durga Raja or the Lord of the Southern Portal.
The then chief Virappa Raju showed the way to the Marathas through the
Ghat of Pachipenta to attack the Raja of Vizianagaram who was afterwards
imprisoned for life in the fort of Vizianagaram. Vikram Deo also acquired half
of Madgol estate through sale-deed executed in 1910 and his son
Ramachandra Deo acquired the other half on relinquishment by Madgol
Ranees in 1928. During the first World War he contributed one lakh of
rupees to the Madras War Fund and a thousand rupees every month till the
war lasted. He contributed Rs. 25,000 for a fighter plane ' to be named after
Jeypore. He was a member of the Royal Asiatic Society, Bengal.
Vikram Deo died in the year 1920. Ramachandra Deo IV succeeded to
the throne and ruled till 1931. He married the eldest daughter of Maharaja
Bhagavati Prasad of Balrampur (U. P.) in 1913. The services of Charles
Henderson, I. C. S., were lent to him by the Government to act as his
Manager.
In 1920 all the Agency tracts of Garijam, Koraput and Godavari districts
were removed from the control of Collectors and placedin charge of a
Commissioner, with headquarters at Waltair. The Koraput district was
parcelled out into four subdivisions called the Kondh, Savara, Oriya and
Ghats, each in charge of an officer called Assistant Commissioner. But the
experiment was abandoned in 1923.
Ramachandra Deo IV acted as Honourable Lieutenant in the World
War I in his young age. He introduced election system of Village Naiks in
villages. He died in 1931 leaving no issue behind. On his death, Vikram Deo,
the son of Krishnachandra Deo, the last surving member of the family of
Jeypore Raj, succeeded to the estate at the age of 60. The widow of
Maharaja Ramachandra Deo IV entered into a family settlement with
Maharaja Vikram Deo IV.
In 1932 the Government of India appointed a Boundary Commission
under the Chairmanship of Sir O'Donnel to enquire into the amalgamation of
different Odia speaking tracts. Vikram Deo produced witnesses from Jeypore
before the Commission for amalgamation of Vizagapatam Agency tract
particularly the whole of Jeypore with Odisha. A separate province for Odias
was formed from 1st April 1936 including the Jeypore Agency. In newly
formed Odisha State, Koraput was made a separate district which comprised
the whole estate of Jeypore . Even though Jeypore was the seat of Jeypore
Maharaja (Zamindar of Jeypore estate) Koraput which is at a distance of
23k.m. k.m. up hill was made the district head quarter . R. C. S. Bell, I. C.
53
S., became the first Collector of Koraput, who was for sometime Special
Assistant Agent for the newly formed district of Koraput.
Vikram Deo was a scholar and a poet. He donated one lakh of rupees
annually to the Andhra University, Waltair. In 1935 he adopted the second
son of his only daughter, Sri Ramakrishna Deo, as heir and successor to the
Jeypore estate. Maharaja Vikram Deo Varma died at the age of 82 on 14th
April 1951 and the estate was taken under the management of Court of
Wards as his adopted son Ramakrishna Deo was a minor. In 1952,
theOdisha Estates Abolition Act was passed and the estate of Jeypore was
vested in Governmen of Odisha.
National Movement
During the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, which has been characterized as the
War of Independence in India, Raja Vikram Deo of Jeypore maintained a
strict neutrality and there was no record to show his alignment either with the
rebels or with the British. In Sambalpur a great rising took place under the
leadership of Surendra Sai who could not be suppressed till 1862 A. D.
During the trial of Surendra Sai in 1862, a suspicious letter said to have
been written by the Raja of Jeypore to Surendra Sai was produced as an
evidence against the latter. The letter was dated 20th September 1862A D.
and it referred to a matrimonial negotiation of the daughter of Raja of
Jeypore with the son of Surendra Sai. The Raja of Jeypore was alleged to
have intimated Surendra Sai his intention of sending a force of 5,000 strong
to assist him to be installed on the throne of Sambalpur and hoped that the
territories and properties of Jeypore and Sambalpur would be treated in
common. The evidence of the letter was prima facie untenable. Surendra
Sai's son Mitrabhanu was already married to one of the daughters of the
Raja of Bonai. On enquiry, the Raja of Jeypore denied to have written such a
letter to Surendra Sai and the Judicial Commissioner Sir John Scarlett
Campbell in his judgment declared that the letter was a forged document.
The tribal people of Koraput are by nature freedom-loving and do not
like the idea of subjugation. Their sporadic attempts against the authorities
by violent upsurge had been crushed by combined efforts of the British and
the local chief. When the National Movement of India gained momentum
under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, Koraput could not remain outside
it and the local Congress leaders came forward to bring the district into line
with the current political movement of India. But at the beginning, the
struggle for Independence was not very widespread among the people and it
was only in 1929 that an enrolment of primary Congress membership was
started to make the movement popular. In 1930, volunteers were recruited to

54
launch the Salt Satyagraha and the local leaders were convicted and
sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.
By 1936, the organisation of the Congress gained much popularity
among the people and that year soon after the formation of the Odisha
Province and the creation of the district of Koraput, a District Congress
Committee was formed to take active part in the freedom movement. Odisha
st
was formed as a separate province on 1 April 1936. This was the first state
in the country to be formed on linguistic basis along with Sindh (now in
Pakistan). Whole of Jeypore estate comprised the new district of Koraput.
Even though the seat of the Maharaja (Zamindar) was Jeypore, Koraput was
made district which is at a distance of 23 k.m. up hill apparently for cooler
climate liked by the Britsh officers. Mr R.C.S. Bell was the first Collector of
the the Head quarter of the new district. During the election of 1937,
Congress candidates in all the constituencies of the district were elected with
majority of votes for the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The success of the
Congress candidates in the General Elections brought immense popularity
for the Congress Movement in the district. The District Congress Committee
organised in 1938 a Volunteers' training in constructive work in rural areas.
About 1,200 volunteers were trained on Prohibition, Khadi, Cottage
industries, Agriculture and Village sanitation. Response from the people was
highly satisfactory, as a result of which many village roads were constructed,
drinking water wells were dug and spinning centres started. In 1938-39 the
enrolment to the primary Congress membership rose to 56,000.
With the outbreak of the World War II in 1939, and following the
direction of the.All-India Congress Committee, the elected representatives
resigned from the Legislative Assembly. In 1940 they launched individual
Satyagraha and along with them about 300 volunteers who participated in
the Satyagraha courted imprisonment.
The August Revolution of 1942 took a. very remarkable form in the
district of Koraput. On 2nd August 1942 the District Congress Committee
met in full session and decided to start a movement in the lines of Civil
Disobedience under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi. But the Government
declared the Congress an unlawful organisation and arrested all Congress
leaders, as a result of which the popular outburst in the district as in other
parts of India was directed towards violence and sabotage. Congress
volunteers went into the interior of the district and inspired the tribal people
to rise against the authorities. The movement started by the people's refusal
to pay 'one-pice tax' on head-load of articles and very soon took the turn of
mob fury against the British Raj. Police-stations at Lakshmipur, Mathili and
Dasmantapur were attacked and the activities of sabotage like cutting of

55
telegraph wires, cutting down trees in reserved forests, destruction of railway
sleepers, etc., continued. Besides, picketing was started in schools, excise
shops and in front of Courts.
The Government on their side took serious repressive measures by
taking resort to arrest, lathi charges and firing. On 21st August 1942, a big
crowd of about 2,000 persons under the leadership of a Bhumia tribal
Lakshmana Naiko of Tentuligumma of present Boipariguda Block of Jeypore
subdivision proceeded to Mathili where they held a public meeting at the
weekly market place about half a mile from the police-station. Lakshmana
Naiko exhorted the people to establish people's Raj and not to co-operate
with the British Government. The police arrested him and brought him to the
thana where a large crowd very soon gathered following their leader. Not
being able to disperse the people, the police took to simultaneous lathi
charge and firing as a result of which six persons died on the spot, about
one hundred people received injuries and many were speared and
bayoneted. On 24th August a large procession proceeded to Dabugan( now
in Nawrangpur district) to decide the course of action of the National
Movement. As soon as the procession reached the bridge on the
Papadahandi river, then flooded, a police party stopped the procession and
resorted to lathi charge and firing. The road was narrow on either side and
fields were inundated by flood water. A large number of people jumped into
the overflowing river to swim across for safety. As a result of this attack, 19
persons were killed and about one hundred were injured while 140 were put
under arrest.
After Mathili firing a case against Lakshmana Naiko and 53 others was
started for the alleged offence of murder of a forest guard. The case ended
in conviction and sentence of Lakshmana Naiko to hanging, while others
were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment including transportation for
life. Ten of them were, however, acquitted on appeal by the Patna High
Court. Lakshmana Naiko was made to mount the gallows in Berhampur
Central Jail on 29th August 1943. Many other freedom fihters were also
confined inside Berhampur jail. A noted freedom fighter late Sadashiva
Tripathy ( who becme subsequently Chief Minister of Odisha) met Laxmana
Naiko in his cell in the evening preceding to the date of hanging. Sada shiva
Tripathy asked Laxmana as to what message Laxmana would like to convey
to his people. The tribal freedom fighter in a brave voice replied ― if
existence of Sun and the Moon in the sky is the truth, that mother India to
acheive her freedom is also the ‗Truth‘ ―. Such were the words of this tribal
revolutionary who spoke in a chrged and confident tone.To co mmemorate
his name, a Memorial Hall has been constructed at Jeypore and a bust
statue has been installed at Bhubaneswar.
56
 During this famous Movement, a large number of patriots were arrested
and the Koraput Jail which was to accommodate 250 persons at the most
was huddled with about 700 to 800 persons. The total figures of casualties in
the district during the revolution are as follows. 25 persons died in firing, 2
persons including a boy of 4 years died in lathi charge, 50 died inside the jail
and 32 persons were to undergo transportation for life. These persons were
however released on 23rd April 1946, the date of assumption of office by the
Congress Ministry. Besides this, the courts imposed fines amounting to Rs.
11,200 out of which Rs. 9,371 was realised. This indicates the magnitude of
the revolution in Koraput district. After coming of new Ministry to office,
Government granted political pensions ranging from Rs. 10 to Rs. 25 to
about 107 persons in this district
Some of the important persons who participated in freedom movement
from present Koraput district are late Radhakrushna Biswsray, late Radha
Mohan Sahu, late Harihara Mishra, late Mallu Santa.Late Mrs. Laxmi Panda
even though was not a freedom fighter in India, she was a soldier in Indian
National Army of Netaji Subash Bose in Burma (now Myanmar) at a very
young age. A short description on these persons is given below.
Harihar Mishra
Harihar Misra was one of the great Odia revolutionaries of his time in
the estate of Jeypore. He was born in 1886 in the Princely State of Boudh.
He was an activist by birth. Although he was the eldest son of the royal
Priest he raised his voice against castism and rebelled against the tyranny
of the Raja and his patron, the British Rulers. When the British Government
issued a warrant of arrest, Harihar slipped out of Boudh in disguise. He had
completed his school education and was also married by that time. He
arrived at Kolkata to seek his fortune and worked as a cook in a Bengali
family. Then he served under a renowned advocate who helped him in
acquiring a legal practitioner‘s certificate. He stayed at Kolkata for about 12
years and then left for Cuttack where he met the top Odia leaders like
Madhusudan Das, Krushna Chandra Gajapati and Gopabandhu Das who
were in need of a young enthusiastic and efficient person to extend the
activities of Utkal Samilani in the Estate of Jeypore. He reached Jeypore and
with the help of a school teacher Gorachand Samantray he met the
Maharaja of Jeypore Sri Vikram Dev Verma. With a short period of time the
king too accepted him as a close associate. Under the able leadership of
Harihar, the activities of Utkal Samilani reached the grass root level of the
Estate.

57
Radhakrishna Biswsray
Radhakrishna Biswsray was the prisoner among the freedom fighters of
rd
Koraput region. He was born at Parvatipur of then Madras Presidency on 3
April 1905. His parents shifted to Jeypore and resided there. Radhakrishna
passed SSLCexamination in 1922 from Jeypore High School and joined as a
clerk at Koraput Collectorate. Being inspired by the leadership of Mahatma
Gandhi he left the services to join the National Movement. Gopanabdhu
Choudhury advised him to work under Niranjana Patnaik, the most dedicated
freedom fighter of Ganjam. He joined the Salt Satyagraha at Huma and was
arrested at Berhampur. He was imprisoned in the Koraput jail without any
trial from May to July 1930. With Dibakar Patnaik he was shifted to Central
jail Vishakhapatnam where he met many top Congress leaders of India. The
Gandhian philosophy got ingrained in his blood. He was released from jail
after Gandhi- Irwin Pact was signed. Biswasray with his co-freedom fighters
met Gandhiji at Vizianagaram. He started his work with ―Padayatra‖ all over
the region from Gunupur to Motu and Umerkote to Pottangi. The
Government was irritated by his activities and again he was arrested and
sent to Rajmuhundry Jail where he remained till 20.12.1934. The National
Congress Golden Jubliee meeting was held at Lucknow on 31.03.1936 and
Biswasray attended this meeting. After his return the Golden Jubliee
Celebration of the Indian National Congress was observed at Jeypore.
During 1937-38 many Primary Congress Committees were constituted to
popularize Congress under his able leadership along with his two close
associates Radha Mohan Sahu and Sadasiba Tripathy. In 1941 he was
made President of Utkal Congress Committee. In the same year he
participated in the Vani Satyagraha and was imprisoned in the Berhampur
jail. As one of the top ranking leaders of Odisha he attended the Congress
meeting at Bombay where Gandhiji announced the Mantra ―Do or Die‖ on
09.08.1942 and started ―Quit India Movement‖.
After independence under the premiership of Dr. Hare Krushna
Mahatab, Biswasray worked as PWD Minister. He was active in politics till
1963. The scenario of Indian politics gradually lost all its glory and the old
veteran leaders of Congress withdrew themselves from the organization. He
nd
breathed his last on the 2 May 1984 at the age of 80. He is no more but his
sweet memories are still living in the minds of the people of Koraput.
Radha Mohan Sahu
Radha Mohan Sahu, a dedicated leader of the freedom movement in
th
Koraput was born at Jeypore town on the 4 October 1902. After completing
his school education at Jeypore he worked as a teacher in Jeypore High
School in 1925. In 1934 he joined National Congress and took active part in
58
this movement with Radhakrishna Biswasray and Sadasiva Tripathy. After
the formation of the new State of Odisha in 1936 Utkal Pradesh Congress
Committee was formed and accordingly Radha Mohan was appointed as
Secretary of the District Congress Committee. He walked in the dense forest
of this tribal region and propagated the message of Mahatma Gandhi. He
organized village people against the oppression and atrocity by the
Government officials and Sahukars. He motivated people to boycott the
foreign articles. Even the Bondas and Koyas of Malkangiri area started
spinning and weaving Khadi. He formed Primary Congress committees in
villages. Laxman Naik was very close to him. In 1939 Gandhiji started
Satyagraha and campaigns that followed throughout India vehemently
opposing the British Government. Radha Mohan was arrested for launching
campigned in Koraput region and was imprisoned in Berhampur jail from
December 1940 to November 1941. Radha Mohan was again arrested on
th th
10 August 1942. After 3 years on 20 August 1945 he was released from
Berhampur jail.
Mallu Santa
Mallu Santa, one of the leading tribals who joined the National
Movement as a member of Indian National Congress was born in 1922. He
was an under matriculate and took keen interest in social service. He joined
Indian National Congress in 1939 and organized people in remote tribal
areas to revolt against the British Rulers. He was imprisoned for 6 months in
1940 and again for 2 years in 1942 for taking active part in freedom
movement. He became a member of the District Congress Committee and in
the General Election held in 1957 he contested as a congress candidate
from Pottangi Assembly Constituency and got elected to the State
Legislative Assembly. Again in 1967 he was elected from Nandapur
Constituency as a candidate from Indian National Congress Party. This tribal
th
leader breathed his last on 12 September 1982
Laxmi Panda
Laxmi (Indira) Rath was one of the youngest members of Netaji Subash
Chandra Bose‘s India National Army, and among the few Odia women.
Laxmi Rath was born sometime in 1930 in Rangoon where her
parents were engaged in the Railways. Her parents were residents of
Jeypore of Koraput district and migrated to Burma to earn their livelihood as
workers. When the Japanese overran parts of Burma in 1942, British air
bombardments became a daily routine. Both her parents were killed in a
British air raid. The young Laxmi Rath and her even younger brother were
orphaned. The determination to avenge the death of her parents made her

59
go to the nearby I.N.A.(Indian National Army)Camp where she begged for
enrollment in the rank and file. The frail Laxmi was hardly fourteen years of
age, and was refused by the Camp commanders. However because of
strong determination on the part of the young girl ultimately she was taken in
the Rani Jhansi Regiment under Captain Lakshmi Sehgal. She was injured
by shrapnel, the scars of which she still carried till her death. Laxmi was right
by the side of Netaji up till the time he gave the call for disbandment of the
I.N.A. After the surrender of Singapore, the arrested members of the Indian
National Army were classed as 'white', 'black', or 'grey' according to the
perceived innocence or culpability of their motives. Laxmi Panda had been
classified as white, meaning that she was a hardcore war criminal. Even the
British Secret Service agents were baffled by this petite teenaged girl who
had wielded .303 Lee Enfield rifles. They let her go free; as they did not
arrest persons who were less than 16 years of age.
Finding no one of her kin there in Burma, the young girl made her way
back to Odisha, the home of her parents, a place that she had never seen,
but only heard of. She married another I.N.A veteran Khageswar Panda of
Hinjilikatu of Ganjam district in 1951. Since then she was known as Laxmi
Panda. Her husband got a job as a driver in Hirakud Dam project, and the
next few years were spent happily. Her troubles began after her husband
died in 1976. Left all alone with an alcoholic son, she had to work as a
domestic servant, a day labourer and a store attendant at Jeypore,the native
place of her parents working for a pittance to eke out a living. She was not
recognized by Government of Odisha as a freedom fighter despite several
INA veterans, including Captain Lakshmi Sehgal corroborating her role.
Anil Dhir who is a free lance journalist took up her case and collected
all the necessary affidavits and papers from other INA veterans, including
one from Lakshmi Sehgal at Kanpur and prepared a thick dossier. Laxmi
Pandas met the President of India Mrs. Prativa Patil at the Rasthrapati
Bhavan on 12th August 2008. The President conferred the Rashtriya
Swantantra Sainik Samman (national honour) on her on the 25th of
September 2008. However she did not live long enough after that. Just two
th
weeks later on the 7 October, 2008, she breathed her last. Laxmi Panda
was given a State funeral by Government of Odisha.

60
61
62
History of Post Independence Period
Jeypore was not a ruling princely state but an estate or a
Zamindary.The Odisha Estate Abolition Act,1951 (OEA ACT)provided scope
to the Government to vest the estates. Jeypore estate was abolished with
effect from 29.12 1952 in Government notification no.8231-R-dt. 29.12.1952
under the OEA Act.
After vesting of the zamindari, Anchals in Koraput district were formed
as units of revenue administration. Government of Odisha took all necessary
steps to take administrative changes of the estates as soon as possible. The
Collector of Koraput was cautioned to guard against any disorder and chaos.
Section 5(h) and 44 of the Act provided for taking action in case an
intermediary did not deliver his estate by specific date. All relevant registers
showing the individual demands of the tenants were to be taken over for
preparing the Government demand. It was also decided by the Government
to retain the services of the ex-estate personnel on their existing pay till the
question of absorption or discharge was settled according to their suitability.
It was published in the press that all the estates situated in Ganjam and
Koraput districts would be notified with effect from 1st July, 1952 and taken
over by the same day. The Maharaja of Paralakhemundi, the Raja Bahadur
or Khalikote along with other estate holders filed writs before the Honorable
Orissa High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issue of
mandamus against the state of Odisha restraining them from issuing any
rectification or taking any other steps under the Orissa Estate Abolition Act of
1951 in respect of the estates to which these applications related. All these
applications were made on common ground, the Hon‘ble High Court heard
the case till December,1952 and dismissed the petitions. The Zamindars
chose to file an appeal before the Hon‘ble Supreme Court but they lost the
appeal. Then the Government declared their estates to have passed on to
and vested in the state on 01.06.1953. In 1962 Kashipur Tehsil (which was a
Zamindari under the erst while Maharaja of Kalahandi) of Kalahandi district
was merged with Koraput district which is now in Raygada district . In 1950,
the President of India, acting in exercise of the powers derived under
constitution of India issued the Scheduled Area order by virtue of which the
entire Koraput District as declared as a Scheduled Area.
Earier there were only three sub divisions with Head quartes at
Koraput, Nowrangpur and Raygada. In 1962 Malkangiri and Gunupur Sub-
Divisions were formed and thus the District was divided into 5 Sub-Divisions
namely, Koraput, Nawarangpur, Rayagada, Gunupur and Malkangiri,
Koraput Sub Division consisted of 2 Tahasils namely, Koraput and Nandapur

63
(with Tehsil head quarter at Pottangi), Nawarangpur Sub-Division consisted
of five Tahasils namely Jeypore, Nawarangpur, Borigumma, Kotpad and
Umerkote. Malkangiri Sub-Division consisted of two Tahasils namely
Malkangiri and Motu, Gunupur Sub-Division consisted of two Tahasils
namely Gunupur and Bissam Cuttack. Rayagada Sub-Division consists of
two Tahasils namely Kashipur and Rayagada. Malkangiri, Motu and Kotpad
Tahasils were created on 1st January 1962 and 1st August 1962
respectively.
A new Sub-division with its headquarter at Jeypore that comprised of
Jeypore, Borigumma and Kotpad Tahasil was created. During 1974 a new
Tahasil with Headquarters at Machkund was created in Koraput Sub-Divison
bifurcating Nandapur Tahasil. In 1978 a new Tahasil at Kodinga came in to
existence in Nawarangpur Sub-division by splitting Nawarangpur Tahasil.
During 1983 two more new Tahasils were created with Headquarters at
Chitrokonda and Dabugam by splitting Malkangiri and Umerkote Tahasils in
Malkangiri and Nawarangpur Sub-divisions respectively. As a result there
existed 6 Sub-Division with 15 Tehsils , 40 Police Stations, 42 community
Development Blocks and 574 no of Gram Panchayats in the District till it was
divided in to four separate districts with their Headquarters at Koraput,
Malkangiri, Nawarangpur and Rayagada vide Notification No - DRC-36/92-
49137/R, dtd - 1.10.1992. of the Government of Odisha, Revenue & Excise
Department. In 1992 when Government of Odisha created many new
districts, Koraput district was divided into four districts with Rayagada,
Nawarangpur and Malkangiri as new districts while Koraput was confined to
two Sub Divisions of Koraput and Jeypore.In the post independence period,
historical developments of the district is associated with a series of events.
Boodan saint Vinoba Bhave reached Koraput for a padayatra ((Foot march)
which he started on 6th June 1955 and ended on 30th September
sameyear. This pada yatra was for Bhoodan movement requesting big land
holders for distribution of lands to the landless. Following him many
Srvodaya workers came to Koraput district for social work for upliftment of
the poor.
In the early 1960s thousands of Pakistani Hindu families came to this
district to make their fortune in this soil. Exodus of these Hindu Bengali
refugees from East Pakistan under duress necessitated a rehabilitation
programme for the Government of India. The Dandakaranya Development
Project came into existence in terms of the Government of
India resolution dated 12 September 1958, for the avowed purpose of
effective and expeditious execution of the schemes to resettle displaced
persons from East Pakistan in Dandakaranya area which spread over
erstwhile larger Koraput district of Odisha and Bastar district of Madhya
64
Pradesh for the integrated development of the area with particular regard to
the promotion of the interests of the area's tribal population. Vast chunk of
sparsely populated forest land in Dandakaranya area covering Koraput
district of Odisha and Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh was chosen for
settlement of these refugees. Thus Dandakaranya Development Authority
(DDA) was set up with Head Quarter at Koraput having three zones at
Malkangiri, Umarkote (now in Nawrangpur district) and Kondagaon in
Madhya Pradesh. Some displaced persons ( D Ps) from East Pakistan were
also settled in Koraput district at Sunabeda and Padwa in Nandapur Tehsil.
One Industrial Technical Institute at Sunabeda was established to impart
training to DPs for skill improvement.
D D A took up over all resettlement programme of the refugees called
displaced persons (DPs). It simultaneously took up the resettlement of the
local tribal people. However a better package was offered to the DPs
compared to the tribal. Many new villages were established in these zones,
each village assigned with a number. Vast jungle area with precious timber
growth were cleared, lands reclaimed and developed for agriculture and
other projects as well as to build settlement colony. Thousands of trees were
truncated for their encampment and rehabilitation and innumerable forest
animals gradually got extinct. There was a complete change in the
environment. Agricultural lands appeared in places where there was dense
forest once upon a time. Fish ponds were also developed for pisciculture by
the D Ps. But local tribal inspite of the resettlement package given by the
DDA continued to remain marginalised. .Because D D A mainly focussed on
D.Ps. Never the less DDA developed the area of these two zones of
Malkangiri and Umerkot through a number of infrastructure projets like
roads, establishment of specialized hospitals, schools and irrigation projects
etc.
Rehabilitation and Resettlement
In the post independence period, a number of projects were taken up in
the district which caused displacement and resettlement of the displaced
persons. The Constitution of India in its Seventh Schedule provides for the
relief and rehabilitation of persons displaced from their original place of
residence by reason of the setting up of the dominions of India and Pakistan.
Accordingly, the government of India evolved certain policy guidelines for the
resettlement of persons displaced from Pakistan and other neighbouring
countries. But the Constitution did not have a comprehensive policy for the
resettlement of those who had been displaced due to the establishment of
various development projects within India.

65
 In the absence of a uniform national policy on resettlement and
rehabilitation, each ministry has drafted its own official guidelines for
rehabilitating oustees affected by the projects.
Our Constitution provides certain benefits to the tribals and gives
special priority for their upliftment. In accordance with this, Ministry of Home
Affairs issued a set of guidelines on rehabilitation of displaced tribals which
were based on the recommendations made by a conference of Chief
Ministers held under Union Home Ministry. With the instruction of the Bureau
of Public Enterprises under Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Water Resources
impressed upon all state governments to implement the policy directives that
there should be a rehabilitation cell in each and every project to identify
persons displaced due to land acquisition, and make adequate provision for
agricultural and homestead landfor them .Entire cost is to be borne by the
project authorities. On the basis of these directives, project authorities both
at government and private sector, prepared popular packages for
Resettllement & Rehabilitation (R & R), apprised the Government at the
State and National level as well as the project affected persons ,but this was
not strictly adhered to. For example, at the time of inception of Upper Kolab
dam project in Koraput district in 1976, the three major ways of R & R
available then under the state rehabilitation guidelines were allotment of land
for agriculture or payment of cash in lieu of it, house space in resettlement
camp, and employment in the project. All the 3179 families spread over 49
villages, affected by the project have not yet received the full benefits under
the package.Displacement of Chikapar is a peculiar case which can be seen
from the description below.
Chikapar has suffered from repeated displacement due to various
reasons.The villagers reported to have been forced to be displaced from
place to place in the vicinity of Sunabeda but have not been paid adequate
compensation. Some families have still been trying to get their dues and
running to revenue offices at Koraput. The villagers have been displaced
twice during the last 40 years, i.e. from 1966. The history of repeated
displacement is as follows
The first displacement took place in the mid-1960‘s due to
establishment of H.A.L. at Sunabeda. The village was originally located at
the heart of present Sunabeda township. The villagers were asked to vacate
and settle in a vast barren land near Sirisiguda at about 4 Kms. away from
the original settlement. The villagers were paid Rs.100.00 per acre of land
categorized as class-I and Rs.50.00 for land categorized as class-II. No
compensation was sanctioned for construction of house. The whole land, as
reported by the villagers, belongs to two persons namely, Pala Patro and

66
Kumandan Patro, who handed over the land to the Government on lease.
About 300 families were reported to be displaced.
After 10 years (i.e. towards mid 1970s) of settlement, Naval Armament
Depot (NAD) was established for security reason, quite closer to the village.
As a result, the agricultural land of some families was acquired but no
compensation was paid, as the villagers were not legal owners of the land.
Few families, mostly belonging to S.C. community, were displaced and
settled at the present Chikapar village, about 4 Kms. away. The villagers
faced the second displacement due to commencement of Upper Kolab
Project (UKP) in the year 1976.
Due to commencement of UKP, the village started submerging in the
reservoir w.e.f. the year 1982. The villagers were asked to vacate the place
and settle at a place near Kotpad. Many families did not like the place and
preferred to settle at places of their choice on receipt of compensation under
Vanavasa scheme at the rate of Rs.14,041.00 per household. Most of the
households preferred to settle at the present Chikapar village. About 250
families settled here on displacement in the year 1986. So far about 18
families reported to have not been paid the compensation of Rs.14,041/- due
to various complex issues, e.g. issue of joint family, extent of loss in the
previous settlement, errors in survey by the project authorities. Such families
have been trying since last 30 years, i.e. from 1986 to get the amount of
compensation under Vanavasa scheme and running to revenue offices at
Koraput from time to time.
Upper Kolab Multi Pupose Project
Upper Kolab Hydro Electric project is one of the multipurpose project in
the state of Odisha. The dam is constructed on the river Kolab which
originates from Sankaram Hills in the laps of Deomali mountain range in
Koraput district. The main river joins with two tributaries ―Kerandi‖ and
―Guradi‖ in its journey of about 80 Kms before checked by the man made
dam at Kolab Nagar , a place that lies between Koraput and Jeypore
covering around 110 Sq.Km storing water for the multipurpose project . It
has the capacity to produce 320 MW of electricity using its 4 Units and the
firm power is 95 MW i.e. the designed energy of Upper Kolab is 831 Million
units. On the irrigation front the project covers a total of 70252 hectare in the
downstream. Apart from producing electricity and providing irrigation to the
agriculture fields, the project has also been used for promoting pisciculture
and for distributing water to Nalco at Damanjodi, HAL at Sunabeda and
SEWA paper Mill in Jeypore. It also provides drinking water to people in
Damanjodi, Sunabeda, Koraput and Jeypore through pipe water supply.
From the tousist‘s point of view too this project has caught attention of
domestic and foreign tourists for its rich natural ambience all across and man
made garden near the dam site in Kolab Nagar. Many films have been shot
67
at different places in and around the reservoir. As a whole the project has
created a great impact on the social life of the region by generating different
livelihood opportunities for the people living around and far off. The project
construction activities had begun in 1975 while power generation and
irrigation through canals were started in 1987.
NALCO
The National Aluminium Company (NALCO) which comes under the
Navratna group of Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) is one of the largest
integrated aluminium projects of the world which was established in Koraput
district of Odisha in the year 1981. NALCO was established to extract
bauxite ore from the vast reserves (the reserves in Koraput district are
estimated to be 486 million tonnes) in the Panchpatmali hills of the district
and process it into alumina. The NALCO mines have a production capacity
of 63 lakh tonnes per annum and the refinery complex in Damanjodi, which
is 11 km away from the mine site, has an installed capacity of 21 lakh tonnes
of alumina annually (Stanley 1996).
Resettlement at NALCO (National Aluminium Copany)
The rehabilitated colonies were established in two phases. Initially the
government established the rehabilitation colonies in an area which is just 2
kilometers away from the plant site of the company which is named as
Amalabadi Colony or also known as Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Colony. The
naming of the colony after Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar opens the symbolic
space for resistance, and grounding resistance against globalisation
processes promoting inequality in local spaces (Burawoy, 2000). This colony
was meant for initial resettlement of 441 displaced families from 13 villages.
But later on, in the year 2003, another resettlement colony was set up in
Champapadar which is close to Goudaguda village. Initially this colony was
meant to resettle 76 households from the village of Khoraguda and
displaced families from its surrounding villages. This colony is situated 7
kilometers away from the township and is also far away from the plant office.
To resettle the project affected displaced people, the company took
various steps. It provided pucca houses of 40 square meter area consisting
of one living room and a kitchen to the displaced people. The estimated cost
of the pucca house was Rs. 14500/-. The other benefits associated with the
relocated areas included water taps, schools and approach roads.
The Government of Odisha assisted the company in providing a
resettlement house of about 100 square feet area located in 0.04 acres of
land. All the houses to resettle the displaced families were constructed by
NALCO with the help of the government of Odisha.

68
Displacement and NALCO
According to study conducted by Reddy in 1993 by March 1992, the
project at Damanjodi site had displaced and resettled 441 families at the
resettlement colony of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Resettlement Colony which
is popularly known as Amalabadi. His study showed that up to 1991, the
company acquired a total land of 7,056 acres of land and later the
government acquired 43.75 acres of land from the private land for the
construction of the resettlement colony at Amalabadi. The project affected
25 villages of which 14 villages were directly affected and the other 11
villages were indirectly affected by the project (Reddy 1993). Other studies
by Stanley (1996), Dash (2008) and Samata (2010) shows that, in later part
of the project due to its expansion in the district caused displacement of 630
families at Damanjodi site. The number of affected villages increased to 26
villages (Stanley 1996; Samata 2010). Out of total displaced families, 441
families were rehabilitated at Amalabadi camp. Subseqently nother 156
families were settled in the same camp. A second DP camp at
Champapadar was initiated for 75 households displaced from Khoraguda
and Champapadar villages. At present there are more than 200 families
who are living in the Shaheed Laxman Nayak resettlement colony which
later became known as Champapadar DP camp (Samata 2010).
Immigration and emigration issues including urbanisation of
population in the district
Migration in Koraput District is increasing with a sharp upward curve, in
fact doubling from 2006 to 2007 and rising another 25% by 2008, an
alarming trend.
Large tribal population of this district mostly depends on the natural
resources and subsistence farming. The total forest cover after
independence in these regions was 70%. But it has reduced to less than
30%. As a result of industrial growth, infrastructure development,
construction of large dams and clearance of forest for human habitation, all
of which have negatively affected tribal livelihoods, employment and food
security and have made tribal people vulnerable forcing them to look for
alternative forms of livelihood. Thus, labour migration has emerged as one of
the main alternatives for tribal people who meet the demands for unskilled
labourers in high growth cities located in Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu,
Mumbai and other locations.
In the tribal areas of Koraput District, migration is an involuntary
survival tactic, not a voluntary strategy for advancement, caused by the
following inter-related factors

69
 Inadequate food security
 Lack of local work, low wages or late payment of wages
 Landlessness and displacement
 Deforestation
 Poor agricultural production, lack of irrigation and drought
 Indebtedness
Bidyut Mohanty, in his article ―Rehabilitation and Resettlement‖,
published in the book of Cultural Heritage of Koraput District, Vol. XI, writes
that ―There are four major dam projects—Machkund, Kolab, Balimela and
Indravati—and two major industries—Nalco and HAL—in the district. In
addition to these, railway lines—the Kotavasla Kirondul line and the Koraput
Raygada line—have caused displacement and transfer of tribal land. Though
it brought benefits to certain sections of the society, the dark side of the story
is that it brought misery to the lives of the displaced oustees. The displaced
persons are mostly STs and SCs. In the absence of an effective R & R policy
oustees have been impoverished.‖
Large Dams Industries Established
in Undivided Koraput district in Koraput Region
Jalaput – 1957 Dandakaranya, Malkangiri – 1958
Bhaskel – 1966 Railway Line Koraput – 1963
Kodigam – 1969 Mixed Farm Koraput – 1964
Damsal – 1975 HAL, Sunabeda – 1966
Balimela – 1977 Naval Armament Depot – 1975
Satiguda – 1980 OUAT Koraput – 1979
Malkanagiri – 1981 NALCO, Damanjodi – 1981
Laxmipur – 1982 NALCO, Mines –
Damanahapur – 1982 Utkal Alumina –
Bhaluguda – 1982 Railway Line Rayagada – 1982
Pratappur – 1983 Railway Line Koraput-Rayagada –
Upper Kolab – 1985 HIDALCO, Similiguda – 2006
Bhagrijhala – 1986
Satiguda – 1986
Konheimunda – 1991
Badanala – 1992
Indrabati – 1996
Kapur – 1996
Muran – 1996
Podagada – 1996
Source: Cultural Heritage of Koraput District, Vol. XI/ Development induced displacement and
rehabilitation in 1951-1995

The migrant labourers are called ―dadan‖ in the local dialect in KBK
region. The factors behind distress migration in Koraput are the same as in
other backward areas of the State.
The typical migrant worker in Koraput‘s tribal areas is a married Adivasi
man supporting a family of five, who has a marginal land holding or who

70
takes up agricultural operation for generations with no record of land
holdings in his nameand lives in the brink of subsistence. His family has an
average spending power of fewer than 28 rupees a day , well below the
poverty line and in lean time of the year when agricultural work is not
available and his resources are depleted he is tempted to migrate with other
co villagers in a group to a distant place to earn a livelihood. He is illiterate
and if he has heard about the 100 days of local work in the NREGA program
he is entitled to, he knows little or nothing about how to apply for the
program or his rights under it. He is eligible for other food security schemes
but may not avail them. He is ill-informed about how to receive entitlements
or redress grievances. He sees migration as an opportunity because he has
assurances from a middleman whom he may know and trust that he will
receive fair wages under decent working conditions. Thus, the opportunity to
escape his dire situation seems worth the uncertainty, discomfort and
separation from home and family.
The reality of his migration experience is quite different. He works
under difficult, and often dangerous, conditions and live in cramped housing
without adequate security. He works many more hours and days than he
agreed to or is compensated for, and deductions for promised benefits such
as food and transportation reduce his meagre pay even further. Once home,
his earnings go to pay off his debts or purchase food, agricultural supplies
and other household expenses, but he has succeeded only in surviving
another season and not in achieving financial stability or having materially
changed his lot.
Consequences of Migration
Migration has far reaching consequences, affecting not only the life of
the labourers but also the family members who are left behind. The social,
cultural and political effects of migration take place both in the native place
as well as theplace where the migrant labourers work.
Inter State dispute with Andhra Pradesh on Kotia group of villages &
Bora Mutha
Another important development took place in late 1960s on boundary
disputes with Andhra Pradesh on a group of 21unsurveyed villages in
Pottangi Tehsil and one village of Nandapur tehsil. The Kotiya group of
villages comprises 21 numbers and Boramutta consists of 14 hamlets. The
former adjoining Andhra Pradesh and the later are about 12 miles inside
Andhra Predesh Territory.
After formation of province of Odisha, it had all along been having
revenue, criminal and civil jurisdiction over Kotia and Boramutha group of
71
villages being a part and parcel of impartible Jeypore estate and the govt. of
Madras have never questioned the territorial rights and administrative
jurisdiction of Odisha over these villages.
After formation of Odisha, the Government of Odisha wrote to the then
Govt. of Madras Presidency to take steps for delineation of the interstate
boundary and a result, Govt. of Madras appointed Mr. H.S. Gilby, the Asst.
Director of Survey and Land Records, Coimbatore to I.S.B (Inter State
Boundary) Mr. Gilby conducted field verification of a portion of ISB including
the stretch relevant to the disputed villages and submitted a set of sketch
maps with explanatory data (descriptive memoir) in 1942. According to his
field verification report, the villages under dispute came within Andhra
Pradesh. Unfortunately, for Odisha, on the basis of Certificate recorded by
Mr. Gilby to the effect that the delineation of the boundary was in conformity
with that defined in ―Constitution of Orissa Order 1936‖, acceptance of the
boundary was communicated to the Govt. of Madras by the then Revenue
Secretary of Orissa on 21.04.1943. Odisha‘s present stand in the Supreme
Court on this score is that this acceptance was made under misconception.
The Andhra Pradesh Govt. stated that the demarcation which was done in
the year 1942 with the concurrence of Orissa Govt. established their title
over these villages in question. But it was pointed out to Andhra Pradesh
Govt. that the boundary fixed in 1942 had been accepted on an assurance of
Govt. of Madras that the boundary had been laid down in conformity with
defined in Constitution Order 1936. It was also pointed out that the
acceptance given on the basis of above assurance cannot act as an
estoppel against reopening of this issue when it has been clearly found that
the above boundary is not correct.
The boundary dispute actually arose in March 1955 when some
subordinate officers of Andhra Pradesh Government tried to collect rent from
villagers of Kotia and harassed them. The matter was examined with
reference to the record and it transpired that several other villages of Kotia
and Boramutha group were also involved in dispute. The matter was then
taken up with the A.P. Govt. (Andhra Pradesh) in August, 1955. But as no
solution emerged and dispute lingered on when both the states prepared to
conduct general election in the disputed villages in the year 1967, as done
earlier the matter came to the notice of Govt. of India. The then, Home
Minister, Govt. of India Sri Y.V. Chavan tried to bring the Chief Ministers of
both the states together for resolution of the dispute and the two Chief
Ministers met on 12.09.1968 for discussion with Sri Chavan on the chair.
When the two Chief Ministers could not arrive at a common ground for
resolution of the dispute, the Home Minister, Govt. of India made the
observation that on the face of Gilby‘s Report which was accepted by the
72
Govt. of Odisha, the Govt. of India found it difficult to support the claim of
Odisha over the disputed villages. As such, there was no other go before the
Govt. of Odisha, but to file a case in the Supreme Court on 18.11.1968. In
the plaint, in original suits no. 10/68 and 11/68, 73 villages were specified as
being disputed. Subsequently, the number was reduced to 21 as referred to
above in an amendment of the plaint file in August, 1980.
These villages are - (1) Doliamba (2) Madakaru (3) Kotiya (4)
Digurasembi (5)Equrasembi (6) Gangaibhadra (7) Dhulipadar (8) Sidivalasa
(9) Arjuvalsa (10) Panika (11) Narlavalsa (12) Tadivalsa (13) Ranasingi (14)
Simageda (15) Mahipani (16) Pattuchenaru (17) Pagulchenaru (18)
Solapguda (19) Harmadangi (20) Kanadora (21) Barnaguda.
Subsequent to filing of the case in the Supreme Court, only
suggestion of the then Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh Sri Chenna Reddy,
the Chief Ministers of both the states met at Hyderabad on 24.12.1978, inter-
alia, to find out a solution outside the purview of Court to the boundary
dispute between the two states. They decided to meet again and pursue the
matter further to find out a solution which did not materialise. However, on
the basis of their decision, adjournments were taken in the Supreme Court
and also the representatives of both the states met at official level on two
occasions on 15/16.12.1980 at Delhi and on 17.04.1982 at Hyderabad, with
the Odisha a team being headed by the Advocate General of Odisha Sri
G.C. Dash. Nothing concrete has emerged out of these confabulations and
the cases are being pursued with a view to find out a solution through the
Court.
On the suggestion of Advocate General of Odisha to hold a next
meeting at Bhubaneswar on October 1980, the Revenue Secretary of
Andhra Pradesh indicated that there would be no point holding the meeting
unless specific proposals are received and considered by A.P Government
in advance. No such proposal appears to have been furnished.
In the year 1982 on the reference made by the Director, Land Record &
Surveys, Odisha, the Govt. in Revenue Department in their letter No.
20970/BC dt. 06.04.1982 informed that the report of the Odisha Committee
1932 would be discussed in the state level conference to be held in May,
1982 on Supreme Court original suit No. 10/68 and 11/68 and decision taken
on the matter would be communicated. But no such conference could be
held. The case was posted to 12.1.1988 for hearing. But the hearing could
not be taken for certain reasons.
By order dated 30th March, 2006, the Hon‘ble Supreme Court has
disposed the case 10 of 1968 in rlation to the Kotiya group of 21 villages

73
holding that Parliament alone is required to determine the territorial limits of
the States. The Hon‘ble Supreme Court further held that the disputes raised
in this suit have been excluded from the original jurisdiction of this Court by
the proviso Article 131 of the Constitution of India.
The Hon‘ble Supreme Court while concluding the case in the last para
of the final order stated that ―At an interlocutory stage during the pendency
of the proceedings, this Court had passed an order dated 02.12.1988
directing status quo to be maintained between the parties. The parties now
consent that the order of status-quo may continue until it is verified by an
appropriate authority in accordance with law. Since we have dismissed the
suit, we can only and do hereby record this agreement between the parties.‖
The Apex Court, however, took a different positon by dismissing the case 11
of 1968 on merit in respect of Borramutha group of villages. The Hon‘ble
Supreme in the order dated 05.05.2010 held that the plaintiff has failed to
established that it had exercised control over the disputed area since 1936.
The review petition filed by the State was also rejected by the Apex Court.
Kotiaya Group of Villages (Final Report of Major Settlement Operation
1938-64)
The total number of villages taken up for Survey and Settlement
Operation in the district is 5,463 excluding the villages lying in the
unsurveyed portion of the Bonda Hill area. This number excludes the Kotiya
group of villages lying in the border of Andhra Pradesh which were not
surveyed by this Department along with the other villages of Block G
because of the difficulties encountered in fixing up the inter-State boundary
at the time of taking up traverse of those villages in the year 1955-56. At the
time of taking up plane table traverse of the adjoining villages of Block G it
was noticed that the Bihar traverse Party which traversed the interstate
boundary between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh gave two traverse line- one
including the Kotiya group of villages in Odisha and the other excluding
them. The Deputy Director of Surveys, Bihar, could not clarify how his
traverses‘ had treated the area as disputed. Tahasildar, Pottangi could not
also supply any definite information on the subject. It appeared, however,
during enquiry that the villagers were paying rent to Jeypore Estate before
vesting and after vesting they were paying rent to Andhra Pradesh. The facts
were brought to the notice of the Board of the first time in letter No. 836—IX-
th
7/57, dated the 28 March 1957 of the Settlement Officer. Member, Board
ofr Revenue discussed the matter with the Settlement Officer during his tour
in August 1958 and supplied a Descriptive Memoir of the frontier boundary
between Andhra and Odisha prepared in 1942 by Mr. Gilby, the then
Assistant Director of Surveys, Madras and desired that a small part of the

74
report should be checked with reference to the existing boundary pillars.
(Mr.Gilby was entrusted with the work of demarcating on the spot the
Orisssa- Madras boundary in accordance with the Government of India
(Constitution of Orissa) Order, 1936 and the boundary fixed by him was
accepted by both the Governments. The Government of Orissa accepted
this boundary on the recommendation of the Collector, Koraput, who based
his recommendation on the opinion of the then Assistant Agent who
recommended acceptance of Mr. Gilby‘s report without verification on the
sport. According to this report, four out eleven villages, namely. Kotiya,
Ganjeipadar, Paniki and Ronasingi were in Madras and the remaining seven
villages namely, Tadivalsa, Badavalsa, Dhulibhadra, Mahapani, Sidhivalsa,
Yeguvasambi and Deguvasambi were not mentioned on either side of the
border. Accordingly, an Assistant Settlement Officer was deputed to make a
test check on the spot of the inter-State boundary between Andhra and
Orissa on the basis of Mr. Gilby‘s report. The report of the Assistant
Settlement Officer revealed that the boundary cairns as described in the
descriptive memoir were in position and that the cairns erected in plain areas
and on barren hills had been adopted as theodolite traverse station by the
Bihar traverse party. This report further indicated that the inter- State
boundary surveyed by the Bihar traverse party agreed with that given in the
Descriptive Memoir in the areas covered by plains and barren hills only, but
considerable discrepancies existed between the boundary marked by cairns
by Mr. Gilby and the boundary marked by the Bihar traverse party when the
inter-State boundary passed thorough reserved forest.
The finalisation of the inter-State boundary between Odisha and
Andhra Pradesh centering around the Kotiya group of villages has also
become complicated because of various other considerations such as the
th
notification, dated the 28 May 1928, published in the Fort St. George
Gazatte, Madras, by which a number of villages were transferred from
Pottangi taluk to Salur without specifying their precise location, the map
prepared by the Government of Madras in 1931 in which the disputed
villages of Kotiya group have been shown in Pottangi Taluk and finally
Government of India (Constitution of India) order, 1936 by which the whole
of Jeypore imparteble estate and so much of Pottangi Taluk as was not
included in that estate had been transferred to Odisha. These factors which
prima facie appear to be at variance with each other have to be examined in
details so that they may be suitably reconciled. It appears from the
descriptive Memoirs of Mr. Gilby that he was himself in doubt about the
Province in which the Kotiya group of villages actually lay. The discrepancies
found in the inter-State boundary around the villages of Kotiya group is,
therefore, being examined in details and the Survey and Settlement

75
Operations in those villages will have to wait till the discrepancies have been
reconciled and the dispute with Andhra Pradesh on these villages finally
settled.
Bora Mutha area of Jeypore Impartible Estate forms the subject-matter
of another boundary dispute with Andhra Pradesh. The Mutha is truncated
from the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Odisha and is situated like an
island inside the Andhra territory. The Mutha comprises only one main
village with 12 hamlets. Its total area is 20 square miles. It exists like a
pocket in the midst of Andhra State villages at a distance of about 12 miles
from extreme border of Odisha, as the crow files. The Mutha is said to be
famous for its marble and mica deposits. Before the formation of the
Province of Odisha the Mutha formed a part of Araku P.S in Padwa taluk
After the formation of the Province, Padwa taluk was abolished and
Araku P.S was transferred to Srungavarapukota taluk in Visakhapatnam
district. Ever since then the Mutha is being administered as a part of S. Kota
taluk. It is, however, noteworthy that at the time of the formation of Odisha
the transfer of Bora Mutha to Visakhapatnam distinct was not notified.
Although the Mutha formed a part of Jeypore impartible Estate, it was not
contiguous with the area of the Estate and because of its existence as an
enclave it continued to remain within Andhra Pradesh territory. It is perhaps
because of this peculiar position of Bora Mutha that it was lost sight of for a
long time. Historically, Bora Mutha formed an integral part of Jeypore
impartible Estate and the efforts made by Vijayanagaram and Pachipenta
Estate to include the Mutha within their jurisdiction failed to materialise. Bora
mutha thus continued to be the legal adjunct of the Impartible Estate of
Jeypore. The O‘ Donnell committee which was constituted by the
th
Government of India Resolution of F.12/VII/31. dated the 18 September
1931, to examine and report on the financial and other consequences of
setting up a separate administration for Odisha and to make
recommendation regarding its boundaries had in clear terms suggested that
Jeypore impratible estate should be formed a part of the province of Orissa.
Subsequently, the recommendations of the O‘Donnell Committee were
adopted in the Government of India (Constitution of Orissa) Order 1936,
whereby Jeypore Impartible Estate was transferred to the Province of
Odisha in its entirety. Notwithstanding the constitutional transfer of the
Impartible Estate of Jeypore to Odisha a part of the estate, that is, Bora
Mutha become separated from it and after formation of the new Province of
Orissa, this separated tract of land remained within the territorial area of the
then composite State of Madras (now the State of Andhra Pradesh)

76
 It is important to point out that because of the peculiar legal status of
Bora Mutha it was not possible for the Government of Andhra Pradesh to
abolish the Estate (Bora Mutha) together with the abolition of the adjoining
estates of Vijayanagaram and Pachipenta. To get over this difficulty Bora
Mutha was declared to be an estate and thereafter its abolition was ordered
by Andhra Pradesh Government. It is against this order that the Raja of
Jeypore filed a writ petition in the High Court of Andhra. The writ petition was
dismissed by the Hon‘ble High Court on the ground that the order of abolition
issued by the Government of Andhra Pradesh was not bad in law and that
the Government of Odishsa had never exercised any effective jurisdiction
over Bora Mutha. The State of Odisha was not, however, a party to this
case. No appeal against this order was filed by the Maha Raja of Jeypore.
Further action regarding the determination of the legal status of Bora Mutha
is still under consideration of Odisha Government.
In the post independence period many important projects, some of
which are of national importance have come up in Koraput district. Highlights
of some are given below
H.A.L.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is India‘s only and Asia‘s premier
aerospace organization exclusively involved in the manufacture and
overhaul of combat aircrafts in its 20 Divisions and 10 Research &
Development Centers. HAL, Koraput Division located in the lush green
valleys of Sunabeda. The roots of this Division extend way back into 1964
with the visionary insights of late Biju Patnaik former Chief Minister of
Odisha.The Division spreads across a vast area of 3121.15 acres of land .
The Division started with the manufacture of R11-f2 turbo jet engines
for MiG-21 FL aircraft under license from the erstwhile USSR and
subsequently the Division took up under various license agreements,
manufacture of R-11 series Engines of MiG-21 aircraft, R-29B engines for
MiG-27M aircraft. Facilities were also set up for overhaul of R-21 & R-25
series engines. Thereafter, in order to fulfil the requirements of Indian Air
Force, facilities were also set up for manufacture and overhaul of RD-33
th
engines of MiG-29 fighter aircraft. Further on 15 December, 2002, the
Sukhoi Engine Division was established in addition to the existing Engine
Division for manufacture and overhaul of AL31FP aero-engines for SU-30
MKI aircraft. H A L, Sunabeda takes pride in developing various
infrastructural activities in shape of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Activities include Skill Development at the Divisional Training & Development
Institute where in the local youth are imparted training to be skilled
technicians. Additionally, the Division also imparts tailoring training to the
77
local female youths to make them self-sufficient. Further, infrastructural
facilities like building roads and community halls have been taken up. The
Division has established SAI- HAL Sports Training Center, an archery and
football training center in collaboration with Sports Authority of India. The
centre focuses on developing the innate talents of the local youth aged
between 13 year to 18 years in the fields of Archery and football. The
trainees from the center have participated in events at regional, national and
International levels.
Under the aegis of Aeronautical Education Society (AES), HAL,
Koraput runs two State Board Odia Medium high schools, affiliated to Board
of Secondary Education, Odisha and also a College facilitating education up
to Bachelors Level in Arts, Science & Commerce stream.
HAL runs a 70 bedded Multi Special Secondary Care Hospital Catering
to the needs of around 40,000 people in and around HAL, Koraput
Division.In addition to catering the medical needs of Township residents, this
hospital also extends free medical facilities to the residents of our 14
adopted villages under CSR, providing complete free inpatient & quarterly
Mega Health Camp in neighbouring villages.
Jeypore Air strip is located 3 kilometres north-west of the town
of Jeypore in Odisha, India. The airstrip was constructed in 1962 along with
the establishment of a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) factory nearby
at Sunabeda. In the 1980s, Vayudoot operated a daily Bhubaneswar-bound
flight via Visakhapatnam. The airport is spread over 60 acres. The state
government has asked the Koraput district administration to identify an
additional 310 acres of land adjoining the existing airstrip to facilitate its
expansion. Government of Odisha has initiated the process for upgrading
the Jeypore airstrip in Koraput district into a full-fledged airport for
commercial operations.
Considering the establishment of various industries, including Nalco
and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) in Jeypore area, the government
hopes that it would be commercially viable. HAL has also urged the Airport
Authority of India to expedite upgrading of the airstrip to facilitate the
transportation of aircraft engines by air.
The Central University of Odisha has been established by the
Parliament under the Central Universities Act, 2009 (No. 3C of 2009). The
Central University started functioning from 29.08.1990. It is one of the 15
new Central Universities established by the Government of India during the
XI Plan period to address the concerns of ―equity and access‖ and as per the
policy of the Government of India to increase the access to quality higher

78
education by people in less educationally developed districts which have a
Gross Enrolment Ratio of less than the national average of 11%. Koraput
District of Odisha comes within the KBK region ( undivided districts of
Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi) which is still considered as an extremely
underdeveloped region of Odisha .These three districts now divided to eight
districts of the State are inhabited mostly by tribal people and majority of the
people here belong to ST and SC categories. Since there is no University or
any other national level educational set up in this region the Central
University of Odisha has been established here so that it will provide the
access to quality higher education to the under privileged population of the
region. The proposed site is located in village Chikapar and Chakarliput
coming under Sunabeda NAC (Urban area). It is very close to Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Sunabeda. A road constructed over the acquired
land of Indian Navy for the purposes of Naval Armament Depot joins the
proposed site from N.H. 43 at the point of Sunabeda Junction-1 (about 6
Km.). Damanjodi railway station is at distance of 15 Kms. And Koraput
railway station is at a distance of 25 Kms. The land size is 450.09 acres
spreading over village Chikapar (Ac. 310.96) and the adjoining Chakarliput
(Ac. 139.13).
Naval Armament Depot, Sunabeda
The Naval Armament Depot (NAD), Sunabeda is an establishment
under the Ministry of Defence (Navy) in Koraput district of Odisha. The
depot is the only inland armament depot of the Indian Navy and is located
200 Kms away from the Headquarters of Eastern Naval Command,
Visakhapatnam. The depot has been established in 1986 over an area of
600 acres for the purpose of storing surplus ammunition over-flowing from
various other depots of Indian Navy. Magazines and Ammunition Workshop
(AWS) meets the storage and maintenance needs of the depot. Manpower
of about 100 personnel takes care of the administrative and technical
aspects of the Depot.
Machkund Project
The Machkund river known as Sileru River in the down stream forms,
for a major part of its length of 170 miles, the boundary between Odisha and
Andhra Pradesh.
Machhakund Hydroelectric Project is located near Duduma Falls
between the Andhra Pradesh and Orissa Border. It is a collaborative project
of Government of Andhra Pradesh and Government of Odisha. The
Maharaja of Jeypore conceived the idea of a dam in 1928. Although the
planning for the project started in 1930‘s, the actual displacement began in

79
the late 1940s. As the project was started before independence no proper
records for the displacement and rehabilitation are available. Also, the
concept of rehabilitation was not evolved at that time.
The project was started in 1947. The estimated cost was about
Rupees15 crores. The revised estimate was Rs.18.46 crores. The firm
capacity was about 100 Megawatts. (Year 1964) At present power is being
generated between 110 to 119 Megawatts. The generated power came to 21
lakhs 51 thousand units out of which Andhra consumed 18 lakhs and Orissa
consumed 2.45 lakhs.
The extent of lands so far acquired for the Machkund Project is 20, 794
acres and the amount of compensation so far paid is Rs. 48,15,490.
Provision was also made for resettling those displaced persons who wanted
to be resettled at Government cost. For resettling the displaced persons from
Machkund, 28 colonies have so far been established out of which one is in
Jeypore tehsil and the remaining 27 are in Malkangiri tahsil. 662 families
have already been resettled and 200 families are in the process of
resettlement.
Local villagers surrounding the hydroelectric plant disrupted the power
generation of the plant in December 2010. They protested under the banner
of Dalita Sangh. Following the agitations by the villagers living in close
proximity of the plant, power generation at Machhakund Hydro Electric Plant
was severely disturbed. This followed a power supply crisis in various parts
in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. As a result, the distribution company,
Southco has imposed restrictions on power supply. The main demands
include electrifying the periphery villages and hamlets of the power plant and
construction of roads and schools in the area. The power generated from the
Machhakund Hydro Electric Project is the sourc of electricity to many villages
in both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, but the villages surrounding the project
are yet to be electrified. Regarding distribution of power generated, till 2008
Odisha used to get 30 per cent share from Machkund project; in that same
year, the state started to get 20 per cent more following the consent given by
Andhra Pradesh. The issue, which has been continuing for the last 50 years,
was resolved at a meeting of the Ministers of Energy of both the States.
Machkund River became the boundary at the project site between
Madras and Odisha States, consequent to the latter‘s formation in 1936. The
preliminary surveys to harness the ―DUDUMA FALLS‖ on the river for
generating electricity were carried out in 1929. The detailed investigations
and filed surveys of the scheme were started in 1941, and completed in
1943.

80
 Actual work on the project was started in 1946. Subsequently, on
formation of the separate Adhara State in 1953, this project has become the
joint venture of Andhra and Orissa State Governments sharing the capital
cost and power benefit in the ratio of 70 30 respectively. The transmission
lines were however constructed by the individual states at their cost.
st
The 1 stage of the Scheme with 3 Units of 17000KW generating each
th
was inaugurated on 19 August 1955 by Dr.Rajendra Prasad, the first
nd
President of Republic of India. The 2 Stage of another 3 units of 21000KW
generating each was completed by August, 1959 thus developing a total
power potential of 1,14,000 K.W.
Components of the Project
The project comprises of a main storage Dam of 1375‘ length at Jalaput
across the Machkund river with a gross storage capacity of 34,273 Mcft and
a live storage of 34023 Mcft at F.R.L. + 27500.00. The Dam is located 1 ½
miles below the confluence of Machkund and its chief tributary, Patala. The
Jalaput Dam is provided with a spillway of 550‘ length with 8 gates of 60‘ x
20‘ to discharge a maximum flood of 2,00,000 cusecs.
Power Generation
The total installed capacity of the station is 114.75 M.W. The power is
shared between the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa in the ratio
st
of 70 30. The share of Andhra Pradesh is 80.3 M.W. The 1 3 units are of
nd
Westing House make and the 2 3 units are of Breun Bevery make.
Naxal Problem in Koraput District
The Left Wing Militancy otherwise known as―Naxal Movement‖, which
originated in 1967 at Naxalbari of West Bengal had its impact in undivided
Koraput district, particularly in Gunupur, Chitrakonda and Ramagiri areas.
Nagbhusan Patnaik, Purusottam Palli, Purna Gamango, D.B.M. Patnaik,
Rabi Das, Jagannath Mishra, Dinabandhu Samal, Alekh Swain, Asim
Chaterjee, Santosh Rana, Mihir Rana, Gananath Patra and others were in
the forefront of organizing the ―Movement‖ in Odisha‘ southern districts.
Many of them like Nagbhusan Pattanaik, D B M Patnaik are no more.This
militancy is also called Maoist movement.
In late sixties and early seventies, traditionally armed groups of
militants occasionally visited different interior villages of the above areas,
held Praja(People) Courts, resorted to looting of property and carried out
selective murders of so called class enemies particularly village money
lenders, liquor vendors and big land owners. The ―Movement‖, however,
died down towards early seventies of last century. The ―Movement‖,

81
resurfaced in early eighties with the formation of C.P.M.L- People‘s War
Group (P.W.G.) in April 1980 in Andhra Pradesh. It had its impact in the
adjoining undivided Koraput and Ganjam districts of Odisha towards mid
1980s as a ‗spill over effect‘ of left wing militancy in the neighbouring States.
Even after division of earlier Koraput districts to four districts, left wing
militancy was continuing in different forms in some pockets of present
Koraput districts.
From the year 1998 onwards consequent upon formation of CPML-
People‘s War, a systematic effort was made by the outfit to build up guerrilla
bases in Southern districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada and Gajapati
and to substantially militarize the cadres. The first incident of Naxal violence
was reported in Koraput district in this phase in the year 1999 when the
activists of Rayatu Coolie Sangha, a front organization of Maoists assaulted
two persons in Narayanpatna area of Koraput district. Later major attacks
were carried out by Maoists; prominent few of them are -
i) Simultaneous attack on 05 Police Stations of Koraput district, Koraput
rd
district police Armoury, OSAP 3 Bn Hdqrs in 2004 where in 04 police
personnel died and 528 weapons were looted and the costable on
sentry duty was killed.
ii) Attack on armoury and explosive dump of Hill Top Bauxite Mine
NALCO at Panchpatmali hills in Damanjodi (Koraput) in April 2009
where in 10 CISF prsonnel and men were killed.
iii) Ambush on security personnel near Palur in Narayanpatna-Laxmipur
road under Narayanpatna Police Station limits of Koraput district in
June 2008 where in 09 Ex-servicemen of Odisha Special Striking Force
(OSSF) died.
iv) Simultaneous attack on Baipariguda and Machhkund Police Stations
and Ramagiri police Out Post in 2009.
v) Ambush on security personnel near Badabanka under Boipariguda PS
in 2010 where in 11 SOG personnel died.
vi) Abduction of Shri Jhina Hikaka, MLA, Laxmipur in March 2012.
The year–wise statistics of naxal violence in Koraput district and the
resultant deaths is given in the table below

82
Naxal Incidents
1990 -
1991 -
1992 -
1993 -
1994 -
1995 -
1996 -
1997 -
1998 -
1999 2
2000 -
2001 2
2002 3
2003 -
2004 14
2005 -
2006 -
2007 2
2008 9
2009 23
2010 24
2011 17
2012 26
2013 11
2014 12
2015 9
2016 29th Feb. 5

Death of Security Personnel

1990 -
1991 -
1992 -
1993 -
1994 -
1995 -
1996 -
1997 -
1998
1999 -
2000 -
2001 -
2002 -
2003 -
2004 5
2005 -
2006 -
2007 -
2008 -
2009 21
2010 11

83
 2011 2
2012 5
2013 4
2014
2015 1
2016 29th Feb. 2

Death of Civilian
1990 -
1991 -
1992 -
1993 -
1994 -
1995 -
1996 -
1997 -
1998 -
1999 -
2000 -
2001 -
2002 -
2003 -
2004 1
2005 -
2006 -
2007
2008 4
2009 6
2010 19
2011 9
2012 10
2013 2
2014 6
2015
2016 ,3rd Feb. 3

Death of Maoists
1990 -
1991 -
1992 -
1993 -
1994 -
1995 -
1996 -
1997 -
1998 -
1999 --
2000 -
2001 -
2002 1
2003 -

84
 2004 -
2005 -
2006 -
2007 -
2008 3
2009 9
2010 3
2011 -
2012 3
2013 3
2014 3
2015
2016, 29th Feb.

Source- State Police Headquarter

In 1992, an assertive tribal organization called ―Rayat Kuli Sangham‖

was formed in Bandhugaon Block (then under Narayanpatna Police Station
jurisdiction) of Koraput district. The Sangha primarily launched a campaign in
Bandugaon area to restore the lands of Adivasis, which were under the
possession of Non-Adivasis, mostly Sundhi people. The Sangha also harped
on the emotive issue of right of the tribals over ―Jal, Jungal and Jamin‖,
which went well with the Adivasis, and the organization gradually gained in
strength in Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon Block areas.
Towards the end of 2000, young radical elements like Nachika Linga
joined the Sangha following which, a disconcerted shift was noticed in the
activities of this organization, which rapidly developed into an extremely
assertive and inspiring tribal uprising against the Non-adivasis and also the
Government machinary. Mass mobilization, meetings were organized in
different villages and people were mobilized on an aggressive manner and
the movement became anti-Government, anti-landlords and Sahukar (
money lender). Leaders of the movement mobilized the triba mass with
rhetoric like Jami Mukti (free land from the land lord) Mada Mukti(
prohibition), Goti Mukti (free the bonded labour) in Narayanpatna and
Bandhugan area. ―Rayatu Kuli Sangha‖ was renamed as ―Chasi Mulia
Adivasi Sangha‖ following the imposition of government ban on the former in
2006 and continued to steer forward the movement as the main frontal
organisation of CPI (Maoist).
Towards the end of 2008, CMAS (Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha),
Narayanpatna formed a militant group called ―GHENUA BAHINI‖ under the
leadership of K. Singhanna by inducting 200 to 300 local youth. A few
Telugu speaking Maoist leaders imparted training to the members of Ghenua
Bahini, with an aim to take over the Chasi Mulia Sangha as the frontal
organisation of the banned CPI Maoist organisation and create a Liberated
Zone in Naryanapatna.
85
 In a calculated move, CPI (Maoist), in a bid to develop Narayanpatna-
Bandhugaon axis into another ―Lalgarh‖(like the one in West Bengal) made
inroad into the movement and utilized the platform to create bases,
infrastructure and cadres in the district. On 20.11.2009, CMAS,
Narayanpatna led by K. Singana and others armed with traditional weapons
swarmed into Narayanpatna P.S, trying to siege the Narayanapatna P.S and
snatched away the police arms and assaulted the IIC and other staff of the
P.S. protesting against anti-Maoist combing operations conducted by CRPF
and other security forces. In the retaliatory police action, two members of the
Sangha namely Wadeka Singana and Andru Nachika died. The death of
Singanna, who was the leader of Ghenua Bahini, the militant wing of CMAS,
Narayanpatna, dealt a deadly blow to the activities of the organization and
its leaders including Nachika Linga went underground.
After the abduction of Collector & District Magistrate of Malkangiri on
16.2.2011, the underground activist of CMAS came over ground taking
advantage of time bought during negotiation of Government representatives
with the persons nominated by the left wing extremists for release of the
Collector, Malkangiri from Maoists‘ custody and started organising meetings,
rallies, etc in Narayanpatna area. In the year 2011, election for the Gram
Panchayats was held in Narayanpatna area. Nachika Linga, on his own,
selected candidates for the posts of Sarpanch and Members of Panchayat
Samiti in Narayanpatna Block and partly in Bandhugan block and got them
elected unopposed.
In a disconcerted development, Jhina Hikaka (who is also a local tribal),
MLA, Laxmipur was abducted by CMAS/ Maoist activists and kept under
captivity for about a month. During the period of captivity of the MLA, Linga
preferred to keep silence much to the discomfiture of CPI (Maoist). After
release of the MLA, Linga instead of dancing to the tune of the Maoists
showed more inclination towards negotiation with the government for
withdrawal of cases registered against him and CMAS activists much to the
chagrin of the Maoists. In a desperate attempt, CPI (Maoist) tried to shift him
to Chhatisgarh area. Ultimately the disconnected Nachika Linga was
arrested in October 2014. With his arrest, activities of Chasi Mulia Adivasi
Sangha started declining fast. This development dealt a body blow to the
Maoists as their mass support base rapidly depleted in the area.
With their support base waning in Narayanpatna area, in a
desperate attempt to revive their lost ground, CPI Maoists shifted their
activities base to some parts of Bandhugan block as well as Pottangi-
Nandapur P.S. area because of the existing security vacuum. Harping on the
ongoing conflict between Bauxite-Mining and Adivasis with its genesis in

86
Niyamgir hill of the districts of Raygada and Kalahandi, the Maoists are
trying to create a support base in Pottangi in Mali Parbat and area adjoining
erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. In the present scenario, 13 Police Station area of
Koraput district are affected by Maoist activities with varying intensities. The
outfit has been desperately trying to revive its activities in Narayanpatna-
Bandugaon axis through Biplabi Adivasi Sangha. Besides, currently,
Nandapur – Pottangi axis of the district is also in the focus of the outfit.
Govt. in a bid to contain the growing activities of Maoists in
Narayanpatna and Bandhugan blocks of Koraput district deployed two
battalions of BSF in 2010, with their operational bases in the highly Left
Wing Extremism(LWE) affected interior area. One battalion of CoBRA
(Combat Battalion for Resolute Action) and one battalion dedicated for Anti
Naxal Operation were deployed. State Govt. inducted 700 young tribal youth
of Koraput district as Special Police Officer (Armed) who were subsequently
converted to Odisha Auxiliary Police Force (OAPF) in 2014. Security
infrastructures were created as Govt. of India included Koraput district under
Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme. Under RRP-I (Road
Requirement Plan), road infrastructure was created. Funds were pumped in
order to bridge the critical gap in development under Integrated Action Plan
(IAP). Subsequently, one more Battalion of BSF was inducted in 2012.
Through a coordinated approach with special emphasis on community
policing and ‗development process following security‘ Government is
endeavouring hard to get the mineral endowed districts of Koraput from the
clutch of Left Wing Extremism.
Assembly & Parliamentary Constituencies
Prior to the division of the larger Koraput district, there were 14
Assembly constituencies out of which 10 were reserved for Scheduled Tribe
and one was for Schudled Caste with three unreserved constituencies.
There were two Parliamentary constituencies namely Koraput and
Nawarangpur. After creation of the present district in 1992, it has five
Assebly constituencies( A C) namely Koraput ( S.C.), Jeypore ( unreserved),
Pottangi, Laxmipur and Kotpad reserved for S.T. Kotpad AC comes under
Nowrangpur Parliamentary constituency where as all other four ACs are
under Koraput Parliamentary constituency.

87
 CHAPTER-IV

ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS OF KORAPUT

DISTRICT

Koraput district has a lot of antiquities which relate to a number of

religions, culture, customs spread throughout over centuries. These remains
speak a volume about immigration of people of different faiths reflected in
the iconography and the monuments built by them in different periods of time
and how in course of time local tribes have changed the way of worship in
their own way.
Jain Antiquities and Monuments in Koraput
The Jain antiquities and monuments, showing sequences of different
ages and different schools of origin, are met in Koraput district of Odisha.
th
Jainism first entered into Kalinga region in the 6 century B.C. with the
advent of Parsvanath and continued to flourish under the royal patronage till
the late mediaeval period.
The Jain temples of the medieval period in Subaee, Kachela,
Bhairbasingpur and others of the district are remarkable. They have images
of Jaina Tirthankaras, Sasanadevis, Yaksa and Yaksinis in both standing
and seated positions. At present, at several other Brahmanical temples, the
Jain relics are fixed to the walls and in some cases are also worshipped as
Hindu Gods and Goddesses. They are in the Nilakantheswara, Kali,
Gangama and Bhagabati temples of Jeypore, Bhairba temple of Borigumma
and in many other locations. The Bhagavati temple has an image of sixteen
armed Chakresvari of the Jaina pantheon and the same temple houses
number of Jaina Tirthankars that are niched in the temple wall. R.C.S.Bell,
the District Collector, Koraput during British rule had indicated that some of
the Jaina idols on the wall are recent findings from Jeypore and were
excavated. The tribal people inhabiting in the district are worshipping the
Jaina deities, in various names like Pat Devta etc. It is not possible to
ascertain exactly the period of Jaina ascendancy in different area of Koraput.
The main location of Jain relics in Koraput district are Paliba,
Devatadangar, Lamda dangar, Bijapur, Subaee, Chingudi Chauna,
Nandapur, Hikimput, Chatua, Bhairabgadha, Jharjhira, Kotpad, Deopotangi,
Ambavalli, Dudhari, Singrajagadha, Jeypore, Jamunda, Kachela,
Bharabasingpur, Borigumma, Charmula, Narigaon, Kamta, Kumuli, Mali
Nuagam, Devata Honjor, Kathargada, Paknaguda, Kumar ganjana,
Phampuni, Deorli, Injanpur, Sankhulaie, Phupugam and Goriahandi etc. The
88
District Museum at Jeypore also possesses a good number stone images of
Jain Tirthankara and Sasanadevi idols collected from Bhairabasingpur,
Charmula, Kamta, Jamunda, Kotpad and a few other sites. Referring to the
Jain antiquities of the district. Kumar Bidyadhara Singh Deo informs that "still
the Jain remains are visible in Jeypore and Nandapur and confirm our idea
that once it was a place of Jaina influence. The heaps of Jaina images and
the vast ruins of the Jaina temples clearly indicate that in the days past
Nandapur was a centre of Jain religion." It is evident from Singh Deo loc.cit
that G.Ramdas was the first scholar to study the Jain archaeology of Koraput
district. Most of these Jain sculptures of Koraput belong to the Digambara
tradition.
The Jain centres of Koraput
The Muran-Telungari Rivers join the river Indravati. The area around
Muran river and Telungari River was one important centre of Jainism, which
is well supported from the Jain images of Bhiravsinnhpur.
The other important Jain centres are on both sides of the Kolab River.
The Ambavalli river joins the Kolab river at Bansuli close to Kotpad town.
The river name is derived from 'Amba' temple still in the place, which has
been well referred in many C.P ( former Central Province)and South
inscriptions. It was serving as an important Jain culture and religious centre
influencing whole of Kotpad region also Bastar. Bhattra tribe is the main
population here. A Bhattra priest is still worshiping Amba, traditionally.
Along river Kolab, another important Jain centre was covering
Phampuni-Digapur-Goriahandi villages. The Goriahandi - Phupugaon in
Kundra bloc is one Jain center specific to a distinct Bhumia tribe and still
show some cultural remnants. The main deity is Mahaira.
The Issani Ganga River, Nandapur centre can be classified to one of
the important centres of Jain religion. This includes Subaee and others of
the region. It has south Indian influence and can be seen from its
archaeology. The Malis and Parenga tribe of Nandapur are around the
centre along with others.
Erenga can be another Jain sub centre here that is very close to
Jollaput with Deva Hanjor as its epi -centre dominated by Guttob Gadaba
tribe. This can be termed as Erenga-Deva Honjor-Bonomaliput-Paliva Chain.
The Umbel Jain temples are classified as one separate centre, which is
Parenga tribe specific.

89
 Another important Jain centre is Kachela -Pukii -Devagajana -Peretta
which is a distinct centre of Jain worship. It is identified as Jhodia Poroja
tribe specific and is Locally known as Devaganjana and Piteipar Gagnatilo.
The Phampuni Jain had its spread from Jeypore (Jain Nagar) Chikma,
Mulasor and extended up to Borigumma. This had witnessed different Jain
patronizing dynasties from the South. O. Malley has referred to Jain nagari
(Jeypore) in his work (1910).
Still today, many Digambar Jain images with different names are being
worshipped by the tribal villagers in Koraput region. Before the deities'
poultry, goats and sheep are sacrificed to propitiate the deity. In Kechala,
Mahavira is called Pat Devata.
RP Mohapatra wrote; "It is known from the Jain scriptures of Aryanga
and Acharanga Sutta that long before the commencement of the Christian
era, the Jain preachers explored the unrealized forest tract that extends from
the district of Manbhum in Bihar to the Vizagpatnam Agency in order to
spread their religion among the hill tribes. The Jain Sravakas or laymen
traversed the jungle mahal or Jharakhand in pursuit of mineral wealth.‖
It is also evident from Koraput district history that it formed parts of
Kharavela's Kalinga; Ikshvakus even Western Chalukyas, Eastern
Chalukyas, Eastern Gangas, Cholas of Tamil, Rastrakutas, Nagavamsis, the
Somavamsis and the Telugu Chodas and may be Pallavas were rulers of the
land; some of the rulers patronised and allowed Jainism to flourish along
with other religions of the land.
Issani Ganga River - Nandapur Centre of Jainism Padmavati
Image of Padmavati, the Sasanadevi of the twenty-third Tirthankara of
the Jain pantheon; is kept in the open madapa in front of the Sarvesvara
temple of Nandapur. It is one of most well decorated piece of work. The
locals claim that it was originally brought to the present place from the village
Mali Nuagaon, which is about 5 km away from Nandapur. She is seated in
Lalita pose on a lotus pedestal below which her vehicle, elephant is
prominent. A canopy of five-hooded snake protects her from the top. She
has four hands of which one is damaged. The attributes in other three hands
are a branch of a tree, varadra mudra, and a parasu. Her tutelary deity
Parsvanatha is depicted in yogasana pose on the top with the canopy of a
seven-hooded snake which cover the head. The Chauri bearers and the
flying figures with garlands flank the Tirthankara both near the pedestal and
at the top, respectively. The Sasanadevi is with decorative ornaments like
necklace, armlets, anklets, bangles and earrings etc. Such figures of
Padmavati are extremely rare in Odisha remarked by R.P.Mohapatra loc.cit.
90
 At the foot of the Panagiri hill, there is a Jain monument. The village
close by on the other side of the road is called Subaee. It has a series of
some ten small shrines, but only two of the shrines are still standing (during
2002, they were reconstructed). It is evident that each was a triratha
structure. Each of the shrines has slabs carved with Jain Tirthankara and
Sasanadevi figures with identifying marks below the thrones. All most all the
images are damaged due to long exposures to weather and fungus growth
leading to loss of sharp features. Out the entire hoard, there are two slabs of
Chakresvari and Rohini, the Sasanadevis of Rsabhanatha and Ajitanatha
respectively. There is one, the figure of Tirthankara Mahavira and nine
images are of Rsabhanatha. The site may have been dedicated to
Rsabhanatha. This Jaina monument of Subaee may have been constructed
before A.D.750 as remarked by V. Dahejia. R.P.Mohapatra loc.cit concluded
that, "But from iconographic considerations of the Jain Tirthankara and
Sasanadevi figures available at the site, a later date can be ascribed to
these temples‖. R.P. Mohapatra loc.cit has described in detail the Subaiee
Jaina monument.
There are eight Rasabhanatha images, one Mahavira, one Chakresvari
and one Rohini in the premises of Subaee Jaina temple. Here there is one
Shiva temple also that is worshiped by a Brahmin priest. The Jain deities are
worshipped by a Goudo priest.
Some 500 yards from Subaiee ruins there is another Rsabhanatha
image. It is in a badly ruined shrine, the stones of which up to the foundation
were removed. The image is sitting in the centre of the broken shrine. It can
thus be presumed that several such shrines may have been located in the
area in the past. Some are of the opinion that most images of Subaee may
have been collected from different places of the area.
The said Rsabhanatha image noted above is seated in yogashana
pose on a plain pedestal and supported by a lion in each corner. It
measures about 0.87m x 0.52m in all.
Kachela Jaina Temple and Centre
The village, Kachela, of the Pattangi Block is on the southern bank of
the river Kolab. It was once a stronghold of Jain influence. It is some 18 km
from Jeypore, the former capital of Jeypore zamindars of Koraput. About a
km to the south of the village under the foot of the Deo Donger hill is noticed
the ruins of a Jain stone temple. It is now under the Kolab Dam water, and
when the water level during summer recedes, the temple is partly visible. It
has six extremely beautiful Jain relics. The temple while standing measured
some 30' x 10' as was reported by G.Ramdas. It was only available to an

91
extent of some seven or eight feet high with two Jain relics within the
sanctum. There is no trace of the porch in its front. The lower part of this
shrine did not show any projection in the upper walls. In and around the
open space in front one can find large number of dressed stones and parts
of the amalaka sila lying scattered. The sanctum of the dilapidated temple is
locally known as Asthana Mandapa. The whole complex was picturesquely
located at the foot of Deo Donger. The temple was built in stone. The four
Tirthankara images were in open. But the slabs containing Yaksa-Yaksini
and Ambika were found within the dilapidated sanctum of the temple. The
temple wall up to a height of five to six feet was noticed on three sides only.
A huge tree grew from the middle of the temple and thus with great difficulty
the Ambika image of the place was recovered. These were dressed stones
and sculptured fragments, found scattered here and there. This was the
scenario before construction of Kolab Dam. The Sano Poroja tribe who
reside around visit the place on festivals and even offer animal sacrifices.
After completion of Kolab Dam, this piece of heritage came under the
water of reservoir and only to be seen during two months of summer when
water recedes. This has resulted in total demolition of the structures, which
otherwise was standing during the visits of G.Ramdas and later Subuddhi.
The images of the Kachela were recoveredd by villagers and are now in the
safe in the hands of the villagers. Jani family, who are hereditary priests of
Kachela take care of these images. The Poraja society is going to construct
the temple once again, little away from the original site and re install the Jain
images to its original position. In his article (G. Ramdas, JAHRS, Vol.VI, pp,
8-14) on the Kachela copper plate grant of Krishnadeva he makes a brief
reference to the Jain temple and the images. But his identifications ma y be
doubtful as was remarked by R.P.Mohapatra loc.cit (p.124)
R.P.Mohapatra loc. cit. concluded that this group of sculptures has
artistic and iconographic affinity with the sculptures of Subaiee Jain temple.
This temple has one Rsabhanatha, one Santinatha, one Mahavira, one twin
standing Ajitanatha and Mahavira, one Ambika and two Gomedha and
Ambika images.
Bhairaba Temple of Borigumma
At the Bhairaba temple, which is under the foot of a hill near the village
Borigumma of Koraput district, there is an image of Mahavira. It is now
embedded in a temple wall. The image measures about 0.68m x 0.41m.
The image is seated in yogashana pose on a lotus pedestal supported by
lions. Left arm of the image is partially damaged.

92
Bhagabati Temple, Jeypore
As reported earlier, the Brahmanical shrines at Jeypore preserve in
them relics of the Jain pantheon. The Bhagabati temple built in the early
part of the last century has taken the lead in this aspect. It is a modern
shrine built of masonry works with tinned roof. It is B.K.Rath who had
published the Chakresvari image of the said temple in detail. In the sanctum
of the temple, the local people identify a beautiful Chakresvari image as
Bhagabati though it has Jain affinity. Such images of Chakresvari with,
sixteen arms are extremely rare. Earlier animal sacrifices were offered to this
deity. A lion made up of brass, as vehicle of Bhagabati, is placed in front of
a pillar. This looks to be a recent year addition.
The image of Chakresvari, which is known as Bhagabati, is carved
seated in padmashana on a multi petal inverted lotus pedestal. Two rampart
lions in two corners support her. She is three eyed or trinetra, having a third
eye. She has sixteen arms, and holds swords, dambaru, disc rosary, conch,
dagger, and crescent moon and varada mudra in the right, whereas in the
left hand she has a shula, shield, mace, disc, trident, noose, vajra and a
vessel. Her vehicle Garuda is seen below pedestal flanked by devotees,
one of which is Yaksa Gomukha. This image has a lot of resemblance
withthe Chakresvari image having twelve arms, in the Barabhuji-Gumpha
(Cave No.8) of Khandagiri. Bhagabati is worshipped as Durga by the local
people. B.K.Rath considering the artistic finish and iconographic features
placed this image in the eleventh century A.D. when the assimilation of
Brahmanical, Jain and Buddhist iconography took place.
Kornel et al. (2009) is of the opinion that the Bhagabati deity bears
relevance to Gunda Mahadevi of Nagavamsi Dynasty as seen from her
Narayanpal Stone inscriptions dated 18th October, 1111 A.D
A series of Tirthankara images numbering five are within the niches of
the hall in front of the sanctum of the Bhagabati temple.B.K.Rath loc.cit had
identified them as Santinatha, Ajitanatha, Vimalanatha and the Tirthankaras
of Jaina pantheon. He has given a detail account of Jaina images found in
Narayana Temple complex in Jeypore.
Among the Tirthankara images located in the niches of the temple,
Santinatha attracts the attention. It is also most significant fact that
Santinatha icons have been found from Borigumma and elsewhere of
Koraput, one such figure is located at Bhubaneswar museum.
The next image in the place is a Tirthankara whose identification is
difficult at this stage as the mark of cognizance is not traceable in the
pedestal. Two lions in between which support the pedestal, the Sasanadevi
93
of the Tirthankara is found in a seated position. The left thigh and the fingers
of both the hands are partially damaged in the idol.
B.K.Rath loc. cit identified the other seated figure of the place with
Mahavira with great difficulty. He is carved seated in meditative pose on a
pedestal. The figure of Sidhayika as Sasanadevi of the Tirthankara is carved
below in padmashana displaying lotus flower and varada mudra in her
hands. The lanchana (mark) is indistinct carved below him.
The last Jain relic of the place is a pair of standing Tirthankara figures
on a common slab. Their lanchanas are not visible in the pedestal, thus the
Tirthankara could not be named. Recently one small slab having Rohini in
sitting posture has been added.
Kali Temple, Jeypore
The Kali temple of Jeypore that is located in the north end of Jeypore,
under the foot hill of Naktidangar also preserves one of the very beautifully
carved Rsabhanatha images in its entrance and other Brahmanical figures.
There is another Tirthankara image in standing posture, which is kept in a
thatched shed, around which a group of fragmentary sculptures are
available. This shrine is known as Gangadei or Gangama temple and is few
yards south of the Jeypore Kali temple.
Along with other objects, three Jain relics were collected from the
Jeypore Palace in the past for the Odissha State Museum, Bhubaneswar.
Two relics are of Mahavira and Ambika. The Mahavira image is in
meditative pose seated on a pedestal supported by two lions. The other and
the second Tirthankara image of the place can with difficulty be identified as
Mahavira said Mohapatra. The third figure of the place represents Ambika,
the Sasanadevi of Neminatha
Koraput District Museum, Jeypore
The district Museum at Jeypore has some thirty-four pieces of Jain
sculptures.They include, twenty-one from Bhairabasingpur, two from
Charmula, two from Kotpad, seven from Jamunda and two from Kamta.
Bell (1945), the author of the Orissa District Gazetteer, Koraput gives
the following observation on the Jain relics of Bhairavsingpur and its
neighboring sites.
"The village, Bhairabasingpur was once a major centre of Jainism in the
present Koraput district. Many Jaina Tirthankaras images which ranging from
a foot to five feet in height has been located in its neighborhood. One such
image of a seated Rsabhanatha is now housed in a thatched temple. It is
made up of steatite slab and is in a well-preserved state. There is another,
94
which is kept in the Jagannatha temple was used by the villagers for
sharpening their axes. It is known that a number of Jain images were
discovered during the time when the present Siva temple was constructed
from the digging of the ground images are to be found in the villages of
Charmula and Narigaon within a distance of four or five miles of Singpur."
It is also reported in a news item published in daily "The Hindustan
Standard" regarding the Jain sculptures of Koraput district that the Sarpanch
of Jamunda village has kept another five images in an improvised temple
with a thatched roof built by local Adivasis. Now it is a modern built temple.
Ruins of temples have also been discovered at Paknaguda and
Katharaguda villages in the interior of Borigumma Block. "Pakni" in the local
language stands for stone and "Guda" means village.The local Adivasis offer
sacrifices before these images and hold a special ceremony once a year on
a Friday. Goats are sacrificed at the ceremony.
According to the Sarpanch of the Jamunda village there are a number
of caves in the nearby hill ranges where much bigger stone images are
hidden a remarksed by Mohapatra loc.cit.
The scholars and archaeologists are after Chikma; this part of the
Odisha is known to be a major seat of Jainism, from ancient period. Chikma
is close by.
The Jain relics of Bhairabsingpur, in the District Museum at Jeypore out
of the twenty-one sculptures, six are of Rsabanatha, one each of
Parsvanatha, Ajitanatha and Mahavira, five of Tirthankara figures whose
identification is difficult and seven belong to the class of Yaksa and Yaksinis
especially of Gomedha and Ambika carved either jointly seated on a
common pedestal or alone standing or seated on a lotus pedestal.
The other about seven sculptures are from Bhairabasingpur in the
museum. They are of Yaksas and Yaksinis more possible of Ambika and
Gomedha, the two associated with Neminatha. The Ambika is either
independently or in common with Gomedha. However, in either case the
Neminatha is distinctly identifiable at the top.
There are seven Jain sculptures from Jamunda in the museum and are
still few which are available in the site. They are well cared by the local
villagers and some members of Marwari Community of Jagdalpur. Out of
the seven, three are Rasabhanatha, two of Parsvanatha, one of Mahavira
and another is the figure of a Tirthankara. The identification is difficult at this
stage, remarked Mahapatra.

95
 Kamata is another place coming under the Bhairabasingpur group of
Jain centre. There are two Jaina Tirthankara images one is Rsabhanatha.
Risabhanatha
U.P. Shah wrote," From Jeypore sub-division in Koraput district, Orissa,
have been discovered a number of Tirthankara images. Umakanta
Subuddhi has published a Caturvimsati Pataa of Rsabhanatha from Koraput.
The sculpture was found from Bhairavasingpur village in Borigumma tahasil
of Jeypore sub-division. Rsabhanatha sits in the padmasana dhyana mudra
and has a srivatsa symbol on the chest. Images from Odisha follow the
traditions of Bihar and Eastern India and represent the Tirthankaras in
padmasana (when shown in sitting postures) and not in the ardha-
th
padmasana as in further south. ‖ The deity is placed in 9 century AD.
Risabhanatha
He further said," Umakanta Subuddhi has published two more
sculptures of Risabhanatha from the same site. His figure 2 is a
Caturvimsati-Patta of Rsabha sitting in padmasana. The sculpture dates
from c. 8th century A.D.‖
U.P. Shah continued. The second image, published as figure 1 in
Subuddhi's plate, looks more beautiful. It is assigned by the author to a date
between the seventh and the ninth century A.D. Rsabhanatha here sits in
the padmashana and is flanked by a chamara dhari on each side. The
sculpture dates from c. 9th-10th cent. A. D.
Kornel and Gamang (2009) have described some of the following and
new finds of Jain images in Koraput district as following.
In Deorli village close to Kotpad there is one Rsabhanath and a
beautiful carved Ambika shrine in a small very old stone slab made temple in
the village. This is one of the most attractive piece of Ambika available in
Koraput district. A Bhattra family worships the deities.
Ambika of Umbel
Umbel is a village in Nadapur, mostly the Parenga live here. There are
two damaged Jaina temples in the village. The most worthy figure of this
place is, the Ambika. There is a Rsabhanatha in one of the depleted temples
of Umbel. The Tirthankara Rsabhanath is seated in yogashana pose on a
lotus pedestal. The second is that of Mahavira seated in yogasana pose on
a lotus pedestal

96
Deva Honjore or Devta Honjore
The deva Honjore or Devta Honjore is located in Nandapur and it is
close to the Railway tract. The most worthy figure of this place is the Ambika.
Rsabhanath is seated on a lotus pedestal in yogasana pose. Chakresvari is
carved and is seated in padmasa on a lotus pedestal supported by the lions
and a Parsvanatha is sitting in padmasana yoga on a lotus pedestal.
Gadaba priest worships the Jain deities of Devta Honjore.
Mahavira of Phupugaon in Kundra
In Phupugaon, a village in Kundra block there are two Jaina temples.
One houses a Mahavira in sitting posture. The deity is worshipped by
Bhumia priest and the followers are also Bhumias.
Rsabhanatha of Phampuni
It is said by villagers that Phampuni has a large number of Jain images,
but quite a few are lost in a flood caused by river Kolab.The Tirthankara
Rsabhanath is carved seated in yogasana pose. It is now fixed on to a wall
of a shrine. It is seated in yogasana pose on a pedestal.
Tithankar of Goriahandi
The Village Goriahandi is located in Kundra block. The image is seated
in yogasana pose and most part is still in embedded in soil
Gajalaksmi symbol is on the the door in the Phupugaon and Goriahandi
(Kundra) Jain temples. Gajalaksmi, symbolising prosperity, is as much as a
Jain motif as Buddhist and Brahmanical.
Konga Jaina Temple
Recently Kornel has discovered a significant Jain temple find in
Konga village of Jeypore region. The temple is recently re-constructed by the
local people. It houses one Mahavira in seated posture and the statue is
about four feet in height and about two and half in width. It is very well
carved The Deorli and Jamunda are the two Jain temples that are close to
Konga Jain Temple. The principal priest is from Omanatya tribe and others
are from Bhoie Gadaba tribe. There are three more Jaina idols, of which one
Trithankara is not identifiable, there is one plate with two standing
Trithankaras and one of them is Ajitanatha and other may be Sreyamsa, but
is not very clear due to poor visibility of cognizance. Another plate is that of
the Yaksa Gomedha and Yaksini Ambica.

97
Assimilation of Jainism
The above findings give the indications that Koraput district was one of
th th
the main centres of Jainism and probably it sustained till 11 /12 century
A.D. Due to the advent of Jangam priests and Omnatyas into the district the
Jainism had a serious setback but its impact in significant scale has still
persisted in the life and culture of the people.
The communities, especially, the tribals are most disciplined; they
tolerate others, are not violent in their nature and live peacefully. Often they
are misrepresented as timid for their humbleness; they respect and care for
other neighboring tribe and respect their culture and thought. They
accommodate other religion and their way of life.
Buddhism
Buddhist monuments are found in between the river Mahanadi
(tributaries) and Indravati and thence extend into Kalinga. There is the
mention of a vihara called Kattaharama or Kattarama. Kornel (2010) have
identified Kattaharama as Kathragada with rich archaeological remains
located near Bhairabasingpur in Koraput district. Close to the place is
Pakkanaguda village where Sabara and Bhumia tribes live together.
Recently a Buddhist temple was excavated when the villagers were building
a new Shiva temple on an older depleted Shiva temple site. Small clay made
Buddha in dhyana mudra has been recovered from the site by the villagers
and is very similar to that one exhibited in the Ghasiram Museum, Raipur in
Chhattishgarh that in turn was recovered from Sirpur, the famous Buddhist
site on the bank of Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh.
Tantric Buddhism
It can be traced in (Sahajaayana) Tantric Buddhism. The whole yogic
process of the Sahaja School is found to be based on a highly sublime
aspect of the sex where the Sadhak is to embrace and sport with the female
Shakti called as the Chandali, Dombee, Savaree, and Sahaja Sundaree etc.
From the name it appears that they are Advasis of Odisha. Acharya
th
Charyachaya (10th-14 century A.D.) contains eloquent proof of this
conclusion.
The Chandella communities in Koraput are followers of Thakurani. The
same trend is seen with Tantis of the region. However between the Tantis
and Chandellas there is no cultural differences and both were known for
their weaving skills. It is also the case with Dom community in the region.
There is plenty of literature and historical evidence to equate the Sabara

98
Tribe Dynasties of South Kosala and Kalinga who patronized the Buddhist
religion.
Tantric Buddhism did prevail in this part of the country and there is one
Yogni stone in one of the Shakti pitha in Bansuli itself.
In the Tantrika pitha of Borigumma on its wall is the Aparajita with one
of the hands raised and is represents as trampling upon the Hindu god
Ganesha. Borigumma was a Buddhist centre of the past .The village
Phampuni, near Jeypore has an idol, which was previously identified to be of
Thirthankara but with new evidences it is placed as Buddha.
Hindu Archaeology and Monuments in Koraput
Nandapur
Nandapur is about 45Kms. from Koraput was the former capital of
Suryavamsi Kings, who later shifted to Narayanpatna and Jeypore.
Nandapur has seen several dynasties in its time and has a long history. As
said above it houses several vestiges of Jain but it has several Hindu deities
also. The Sarveswara temple in Odishan style is an important one and it is a
Shiva temple. There are several ‗hatha pakna‘ or ‗sati stones‘ scattered all
around and a ‗Laxmi image along with one large Ganesha image adorn the
place.
Jeypore
Jeypore town is 22 Km. from Koraput. It was the official seat of the
Rajas of Jeypore. The place is rich in archaeological vestiges. Shrines of
‗Hindus like Narayana, Shaiva and Shakta pantheons are abundantly found
here. These shrines of much later date contain sculptures of ancient and
medieval periods collected from different sites of the district As described
above some of these shrines also contain Jain images. Their descriptions
are given here under.
Bhagabati Temple
The Bhagabati temple is located in the premises of Naryana temple in
Jeypore. The deity is ―Chakreshvari‖ and she is a Jaina deity. The deity is
worshiped by a Brahmin priest. The deity is more than 900 years old and
was shifted to the present location from Kotpad region. She was the family
goddess of Nagavamsi kings.
Kali Temple
Kali temple is situated in Purunagarh or Sombartuta of Jeypore. An
image of Rshbhanatha in dhyanamudra is kept in the parch of the temple.

99
Dongerdei Temple
It is in the south end of the Kali temple and it houses a pair of feet and
fragmented Tirthankars.
Nilakantheswar Temple
The temple is famous for its Shiva linga. It houses several Jaina deities,
Shiva and Parvati. The most important piece is the Surya god image that is
located in the temple that reminds its origin to Ganga kings.
Narayana Temple of Jeypore
Vinayaka Deo of Nandapur was succeeded by his son
Vijayachandrakhya who is said to have taken away the original image of
Kanaka Durga and the stone image of Ballava Narayana from the custody of
the people of Purushottama Deo Gajapati when they were led astray in the
dense forests ( between Krishna and Vizagapatam) and left other images of
Ganesha, Gopala (Sakhi Gopala) that were being brought on elephants from
the expedition of Kanchi- Kaveri as remarked by Kumar Bidyadhar Singh
Deo.He further says that the original image of the family Deity of the
Gajapatis is worshipped and seen in the house of the Jeypore Raj family(
now it stands lost). This image was made of gold. The beautiful image of the
Ballava -Narayana (stone image) was brought to Jeypore and is now the
main deity of the Narayana Temple, Jeypore. In total there are three
Naryana images and one Surya image in the Naryana temple of Jeypore.
At about 600 yards from the Narayana temple there is Lokanatha Shiva
temple, on the bunds of Kahjuribandha. This temple is about 900 year old as
per Narayanapal Stone Inscription of Gunda Mahadevi (No.49, E.I.Vol.IX,
311ff,161-162.
Sing Deo opined that Purushottama Gajapati brought the image of
Sakhi- Gopala from Vijayanagar that has close resemblance to the image of
Ballava- Narayana in Jeypore to the extent that both share small hole in the
nostril. The loss of the above images on the way from Kanchi- Kaveri has
been mentioned in the Bodo- Madala Panji that with Gopinath Das, Kano-
bhoi in Puri.Bhairava Deo, son of Vijayachandrakhya was crowned in 1510
A.D. He was the hero who defended the Kondapalli Fort. The new
Vaisnavite cult of Sri Chaitanya appeared on the Shaivite and Sakti Cult of
Nandapur. Viswanatha Deo the successor of Bhairava like Pratapa Rudra
Deo Gajapati made the Vaisnavic cult the State religion of Nandapur.
The Jeypore town had one Cahitanya Matha in which two images of
Gour and Nityanada are worshipped. There are other Vaisnav temples such
as Radha Madhava, Rasik Siromani or Rasikaswar, Radha Kanta.

100
Borigumma
Borigumma, a small town of archaeological importance is located 20
Kms from Jeypore town and is in between Jeypore and Jagdalpur, Bastar. It
is located on the foot hills of Chikma Hills and was on the way to the ancient
path to Bhairabasingpur and also to Koraput village. The people claim that in
the past it was known as Bhairaba Borigumma.It had two sections one called
Sano Kenduguda and the other Deulaguda where there is an old temple
identifiable form images. The temple in the shape of a house was
constructed by the late kings of Jeypore and Sri Kumar Bidyadhar Sing Deo
is credited for its conservation. The Deulaguda is a small village in the foot
hills of Chikma hills and close to the temple are twin large ponds named
Bodo Rajada and Sano Rajda bondha. The Chikma hill is called as Buddha
Raja and Rani Pahada, respectively.
The Deulaguda temple has two portions divided by a wall and in one is
the Shiva linga called Patalaeswara worshipped by a Jangama priest and
the other is the Bhairaba called Sasta Bhairaba worshipped by Omanatya
priests. The priest refers the deity as Vikramaditya. The Bhairaba temple
opens to west where as in Bhairabasingpur it is facing to the east. The outer
wall of the temple is niche with small plates of images and notable is three
Buddhist images, one is Lord Buddha and the other too and the third is the
image of Hairti distinctly identifiable with the Ganesha below.
There are other images of Avatar of Vishnu and two pieces of
inscriptions written in Pali language. These have not so far been deciphered
and interpreted. It will yield good information and materials for Koraput
history.
The Magha Purnima Puja of Bhairaba at Borigumma is the principal
one celebrated by all section of the people and mostly the tribals assemble.
Surprisingly, the dates of the festival are the same as that of the Khandagiri
Jaina Jatra in Bhubaneswar. On the day of the celebration three Omanatya
priests and a lady priest in white dress sit before the Bhairaba deity. Inside
the Bhairaba temple, it is sukhila bhoga( uncocked offerings) and the priest
enchants mantra that refers to many of the sakti pithas of the coastal
Odisha. The Shiva linga faces towards the Bhairaba, but separated by a
wall, thus is called Gaiatri Tantra Pitha as per the opinion of Narayana
Padal.It is claimed by local residents that there were several Shiva temples
with Shivalinga in Borigumma and now about five to six have been uprooted
and being worshipped in Kumli and Kamata region. The Sivalinga are about
six feet long and underneath it they have seen small plates of yantra on
metal foils.

101
Banamaliput in Nandapur Block
Banamaliput in Nandapur Block is a very old village of Mali caste
people. It is a typical Mali village with a stream that supports vegetable
cultivation by the Malis since long. The village is unique in the sense that it
has seen flourishing ages cult of Jain, followed by Shaiva cult then the
Vishnu worship. The village houses an unique piece of Ardhanarisvara , a
conjunction of half male and half female form of Shiva , combining the
features and attributes of Shiva in one half and of the Parvati in the other. It
is the representation of synthesis of the twin eternal principles of purusa and
prakriti or Shiva and Sakti.
Anchala
The village is located on the Borigumma-Nowrangpur roadside. It is
postulated to be founded by Cholas, thus is named as An-Chola or Anchala
as is called now. Before entering the said village there is a small hill, flat on
the top, without stones, and slopping with a comfortable gradient. The top of
the hill is a flat circular area connected with flat land behind. This hill is
called ‗Manda Kupli‘. There is one stone pillar of about three to four feet
standing erect at its centre; this has been encountered as Shiva linga but
actually not. Before it the villagers have placed one small ‗brusha‘ (bull). It
is surrounded by four broken walls. The bricks are large of large size as
seen in the ancient city of Podagada and elsewhere in the district.
To the east of the Manda Kupli under low and deep ingredient lies the
Anchola village, it has one large street going down like in gradient fall and
then makes a loop and appears back. ‗Halva or Pentia tribe mainly
inhabitate the village. To the south and south-east, of the village there are
twin ponds. One close to the village is called ‗Bodo Bandha‘; another close
to Kupli is called ‗Mati Bandha‘. There is large granite ‗Shiva linga‘ at the
Bado- Bandha. This is styled like that of the south India. There is Bodo
Dangar hill to its south and ‗Bhalu pahada‘ to its northwest end. The north
and northeast one ‗jodi‘( stream) is flowing with perennial water.
Bansuli (Deorli)
It is a small village close to Kotpad town. It has an excellent piece of
Ambika and Rsabhanatha and a Shiva temple. It has also one Bhairaba
image. The Rsbhanatha is housed in a very small stone slab made temple.
Christian Monuments
The Schleswig- Holstein Evangelical Lutheran Mission Society from
Germany first came to Koraput on 15 th May 1882 and started the Mission
activities. They first entered Koraput district through Bastar to Kotpad. The

102
Churches were established in Koraput in the year 1884, Kotpad in 1885,
Jeypore 1887 and Nowrangpur in 1889. The Koraput church is the oldest
one.
Muslim Monuments
Nandapur ruler, Viswanath Deo encountered invasions of the
Mohammedans from the south. Viswananath Deo breathed his last in 1571
and his son Balram Deo acknowledged defeat and a treaty was signed with
Rufutt Khan. He paid annual tributes to Sultan of Golconda since Muslim
influence extended to Koraput.
There are three very old graveyards of Muslim warriors, possibly the
Golconda rulers in Koraput district.They are at Narayanapatna, Mahadeiput
in Koraput block and another ruins of fort in Tikragad in Boipariguda block. It
is 7 kms from Ramagiri on the road towards Gupteswar.
Sikh Gurudwara at Jeypore
The Sikhs from
Amritsar came to Jeypore
before 1890 to build the
palace of the Maharaja. So
a Gurudwara was built in
the house premises of
Sardar Mahana Singh and
the holy Granthsahib was
worshiped. This site is in
front of the Naryana temple.
Anil Dhir (2014) is of the opinion that the Jeypore Gurudwara is the oldest in
Odisha and was built in a thatched house in 1883 and a new Gurudwara
was constructed in 1893. The old Gurudwara stands depleted in its original
place and the land has been sold. First Gurudwara of the Sikhs in Odisha
was set up at Jeypore in Koraput district.
The small one roomed Gurudwara is built like a forest lodge with a
verandah all around. It is in a small street right behind the old palace of the
former Maharaja of Jeypore. Two huge trees at the entrance of the small
room dwarf the structure.
This Gurudwara was set up by Sardar Mahna Singh Nagi. It was the
first Gurudwara in the State, built on the land given by the erstwhileMaharaja
of Jeypore. The other Gurudwaras at Cuttack

103
 (The sword offered by the Maharaja of Jeypore to the Gurudwara)
(Dantan Sahib), Bhadrak (Sangat Sahib) and Puri (Bauli Sahib) are historical
Gurudwaras that were set up as Guru Nanak Dev Jee had visited these
places and stayed there.
The little Gurudwara had originally been a thatched hut for more than
fifty years. The holy book Guru Granth Shahib was placed in the small shrine
sometime in December 1883 in a grand ceremony that was attended by
more than 300 devout Sikhs. The Maharaja had himself visited the
Gurudwara in a State procession and presented Mahna Singh with a double
edged Sword, which is still there.
Jeypore Palaces
The Jeypore ruling family lived in Purunagada, east of the Jeypore
town. It was a mud building and was destroyed by Capt. Matthews after he
captured Jeypore in 1775. Later the rulers made a new palace in the
present place and the second Palace Nua Nahara was constructed. As the
Astrologers predicted inauspiciousness of Nua Nahara this Palace was used
for other purposes than living by the ruler family. The present palace was
constructed after1890 and it is said that the Nua nahar took 11 years to
complete. Sardar Mahana Singh of Amritsar was the contractor. The present
Darbar Hall was constructed in 30s by a Calcutta based Company.

104
 CHAPTER-V

PEOPLE- TRIBE AND CASTE

(CUSTOM AND CULTURE)
Language
Tribal communities in Koraput speak different dialects, and few have
lost their mother tongue to local dominant languages. The percentage of
people speaking tribal language in Koraput district has been reduced from
37 in 1931 census to 22.86 percent in 1971 census. Thus, a large number of
tribals of the district have adopted non-tribal languages during the past four
decades. Of the native tribes of Koraput district, Sabara (Saura) tribe has its
own script and non-others. The Koraput tribal dialects have been studied by
various authors in the past and have been documented.
Ethno-linguistic Classification
Mohapatra (1997) has given a detailed account on ethno-linguistic
arena among tribals of Odisha. The tribes of Koraput are ethno-linguistically
classifiable into three groups namely Munda (Austro -Asiatic), Dravidian and
Indo-Aryan. A group-wise tentative inventory of the tribal languages and
dialects may be drawn up as given follows
Munda Group
Sora (Saora, Lanjia, Juray, Arsi),Gourum (Parenga),Remo (Bonda)
Dravidian Group
Parji (Dharua), Kui (Kondh-Kutia/Dongria), Konda/Kubi (Konda Dora),
Ollari (Gadaba), Gondi (Gond), Kuvi (Kondh, Jatapu),
Indo-Aryan Group
Dialects Language Affinity
Desia Southern Odia
Bhatri Southern Odia
Jharia Southern Odia
Matia Southern Odia
Halbi Odia-Marathi-Chhattisgarhi
Proto Mundai is classified as South Munda, Koraput Munda, and Saura
Munda, Gutob Remo

105
Central Dravidian are Parja, Ollar, Kui, Konda Kui
The tribals either as mother tongue or second language use all these
non-literary Indo-Aryan dialects. Mohapatra (2004) was of the opinion that
these dialects are based on archaic forms of the modern literary languages
and have developed peculiarities in course of time due to convergence of
languages belonging to different families, diffusion of linguistic traits across
genetic boundaries and hybridization of language as a result of extensive
bilingualism or multilingualism. In multi familial and multi-dialectal situations
there have been lot of inter-mixture and mutual borrowing resulting in
development of certain common traits among the dialects of divergent
origins.
Linguistic Reports on Koraput Population
Bell who wrote for the first time the district gazetteer of Koraput district
after formation of Odisha state was of the opinion,‖ ‗Poroja‘ undoubtedly
covers a variety of entirely different dialects. The term derived from the Odia
word praja meaning a raiyat or subject is applied to all kinds of aboriginal
tribes having no relation with each other. There is in fact no such language
as Poroja, but quite distinct languages are spoken by the following tribes to
whom the title ‗Poroja‘ is usually given; Bondo Poroja, Jhodia Poroja, Dhruva
Poroja, Konda Poroja, (also known as Konda Dora), Parenga Poroja, Pengo
Poroja and Didayi Poroja.Of these the languages of Bondo, Parenga and
Didayi Porojas belong to Munda branch and the remainder are Dravidian.
The Dhruva language is unrelated to Kondh but is of Dravidian in origin,
probably derived from Gondi. Ramamurti is of the opinion that the there is a
remarkable resemblance between Parenga and Savara. The languages of
the Bondo and the Didayis have obvious affinities with that of the Gadabas.‖
He was of the opinion that Ollar Gadaba speaks a Dravidian language, but in
their customs and appearance they resemble the Gadabas who in turn
speak Mundari. Now, it is quite apparent from the recent genetic studies that
the Ollar Gadaba are distinctly Dravidian in origin and genetically distant
from other Gadabas.
Savara and Gadaba language are the principal Mundari
languages.G.V.Ramamurti, his son G.V.Sitapati and Miss. A.M.C. Murno
have studied the Savara language in detail and the later author have
produced English–Savara and Savara-English dictionary. The Savara
language is said to be very similar to Juangas of Keonjhar, PalLahara and
Dhenkanal as also to the Parenga Porajas of Pottangi Block in Koraput
district.

106
 Bell opines that the Kondh language and the language spoken by
Jatapu are akin.Konda is the language used by Konda Dora although this
language shows some resemblance to Kui which is of Dravidian origin and
can safely be classified as language of Kondh. The Kui language was
spoken by 22 percent of the population of the Koraput district in 1945. Bell
was of the opinion that there is probably half a dozen of different dialects of
Kondhs spoken in the district , but the data available at present are quite
insufficient to identify the language as per locality..Bell has given a detail
note on the languages spoken in Koraput district from the 1931 census. He
wrote that for every 1000 people in the district 552 have Odia as their mother
tongue,186 Kui or Kondh,73 Telugu, 53 Savara,39 Poroja,26 Gadaba,22
Koyya, 17 Konda,16 Jatapu and 8 Gondi.
However it can be concluded that the Odia and its local form called
Desia Odia spoken by tribals is the most spoken language in the district
followed by Telugu and others as Kui of Kondhs, Gadaba and Sabara etc.
Many tribal people and their families after coming in contact with local Odia
adopt Odia as their mother tongue. Deshia Odia is the lingua franca of
different tribes of Koraput district. Meeting of different types of tribes in the
near by weekly hat ( temporary market) where they go to sell agricultural
and forest produce as well as to buy their necessities like salt, dry fish, cloth
and other fashionable things is a common phenomenon in all parts of the
district. In the Hat tribal of certain area come in contact with people of other
tribes ( with different dialects) and other non tribal mostly Odias. There they
speak among themselves in deshia Odia only which has a lot of
resemblance with Kosholi tongue of Western Odisha.
CUSTOM AND TRADITION
Cremation and Burial
In general the people of Koraput follow the disposal of dead bodies by
pyre and children, people dead by smallpox and infectious diseases or killed
by wild animals are disposed off by burial. The Christian and Muslim
community follow burial method as per their religious practices.. It is a very
elaborate procedure among the Gadabas and Sabars in the district and is
very expensive.
Among the Bhumias the dead are burnt and pollution period lasts for
nine days. On the tenth day a ceremonial bath is taken with friends and
relatives and a feast with copious supplies of liquor is held. The relatives and
ladies who attend the tenth day ceremony are dressed in white clothes .This
is also the custom of the Malis.

107
 The Bhottadas burn their dead and observe pollution for ten days
during the period all agriculture activities come to halt. On the tenth day the
funeral rites are completed in the cremation ground.
Among Chitra-Ghasis the dead are burnt and death pollution is
observed for three days during which the caste occupation is not carried out.
On the third day the ashes are collected together and a fowl is sacrificed.
The ashes are then buried or thrown into running water.
Gadaba, as a rule burn the dead bodies but if a person dies in the
night or on a rainy day, the corpse is sometimes buried. Only relatives are
permitted to touch a corpse. Death pollution is observed for three days,
during which the caste occupations must not be engaged in. Stone slabs are
erected to the memory of the dead, and sacrifices are offered in elaborate
and most expensive ‗Gotar ceremony.
Elwin has elaborated the ceremony of death among Sabars in detail.
They perceive soul of the dead family members a threat to the family and
village. The disposal of the dead is a very long process with ceremonies. But
it is not a separation. After death the corpse is laid on its back across the
mortar in the central room of the house and is covered with a cloth. Women
carry the corpse out of the house and lay in on a plank of wood in the street
outside. They remove most of the ornaments, bathe the body and comb the
hair before the final rites start.
The Magadhia Goudos bury the dead in sitting posture like many of the
Telugu Goldsmiths in Jeypore
Normally the tribes express the cultural identity through their custom,
tradition, festivals, dress and ornaments. A certain name is coined especially
for the identity of a tribe e.g. the Paroja, the Kondh, the Sabara etc.. Every
tribe has a place of origin but it is not clear. They have their own oral
language for interaction. They are a highly disciplined society and abide by
social customs and village rules. They avoid marriage between tribes.
Matrimonial relation outside the tribe results in out casting. The tribes
maintain inter discipline and never criticize others. The neighboring tribes
attend the ‗Gotra ‘ceremony of the Gadaba families whenever it occurs.
Each tribe maintains its tradition, own social bondage and village
discipline. They abide by the dictates of traditional village council. All these
play a key role in maintaining customary law and institutions like youth
dormitory, worship, economic policy, and gathering of food from forest, slash
and burn cultivation, and handicraft etc. for their liveli hood. They live with
‗Nature ‗and Nature is their life and their god. Each tribe is a homogeneous

108
tribe. It is said that each individual tribal lives for his tribe and the tribe lives
for the individual.
Salient Features of Tribal Socio-Cultural Life
They live in relative isolation usually in hills and forests in interior area.
Their social identity is defined and redefined from time to time. They
constitute simple societies which are socio-culturally homogeneous.They
have their oral language or dialect for communication. A particular tribal
community is endogamous and is divided into a number of exogamous
divisions. They have low access to education and health care services. They
possess their own socio-cultural history which may not berich and un-written.
They have their rich cultural tradition and heritage although their social
organization is simple.
Other Cultural Milieu
Organization of Societies
Traditional Village Council
In the past they lived in isolation in forests, respected the rights of
neighbors, used limited technology and religion was mostly the animistic as it
looked but after deep study it can be concluded that most carry tinges of the
past association with Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.Population of some
major native tribes of the district are given below.
Sl. No. Name of the Tribe 2011 Census
1 Bhottada, Dhotada, Bhattra 78,649
2. Bhumia 52,576
3. Dharua 8,402
4. Gadaba 68,677
5. Holva 3,061
6. Jatapu 95
7. Kandha, Gauda 1,085
8. Khond,Kond, Kandha 1,95,154
9. Konda,Dora 4,141
10. Kotia 3,378
11. Matya 920
12. Omanatya 17,463
13. Parenga 8,296
14. Paroja 2,21,828
15. Pentia 9,632
16. Saora, Savar, Saura, Sahara 3,126
17. Shabar, Lodha 799

General structure of Tribes in Koraput

The Schedule tribe (ST) are 50.58 percent of the population in Koraput
distrit as per 2011 census. Total scheduled trbe population as per 2011
census is 6,97,583 which includes many other tribes with small population
who are notput but have migrated from other districts. native tribes of Kora

109
Paroja and Kond are the major tribal group followed by Bhottada, Gadaba
and Bhumia tribes. The district has Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic races and Indo-
Aryan races.
Bhotada
The Bhattra tribe are also knownas Bhottada, Bottada, Dhotada and
Dholado, as denoted in several literature. Stuart (1891) wrote, ‗Bhattadas
are a class of Oriya cultivators and labourers speaking Muria or Lucia,
otherwise known as Basturia, dialect of Oriya‘. The language is classified as
Indo-Aryan. Bell (1945) said, ‗Bhottodas are the typical agricultural caste of
Nowrangpur and north Jeypore‘, but Nowrangpur and Kotapad is the region
of concentration for the tribes. To be more specific of Bhattra tribe
distribution, it starts from Nuagaon that is 6 to 7 Kms. from Borigumma
extending into Kotpad, Kodinga, Kosagumada, Papdahandi, Umerkote and
Jhorigaon of Undivided Koraput district in Odisha. They are 117, 297 in
Chhattisgarh and 247, 710 in Odisha as per 1981 census report. The
Bhattras though are living here for centuries as known from their folklore,
through possible linkage verification and literature it is taken that they have
come here from the south.
Elwin writes ―In Warangal lived the Bhattra caste; in these days there
were no Murias. After a time the Bhattras decided to leave Warangal and
only five Pengu Parojas were left there……‖
Bell loc.cit said, ―They are accepted as being within the Hindu fold,
stand high in the social scale and wear the sacred thread; permission to use
that was bought by their ancestors from the Raja of Jeypore. Their origin is a
matter of some doubt. They all speak corrupt form ofOr iya and not even a
vestige of a tribal dialect survives. Bhattra tribe has traveled through ages,
and thus many dynasties and religion. However, it cannot be ruled out they
have retained Oriya culture which is very ancient.‖
The tribe is divided into endogamous divisions, styling themselves
Bodo and Sano, of whom the former claim to be a purer descent, and into
exogamous totemistic subdivisions. Thurston et.al (1909) cited Hayavadana
Rao who said, ―The caste is divided into three endogamous divisions, viz.
1. Bodo, or genuine Bottadas; the same are also presently known as Pita
Bhattra.
Madhya, descendants of Bottada men and non-Bottada women;
(Sargimundi) Sanno, (Batamundi, Masnimara who are derogatively
called Muria Bhattra) who are descendants of Madhya men and non-

110
 Madhi women. The Bodos do not inter -dine with the other two sections,
but males of these do eat with Bodo.
These divisions are important in respect to social status and marriage
endogamy besides these they have no other connotations in social-ritual
differentiation.
The Bodos have various exogamous septs or bonsha or clans, which
are as follows
Kochimo - Tortoise
Bhag - Tiger
Goyi - Lizard (Varanus)
Nag - Cobra
Kukuro - Dog
Makado - Monkey
Cheli - Goat
Onka - Wild Gourd
The Bhattras are very well built and of medium height, the complexion
varies from light skin to dark. The head is round, slightly broad nose, and on
the whole they are very attractive people. The women are attractive, equally
well built and strong. They are pleasant and friendly people too.The villages
are very neatly maintained so also the houses. The houses have generally a
large area around with mud wall boundary. They are reputed cultivators
under low moisture conditions. Rice and ragi are staple food of the
tribe.Cross-cousin marriages are common, adult marriages are practiced,
and spouses are generally acquired through negotiations. They pay bride
price and either spouse has right to divorce, widows and divorcees are
allowed to remarry. Bhattra women play an important role in agriculture,
religious rituals and socio-activities, in addition to their regular domestic
activities.
A traditional community council headed by a Bhat Naik settles the
community disputes. Adultery, rape, divorces out of traditional norms and
theft are the punishable offences and punishment is imposed in the form of
cash fine, social boycott and excommunication. They have family and village
deities and Pujari performs all rituals.
Bhattra claim to be superior in rank to Omnatya and Bhumia with whom
the men can dine except in social functions. Bhattra women are forbidden
from even drinking water from any other tribe including the higher caste
Brahmin and Karan houses.

111
Sabara
Sabara is an ancient known tribe of India. Sabara tribe has a long
history that traveled with time from Ramayana to modern time. The tribe has
been spelt in various literature, epic and authors as Saora, Soara, Sabar,
Shabar, Soura, Sar, Sayar, Suir, Sahar, Soria, Swiri, Siwir, Surris and Saura
etc. Sabara are also referred as Boyas in some literature. They are Austro-
Asiatic in origin. Sabar tribe inhibit in Koraput-Ganjam (Gunupur and
Paralakhemundi region) and Western Odishaa. Thurston and Rangachari
(1909) have given a vivid account of the tribe. Roy (1927), Ramamurti (1931)
and Sitapati (1938) have given separately the grammar of the tribes‘
language and culture in detail followed by Dasgupta (1938) and others.
Elwin (1955) (6) studied and reported the religious belief of the tribe in great
detail
Elwin (1955) gave a detail account of Saura or Sabara tribe of Koraput
in his study. We have taken the following classification of Sabaras in
Koraput from his studies. They are: Lombo Lanjhia or the Hill Sabaras. Jati
Sabaras are a branch of Hill Sabaras who do not eat beef, Arsi Sabaras
wear loin cloth and are hill Sauara, Jadu Sabaras live on the tops of hills of
Jerango of Gajapati district. They claim equal to Jati Sabaras, but later group
do not agree. Kindal or Takala Sabaras are basket makers. Kumbit Sabaras
are potters.
Hill Sauras of Koraput district
Further Elwin continues, Lombo Lanjhia is the only single term, which
covers all the Hill Sabaras as distinct from the plains Sabaras of the Kampu
or Sudda type. Another group is called Arsi Sabaras. Arsi means monkey,
but the name has no totemic reference and the only reason for it seems to
be the curious affinity which many Sabaras have for monkeys, and perhaps
the long-tailed cloth.Vitebsky (1993) studied Sabara of Koraput and said,
―Above all, their (Sora) linguistic connections lie ultimately with the south
east Asia. Linguists classify the Sora language as belonging to the Munda
group, which includes some other Indian ‗tribal‘ languages such as Mundari,
Ho, Santal and Bondo; while they consider this group itself to be a branch of
the Austro-Asiatic family which includes Mon-Khmer languages such as
Cambodian, as well as many of the languages of the interior of the Malay
peninsula and of the Montgnard peoples of Vietnam.
The Sabara villages are mostly homogenous. The Sauras are mostly of
short stature and of below medium height. They belong to Austro-Asiatic
branch. They are non-vegetarian in food habit and consume gruel made
from rice, ragi or millets. They are fond of alcoholic drinks. Milk and milk

112
products are consumed very rarely. The Sabara are very efficient cultivators
and practice multi plant mixed farming on hills including slash and burn
cultivation. They harvest their crops for seven months serially. They plant
more than 35 plant varieties in different time and type of land sequence in a
small 2 to 3 hectares cultivable land. It includes crops, vegetables, fruits and
tubers etc. They thus harvest the total crop in a sequence and it is very
efficient system. The Sabara are very knowledgeable on crop physiology
and inter cropping methods.They have traditional village council headed by
Gomango, and supported by religious head Buya. Though they have
innumerable deities, Uangum (Sun) is their principal god. Saura women
draw artistic line figures on the red mud painted walls of their houses with
different designs. Saura paintings acquire a reputation in the field of art and
quite even outside Odisha. Other non tribal artists have started imitating
Saura art. In Koraput district, they live mostly in Narayanapatna Block in
small number. Saura painting has acquired reputation among the non tribal
both in and out side Odisha.
Gadaba
The Gadaba tribe‘s main concentration is in Lamataput, Nandapur and
Semiliguda blocks of Koraput district. They still adhere to their old cultural
values like celebration of Gotar ceremony. They eat beef; where as the
Gutob Gadaba tribe in Jeypore, Kundra and Koraput block like to
differentiate themselves as Bodo Gadaba or Bhoie or Gadba. Gadaba or
Gadba tribe is a primitive Austro-Asiatic tribe. They live in Koraput and
Kalahandi districts of Odisha, also in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam
districts of Andhra Pradesh. Ramdas (1931), Furer-Haimendrof (1943) and
Bell (1945) have classified the tribe in various ways. Thurston and
Rangachari (1909) first classified Gadaba tribe under the following sections.
They are
1. Bodo or Gutob
2. Parenga
3. Otaro
4. Kaththiri or Kaththara
5. Kapu
The Bodo Gadaba are known as Gutob Gadaba on the hills and are
called ‗Bohie Gadaba‘ in plains of Jeypore because of their former position
as palanquin bearers to Jeypore Raja.
Gadaba villages are beautiful, houses are scattered with small
compound wall. The villages have Sodors, that has numerous stoned slabs
113
and some slabs are also kept in erect position.The Gadabas are cheerful
and friendly people, mostly of fair complexion, medium height, well built,
muscular men attract the by-passers, so also the Gadaba women who are
equally well built and strong. In elderly people numerous facial wrinkles do
appear. It is not so with the new generation.Similarly, no more are large ear
rings adorn women or Kerang cloth around the head and their original
homemade Kerang clothes out of a tree fiber to be seen. They dress like any
other people around. Gadaba tribe has a peculiarity in making Keranga
clothes out of the bark of Keranga tree which is a wild tree grown in forest
.Gadaba men collect the bark of the tree and also make a special type of
loom to weave the cloth. Gadaba women extract fiber out of the bark and
after washing and drying, both men and women engage themselves in
weaving cothes with embroidery in the specially designed loom. In course of
time this art is dying as youth male and female lack in interest in this intricate
art. One such kerannga cloth last for nine decades. In the Tribal Museum at
Koraput, one such specimen of a loom and a cloth are kept.
The buffaloes are used as religious beast of burden in ceremonies like
Jenkar and Gotar. They eat beef and flesh of other livestock and poultry,
whereas the Bohie Gadabas of Jeypore have come in contact with the
officials, various other people serving the Raja of Jeypore for a century thus
their culture and life has been influenced by the non tribal considerably.
They do not eat beef anymore; feel offended if this question is asked. The
Gutob Gadaba tribe is well known for its Gotar celebration. It is an elaborate
ceremony where the family members of dead prepare passage of the soul of
the dead to the other world on buffaloes as vehicle. The similar concept is
also seen among tribes of Indonesia. They have striking similarity in the
process of celebration, where a large number of buffaloes are offered as
gotar buffaloes to the dead as well as for the grand feast of relatives and
friends. It is wild feast with drinks and dance. The proud family opens a
healthy buffalo for the crowd assembled in the gotar ground and the young
men run mad with axes and knives to capture the running buffalo amidst
crowd for its life. The buffalo can be captured alive or dead by any group in
the crowd and then it belongs to them. This act looks like a battle field and
people receive serious injuries and even death occurs some time. It appears
as if the savage act of cattle theft long known among pastoral communities
of the past reappears alive.
Apart from carrying out domestic chores, the women participate in
economic activities, particularly in agriculture. They do take decision in all
spheres of family life. The Gadaba are good agriculturists of the district and
famous for millet and rice cultivation and are the custodians of large bio-
diversity of plants.
114
Origin as of Folk stories of Gadaba
Elwin had reported in detail the folk lore of Gadaba tribe and they are
cited here. There were twelve Gadaba brothers living on the Surawali
Mountain. They had no proper food to eat, but a she-goat fed them with its
milk. The other story goes ―twelve Gadaba brothers were born in the
Godavari region, when they grew up they came to Jeypore in search of
wives. Then the eleven brothers said to the eldest brother, ‗Now you have a
wife and children, you stay here‘. The children of the Asurin were real
Gadabas. The eldest brother later took another wife and her children were
known as Parenga tribe‖. Another reference speaks, ‗the twelve Gadaba
brothers were born on the banks of Godavari river,‘ and another folk story
depict, ‗a merchant had a very lovely daughter. One day he took his
daughter and bullocks to Nandapur and camped there. Form there two were
born the Gadabas and Parenga, the Gadaba is the elder and the Parenga is
the young brother.‘ The above folk story prevalent among Gadaba has a
commonality that they came over from area of theGodavari.
Phratry in Odia and English Clan names
Durka Bagh or Tiger Muriatil,Manji, Saratil, Segakor, Konya, Leya
and Lenja
Ontal Nung or Cobra snake Guga, Pombul,

Meen Matsya or Fish Khota, Mundagadia, Khodria, Korrekor

Kisavale Gish or Valture Khosratil, Supaktil, Supia, Durla, Servatia,
Jani
Ilij Bhalu or Bear Supratil
Kora Sun Tharub, Nandi, Chimetka, Sakia

The village committee has Naiko who is village head, Palas is the
hereditary religious head and Disari performs evil and disease treatments.
The other members are Bejunis and chief Raitas. They celebrate Pus
Parab, Kalin-vate Kegintam in the harvesting floor, Nandi Vate, Chait Parab.
However, Bat Viba and Sani puja is performed to treat diseases. Thusu and
Jha (1969) wrote, the Ollar Gadaba believe that all persons possess the
soul, locally called jive. It cannot be seen by eyes but finally departs from the
body when the person dies.
Ollar Gadaba
Durka Bagh or Tiger Muriatil,Manji, Saratil, Segakor, Konya, Leya and
Lenja
Ontal Nung or Cobra snake Guga, Pombul,

Meen Matsya or Fish Khota, Mundagadia, Khodria, Korrekor

Kisavale Gish or Valture Khosratil, Supaktil, Supia, Durla, Servatia, Jani
Ilij Bhalu or Bear Supratil
Kora Sun Tharub, Nandi, Chimetka, Sakia

115
 Gadaba tribe has played significant role in the services of Jeypore Raja
and considered most faithful. Thurston and Rangachari (1909) divide the
(Gadba) tribe into five sections, namely, (i) Bodo or Gutob, (ii) Parenga, (iii)
Otaro, (iv) Kathathiri or Kaththara, and (v) Kapu. According to them, the last
two sections were found by them to be settled in the plains, originally
belonged to the Bodo (Gutob) and Ollar Gadba, having migrated from the
hills. The Ollar Gadaba are also called Hallari and Ollari.
Furer-Haimendorf (1943) wrote, ―The Bodo Gadaba living in the vicinity
of the Dudma Falls of the Machkund River are distinct from the Olla(r)
Gadba of the Lamtaput and Nandapur areas.‖
Bell (1945) has revised the old editions of the District Gazetteer.
However, he has noted three sub-divisions of the Gadba in the district of
Koraput, namely, the Bodo, San and Ollaro. He has further mentioned that
other types (of the Gadba) are found in small numbers inhabiting the fringe
of the ghats in Vizagapatnam district from Salur southward to Naraspatam.
The Ollaro Gadbas are described by him to be a small community, who
speak a Dravidian language, but to all outward appearances they are similar
to other Mundari-speaking Gadbas, whose own name for themselves is
Gotub.
Thusu and Jha have shown that the two linguistically related groups of
people, namely, the Dharua and the Ollar Gadaba, overlap and inter-mingle
territorially. Thus, the whole stretch of territory appears to form continuous
tract which starts from Ralliguda, encompasses Pottangi,
Nandapur,Semiliguda,Lamtaput,extends beyond Salmi, Mohappadar etc.,
into the districts of Bastar. The houses are built on the lower slopes of the hill
range. A separate house called Sodar is available for meeting place to all
villages. Ollar have the following phratry
The village committee has Naiko who is village head, Palas is the
hereditary religious head and Disari performs evil and disease treatments.
The other members are Bejunis and chief Raitas. They celebrate Pus
Parab, Kalin-vate Kegintam in the harvesting floor, Nandi Vate, Chait Parab.
However, Bat Viba and Sani puja are performed to treat diseases. Thusu
and Jha (1969) wrote, the Ollar Gadaba believe that all persons possess the
soul, locally called jive. It cannot be seen by eyes but finally departs from the
body when the person dies. They perform ‗Nandi Vate’. It has Nandi Bhoji
or feast and Nandi Nanch (danu). In Gugaguda the Nandi Vate was
performed by Mundagaria Sanyasi. The Sanyasi word has tinge of Jain
culture

116
Paroja
They are pronounced as Poroaja (Thurston and Rangachari, (1909)
some write Paraja (Carmichael, 1861), Parajas (Ramdas, 1936), Poraja
(Mohanty, 1990), (Bell, 1945) and Parja (Elwin 1947).
The Paroja is a pointing to multiethnic groups living in Koraput district,
and some in Kalahandi district of Odisha. The term Parja is, as Carmichael
(1861) has pointed out, merely a corruption of a Sanskrit term Praja
signifying a subject. It is understood as such by the people themselves, who
use it in contradiction to a free hill-man. ‗Formerly‘ ‗says a traditional folk lore
of the tribe, ‗Rajas and Parjas were brothers, but the Rajas took the riding
horses (for, as the Baranga Parjas put it, sitting still) and we became carriers
of burdens and Parjas‘As per views of Carmichael as suggested above that
the name when prefixed to Poraja name is the name of ruler with whom the
tribe was associated, in other words the said Paroja community were
subjects to that particular dynasty. For example, Pengo paroja were subject
of Eastern Chalukya of Vengi.
Grierson (1906) stated about Parja language as ―hither to been
considered as identical with Bhatri. Bhatri has now become a form of Odia.
Parja, on the other hand, is still a dialect of Gondi.
The Porojas are not a compact caste, but rather a conglomerate, made
up of several endogamous sections, and speaking a language, which varies
according to locality remarked Thurston and Rangachari loc.cit.
Later Ramdas (1936) classified Porajas as following,
1. Bodo Porajas or Sodia, who do not eat beef
2. Sano Porajas, who eat beef
3. Jodia Porajas, who eat beef.
4. Perang Porajas, who eat beef.
This classification appeared at the time when every other Poroja
classified by Hayavadana Rao were reclassified as independent tribes on
the basis of linguistic and racial features. The classification of Ramdas is
based on a compact community of Poroja who had somehow interconnected
by rulers, dynasties, religion and topography. The Bodo and Sano Paroja
physically closely resemble to each other. They are distinct from Austro-
Asiatic people like Gadaba and Sabara. Strikingly they differ from
neighboring Kondhs.In some populations of Parojas they have somewhat
light skin complexion but generally they are of all dark skin complexion
people. The population shows homogenous physical features. They are of

117
medium height. The head is long. The nose is broad but sharp at the tip. The
men‘s chest is hairless. The beards and mustaches are like mongoloid
pattern. The hair on the head is straight but curly types. The elderly people
show wrinkles in face, near eyes and sometimes at forehead. The women
are slim and sleek. The thigh and calf are well developed. The women are
attractive with bright large eyes and smiling. The innocent smiling woman is
captivating and elderly women are full of love. They are warm people to
friends and relatives.
Mohanty (1990) have recorded exogamous totemic septs (clans) such
as Bagh (Tiger), Kachhim (Tortoise), Bokada (Goat), Netam (Dog), Gohi
(Lizard), Pandki (Dove), Bedia, Moria, Sodria, Haikaria, Chemia and so on.
They highly respect their respective totemic species. Poroja have following
divisions in their society based on duties, which were allocated since ancient
period when the tribe group started developing.They are Ajani,Mudli,
Bhalodi or Bhoie, Kirsani, Narangi, Karanjia, Bodonayak, Nayak and
Pujari.They live in Koraput hills that includes the northern end of Koraput
block, which is contiguous to Kakrigumma of Laxmipur block .Villages do
exist in plains of Jeypore and several of them are married in community on
the uphill of Kolab Dam and vice versa.
The Paroja of Girli area, Damanthpur call themselves Barang Paroja
and don‘t like to be referred as Jhodia Parojas. There is some settlement of
Barang Poroja north of Nandapur region and contiguous to Padua. Thurston
and Rangachari loc.cit. referred them as Barang Jhodia Porojas and have
described few interesting notes on them.
The Paroja construct village on an elevated place and close to water
point. The settlement pattern in the village is as a rule independent of any
kind of status or position. The regular streets are narrow, based on
availability of space and land; mostly paved with stones to facilitate the
regular flow of rain water. The houses are constructed as wall to wall close
to each other in a row and the space in front forms the street. Generally it
can be two rows of houses having a common street but one-line houses
forming a street in front is also not uncommon. Behind the house there is
little space which serves the cattle byres and sheep-goat sheds. However,
pig stall is built under the veranda with wooden planks or even at a corner if
a small space is available. This is to make sure that pigs are protected from
predators. The houses are made of mud wall, but now a day they use bricks
and roof is thatched with rice straw or forest grass lay over bamboo frame.
The roof slants in gradient equally on both the sides that is efficient to drain
rainwater. Now days roof of asbestos, tile or tin sheets. The housing pattern

118
indicates that Parojas are very individualistic in family life but live in single
community structure.
Village Institutions
Ulaka (1976) wrote, ―there are mainly two important places in each
Poraja village. One is known as Berana Munda and the other Nisani Munda.
A constellation of some circular stone slabs lying at the center of the village
is called Berana Munda. The Poraja denote this place as Mandu Dand,
which lies in front of the house of village Headman. The people of the village
gather at Berana Munda or village assembly and discuss matters relating to
the village and the festival observed in the village. The village sanctuary in
which the deity called Hundi debatais installed is called Nisani Munda. It is
made of stone slabs and encircled by Menhers, which are fixed erect on the
ground round the shrine. Hundidevta consists of an earthen pot and a
chopping tool made up iron and an iron pole, which is fixed, into the ground
ever since the village was established. The iron pole is kept fixed and
undisturbed in its original position. But the earthen pot and iron chopper are
replaced with new ones thrice in a year, once in the month of Srabana(
August- Septeber), and once during any ‗Nuakhia‘ (new harvest eating)
ceremony or just before Chaita Paraba( February- March), and finally at the
end of the year in accompaniment with proper rituals and ceremonies. The
main element of the ritual consists of offering to the deity of animals such as
fowls, goat and pig which are sacrificed with the help of the new iron chopper
The other village institution that is special to the tribe is dormitory for
unmarried youths, the boy‘s dormitory is called Dhangda –Basaghar and for
young ladies is Dhangadi-Basaghar. All adolescent unmarried boys‘ and
young women sleep in their respective dormitory, but girls sleep under the
supervision of an elderly widow. Divorced and young widows also join the
dormitory. On the onset of evening the young people come together and
play drums and dance in front of the dormitory (Berana Munda) and then
retire to sleep. This event is very common in all seasons except rains. The
Porajas love to sing songs and skilled to make poetry. A question and
answer type of song competition (Laga Gita) with one another in a group of
young men and women is common to the tribe.
In moon lit night all communities of tribal youth, both male and female
congregate together in the village and enjoy in merriment of song and dance
in the village when the elderly folk watch with amusement. Women hold
waist and hand of each other in a line led by a senior woman at the
beginning of the line who holds a pluck of pea cock feather. They dance in a
curve accompanying to the tune of the beat of drum like Dhemsa, Madal and

119
blowing of horn pipe and Mahuri. Swinging of body by the women resemble
the PAHANDI of Lord Jagannath, Puri during car festival.
Social Structure
The administrative structure of Paroja village consists of Jani, Muduli,
Disari, Gunia, Gurumai and Bhatanayaka
Jani is the hereditary village priest. The eldest son of the Janis takes
over the position when it is vacant. He is also the custodian of the village
welfare and responsible for village based religious ceremonies. They are
very responsible people and act patiently in a team.
Muduli is another village chief. He is in charge of all affairs concerning
village and community. He is the leader and the center to all villages‘
activities. The Muduli is also hereditary position.
Chalan is a responsible person who acts as per the guidance of Jani
and Muduli and peruses the community, to follow or implement as the case
may be.
Disari is the chief diagnostic personnel who prevents the evil spirits
and harm thereof to village subjects. He can work for other villages on
request. They work for such issues at family level also. Disari predicts
auspicious dates and times for village community celebrations and social
functions to families.
Gunia is a sorcerer and also medicine person. They utter mantras to
relive evil spirit, pain on subjects, even work on the advice of Disari. He tries
to cure the illness by herbal medicine. They charge some amount of fees,
rice, chicken and wine etc. to the patients for their services.
Gurumai is an elderly women priest, most have jolted hair and people
pay respects with fear. They perform ‗Bat Viva’ an elaborate ceremony. The
patient and his family reach out skirt of the village and wait at the junction of
roads. She does the marriage of the evil spirit of the patient or village with
another, a good spirit, and thus orders them to leave the patient and make
promise that they shall not disturb the village subject and allow peace to
prevail. The Gurumai also take up small puja assignment in homes of the
families. The Gurumai can be more than one in a village. They play
important role in Nandi Puja performance of Parojas. People respect her out
of some kind of fear. Many men do not like that their wives to be Gurumai.
Bhatanayak - Acluster of village may have one Bhata Nayak. The
office of Bhatanayak is only to induct those members of the community who
were debarred by the respective community and declared out caste. When a
person is out caste it implies to all members of his or her family.Out casting
120
is due to marriage in another caste or tribe, beaten by Domb caste person,
bitten by dogs, or injury by tiger, maggot wound on the body etc.The
Bhatanayak readmits the person into the community by performing
purification rites. In addition to the cost of rites the outcaste person has to
contribute one pig, a goat, fowls, rice and some cash, which is spent for a
village feast. All village people join and work together for the feast. Some
rupee is placed underneath the leaf plate on which food in served to
Bhatanayak. This money is a gift to Bhatanayak
Moda dhangada In poraja villages there are hereditary position to
families who are allowed to perform certain last rites to community members
and they are four such members. They join together and remove the dead
person from the house and later they do all that skills required to burn or
otherwise bury the dead.
The Paroja community is famous for their Nandi Puja that is performed
in every three years in the munda or village of origin in cluster basis.
Bhumia
The Bhumia tribe is mainly concentrated in Jeypore subdivision, mostly
in Jeypore, Kundra, Boipariguda, blocks. The population of Bhumia tribe is
about half a lakh in number. Thurston and Rangachari (1909) said, ―The
Bhumias are an Oriya caste of hill cultivators, found in Jeypore Zamindari.
According to a tradition, they were the first to cultivate the land on the hills. In
the Central Province they are said to be known as Baigas, concerning whom
Captain Ward (1870) writes that the decision of the Baiga in a boundary
dispute is almost always accepted as final, and, from this right as children of
the soil and arbiters of the land belong to each village, they are said to have
derived their title of Bhumia, the Sanskrit bhumi meaning the earth‖.Thurston
and Rangachari continue to say. ―For the following note I am indebted to Mr.
C. Hayavadana Rao. The Bhumias have septs, e.g., bagh (tiger) and naga
(cobra). A man can claim his paternal aunt‘s daughter in marriage. The
marriage ceremonial is much the same among the Bottadas. The jhotta tonk
(presents) consist of liquor, rice, a sheep or fowl, and cloths for the parents
of the bride. A pandal (booth), made of poles of the sorgi (Sal) tree, is
erected in front of the bridegroom‘s house and a Disari officiates. The
remarriage of widows is permitted and a younger brother usually marries his
elder brother‘s widow. If a man divorces his wife, it is customary for him to
give her a rupee and a new cloth in compensation. The dead are burned,
and pollution lasts for nine days. On the tenth day a ceremonial bath is
taken, and a feast, with copious supplies ofliquor, isheld. In parts of the
Central Provinces the dead are buried, and two or three flat stones are set
up over the grave‖
121
 At present the main concentration of Bhumias; are the plane lands of
Ramgiri, Baipariguda, Jeypore, Kotpad and Mathili part of Malkangiri district .
During British administration the Bhumias had revolted against the
oppression of Doms at Ramgiri and Baipariguda area.
Bell (1945) said, ‗they do not possess traditions regarding the country
from which they migrated to Jeypore, nor the time when their migration took
place, but maintain that they are sons of the soil‘.
They are peace loving people produced the great son like Laxmana
Naik who sacrificed his life in gallows in fight to end the British rule of India.
They wear thread like Brahmins and worship Birkhomba god, two km from
Baipariguda. The Bhumia divide them as Bodo (Senior) and Sano (junior)
groups, the Sano Bhumia are also known as Buri Bhumia or Matia who
mostly live in Ramgiri and north of Malkangiri including Kudumulgumma.
Now-a-days, couple of marriage between both Sano and Bodo Bhumias
does take place, which some years back was forbidden.
The Bhumia are tall and of dark complexion, thinly built people,
considered handsome men and beautiful women by neighboring tribes.
They are hardworking settled agriculturists. On the whole, they are quite
intelligent and wise people, who show cool behaviour. They show a very
highly collective and disciplined behaviour in their society and pursuance
towards living.
The Bodo Bhumias have the following bonsho or clan and are
Nag - Cobra snake
Bagh - Tiger and
Surya - Sun
Among the Nag bonsho there are numerous sub-clans. Generally in a
village, families of one Bonsho only reside and marriage in inter-bonsho or
clan is allowed but not in intra-clan.The Bhumia ladies have a good say in
family decisions and take active part in meetings and express boldly their
opinion. They control the expenditure of the home, and take care of the
poultry, home vegetable garden and livestock.
The Bhumia are hardworking agriculturists. They do well in rain fed
cultivation. The ragi and rice are the staple food. They are good in rice
farming.They grow arhar (pigeon pea) and sorghum in their fields. The
backyard farming is well maintained by women. Fruit trees form a larger part
of living, particularly the jackfruit. They prefer sheep, poultry and duck;
however, cattle and buffaloes are there in the system.They quickly follow

122
and adjust to new development in agriculture sector. The personal hygiene
is well maintained, even the village hygiene.
Konda Dora
A brief account of Konda Dora has been given by Thurston and
Rangachari (1909) who cited the observations of Surgeon Major
W.R.Cornish (1871), H.A. Stuart (1891), W. Francis (1901) and also
unpublished observations of C. Hayavadana Rao (1909) .Bell (1945)
reviewed the above-published reports and gave a brief account of Konda
Dora.
The Konda Doras, a Scheduled Tribe of about four thousand population
in Koraput district.. They are tribes in the eastern part of Koraput district on
3,000-foot plateau, which has obvious affinities with the Kondhs. The Konda-
Doras (literally in Telugu ‗lords of the hills‘) are a tribe of hill cultivators.
Surgeon-Major Cornish (1871) writes, ―contrasting strangely with the
energetic, patriarchal and land-reverencing Parja (Poroja), are the
neighboring indigenous tribes found along the slopes of the Eastern Ghats.
They are known as Konda Doras, Konda Kapus and Ojas‖. Bell says, ‗In
spite of their high sounding title they are generally underdogs and the
lordship of the hills in the area which they inhabit belongs to Muka Dora and
(in Vizagapatam) the Bagats. The Konda Doras have a language of their
own, which has been described in Madras Census Reports as the ‗Konda‘
language and which is clearly allied to Kui, the language of the Kondhs.
Members of this tribe all speak Telugu, sometimes exclusively, sometimes in
addition to their own language.
Mr. C. Hayavadana Rao says, ―There are among the Konda Doras, two
well defined divisions, called Pedda (big) and Chinna (little) Kondalu. Of
them, the former have remained in their old semi-independent position, while
the latter have come under Telugu domination. The Chinna Kondalu, who
have been living in contact with the Bhaktha caste, have adopted the Telugu
system of intiperulu, as exogamous septs, whereas the Pedda Kondalu have
retained the totem divisions, which occur among other hill castes, e.g. Naga
(cobra), Bhag (tiger) and Kochchimo (tortoise).‘
It is interesting to note that the Chinna Konda Doras of plains are out
casted by Hindus due to beef eating whereas the Konda Dora of hills has not
the free and confident bearing of the Kondh, but he is an honest cultivator
with no leaning to crime.
Omanatya
The Omanatya, a tribal primarily living in Jeypore-Borigumma-
Nowrangpur belt of Odisha are also known as Omaitos, Omanaitos,

123
Amanaitas or Omanatya or but they pronounce as ‗Omnyat‘. They are
spread into South Bastar. They are Saiva pujaris. Omanatyas are Saivites,
who brought the cult to Koraput plains. According to Bell (1945)‖ interlining
with the Bhottodas is sometimes permitted and the customs generally
resemble those of the caste, except that it is said that an item in the
marriage ceremony is a free fight with mud for missiles. Like Bhottodas the
Amanaitas are divided into two endogamous divisions named Bodo (senior)
and Sano (junior).‖ Thurston and Rangachari (1909) said, ―The Omanatya or
Omaitos are an Oriya cultivating caste. According to a tradition the ancestor
of this caste was one Amatya, a minister of Sri Rama at Ayodhya. The caste
is title is usually Nayak, but the more prosperous take the title Patro‖.
The tribe is divided into two endogamous sections called Bodo and
Sano. The former claim on higher social scale than the later ones. The Sano
are said to have born out of Bhattra, Gond and other tribal women and Bodo
men group.The Omanatyas have the following clans
1. Surja ... Sun
2. Naga ... Cobra
3. Bagha ... Tiger
4. Cheli ... Goat
5. Turinja Macha ... Fish (Turinuja variety)
6. Kaiencha ... Tortoise
7. Kumuda ... Cucurbita maxima or Pumpkin
8. Lau ... Bottle-gourd
9. Kukur ... Dog
10. Silabonso ... Stone
11. Khirbonso or ... Milk
Dudha bonso
12. Sua ... Parrot
The family is patrilineal. Nuclear families are the chief social units. The
number of joint and extended families are few. They also live in a
heterogeneous village society and maintain homogenous socio-economic
ties with the other communities living there. The other communities living
around are Paroja, Gadaba, Bhattra, Pentia, Kumar, Dom (SC), and Tantis
(SC) etc. They have both row and cluster arrangements of houses in
villages. The Omanatyas speak Odia. They do not eat beef, rabbit, pork and
dead animals. They do not eat from higher caste Brahmins.

124
 Comparatively the Omanatyas have more number festivals and
ceremonies in their life than other neighboring tribes. Omanatyas came with
Savite tradition that too the Bhairaba cult into Koraput district as evidenced
from the duty and responsibility distribution at the Borigumma Deulguda
temple. The Jangam priests are worshipping the Siva-linga and the
Omanatya priest of Old Borigumma is in charge of Bahairaba puja in the
same temple; possibly they had replaced the Jain faith in the area. The
Jangams are Saivites who probably came with the Western Chalukyas from
Karnataka and are seen in Koraput, Bastar and Andhra Pradesh. At the
same time you can find the Mali, Bhumia, Bhattra and Omanyats etc as
priests to SivaTemple in the district of Koraput.
Dharua
Dharua are also known as Dhurwa.The report on the Dependency of
Bustar by Capt. Glasfurd, the then Deputy Commissioner of Sironcha (1862)
was the first person on record, who has mentioned about Tugara and Parja.
Brett (1909) said, ―the two sub-tribes of the Parja or Dharuas, namely Peng
and Mundra, removed to Jeypore ‗now in Koraput district.‘ Russell and
Hiralal (1916) mentioned that out of three divisions of Parja tribes, only
Tagara or Thakara is found in Bastar. Thusu (1965) has extensively studied
the Dharua tribe of Bastar and opined that Tugara (Tagara) or Takra
(Thakara) albeit Parja, none of them would prefer to be known at present by
any other term than that of the Dharua.The word Tagra means ‗basket‘.The
Dharua group consciousness is reinforced by their speaking a common
language which has been called Parji (Burrow and Bhattachary, 1958). This
language is independent member of the Dravidian linguistic family, closely
related to the two languages spoken by the Ollar and Koya tribes of Koraput.
Dhurwa are found in Bastar and spresds into Koraput district of Odisha.
Thusu (loc. cit.) said, ‗The Dhurwa occupy, at present, the central -eastern
portion of the Bastar district, but they are also found to overflow in some
directions beyond the Kolab-Saberi river in the contiguous district of Koraput
(Orissa). Quite a few of them live in Ramgiri hill area. On the whole Dharua
are well built handsome, medium to tall, muscular body people. The
complexion is mixed.‖ The Koraput Dhruwa tribe of Gupteswar region, since
2004 are recognized as Scheduled Tribe members in Odisha state.
The following cleans are found among Dhurwas (Thusu loc. cit.)
Nags - Cobras -
Da (Bhag) - Tiger
Kovva (Kacheem) - Tortoise
Bokara - Goat
Konda(Gaunr) - Bison
Rami - A bird
125
 The Dharua men almost except for loin-cloth-cum-waist cloth (Kangru)
remain bare-bodied. The Kangrai is a white cloth with brown border and is
even called as ‗dhoti‘. The decorated Kangrai is used for dance and special
occasions. Dharua men while going out of village wear a turban called peta.
Now-a-days shirts are common. The Dharua women wear cotton saris called
ganda or dhoti. The mother is secluded after delivery, on the seventh day
she smears the house with cow dung paste and takes bath and thereafter by
a brief ceremony is followed to allow her to resume daily work at home.They
believe in rebirth of deceased elderly people, which is confirmed by the
ritualistic practice of peeking of a chicken in the name of the deceased from
the hands of the new born . The name giving ceremony is preformed after
fortnight or so of the birth of the child. In some cases, the hair cutting
ceremony of the newborn is performed on that day.
Kondh
The Kondhs are one of the largest tribal groups in Odisha. There are
about 1,95,000 kui speaking Kondhs distributed on the hills of northern
Koraput district; but it is interesting to note that Kondhs are found all through
out the district. They have been spelled as Kond, Khond, Khand or Kondh,
and Kandha. The word Kondh has come from the word Konda, means hills
in Telugu.
The Kondh tribe in Koraput district as a whole can be classified under
the following manner.
Kuvi speaking Kondhs villages spread over the hills and valleys of north
Koraput district.
Desia Kondhs are said to be migrant groups of Maliah Kondhs. Local
population of non-tribes influences them. They are found mainly below the
Eastern Ghats and the costal plains.
The Kondhs believe their spiritual traditions as the foundation to their
survival and development. McPherson in 18th Century gave a detail account
of Khonds religious activities with reference to Meriah (human sacrifice)
investigation and prevention. The first contact to Kondhs by British was in
1835, whilst engaged in military operations for the reduction of the
Zamindary of Goomsur, in Ganjam district.Elwin (1954) remarked ―Deep in
every Kond heart‘ is the belief in the sacred and fertilizing power of human
blood, and it is of course, for their practice of human sacrifices that they have
become known throughout the anthropological world. There is extensive
literature, ranging over a century, on the subject. Today, the usual substitute
for a human being is a buffalo, which is called by the old name Meriah and in

126
some of the remote villages old human skulls are still used when the animal
is offered to the Earth Goddess.‖
Boal (1982) wrote, ―Kondh relationship to their land is far more than
economic. This will be seen more clearly regarding the central rite of the
Meriah/Kedu (human/buffalo) sacrifice offered to the Earth Godess.
This attitude has a direct result upon land tenure procedures. For
instance, when new ground is broken, even a small hill-plot, eggs as a
fertility symbol are offered to the hill Gods and as year succeeds years, an
ear of grain set aside from the previous crop is offered. This is distinct from
offerings made to ancestor spirits who constantly accompany one on such
work-occasions.‖
Kondh society
In general it can be said that Kondhs are simple, straightforward,
believe in community sharing traditions, courageous and hardworking
people.Each group is further divided into a number of exogamous lineages
like Jakasika, Hauka, Prska and Kadraka etc. Lineage names are prefixed to
their own name. The Kondhs have been living in most unyielding hilly
terrains for centuries. After the most arduous clearing of forest during ‗podu‘
by all family members exposed to sun, rain, light and air, away from
shadowing trees, these slope lands yield food through crops.
The Kondh people are very well built, and their body attracts visitors.
They take time to be friendly with outside people. The women equally work
hard like men in gathering food and additional house care etc. The women
do not take active part with men in group discussions, but stay as listeners
and little away from the place of discussion.
Parenga
The tribe is referred in literature as Parenga, Peranga and Parenga
poraja by authors.Hayavadana Rao first reported on Parenga poraja of
Koraput (Thurston and Rangachari,1909).They are Austro-Asiatic. The
women are beautiful with fair yellow skin. The face is long, prominent lip,
long small black eyes; well built body of women, muscular men are
attractive. When grow old wrinkles in the face gradually appear. They are of
medium height, gentle and well behaved ard intelligent. The women now
days prefer to wear long saris which is longer than parojas and is well below
the knee; but in the past like Gadaba women they were also using Kerang
woven clothes from home. They believe they have come down to the present
habitat through Jolaput area. They are distributed in the following Gram
panchayats of Nandapur; --Badel, Belaput, Otunda, Thuba, Paroja

127
bodopodor, Hikmiput, Bheja and Kularsingh.They are also found in Araku
valley of Andhra Pradesh.Villages are mostly located on highlands and
preferably on foothills, which imparts good drainage of rainwater. Most
village streets and house front yards have pavement of stone slabs. Parenga
houses are small cozy, like any other neighboring tribe. Walls are clay paste
layered, and most houses have two rooms with a single entry door with no
windows. The spacious raised veranda serves multipurpose need of the
households and guests. Men spend time idle and gossip in leisure on the
veranda where as women does the core work of preparing grains, grinding
ragi and sauna etc. Underneath it lays pig sty with strong door to save them
from predation. Poultry in most cases is stored here. Some households also
make small bamboo fence around for their privacy. Families dry harvested
grains in the open space before the veranda and it then serve the space for
evening dance. Almost all houses have spacious boundary wall made up of
small stone layers that stands about three to four feet in height. Cattle byre is
located before the house but is little to the corner.
The Parengas have the following phratry
Khilo - Bagho or Tiger
Nag - Cobra snake
Khora - Sun
Golari - Hanumankad or Indian Langur
The Parenga tribe has the following clans
Mudli, Sisa, Kirsani, and Gamel – they come under Bagh or Khilo
Daten, Pujari – they come under Nag
Majhi and Rungda – they come under Golari
Hanjole or Ongole – they come under Sun or Surya or Khora
The village has the following people with specific function. Nayak is the
chief of the village and is hereditary. Pujari (priest) may or may not be
hereditary. Some can be elected to perform village regular pujas and
offerings. Disari does the ceremony to propitiate the evil spirits to check the
diseases likely to come out of the evil spirit. Gurumaie plays vital role in bali
celebration and does the Bat Viva of evil spirits for families on request. Bodo
roito are those with large land holdings. Dang gamel dhangda is the village
appointed on annual payment in kind to graze the livestock herd of the
village. Chalan is the person who acts as a messenger. Sisa or Jani does
the puja also.

128
 They go for major promise offers to get a child, relief from diseases etc.
to Kendupada .They go to Simanchal, near Visakhapatnam on pilgrimage
also.
It is worth mentioning here that besides the tribes described above who
are native tribes of Koraput district, there are some other tribes who are not
original natives of Koraput district are aso found in 2011 census report for
Koraput. They are Banjara, Bathudi, Bhunjia, Binjhal, Ho and Juang. Their
number as per cenus of 2011 are given below:
Names of Tribes
Banjara 77
Baththudi 141
Bhunjia 49
Binjhal 23
HO 44
Juang 02
Kisan 383
Kolha 186
Apparently these tribes from other districts have come to Koraput in
connection with jobs and have settled in this district. They are not to be
confused with the original tribes who are native inhabitants of this district.
General Structure of Caste
About the castes of Koraput district the following general observation
may be made. More and more castes are demanding lower caste status to
be classified in Schedule tribe and castes or Other Backward classes to
obtain benefit from Government programmes. Brahmins have remained at
the top of the caste structure and their role in rituals is recognized throughout
the district.Some castes and tribes have assimilated to different groups as
usual in all census to look more respectable.In most villages, particularly in
hills the caste people live in as one or two families and do their traditional
jobs. The social structure is changing due to education of younger
generation and the traditional dress and ornaments are being replaced by
modern age dresses and ornaments. The following are some of the major
and minor castes, tribes in the Koraput district.
Badhei
They are also called as Maharana and mostly do carpentry work in rural
and urban area. The Odia Mahranas had come to the district from
Parlakmundi in the time of the Zamindar.

129
Bagata
A small number of Bagata tribe, live in Padua region of Koraput district
a spread into Andhra Pradesh. Culturally and through heritage they identify
themselves with inland fishermen community.
Thurston and Rangachari (1909) cited Hayavadana Rao who writes
that the Bagata is divided into different exogamous septs (intiperulu in
Telugu), some of which also occur among the Kapus, Telugus and Vantains.
Thurston and Rangachari (loc. cit) said, ‗on the Dasora day they
worship, the fishing baskets and also a kind of trident‘. The said trident might
be the instrument to hook down the fishes. Bagatas in Kotpad area of
Koraput practice shifting cultivation.
Bariki
The village watchman cum messenger are called Bariki and they
belong to Schdule caste.
Bhandari
They are the local barbers. The Rajas used to employ them to guard
their treasures (Bhandara Ghara) thus the name Bhandari. The Odia
Bhandari occupies higher position than Telugu barbers.
Dhoba
Dhoba are the Washerman caste of Odisha. There are Odia Dhoba and
Telugu Dhabas in the district.
Dhuliya
It is a small caste of Odia Cultivators live in southern part of Koraput
district extending into Malkangiri district. They use sacred thread and are
Vaisnavas. Their name has been derived from ‗Dhuli‘or the dust., the dust
relates to those who work with soil.
Gudiya
They are professional sweetmeat sellers and are found in small
numbers. They are ranked higher in the social scale. Their caste is divided
into two sections, one those sale sweatmeat the other engaged in
agriculture. The former are called Gudiya and the later Kolata, Haldia or
Balasi Gudiya in different localities.
Kansari
They derive their name from ‗Kansa‘, a bell metal dish. They make
household utensils in their domestic workshop. Their status is little higher
than the cultivator caste.

130
Karan
The Karan are considered to be next to Brahmin in caste social scale.
According to some authors they have come from Gangetic plains of north
India and one branch may be from Karnataka.
Kshatriya
The family chronicles ascribe a very ancient origin to the line of the
Jeypore estate. The Rajas and their descendants claim to belong to solar
race. According to Thurston and Rangachari, Jeypore was a place of
Kshatriyas. The Kshatriyas social status is equivalent to Karanas though
between themselves they contest the relative position.
Kumbhara
The potters are called Kumbhars in Odia and Kumara in Telugu. These
names have been derived from Sanskrit word ‗Kumbhakra‘, the earthen pot
maker. In social position they are considered to be a superior class of Sudra.
The Jeypore Rajas used to organize ‗Kundi Amabasya‘in Jeypore where
Kumbhars an important role.
Lohara
The Lohara, Luhuras or Luhara are an Odia caste of iron smith. The
name has been derived from Loha or iron. It is mentioned that the Lohara
have no connection with Kamaras (Blacksmith) and Badhei (Carpenters).
Sundi
They are reported in the Madras Census Report 1901 that they are
Oriya toddy selling caste. They are also money lenders and well known as
‗saukars‘to local people. The ladies in the caste are vegetarians. The Kira
sundi are numerous in Borigumma region They distill liquor out of Mahula
flower and sell to others. They do trade and business.
Teli
The Telli are engaged in oil extraction by pressing oil seeds by an
indigenous instrument called ghani pulled by bullocks and sell to others.
They are divided into there sections namely, Haladia, Baladia and Khadi.
The Haladia were originally the dealers in Turmeric. The Baladia name is
derived from the fact that they carry goods on pack-bullocks. The Khadia are
mainly engaged in extracting oil in oil ghani locally.
Tantis
The hereditary profession of the Tantis is weaving clothes and still
many are engaged in the district in that profession. They use local looms for
weaving.

131
Brahmin
The Odia Brahmin of Koraput belong to Utkala section of the Pancha
Gaudas, as per Thurston and Rangachari (1909). Koraput had Brahmin
population since the ancient period of Vakataka dynasty who ruled Koraput
and they were themselves Brahmin. The Inscriptions discovered so far
relating to Nala dynasty in Umerkote are written in Sanskrit so it can safely
be concluded that Brahmins‘ presence was since then. The Koraput
Brahmins are classified into the following sects
1. Santo (Samanta, a chief)
2. Danua (gift receiver)
3. Padhiya (one who learns Veda)
4. Sarua (dealeares in Saru tuber Coocasis antiquotrum)
5. Halua (those who use bullocks to plough)
6. Bhodri (Bhadriya, an agraharam on the Ganges)
7. Barua ( after a small sea-port-town)
8. Deulia (one who serves the temple)
9. Katakia( Kataka, Palace, those who serve in the Palace of Zamindar)
10. Sahu (engaged in money lending)
11. Jahdua (Jhad or Jungle)
12. Sodeibalya(those who follow an ungodly life)
In 1901 report of Madras Presidency, it is mentioned that the Santos
regard themselves superior to others and only perform Purohit work of the
Raja. The Danuas take gifts from wealthy especially at funerals. The
Padhiyas have knowledge of the Vedas and are priests to the Raja and
wealthy Sudras. The Saruas cultivate saru or Árum‘and the Haluas are
plough lans for agricultural operation. Some Saruas take up Purohit work but
not the Haluas.
Many Brahmin families have migrated from Ganjam and Gajapati
districts and have settled long since in Koraput districts. There are many
Brahmin dominated villages in the district like Kumuli, Kamta, Gumuda in
Bhirab Singpur police station.
Chandala
A schedule caste, named Chandalas are found in Jeypore sub-division
i.e. Borigumma, Kotpad area extending into Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
132
These people are professional weavers, and famous for their special skills.
Chandalas and another schedule caste called Chamars of Kotpad are
distinct in their racial features. They are fair in complexion, with coloured
retina (eyes) and sharp features.
Chitra-ghasi
They are a class of artisans, and are employed in manufacture of
brass-metal jewellery which is largely worn by the tribes of Koraput. They are
different than the Ghasis and are not classified in SC category.
Scheduled Castes in Koraput
Domb
Schedule caste population of the district is 13.04 percent of the total
population, of which Domb alone constitute 73.09 percent and are the major
caste group. Others as generic caste like Ghasi etc are 8.44 percent and
Dhoba or Washer man 3.27 percent. Ghasis are considered inferior to
Domb. The name Domb or Dombo is said to be derived from the word
―Dumba‖ meaning devil, (Thurston & Rangachari, 1909). Mr. H.A. Stuart
(1891) writes, ―Dombas are a Dravidian caste of weavers and menials, found
in the hill tracts of Vizagapatam (Koraput district of Odisha). This caste
appears to be an offshoot of the Dom caste of Bengal, Bihar and North-
Western provinces.
There are folk stories among tribes of Koraput that the Dombs came
later to their country along with Brahmin, Paiko and others.
As per Madras Census Reports, 1891 ―, the following sections of the
Dombs are recorded Onomia, Odia, Mirgam, and Kohara.
The sub-divisions seem to be are Mirigani, Kobbiriya, Odiya,
Sodabisiya, Mandiri and Andiniya
According to Bell (loc.cit) there appears to be two main sub-divisions
among the Dombs namely the Oriya Dombs and Miriganis. The former who
are more numerous are further subdivided into Kuppias, Maggulis and
Mandiris. Among the Miriganis there are also three sub-sects, namely
Kobbiria, Vodillia and Andiniya. All these groups are further subdivided, as is
usual in the Agency, into exogamous totemistic steps. The Miriganis
generally regard themselves as superior to the Oriya Dombs and in fact are
they are better both in economic status and social customs. In general they
earn a livelihood by cultivation and weaving and are not to any great extent
addicted to crime.‖

133
 According to Mr. Hayavadana Rao, the Dombs are the weavers,
traders, musicians, beggars, and money-lenders of the hills, some own cattle
and cultivate. Bell (loc.cit) (12) said, By profession they are drummers,
weavers or village watchmen in Koraput district.
Bell further continued, ―Though occupying a position so low in the social
scale as to justify their inclusion among the ―depressed‖ classes, their lot is
far from being the unenviable one of outcaste in villages of the plains. In
intelligence the Domb is easily superior to the aboriginals in whose midst he
lives, and is usually able to earn a comfortable livelihood by his wits. In some
of the wilder and remoter parts of the district the position of the village
watchman or bariki is one of the great influence. Where the tribal do not
know language other than their own tribal tongue they rely upon the Dombo
not only for interpretation but advice, whenever circumstances require a visit
to the Sahucar, the police station or the Magistrate‘s court. Manual labour is
not much to the taste of the Domb and he finds it more profitable to huckster
in the weekly market and pick up commissions on the transactions, which he
puts through on other behalf. Most of the cattle trade in the district is
conducted by the Dombs. This holds still today good.
Gaudos
Classification of Gaudo sect is on a region based identity. They still
carry their past root and identy. Mogotho or Magadhia Gaudo are major in
Kalahandi District but spread across Muran-Indrabati river and into hills of
Koraput sub-division. They are also called Magadhi Gaudo locally. It is
beloved that Magadhi Gaudo possibly came from Magadha (Pataliputra);
however their strong presence around Muran river in Koraput suggests their
past link and came with Gupta invading armies. In Kashipur they have the
following surnames such as Karkaria, Hansa, Ada, Jal and Nag where as in
Dasmanthpur area of Koraput sub-division they are Bagha, Naga, Kodo,
Sorai, Kosali, Niali, Ada, Kota, Peji, Gua, Kadam, Ghee, Vemal and Gumal
etc.
The other Gaudos are:
1. Khandia Gaudo (Kakrigumma Bidakhandia). They are also known
as Kathargaudo.
2. Dongiyad Gaudo They are found in Nandigaon, Bisali, Madubisali,
Potipar, Jhilikebri etc. villages in Koraput district.
3. Dud Kosalia or Kosalia Gaudos As the name suggests they were
from Kosala region.

134
 4. Magda, Maghdia Gaudos possibly were originally from Magadha of
present day Bihar. They say that have come from Gopa or Gopapuri,
however they do not know where the place is located. They are
distributed in Muran, Dasmanthpur of Koraput district and Kashipur
of Raygada district as well to Kalahandi district.
5. Lodia Gaudo
6. Bernia Gaudos are a group born from tribal wives.
Magada Gaudo
The Magada Gaudo live on hills of Koraput around river Muran. They
are distributed in Dasmantapur area apart from Muran, and extend into
Kalahandi districts.
The clans of Magada Gaudo areBagha, Naga, Kodo, Sorai, Kodali
Niali, Ada, Kota, Peji, Gua, Kadam, Ghee, Vemal, Gumal etc.They clean
shave the scalp of children, at least once after birth, and a tuft of hair is left
behind the occiput for girls. Women still tattoo body as in the past; men
tattoo the ventral portion of left arm. The Magada Gaudo women are
forbidden to eat poultry and alcoholic drinks.
They have Bhat Nayaks unlike many other neighboring tribes; who
decide issues related to outcasting and community issues. Magadia Gaudo
claims that the communities Dhrama guru are Kurumputia, who come from
Godavari country. They are strictly vegetarian and only eat before sunrise at
five A.M. They use cloths, which are dipped, in clay.When someone is dead,
they dispose the dead body by burial in sitting posture. They give white
cloths over the dead body.
The Magadia Gaudo celebrate festivals of Chaitra,Bhadrava, new
eating ceremony ,Dipabali festival,Baliparda in Bhadrava month, where they
used to go earlier days to Jeypore king‘s palace and witness the germination
festival or Bali jatra. In most ceremonies and pujas Magadias place a small
umbrella made up of bamboo, where cotton threads are woven in parallel in
circular manner giving the appearance of an umbrella. This is called ‗Cha
Mali
The Mali people live in Koraput district. The Malis‘, in the Madras
census Report 1871 as indicated by Mr. H.A. Stuart runs, ―are now mostly
cultivators, but their traditional occupation (from which the caste name is
derived) is making garlands, and providing flowers for the services of Hindu
temples. They are especially clever in growing vegetables. Their vernacular
is Uriya.‖ It is further recorded, in the Census Report, 1871 that ―the Malis
are, as their name denotes, gardeners. They choose for their settlements
135
sites where they were able to turn a stream to irrigate a bit of land near their
dwellings. Here they raise fine crops of vegetables, which they carry to the
numerous markets throughout the country.‖
Thurston and Rangachari (1909) wrote, ―For the following note I am
indebted to Mr. C. Hayavadana Rao. The Malis say that their ancestors lived
originally at Kasi (Benares), where they emigrated to serve under the Raja of
Jeypore.‖ He further noted that they are divided into the following division,
Bodo – live in Pottangi and Koraput.
Pondra—live in Nowrangpur and Kotpad
Kousalia/Kusilya- live in Kalahandi and Parlakhumundi
Panara- live in Jeypore
Sonkuva- live in Gunupur and
Dongrudiya- live in Nandapur areas.
The name Pondra is said to have been derived from ‗podoro‘, a dry
field. Main concentration of Bada Mali is around villages of Nandapur region
in Koraput, there form they migrated to Jeypore plains, Koraput, Nowrangpur
plains,Semiliguda, Narayanapatna and Ramagiri regions.Kusilya Mali who
live on the hills of Koraput are considered to be lower in rank to Bodo Mali.
The Kusilya Mali said to have come from Kalahandi region into Koraput hills
through Kashipur and now live in Koraput and Semiliguda. The Kusilya Mali
in Nowrangpur region are also known as Rauto. They claim to have lived
Nandapur region, which they left later; however the reason of migration is
not known.The Panara Mali, another class are seen in Nowrangpur region.
The Kusilya Mali call themselves to Penera Mali. The Phul Mali are also
known as Sano Mali.Dongrudiya Mali are out of marriages between Mali
and local tribal women. They form the last stratum of Malis.
The Kusilya Mali have the following clans, Kirsan, Agni, Pujari, Kakdia
(may be Kakatia), Pulapuria (may be Palava related)
The Malis do not eat poultry and goat which is a taboo to the
caste.The Malis dispose off dead both by pyre and deep burial. Over the
pyre wood first banana leaf is laid and then the dead body is laid. A white
cloth sheet covers the body; a log is then loaded above the body before
th
lighting the pyre. The pollution period lasts for 10 days. On the 9 day, the
son digs a hole inside the house and beside it takes a meal. When it is
finished, he buries the plates along with a lamp in the said hole. They
celebrate Pus parab where the village offers sheep and household then
celebrate the festival at home. Chait parab (February- March) has the same

136
components like other tribes and hunting expedition forms one important part
in it. Osha parab is celebrated to eat new rice of the season. Dialiparab
festival of light is a very important festival of the Malis.Asadha munda is the
main parab celebration and they call it ‗Mulla parab‘, where in the dark moon
period of Asadha month, they place kendu twig and other plant branches in
the center of the paddy fields to ward off pests and diseases to gain good
harvest.
In general, one can say that the festivals or parabs are mostly related to
agriculture. The Malis celebrate Bali puja for three months and it is an
elaborate affair.
Among the Bodo Mali, a man can claim his paternal aunt‘s daughter in
marriage. The marriage takes place before the girl reaches puberty
(Thurston and Rangachari,1909). Now marriages are preferred as per
country‘s law. A marriage pendal is constructed before the bridegrooms‘
house. It is covered with mango and jamun leaves. The pendal has four
supporting pillars. Every pillar has pots which placed one on each other. In
the middle of the pendal a mattress is spread, and to the pendal a cloth, with
tamarind fruit, rice and coins tied up is attached. The couple sit down on the
platform of the pendal, and the priest gives the groom a sacred thread. The
bride is presented with a necklaces, ornaments etc. by the bridegrooms‘
party. On the fifth day the couple are ceremonially bathed with turmeric
water followed by a regular bath in the nearby stream.
Widow remarriage is permitted and younger brother usually marries the
widow of his elder brother.
The Malis now-a-days eat poultry and goats.The Mali women are most
beautiful of all in the district; most of them are fair complexion. The nose is
straight and sharp, lips are thin and the hair style of women is unique. They
tie long saris that are given a knot at right shoulder and hangs two to four
inches down the knee. The women have ‗sacred thread‘ like Bramhin male
which has ceremonial significance to the Malis. The Mali men are thin and
tall, grow long hairs, both men and women work in vegetable fields. Malis
live in villages where there is perennial water flow and use it for irrigating the
field where they grow crop and vegetables. They are disciplined people and
go well with neighbour.
Pentia or Halba
Comparatively small group of tribe are known as Holuva, Halaba or
Halba was reported by Thurston and Rangachari, 1909.Halba are found in
south of Chhattisgarh state and have spread into Koraput in Odisha.

137
 Grierson wrote, ‗Linguistic survey also point out to the fact that the
Halba are an aboriginal tribe, who have adapted Hinduism and Aryan
language. Their dialect is a mixture of Uriya, Chhattisgarhi and Marathi.
There is another saying prevalent where it is said that the Halbas came
along with one Raja of Jaganath in Orissa to Bastar and then to Kanker
Sihawa jungles. The king was suffering from leprosy. He was cured of the
disease and became the first king of Kanker, thus the Halbas continued to
be the household servants to the family till today.‖ Grigson is of the opinion
that that the Halba seem to be the descendants of the old garrisons of Paik
militia.
As per Administrative records Pentia and Halba are classified as
separate tribes. The Halbas of Jeypore region call themselves Pentia
whereas the Halbas in Mathli region, border to Bastar call themselves as
Halba. According to Mr. C. Hayavadana Rao (1909) cited by Thurston et
al.that the Pentias had migrated from Bastar and settled at Pentikonna near
Potangi of Koraput district, thence are known as Pentia or Pentiya or
Pentikonaya. They lost a war and were in Malkangiri of Dasmanthpur. This
fact is still acknowledged by the tribe. The Pottangi hill Mohaprabhu is the
main place of worship of for Pentias as claimed. There are villages of Pentia
near Bastar border close to Mathili and it is surprising that Pentias of
Jeypore belt have no relationship with the Pentia of Bastar .
The Halba are of Aryan stock, fair looking people and well-built and
comparatively tall. At present their main occupation is cultivation in Koraput
district.
Halbas have territorial and titular names and many totemestic names
.They are Ghsorpatia (a horse), Kawalia (lotus), Auria (tamarind), Lendia (a
tree), Gohi (lizard), Makjur (a peacock), and Bhringraj (a black bird). The
Bastar totemistic groupa are known as Barags and Thok.
The Halba in Koraput (in Jeypore) has the following clans Bareng,
Mudli, Nago, Dalaie,Sunakaria, Kaktia,Uparia, Soam, Khamaria, Dhangundia
and Makad,
The Mudli and Dalaie are ‗bhaiea loak‘( blood relation), thus no
marriage takes place between them. So also Dhangundia and Makad; and
Khamaria and Dhangundia are ‗bhaiea loak‘.
They can ‗Pani Chibae‘ which means can drink water from Bhumia,
Bhattra, Omnyat and Goudos and Brahmins.

138
RONA
Subdivision
Other castes close to Rona are (a) Barhatika Paika, (b) Putia or Dhulia
Paika, (c) Katia or Kutia Paika. Among these sections, the Barhatika Paikas
occupy the highest position in the social hierarchy. The Ronas and Kutias
have the same status next to Barhatika Paika. But the Ronas do not relate
themselves to either with the Barhatiks Paikas or Putia Paikas
Folk Stories and origin
The Ronas as their folk stories claim have come from Raipur area, in
search of land to Nandapur-Jeypore. These are the same Rauts of the
Chhattisgarh, a cultivator caste later claiming to be ‗Kshatriya‘ or fighter
castes. Thinly build, flexible body, light to fair complexion, intelligent people
love to live in clusters. They feel superior to all except the ‘Paikos‘ . The
Ronas are distributed along Nandapur. Semiliguda-Jeypore belt.
Rona society has got nine exogamous clans. Each clan is again sub-
divided into several sub-clans (3). The names of the clans and sub-clans are
given below
Clan. Meaning Sub-clans

1. Khila Tiger Duru, Masti, Matam, Majhi, Malik, Mukhi

Paradhni and Podal.
2. Khara Sun Badam, Dalapati, Domsuni, Dumka, Darli,
Eringal, Khada, Kichae, Kanteri, Khurdi, Majhi,
Patar, Pujari, Paradhani, Sagri.
3. Hantal Snake Pali and Diari
4. Khinbudi or Bear Machria and Majhi Kinbudi.
5. Bardi Goat Dalpati, Pujari, Tamli, Tangul.
6. Gunta Fish Machh, Majhi, Pardhani
7. Sukri Cow Naenda (Nauria)
8. Pangi Kite Sengarbi
9. Golari Monkey
Families use the names of clans and sometimes that of sub-clans as
surnames . Similar Clans names are also found among the Putia Paika,
Kutia Paika, Barhatika Paika and Dom.
The Ronas are primarily cultivators, but landless families work as daily
wage earners.
Paiko
It was noted by Yule and Burnell under the heading Paik or Pyke that
―Wilson gives only one original of the terms so expressed in Anglo-Indian

139
speech. He writes, ‗Paik or Payik, corruptly Pyke, Hindi., etc. (from
S.padatika) , Paik or Payak, Mar., a footman, an armed attendant, an inferior
police and revenue officer, a messenger, a courier, a village watchman‖.
Thurston and Rangachari (1909) wrote, ―In the Madras Census Report,
1891, Paiko is defined as ―rather an occupational than a caste name. It
means a foot-solider, and is used to denote the retainers of the Uriya Chiefs
of Ganjam and Vizagapatam. These men were granted lands on feudal
tenure, and belonged to various castes. They are now ordinary agriculturists.
Some are employed in the police, and as peons in the various public
departments.‖
In the Vizagapatam Manual, 1869, various castes are referred to as
being‖ all paiks or fighting men.
Paikos have been recorded in the past census as a synonym or sub-
division of Rona and Paikarayi occurs as a title of Badhoyis.
Bell (1945) writes,‖ The Paikos are found in every taluk of the district,
but the Oriya Paikos of Gunupur taluk are more advanced economically and
educationally than their relatives elsewhere, probably because they have
been not so isolated from the Oriya culture of the plains. The men of this
caste are descendants of the military caste who maintained the prestige in
battle of the Gajapati kings of Orissa in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Their social customs are similar to those of the Ronas; and like the later
many of them are in the Maharaja‘s services.‖
Kottia Paiko
The Kottia, are also known as Katia, Kottiya, Khatia or Kutia. They are
a little known and numerically small tribe found mostly in Koraput of
Odisha.They are mainly distributed in Koraput, Jeypore, Boipariguda,
Ramagiri, Mathili, Machkund, Nandapur, Pottangi till Salur. Now most of
them have been displaced by the Kolab dam project and have gone to the
plains of Jeypore and to other places. Madras Census (1901-1902) reported
the community as a section of the Oriya cultivators found in Vizagapatnam
Agency. Kottiya Paik are the descendants of Rona Paikos and women of the
hill tribes. On the other hand Pattiya paiko are the descendants of Kottiya
Paikos and women of the hill tribes.
The Kottia Paika are classified as a caste close to Rona. Other castes
classified near close to are (a) Barhatika Paika, (b) Putia or Dhulia Paika, (c)
Katia, Kottia or Kutia Paika. Among these sections, the Barhatika Paikas
occupy the highest position in the social hierarchy.

140
 They say they had a war with Doras and the Kottia Paikos were
defeated and their enmity maintained with Kondhs and Doras and they do
not pull on well with each other. They equate themselves with the Upper
class like Rona, Paiko, Dulia with whom men can take food, but the women
do not. They will not eat with Kumbhar, Mali, Gadaba, Parenga, Poraja,
Kondhs, Bhumia, Matia, Dom, and Jangia. The phratries of Kottia Paiko
are,
1. Khilo – Bhago or Tiger
2. Khora – Sun
3. Gutta – Sit
4. Hontal – Cobra snake

According to 1991 Censuses the total population of Kottias in the state

is 28,607. The Kottia speak corrupt form of Odia.
Bara wrote, ―The traditional ornaments of the Kottias constitute Khadu
and Pahnri made of brass and aluminum which are now placed by gold and
glass bangles. Nanguli, their nose ornaments is no more in use. It is
replaced by Khanja and Phuli. Nothu and Dandi are mostly made of gold.
Kala sorisamali and Nanpattiare used as neck ornaments. Pahnri is worn at
the ankle. The practice of tattooing is not common among them. ‖
Kotia male use sacred thread at the time of marriage, but it is not
compulsory to use it later on. The same tradition is followed by Bhumias
also.
They believe in re-birth and follow elaborate ceremony to ward off evil
spirits.
Widow and divorce marriage is allowed by them. A divorcee also can
remarry. Marriage with the maternal uncle‘s daughter and maternal aunt‘s
daughter is allowed in Kottia society.
Customary Practices of People in Villages of Koraput District
Nayak the hereditary village headman is consulted in matter of social
disputes and conflicts. He is assisted by the Chalan. The priest is known as
Pujari. The Disari acts as the man to predict auspicious day and time also
diagnose diseases from evil spirits etc.
The Traditional village council is the cultural center of tribal society and
village. It assigns various positions and specific duties to perform. Some
positions are hereditary and some are elective. The head of the village
council is the head of the village. These societies are organized in clans and

141
the social hierarchy received little attention and there was no differentiation
between chief village functionaries and common person in the village
The villages of Koraput region has an organizational structure led by
head of the village called Nayako or may be Jani in some tribes; followed by
Sirhas, Disaries or the medicine practioners, some have a lady as Gurumai.
Jani also officiates as priest and Dissari as astrologer. Head man of Kandho
tribe is called Saonta .A nuke or elderly women as the case may be to assist
in some special ceremonies to ward off evil spirits from village or subjects.
Families with large land holdings do represent as member in these
committees. A couple of Dom caste living in the village are given position like
watchman, village messenger or interpreter to outside world. They also
render the services of barber and weaver. In some village councils Challans
assist the Nayako.The primary responsibility of the traditional Village council
in the past was to collect revenue for the Raja and maintain order in the
village. Additionally, the village head with the committee was responsible to
maintain village discipline, welfare of the people including organizing the
religious festivals and ceremonies that was being followed traditionally. They
were presiding on disputes in the village. Some societies have a person
called Bhat Nayak or Village Guru to take care of serious disciplinary issues
that demand out-casting a person along with the family which include inter-
caste marriages, beaten by a caste person, bitten by dog, maggot wound
etc. These societies in later centuries maintained strict intra- village
discipline and discouraged marriages between tribes and social interference
of any kind including personal behaviour. The villages with in a cluster were
brought together under a regulatory control called ‘mutha‘. Literally ‗mutha‘
means ‗closed hand‘. So mutha villages had their allegiance to the village of
origin called munda or mula village of the mutha. So most festivals were held
in munda village and all villagers the mutha participated actively. Mutha
concept continued in the British administration structure of Koraput agency.
The villages of Jhodia Poraja, Bodo Poraja, Pengo, and the Kondh sub-
groups has traditional chief of the village called ‘Jani‘, it is hereditary position
for each of the village. The Janis carry out the function of Nayako as well in
religious matters; however in some societies Janis have a limited function of
priests only. Similar position of ‗Sisa‘ is known in Bondo and Parenga tribes
and Jani who heads the village and is assisted by ‗Bis Majhi‘in village
council.
Now a days the democratically elected persons to the Panchayat
bodies hold the village council and the Panchayats. But the traditional
village councils are still functional. The new village elected members look
after the village development and welfare schemes.

142
Clan Identity
The tribes are characterized to possess an elementary social structure
and each tribe has adaptive strategy within the scope. Each is known to
have its diacritical features that differs from the other tribe. However, the
Kondh Groups and Sabara- Gadaba, Paroja, organize themselves into
different decent groups well known as clan groups which guide their socio-
culture and politico-economic life. The clan identity is fundamental to their
tribal specific identity. The Jhodia and Bodo or Sodia Porajas have a
rudimentary form of clanship. So other tribes have clans or clan like structure
and the variations can be attributed to their fundamental attributes.
The totems
The tribals in most case are divided into exogamous septs; each of it is
named after a totem. The common totem are tiger, bear, cobra, dog, goat,
monkey, tortoise, lizard, cow, bull, vulture etc. There are totems named after
trees, sun. Children inherit totem name from father and marriage between
totems is forbidden. Animals‘ totem in account are not killed or eaten. The
concept is that the members of the totem is one family and strong bond
exists between the members and on death of a member observe three day
pollution and eat from the house of the wives‘ family.
Youth Dormitories
The youth dormitories (Dhangda and Dhangdi Basa) are most
significant tribal culture and social institutions. In the past, each tribal village
housed Dhangda basa (Boys dormitory) and Dhangdi basa (Girls dormitory).
In the evening all unmarried youth including widows assemble in a house,
specially constructed in the center of the village and spend the night there.
Men are not allowed to visit the ladies dormitory and the vice versa. An
elderly person of the village remains in charge of the dormitory and
maintains its discipline as prescribed by the village. It is exclusively for the
unmarried youth. In the evening the dormitory members start playing drums
and music that attracts dance and amusement. Sometimes they share food
in the dormitory. These institutions are declining fast and it may be due to
modern influence of education, radio, TV etc.
Types of Marriages
The marriages in tribal society in general have its own identity and do
not fall into the category of Manu‘s classification. There is marriage where
the groom‘s family pays a token of bride price; it is called by some as
reverse dowry of Hindus and others call it marriage by purchase. But in
practice it is a gift to the bride‘s family, which is used as a token of respect

143
and well spent on members and guests in a grand feast. If the groom serves
in the house of the in-laws for three years it is called marriage by service;
where the groom can live with the in-laws, then he is called Ghar juaine or
can even live separately with his wife after the lapse of the service period.
Other forms of marriages are clandestine elopement, by forcible compulsion
by the groom with his friends over the selected bride. Tthe other one is
selection at the dormitory called dhangdi basa in Poraja community. It is a
primitive institution for eligible bachelors and permitted to the members of
the tribe only, where marriages are materialized. Alternately, the youth meet
in festivals like Dasara in Nandapur, Jeypore, and Kasipur or in Weekly
markets and marriages are settled. In many tribaes the general rule is to
marry the maternal uncle‘s daughter or maternal aunt‘s daughter.
The usual procedure is to pay visit to the girl‘s parent and gift some
liquor saying,‘ you have a beautiful flower, can we have the privilege to put
on our head?‘ They will pay one or more visits with liquor as present and if
accepted the marriage date is fixed. As said earlier the groom‘s family pays
in terms of cash, rice and livestock in the marriage that is spent in a grand
feast.
Women and Society
On the whole it can confidently be said that the tribal culture of Koraput
had given equal rights to women that can still be visualized. The Gond tribes
have given the right to the women to hold plough in the field and can sow
seeds, a right of fertility that is seldom given to women. The woman does not
hold the social office of village administration but have the right to attend the
discussion in most cases. The women priests are vital to the welfare of the
village community and they are respected. The women are pivot to livelihood
pursuit and contribute immensly in raising family and thus are important in
tribal ethos. They have maintained the heritage of the tribes, even the folk
lore, the agriculture biodiversity and the calendar of the year. Dance and
singing form an integral part of the social culture and life. They have the
privilege to go to market for purchase and marketing and economic freedom,
right to divorce; selection of life partners is bestowed to them by the society.
Common Names of Persons
Communities observe special name giving ceremony that has been
well documented in anthropological studies. In general the names of children
by people of Koraput selected refers to the days in a week such as person is
named, e.g., Aitu, Jyetu or Jyeta and Jyeti (Sunday), Sombaru and Sombari
(Monday), Mungala or Mangli (Tuesday), Budra, Budha, Budhu and Budri,
Budhbari or Budhi (Wednesday), Lekhma and Lakhmi or Guru and Gurubari

144
(Thursday), Shukra and Shukri (Friday), Shainu, Sonia, Sonu and Sonai
(Saturday). Many names are also from mythological characters like Bhima,
Arjun, Parbati, Madhav, Ganga, Jamuna, Rama, Ramo, Lachaman, Sadava,
Hari, Shiva, Mohadev. Some names on physical defiantly like Konda for deaf
and dumb, Bhaira for deaf, Chotta (lame), Baiyya (mad), Kaba (foolish) is
also seen.
Megalithic Culture
From down-south mostly the Dravidians came into Koraput. This is
evident from the anthropological studies, recent blood genetic markers as
well as the linguistic bases of the societies. Remarkably still today they carry
with them the Megalithic culture of peninsula. Large flat stones with a few
erect flat stones in village centers or crowded places are called Sodor
among Bodo Gadaba, Sano Poraja, Parenga tribe members.The Sodor
varies in size and in general is the sitting place where villagers assemble
and rest or gossip. Children play around under the shade of trees of Sodor.
Similar culture of Sodor is also seen with the Ronas of Koraput. These
megalithic structures of Bondos are not limited to the cult of dead unlike the
Ronas. The Bondos do construct miniature dolmens consisting of table stone
supported by two or three smaller stones, and these are memorials
constructed in honour of wealthy dead, outskirt of villages in Grand
ceremony called Gota Mela.
Similar to Sodors most Jhodia Porajas construct the ‗Nisanmundi‘ in a
corner in the village. And generally Ficus infectra tree is planted close to it.
The village deity is worshiped at these sites.
The Sabaras a tribe of Koraput are also classified in Megalithic culture
by various authors in the past.
In the villages of Jeypore region , people offer terracotta horses, bulls
etc as witnessed in South Peninsula villages particularly in the Tamil country.
The practice was prevalent among Bhattra and Porajas of the said region.

145
 Menhirs in a Koya tribe village

Nisanmundi with Ficus infectria in a Jhodiavillage

The peninsular societies with their megalithic settlements, cultivating

rice, using iron artifacts and with elaborate burial are quite interesting and
such evidence does exist in Koraput villages.
Livelihood and Bio-Diversity in Primitive Societies
Most of the societies in Koraput are tribal followed by caste people and
others. The tribal particularly of Dravidian origin also the Austro-Asiatic
groups can be classified as hunter-gathers and many are in transition to
settled agriculture or sedentary farming community. Most of them still follow
Jhum or Slash and burn cultivation, grow small millets of different species
and earn the livelihood from the gathering of forest products including fruits
and flowers also roots for food. The Sabaras are the tribes of hills and of
ancient origin grow efficiently more than 35 species of plants in small plots
on hills with perfect knowledge of physiology, root system and family food,
root and other medicinal value to the family

146
 These societies in isolation have contributed to the development of bio-
diversity and its conservation. There were more than 1700 rice genotypes
including 70 known wild rice verities in Koraput district region as studied
during 1930s. The Austro-Asiatic tribes are said have the major contribution
in the direction. They have enriched the rice cultivation techniques; the
Gadaba, Sabara and even the primitive Bondo have contributed the major.
The Sabara tribe of Koraput is the only tribe who are known to have named
the months as per the agricultural activities. They are most skillful farmers on
hilltops to tame water for irrigation and use of more than 35 species of plants
for family food production.
In general, settlements occur in rice valleys and societies grow
agriculture base and get supplements from livestock production. The primary
crop in rain fed agriculture that is limited to short three to four months of
monsoon rains was the small millets and beans as the legumes. The
importance of crops is amply reflected in the ritual and ceremonies of
primitive tribal societies. Ragi and Rice forms the most favourable crop along
with bovines that was primarily for draft followed by buffaloes for milk
production in the region. Many tribes milk cows and quite a few are beef
eaters. Many tribes occupy the least productive semi-arid land and derive
their livelihood from rearing and breeding livestock of cattle, goat, sheep,
pigs; fowl.Tthus animal husbandry became the most vital element in their
life. Rearing of different life stock provides an in built security because at any
point of time epidemic does not strike to all types of live stock at a time. So
when certain epidemic falls on a particular type of live stock, tribal people in
a village are still left with other categories of domestic live stock. The staple
food of the families in the district is ragi and other small millets followed by
rice. They brew beer from rice and ragi called pendum. In some tribes like
Parenga brewing from ragi is forbidden probably due to food security issue.
The Bondo tribe prepares wine from several fruits and the Mahua forms the
major source. They are very fond of Salapha drinks that are collected from
Salapha (a type of palm plant) tree in summer. It is a popular drink among
the tribes and non tribes in Koraput. They usually consume brew in
preference to distilled liquor which is more expensive. On festive occasions
they buy distilled liquor from local distillers known as Sundhi; tribal prepare
their own brew for which they are legally permitted up to a certain limit. The
tribes do not cut any fruit tree or saplings.
Festivals
Festivals are integral part of the cultural life of the people of any region.
It is tied with religious sentiments along with agriculture events and fertility
cult in most cases. Some festivals like Rath yatra, Dasara, Bali jatra and

147
Kundi amabasya were celebrated in the Palace of the former Maha raja
where the people from distant places of Koraput came to celebrate the event
and offered gifts to the rulers. Shivratri was also celebrated by the people in
their respective temples like Nandapur, Narayanpatna, Borigumma etc.
Chaita Parab, Pus Parab, Nuakhia, Diali Parab, Dasara, Amus Parab, Magh
Parab etc are mainly tribal festivals but the other neighboring non-tribal
communities i.e. Rana, Paika, Domba, Ghasi etc also observe these
festivals like their own festivals.
Bali Jatra
Bali jatra was observed in former capital of Jeypore rulers in Nandapur.
It was an important event where the first rice seeds were shown by the Sisa
family priests at Kutni parbad. Looking at the germination the future
prospectus of crop was predicted for the people.
Bali is an agricultural festival of Bhumia, Pentia, Omnyat and other
tribes of Koraput region. In Jeypore and Borigumma there are cluster of
villages with munda or mulla village where the Bali is celebrated by the
communities. Bali celebration is a village celebration and there is no caste
discrimination. It is observed once in every three years. But when crops fail
for lack of rains for some years, people of Koraput conduct Bali Jatra to
satisfy ‗Bhīma Devata‘ (The God of Rain) .Disari and Gurumai, the
traditional sacerdotal functionaries, fix the auspicious day and time for
holding Bali. Generally the festival begins from the month of Bhadrab (
August – September) and continues for one month. Some also observe Bali
for a period of three months. It begins from month of Magha (Jan-February)
Magha (January) and ends in Chaitra / Baisakha (April-May).
On the first day of the festival men and women bring bali (sand) from
nearby river and place it in the ‗Balighar‘(a small room).The construction of
the structure of bamboo and straws is done amidst beating of drums and
other musical instruments. An auspicious pillar (Subha deli) is also fixed on
the ground. Various grains like paddy, alsi (niger), black gram, wheat, ragi,
oil seed etc are collected in bamboo baskets from every household and
sown on the sand bed at the place of worship. Regularly water is sprinkled
over it. Gurumaies (the female priests) recite mantras and pray and enchant
names of temples and gods of the region for a better germination of the
seeds. It is accompanied by music from Dhunkel (a string instrument) and
Bali Ghuruma (a small drum) and other musical instruments in Balighar.
Gradually the seeds germinate and plants emerge. If the seeds sprout well
then the Disari predicts good harvest for the year.On the closing day of the
festival, all the young and old men and women take the sand baskets from
Balighar to Balipadia (a large open ground) in a grand procession. Disari
148
keeps the baskets on heads of Dhangdis (young ladies) and other persons
who carry it to Balipadia. A symbolic agriculture work is demonstrated there.
Wooden effigies of Bhīma God and Bhimani are worshipped and their
marriage ceremony is also held there. In the night, people from different
villages assemble and enjoy local tribal dances. A fair is held there in which
varieties of goods are bought and sold. In the next day morning, symbols of
Bhīma and Bhimani are planted on the ground. Fowls, Pigeons, eggs, sheep
and goats are scarified. The sand baskets are taken to the river in
procession and with the sound of music to bid farewell. This is a festival of
fertility.
Dasara
Dasara is celebrated in the month of Aswina (September-October).The
tribal headman of the village collects money from each house and purchases
fowl, coconut,. liquor etc. for worship of village deity ‗Hundi‘ Devi. On the
Dasara day the village folk assemble in Hundi. Disari / Pujari worships the
Mutha lathis (Symbol of Goddess) with offer of fowls and goats to the Hundi
Thakurani. Paroja men cook rice and meat and feed their women and
children. At night, Dasara Jatra is celebrated in Dasara Padia of the main
villages. The lathis from different villages are gathered in the ground .The
Disari and Pujari worship the lathis with offering of fowls and animals. The
tribal folks assemble in Dasara Jatra and enjoy dancing to Dhemsa. In the
night, Desia Nata is performed and fair organized. The Dasara festival of
Jeypore Zamindars was very famous and was said to be next to Dasara of
Mysore. It is still observed. The festival is observed in honour of Maa Kanka
Durga, the family Goddess of Jeypore king. Lathis from different muthas
come with the Mutha head to Jeypore and stay at Bankamatha. The Mutha
heads used to pay their respect to the Maharaja by offering gifts but now it
is discontinued long since after vesting of the Zamindari. People from far and
near used tocome down to the main street of Jeypore in large number and
move with their village dancing groups and music parties. The crowd used
to extend from Jeypore palace to the festivaj ground known as Dasrapodia.
Each village group used to carry the sacred lathi (a piece of long wooden
mace) symbolizing the village mother deity. This event has also long since
been discontinued.
Dasara is also observed in different places of Koraput region in Sakti
peethas. The whole night is spent amidst rituals, archery competition and
dances.

149
Daili Parab
Diali Parab is celebrated in the month of Kartika (October-November)
for worshipping cattle. On the day of the festival the tribal decorated their
cattle with vermillion, turmeric and flowers. They tie thread to each animals
and feed them charu / Khatudi (rice cooked with vegetables). The cattle
herds perform ‗Kikiri dance‘ with beating of musical instruments like Dhol,
Mahuri, Tidibidi etc at the door of all cattle owners. They collect money,
paddy, rice and clothes from the cattle owners. . They offer rice and salt to
the cattle and worship cattle and Kasini Devi (the goddess of cattle).
Pus Parab
Pus Parab is another important festival of Koraput district. The festival
is celebrated in the month of Pousa (December-January) by Bhumia,
Bhattra, Pentia, Parenga, Gadaba , Durua and Paroja tribes and also other
non-tribals of the region. The festival starts fifteen days before the full moon
night of Pousa. The young and old tribal folks roam from village to village
dancing and singing Chera-Chera song and collect Paddy, rice and money
from the villagers. On the closing day of Pus Parab i.e. Pus Punei, they
gather in a feast at Hundi cottage. The Dhangdas (young men) start visiting
other villages forming danda hulia dance groups. During their night halt in
other villages they make friendship with the villagers as Sangata, Meeta,
Mafsad ( Maha Prasad) etc. They return to their villages after one month and
assemble in a feast at Hundi Thakurani‘s place.
Individual family members worship their household deities and
ancestors by offering fowl sacrifice and charu. Pus parab is the festival of
dancing, singing and merry making. Paroja tribe observes Pus Parab as Pus
pandu by firing Bhogi. They collect logs from different houses and fire the
wood and dance and sing around the fire throughout the night. The Koya‘s
observe this festival as Pus Pundum and the Bondas, as Sumegelierak.
Chaita Parab
The grand festival of Koraput region is Chait parab. It is observed by
the all tribal communities in the month at Chaitra (March-April) with joy and
great enthusiasm. The people of Koraput remain in festive mood for the
whole month. Chait Parab begins with dancing, singing and merry making. In
the past festival was being observed for one month. But now it is celebrated
for 10 to 15 days . The houses are cleaned and painted and the tribal folks
wear new clothes. The auspicious day for starting the Chait Parab is decided
by ‗Disari‘. The village head, Nayako collects money from each house
engaging his assistant, Challan, and purchases fowls, sheep, goat, coconut
etc. from the market for the rituals. On the first day the village folk gather at
150
village deity Hundi. Disari and Pujari start their ritual. They worship Hundi
Devi, Mother Earth and other deities by offering Puja (sacrifice of fowls,
sheep and goat).The lathis (long bamboo poles)-the symbol of goddesses
are cleaned and worshipped. The paddy seeds already collected from
farmers of the village are kept before the goddesses ‗Hundi‘. After worship of
seeds by Disari these are distributed among the farmers of the village. They
offer mangoes to the village deity thence all are permitted to eat new
mangoes of the year. The elder daughter in law of the family cooks Charu
and offers it to the household deity and ‗Dumma‘ (Spirit of ancestors) and the
whole family eat it together .On this day Kandula (red gram) and Mahula
flower are also newly eaten.
The second phase of Chait Parab is ‗Benta Parab‘ (hunting
festival).The Disari declares the auspicious moment for the villagers to go for
hunting. All the male members getting them fully equipped with hunting
implements like arrow, bow, axe, spears etc proceed to jungle. They search
for a suitable hunt. If they are successful in hunting and return to the village
with good hunt, the village women warmly welcome them. Otherwise the
village women make joke of them by sprinkling cow dung mixed water on
them singing Chait Parab songs. The meat of hunt animal is divided among
the villagers. Next day Benta Jatra is observed in the main village and
people enjoy with dance and drinks. It is the tradition during the Chait Parab
that women in groups come out of the village and block roads by logs, ropes
and stones (Pejar cheka) and collect money as a gift from people who
happen to pass on the road .The amount so collected is spent on a grand
feast. With dwindling wild life in the forest, this annual custom of group
hunting of wild animal poses a challenge to the environmentalists.
Gotar of Gadaba
The very important and expensive festival of Gadaba is ‗Gotar‘.Gotar is
observed for worship of ancestors for prosperity and security of their life.
The buffaloes are the vehicles that is given to the dead ancestor to pass on
to the other world. Generally the festival is observed in the month Magha.
The Gadaba observe two types of Gotar i.e. at individual and communal
levels. Individual Gotar is observed by the agnatic kin of the deceased and
communal Gotar, by the whole village collectively to appease their
ancestors. The festival is observed for the duration of a month. For the
departed souls whose death rituals are not performed within 3 to 4 years of
their death, their kinsmen observe Gotar individually. But communal Gotar is
observed for obtaining blessings from ancestors of the village at every 10 to
15 year intervals. On the day of Gotar a long stone slab is erected for each
dead person on the roadside of the village. Buffaloes are sacrificed on

151
Semilimunda during the ritual .The buffaloes are decorated with new red
clothes and anointed with turmeric and vermilion. They perform dance and
sing Gotar songs by beating and blowing musical instruments like Dhol,
Dhap, Mahuri, Khinide etc. during the sacrifice of buffaloes. In that time the
Gadaba women cry for their deads. They distribute the flesh of buffaloes
among them. A grand feast is also arranged and they take pendum (rice
beer).Dancing and singing continues throughout the day and night.
Agni Gangamma Jatra at Nilabadi
The Goddess Agni Gangamma of Nilabadi village of Narayanpatna
Block is every famous among tribals and non-tribals of Koraput and
neighbouring district of Andhra Pradesh. In the month of Chaitra a weeklong
jatra is celebrated at Nilabadi village and thousands of people congregate
there. Those whose desires are fulfilled offer magura fish to the Goddess.
Similar jatras are also held in the places where Agni Gangamma Goddess is
worshipped in Koraput district.
In course of time due to proselytisation, many tribal have converted
into Christianity; after embracing Christianity, tribal Christians have given up
many such customs mostly associated with nature worship.

152
 CHAPTER-VI

FOREST

Past History in Brief

British occupied this territory in the year 1775 when Captain Richards
Mathews, on being deputed by the East India Company, marched into the
hill country of Jeypore and defeated the king Vikram Deo with the help of the
Raja of Vizianagaram. However, in the year 1793, Raja of Jeypore was
granted permanent settlement of Jeypore Estate for an annual peshkash of
Rs 25,000/- which was subsequently reduced to Rs 16,000/- in the year
1802-03 when the permanent settlement was introduced in whole of the
Vizianagaram District. According to the terms of permanent settlement,
forests also belonged to the Maharaja of Jeypore. In 1952, the Jeypore
Estate was vested in the Govt of Odisha and the Government acquired full
ownership over these forests after the abolition of the Zamindary under the
provisions of the Estates Abolition Act, 1951.
Early History of Forest Conseravation and Administration
Hardly any authentic information is available about forest conservation
efforts and forest-use practices of local people before the estate of Jeypore
came under direct administration of the British. It is believed that tribal
communities that inhabited these forested tracts made liberal use of these
forests of the Jeypore estate. They freely cleared/burnt forest to practice
podu (shifting cultivation). They also arbitrarily hacked trees for their uses.
Even though a variety of forest products were used by local inhabitants,
forests were probably assigned a loe value.
The first step in the direction of conservation is the reference made by
Mr. H.G. Turner, then Special Assistant Agent responsible for direct
administration of the Jeypore Estate, who in the year 1872 drew the
attention of the Govternment of Madras about wanton destruction of forests
by reckless habits and forest-use practices of the hill men. He underscored
the need for prevention and control of podu cultivation. Under the directions
of the erstwhile Government of Madras, Lt. Col. R.H. Beddome, Conservator
of Forests, and Captain Blaxland critically explored forests of the Jeypore
th
Zamindary. Col. Beddome‘s report dated 29 March 1877 contained an
elaborate description of forests and flora of Jeypore Estate. The report also
assessed the nature and quantum of destruction wrought by podu
cultivation. He stressed an urgent need for conservation and reservation of
existing valuable forests. “I have no where in India seen this kumri cultivation

153
so systematically carried out but considering how very sparse the population
th th
is, it would cause little inconvenience to the people if 1/4 or 1/5 of the
forest tract is to be reserved against the ruinous system of felling and
burning. Mr.Turner proposed to parcel the country into Muthas and to
prohibit extension of podu cultivation on hills. Something ought to be done
and that too speedily”.He suggested that the Madras Forest Act be extended
to the Zamindary of Jeypore. Accordingly, the Madras Forest Act 1882 was
extended to Jeypore vide the Government. Notification No.268 dated
23.06.1891 on the application of the guardian to the minor Raja of Jeypore.
Thus, Col. Beddome‘s report acted as the foundation stone towards forest
conservation in these tracts. Then the Raja of Jeypore under the provision of
the section 26, 32 and 35 of the said Act framed Rules from time to time to
regulate the access to this forests as well as use of the specified forest
produce. The Jeypore Forest and Wasteland Rules were consolidated and
notified vide the Govt. of Madras Notification No.433, dated 13.11.1895.The
said rules prescribe for creation of (1) Reserve Lands and (2) Unreserved
lands out of the Forests and wastelands at the disposal of the Estate.
Reserve Lands included all lands notified under Rule 3 of the said rules.
Under the limits of these lands, it was made unlawful for any person to fell,
remove, girdle or otherwise damage any tree within such areas without
proper authority. The remaining forests and wastelands were treated as
―Unreserved Lands‖. In addition, Rule 4 of the said rules speaks of reserving
22 tree species such as Teak, Sandal, Black wood, Red sanders, Kino,
Hardwickia binata, Myrabolan, Tamarind, Shorea loccifera, Shorea robusta,
Shorea tumbuggaina, Bassica latifolia and longifolia, Mangifera Indica,
Artocarpurs heterophyllus, Ebony, Satinwood, Iron-wood, Soapnuts, Indian
Beech, Terminalia Tomentosa and T.glabra, felling of which was prohibited
in both reserve and unreserved lands. The rules also provided for
establishment of Forest Check Gates and Nakas for inspection of forest
produce in transit; collection of the prescribed seigniorage for the use of
forest produce; and punishments for violations of the said rules.
Subsequently, in 1897, the Jeypore Forests and Waste Land Rules
were framed under section 26 of the Madras Forest Act. These rules
authorized the Agent of the Agency tracts to constitute and declare reserved
lands in order to enable them to protect against podu cultivation and other
denudation. Besides, the seigniorage rates of different forest produce were
also published.Even, during the subsequent years of Sri Vikram Deo-III,
Maha Raja of Jeypore, British Officers continued to manage the affairs of the
Estate under an agreement. Forest gates and checking stations at different
places were established and notified. Mr. C. E. Eber Hardie was posted as a
Chief Forest Officer from 1901 to 1907. Many blocks were constituted into

154
the reserved lands and different rates to be collected at the notified check
gates, for removal of different forest produces were also notified. The forest
administration was organized. During this early stage of forest conservancy,
no major exploitation of forests was started and the collection of the charges
for removal of different forest produce by local people remained the main
source of revenue from forests.
Regular amendments had been done to the Jeypore Forest Rules and
the important one being in the year 1916 when provision was made for
constitution of protected lands. The estate officials were given powers, with
the consent of the Agent, to prohibit removal of forest produce from reserved
and protected lands. This policy aimed at affording complete protection to
Reserved Lands (RL) and Protected lands (PL) against shifting cultivation.
Encroachments, either temporary in nature or permanent were prohibited in
these lands. Though penal provisions were incorporated in the rules, the
same were inadequate to deal with forest offences; required protection
efforts were also lacking; rules for compounding of offences were very
liberal. The lack of appropriate silvicultural measures and inadequate
protection efforts rendered these forests vulnerable to continued abuse &
over-use. However, the above forest rules remained operational till 1952
when the Jeypore Estate was vested in the State of Odisha in accordance
with the provisions of the Orissa Estates Abolition Act, 1951.Since the
scope of the Koraput Forest Rules was too restrictive to properly manage
the forests of this Division, it was considered desirable to initiate the process
of constitution of more Reserve Forests (RF) under Section 16 of the
Madras Forest Act, 1882 (since replaced by the Orissa Forest Act, 1972)
and to extend all the provisions of the said Act over these forests. Thus, RFs
have also been constituted in accordance with relevant provisions of the
Madras Forest Act, 1882 / Orissa Forest Act, 1972. Moreover, all the RLs,
PLs, URLs and other categories of forests (other than RFs) known by
whatever name in the erstwhile Jeypore Estate were deemed to be
Protected Forests under Section 33 and Sub-Section 4 of Section 81 of the
Orissa Forest Act, 1972.
Therefore, there are primarily four legal types of forests (i) Reserve
Forests (RFs) notified U/s of 21 of the Orissa Forest Act, 1972; (ii) Proposed
Reserve Forests (PRFs) i.e. the forest blocks notified under Section 4 of the
Orissa Forest Act, 1972 and proposed for constitution of Reserve Forests,
(iii) Protected Forests (PFs) notified U/s 33 or deemed to be protected forest
U/s 81 of the Orissa Forest Act and (iv) Village Forests (VFs) notified U/s 30
of the Orissa Forest Act, 1972 and managed under The Orissa Village
Forest Rules,1985. The PFs are either Demarcated Protected Forests or
Un-demarcated Protected Forest
155
 The forest of the Jeypore Estate was vested to the Government of
Odisha and the Government acquired full ownership over the forests after
the abolition of Zamindari under the provision of the Estate Abolition Act,
1951. An Anchal Forest Officer assisted the District Collector, Koraput in the
forest administration. The Koraput District Forest & Westland Rules, 1956
and Koraput District Hunting and Shooting Rules, 1956 were framed and
notified on dtd.30.8.1956. The Wild Birds & Animals Protection Act was
extended to the district in 1957. The forests were worked mainly for revenue
without giving any attempt on improvement of health and hygiene of the
forest.. Though some forest blocks were demarcated and reserved, no eye-
catching works were undertaken against forest fire and other forest
conservation. All the forests of the former Jeypore Estate were transferred
from the Anchal-sasan to the Forest Department on dt.15.11.1957. The
Rayagada Forest Division was carved out of the erstwhile Jeypore Forest
Division on this date i.e. dt.15.11.1957 and subsequently the Nabarangapur
Forest Division was also carved out of the erstwhile Jeypore Forest Division
on dt.07.12.1968. Earlier Koraput Forest Division was a part of Rayagada
Forest Division and was created as a part of reorganization of Forest
Departmen when erstwhile Rayagada Forest Division was bifurcated into two
Forest Divisions vide Govt. Notification No. 1F (A)-100/2003/13228/F&E,
dtd.08/08/2003 of the Govt. of Odisha, Forest & Environment Department.
The two Divisions are Rayagada Forest Division with HQ at Rayagada
(Jurisdiction over the entire Rayagada District) and another is Koraput Forest
Division (KFD) having jurisdiction over Koraput Revenue Sub-division of
Koraput District. These Divisions have come into existence with effect from
01st October 2003. Mlkangiri forest Division was carved out of Jeypore
forest Division.
Methods of Forest Exploitation in the Estate Period
Under the provisions of the Jeypore Forests Rules, 1922, the ―privilege
holders‖ (i.e. mainly the specified tribes of the tract) were allowed removal of
trees up to 3 feet girth of Sal, Bija or any other species free of charge, from
unreserved and protected lands for their own consumption. In addition, they
were permitted to freely graze their cattle and to remove other non-timber
forest products for their own use. However, there were several defects in
the implementation of this policy of the Jeypore Estate; for example, the
trees required to be felled were not marked or specified, as a result, trees
were arbitrarily removed without any silvicultural considerations. Moreover,
in the absence of marking of trees, it was not possible to verify whether trees
were removed from Unreserved Lands or Reserved lands. In practice,
people cut trees wherever they liked; even removal of saplings and small
poles of Sal and other species in large numbers to fence the homestead
156
lands and agricultural fields also affected the establishment of regeneration
in the forests. Further, in the absence of any regulation of forest use by the
―privilege holders‖, there was no way to ascertain whether the ―non-privilege
holders‖ also misused the system. To add to this, free grazing and frequent
fires also had very adverse effect on forest regeneration.
To regulate access to forest use by ―non-privilege holders‖ (i.e. mainly
inhabitants other than the tribes), the Maharaja introduced ―commutation
system‖ also known as ―annual royalty system‖ in the year 1923. An annual
royalty of one-half to one rupee per plough was levied on the tenants. This
system was also popularly called ―plough tax system‖. In return, the tenants
were entitled to remove reserved classed trees like Sal, bija etc up to 3 feet
in girth for making ploughs and other agricultural purposes. They were also
allowed to collect firewood for their own use. For want of effective
implementation of this policy, the system suffered from the same defects as
listed in paragraph above.
The first timber lease was granted by the Maharaja in 1917 for 5 years
from 01.10.1917 to 30.09.1922 (subsequently extended for an additional
period of 25 years up to 25.08.1947) for extraction of Sal for conversion into
railway sleepers from both reserved and unreserved lands. However, lack of
controls and non-fixation of upper limit on removal of trees encouraged
arbitrary & wasteful removals and over-exploitation. Thus, the health of
forests was adversely affected. This necessitated revised agreement in the
year 1935 including increase in the royalty rates as well. Though situation
improved to some extent, the impact of these belated measures was
generally marginal. The lessee continued to leave rejected sleepers, logs
and un-economic timber in forests. This was not available even to the local
people who continued to remove small dimension trees arbitrarily.
The main non-timber forest products (NTFP) included myrobalans,
kendu leaves, tamarind and Mahul etc. Bamboo was generally used by local
people & never harvested systematically. Local people generally obtained
their requirements on the basis of permits from anywhere in the reserved
lands. Kendu leaf was sold by auction or by negotiation for small revenues.
Tribal people were also allowed to observe `Chaitra bento parbo‘ or annual
traditional mass hunt of wildlife inside Reserved Lands.This practice
seriously affected population of wildlife over the years.
The forest of the Jeypore Estate was vested with the Government of
Odisha and the Government acquired full ownership over the forests after
the abolition of Zamindari under the provision of the Estate Abolition Act,
1951. Government of Odisha constituted Anchal Sasan for administration of
the ex estate. An Anchal Forest Officer assisted the District Collector,

157
Koraput in the forest administration. The Koraput District Forest & Westland
Rules, 1956 and Koraput District Hunting and Shooting Rules, 1956 were
framed and notified on dtd.30.8.1956. The Wild Birds & Animals Protection
Act was extended to the district in 1957. The forests were worked mainly for
revenue without giving any attempt on improvement of health and hygiene of
the forest.. Though some forest blocks were demarcated and reserved, no
eye-catching works were undertaken against forest fire and other forest
conservancy. All the forests of the former Jeypore Estate were transferred
from the Anchal-sasan to the Forest Department on dt.15.11.1957. In fact,
the Rayagada Forest Division was carved out of the erstwhile Jeypore
Forest Division on this date i.e. dt.15.11.1957 and subsequently the
Nabarangapur Forest Division was also carved out of the erstwhile Jeypore
Forest Division on dt.07.12.1968. The forests of the newly created Jeypore
Forest Division were managed under the Madras Forest Act, 1882 and the
Koraput District Forests & Wasteland Rules, 1956; the modified form of the
Jeypore Forest Rules. After reorganization of the Forest Department and
creation of a new circle at Jeypore w.e.f dtd. 21.10.1959, the forest
management got the real shape. The first Working Scheme for scientific
management and harvest of the forest products was prepared by Sri.
T.Das,ACF during 1957-59, which got effective from 1960. The scheme was
simple and preliminary for ten years in 1960 -61 to 1969-70.
Two Forest Divisions were initially created with Head Quarter at
Jeypore with the name Jeypore Forest Division and another Forest Division
with Head quarter at Rayagada. Even though earlier these Forest Divisions
were under administrative control of Conservetor of Forest of Berhampur
Circcle, subsequently Jeypore Circle was created with Head Quarter at
Koraput. Present Koraput district has two forest divisions with Head Quarter
at Koraput and Jeyore, each Division almost corresponding to Revenue Sub
Division of the district.
Koraput Forest Division - The Koraput Forest Division lies between the
0 0 0
latitudes 18 - 32‘-15.69‖ N to 18 -48‘-11.69‖ N and longitudes of 82 -36‘-
0
29.95‖ E to 83 - 05‘-19.00‖ E. The Forest area of the Division as per DLC
report is 4049.75 Sq. Km.
The Division Shares its Boundary in the Following Manner
North – Kalahandi Forest Division (Kalahandi District)
North-East – Rayagada Forest Division (Rayagada District)
East – Vijayanagaram/Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
South-East – Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh
West – Jeypore Forest Division
North-West – Nawrangpur Forest Division

158
159
Geographical Area
Geographical area of the Division is 5337 Sq. Km. of which 4049.75 sq.
km. is the forest area as per DLC report. This Division comprises of Koraput
Revenue Sub-Division containing 09 Nos. of Tahasils of Koraput District (A
small area of Koraput Revenue Sub-Division has been included in
Borigumma Range, Jeypore Range and Boipariguda Range of Jeypore
Forest Division). The main urban centers are Koraput, Semiliguda,
Sunabeda, Damanjodi. Other significant settlements are Laxmipur, Pottangi,
Nandapur, Balda, Lamtaput. The Division has the highest peak of the state
at 1673 meters above MSL known as Deomali Peak besides one of the
highest railway station of the state is at Koraput. The Panchapat Mali Bauxite
mines at Damanjodi (NALCO) and HAL, Sunabeda are the important
industrial area of the Division. The Division is well connected through the
wide network of roads and railways. The NH-26 passes through the Division
connecting Jagadalpur town of Chhattisgarh on one side and Vizianagaram
town of Andhra Pradesh on the other end where it meets NH-5. The State
Highway from Koraput to Berhampur via-Rayagada passing through and
also connected to NH-5 at Berhampur .The other important roads are
Koraput- Visakhapatnam via Balda, Arku valley and Koraput –
Vizayanagaram via Sunki.
Forest Area and Topography
The 914 meters Koraput plateau whose eastern edge is marked by the
hilly regions of Narayanapatna, extends up to the boundary between Koraput
and Jeypore Divisions besides Kalahandi Forest Division. In fact, this plateau
extends well beyond up to the border of east Godavari district in Andhra
Pradesh. Hundreds of little hills are scattered all over the plateau with a
remarkably similar appearance. The most notable heights of the hills of this
plateau are Deomali Parbat (1673 meters) and Miamali Parbat (1500 mts.).
The Deomali peak is not only the highest peak in the district of Koraput but
also the highest peak of the State. The entire jurisdiction of the present
Koraput Forest Division is under this geographic unit.
Forest Area in Details
This Division comprises area of RF-30251.2039 ha.,PRF-39779.5491
ha., DPF- 31553.4221Ha., VF-558.16 ha., CA-3203.854 ha. , Reserve land
(RL)-151.81 ha., Protected land (PL)-33.3700 ha., Un-classed Forest-
40.1100 ha., Other Forest-9403.9700 ha. and area not recorded as forest
but having charecteristics of forests-5290.11 ha. totaling to 1202265.3942
ha. which is 22.53 % of total geographical area.

160
 The details of Forest area covered under DLC like are 30263.15 ha. of
61 RFs,39746.43 ha. of 125 PRFs, 540.26 ha. of 82 VFs, 40.11 ha. of un-
classed forest and 9403.97 ha. of other forest and 5290.11 ha. of area not
recorded as forest but having charecteristics of forest totaling to 85284.03
ha.
Soil depth varies from shallow (25-50 cm) to moderately deep (75-100
cm) though in & around Koraput, it is deep to very deep (>100 cm). The soil
particles are from clayey to Loamy and the soil temperature regime is mostly
hyperthermic (22-28˚C). Though soils are moderately well drained & support
good vegetation but for rampant podu coupled with surface run-off, the water
holding capacity is usually low. Moreover, there is no structural development
in the soil and as such, they are massive & porous.
Climate
The Division is characterized by tropical to sub-tropical climate. Though
the area is located near to the east coast region, general climate is more of
Deccan type but not as strong as that of main Deccan plateau. And this is
mainly because of its (Division) elevation and lowith hilly terrain at most of the
places. Four distinct seasons are generally experienced here. The hot
summer season is from March to May when the temperature touches as high
as 40˚C in Narayanpatna areas, though in & around Koraput, it is around
35˚C. The monsoon season is little longer extending from June to September
when the average temperature hovers around 30˚C; however, the relative
humidity is maximum during this period with average being about 70% but it
is more in Koraput area, touching, at times even 95%. The autumn season is
from October to November and the winter months extend from December to
February when the temperature goes down to as low as 3.0˚C, particularly in
Sunabeda & Pottangi areas.
Rain Fall
The distribution of rainfall is largely influenced by the ghat terrain of the
Division. In fact, Koraput plateau receives maximum rainfall. The high hills
forming the Eastern Ghats stand like a boundary wall forcing the monsoon
current to rise up resulting in heavy precipitation in the plateau. By the time
current crosses over to the eastern edge, it looses most of its water content
and thus receives comparatively less rainfall. The Division receives pre-
monsoon showers in late May. By June, the monsoon almost gets
established. Months of July, August & September are the peak rainy months
with maximum rainfall during this period. In fact, about 70% of the annual
rainfall is received in these three months only. It is quite common to receive
a few showers in October which gradually becomes less in the month of

161
November. Thus, monsoon being quite prolonged is highly conducive for any
type of plantation activity. The area has never received the normal rainfall
during the outgoing plan period except for the year 1994 when the Koraput
portion of the Division received slightly more than normal rain fall.
Temperature
The Koraput Forest Division has distinct marked variation in
temperature. The Koraput plateau area generally has cooler climate
compared to the former physiogeographic unit. In summer is very severe in
Narayanpatna area where temperature flares up to even 45˚C during April &
May. In fact, high temperature range in the present Narayanpatna range is
even evident from frequent forest fires in these areas during summer
months. The temperature in Koraput region is around 35˚C in the summer
season but the winters are very cold here, particularly during December &
January when the temperature goes down to as low as 4˚C. In the chilly
mornings, the thick blanket of fog is a common phenomenon particularly
around Koraput. High relative humidity and other forms of precipitation, e.g.,
mist and dew, are helpful in prolonging humid conditions in the locality.
These conditions are favourable for development of natural vegetation and
other growth like orchids and epiphytes. Relative humidity is generally high
during the monsoon and post-monsoon months. The average relative
humidity is more in Koraput region where it touches as high as 84% during
the rainy season. The high humid content, particularly around Damanjodi
areas justifies presence of variety of orchids like Luisa trichorhiza; Hebenaria
grandifloriformis & Nervilia plicata etc besides other floral species like Atundi
(Combretum decandrum); Giringa (Pterospermum heyneanum) and Jamun
(Syzygium cumini) etc.
Rights and Concession
Rights and concessions in different legal types of forests have gradually
evolved over time. All rights or concessions or privileges are subject to the
condition that if a given forest resource is exhausted or detrimental to the
general health of forests; all rights, concessions or privileges shall cease to
exist. Even, the National Forest Policy, 1988 prescribes that, enjoyment of
rights and concessions should be subject to carrying capacities of forests,
and availability of adequate quantities of relevant forest products, without
jeopardising regeneration of forests. This principle shall be strictly followed in
the Division.
Rights under Estate Rules
As per rule 5 of the Jeypore Forest and Waste Land Rules of 1895 , the
bonafide hill ryots (also called ―privilege holders‖) had been allowed cutting of
162
trees up to 3 feet girth, free of charge and without permit, in Reserved Lands
for their consumption. Other persons, not being bonafide hill ryots, but
inhabiting the estate, were allowed to use specified forest produce under
"Permit System‖ after payment of such fees as were prescribed in the
Schedule of Rates for all timber and other produces.
As per the amendment of the said rules in 1916 and notified in the year
1922, the ―privilege-holders‖, were also allowed free of charge, the removal of
reserved class trees inclusive of sal, bija and teak upto 3 feet girth from
Unreserved Lands and Protected Lands for their own bonafide consumption.
Besides this, they were allowed to graze their cattle and to remove other
forest produce. For the non-privilege holders, another system was introduced
during the year 1923. This was called as ―Annual Royalty System‖ or locally
called as ―the plough tax‖ by virtue of which an annual royalty of one half to
one rupee per plough was collected from the tenants for allowing them to
remove reserved class trees up to 3 feet girth for making ploughs. This
practice was discontinued in 1949.
Rights under Anchal Administration
With the vesting of Ex-Jeypore estate with the State of Orissa vide Govt.
Notification No.8231/R dt.29.12.1951, the Protected Lands and Unreserved
Lands continued to be right burdened as they were earlier. At the same time,
a few rights such as right to use specified foot-paths and cart-tracks, the right
to worship at the specified shrines inside the reserved forest and the right to
use water and fishing in hill streams were admitted in the Reserved Lands.
These concessions were otherwise also allowed in accordance with Rule 6 of
the Koraput Forest Rules, 1956. Grazing was also allowed inside Reserve
Lands on payment of a very nominal grazing fee of two anna per buffalo,
bullock, cow or pony, one anna per calf and sheep and one and half anna per
goat, in case of permanent residents of the adjoining villages, and at twice
these rates for outsiders.
The resident hill tribes were allowed to practise mass- hunting in the
Reserve Lands adjoining their villages for the annual festival popularly known
as ―Chaitra-Bento Parba‖ during the summer season. This annual mass-
hunting of animals has significantly contributed to extermination of a large
number of games.
Rights under Orissa Forest Act’1972
On implementation of the Orissa Forest Act, 1972 number of Reserve
Forests have been constituted where in rights and concessions of the local
people have been duly inquired into by the Forest Settlement Officers; and

163
the admitted rights and concessions as well as privileges are duly listed in the
relevant Govt. Notifications issued U/S 21 of the said Act.
Some common rights, concessions or privileges, admitted in different
Reserve Forests are as follows:
(i) The villagers are allowed to collect firewood for their domestic needs
and allowed to graze their cattle subject to restrictions as may be
imposed by the Forest Department from time to time. However, the
browsers and grazers are not allowed in the regeneration & plantation
areas to encourage regeneration and growth of plantations.
(ii) Right to collect and remove edible roots, fruits, minor forest produce
such as mohua, kendu, char, siali leaves and others except sandalwood
& cashew nut, free of cost, for domestic consumption. However, girdling
and tapping of trees are forbidden. They are even forbidden to collect
these items from the trees which have been planted by the Forest
Department.
(iii) Allowed to collect thatching grass subject to payment of fees as usual.
(iv) Right to enjoy fruits of horticultural plantations, permitted within the
boundaries of Reserved Forests, as may be decided by the Collector of
the District, in consultation with the Divisional Forest Officer concerned
would be available to the village community or to specified individuals
which includes their successors in interest.
(v) Right to use specified roads, foot-paths and cart-tracks running across
the specified reserved forests to adjoining villages subject to such
restrictions as may be imposed by the competent authorities;
(vi) Rights are not to be bartered or transferred. However, they shall pass
on to their successors.
The specific rights admitted and restrictions imposed in certain RF
blocks include the following:
(i) Allowed to offer ‗puja‘ inside the RFs like Almonda; Chatwa; Thuba and
Geruput.
(ii) Grazing is prohibited in Powlput RF as there is an unreserved forest
nearby.
(iii) In Yasada RF, collection of siali leaves & fibres besides dead trees is
allowed subject to the regulation made by the Forest Department.
(iv) In Bamandeo RF, allowed to graze their cattle inside the block without
payment of the prescribed fees.

164
(v) In Geruput RF, the villagers of Tala & Upara Geruput have rights to
remove ‗geru‘ earth for plastering house walls and floors.
(vi) In Ampaballi RF, they are allowed to collect timber of unreserved
species for agricultural and domestic purposes free of any charges.
In view of the ban on ―green felling‖ in Koraput District, since 1990,
some of these rights, such as removal of timbers for house building materials,
have been affected. Timber for house building, for fire affected persons and
for agricultural implements are to be supplied through M/s. Odisha Forest
Corporation (OFDC) Ltd from their depots. In addition, Government in Forest
and Environment Department have been pursuing since 1988, a policy of
encouraging peoples‘ participation in local forest management and of
devolving greater usufruct rights on people. This is being done under Joint
Forest Management (JFM) programme through a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU), jointly agreed by the Forest Department and the
interested group of local people.
Further, as per the Govt policy of March‘2000 on minor forest produces
(MFPs), 68 numbers of these items were transferred to the Panchayats for
their collection and disposal. The Forest Department does not charge any
royalty on these 68 MFP items.
Forest Right Act – 2006
Implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest
Dwellers under Forest Right Act 2006, the District Level Committee has
approved 20471 number titles over an area of 28239.86 acres out of which
18065 no. of titles over an area of 26469.60 acres have been issued to the
Forest dwellers under Forest Right Act, 2006 involving Revenue and Forest
area. But it is observed that the Title holders are not properly sensitized
about their duties and responsibilities as mentioned in the Act towards forest
conservation because of which there is loss in forest cover in some areas. In
anticipation that cutting trees and clearing of land will vest them with inherent
rights to get forest rights titles, they indulge in destruction of the existing
trees. The department is making all efforts for Joint Verification with
Revenue Officials involving the Forest Land under Forest Right Act title.
Forest Fire
Fire is causing enormous damage to flora and fauna of the Division.
As majority of these forests are deciduous, huge leaf litter gets accumulated
during summer season. A slight ignition can turn these accumulated leaves
into huge fires. Accidental and intentional fires are common in this tract.
Local people set fire to the accumulated leaf litter for clearing the ground for

165
easy collection of Mohua flowers, Sal seeds and other products. Graziers
often resort to setting fire in the forests to ensure new flush of grasses.
Sometimes, hunters also set fire to scare wildlife to facilitate their
capture/poaching. The system of burning charcoal in forests also leads to
forest fire. People, many a time, camp inside forest areas, cook food and
leave fire burning; it escapes and may cause forest fire. Persons passing
through the forests at night with fire torches also some times cause forest
fire. The worst affected forests with fire are in Narayanpatna, Laxmipur,
Semiliguda Ranges though during the summer, almost the entire Division is
affected by this menace.
Though all the fires occurring in the Division are ground fires, this
coupled with grazing have played an extremely influential role in determining
the forest types now available in the Division. The repeated fire incidents
have led to reduction of moisture levels in the soil and with regular burning of
the leaf litter & ground flora, even the top soil erosion has been observed at
many places. This has also caused great damage to regeneration,
particularly of Sal & Bamboo; young seedlings, coppice shoots and young
pole crop are either totally destroyed or damaged besides bamboo clumps
becoming malformed. These fire affected forests are characterized by a
very irregular broken canopy of much inferior to the potentiality of the sites
as is observed in forest blocks. However, no quantitative assessment of
damage due to forest fire could be attempted to for want of technically
trained staff & methodology besides resource crunch and time constraint.
In blocks like Janniguda PRF; Laxmipur RF etc, where the grass is
dense & therefore fire is fierce, the shrub layer comprising of even thorny/fire
resistant species tends to be severely restricted and limited to annual shoots
destined to be destroyed by next fire. In fact, such species have been
characterized by being able to build up a large root stock despite annual
destruction of their shoots, for example Sal. In fact, ability to produce root
suckers is also a common feature among the species of fire preclimaxes like
Butea & Kendu as is observed particularly in drier parts of the Division in
Narayanpatna Range.
Fire protection efforts are highly inadequate. Fire is generally put out
by beating with green branches. Financial resources allocated for this
purpose have also been very meager though some allotment under Central
Plan Schemes of ‗Modern Forest Fire Control‘ and ‗Integrated Forest
Protection Scheme‘ in the recent past have contributed to certain extent
towards the cause of fire protection. The Orissa Forest Act, 1972 and fire
protection Rules made there under, elaborately provide for institutional
support to tackle this menace and even bind the local people to assist forest

166
staff to fight forest fires. However, these provisions have merely remained in
the statue book. Their implementation is far from satisfactory.
Encroachment
Encroachment, particularly the shifting cultivation has been the major
reason of forest destruction in the division as even stated in the previous
chapter. The extent of damage on this account is so alarming that the
vegetation, which once supported moist type of forest, has been changed to
the dry type. Moreover, with increase in the population, the cycle (rotation)
of shifting cultivation has also drastically been reduced resulting in
frequent/repeated cutting back and clearance of the area at short interval.
This has resulted in gradual depletion of the rootstock including elimination
of re-growth from the surviving stock of original vegetation. And, in the
process, weeds like eupatorium and lantana have evaded number of such
podu affected blocks.
As per reports of Forest Department, and are amounting to 10784
hectares have been encroached upon by 4597 families. When the Forest
Conservation Act 1980 came into operation, the total encroachment was
only 239.13 hectres by eligible ST families and 67.52 hectres. by ineligible
other caste families in the Division.
The extent of encroachment including podu cultivation has led to
fragmentation of the wildlife habitat besides opening up of the forest canopy
at many places. This has not only resulted in change in crop composition
vis-à-vis degradation but also increased man-animal conflict as well.
Though the encroachment cases have been regularly registered, the
damage continues to be done to the forests.
Forest Type and Distribution of Forest Area
Forests of Koraput Division are mainly tropical deciduous type and can
be broadly classified into two major groups. These are Moist Tropical
Forests, and Dry Tropical Forests. There is no clear dividing line between
these forest groups; one gradually merging with another though Bamboo
forests are generally found in association with the second type. However,
according to Champion and Seth‘s revised classification of Forest Types of
India, these forests have been further classified into different types and sub-
types depending upon physiognomy, moisture conditions, floral composition
and other variables. Even though there is no clear dividing line between
these types, an attempt has been made to delineate these forest types on
ground and to ascertain their respective extent in the division. Several
simplifying assumptions have been made in doing so. Forests having more
than 20 % Sal have been taken as Sal forests. Several local factors have
167
also been taken into consideration. Further, though in some big blocks,
more than one type of forest has been found to occur, the general principle
adopted in such cases is to treat the said forest block under that forest type
which occupies the maximum area in the block.
Moist Peninsular Sal Forest
Group-3 Tropical moist deciduous forests
Sub-group-3C North Indian tropical moist deciduous forests
Type-3C/C2 Moist Sal bearing forests
Sub-Type-3C/ C2e Moist Peninsular Sal Forest

This sub-type of forest has ‗Dominants‘ which are mainly deciduous but
‗Sub-dominants‘ and lower storey are largely evergreen. The top canopy is
rarely dense and hardly going up to 20 meter height.
The top canopy consists of Shorea robusta; Terminalia tomentosa;
Anogeissus latifolia; Syzygium cumini; Pterocarpus marsupium; Madhuca
indica; Schleichera oleosa; Lagerstroemia parviflora; Adina cordifolia; Xylia
xylocarpa and Dillenia pentagyna etc. The second storey consists of Morinda
tomentosa; Dalbergia paniculata; Emblica officinalis; Desmodium
oojeinensis; Bridelia retusa; Terminalia chebula; Grewia tillifolia; Buchanania
lanzan; Aegle marmelos; Dendrocalamus strictus; Cleistanthus collinus;
Diospyros melanoxylon; Mitragyna parvifolia; Stereospermum colaris;
Dalbergia sissoo; Albizia lebbeck; Cassia fistula and Mallotus philippensis.
The undergrowth consists of species like Cycas cercinalis; Holarrhena
antidysenterica; Sida species, Elephantopus scaber, Cynodon dactylon and
Curcuma aromatica. The climbers are represented by Dendrophthoe
falcate; Asparagus racemosus; Schefflera venulosa; Hemidesmus indicus;
Combretum roxburghii; Smilax zeylanica; Bauhinia vahlii; Butea superba and
Dioscorea oppositifolia.
Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest
Group-5 Tropical dry deciduous Forests
Sub-Group-5A Southern tropical dry deciduous forests
Type-5A/C3 Southern dry mixed deciduous Forests
The most characteristic tree of this type is Anogeissus latifolia while
Terminalia tomentosa is a very typical associate. Diospyros tomentosa is
also common. Boswellia serrata and Lagersatroemia parviflora are very
wide spread and conspicuous in this category of forests as is even evident
from the growing stock survey result of one such forest block. Bamboo is
generally of poor quality. Grass is conspicuous till it is grazed or burnt in
forest fire. Climbers are few like Bauhinia vahlii. This type of forest, being
especially prevalent in the drier localities occurs through out the Division with

168
many forest blocks of Narayanpatna; Laxmipur; Lamptaput Ranges falling
under this category.
The floral composition as found in the Division under this type
comprises of top canopy having species like Terminalia tomentosa;
Anogeissus latifolia; Boswellia serrata; Ougenia oojenensis; Sterculia urens;
Shorea robusta; Pterocarpus marsupium; Bridellia retusa and Diospyros
tomentosa etc. The middle storey has Chloroxylon swietenia; Emblica
officinalis; Morinda tinctoria; Cassia fistula; Bauhinia retusa; Dalbergia
latifolia; Buchanania lanzan and Careya arborea etc. Under storey consists
of Woodfordia fructicisa; Holarrhena antidysenterica; Lantana camara;
Zizyphus oenoplea etc with main climbers being Bauhinia vahlii; Butea
superba; Smilax macrophylla and Combraetum decandrum.
The main forest blocks having this type of forest type are Gumadaputi
RF; Padwa RF; Undergedda RF; Nandapur PRF etc. Most of these forest
blocks are subjected to heavy grazing. These forests are mostly burnt
annually, thus regeneration is also deficient. This is the result of continued
biotic interference.
Dry Peninsular Sal Forests
Group-5 Tropical dry deciduous Forests
Sub-Group-5 B Northern tropical dry deciduous Forests
Type-5-B/C1 Dry Sal bearing Forests
Sub-Type-5B/ C1c Dry peninsular Sal Forest
In the top canopy, the main species are Shorea robusta; Pterocarpus
marsupium; Anogeissus latifolia; Terminalia tomentosa; Boswellia serrata;
Lannea coromondelica; Lagerstroemia parviflora; Dalbergia latifolia;
Madhuca indica; Anogeissus acuminate; Mangifera indica; Bridellia retusa;
Bombax ceiba and Haldina cordifolia etc. The middle storey comprises of
Emblica officinalis; Cassia fistula; Buchanania lanzan; Semicarpus
anacardium; Terminalia balerica; Terminalia chebula; Diospyros
melanoxylon; Xylia xylocarpa; Morinda tinctoria; Dellenia pentagyna and
Aegle marmelos etc. The ground flora among other species contains
Mallotus philippinensis; Nyctanthes arbortristis; Phoenix acaulis and Grewia
hirsute.
Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest
Group-5 Tropical dry deciduous Forests
Sub-Group-5 B Northern tropical dry deciduous Forests
Type 5B/C2 Northern dry mixed deciduous Forests
The upper canopy is light and the trees have relatively short bole and
poor form. The canopy height is rarely over 15 meters, often much less and
is formed entirely of deciduous species. There is a considerable inter
169
mixture of rather smaller trees which form majority of the canopy though in
moist deciduous forests, these species generally form the second or middle
storey. A considerable portion of the forests of the Division occupy this type
of forest wherein Anogeissus latifolia is very widely spread and Buchanania
lanzan; Sterculia urens; Bauhinia species & poorly grown Terminalia
tomentosa are the most usual associates. Nyctanthes arbortristis is present
in many tracks.
In this type of forest, Kurum is either less represented or mostly absent
though other wise, the crop composition is almost similar to that of the
Southern dry mixed deciduous forests. The top canopy includes species like
Shorea robusta; Pterocarpus marsupium; Terminalia tomantosa; Bombax
ceiba; Mitragyna parvifolia; Anogeissus latifolia and Gmelina arborea etc.
The middle storey consists of Bridellia retusa; Dalbergia sissoo; Desmodium
oojeinensis Lannea coromandelica; Lagerstroemia parviflora; Buchanania
lanzan; Aegle marmelos; Terminalia bellirica; Terminalia chebula;
Semecarpus anacardium; Sysygium cumini; Diospyros melanoxylon;
Schleichera oleosa; Madhuca indica; Cleistanthus collinus; Morinda tinctoria;
Sterculia urens; Dellenia pentagyna; Emblica officinalis; Tamarindus indica;
Anogeissus accuminata; Mangifera indica; Bauhinia variegate; Mallotus
phillippensis and Pongamia pinnata etc. Undergrowth like Woodfordia
fructicosa; Holarrhena antidysenterica; Indigofera pulchela; Andrographis
paniculata; Phoenix acaulis; Tridax procumbens; Eupatorium odoratum and
Clerodendron infortunatum etc are also noticed in this forest type.
Dry Deciduous Scrub Forest
Group-5 Tropical dry deciduous Forests
Type 5/DS1 Dry deciduous scrub forests (Biotic climax type)
This is the degraded type of dry deciduous forests. It is recognized as
the first degradation stage in both the Sub-groups of tropical dry deciduous
forests found in the Division viz Northern tropical dry deciduous forests and
Southern tropical dry deciduous forests. Since such forests are the result of
continued biotic interference, these are also known as biotic climax type.
A typical characteristic of this forest type in the Division is a low broken
cover of shrubby growth including some tree species reduced to similar
conditions, usually many stemmed from the base. Some bamboo is often
present. Many of the shrubs are distasteful to the cattle e.g. Holarrhena
antidysenterica. Thin grass occurs through out such forests. Since the
forests under this category are the degraded stage of dry deciduous forests,
the species composition is similar to the ones found in type-5B/C1; type
5B/C2 and type-5A/C3 as can be seen. However, the growth is invariably
stunted, hardly rising up to 5 meters.

170
Dry Deciduous Savannah Forest
Group-5 Tropical dry deciduous Forests
Type 5/DS2 Dry deciduous savannah forests (Biotic climax type)

The second degradation stage of dry deciduous forest is this type of

forest. It is an open forest but typical formation of original forests is lost and
the trees stand apart singly or in small groups in more or less heavy grass in
which certain fire resistant plants persist. These fire resistant plants
gradually and slowly establish themselves as trees. However, in most of the
cases, such plants do not get established as trees because of fire and other
biotic factors and instead, keep sending up annual shoots from woody
rootstock as is observed in Kodingamali RF of Laxmipur Range. Stem less
phoenix is a particular characteristic of this forest as is found in Deomali PRF
and Pottangi PRF of Semiliguda Range.
All the above described climatic types are susceptible to be reduced to
open savannah type; the intensive biotic interference in such forest areas
causes conspicuous presence of grass which is other wise a secondary
feature in those forests(Climatic type). Some of the grass species
encountered in these forests are Oryza rufipogon; Eragrostis unioloides;
Heteropogon contortus; Arundinella setosa and Saccharum spontaneum. In
fact, the conditions leading to the formation of this forest make them more
xerophytic when compared with their corresponding climatic types. This is
typically observed in forest blocks like Galigabeda PRF.
Dry Bamboo Brakes
Group-5 Tropical dry deciduous Forests
Type 5/E9 Dry Bamboo brakes (edaphic climax type)
Many of the species of deciduous forests like Anogeissus; Butea
monospwerma; Bamboo and Boswellia serrata etc are capable of forming
more or less pure stands. This is mostly the result of harsher environmental
conditions including edaphic and biotic factors. The forests subjected to
these factors lead to the formation of edaphic climax types and the Dry
Bamboo Brakes is one such type of forests, which is mostly encountered in
Narayanpatna Range. Only Dendrocalamus strictus occurs in pure form in
this forest type making relatively low but dense brakes. However, with
increased grazing pressure and frequent ground fire, bamboo has grown into
dense & congested form with grass and thorny shrubs in between.
This forest is mainly occurring on dry hillsides of forest blocks like
Sakilova RF; Laxmipur alias Nalchua RF; and Dhaiguda PRF. It is generally
mixed with other species of dry deciduous forests like Bridellia retusa;

171
Dalbergia sissoo; Anogeissus latifolia; Terminalia tomentosa and Boswellia
serrata etc making this forest an admixture of bamboo with such tree species
both in top and middle canopy. In a few isolated patches however, bamboo
is found to occur in almost pure stand with hardly any association of other
species. Some of the blocks of this type of forest are Vaddipeta RF &
Atmakonda DPF etc.
Most of these forest blocks, once rich with Quality I & II bamboo clumps
have now degenerated in both quality & quantity; and at many places, the
bamboo clumps have even become congested. The main reasons are over
exploitation of bamboo, particularly from the easy accessible areas besides
practically negligible silvicultural inputs. This has even affected the natural
regeneration of many species. It indicates deficient regeneration in the
forest and if immediate measures are not taken, such bamboo forests of the
Division are likely to become completely unproductive.
In fact, large tracts of dry deciduous forests of the Division are tending
towards either scrub or savannah forests, mainly on account of continued
ever increasing biotic interference. It needs immediate measures to check
and to reverse this trend. In fact, the concept of joint forest management is
required to be strengthened further to improve the crop condition besides
schemes of massive plantation and rehabilitation of all such degraded
forests.
DIFFERENT FOREST TYPES
3% 13% 11%
24%
11%

3%
35%
Moist Peninsular Sal Forest
Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest
Dry Peninsular Sal Forest
Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest
Dry Deciduous Scrub Forest
Dry Deciduous Savannah Forest
Dry Bamboo Brakes

Biodiversity Survey
Biodiversity, a contraction of ―biological diversity‖ has been seen as the
total complexity of all life, including not only the great variety of organisms
but also their varying behaviour and interactions. In its widest sense,
biodiversity is virtually synonymous with “Life on Earth”. It encompasses the
whole range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects & other
invertebrates, plants, fungi and micro-organisms such as protista, bacteria &
viruses. In fact, it includes all living things that we depend on for our
economies and our lives. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 defines it to be
the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia,

172
terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological
complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species,
between species and of ecosystems. This is how the word ‗biodiversity‘ is to
be understood. Hence, the conservation of biodiversity is a must for all.
The United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), which was
signed by over 150 governments at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de
Janeiro, is the first international agreement committing governments to
comprehensive protection of the Earth's biological resources. The CBD has
three overall goals the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable
use of its components, and the fair & equitable distribution of benefits
derived from "genetic resources".
Since there is admitted threat to the biodiversity, it is required to be
conserved. Thus, in order to monitor and conserve biological diversity, it is
important to have ways of measuring and documenting the levels of
diversity. As there is diversity between individual, subspecies, species,
biological communities and ecosystems, it can be distinctively recognized at
three levels namely Species level (Between species); Genetic level (within
species) and Ecosystem level (within ecosystems & habitats). The most
useful level is the species which is defined as "a population whose members
are able to interbreed freely under natural conditions". Thus, the ultimate
measure of biodiversity is the total number of species in existence.
As two thirds of known biodiversity supposedly exists in the forest
areas, it is logical to commence such an exercise in the forests. The natural
forests possess myriad of living organisms that are inter-dependent for their
survival. So depletion of any one species will adversely affect the population
of other species. Present management of forests is aimed at maintaining this
symbiotic relationship.Therefore, it is more appropriate to say it Floristic
Diversity instead of Bio- Diversity. With better understanding of
interdependence of species, floristic diversity importance has been realized
of late. Now each and every tree, herb, shrub, climber, fungi, algae etc. are
equally waiting for the scientific research to prove it to be indispensable for
the benefit of mankind. Hence emphasis has been laid on the floristic
diversity studies in this Plan. The Species Diversity Indices have been
calculated for each such forest block by using modified ―Simpson‘s Floristic
Diversity Index‖.
2
D = 1 – [ (n i / N) ]
Where --D refers to Floral-diversity Index which is a ratio and varies from 0
to 1
i -refers to individual species i
N is total number of individual plants of all the species.
nI is the number of individuals of the given species ‗i‘ in the sampled area.

173
 From the above formula, it is clear that this diversity is a composite
index, which depends both on the number of individual species & the total
number of all the species, and hence, it is logically in consonance with the
definition of bio-diversity. It can also be seen that this index can attain a
minimum value of zero and a possible maximum value of one under limiting
conditions.
The Divisional Floral Diversity Index is calculated as follows -Number of
Individual Species = 94 (i varying from 1 to 94)
Total of All Species (N) =8546
Total Dominance Value (ni /N) 2 =0.051232654
Divisional Floral Diversity Index (D) = 1 – [ (n i /N) 2]
D = 1- 0.051232654
D = 0.948767346
Regeneration Survey
Though new recruits do occur in abundance but the establishment
varies considerably and is a matter of great concern in several blocks. The
ever-increasing biotic interferences like podu cultivation, fire, heavy grazing
and browsing, illicit removal of pole sizes and selected removal of trees, are
the main reasons for poor establishment of the regeneration. In fact,
valuable and browseable species are being replaced by less valuable,
xerophytic, unbrowseable species like sidha, karada, dhaura, barbakulia and
similar other species. Thorny xerophytic species are regenerating well, while
other miscellaneous, more useful and economic value species are doing
poorly. Regeneration status may be taken as very poor; even regeneration
of coppice origin remains retarded and poor. Frequent cultural operations
like cleaning of shoots, climber cutting, and removal of competitors along
with control on biotic interference can substantially improve this condition.
Estimation of Growing Stock
Local needs of the people in respect of forest produce are manifold.
The Division has more than 84% of its population living in rural areas that
depend on agriculture for its livelihood. Thus demand for the timber required
for preparation of agricultural equipments is very high. Similarly, there is
demand for timber for construction of houses as the Division has nearly
three & a half a lakh number of house holds which even needs timber for
furniture purpose as well. In fact, the total requirement of timber as assessed
works out to be over one lakh cubic meters annually against which the
production is not even 1% of the estimated quantity. Against the estimated

174
annual requirement of about 2.40 lakh MT, the production by the Division is
not even 500 MT. Similarly, the major demand for the fodder is also being
met from the forests; it is estimated that about 2,000 MT of fodder is
removed every day from various forests of the Division.
The tribals as well as other economically disadvantaged communities
depend, to a great extent, on forest for food and other requirements. They
collect flowers, fruits, roots, tubers, and kardies (i.e., young bamboo shoots)
from forests to supplement their incomes. They also collect firewood from
the forest for selling in the nearby urban townships. Preparation and selling
of charcoal from the forest is very common. Besides variety of non forest
timber produces (NTPS), the local people even collect roots and shoots of
plants having medicinal value and sell them to the private and Government
pharmacies and traditional healers. Bamboo requirement, both in rural and
urban areas for construction purposes as well as basket making is also met
from the forests though major consumption used to be by the Paper Mills.
Thus there has been huge pressure on the forests, which has resulted in its
degradation. In fact, the floral diversity is on decline and many species are
under threat of extinction.
Impact of Changing Forces
Growth of population has developed two mutuall opposite trends viz i)
growth in demand and consumption of forest produce (timber and fire wood),
and ii) growth in demand and use of forest area ( extension of settlement to
forest; agriculture and development projects).These forces over a period
tend to shrink forest area and as well affect flora and fauna.
Extent of Plantations done
The plantation activities have been taken up both inside & outside the
RFs. The major schemes implemented in the Division besides RLTAP are
‗Commercial Plantations‘; ‗Economic Plantations‘; ‗Compensatory
Plantations‘; Plantations under deposit works like DRDA and ITDA; SIDA
assisted Social Forestry Project etc.These schemes have been implemented
by different Forest Divisions besides erstwhile Koraput Afforestation Division
SFP Division, and the OFDC Ltd. However, the year wise abstract of these
plantation activities is furnished in below. Large number of these plantations
have been raised out side the outgoing plan areas including even revenue
department lands.
During pre 1990 to 2005-06, in an area of 7985.51 ha., plantations were
raised.

175
 The species raised in these plantations can be broadly classified under
three categories viz. (i) Economic Species; (ii) Miscellaneous species and
(iii) Commercial Species. Under ‗Economic Species‘ the plantations mostly
include teak (Tectona grandies); bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris); sissoo
(Dalbergia sissoo) & Gamhar (Gmelina arborea)etc though the dominant
species is teak( Tectona grandies). However, these plantations are not
maintained nor any thinning operations have been carried out as a result,
many good plantations of the yester years are now devoid of large trees.
For example, in Janniguda PRF; Dandabadi RF; & Almonda RF. In case of
such plantations of recent origin, the biotic pressure has been the main
factor responsible for stunted growth & less survival percentage. Bamboo
has generally failed in most of these patches.
The ‗Miscellaneous Species‘ are raised in most of the plantations under
different schemes and include many NTFP species like Karanj (Pongamia
pinnata); Amla (Emblica officinalis); Bahada (Teminelia belerica); Jamu
(Syzzium cummini); Semal (Bombax ceiba) ; Simaruba (Simaruba glauca);
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica); Jafra(Bixa ourelina)) etc besides fuel wood
species such as Chakunda (Cassia siamia); Acacia (Acacia auriculoformis)
& Siris (Albegia procera) in addition to species like Sahaj (Terminelia
tommentosa); Mahul (Madhuca indica); Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium);
Panas (Artocarpus heterophyllus); Badachakunda (Samania saman) etc.
However, these plantations have been subjected to heavy grazing &
browsing pressures though wherever the people are active, the plantations
are protected & having good growth. However, the condition of many
Plantations has been deplorable for want of required protection measures as
in blocks like Bhimdole RF; Khinmung ‗A‘ PRF; Bispani RF etc.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus hybrid, Eucalyptus cameldulensis, Eucalyptus
teriticornis) and Acacia (Acacia oriculaformis, Acacia holosirisa & Acacia
cameldulensis) have been raised as commercial species with almost pure
plantations under ‗Commercial Plantation‘ Scheme by OFDC Ltd in many
forest blocks of Koraput & Lamptaput Ranges. Most of these plantations
have become over mature and need immediate harvesting followed by
replanting. Since these species are in great demand as a raw material for
paper industries and exempted from the purview of Timber Transit Rules,
there is tremendous pressure on these plantations which have mostly been
raised in the harvested areas of Machkund Catchment. The plantations
which have been raised in Spillway RL; Khinmung RL; Bhalugongar RL;
Khandadi RL and Raipada PL are already covered under the approved
schemes for harvesting. Similar prescriptions are being proposed for such
plantations existing in blocks like Galigabeda PRF; Pottangi PRF;

176
Guneipada ‗A‘ PRF etc though some such plantations as in Kunduli PRF &
Bomel PRF have been adversely affected by illicit felling & removal.
Fauna
Faunal life has been on decline over time in the Division. The forests of
Koraput once abounding with wild life moving freely under the dense forest
cover, now presents a near sardid picture and that with rapidly vanishing
green cover, the abode of rich wild life of the tract has became inhospitable
& grossly incapable of sustaining the wild life heritage. Though the wildlife is
generally declining in the Division, most of the forest blocks in
Narayanpatna, Laxmipur & Semiliguda Ranges besides block like
Gumudaputi, Chidivalsa, Almanda, Jayakota, Laxmipur-Alias Nalachua,
Sargighati, Jodimadili, Sunki and few other forests are still comparatively,
better endowed with wildlife than other forest blocks.
No systematic census of all type of wildlife has been attempted in the
past. However, since 1995, regular census of Elephants & from 1998,
periodical census of Tigers and Leopards has been undertaken.
Pre-organization Census data for Elephant, Tiger & Leopard
Year Elephants Year Tigers Leopards Remarks
1995 02 1998 07 41 Data for pre-
1999 10 2002 05 41 reorganized
2002 04 2004 05 25 Rayagada
2004 15 Division.

In the year 2004, a detail survey of other animals has also been carried
out in Koraput Forest Division.
Census Data of Other Animals in Koraput Forest Division
Animal Number Animal Number
Bear 0402 Sambar 0014
Barking Deer 0056 Mouse Deer 0405
Langurs 0030 Monkeys 1300
Porcupine 0008 Mongoose 0365
Great Indian Sqirrel 0139 Grey Hornbill 0235
Peacock 0014 Peafowl 0302
Wolves 0035 Flying Sqirrel 0100
Wild Dogs 0057 Stipe Squirrel 0120
Wild Boar 0510 Pangoline 0075
There was census for tiger, elephant and leopard for Koraput forest
division from 2006 to 2012 every year, but no animal of above category was
sighted. This speaks of a volume on complete disappearance of these wild
animals which are threatned species in Indian wild life.

177
 Earlier in the undivided Koraput district, elephants used to be in good
number only inChandrupur block area and rarely used to the upper reach of
Koraput because of abundant fodder available in the jungle. With depletion
of forest they stray into other area in search of food and are occasionally
sighted in Koraput forest. They do not stay in this forest for a longer period
and migrate to other area soon. Elephant census between 2006 to 20015
reveals sighting of elephants between eight to fourteen only in three
years.
Variety of Fauna
The representatives of feline tribe like the Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera
Tigris), Leopard or Panther (Panthera pardus), the leopard cat (Felis
bengalensis), the toddy cat (Paradoduus hermaphro ditus), the civet cat
(Vivericula indica) and the common jungle cat (Felis chous) are found in the
Division during census of 1990. In fact, the tiger was frequently seen even
on the State Highway towards Rayagada near Laxmipur & Kakirigumma in
the early 1990s.
Amongst the snakes, Dhaman (Zamaris nucosus), Viper (Vipera
russelii) and the Krait (Bungarus candidus) are met with all over the Division
with Python (Python molurus) reported from Koraput Division i.e. forest block
like Bisipani & Ranigedda.
Among the big games, the spotted deer or chital (Axis axis) , barking
deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Sambar (Cervus unicolor) and the wild boar (Sus
scrofa) are common in the forests of the Narayanpatna Range through
mouse deer (Tragullus memina ) is also seen in reasonably good number in
Koraput Forest Division. The primates are represented by the common
Langur (Presbytis entellus) and the common Pati (Macaca mullata).
The avifauna of the Division is varied and includes peafowl, red jungle
fowl, common quail, green pigeon, the imperial pigeon, doves, drongoes,
blue rock pigeons, racket tailed drongoe or bhringaraj, the mynas, the grey
headed mynas, the bays, the red vented bulbuls, the golden back and pied
wood packers, the koels, the crow pheasants, large Indian parakeets, the
common king fisher, the common horn bills, the common Indian night jar, the
screech owl, the great horned owl, white backed vulture, the swifts, pariah
kite, the eagles, bush quail (Perdicula asiatica), the grey partridge, the cattle
egret, storks, pond herons, the jungle crow, pipits and wagtails.
Ducks and geese are scarce, but snipes, teals and water hen frequent
the waters of Kolab reservoir in Koraput Range where even migratory birds
are seen visiting in the winters as in case of Jolaput reservoir in Lamtaput
Range and Muran reservoir in Dasmantpur area of Laxmipur Range.
178
Man Animal Conflict
Many forests, in which wild animals were tinned or depleted, became
prey to human axe and forest fires. More over, increased road and railway
network has also fragmented the wildlife habitat. Reduced forest habitats
further affected wild life and a vicious circle has thus set in.
Increasing incidences of cattle grazing have also greatly reduced food
for many wild animals. Such a situation ha led to the wild animals becoming
easy prey to insatiable greed of mankind, both for meat as well as for wild
life trophies. Side by side, reduction in the habitat & also the less food
availability has made the wildlife to move out of their habitat and in
competition for their survival; there have been even incidents of human kill,
property damage etc. by the wild animals.
With the depletion of forests, wild animals are frequently straying into
the human habitation. The increase in human & cattle population has also
tremendously increased the pressure on the forests. Besides, some typical
food of the tribals like mahua liquor has been found to be the added
attraction for the wild elephants to raid the villages. These & many more
factors have contributed to wild life depredation causing injury to man &
property every now and then in the Division. Many a times, number of such
cases also go unreported. The total of 88 nos. of cases of both human being
(death & injury ) & cattle kill have been reported over a period of 15 years ,
which works out to over 5 nos. of such cases per year. The human kill by
wild elephants as well a tighers is 14 nos. each and death because of bear
attack is 8 nos. Thus, on an average about 2 nos. of human kill by wild
animals has taken place annually in the Division. After reorganization of
present Koraput Division,though the man animal conflict is almost a regular
phenomenan in the Divison, the compassionate amount being paid has
created some sort of sense of involvement among the villagers in the
process of wildlife conservation. The compassionate payment has helped
building the confidence of the people which is beneficial for wildlife
protection.
The Maharaja of Jeypore had recognized the traditional ritualistic tribal
mass hunt and allowed them the concession of practicing the annual
“Chaita bento parbo”. Some forests in Nandapur, Narayanpatna &
Chandrapur were exclusively reserved for the Royal hunt (Maharaja‘s
Shikar). In keeping with the growing conscioursness against wild life hunting,
many restrictions have been gradually imposed. With the enactment of the
wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 & its subsequent amendments, restrictions
have become more stringent. The tribal groups have been consciously

179
discouraged to abandon the practice of “Chaitra bento parbo” through
regular interaction, awareness campaign, and joint Forest management.
Implication for Forest Conservation and Redd+
Redd+ stands for countries' efforts to reduce emissions
from deforestation and forest degradation, and foster conservation,
sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon
stocks.
Deforestation and forest degradation are the second leading cause of
global warming, responsible for about 15% of global greenhouse gas
emissions, which makes the loss and depletion of forests a major issue for
climate change. Eighty percent of the Earth‘s above-ground terrestrial
carbon and forty percent of below-ground terrestrial carbon is in forests. In
addition to the large contribution of deforestation and forest degradation to
global emissions, combating both has been identified as one of the most
cost-effective ways to lower emissions.
Currently, there appears to be a consensus that the issue of
deforestation and forest degradation must be effectively tackled as it would
otherwise limit the options available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
greenhouse gas concentrations and increases in temperature to acceptable
levels. Any reduction in the rate of deforestation and forest degradation has
the benefit of avoiding a significant source of carbon emissions and reducing
other environmental and social problems associated with deforestation.. With
all the services that forests provide both to humanity and the natural world,
there is now widespread understanding of a simple yet profound fact that
forests are more important for conservation than for exploitation. Out of that
understanding has come the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility.
Northeastern forests, southern Western Ghats and Forests of eastern
India are estimated to be least vulnerable. This is on account of their high
biodiversity, low fragmentation, high tree density as well as low rates of
vegetation change (as these regions experience lower levels of temperature
increase and gain substantially in terms of precipitation).
Redd + and Koraput
As discussed in detail above because of deforestation, the
Afforetation and Reforestation activities and the Protection of existing forest
of the Division have assumed importance in the Carbon Sequestration. The
study of Carbon Sequestration and implications of REDD+ in Koraput is a
technical one which needs to be outsourced to the Person/Organization who
are expert in those studies.

180
The First Working Scheme (1962-63 to 1966-67)
This scheme, prepared by Late S.R.Choudhary, was the first attempt
towards concrete scientific management of the forests of the Division. It
made some provisions for regulation of yield vis-à-vis measures for
improving the health of the forests & even incorporated the systematic
working of bamboo forests as well. To achieve the above objectives, it
prescribed six working circles viz. (i) Selection cum Improvement Working
Circle; (ii) Coppice Working Circle; (iii) Afforestation Working Circle; (iv)
Plantation Working Circle; (v) Protection Working Circle and (vi) Bamboo
Working C
FOREST CONSERVATION MEASURES DURING OUTGOING PLAN
Working Plan 1990-1991 to 1999-2000
st
This was the 1 Working Plan of the Division and written only for
Reserve Forests of the Division. It covered total area of 1037.76 sqkms over
146 nos of RF blocks with plan period of 10 years. The objectives of
management of forests under this plan were in consonance with the National
Forest Policy of 1988 having principal aim of ensuring environmental stability
and maintenance of ecological balance. The specific objectives outlined
were (i) maintenance & improvement of environmental stability vis-à-vis
condition of the forests, both by preservation of existing biodiversity and
also, through restoration measures; (ii)meeting the requirement of essential
local & national needs of different forest produce, by increasing the
productivity of forests with a shift from traditional forestry practices and in
conjunction with massive afforestation programmes AND (iii) increasing
employment opportunities through different forestry activities to wean away
the rural poors & tribals from the pernicious practice of podu cultivation. The
plan further aimed at improving the condition of the forests through
appropriate cultural operations and in order to achieve the aforesaid
objectives, the following nine working circles were created -
(i) Improvement Working Circle
(ii) Rehabilitation Cum Soil Conservation (Overlapping) Working Circle
(iii) Sandalwood Working Circle
(iv) Teak Plantation Working Circle
(v) Plantation Working Circle
(vi) Wildlife Management (Overlapping) Working Circle
(vii) Bamboo (Overlapping) Working Circle
(viii) Minor Forest Produce (Overlapping) Working Circle
(ix) Protection Working Circle

181
Final Outcome
However, the prescriptions of the outgoing plan could not be
implemented during the currency of the said plan for variety of reasons.
However, during the intervening period since the expiry of the plan, large
scale plantation activities have been undertaken besides rehabilitation of
degraded forests.
Working Scheme 1990-91 to 1999-2000
This Scheme was prepared with the sole objective of management of
bamboo forest existing outside the RF blocks for the period of 10 years
commencing from 1990-91 and thus only Bamboo Working Circle was
prescribed with ―Culm Selection cum Clump Improvement‖ silvicultural
system for Salia Bamboos & ‗Clump Improvement‘ for Daba Bamboos on 4
years rotation with combined simultaneous cleaning and cultural operations.
Hence, the blocks included here were containing fairly good proportion of
bamboo (the main species being Salia though some daba along fringes of
nallahs and perennial streams was also existing). The total area included
under this scheme was 1578.93 Sqkm inclusive of two over lapping felling
series of daba bamboo and divided into 15 felling series. In all, it covered 45
forest blocks for which respective areas were taken approximately, having
been collected from the first Working scheme.
Special Efforts for Improvement Undertaken
Most of the prescriptions of the outgoing plan & scheme could not be
followed for paucity of funds during the currency of the plan. However, still
with the available meager budgetary allotments, works of improvement have
been carried out. Rather, more of inputs have been given during the
intervening period, particularly in the last 5 to 6 years with the launch of
special schemes like RLTAP besides WFP in the tribal dominated belts of
the Division. These together with improvement works undertaken during and
in the intervening period of the expired plan & scheme are narrated below in
brief.
Revised Long Term Action Plan (RLTAP)
Keeping in view the extreme poverty and socio-economic depression of
this region, known as KBK area ( it comprises of undivided Kalahandi;
Balangir & Koraput districts, now divided into eight districts), the State
Government have launched a Long Term Action Plan in Aug‘1995 with
‗Additional Central Assistance‘ from Government of India to undertake socio-
economic development of KBK districts. However, the Revised Long Term
Action Plan (RLTAP) was implemented w.e.f. 1998 with main objectives of (i)
generating employment opportunities for local poor people, particularly the
182
tribal, to ensure food security; (ii) increasing forest cover in order to improve
the climatic conditions for better distribution of rains and (iii) improving
hygienic conditions of the forests for increased productivity. The
implementing mode for the scheming e is of participatory nature involving the
Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) or Van Sanrskhyan Samiti
(VSSs) from the planning stage itself in which villagers ade made stake
holders. In Joint Forest Management programme, villagers are motivated to
protect forest and also avail a share of the usufructs of the forest.
The plantations raised included IAEP (Integrated Afforestation & Eco-
development Project); AOFFP (Area Oriented Fuel wood & Fodder Project);
Non-Timber Forest Produce scheme including Bamboo plantation (NTFP)
th
besides 10 Five Year Plan schemes of Indigenous Mixed Fuel wood
Plantations and Aromatic & Medicinal Plantation. In fact, plantations have
been the major component of this scheme which not only includes ‗Entry
Point Activities‘ but also sufficient Soil & Moisture conservation measures
are incorporated as well besides maintenance of these plantations even up
to the fourth year of formation.During the perid from 1999-2000 to 2005-06
total plantation of12925 hectors in 380 sites was done.
Boundary Maintenance has not been regularly done. Hence,
considering the necessity, this activity as an allied component of the scheme
has been under taken includes survey; mapping; boundary clearance and
pillar construction and/or repairs besides Agave plantation along the
encroachment prone forest boundaries in the following year in 2005-06 over
6.25 RKM in this Division. The abstract of boundary maintenance done is
shown below.
Boundary maintenance under rltap scheme
Division No. of Survey & clearance Pillars attended (nos)
blocks ( in kms) Repair Constructed Total
Koraput 30 390 314 2830 3144

State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB)

The SMPB, Orissa has sanctioned one project for development of
medicinal wealth of the Division. The main objectives of the project are
identification & documentation of medicinal plant species in the project area;
conservation & propagation of these species for sustainable use with active
involvement of the local traditional healers & VSSs; protection of indigenous
knowledge on ethno-medicine and development of proper market linkage
between the primary collectors & pharmaceutical industries.

183
 Some Medicinal species Occurring in In-Situ treatable Area
Local Name Botanical Name Local Name Botanical Name
Achu Morinda tintoria Khirakoli Carissa spinarum
Anla Emblica officinalis Madhabi lata Hiptage bengalensis
Banopatoli Barleria cristata Muturi Smilex macrophylla
Bel Aegle marmalos Neem Azadirachta indica
Boincho koli Flacoutia cataphracta Patal garuda Rauwolfia serpentina
Ganga siuli Nyctanthes arbortristis Satabari Asparagus recemosus
Jamu koili Syzygium cumini Siali Bauhinia vahlii
Kantai koli Flacourtia indica Sugandhi Hemidesmus indicus
Kataka Strycnos potatorum Thal kudi Centella asiatica
Lajokuli Mimosa pudica Tuta koli Morus alba

The different components of the project are inventorization of medicinal

plants in the treatable area; awareness campaign through workshops &
camps; regeneration cleaning in the in-situ area with more emphasis on the
medicinal plants including gap plantation with such species; soil & moisture
conservation measures; fencing of the treatable area and raising of variety of
medicinal plants in the demonstration plot.
Medicinal Plants(some) Raised in the Demonstration Plot
Local Name Botanical Name Local Name Botanical Name
Anla Emblica officinalis Ghee kuari Aloe vera
Aswagandha Withania somnifera Gol mircha Pipper nigrum
Anantamula Hemidesmus indica Haladi Curcuma domestica
Banatulusi Ocimum bacilicum Jafra Bixa orellana
Bhuin neem Andrographis paniculata Lajakuli Mimosa pudica
Dhanwantari Cymbopogon citratus Satabari Asparagus recemosus
Dimiri Ficus glomerata Sapuri Ananus comosus

Forest Fire and Protection

Forest fires are as old as the forests themselves. They sometime pose
serious threat to the biodiversity and ecology. Forest fires have
environmental impact in terms of tropical biomass burning, which produce
large amount of trace gases, aerosol particles, and play a pivotal role in
troposphere chemistry and climate aberrations. Thus, there is a need to
carry out fire frequency and burnt area mapping for fire vulnerability on one
hand and operational fire monitoring in real time/near real time for effective
response on the other. Real time monitoring of forest fires is being carried
out by FSI using MODIS sensor fire alerts on-board two of the satellites –
Terra and Aqua. The processed signals on forest hot-spots are being
transmitted to SFDs on regular basis during fire season. Hence real time
monitoring of forest fires is a process now in operation to curtail fire severity
and sensitize SFDs at operational level to prevent normal fires in getting
converted into wild fires. The online feedbacks on forest fires which are a
part of this system could help estimate the actual loss of forest strata as well
as the loss caused to top-soil.

184
Forest and Climate Change
Climate is an active factor in the physical environment of all living
things. Climate change and variability are impacting forest ecosystem
processes and functioning. Response time of forest ecosystem to
disturbances ranges from a very short duration to decades and even
centuries, depending on the condition of the system and type, intensity and
duration of the external stimuli. The actual state of forest ecosystem largely
depends on processes and practices of the past. Therefore, forests are
extremely complex to understand their functioning. Climate change further
magnifies those complexities and adds more uncertainties. Forests are
linked to climate change in three ways; i) they are source of greenhouse gas
(GHG) emission; ii) they offer mitigation opportunities to stabilize GHG
concentrations; iii) they are impacted by climate change. Impacts of climate
change on forest ecosystem are getting manifested as species range shifts,
changing biodiversity, physiological changes in plant life cycle, forest growth
pattern of species, changing boundaries of ecosystems and other biotic and
abiotic responses/ stresses. There are evidences of increase in the
frequency and severity of forest fires, changing water regimes and
expanding forest insect infestation. Since forest ecosystems operate on
large temporal scales, long observational studies are necessary to identify
the key changes. Accordingly grid based sampling is designed to provide
relevant information to cover the characteristic time scales.
Carbon Sequestration and Mitigation
Forests and wood products can effectively reduce the process of
climate change in several ways. Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere and store the carbon so efficiently that about half the dry
weight of a tree is carbon. This carbon remains locked up in the form of
wood and wood products. Sustainably grown and harvested wood (and other
biomass) also provides a renewable alternative to fossil fuels and enhance
carbon storage. Enhanced carbon sequestration through recognized and
innovative silvicultural practices, eco-restoration of degraded/mined out
forestlands, improved biomass productivity, etc. will help in improving forest
health and vitality. Forest soil must be kept healthy and fertile. The growth of
forest crops must be kept vigorous to attain the most desirable level of
biomass production within an optimal time scale.
Compensatory Afforestation Area and its Consolidation
There are 24 sites over 3203.8540 hectares which are under
compensatory afforestation and included in the expired/expiring plan for the
first time. Most of these areas have already been mutated in favour of Forest
Department. However, these patches are yet to be notified as Protected
Forests and to be ultimately declared as Reserve Forests. As a result,

185
required protection efforts could not be enhanced further. In fact, the field
verification carried out shows that in many sites, the planted crop has been
adversely affected by biotic interference and that some areas like Maruwar in
Laxmipur Range are even under active podu cultivation as well. Since the
compensatory afforestation areas are in lieu of the forest land diverted for
non-forestry purpose, all such areas shall forthwith be brought under the
legal frame work of Protected Forests/ Reserve forests. This should be
ensured henceforth. However, for the areas included in the plan, the
pendency shall be cleared in one go by submitting the draft proposal for
notification as protected forest U/S 33 of the Orissa Forest Act‘1972.
Fuelwood Management
The detail estimation and analysis of firewood requirement in the
Division has already been done. The firewood is legally supplied by the
OFDC Ltd only. This supply is very limited and delivered by the Forest
Department for sale through OFDC Ltd retail sale Depots. However, the
production is hardly any match to the assessed requirement; it is not even
1% of the total requirement. Though some other sources like LPG
Agricultural Waste, Kerosene, Cow Dung are also available & used as a
cooking fuel, the firewood continues to be the major cooking fuel putting
tremendous pressure on the forests of the Division. Keeping in view the
limited availability of alternative fuels, the removal of firewood can not be
stopped completely as this domestic energy is an essential daily requirement
of majority of populace of the Division.
To reduce the heavy pressure on the existing forests, following
measures may be adopted -
i) Extensive plantations of short rotation fuel wood species should be
raised on community & other barren lands,
ii) Encouragement of Agro Forestry and Farm Forestry in large scale.
iii) Motivation of people through formation of VSS to regenerate degraded
patches of forests to meet their fuel-wood requirement, instead of
depending on existing forests.
iv) Distribution of fuel-efficient smokeless chullahs (It can reduce
consumption by 30 %) to all the villagers at concessional rates to
reduce the consumption of fuel wood. Even, optimal utilization of
firewood shall be ensured without wasteful burning.
v) Use of firewood in commercial establishments like hotels; restaurants;
Brick kiln etc shall be strictly prohibited.

186
Jeypore Forest Division
In the past the geographical area of Jeypore Frost Division comprised
the Jeypore & Malkangiri revenue Sub Divisions. The Jeypore Froest
Division was created in the year 1958.
During reorganization of the Odisha Forest Department during the year
2003, the Jeypore Forest Division was divided into two Forest Divisions, i.e.
Jeypore Forest Division with headquarters at Jeypore & Malkangiri Forest
Division with headquarters at Malkangiri. Kotpad and Boriguma Blocks of
erstwhile Nabarangpur Forest Division were also included in the Jeypore
Forest Division, the jurisdiction coincides with Jeypore Sub-Division of
Koraput District.This division includes 5 number of CD blocks namely
Jeypore, Boipariguda, Kundra, Borigumma, and Kotpad all in Koraput
District. The new set up of the Divisions came into existence from
dt.01.10.2003.
The tract dealt with in this forest division is a part of the Eastern Ghat
Plateau. The Division lies between the North Latitude 18º-35‘N to 19º-12‘E
and East Longitude of 82º-5‘ to 82º-50‘E, From the geographical point of
view the total Geographical Area of this Division is 2970 Sq.Kms.

Administrative Set up The Jeypore Forest Division has 6 Ranges, 20

Sections and 68 Beats. Every Range is in charge of a Ranger\ Deputy
Ranger and the range area is divided into different Sections managed by a
Forester, similiarly every forest section devided into no of Beats managed by
a Forest Guard for smooth conservation, management and protection of
forests.

187
 Forest Area - In the newly created Jeypore Forest Division, the total
forest area is 1194.9541 Sq. Kms. Different categories of forests with area
are given below:
1 Reserved Forests 47 Nos 17609.9500 Ha.
2 Prposed Reserved Forests/ 45 Nos 57,159.3446 Ha.
Reserve Land
3 Forest Block (Demarcated 19 Nos 3836.7219 Ha.
Protected Froests) Pending for
reservation
4 Demarcated Protected Forests 04 Nos 6074.08 Ha.
(Dropped after U/S-4 notification)
5 Other Forest 2065.12 Ha.
6 Un classed Forest 28.00 Ha
7 Village Forest 143 Nos 1001.96 Ha
8 Revenue Forest 32137.24 Ha
Grand Total 1, 19,912.4165 Ha.

CONFIGURATION OF THE GROUND

Physiography
The Jeypore Divisions carved out from the old Jeypore Forest Division
are situated in a very peculiar physiographic location having three stratified
zones. They are (i) low plain of Malkangiri District, (ii) 600mt and above of
Jeypore plateau.
Jeypore Plateau
The Jeypore plateau starts from 300m to 600m from M.S.L. level right
from Govindpalli in the south and extend up to the border of Chattishgarh
(Bastar) in the west, Nabarangapur and Kalahandi District in the north and
clearly distinguished 900m and above Koraput plateau in the east marked by
high hills. The western side is also marked by River Kolab and rich plain
land of Kolab Basin. There are also some hillocks in the south and east
containing of good quality forest cover.
North- Eastern Hill Tract of 900mt and Above
This is the escarpment of the Eastern Ghats, which gives rise to
ranges after ranges of hills ultimately rolling down to the east coast. On the
other hand, the 900m plateau starting with the Ghatgummer hills in the north
and extending along the Machhkund river in north- south direction to the
border of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The distinct features of
this zone are high hills delimiting from 600mt Jeypore plateau. Kondamali
Parbat (1086mt), (1026mt), Pakhnaguda-donger (1150mt), Jayantgiri
(1021mt) Sanmali-donger (1071mt), etc. are some of the peaks in the
eastern limit. The footpaths connect the scattered hamlets and villages
188
where the primitive tribals like Gadabas, Gondas, Kondhs, Koyas, Porojas,
Bhatora etc. live and practice shifting cultivation. Now, the Government has
given focus on connecting the Panchayat headquarters with fair weather
road under ‗Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna‘. The Bagra Falls on Kolab,
Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project are some of the features in the region.
Climate and Rainfall
The general climate of Jeypore Division is characterized by tropical to
sub-tropical climate more of Deccan type. This is due to its elevation and
hilly terrain at most of the places. Actually, four distinct seasons i.e. summer,
rain, autumn and winter are experienced during the year. The summer
season form March to mid June, the rainy season from mid June to
September, the autumn season is from October to November and the winter
is from December to February. During winter the days air is chilly in Jeypore
area.
In Jeypore Plateau and the high Eastern Ghats, the summer is
comfortable, rain-fall heavy and starts around mid June, winter is
pronounced and nights are cooler in March though the days get warmer a
little.
Rainfall and Wind
Rainfall in Jeypore Forest Division is fairly high compared to that of
adjoining districts. The average annual rainfall during the last ten years of
Jeypore is 1575.95m.m..
This forest division gets rainfall mainly through southwest monsoon
and the ghat terrain of the division largely influences the distribution of
rainfall. The Jeypore plateau and 900 meters high hills in northeastern parts
of the division, which is a part of the Eastern Ghats, have a great impact on
the rainfall distribution. The area to the east of the ghats, receives less
rainfall then those areas of the ghats and to its west. The Jeypore Plateau
gets the higher rainfall in comparison
The three hypsographic units Jeypore plateau (300 to 600 MSL) and
North-eastern Mountains and hills on the edge of Koraput plateau (600 to
900 MSL) have distinct variation in temperature. The Jeypore Platue is hotter
than the Koraput platue. In fact, the frequent forest fire in these areas during
summer months is the evident of high temperature. From November
onwards when the monsoon withdraws temperature decreases progressively
and the drop in night temperature begins more rapidly. December is the
coldest month. During winter the minimum temperature goes down to 6ºC in
Jeypore area.

189
Types of Encroachments
There are three types of encroachments noticed in the forests. First
category of encroachments by podu / shifting cultivators who do not have
any other mean of livelihood. Even though these encroachments are
temporary but gradually tending towards stable cultivation. Second category
of encroachments is by agriculturist to occupy more land. And the third one
is the encroachment by influential persons, rich farmers and others who
clear forest lands and occupy large chunk of forest land for agricultural
operation. In fact, as per field verification carried out, there are number of
unauthorized encroached villages already established in many forest blocks.
However,the extent of encroachment in the Division is 1363.54 Ha. Revenue
Department, of Government of Odisha have decided to regularize the pre
1980 encroachments existing over the forest land which are eligible for such
regularization as per the guidelines of the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 .
This regularization is a one-time settlement for all pre-1980 encroachments.
The main criteria for treating a particular encroachment eligible for
regularization are (i) encroachments proposed for regularization must have
taken place prior to 25/10/1980; (ii) encroachments must subsist on the field
and the encroached land must be under continuous possession of the
encroachers and (iii) all such cases must fall under the eligible category, that
is, such cases are those where the State Government had evolved certain
eligibility criteria in accordance with local needs and conditions and had
taken a decision to regularize such encroachments but could not implement
their decision either wholly or partially before enactment of the Forest
(Conservation) Act on 25/10/1980.
Accordingly forest block wise survey was made on encroachments and
the proposal for regularization of eligible pre 1980 encroachments of
erstwhile Jeypore Forest Division has already been submitted by the
Collector, Koraput to the Government through the Principal Chief
Conservator of Forest for an area of 1214.26 Ha. of forest land out of total
6053.33 ha. of encroachment.
Rights and Concessions
Rights and concessions allowed by government in different types of
forests have gradually evolved over time. All the rights, concessions and
privileges are subject to the condition that if a given forest resource is
exhausted or detrimental to the general health of forests, all rights;
concessions or privileges shall cease to exist. On Rights under Orissa
Forest Act, 1972 it may be said that on implementation of the Orissa Forest
Act, 1972, number of Reserve Forests have been constituted where in rights
and concessions of the local people have been duly inquired into by the
190
Forest Settlement Officers; and in most of the cases he has allowed some
rights and concessions as well as privileges in the relevant Govt.
Notifications issued U/s 21 of the said Act. Some common rights,
concessions or privileges, in different Reserve Forests are as follows
(i) The villagers are allowed to collect firewood and bamboos for their
domestic needs and allowed to graze their cattle subject to payment of
royalty and restrictions as may be imposed by the Forest Department
from time to time. However, the browsers and grazers are not allowed
in the regeneration and plantation areas to encourage regeneration
and growth of plantations.
(ii) Right to collect and remove edible roots, fruits, minor forest produce
such as Mohua, Kendu, Char, Sal seeds, Siali leaves and other except
sandalwood and cashew nut, where the forest department or the Soil
Conservation branch of Agriculture Department raises plantations free
of cost as as a soi conservation measure in degraded soil.
(iii) Rights to enjoy fruits of horticultural plantations, permitted within the
boundaries of Reserved Forests, as may be decided by the Collector of
the district, in consultation with the Divisional Forest Officer concerned
would be available to the village community or to specified individuals
that include their successors in interest.
Rights to use specified roads, foot-paths, boundary line and cart-tracks
running across the specified reserve forests to adjoining villages for their
movement, and collection of water from rivers and streams etc. subject to
such restrictions as may be imposed by the competent authoritie
Forest Flora
The flora of Jeypore Forest Division is the mixture of forest species of
the Central India and the Deccan Plateau. It is of deciduous nature, barring a
very few blocks and pockets wherein forests are of semi evergreen type.
While considering floristic composition of the forest it is clearly distinguished
into two types of forest, i.e. (i) Sal Forests, where Sal is the pure crop and
miscellaneous with Sal, (ii) Miscellaneous Forests, where Sal is completely
absent and replaced by mixed species sometimes with teak. Due to three
distinguished altitudinal zones and side by side with their varying edaphic
and climatic influences, three different types ofvegetation can be easily
recognized.
(i) The 900 M North East Plateau The forests of this tract are mostly
moist-miscellaneous type and sometime tend towards semi evergreen
condition in the valleys. Due to over exploitation and podu / shifting

191
 cultivation, most of the forests of these high elevations are in a
devastating condition..
(ii) The 600 M Jeypore Plateau Most of the forests on the Jeypore
Plateau are of either pure Sal forest or Miscellaneous with Sal forest.
Sal ascends to heights of 650 M where other conditions are favorable,
but it is at its best from 360 M to 600 M on undulating ground with good
drainage. In this tract, due to well-drained soil, good rainfall (normal
rainfall 1521.8 mm) including prolonged monsoon period, wide variation
in temperature with high relative humidity supports luxuriant growth of
forests.
(iii) The Sal-Teak Dividing Zone (Ecotone Zone)
As it was discussed in the above paragraphs, due to varying altitudinal,
edaphic and climatic changes, there is the limiting zone of northern
peninsular Sal forest in the State. Towards north of this land there is
pure Sal or miscellaneous with Sal, where as towards south the natural
Teak is found. The Ecotone line passes roughly through 18º - 27‘ N
latitude about 70 Kms. from Jeypore .Of course, due to physiological
changes in the localities, some blocks are absent with teak and
complimented by miscellaneous forests.
Sal Forest - The Sal forests are mostly found in Jeypore, Boipariguda,
Ramagiri, Gupteswar and Kundra Ranges of Jeypore Forest Division forming
continuous stretch, whereas it is limited to Mathili Range area of Malkangiri
Forest Division. There were trees of all age class distributed over the forest
area. But with the passage of time, degradation has set in and many forest
blocks that once boosted with luxuriant growth have become almost open
forest and barren, particularly in and around the Jeypore township area.
Therefore, now there is marked difference in the types of Sal Forests of
erstwhile Jeypore Forest Division. The approximate area of Sal forests
coming under plan area is nearly 278 Sq.Kms.
The Sal forests of Jeypore Forest Division are distinctly of a moist
peninsular type with affinities both towards south Raipur / Jagdalpur and
Singhbhumi sub-types. The general associates of Sal found in these
localities are Diospyros embryopteris (Makadkendu), Litsea macrophylla
(Gad panas), Anthocephalus kadamba (Kadamba), Mangifera indica
(Ambo), Mallotus philippenensis (Kamalagundi), Syzigium cumini (Jamun)
and extensive moist bamboo brakes and wild banana.
In parts of Dharmagad, Sarangpalli, Majhiguda, Ghodaghat,
Dhondrakhol, Muzurumunda, and Sindhigaon forest blocks, due to highly
favorable conditions, Sal is the pure crop and largely of quality III. In
192
occasional cases, it is found reaching with quality II. During field verification,
it was noticed that most of the trees after 150-cm. girths at breast height start
deformation and decaying. Also, in hill slopes and on ridges due to less soil
depth the Sal quality diminishes to quality IV and the maximum girth is 120-
cm. with height 20-mt. Further, the trees start becoming unsound in hilly
areas due to frequent fire and poor availability of soil moisture.
The natural regeneration of Sal in most of the forest blocks is poor. In
blocks like Muzurumunda I and II the regeneration is completely absent.
However, in forests where protection is being afforded through Van
Surakhya Samittee (VSS), there are profuse annual shoots in old rootstocks.
In subsequent times, these shoots are damaged by congestion and woody
climbers due to want of cultural operations. In marginal forests, the saplings
are regularly damaged by unscrupulous felling resulting crooked pollard
shoots with callous formations. Thus, in general the regeneration in Sal
forests is poor and towards devastation and retrogration of sites.
Bamboos
Bamboo occurs in many forest blocks of the reorganized Jeypore
Forest Division but the quality and quantity are poor and less respectively.
Due to this, commercial harvesting is not possible. Illeagal removal of
coradee and young bamboos by the artician is a common phenomenon in
ths division.
Forest Fauna
As per classification adopted by Wild-life Institute of India, the entire
Forest Division falls in the Eastern Plateau Biotic Province under the Deccan
Peninsula Bio-geographic Zone. The Division was once rich with variety of
wild animals. The varied terrain and contiguous dense compact forest of
different forest types had contributed significantly the richness of the wild life.
The wild life found were Tiger, Leopard, Wild Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Bears,
Mouse-Deer etc .So also in Dharmagad, Dasmantpur, Sarangpalli,
Dhondrakhol, Sindhigaon etc. of Boipariguda and Ramagiri Range area but
over the time the rapid growth of population and better road links to deep
inside the forests caused slow and steady degradation of flora and fauna.
Further annual forest fire and different kinds of biotic pressure together with
liberal issue of gun license in the name of crop protection has resulted
depletion of wild life in many forest blocks. Now the density has come down
so seriously that sighting of even Chital is accidental.
Past History of Wild Life Management
Prior to the vesting of Jeypore Estate, due protection was given to the
wild animals by the Zamindars and the forests were rich with wild life. But,
with the increase in issuing the gun licenses to the public for crop protection
193
led to continuous sikar by the locals added to Akhand Paridhi( mass hunting
by the tribal) during Chaitra Parba in March-April for days together brought
down the number of wild animals considerably. The first working scheme for
management of forests of Jeypore Division was prepared in the year 1960
for ten years. Though the scheme was preliminary to the systematic
management of forests supported with eight working circles, there was no
special working circle for management of wild life in particular. The following
wild animals are found in the forest area of Jeypore Division.
i) Sambar, Barking Deer and Mouse Deer Sambar and barking deer
were represented through out the Division.
ii) Tiger - Tigers were widely distributed in the Division but were mostly
found in Ramagiri, now their number is very less. Even in Jeypore
Division during last census no tiger was found.
iii) Leopard - The Leopards are only noticed in Patea and Gadapadar
forest of Jeypore Division.
iv) Hyena - These animals were found through out the Division.
v) Sloth Bear, Jackal, Indian Fox Wild Boar and Wolf-These animals
were commonly met with in the Division. However the wild boars were
facing the problem of large scale shooting. Number of bear is estimated
around more then 400 in Jeypore, Borigumma, and Kotpad area of this
Division.
vi) Indian Squirrels, Flying Squirrels and Porcupines - These animals
were commonly found in all most all the ranges of the Division.
vii) Rabbits and Rats - The Rabbits and Rats were plentily available in
entire forest division. Among other rodents, giant Indian Squirrel, Brown
Flying Squirrel and Porcupines were the common.
viii) Primates - Among primates, the common Langur, the common Monkey
(Macaca mulata) and Bonate Monkey (Macaca radiate).
ix) Birds - The birds like Pea fowls were commonly seen all over the
division. However Pea fowls were found in groups in Machhkund
basins. Other birds were Jungle fowl, Grey Partridges, the Quail, Horn
bills, the hill Myna, Orioles, Malabar Pie, Bulbuls, Para kits and Rocket
Tailed Drongo were common.
x) Snakes - Among snakes, the Indian Python and King Cobra were
though not found everywhere mostly located in Dharmagad and
Gupteswar area. The Cobra, Russells Vipers and Green Pit Vipers
were abundantly found in the Division.

194
xi) Fishes Among fishes Catfishes, Murals and other small fishes were
found in small streams. However Indian Carps were found in Kolab
river.
The last wild animal census in the State was taken up during the year
2013-14 which has returned the following figures for Jeypore Forest Division.
Name of Animal 2013-14
Jackal 51
Bear 368
Hyena 18
Jungle Cat 7
Rabbit 109
Barking Deer 149
Monkey (Langur) 388
Monkey (Rhesus) 374
Wolf 15
Wild Boar 384
Wild Dog 19
Tiger 1

Total revenue receipt of this Forest Division which was Rs 59,90,459 in

2010-11 rose to Rs 3,22,58,264 in 2014-15.
Present Management of the Forest
Sustainability of forest eco-system is an essential component of the
environmental conservation efforts and any degradation of forests will have
an adverse impact on various systems such as water resources, agriculture,
bio-diversity, environment, climate and human health besides the
subsistence living of tribals and other communities living in and around the
forest areas. Therefore, the function with respect to conservation of soil,
water and bio-diversity are vital for the welfare of present and future
generations.
National Forest Policy, 1988 emphasizes highest priority to the
environmental role of forests and advocates ensuring environmental stability
and ecological balance including atmospheric equilibrium, which are vital for
the sustenance of all life forms, human being, animal, and plants
subordinating the direct economic benefit out of it. The policy aims at
maintenance of the environmental stability through preservation and where
ever necessary restoration of ecological balance that has been adversely
disturbed by serious depletion of forests. This policy also aims at increasing
the productivities of the forests to meet the ever-increasing needs of the

195
essential goods and services, which the forests provide. Thus the forests of
the country should not be managed as a source of revenue but should be
conservation oriented with the active involvement of local stakeholders
specially woman and poor people those who are living in and around the
forests.
The ever increasing population, change in life style and increasing
demand on the forest products have exerted tremendous pressure on the
existing forest resources of the Division. Due to this increasing pressure on
forests, there has been general degradation and denudation of many forest
blocks mainly in Boipariguda and Jeypore area of the Division. In fact, due to
low diversification of the local economy, the dependence of the people on
agriculture and forests for their sustenance continues to be high.
The ground realities and the principle of the National Forest Policy,
1988 are the guiding factors for general objects of management in this plan.
The General Objects of Management
The general objects of this plan are as follows:
i) To prevent further degradation of the forests by regulating felling of
trees and giving more emphasis on conservation and protection of the
existing flora and fauna.
ii) To maintain permanent closed canopy on the hill slops and catchments
of rivers and reservoirs to check soil erosion, to regulate water yield
and maintain hydrological balance.
iii) To restock the barren, degraded and unproductive area through
appropriate techniques and prescriptions.
iv) To improve the composition and productivity of these forests by
increasing investments and scientific management.
v) To conserve the wildlife resources in the Division and help to enrich the
bio-diversity.
vi) To meet the needs of the local people in keeping with the aforesaid
environmental imperatives.
vii) To provide opportunities for sustainable livelihood security to the people
dependent on forests living in and around.
viii) To create massive people‘s movement with the involvement of women
and particularly weaker sections of the society for efficient utilization of
forest products and minimizing pressure on existing forests.

196
Methods of Treatment
Due to lack of accessibility and proper and sufficient cultural operations,
the productivity of these forests has been reduced to a great extent
particularly with regard to bamboo and NTFP items. Also, the forests in
general have degraded during the outgoing plan/scheme including
intervening period, though in many areas crop condition has shown
improved because of active participation of the local people through Joint
Forest Management practices. Further, it has been well supported by the
implementation of ‗KBK Yojana‘, i.e. RLTAP Scheme from 1998 onwards.
As revealed during field inspections, some blocks particularly in
Jeypore and Boipariguda Ranges which were managed under Protection-
cum-Rehabilitation Working Circle during last plan period have rejuvenated
well and require further protection for improvement of the crop. In some
blocks, the crop has become congested and requires cultural operations to
create conducive condition for better and adequate natural regeneration.
However, a good number of blocks have become barren and degraded,
needs special efforts of complete protection from biotic interference and
rehabilitation measures like cultural operations followed by artificial
regeneration.
The bulk of the Sal forests managed under Selection Working Circle in
last plan have been devastated by encroachment and reckless hacking. But
some patches are still there which could be managed for producing large
sized timber.
The podu ravaged as well as encroachment areas require special
attention with respect to prevention of fresh encroachment through
motivation for settled cultivation and/or diverting them into other work for
fulfilling their livelihood and other requirements. Also, there is immediate
need to strengthen the consolidation work for bringing the huge balance
unsurveyed area under management fold and checking further
encroachment by the locals.
The completely devastated bamboo forests of the Division require
regular and systematic silvicultural operations followed by protection from all
shorts of biotic interference and annual fire to make it viable for production.
Further, the area is to be restocked through annual plantation in gap areas
for fulfillment of bamboo requirement both for local needs and paper pulp
Industry at Jeypore and Rayagada.
After transfer of control of NTFP items from Forest Department to
Panchayat Bodies, concentrated effort is required to ascertain the potential
of the different NTFP items vis-à-vis the value addition for getting additional
197
benefit out of it. On the other hand, the confidence and cooperation of the
local people is to be gained by introducing NTFPs of commercial nature .The
wild life of the Division, which is now under the dwindling condition, is to be
managed effectively and all efforts should be made in getting declared the
proposed Wildlife Sanctuary at Gupteswar.
Since the dependence of the local people on forests cannot be ignored
for various reasons, the forest management practices should be based on
people‘s participation in the process of regeneration, protection and
development of the forests vis-à-vis their bonafide requirement in terms of
different forest products. Thus in this changed situation, the treatment
prescribed in the plan will commensurate with the requirements of the
people.
Moreover, since this revision is limited only to the RFs and PRFs of the
Division excluding vast area of the last plan/scheme of which few blocks
support very good forest cover, the consolidation work is to be emphasized
for bringing more areas under management fold.
Constitution of Working Circles
The management practices have been prescribed basing on the ground
realities and the set of the objectives that are to be achieved. Thus, the
following Working Circles have been constituted as per the approval of the
Working Plan Committee for Management of the Forests over an area of
37682.26 Ha. (NRSA, Hyderabad).
(i) The Selection-cum-Improvement Working Circle covering an area of
18044.715 ha.
(ii) The Rehabilitation Working Circle for an area of 15815.96 ha..
(iii) The Plantation Working Circle for 13738.3 ha.
(iv) The Protection Working Circle for for4811.31 ha.
(v) The Joint Forest Management (overlapping) Working Circle
(vi) The N.T.F.P (overlapping) Working Circle 48838.63 ha.
(vii) The Bamboo (overlapping) Working Circle to cover 19484.12 ha.
(viii) The Wildlife Management (overlapping) Working Circle. This covers the
whole forest area.
There is also an Eco Tourism working circle for an area of 15145 ha.
General Objectives of Management of forest through different working
circles are as follow:

198
 To prevent further degradation of environment, by restricting the felling
of trees and giving more emphasis on conservation and protection of flora
and fauna of these forests following points merit attention:
a. To maintain permanent close canopy on hill slopes and in catchments
of rivers, lakes and reservoirs to check soil erosion, to maintain
hydrological balance and to regulate water yield.
b. To improve condition, composition and productivity of these forests by
increasing investment and through appropriate systematic
management.
c. To protect and manage wildlife resourses in their full scope and range
in the division with a view to conserve bio-diversity.
d. To restock barren degraded and depleted forests, using appropriate
silvcultural prescriptions/techniques.
e. To fulfill the needs of forest produce of local people in an optimal
manner subject to the aforesaid environmental imperatives.
f. To provide increasing employment opportunites to rural people in
general and weaker sections, including scheduled castes, triblas and
women in particular.
The National Forest Policy, 1988 envisages co-operation of the people
in conservation and development of the forests. The Government of Odisha
has adopted the policy of JFM ( Joint Forest Management) and sought for
community participation in protection, regeneration and management of the
forest wealth. Now, this has become a tool for forest management,
employment generation as well as social empowerment of the forest fringe
dwellers.
The State Government has enacted Orissa Village Forest Rule, 1985
which prescribed for a management plan for every Village Forest and sought
co-operation of the community in protection of such forests. In 1988, the
State Government passed a resolution to formally introduce a scheme for
protection of peripheral Reserve Forests by adjoining villagers with formation
of ‗Village Level Forest Protection Committee‘. The scope of this resolution
was widened in 1990 by including the Protected Forests .In 1993 again a
resolution was passed by the State Government to this effect to make forest
-people inter-face more effective and transparent. This resolution dealt in
exhaustive manner in formation of the VSS, duties and responsibilities of
VSS and Executive Committee, the role of Gram Panchayats and the Forest
Department. It also deals in preparation of Micro Plans, sharing of
usufructory benefits among VSS members and the Government besides

199
MoUs in between the Government of Orissa, Forest Department and VSS.
Moreover, the subsequent resolution made on dated 30.9.1996 has
conferred the specific rights in favour of Village Committees in dealing with
various forest products. There are 519 V S S entrusted with a forest area of
35015.2346 ha. for protection in this Division.
Over a period from1999-2000 to 1915-16, plantation under different
schemes was taken up in an area of 55797.28 ha. in this Division.
Jeypore Kendu Leaf Divisin
Kendu leaf is of young plants are commercially harvested by Forest
Department. Dry Kendu leaf is used as a wrapper in bidi making and it is in
great demad .There is a one Division called Kenduleaf Forest Division with
headquarter at Jeypore under Forest Department. This Division came into
existence in the year 1972 on nationalization of kenduleaf trade comprising
of Malkangiri, Jeypore and Nabarangpur Revenue Sub Divisions of
undivided Koraput District vide Government Notification No 16125-FAH
dated 13.12.1972 with five Ranges . Consequent upon creation of new K.L.
Division at Nabarangpur from 29.10.1990, the Jeypore K.L. Division was
bifurcated vide Government notification No 25618 dated 29.10.1990 with
cretion of new Ranges at Jeypore, Mathili, Malkangiri, Kalimela and
Balimela. Further as per Memo No 6027 dated 23.04.1991 of F&E
Department, Muniguda K.L. Range was brought under this K.L.Division. Two
new Ranges were created at Rayagda, Muniguda and Katamata.
Subseqently Rayagada K.L. Range was merged with Bissamcuttack K.L.
Range and a new Range at M.V. 79 in Malkangiri district was created from
2004 Crop year. In Jeypore K.L. Division ―PHAL‖ system of work is carried
out since 1972. Advance sale system was introduced in the year 2005.
The present jurisdiction of this K.L. Division exteds from Ambadola in
the North and up to Motu in the south covering three revenue Districts of
Koraput, Rayagada and Malkangiri. There are 60 collection centers called
phadies.
Potential area of bush cutting is bout 8500 hectors. Production capacity
of this Division is 4000 P.P.Q (Processed Phal Qtls).
Collection Pattern
Jeypore K.L.Range is a ―PHAL‖ working system. Since 2014 all units
(Section of Jeypore K.L. Range soldin Advance Sale i.e. department only
coppiced bush cutting , collection of green Kendu leaves through
departmental and seasonal staff and immediately the same is to be handed
over to the purchaser who purchased the unit in advance sale through

200
auction / tender conducted by the Odisha Forest Development Corporation
(OFDC). Ltd. After deposit of full sale value, the stock is allowed to be lifted
by the successful bidders through transit permit issued by the D F O ,
Kendu Leave Jeypore.

201
 CHAPTER-VII

AGRICULTURE

Introduction
Agriculture is the mainstay of district economy and more than 80% of
the population in Koraput district who live in the rural area directly depend
on agriculture. As the economy of the rural population as well as of the
district as a whole depend on agriculture, the state government is also
intervening in agriculture in many ways to boost up the economy of rural
population. The traditional practices of crop cultivation are changing to
cultivation with modern package of practices. Along side the importance and
responsibility of the department also increase to empower the farming
community of the district.
Administrative set up of Agriculture Department in the district is
mentioned given below.
The Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) is the Principal Agriculture
Officer of the district. The headquarters of the DDA, Koraput Range is at
Jeypore. All the agricultural progrmmes of the district are formulated,
executed and monitored by the DDA. The DDA is supported by a group of
specialists for different agricultural activities like one Assistant Director of
Agriculture (Inputs) and three Assistant Agriculture Officers (Inputs) to
promote seeds distribution and seed utilization, one Assistant Director of
Agriculture (Mesta) to promote fiber crops, one Agronomist to promote crops
production, one Plant Protection Officer for plant protection from pests, one
Assistant Project Officer (Oil seeds) to promote production of oil seeds , one
Assistant Agriculture Officer (Pulses) to promote production of pulses, one
Training Officer to conduct different farmer oriented trainings, one Farm
Management Specialist for departmental farms, one Water Management
Specialist for soil and crop water management, one Joint Quality Control
Inspector to supervise input quality, Assistant Agriculture Officer
(Sugarcane) to promote sugarcane production, one Lady Agriculture Officer
for farm women training to involve more farm women to improved agricultural
practices.
Besides at Village/grass root level there are also field functionaries to
motivate the farmers for adoption of modern farm practices.
Different offices of the Agriculture department function in the district for
the betterment of farming community under the supervision of the Deputy
Director of Agriculture.
202
 There are four agricultural districts in Koraput revenue district each
district headed by one District Agriculture Officers (DAO) and supported by
attached headquarter Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) and two or three
specialists. The Agriculture districts are 1.Koraput - (Three blocks-Koraput,
Semiliguda & Dasmantpur), 2. Jeypore - (Five blocks-Jeypore, Borigumma,
Kotpad, Kundra & Boipariguda), 3. Nandapur - (Three blocks- Nandapur,
Lamtaput & Pottangi) and 4.Narayanpatna - (Three blocks-Narayanpatna,
Bandhugam & Laxmipur). Two Assistant Agriculture Officers are working in
each block. Under the Assistant Agriculture Officer, Agriculture Overseers
are working in the field at Up-graded circles and Village Agriculture Workers
at other circles. The primary function of the Agriculture field functionaries is
to guide the farmers for adopting modern technology of farm package and
practices for boosting up of productivity as well as betterment of their socio
economic condition.
There are six departmental government agricultural farms at
Borigumma, Kotpad, Boipariguda, Dumuriput, Narayanpatna and one Mixed
Farm at Semiliguda in the district. The Deputy Director of Agriculture,
Koraput Range, Jeypore is directly supervising the five agricultural farms.
Farms at Borigumma, Kotpad and Narayanpatna produce quality paddy
seeds for the farmers.
The Mixed Farm, Semiliguda is managed by an Agriculture Officer
(AO). The Mixed Farm, Semiliguda is a large farm established in 1963 with a
geographical area of 352.587 hectare of which the cultivated area is164
hectare. Earlier all the agriculture and allied activities were taken up in the
Mixed Farm. Now only field crops are grown for seed purpose only.
One Assistant Agriculture Engineer Office is functioning in the district at
Jeypore headed by one range Assistant Agriculture Engineer (AAE). One
range Assistant Agriculture Engineer is at headhunter and two others are
working at DAO Office, Koraput and DAO Office, Jeypore for two Sub-
Divisions. The primary function of the of the agro- engineering staff is to
acquaint the farming community on farm mechanization. Purpose of farm
mechanization is to reduce drudgery, timely & quality farming operations
within short time ultimately increasing farm production. The Assistant
Engineers also look after the construction work of the department.
One Soil Testing Laboratory is functioning at Semiliguda guided by one
Soil Chemist. Soil samples are collected from the field by field functionaries
and are tested to determine the nutrient status of soil, soil acidity,
micronutrient status etc. Soil Health Cards are issued to farmers with
recommendation for appropriate doses of fertilizer application and soil health
management. Besides this there is one Mobile Soil Testing Van for the
203
district which is utilized for collection and analysis of soil samples at the
doorstep of the farmers. During 2003-04 only 4929 no of soil samples were
collected with much difficult and analyzed in the Soil Testing Laboratory,
Semiliguda as the farmers were ignorant of the advantages of analysis of
soil samples. But with increasing awareness of farmers, collection of soil
samples has increased many fold. During 2014-15 the number of soil sample
analysis has gone up to 14000.
A Seed Production Office headed by one Seed Production Officer
(SPO) under Odisha State Seed Corporation (OSSC) Limited is functioning
at Jeypore for the erstwhile undivided Koraput district for quality seed
production of different agricultural and horticultural crops involving the
progressive farmers. It now takes care of other three districts of Nawrangpur,
Malkangiri and Raygada.
A Seed Certification Office of Odisha State Seed Corporation Agency
headed by one Seed Certification Officer (SCO) under State Government
also functions at Jeypore for all the four districts which were parts of
erstwhile undivided Koraput district. The Seed Certification Officer (SCO) is
to certify the foundation seeds produced in different departmenal agricultural
farms under different schemes of the DDA, in the fields of progressive
farmers under OSSC. Ltd. Jeypore, as well as in the farms of Odisha
University of Agriculture & Technology and International Crop Research
Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) is a registered
Society functioning in a schematic mode since 2005 under the guidance of
the Governing Board headed by the Collector who is the Chairman, ATMA
and managed by the Management Committee comprising the various stake
holders including farmer representatives & heads of Line Department at
District level aiming to empower the farmers & farmer-groups at field level.
The Deputy Director of Agriculture of the district officiates as Project
Director, ATMA to monitor and supervise the ATMA activities of the district.
At Block level, Farm Information & Advisory Centers (FIAC) has been
formed comprising two teams namely, ‗Block Technology Team‘ & ‗Block
Farmers Advisory Committee‘. The Block Farmers Advisory Committee is an
autonomous entity of ATMA to decide the execution of various farmer
oriented activities through the members of the Block Technology Team. In
order to support the execution of programmes, one Block Technology
Manager & two Asst Technical Managers work at Block level. Besides
‗Farmer Interest Groups‘ have been formed at Gram Panchayat (GP) level &
Krusak Sathis have been selected to transmit the new technologies at GP
level.
204
 Amongst the farmer oriented activities, there are mainly Farmers
Training(Interstate/ Intrastate/ within District), Field Demonstration, Exposure
Visit (Interstate/ Intrastate/ within District), Capacity Building of Groups, Farm
School , Field Days/ Kissan Gosthis organized at Block level to transmit the
new technologies of Agriculture & Allied Departments. At District level,
Farmer-Scientist Interaction on specific issues, Exhibition, Short term
Research on specific problems & preparation of leaflets etc. are taken up by
PD, ATMA.
The fertilizer and other agricultural inputs are distributed to the farmers
by the Odisha Agro-Industry Corporation Ltd (OAIC) and Odisha State
Consumer Marketing Federation (OSCMF). The Agricultural credit is being
managed by the Lead Bank Officer, Secretary, Koraput Central Co-operative
Bank (KCCB) and Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies (DRCS).
During Kharif 2003 the crop loant given by the KCCB to 8440 farmers was
Rs. 7.83 Crores. During 2015 Kharif crop loan of Rs. 89.90Crores has been
given to 32047 farmers. Executive Engineer, Minor Irrigation; Executive
Engineer Medium Irrigation; Executive Engineer, Odisha Lift Irrigation
Corporation and the Superintendent Engineer, Upper Kolab Irrigation Project
look after the irrigation to crop lands in the command area of different
irrigation projects.
How Agriculture Department is Helpful to the Farming Community
1. Agricultural Extension Machinery is engaged in transfer of latest
production technology round the year to the farmers of the District.
2. Timely supply of agricultural inputs (Seeds, Fertilizers, Etc.) to the
farmers through Large Agriculture Multipurpose Co-operative Societies
(LAMPCS) and Authorized seed dealers of Odisha State Seed
Corporation Ltd.
3. Impart training programme to the farmers on various crop production
programme through FFS (Farmer‘s Field School), farmers training and
Ffeld demonstration.
4. Conducting inside & outside farmers‘ exposure visit to learn new
technology from other fellow farmers.To know the nutrient status of the
soil, soil samples are tested at nominal rate of Rs. 5/- at soil testing
laboratory at Semiliguda.
5. Create awareness among the farming community for adoption of
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module for them as well as for the
society.To create irrigation potential through dug wells in farm land
subsidy is given to farmers on loan.

205
6. Subsidies are provided for purchase of tractor, power tiller, Combine
harvester, & other farm machinery & Argil. Implements.
Physiographic & Agro climatic condition
Koraput District is sandwiched between hills and hillocks. Eastern
Koraput Zone is 900m above Mean Sea Level (M.S.L) and is a plateau.
Koraput town is at an altitude of 900 meters above M.S.L. Koraput District is
located in the back drop of green valley contemplating immaculate
freshness, covered by forests, waterfalls, terraced valleys and darting
springs.
Land Type
Koraput district comes under Eastern Ghat Highland Zone. The lands
are characterized with undulated condition. Hill-side cultivation and Jholla
land cultivation is a traditional practice of the tribal people of the district. In
hill-side sloppy land RAGI, SUAN, KANGOO (millet crops); KANDUL (Red
gram), DANGAR RANI (Local pulse crop) and NIGER locall called Alasi (Oil
seed crop) are commonly grown in these areas. These crops are also grown
in undulated high lands also where there is no water logging .
Nature and types Soil fertility
Soil type of the District is predominantly Red. Mixed Red, Brown and
Forest soil are also noticed in some small patches. The red soil of the district
is heavier in texture as compared to other soils observed in the district.
Organic matter content is poor in most of the places. The soil status can be
corrected by applying sufficient compost, organic manure etc. Mostly the soil
is Acidic in nature which can be corrected by applying PMS, Gypsum etc.
Crops like Rice, Finger millet, Minor millets, Niger, Potato, Brinjal and other
vegetables, Fruit trees such as Mango, Jackfruit, Guava, Papaya and
Sapota are grown successfully in this soil.
Land utilization Pattern in the district
Out of the total geographical area of 837900 hectare, area under
agricultural operation is 296000 hectare (Upland-18398 hectare Medium
land-78534 hectare and Low land-33486 hectare). Out of total 296000
hectare cultivated land, paddy area is 99267 hectare. (Upland paddy -31055
hectare, Medium-34726 hectare and Low land-33486 hectare). There are
certain peculiarities in pattern of land utilization by the tribes of Koraput
district. They take advantage of the bounty of nature and harness it as they
deem proper. In the process while they do make productive use of forest
land, they at the same time do a lot of damages to the forest vegetative

206
cover. Some of the peculiar practices relating to land utilization for
agriculture are given below.
Jholla
Jholla land is another characteristic of the district. It is the narrow
elongated land strip between two hills/ranges of hills. The soil remains
mostly hydrated throughout the year. As these are lands stripes between two
hills/ranges of hills, more or less, continuous flow of water occurs in these
lands. Tribal people tame the flow of water by bunding the flowing stream as
per their requirement and irrigate their lands throughout the year without any
irrigation project. Government is also focusing in these areas. Mostly paddy
is cultivated in these lands. The most interesting feature of Jhola land is that
a water intensive crop like paddy is grown as Rabi (summer) crop even
without a an irrigation project. Mostly tribal grow crops on Jholla lands.
Vegetables are also cultivated in upper Jholla where water dries up during
summer. Cultivation of paddy is also a specialty in these areas. The crop
remains throughout the year in different stages at different places. In interior
places tribal people generally grow local paddy varieties of longer duration(
even up to eight months). Period bound paddy varieties takes even longer
duration. Jholla land is distributed mainly in Koraput, Semiliguda,
Dasmanthpur, Pottangi, Laxmipur and Lamtaput blocks. Around 15% of the
paddy land of these blocks is Jholla land. It is also distributed in Jeypore
and Borigumma blocks in small areas. Another peculiarity of the Jholla land
is that there are some Jholla land to which even the farmer cannot plough
with the bullock and they prepare the land by spade only.
Terrace Cultivation
Koraput district comes under Eastern Ghat Highland Zone. The land is
characterized with undulated topgrphy. The agricultural land of the district
has traditionally been classified into the following broad divisions:
1. Dangar (Land on the hill slopes for shifting cultivation);
2. Upland (Unbounded as well as Bonded);
3. Medium land (Irrigated and Rainfed);
4. Lowland and
5. Jholla land (Terraces between hills).
Within each land category, numerous rice varieties are grown,
depending on the local preferences for food preparation, cultural practices,
palatability, etc. Rice is raised in three distinct seasons, mainly, autumn
(July to September), winter (June/July to November/December), and
summer (February to May).

207
 Hill-side cultivation/Terrace cultivation and Jholla cultivation is a
traditional practice of the tribal people of the district. In fact all cultivated
lands in Koraput district is more or less sloppy. The sloppiness of the
cultivable land varies from 0 to 30%. The percentage of sloppiness is less in
Jeypore Sub-Division but more in Koraput Sub-Division. The tribal people
adopt the method of growing crops on sides of hills or mountains by planting
on graduated terraces built into the slope. Though labour-intensive, the
method has been employed effectively to maximize arable land area in
variable terrains and to reduce soil erosion and water loss. In most systems
the terrace is a low, flat ridge of earth or stones built across the slope, with a
channel for runoff water just above the ridge. Usually terraces are built on a
slight grade so that the water caught in the channel moves slowly toward the
terrace outlet. In areas where soil is able to take in water readily and rainfall
is relatively low, level terraces may be used. In Kotia G.P of Pottangi block
plenty stone terraces are noticed comparatively in more slope areas.
A terrace is a piece of sloped plane that has been cut into a series of
successively receding flat surfaces or platforms, which resemble steps, for
the purposes of more effective farming. This type of landscaping, therefore,
is called terracing. Terraced steps are commonly used to farm on hilly or
mountainous terrain. Terraced fields decrease both soil erosion and surface
runoff, and may be used to support growing crops that require irrigation,
such as rice. Now a day tribal farmers are also growing vegetables, Maize,
Sunflower etc as availability of irrigation.
Millets (Ragi, Suan, Kangoo, Jowar, Bajra etc) are grown in the
undulating bound and un-bound surfaces but cereals (Paddy, Maize etc) are
grown in the plain surfaces where water soil management can be done
properly. The tribal people give utmost priority for their preferred staple food
(Paddy) cultivation and go for terrace farming.
Soil Conservationbranch of Agriculture departmentis is vested with the
responsibility for controlling soil erosion and to take measures like
plantation in degraded lands, gully control, cross bunding , bench terracing
or contour terracing.
Advantages of Terraced paddy cultivation
Though tribal farmers are unaware regarding the advantages of terrace
farming, indirectly it has several benefits like –
1. Reduces soil erosion by breaking long slopes into a series of shorter
ones
2. Protects water quality by intercepting agricultural runoff

208
3. Helps prevent gully formation by directing runoff to stable outlets
4. Makes it easier to farm steep slopes
5. Improves soil quality and productivity by improving moisture
retention and reducing soil erosion
6. The terraces function as dams by holding rainwater, which slowly
seeps underground and gently flows into the rivers without
flooding them. At the same time, the terraces serve as filters that
purify the water (Water retention and flood adjustment).
Special Cultivation Practices followed by Tribal Communities of
Koraput District
Various cultivation practices are carried out by different tribes of
undivided Koraput dictated by their custom as well as the terrain.
Shifting Cultivation
The hill forest is used as agricultural fields by the tribal people, who
practice the slash and burn method of agriculture, also called shifting
cultivation or locally PODU. The important tribes practising this primitive form
of agriculture are the Kandh (Dongaria and Kotia). The Langia Soura, the
Bonda, the Paraja and Gadaba. Generally, tribal people hold the land for
Shifting cultivation for two to three years and wait for 5 to 6 years for
regeneration of forest cover. A particular hill slope or the area that is to be
cultivated in a particular year is chosen during a common village meeting.
According to the needs and the consent of the community, plots are allotted
to the families. Individual ownership of the plots of land on the hill slopes is
recognised on a hereditary basis. But when any plots lies fallow it reverts to
communal ownership. All activities connected with the type of agriculture are
performed mostly by communal labour. The work is distributed among the
family members according to the ability of individual members.
However, the head of the family assumes all the responsibilities in the
practise and operation of shifting cultivation. The adult males between 18
and 50 years of age undertake the strenuous work of cutting trees,
ploughing and hoeing and watching the crops at night, where as cutting of
bushes and shrubs, cleaning of seeds for sowing and weeding are done by
women. All agricultural activities are accompanied by ritual performance.
The tribal people‘s success in agriculture depends upon their extensive
knowledge of crops suitable for cultivation ion the hill slopes, the geographic
condition of that locality, their hard work and reciprocal labour organised with
a team spirit. A mixed crop of millets, pulses and oil seeds is grown the hill

209
slopes and this practice of growing a mixed crop is dictated by their food
habit and ecological condition.
Shifting cultivation has lessened remarkably due Government.
intervention as well as creating awareness among the tribal farmers by some
NGOs. Shifting cultivation can be noticed in Bonda Hills and some other
parts of Koraput district.
Source: -Deputy Director of Agriculture, Koraput and Internet

Crop grown in Koraput

During Kharif season the crops grown are - Paddy, Maize, Jowar,
Bajra, Ragi, Smallmillet, Arhar, Mung, Biri, Cow pea, Rice Bean (Dangar
Rani) Groundnuts, Sesamum, Sunflower, Castor, Niger (Alsi), Mesta,
Cotton, Sweet Potato, Different Vegetable crops, Chilly, Turmeric, Ginger,
Lemongrass.
During Rabi season crops grown are - Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Ragi,
Mung, Biri, Gram, Groundnut, Castor, Sunflower, Safflower, Linseed,
Vegetables, Chilly, Sugarcane, Tobacco etc.
Major Crops During Kharif and Rabi
Major crops grown during Kharif are - Paddy (34%), Ragi (21%), Maize
(09%), Niger (09%) & Vegetables (11%) and in Rabi-Paddy (27%),
Vegetables (30%), Pulses (21%), Sugarcane (09%) and the rest is covered
other crops.
Crop intensity - 131.93% in the district.
Special Crops of Koraput District
As immensely varied physiographic and agro-climatic conditions prevail
in Koraput district, special crops, specialty in crop cultivation are also found
in agriculture, horticulture and soil conservation crops.
Agricultural Crops
Ragi, Suan, Kagoo are tradition cereal crops, Niger and Safflower are
oilseed crops, KANDUL (Red gram) and DANGAR RANI (Local pulse crop)
and NIGER (Oil seed crop) are special to Koraput. Ragi is grown in other few
districts but it is the staple crop of tribal farmers. All other crops are specific
to Koraput or in other district adjacent to Koraput.
Horticultural Crops
Monsoon potato (grown in Kharif), black pepper and cardamom (High
altitude crops) are specific to Koraput. Besides farming of ginger and

210
turmeric is gaining popularity among the farmers. Off-season vegetable
cabbage, cauliflower, radish, tomato in Kharif are also widely grown by the
rural farmers. Lemon grass for scent extraction is widely cultivated in
Bandhugam block of Koraput district.
With the efforts of Soil Conservation branch of Agriculture Department
coffee and sisal are specifically grown in Koraput. In coffee plantation three
tier cultivation of coffee with black pepper and silver oak is also found.
Irrigation Facility
The district economy mainly depends on agriculture. Thirty percent of
land is irrigated and the rest depends on monsoon rain. South-West
monsoon causes rainfall in Koraput which is erratic. Irrigation plays a vital
role in successful crop production. Out of total cropping area of 296000ha in
Koraput, irrigation potential in Kharif is 30.71% and in Rabi is 21.51%.
Generally crops grown in assured irrigation are in Kharif. Paddy is the main
crop in kharif and during Rabi season, Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Ragi, Mung,
Biri, Groundnut, Mustard, Sunflower, Field Pea, different vegetables and
other crops.
During Kharip season (autumn and winter crop) 90910 hectare (ha)-
30.71% is irrigated in the district . The source wise irrigation potentiality is
given as follow.
Major Irrigation Projects cover 43423 ha (14.67%), Minor irrigation
projects irrigate 5135 ha-(1.73%), Government Lift Irrigation Points (L.I.P)
command 14100 ha-(4.76%). In addition to these Government irrigation
projects, Private L.I.P irrigate 549ha-(0.19%), Dugwell-944ha-ha-(0.32%),
Water Harvesting Structures mostly constructed by State Watershed Mission
irrigate 3987ha(-1.35%) and from other miscellaneous sources people
irrigate an area of 22772ha-(7.69%).
During Rabi season ( summer ) details of different categories of
projects providing irrigation are as follow; Major irrigation projects covering
25572ha-8.64%, Minor irrigation projects commanding 949ha-0.32%, Govt.
L.I.P-9210ha-3.11%, Pvt. L.I.P-549-0.15%, Dugwell-539ha-0.18%, Water
Harvesting Structure-1465-ha-0.49% and Other Sources-25477ha-7.69%.
Use of Agricultural Implements, Manures and Fertilizers, Agricultural
Technology and Productivity
Farmers of Koraput use mostly traditional agricultural implements
mainly manualy operated and bullock drawn implements. Of late they have
started using improved mechanical implements such as tractor (Up to 40
PTO HP), . power tiller (8 BHP and above), power thresher (all types), self

211
propelled paddy reaper, self propelled Paddy transplanter and Hydraulic
Trailer. Use of agricultural implements has increased over the period.
Manure and Compost
Farmers are being motivated by the field functionaries to use Farm
Yard Manure, Green Manuring (Dhanicha, Sun hemp), Vermi compost etc to
increase the fertility status of soil. Farmers in some area are also following
green manuring by cultivating Dhanicha.
Fertilizers Programme in the district
Chemical fertiliser is one of the important inputs to boost the agricultural
production. Different chemical fertilizers are used by farmers of Koraput
district are as follows -
Urea, Single Super Phosphate (SSP), Grow more (28 28 0), 20 20 0
13, Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), 10 26 26, Murate of Potash (MOP), 14
35 14, Ammonium Sulphate, 12 32 16, 16 16 16 etc.
During 2002 consumption of total chemical fertiliser was 9517 MT,
which has increased to 26693 MT (An increase of 180 %) by2015. In terms
of nutrients per hectare consumption of NPK during 2002 was only 16 Kg
which has been raised to 41.92 Kg during 2015. This shows a steep rise of
162 %.
Seed Supply
Before 1980, local varieties were dominating in Koraput district. Some
of the common local varieties with their characteristics are mentioned below:
Variety Duration Characteristics Special quality
1. Para/Mati 60 days Bold -
2. Mayor / Bodi 60 days Bold -
3. Laallu 60-70 days Fine -
4. Gotia 90 days Bold -
5. Bhattamakada 90 days Bold -
6. Lodiari 100-110 days Bold/medium -
7. Selalodiari 100-110 days Fine -
8. Laktimachhi 120 days Fine Scented
9. Assamchudi 120 days Fine -
10. Tikichudi 120 days Bold -
11. Umriachudi 120 days Bold -

212
 12. Dubraj 120 days Fine Scented and A waned
13. Tulsiganthi 150 days Fine Scented
14. Bayagunda 160 days Fine -
15. Dhabkuji 150 days Bold -
16. Haldichudi 120 days Fine
17. Muadhan 160-170 days Bold
Sources: Rameswar Halva and Others of village Anchala, Block-Borigumma

Some of the dominating High Yielding Varieties grown in Koraput district

are as follows:
1. Kalinga-III 85 days Long slender
2. Parijat 90-95 days Medium slender
3. Pathara 90 days Medium bold
4. Khandagiri 90-95 days Medium slender
5. Jajati 135 days Short slender
6. Pooja 150 days Medium slender
7. Naveen 125 days Medium Bold
8. Konark 135 days Medium slender
9. Lalat 135 days Long Slender
10. Surendra 140 days Medium bold
11. Swarna(MTU-7029)145 days Super fine
12. Vijeta (MTU-1001)125 days Medium slender
13. MTU-1010 110 days Medium bold
Source: Deputy Director of Agriculture, Koraput at Jeypore

Prior to 2012 quality seeds were supplied to the farmers through

fourteen numbers of departmental seed sale centers situated in the Block
head quarter. The Quality Paddy Seed supply during 2001 was 5134
Quintals and SRR (Seed replacement ratio) was 6.3%. After 2012 seeds are
supplied to the farmers through LAMPS (Large Agricultural Multi Purpose
Cooperative Society) and authorized seed dealers of OSSC (Orissa State
Seeds Corporation Ltd). During Kharif-2015, 19788 quintals of Paddy seeds
were supplied to the farmers and present SRR has gone up to 33.5.% The
required Paddy seeds of the district are produced in the district by the

213
registered seed growers under the supervision of the Seed Certification
Agency.
Agricultural Technology and Productivity
Previously most of the farmers were following the traditional farming
practices. Now a day in order to increase the production and productivity of
the farming community technical knowhow has spread through extensions
of Agriculture Department and also other media and Non Government
Organizations. The farming community of the district is motivated to adopt
improved technologies to boost crop production and productivity.
Accordingly many steps are taken like Training of the farmers,
Demonstrations, Selection and supply of proper variety of seeds, Exposure
visits bybthe farmers, Farmer -Scientist Interactions, , Adoption of proper
plant protection measures, Organizing Field Day etc to increase the
awareness and knowledge of the famers through tra nsfer of technology in
order to increase the productivity of major crops. As a result productivity has
increased in comparison to the production recorded during past years. A
comparison between the productivity is given bellow.
Productivity – 2001(Qtl. /ha) Productivity – 2014 (Qtl. /ha)
1. Paddy- 14.47 35.08
2. Ragi 09.06 18.32
3. Maize 10.22 58.68
4. Arhar 02.60 06.75
5. Niger 02.07 03.20
Source-Deputy Director of Agriculture, Jeypore

Crop Disease, Control Mechanism and Crop Protection

The Crop pests, disease, Control Mechanism and Crop Protection are
done through e-Pest surveillance and pest management programme which
is a major component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Every year
major crops like paddy, pulse and groundnut crops face a number of disease
and pests problems and farmers lose a major part of their production. So
surveillance and monitoring of pest through e-Pest Surveillance in pest
prone areas as well as in large demonstration areas is required. Thus pest
like Swarming Cater Pillar, Yellow Stem Borer, Brown Plant Hopper, Blast,
Bacterial Leaf Blight of Paddy and Yellow Mosaic Vein are monitored
through e-Pest Surveillance. Incidence of different pest and disease and its
control measures are communicated to the farmers through Subject Matter

214
Specialist. Seed Treatment is also advocated to the farmers for disease free
crops.
Because of pest surveillance regular incidence of pests like Swarming
Caterpillar, Brown Plant Hopper regularly occurring in endemic manner has
been reduced.
For control of different pest & disease plant protection chemicals, Plant
protection equipments are being supplied to the farmers at subsidized rate.
Crop Insurance
The notified crops for insurance under National Agricultural Insurance
Scheme (NAIS) otherwise known as Rastriya Krshi Bima Yojana are Paddy,
Maize, Niger, Ginger & Banana. Out of this for paddy Gram Panhayat is
declared as unit and for non paddy crops specified Blocks are taken as unit
for specified Blocks.
Maize - All 14 Blocks of the District.
Niger - Koraput, Semiliguda, Dasmantpur, Nandapur, Lamtaput,
Pottangi, & Boipariguda.
Ginger -Koraput, Semiliguda, Nandapur, Pottangi and Laxmipur.
Banana - Koraput, Nandapur, Jeypore and Kundra.
All loanee farmers are covered under this scheme.
Potential of Horticulture in Koraput District
The soil and the agro climatic diversity in the district favors growing a
variety of horticultural crops .The agro climatic conditions are suitable for
perennial fruit crops like mango, cashew, litchi, guava, K. lime; annual fruit
crops like Banana, pine apple and papaya, spices like ginger, turmeric, black
pepper, cnnamon, cardamom, chili and a variety of roots and tuber like
sweet potato, tapioca, arrowroot, yam, carrot, radish, beet and potato.
Koraput being an area of low temperature, hills and lands at higher altitude,
it has ideal conditions for growing off-season vegetable like, cole crops and
monsoon potato, tomato. Besides, it has excellent prospects in floriculture
Marigold, Gladioli, Roses, Crossandra and high value flowers like Gerbera,
Orchids and Lillum. The district thus enjoys a natural comparative advantage
for horticulture with possibilities for growing diversified baskets of fruits,
vegetables, tuber and spices.

215
1. Area and production of fruit crops and vegetable in Koraput
district
Sl. Name of the Crop Area in Production Productivity Remarks
No. ha. (Mt.) (Mt./Ha.)
01 Aonla 165 49.40 1.900
02 Banana 1022 19659 21.23
03 Citrus 826 8027 10.11
04 Guava 981 6645 6.85
05 Litchi 183 732 5.42
06 Mango 12926 43517 4.97
07 Papaya 76 1393 24.87
08 Pine-Apple 40 505 13.64
09 Pomegranate 9 35 4.42
10 Sapota 127 639 5.11
11 Other Fruit crops 2394 22539 10.18
Total 18749

2. Vegetable
01 Brinjal 4189 70166 16.75
02 Cabbage 2174 59698 27.46
03 Cauliflower 1802 29246 16.23
04 Okra 2106 18775 8.91
05 Pea 360 3180 8.83
06 Tomato 3376 51045 15.12
07 Onion 940 8234 8.76
08 Potato 609 8228 13.51
09 Sweet-potato 3156 32570 10.32
10 Radish 791 8116 10.26
11 Bitter gourd 426 4205 9.87
12 Bottle gourd 342 4740 13.86
13 Beans 571 2866 5.02
14 Watermelon 167 3066 18.36
15 Cucumber 119 1647 13.84
16 Pointed gourd 34 514 15.12
17 Carrot 2 25 12.39
18 Capsicum 4 61 15.19
19 Tapioca 4 66 16.57
20 Other vegetable 7164 78374 10.94

3. Flowers
Sl. Name of the Area in Production Productivity (Lakh
Remarks
No. Crop ha. (Lakh stem) stem/Ha.)
01 Rose 48 89 1.86
01 Gladioli 92 86.5 0.94
01 Marigold 139 12698 91.35

216
4. Plantation Crops
Sl. Name of the Area in Production Productivity (Qtl. Remarks
No. Crop ha. (Qtl.) /Ha.)
01 Coconut 209 10.28 0.069
02 Cashew 24767 15689 .778

5. Spices
Sl. Name of the Area in Production Productivity (Mt.
Remarks
No. Crop ha. (Mt.) /Ha.)
01 Ginger 3369 38204 11.34
02 Garlic 426 1367 3.21
03 Turmeric 3126 24508 7.84
04 Chilly 3453 2935 0.85
05 Coriander 1164 908 0.78
06 Black Pepper 240 240 1.0

A. Cultivation of Fruit Crops

Mango, Cashew and Banana are the main fruit crops that are cultivated
in this district. Besides litchi, custard apple, pine apple, papaya are also
cultivated in localized manner. Jack fruit is another crop which is grown
widely. Farmers are being supported to cultivate mango, cashew, litchi,
banana, pine apple, papaya, K. lime through MIDH as well as through
support from state plan. Now from 2012-13 onwards emphasis is given to
cultivate mango and cashew through MANR EGA (Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) in private land as well as in other
land. The target is to increase coverage of at least 1000 Ha per annum
ounder these crops through MGNREGA by Horticulture branch of Agriculture
Department. Besides, mango and cashew plantation is also taken up by
ITDA( Integrated Tribal Development Agency) under OTELP and Soil
conservation branch of Agriculture department.
B. Vegetable cultivation
The Koraput District offers a conducive climate for cultivation of off
seasonal vegetables in less temperature like tomato and beans in the
relatively higher altitude of Koraput subdivision which fetches higher price in
the market. Kunduli of Semiliguda block is the main vegetable hub from
where vegetables are sold and sent to neighboring states as well as to other
places of Odisha. Farmers are supplied with different hybrid vegetables at a
subsidized rate and emphasis is being given for protected cultivation and
micro irrigation under different schemes executed by horticulture branch.
C. Potato and tuber crop
Potato, sweet potato, Tapioca and arrowroot are the major root and
tuber crops that are under cultivation in this district. The climate especially
the low temperature during night time and the sloppy soil topography favours
217
cultivation of Kharif potato in this region. Earlier potato was cultivated in a
very small scale with traditional varieties but now it is cultivated in
commercial scale both in Rabi and Kharif with improved certified seed tuber
like K. jyoti, K. Labakar, K. surya, FC-3, Chipsona-1 Chipsona 3 Lady rose.
Being a hilly area there is also scope for seed production of potato.
Sweet potato is cultivated in some areas of Nandapur, Semiliguda,
Dasmantpur and Koraput block with traditional varieties in medium sloppy
land. Now the local varieties are being replaced by high yielding varieties like
Kanchan gada, ST-14(Orange fleshed), Kisan and Sribhadra.
D. Organic Farming
Organic farming of horticultural crops these da important due toys
assume importance because of its environmental and economic benefits.
Consumers demand for organically produced crops is providing platform for
organic farming and business to the farmers. In Koraput district most of the
tribal farmers traditionally use very little chemical fertilizers and pesticides,
which provides wide scope for practicing organic farming especially in ginger
and turmeric so to attract the national and international market. Farmers are
encouraged for establishment of vermin compost units and HDPE vermin
bed for production and utilization of vermin compost. Assistance has been
provided to 1279 farmers of Semiliguda, Nandapur and Pottangi, Borigumma
blocks for cultivation of organic Ginger, Vegetables, cashew and Mango.
E. Cultivation of Spices
Ginger and turmeric is the two major spice crop grown in this district
by the tribals. The HARS (High altitude research station) 0f the Odisha
University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT) Pottangi is supporting the
cultivation technology along with the Horticulture department to the farmers.
Assistance are being provided to encourage the farmers to cultivate high
yielding varieties of ginger like Suprava and Suruchi and turmeric like Roma,
Surama, Ranga, through demonstration. But due lack of marketing
infrastructure sometimes the farmers are facing distress sale of their product.
Besides perennial spices like black pepper, cardamom is also
cultivated in some pockets of this district. Since quality planting material is a
major constraint for area expansion, steps have been initiated to establish
black pepper nursery in public as well as in private sector under RKVY to
provide smaller units to cover large no. of beneficiaries at a subsidized rate.
F. Aromatic Plants
Lemon grass is cultivated in large scale in Bandhugam block and to
some extent in Dasmantpur. Jeypore and Kotpad blocks. Assistance is
provided to the farmers for cultivation of this aromatic plant under MIDH and

218
MGNREGA and entrepreneurship has been encouraged for establishment of
lemon grass oil extraction unit.
Pipalla (Piper longum var. Chabba) is one of the major medicinal plant
grown in Nandapur and Lamtaput block. It attracts the attention of the
ayurvedic pharmaceutical agencies due to its quality. This is one of the
profitable Medicinal plants adopted by the farmers.
G. Floriculture
Floriculture is gaining momentum in urban and sub-urban sectors and
around towns like Koraput, Jeypore, Sunabeda, Semiliguda and Damonjodi.
The cut flowers like Rose, loose flower like marigold and bulbous flowers like
lillium and gladioli are being supplied to the interested farmers for
demonstration. For cultivation of flowers major thrust is given to cover
compact patches and cluster of villages for better marketing facility and
produce the high bouquet of flowers as per the demand in the market.
Watershed Mission
Office of the Project Director, Watershed (Deputy Director, Soil
Conservation) functioning at district head quarter, Koraput headed by one
Project Director, Watershed (DDSC).
Soil Conservation Training Institute
The state level Soil Conservation Training Institute was established at
Koraput in the year 1965 (dt.27.11.1965) with the objective to impart training
to soil conservation field functionaries as well as for skill up-gradation and
vocational training of local farmers.
Institutional Arrangement of the Department
Director, Odisha Watershed Development Mission, Bhubaneswar
(SLNA- State level)
↓
(WCDC- District level)
(APDs)←Project Director, Watersheds→ (CBT, TE, DEO)
↓
Government Staff Project Implementing Agency→ (Watershed Management
Team Members)
(At Block Level)
↓
Watershed Association
↓
Watershed Committee→ (Secretary, Watershed)
↓
User Groups, SHGs

219
Following activities are undertaken in the watershed area -
i) Development of small water harvesting structures such as low-cost
farm ponds, nallah, bunds, check dams, percolation tanks, crescent
shape structures, water absorption trenches and other ground water
recharge measures.
ii) Renovation and augmentation of water sources, de-siltation of village
tanks for drinking water/irrigation/fisheries development.
iii) Fisheries development in village ponds/tanks, farm ponds etc.
IV) Afforestation including block plantations, agro-forestry and horticultural
development, shelterbelt plantations sand dune stabilization etc.
v) Pasture development either by itself or in conjunction with plantations.
VI) Promotion of dairy activities.
vii) Bench terracing in hilly terrain, Nursery raising for fodder, timber, fuel
wood horticulture and non-timber forest products species.
viii) Drainage Line treatment with a combination of vegetative and
engineering structures.
ix) Crops demonstration for popularizing new crops/Varieties or innovative
management practices
x) Promotion and propagation of Non-Conventional energy saving
devices, bio-fuel plantations, improved smokeless chulhas.
xi) Repairs, restoration and up-gradation of existing common property
assets and structures in the watershed to obtain optimum & sustained
benefits from previous public investment.
xii) Rejuvenation of abandoned wells for domestic use.
xiii) Maintenance of Natural spring.
xiv) Promotion of cashew, mango along with other minor fruits trees high &
low quality timber wood tree, by supporting fencing and low cost water
storage tank.
xv) Promotion of tree plantation in common land, along road, and premises
of Govt. offices and school premises.
xvi) Promotion of Self Help Groups by providing the training and assistance
in marketing the products.

220
Status of Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation in Koraput District
The dominant land uses are water body, open scrub, open forest,
dense forest, barren land, shifting cultivated area and agriculture. Elevation
in the district ranged from 123 m to 1655 m and higher altitude is prominent
in the eastern and southeastern part of the district as the Eastern Ghats
ranges runs from north to south direction. Area under more than 1100 m was
about only 5% of total area. There are broad plains in the western and
northeast part of the district which serves as a major contributor towards
agricultural area; and accounted about 45% (elevation 401-800 m) of the
geographical area of the district. Dominant slope varies between 16 and
50%.
Land use dynamics
It is ascertained through time series analysis that there has been a
significant change in land cover , particularly the conversion of reserve forest
and mixed forest to scrub and agricultural fields. In 1931, the reserve forest
covers accounted for about 1,627.28 sq. km (19.4%) out of the total study
area (TSA) of 8379.0 sq. km. After a period of eight decades, by 2008, it
was reduced to 1577 sq. km (18.8 % of the TSA) i.e., there has been little
change to reserve forest cover. However, between 1931 and 2008, there
was a drastic reduction in the mixed forest cover. In 1931, the mixed forest
cover accounted for about 2786.22 sq. km (33.3% of the TSA) and reduced
to 900.36 sq. km during 2008(10.7% of the TSA). The overall change
analysis with reference to forest cover (both reserve and mixed forest)
showed a negative change (loss of forest area) accounted for 1935.85 sq.
km (52.7% to 29.6% of the area), clearly indicating massive deforestation
due to increased population pressure. There was an increase in the scrub
area from 873.77 sq. km (10.4% of TSA) to 1269.64 sq. km (15.2% TSA)
from 1931 to 2008, which was due to clearance of forest cover to either to
make cultivable land or just livelihood purpose (selling of fuel wood and
timber in the market). Similarly, there was increase in agricultural land from
977.95 sq. km (11.7 % of the TSA) to 2863.81 sq. km (34.2 % of the TSA).
The change of land profile showed that the major changes are taking place
in the proximity of agricultural lands. Similarly, during 1931, in the study area
there were no reservoirs since most of them have come up later. However,
during 2008, the water body accounted 1268 sq. km (15% of the TSA). The
increment in a water body is attributed to construction of different river dam
projects during 1970s to of 1990s (Indravati reservoir, UpperKolab, lower
Kolab multipurpose dam project).

221
Potential erosion rate - 3.4-83 t/ha/yr
Soil loss tolerance limit (T-value)
The soil loss tolerance value of Koraput district ranges from 7.5-10.0
t/ha. The T-value for both the donger and upland was 7.5 t/ha and for
medium and low lands 10.0 t/ha.
Erosion rate under different SMC measures
1. In 5% slope on paddy crop under Gliricidia hedgerow with miniature
trench the soil loss was 5.2 t/ha/yr against control 10.2t/ha/yr.
2. In 10% slope on paddy crop under Gliricidia hedgerow with miniature
trench the soil loss was 5.9 t/ha/yr against without soil conservation
measures 12.5 t/ha/yr.
3. In 5% slope on paddy crop under Leucaena hedgerow with miniature
trench the soil loss was 5.8 t/ha/yr against without soil conservation
measures 10.2t/ha/yr.
4. In 10% slope on paddy crop under Leucaena hedgerow with miniature
trench the soil loss was 7.2 t/ha/yr against without soil conservation
measures 12.5 t/ha/yr.
5. In 2-4% slope, under Ragi groundnut = 6 4 strip the soil loss was 3.65
t/ha/yr while in control plot it was 9.23 t/ha/yr.
6. In 2-4% slope, under paddy black gram = 8 4 strip the soil loss was
5.09 t/ha/yr while in control plot it was 10.94 t/ha/yr.
7. In 11% slope under Ragi crop, the barriers of Sambuta grass reduced
soil loss by 68.6% over farmers‘ practice (14t/ha/yr).
8. In 11% slope under paddy crop, the soil loss from the vegetative barrier
of sambuta grass was 4t/ha/yr while in control plot it was 19t/ha/yr.
9. In 4% slope soil loss was 8.8 t/ha/yr in stone bund +broom grass SMC
measure followed by 8.9 t/ha in stone bund SMC measure against
control value of 22.4 t/ha/yr.
10. In 8% slope soil loss was 11.0 t/ha/yr in stone bund +broom grass
SMC measure followed by 11.3 t/ha in stone bund SMC measure
against control value of 28.6 t/ha/yr.

222
Range of potential soil erosion in Koraput district

Land cover class Area Potential soil erosion rate (t/ha/yr) (Range
(sq.km) based on watershed basis)
Water Body 898.7 -
Open Scrub 1433.7 20-30
Open Forest 1273.8 -
Dense Forest 783.7 -
Barren Land 1494.5 30-40
Shifting cultivated area 186.4 40-83
Agricultural Land 2309.0 3.4-20
Total 8379.0 3.4-83

Sisal plantation has been taken up long since as a measure to check

soil erosion. Total sisal plantation executed by the PD, Watershed, Koraput
is in 178.6 Ha., out of which 146 Ha recycling and 32.6 Ha. of existing
plantation was maintained by the Soil Conservation Range Officer,
Dasmantpur and during the year 2013-14, 5.715 M.T. of sisal fiber extracted
and revenue collected amounting to Rs.3,51,507.00. The majority of the
sisal plantation was maintained and the sisal fiber extracted by the local
tribals through Sisal Vikas Parishad, Koraput.
Watershed
Implementation of land and water management in area with possibility
of high rate of soil erosion and low productivity are taken up by the State
Watershed Mission with watershed projects adopting participatory approach
involving the local people who are effective stake holders with a view to
improve the soil and water regime, improve the productivity of the soil
,increase the vegetative cover and to check migration of the local vulnerable
communities. As poverty alleviation is the main objective behind
development action through watershed approach, probably, there is strong
need to blend interventions to ameliorate the livelihoods of these weaker
sections. Koraput district comprises of four catchments (Indravati, Kolab,
Machkund and Nagavalli), 10 sub-catchments, 26 watersheds, 241 sub
Watershed, 531 mini watersheds and 955 micro watersheds. Even though
Nagabali river flows in Raygada district, its tributary Jhanjabati flows in
Bandhugan and Narayanpatna blocks of Koraput district; thus Nagabali
basin extends to Koraput district as well.
Guiding Principles
Sequence of activities and their operational modalities would vary from
situation to situation. Hence, the Guidelines are flexible so that the desired
modification could be considered at different levels. The main elements of

223
the guiding principles are as follow; conservation of natural resources,
integrated development of natural as well as social resources, in-situ
moisture conservation, sustainable farming system, adoption of ridge to
valley approach, due emphasis on productivity of soil , decentralization in
decision making by the stake holders, transparency in transactions,
mobilization of community at the village level, direct funding to the
community, emphasis on ―Government‖ participation in ―Community‘s‖ plans,
contributory approach to empower the community as to develop a stake in
the programme , building upon indigenous innovations, initiatives and ideas;
equity for resource-poor families and empowerment of women, moving away
from subsidy oriented development to self-reliant development, convergence
of activitie and schemes of governmental organizations etc.
For proper achievements and best results, formulation of plan, its
execution execution and financial transactions were made through
communal institutions like Bhumisabha, Bhumipanchayat, PIA ( Project
Implementation Authority), District Nodal Agency and State Level Monitoring
and Evaluation Committee in order to maintain co-operation & co-ordination
among those Institutions for proper transparency. The beneficiaries are paid
through the Watershed Development Committee for direct & assured
benefits. Natural resources & social resources development programmes
were implemented sincerely. Broad plans were made by the village
committees for the benefit of land holders & for landless poor‘s.
Govt. has deployed the soil conservation staff in the watershed
development programmes to achieve best results. During the Year 2015-16,
the Soil Conservation Department was merged into Director, Odisha
Watershed Development Mission, Odisha, Bhubaneswar.
To make the Watershed development programme more effective and
transparent in the meanwhile, Govt. introduced a common guideline based
on some specific principles.
1. Men as well as the women would be facilitated the equity process.
a. Enhanced livelihood opportunities for the poor‘s through
investments in their assets and improvement in productivity and
income.
b. Improving access of the poor‘s, especially for benefit of the
women.
c. Enhancing role of women in decision making process and their
representation in the institution.

224
 d. Ensuring to excess to usufruct rights from the common property
resources.
2. Project management would improve with decentralization, delegation
and professionalism based on Panchayati raj Institutions.
3. Social mobilization, community organization & building capacities of
communities in planning and implementation, ensuring equity
arrangements. They may be provided financial support to perform the
above specific functions.
4. Involvement of primary stake holders is at the center of planning,
budgeting, implementation and managements of watershed projects.
Community organization may be closely associated and accountable to
Grama Sabha in project activities.
5. Considerable emphasis would be given on capacity building as a
crucial component for achieving the desired results, as a continuous
process to enable the functionaries to enhance their knowledge & skills.
6. Establishing appropriate technical & professional support structures at
national, state, District and project levels & developing effective
functional partnerships among project authorities, implementing
agencies and support organization would play a vital role.
7. Technology enables us inter-alia, to strengthen program managements
and co-ordination, undertake activities based project planning formulate
action plans, streamline sanction and release of funds, create useful
data bases, assess actual impact of projects, make effective
prioritizations, prepare DPRs documents and case studies.
Presently, the Soil conservation department is implementing various
soil conservation measures for soil & moisture conservation coupled with
crop diversification and mixed cropping practices for increasing & sustaining
the productivity of land and improving livelihood of the communities. Soil
conservation activities are being taken up on watershed basis, due to none
availing of departmental fund flow, it is executing land development, land
protection, Farm ponds, SDSP, WHS, Check dams etc out of the non
departmental funds of District development schemes like Biju KBK, BRGF,
IAP/RLTAP, MGNREGS as convergence programs. The main objectives
are as follows:
1. Sustainable Natural Resources management with multi-disciplinary
integrated watershed approach.
2. Enhancement of agricultural productivity & increase of bio-mass &
restoration of ecological balance in rain fed area.

225
3. Intensive programs for soil& moisture conservation and rain water
harvesting and restoration of soil health through organic farming
practices & use of micronutrients.
4. To reduce siltation of the resources through catchment treatment
measures.
5. To prevent degradation of the catchment area through optimum land
use management.
6. To ensure adequate irrigation water to command areas to increasing
production.
7. To provide employment opportunities in rural areas for unemployed &
under employed population for earning their livelihoods.
8. To improve the socio-economy conditions of the local tribals.
Watershed Development Programme started in Odisha during the year
1989-90. And Integrated Watershed Development Programme Programme
was launched during 2009-10 in Koraput District. 955 nos. of Micro
watershed surveyed by ORSAC in the district, out of which 347 nos. of micro
watersheds are already completed under different schemes viz. IWDP-57,
EAS-72, ACA (RLTAP)-84, IDCWDP-5, RVP-15, NWDPRA-79, Special
Plan-KBK (RLTAP)-35nos. Number of watersheds under progress in
different schemes are 333nos. (IWMP-118, OTELP-70, OTELP Plus -102,
CATP-43). There is a programme to take up another 275 watershed for
deveopment. Out of 118 nos. of Micro Watershed under the scheme IWMP,
104 nos. have already been registered under Society registration Act-1860.
In Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) funds has
been directly placed to the Watershed Committee for sustainable
development of the area through public participation. Improvement of five
capital namely Land, Water, Forest, Animal and Human resource has been
the imperative for the holistic development of the watershed area.
Rapport building, entry point activity and community mobilization,
institution and capacity building, participatory appraisal for preparation of a
need based detailed project report (DPR), development of livelihood for
asset less and landless people, development of agriculture and allied
activities and initiating integrated watershed works are the major expected
components in the preparatory and execution phase. Ridge to valley
treatment, in-situ soil and moisture conservation, water harvesting through
farm ponds have brought about on farm productivity, cropping intensity,
increase in moisture-regime and drought proofing convergence with
MGNREGS, Biju KBK, ACA (LWE) and RAD (NMSA) programme have
contributed significantly development programmes.

226
 In the watershed areas, for the socio-economic development of the
vulnerable weaker section 546 nos. of Self Help Groups and 1458 nos. of
User Groups have been formed and a sum of Rs.71,74,946.00 have been
collected as a Watershed Development Fund (WDF) for future maintenance
of the assets created during project period.
Coffee plantation
Coffee grows well at height from 750 mtr to 1050mtr from Mean Sea
Level (MSL) and favorable rainfall of 1500 mm. to 1875mm. Koraput district
is suitable for growing coffee. Koraput region of Odisha has slowly emerged
into being one of the coffee producing hubs in the country. Located along the
chains of NH43 of Koraput district has coffee plantation under the
supervision of Coffee Board of India. There is one Coffee Board Office
headed by one Deputy Director Coffee at Koraput for extension of coffee
cultivation in the district. The types of coffee that are planted in Koraput
include Arabicas and Robustas. High elevation and humid conditions are
ideally suited for growing these varieties of coffees.
Though introduced much earlier in Odisha, coffee has been taken
seriously as a cash crop only in recent years. It was introduced in Koraput in
1930 by late Maharaja Bikram Dev Barma of Jeypore. Though still not
popular as an agricultural produce, it was taken up as a tool for soil
conservation to avoid siltation in Machkund basin in 1958.
Soil Conservation Department of State Government followed the said
experience and attempted to take up the crop in a big scale as a soil
conservation measure in Machkund basin to obviate silting in Jalaput
reservoir way back in 1958.They took of the advantage of the then jungle
growth and used it for shade and grew coffee in considerable trait of
Machkund area .Encouraged by the results ,Soil Conservation department
went for subsequent expansion in other areas suitable for coffee till 1989-
90.In the process they could raise coffee in area aggregating to 1321.40
Ha. Department could not expand the operation further due to constraints
of funds. Yield declined due to poor maintenance on account of low
maintenance cost. Again coffee plantation was introduced as a programme
under ACA (RLTAP) for undivided Koraput district to help the small marginal
tribal farmers and landless people of BPL categories to become coffee
growers. Parcel of lands in jungle area were allotted to each such identified
tribal farmer who would work on the land as a labourer getting wage at
government approved rate and when the coffee crop would be ripe for
harvest, he would harvest and get the sale price. He would have usfructory
right over the land. The programme is being implemented since 2002-03 in

227
Koraput sub division as per the guidelines issued by the Government,
Agriculture Department.
This district is very much ideal for coffee plantations not only for the
livelihood support to the tribal but also it also generates employment of
tribal who work on the land to develop and plant coffee. It restricts migration
of labour under penury to the neighboring districts and state. Thus coffee
plantation fulfills the twin objectives of socio economic upliftment of poor
tribal and growing a non traditional cash crop..It also conserves the
environment by providing a sustainable alternative to the old practice of
shifting cultivation.
Income from coffee in these areas is about Rs 60,000/- per acre
compared to other agricultural crop which varies between Rs. 5000/- to
Rs.10000/-.The tribal coffee growers can realize better returns from coffee
every year at a price of Rs 200/- per kg.
In addition, pepper has been introduced in the area coffee plantation
which will give an additional return to the tune of RS 10,000 toRs 50,000
now sold at Rs.600 per kg. It provides a good forest cover.
The coffee plantations of Koraput however attracted serious
entrepreneurs in the recent years only. Today there are about 122 private
growers in the district who take up to commercial cultivation of coffee .The
coffee growers in Koraput and Rayagada district have made huge profits
bringing in a change in the socio economic conditions of tribal working there
in Koraput.
A coffee plantation normally takes four years to mature. Typically, mild
and not too acidic coffee possesses an exotic full bodied taste and grows in
cool temperature with some amount of humidity. The coffee plantation in
Koraput is ideal and one of its kinds in the sense that the plantation barely
employs extensive fertilizers as in other states.
The processing of coffee is under the care Quality Control Division of
the Coffee Board. It has set certain specifications for the processing, grading
and garbling of specialty coffee to ensure quality. Only 15 members can be
engaged at a time in 10 acres of plantation. There are two types of
processing - primary and secondary. In primary processing, selective
harvesting is done with special attention with careful hand picking of just
ripened berries. Natural fermentation is a must for flavor development and
high standard of quality. Soaking the washed bins in fresh water overnight is
essential for the development of color and flavor in the bean. Slow drying is
absolutely necessary under natural light.

228
 In secondary processing grading of the coffee beans at curing level is
done. The process involves separation of beans according to size, shape
and density followed by meticulous garbling that improves quality.
The coffee plantation in Koraput employs a large number of people.
The different areas to work on include fertilizer application, weeding, bush
management, nursery maintenance, harvesting and processing. The workers
receive their wages as per the rule of National Rural Employment Guarantee
Act which is Rs 120 per day. The produce from Koraput is exported to places
like Bangalore and Mumbai for processing and marketing. Almost 70% of the
production in India is exported as ascertained from the Coffee Board.
Coffee is a commodity traded internationally and India has a big stake
in it. Koraput in Ordisha contributes to this endeavor in a humble if not in a
substantial manner.
Role of Coffee Board
Coffee board is under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India
and always provides valuable suggestion and technical guidance. The
th
Coffee Board granted subsidy which was available during 10 plan period @
Rs. 15000/- per ha when the ACA (RLATP) scheme was in operation.
Earlier the coffee beneficiaries Sri Malu Hantal,Sri Surendra
Guntha,Sri Gupta Hontal of Padwa in Nandapur block were awarded and
honored by the Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha at a state level krushi
mohastav ‗2015.
Regional Research Technology Transfer Station (RRTTS) at a glance
The Regional Research & Technology Transfer Station (RRTTS), of the
OUAT at Semiliguda, situated in the Eastern Ghat High Land Zone of Odisha
was established in the year 1978 with World Bank assistance under Odisha
Agriculture Development Project (OADP) and further strengthened by
National Agriculture Research Project (NARP) and National Agricultural
Technology Project (NATP)
Ecological Setting of RRTTS
Location-20 N, 82.30 E, 884 meter Mean Sea Level (MSL).
Annual rainfall 1406 mm. (Prolonged dry period during December to May)
Temperature- 7.5 C – 34.1 C,
Soil-Acidic (5-6 pH), Red, rich in Oxides of Iron (Fe) & Aluminum (Al)
deficient in Boron (Bo) & Molybdenum (Mo), low in Nitrogen, Phosphorus

229
and Potash (NPK) and organic matter. Water holding capacity is low and of
poor physical health.
Mandate and Objectives of RRTTS
1. Address zone specific problems of the farmers to increase agricultural
production and productivity.
2. Conduct production oriented applied and adaptive research in the areas
of crop improvement, crop production and crop protection.
3. Conduct survey, collect, document and maintain local races of crops for
restoring bio-diversity.
4. Strengthen Research-Extension linkage between Research Station and
departments / Organizations engaged in agricultural development in the
zone and the farmers by mutual sharing of information through trainings,
field visits, on-farm trials, seminars & workshops for transfer of
technology, collection of feedback and refinement of generated
technology.
5. Document the Indigenous Technical Knowhow (ITK) and properly blend
them with the generated technologies for wider acceptance by farmers.
6. Maintain collaboration with National & International institutes of
Agricultural Research for exchange of information.
7. To develop varieties of Off-season vegetable crops such as Tomato,
Potato, Cauliflower, Rajmah, etc.
8. To develop varieties of Rice, Oilseeds, Spices, etc. for different agro-
climatic situation of Odisha.
9. To develop suitable production and protection technology of Off-season
vegetable crops.
10. To solve the farmers problem of different crops of this zone.
11. To produce planting materials of forest plants/horticultural crops /
spices/medicinal plants.
12. To develop inter- cropping system of Arhar, Maize based Pulses,
Cereals, Vegetable crops basing on climate change of this zone.
RRTTS, Semiliguda is also having a High Altitude Research Station
(HARS) at Pottangi, Regional Research Technology Transfer Sub-Station
(RRTTSS) at Jeypore, RRTTSS at Umerkote and RRTTSS at Kalimela of
undivided Koraput. Now Umerkote and Kalimela (at present defunct) are in
Nabarangapur and Malkangiri district respectively.

230
High Altitude Research Station (HARS), Pottangi
The High Altitude Research Station (HARS), Pottangi, is situated at an
altitude of 914.4M above Mean Sea Level (MSL), Latitude 18. 34‘N and
Longitude 82.52‘E. The research station is premier institute for conducting
research works on spices. The important spices grown in our State are
Ginger, Turmeric, Chilly, Coriander, Fenugreek, Garlic and Onion. Among
these crops, Turmeric and Ginger are cultivated as main cash crops by the
tribal dominated Eastern Ghat High land zone of Odisha comprising the
districts of Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangapur and Malkangiri. For
improvement of these two crops, the All India Coordinated Research Project
th
on Spices (AICRP) was started on 14 May 1975 at this centre during IVth
Plan Period. The Black pepper and cardamom are now being cultivated in
Koraput district. Because of increase of demand of ginger and turmeric in the
international market, developing High Yielding Variety (HYV) and
standardization of improved production technology have helped the farmers
to expand the area under the crops to derive higher productivity and net
profit. Breeder seeds of different varieties of ginger, turmeric and niger are
produced and supplied to the farmers within the State.
Varieties Released
Variety of seeds released are Ginger-Suprava, Suravi, Suruchi,
Subhada, Mango Ginger Amba and Turmeric-Roma, Surama, Ranga,
Rashmi and Surangi
RRTTSS, Jeypore
The Regional Research & Technology Transfer Sub-Station, (RRTTSS)
is located in the heart of Jeypore town. Jeypore is considered as secondary
centre of origin of Rice. The mandate of this research station is to develop
High Yielding Varieties of rice and scented rice. The station maintains 235
numbers of germplasm, more than 1000 segregating materials of rice and
involved for release of two rice varieties, Mandakini and Sidhant.
Major Activities
A). Research Project in Operation
AICRP on Niger
This has developed two varieties of Niger namely Utkal Niger-150 and
Deomali-1 and involved for development of new varieties of nucleus and
breeder seed production.
Agro Advisory Service, Semiliguda receives weather data from Indian
Meteorological Department (IMD) and disseminate the weather forecasting

231
 messages of different crops to line departments through All India Radio of
Koraput and Nabarangapur district biweekly.
It also conducts research trials addressing the problems of farmers of
the zone.
B) Training and Field visit in collaboration with Agriculture/Horticulture
Department
C) Participation in District Level functions viz. Akshayatrutiya, PARAB, Soil
Health Day, etc.
D) Seed production and quality planting materials production and supply to
the farmers
Technology Generated
A) Crop Improvement the following varieties have been found
suitable for cultivation in the zone.
1. Rice
Upland situation- 85-100 days duration - Khandagiri, Ghanteswari,
Kaling-III-100-110 days duration- Parijat, Pathara,
Badami
Medium land situation- 115-125 days duration- Sarathi, Annada, Lalat,
Ananga 126-135 days duration- Daya, Udaya,
Mandakini 136-150 days duration- Meher,
Pratikshya, Surendra, Pratap

Low land & Jholla situation-145-165 days duration- Gayatri, Mahanadi, Puja
Hybrid Rice- Ajay, Rajlaxmi
Scented Rice- Dubraj, Kalajeera
2. Ragi Bhairabi, Subhra, Champabati, OEB-526
3. Niger Utkal Niger-150, Deomali-I
4. Ginger Suprava, Suruchi, Suravi, Subhada
5. Turmeric Roma, Surama, Ranga, Rashmi, Surangi
6. Tomato Utkal Kumari, Utkal Urbashi
7. Potato Kufri Ashoka, Kufri Jyoti, Chipsona-3
B) Crop Production
i. Soil test based recommendation of fertilizer for different crops are being
advised.

232
 ii. Application of 20 20 NP kg/ha along with seed inoculation of
Azospirilum/ Azotobacter + PSB produces similar yield at at 40 40 NP
kg/ha reduces 50 % inorganic fertilizer requirement in Niger.
iii. Application of Boron @ 20 kg/ha with lime or lime along @ 0.5 LR (6t
pms /ha) before 15 days of sowing increase the yield of vegetables and
minor Millets.
C) Crop Protection
i. The chemical seed treatment with Mancozeb @ 3 g/ltr + Carbendazim
@ 1 g/ltr + Plantomycin @ 1 g /ltr + Quinalphos @ 2 ml/ltr of water
reduces the dieses of ginger and turmeric.
ii. The organic seed treatment of 2-3 eyes turmeric pieces with 100 ltr.of
water + 10 kg cow dung + 2-3 kg Jaggery + 1 kg T.viride + 1 kg
P.fluoroscence for 10 minutes and then shade dry for 2-3 hours
reduces various diseases.
iii. The organic seed treatment of 2-3 eyes ginger pieces with 2 ltr. Fresh
cow urine + 2 kg fresh cow dung + 2 kg termite soil + 50 ml Neem oil +
1 kg T.viride + 1 kg Pseudomonas fluorescence and shade dry reduces
various diseases.
D) Crop Varieties found resistant / tolerant to Pest & Disease
i. Rice gallmidge -Bhatta local, Govindpur local, Jyotirmayee, Jogesh,
Mandakini, Kerandi, Pratikshya, Manoswini, Hiranmayee, IR-36, Daya
ii. Rice stemborer – Khandagiri, Mandakini, Jhotirmayee, Manoswini,
Lalat, Tejaswini, Pratikshya, Tanmayee
iii. Rice GLH & WBPH- Daya, Indravati, Prachi, Ramachandi, Pratikshya,
Jajati, Pratap, Gouri.
iv. Rice leaffolder- Surendra, Kharavela, Pratikshya, Tejaswini
YMV in Green gram (summer)-IPM 02-3, PDM-139, SML-668
YMV in Black gram (summer) - PU-31
YMV in Green gram (Kharif) - OUM-11-5, OBGG-52, Dhauli
YMV in Green gram (Rabi) - TARM-1, IPM-02-14, OBGG-52
YMV in Black gram (Kharif) - Prasad, Ujjala, Mahuri
YMV in Black gram (Rabi) - Prasad, Ujjala, Mahuri, PU-19, PU-35,
PU-30, TU 94-2
Tomato (wilt) - BT-1, BT-10, BT-12, Utkal Pragyan
Brinjal (wilt) - BB-26, BB-45C
Mustard (aphid) - PT-303, Pusa Bahar, TS-9
Source - Associate Director of Research, Semiliguda
233
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Soil Testing Laboratory, Govt. Agricultural Farm
Krishi Vigyan Kendra
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra is a district level Farm Science Centre for
rapid transfer of technology to the farmers‘ field of Koraput district. Major
function of the centre is to impart vocational training to farmers, farmwomen
and rural youths as per assessed need. Conducting Front Line
Demonstration on front line technologies in the farmers‘ field of the district.
On farm testing of need based, location specific and newly generated
research information on the major production systems in the area. Krishi
Vigyan Kendra is situated at Semiliguda which is working for the
development of the farming community of Koraput district.
Source: Project Coordinator, Semiliguda

Natural calamities, Disaster Management, Climate Change & impact on

Agriculture
In different trainings, field functionaries are sensitized regarding
different Natural Calamities, Disaster Management, Climate Change etc and
their impact on Agriculture. The field functionaries in turn are sensitizing the
farmers in the farmers training regarding Natural Calamities, Disaster
Management, Climate Change and impact of Agriculture.
Every year contingent plan is being made to combat adverse agro-
climatic situation. One control room is functioning in the office of the Deputy
Director of Agriculture, Jeypore from May to October every year to monitor
the adverse agro-climatic situation and to keep liaison with district
administration.
M.S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Jeypore
M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has been working
in the Jeypore region of Odisha through Biju Patnaik Medicinal Plants
Graden and Research Centre, Jeypore, since many years. Activities in the
area include conservation of biodiversity, promotion of sustainable
livelihoods through micro-level interventions, establishment of Community
Managed Gene, Seed, Grain and Water Banks, promotion of genetic literacy
and documentation of local conservation traditions. The initiatives taken up
by the MSSRF in participation with the local tribal communities enabled the
Jeypore region of Odisha to receive the prestigious Equator Initiative Award
for conservation of plant genetic resources and traditions. More MSSRF's
interventions have raised the level of confidence in the local communities by
way of interaction and cooperation. Establishment of SHGs involved in water
resources management, wasteland reclamation and marketing of specialty

234
rices (e.g. Kalajeera) and products of minor millets are some of the initiatives
exemplifying the success of the work of farm families with support from
MSSRF designed to create an economic stake in conservation of
germplasm.
Rice Research
Kalajeera
The Jeypore tract of Odisha is one of the secondary centers of origin of
cultivated rice. Recent exploration to that tract has resulted in a collection of
120 accessions of upland rice germplasm. They have been conserved in
both National active collection and base collection centers for further
utilization as and when it will be required. Also a historical perspective on the
genetically diversity of rice germplasm of the region has been highlighted.
The characterization of data revealed enormous morphological as well as
agronomic variability among the landraces. Jeypore tract in southern Odisha
has been identified as one such center of origin of rice. In the distant past
rice moved from Odisha to places within and outside India. Genetic analysis
of rice germplasm of the Jeypore tract in Odisha indicated significant role of
these rice in the evolution of Japonica rice
M.S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Jeypore centre started in the
year 1996 at Jeypore to work on Natural Resources and bio-diversity after it
is bifurcated from Kendrapada. The Government of Odisha has allotted
5hectare (ha) of land during the year 2006 at village Phulbad nearer to
Jeypore.
It is working in 3 blocks of the district (Jeypore, Kundra and
Boipariguda) covering 79 villages.
The main objectives/activities of the centre are -

1. Bio-diversity conservation
This centre is committed to Agro-bio-diversity led poverty reduction with
a pro-nature, pro-poor, pro-women and pro- livelihood motto. The bio-
diversity of the region is fast declining due to various reasons. The land
races of rice of more than 1750 recorded available in the region 50 years
back now is reduced to 256 as per survey of 1995-96. MSSRF has in-situ
conserved about 106 land races of rice of which Kalajeera is one of the most
recognized aromatic varieties. Similarly conservation of land races of millets
was also taken up.

235
2. Medicinal plants
Nine ex-situ medicinal plants gardens were established and maintained
in the campus for conservation of medicinal plants used by nine major tribes
of Odisha for their health care. More than 347 medicinal plants are
conserved over an area of 3.5 ha of land. The important medicinal plants are
being propagated and supplied to Schools and also made available to the
tribal for back yard plantation.
3. Eastern Ghat Mapping
Holistic quantitative assessment of the geographic distribution and
mapping of plant resources of Eastern-Ghats was carried out in seven
western districts covering 446 grids. So far 641 plant species have been
recorded and also identified the RET (Rare Endemic & Threatened) species
from the study. It has been promoting deeper understanding to the students
through DNA (Department of biotechnology and Natural Awareness) clubs
on the importance of bio-diversity, bio-technology and their relation to
everyday life.
4. Tribal livelihood
In order to protect the tribal livelihood and nutritional support large scale
vegetable cultivation and fruit tree plantations in kitchen gardens, fish
farming, mushroom cultivation are carried out in MSSRF villages. This has
helped to bring food and nutritional security round the year.
5. Bio-village
This is a model of integrated approach which looks at food security,
environmental security and eco-system management for sustainable farming
system and livelihood support. In this programme it has achieved through
imparting knowledge, skill, information and organizational empowerment of
rural families with priority accorded to women specific eco technologies
blended with modern technologies mixing traditional wisdom and knowledge.
This programme is implemented in three villages of Kundra block covering
more than 200 households.
6. Bio-industrial Watershed program
The overall goal is to extend the technologies of sustainable
management of natural resources managed by the communities on a
watershed scale for food and nutritional security. Management of natural
resources like soil, water, crop diversification and production enhancement,
value addition, credit, finance and marketing of surplus produce through
federations etc.

236
7. Food and Nutritional security
To ensure physical and economical access to sufficient, safe and
nutritious food to meet the dietary needs and food preference of the
community for an active and healthy life.
8. Grain-Seed-Gene banks
There are about 22 numbers of Seed- Grain-gene Banks in the villages
which are managed by the local communities. The MSSRF has provided the
infrastructure and support services and monitoring. These banks are helping
the communities during crisis period to take on loan the required grains or
seeds from the banks and replenish after the harvest of the crop.
9. Nutritional programme
Diet survey was conducted at house hold level and supported for
establishment of kitchen gardens to provide nutritional security for production
of nutritious food crops round the year to supplement the Vitamin-A and iron
deficiencies. Pregnant Mother and child care and food requirements were
monitored and the communities were trained about the food requirements
within the available sources at different stages.
10. Village knowledge centers
There are four village knowledge centers to cater to the needs of the
communities with a goal to disseminate local specific and demand driven
value added information and capacity building of the villagers. This centre
provides information and access to the farmers‘ problems, live stock
management and other allied information services at the village level. In this
entre youth are provided with Computer Aided Learning program (CALP),
MUPP (Microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme) - computer courses and
other awareness and training services.
11. Millet programme- IDRC (International Development Research Centre)
programme
Under this programme the less important crops like millets and value
addition is given importance. The local land races conservation, technology
dissemination with proper package of practices to increase production of
millets is also given due importance. In addition nutritional food production
through kitchen/home gardens and fruit tree plantation in the back yards.
Source: M.S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Jeypore

237
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary
Animal Husbandry is one of the most important economic activities in
rural areas of the state. It provides supplementary income to most of the
families dependent on agriculture and many landless families. The income
generated through livestock rearing activities has been the mainstay for
them. Traditional livestock sector of Koraput has been playing important role
in the socioeconomic as well as the food security of rural poor from
centuries. The livestock in rural Koraput contributes to food and nutritional
security, provide draught power transport and manure and also serve in
traditional social functions to many communities. It is also a form of storing
wealth. Livestock is known to directly contribute to the livelihoods of more
than two-thirds of the Koraput rural poor and to a significant number of the
semi urban poor. The agro climatic condition, geographical situation,
topography of land of Koraput district and lastly the socio-economic
background of the inhabitant of the district in general and rural Koraput in
particular has provided ample scope for Animal Husbandry activities for
sustainable livelihood for the inhabitants even to a greater extent than
agriculture. They keep couple of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat pigs and poultry
under mixed animal husbandry system. Pigs are tribe and caste specific.
Every family in rural Koraput uses 25 to 40 Chickens in a year in different
festivals and ceremonies that goes to alleviate mal nutrition. Traditionally
they do not milk cows. Animals are specifically kept for meat; even some of
the tribes eat dead animal carcasses.
The Indian Livestock sector is changing fast due to emerging new
driving forces. With a strong and growing demand that has appeared due to
strong GDP growth, food habit of middle class Indians is changing towards
more livestock products in their menu. There is thus scope to the people of
Koraput that they can catch the niche market of Poultry, Sheep, Goat and
Pig and improve their living standard.

Live stock
238
statistics (As per 2012 Census)

Species Type Male Female Total Grand

Total
Cattle Indigenous 264693 188858 453551 469075
CB/Exo. 3261 12263 15524
Buffalo 45338 33762 79100 79100
Sheep Indigenous 38938 79537 118475 118529
CB/Exo. 47 7 54
Goat 50990 107822 158812 158812
Pig Indigenous 11764 18487 30251 30315
CB/Exo 46 18 64
Others 385
Total Livestock 856216
Poultry Birds 630177

Livestock Growth
The bovine population has registered negative growth compared to
2003 and 2012 Livestock census. The Indigenous Cattle, Cross Breed Cows
and Buffalos have been reduced by 8%, 11% and 55% respectively. This
can be attributed to sale of cattle as well as buffalos due to premium price
paid by the animal meat exporters in recent past. The Buffalo population
was seriously affected. The irrigated blocks of Koraput are adopting
mechanization of agriculture. Thus bullocks are being replaced fast. The
bovines are mostly used for agriculture purpose for manure and storing of
wealth. Dairy is a recent phenomenon limited to urban and semi-urban
localities. The Dairy sector is growing appreciably as seen from the milk
production for 1995 and 2015.
The Poultry reared in backyard sector has also been reduced by 26%
compared to 2003 census. The Pigs are being replaced fast from the
economy and the classical swine fever is causing serious mortality in the
district. There is no vaccine manufactured in the state or available in the
open market for the disease.
Livestock Holding per Thousand Household

Koraput Cattle Buffalo Sheep Goat Pigs Cross-Breed Cattle

1488 251 376 504 96 49

The Livestock holding indicates that most families keep cattle followed
by Goat, Sheep, Buffalo and Pigs. The Indigenous Chicks are most vital
animal in the life of rural community. This trend is vital to plan for the
livestock development and the family interest related to livelihood. The
subsistence traditional Animal Husbandry system of Koraput is mixed Animal

239
livestock management system where a family keeps couple of Cattle, Goat,
Sheep, Pigs, Chicken, Sometimes buffalos and ducks. When there is an
outbreak of a disease one or two species of Livestock suffer losses but
mixed live stock prevents total loss to the family. Thus mixed livestock
management by the rural people mostly tribal of Koraput helps them in
survival of some livestock at a time of animal epidemic and protects their
economy instead of putting them to total penury.
Aims and Objectives of the Department
The present Veterinary Department of the district with its available
infrastructure is capable of providing veterinary services to the farmers of
both urban and rural areas and is able to implement different animal
husbandry programmes undertaken by the Government of Odisha from time
to time, with the aim
1. To improve the living standard of the people through sustainable
Livestock development.
2. To increase opportunity especially to empower women
3. To increase the production of milk, egg, meat, fodder etc. in the district.
Basic objective of this department is to provide health care and
preventive measures for different diseases of livestock prevailing in the
district. Besides these, other activities are,
1. Dissemination of low cost farmer friendly technologies
2. Better management of animal nutrition and health.
3. Increase productivity through genetic up-gradation.
4. Development of small animals through deworming and supply of
improved buck and ram.
5. Extension and advisory services on various animal husbandry issues.
6. Introduction of Improved Poultry through Backyard Poultry Programme.
7. Strengthening of disease control mechanism is being carried up
through 24 veterinary dispensaries/ hospitals and 141 livestock aid
centers in the district.

240
History of Veterinary Services in Koraput
The Govt. of Odisha had a o Veterinary and Animal Husbandry
Department to promote Animal Husbandry activities and protect the health of
Live Stocks from various diseases which dates back to 1950.
In December 1952 the District Veterinary Officer was appointed. He
was under the control of Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Odisha
whose head quarter was located in Cuttack. The main duties of District
Veterinary Officer were to monitor the work of Veterinary Dispensaries,
Hospital and stockman centers. There was one Animal Husbandry and
Veterinary Inspector stationed at Rayagada to assist the DVO, Koraput in
inspection of institution during the period of existence of undivided Koraput
District.
Veterinary Dispensary and Stock Man Centers
The first Veterinary Institution was at Jeypore during the period of the
Maharaja of Jeypore, more than 100 years back. The Veterinary Hospital,
Jeypore was looking after the care of 100 elephants, 25 thorough bred
horses, Bagha Bhandara- the local Zoo of the Maharaja and the pets of the
family. Now it has grown very well to meet the requirement of the people of
Koraput District. As early as 1929 a Veterinary Dispensary was opened at
Jeypore. In 1937 the average number of animals treated there per day was
39. There was then one touring Veterinary Surgeon for each of the Sub-
Division.
In 1961-62, twenty-three Veterinary Dispensaries functioned in the
larger Koraput district out of which sixteen were provided with Diagnostic
sets. The activities of the Veterinary Department considerable increased in
recent years due to execution of Block Animal Husbandry programmes. In
1963-64, 26 out of 36 blocks were provided with either Veterinary Assistant
Surgeons or Veterinary Technicians‘. Each of the 36 blocks was provided
with two or more stock man centers except Pottangi, Kundra, Nandahandi
and Mathili where there was only one Stockman center in each. Castration of
animals, inoculation and treatment of simple diseases are attended to at the
Stockman Centre. The main function of the Veterinary staff is to check
contagious diseases prevailing among domestic animals and to treat the
animals of the locality in case of diseases. The staff also is to check
rinderpest disease among the cattle.The Re-organization of the A.H
department held during 1983 changed the structural pattern of the
department became as follows -
The Director Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Odisha,
Cuttack as the head of the department is stationed at Directorate, Cuttack.
241
One additional Director with two Deputy Directors were stationed there to
assist the Director A.H & VS at the state level. At the District level in Koraput
district Chief District Veterinary Officer, Koraput was posted and he acted as
the captain of the District so far as Animal Husbandry activities of the district
are concerned. There were two Additional District Veterinary Officers-ADVO
(AICD) & ADVO (Disease Control) at the district level to assist the CDVO,
Koraput. The ADVO- Livestock production & ADVO- Disease Control at the
district level work under direct control of CDVO, Koraput . The Chief District
Veterinary Officer has to review the work of all SDVOs working under his
control at Sub-Divisional level. At Sub-Divisional Level Six SDVOs were
posted namely SDVO, Koraput, SDVO, Rayagada, SDVO Jeypore, SDVO
Gunupur, SDVO Nabarangpur and SDVO Malkangiri. The SDVOs of all the
sub-divisions acted as the reviewing and monitoring head for the institutions
i.e. Veterinary Dispensaries and Livestock aid Centre‘s under their
jurisdiction. The Veterinary Assistant Surgeon And Additional Veterinary
Assistant Surgeon were posted in Block level Veterinary Dispensary and one
nd rd
Veterinary Assistant Surgeon was stationed in the 2 and 3 Veterinary
Dispensary at G.P level. Under each Veterinary Dispensary, multiple Live
Stock Aid Centers worked with Livestock Inspectors posted there. After
formation of Koraput as new district during early nineties the staffing pattern
again changed. The jurisdiction of CDVO, Koraput was reduced and
confined to only two Sub-Divisions i.e Koraput & Jeypore and at Sub-
Divisional level only two SDVOs i.e SDVO Koraput & SDVO Jeypore worked
as the inspecting and administrative head in their respective Sub-Divisions
while working under the direct control of CDVO, Koraput.
In 2012, Re-Organization and up gradation resulted in organizational
changes in the Department. At present the Chief District Veterinary Officer,
Koraput heads the Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department of the
district. To help the Chief District Veterinary Officer in district administration,
two Additional District Veterinary Officers (ADVO) namely ADVO (Disease
Control) & ADVO (Livestock Production) are posted at district HQ Koraput.
Besides one Deputy Director is posted at Veterinary Hospital, Koraput to
look after the veterinary Services to the livestock farmers at the District
HQ.Two Sub Divisional Veterinary Officers at, Koraput & Jeypore posted and
act as the Inspecting and monitoring heads in their respective sub-Division
and work under the control of Chief District Veterinary Officer, Koraput.
Under the control of Sub Divisional Veterinary Officers, Block
Veterinary Officers are posted in nine Blocks in Koraput Sub-Division & five
Blocks in Jeypore Sub-Division. The Additional Veterinary Assistant Surgeon
nd rd
& Veterinary Assistant Surgeons of 2 /3 Veterinary Dispensaries work
under the control of Block Veterinary Officers in the Block.
242
 Addl. District Veterinary Officer (Disease Control) is entrusted with the
duty of disease control, Vaccination, Mobile Veterinary Unit working in the
Blocks. Besides his service is utilized in District Diagnostic Laboratory,
Koraput for diagnosis of emerging diseases and for disease surveillance
purpose. The Additional District Veterinary Officer (Livestock Production) has
been entrusted with duties of dairy development, Poultry development also
small animal development work. He is to monitor the work relating to
Livelihood programme including Livestock insurance, backyard poultry,
National Mission for Protein Supplementation, Commercial Agri-Enterprise,
Promotion of Dairy Entrepreneurship, long term & short term livestock
finances, Artificial Insemination etc. He is also to monitor the work of other
extra departmental agencies working for Artificial Insemination to improve
the quality of breeds and for production of cross breed animals in
collaboration with Veterinary Department of Koraput as per the decision of
the State Government.
The Sub Divisional Veterinary Officers act as the sub-divisional head so
for as veterinary activities are concerned, under whose direct control the
Block Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Asst. Surgeon and Addl. Veterinary
Assistant Surgeon work in the block level. The block level Veterinary Officers
remain responsible for livestock health and for promotion of livestock
development work in the Block. They are also entrusted with the duties of
supervision work of the staff working in veterinary dispensary and Livestock
aid centre‘s under their jurisdiction. At Gram Panchayat level Livestock
inspectors are working under the direct control of Block Veterinary
Officer/Veterinary Assistant Surgeon. Their main duties are to provide
veterinary services in the shape of vaccination, first-Aid, castration,
deworming and Animal Husbandry extension work and also in the
implementation of different programmes at grass root level. There are 159
Livestock Inspectors and 13 Veterinary Technicians (VT), who are manning
the Gram Panchayat level Veterinary aids centres. The department has
Mobile Veterinary units in the 14 blocks that provides veterinary services
including immunization of livestock and poultry of the farmers.
Under the aegis of the Odisha Livestock Resources Development
Society (OLRDS) the focus of the department is to improve the genetic
potentiality of the local large ruminants so that they can be productive as
dairy animals and also best suited for draft animals for the farmers. Artificial
Insemination is thus the key. The department has established a good
network of supply chain for frozen semen to all Artificial Insemination
Centers of the district. The department in recent years has encouraged two
NGOs to participate in AI programme.

243
 The Infrastructure for providing Artificial Inseminations in Cattle and
Buffalo is as follows
i) Departmental AI Centers - 117
ii) OMFED AI Centers - 15
iii) Gomitra Centers - 14
iv) BAIF (Bharat Agro Industry Foundation) Centers- 05
v) JKGVY AI Centers - 13

Conservation of Indigenous Breeds

Koraput, the land of many tribes with isolated hill terrains and rivers
covered with forests has been responsible for the birth of many distinct
breeds. The animals of Koraput are well-adapted to the local climate,
topographical and vegetative changes. The indigenous breeds are valued for
their disease resistance, lower feed intake and easier management. They
mostly find their own feed by grazing and are resistant to common diseases,
making them suitable for low-budget, homestead-level farming. The average
milk yield of the dwarf cows is just half to two litres; farmers aver that the
quality of the milk is very rich. The other animals like sheep, goat and poultry
also add to the biodiversity of the district.
Efforts are being made by the Department to conserve the local breeds
in association with the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
(NABGR),Karnal, Haryana. The scientists from NABGR have visited the
district and examined different parameters of Goat and Sheep breeds of this
district for validation.
W. Francis ICS (1907) wrote,‖In some parts of the hill taluks (Koraput
Districts) a Goat Breed exists which, if kept sheltered from Cold & Wet brings
forth Three kids at a time. He further said the sheep in agency often
produces two lambs at a birth and has short course fleece. As regards
poultry he remarked that the cock and ram fighting are very popular. The
best known poultry breeds are called Dhinki and Punzu. In recent years
Kornel (1999), Kornel et al (2006) and Mohapatra et all (2006) have reported
the Bio-Diversity of Livestock & Poultry in Koraput District as follows;
Narayanapatna Goat Breed
It is found in the Narayanapatna block , a late maturing but prolific goat
with two kiddings in forty months. The first kid is born at 2 ½ of age, twin
birth is common, udder and teeth are medium in size, average milk yield is
600 to 700g.m. per day and lactation period is five months. Adult body
weight of this variety varies from 37 to 39 K.G. in male and 24 to 36 K.G. in

244
females. It is the heaviest goat breed of Odisha and the farmers of Laxmipur
Block rated the breed as the best improved breed compared to sirohi goats
of Rajastan.
Koraput Sheep Breed is found in Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malakanagiri &
Rayagaada districts of Odisha, developed and nurtured by tribal groups
belonging to Bhatra, Bhumia, Matia & Koya communities. Males are horned
and females are polled. Body coat is hairy and coarse. Ears are mostly
notched and few have normal ears. The predominant coat colour are various
shades of brown & grey. Tail is small and thin. Average adult weight for
female is 24.1 Kg. Sheep found in Machkund & Dasamantpur are prolific, 40
to 60 percent of which give birth to twins. The first lambing occurs at 14
months of age and there are two lambings during a period of 14 months.
This is a very hardy breed of sheep and resistant to warm infestations.
Vezaguda Poultry Breed
Developed and patronized by Koya, Matia, Bhumia & Dom community
this breed is mostly found in Koraput and Malkanagiri districts of Odisha. The
cocks of the breed are good fighters and prefer to die than to loose. The
breed is characterized by high stamina, majestic gait, pea comb, long neck,
red ear lobes, varying plumage color, well developed breast, long keel bone
and long shank. Females of the breed lay brown coloured eggs. Adult body
weight varies from 2.5 to 3.5 Kg for cocks and 1.6 to 2.5 Kg. for females. The
females lay 3 clutches of eggs.
Dhinki Poultry Breed
A larges local breed of poultry for meat production patronized by
Telugu speaking farmers of undivided Koraput district with highly variable
plumage, large head, bold eyes, strong beaks, pea comb, red ear lobes,
round body, well developed breast with long keel & shank bones. Females of
the breed lay brown coloured eggs. Adult weight varies from 2.5 to 3.5 Kg. in
males and 1.6 to 2.5Kg. in female. The breed is now under extinction.
Burudi Pig Breed
The local pigs are called Burudi Pigs. They are pot bellied type
distributed all over the local tribal villagers. They attain about 30 Kg of body
weight. They are generally light black and some are white patches on their
belly or legs. The tail is long with tuft of hair upto the hock. The face is long
with a full jaw. Their very prolific with early maturity and about 6 to 8 months
and farrowing price in a period of 12 months. They may produce upto 12
piglets per litter but generally the number is between 6 to 8 piglets. They

245
scavenge around the village and generally do not go out. They have little
back fat, only after one year of age they start putting on fat.
Manda Buffalo Breed
This breed was first described by Narayana Reddy(1939) later Patro
and Kornel described the status of the breed(1988). This breed is found
mainly in herds around Laxmipur block, Damonjodi, Balimela and Arku
Valley hills of Koraput district. On an average the buffalos yield 1.5 liters of
milk per day due to single milking. Some buffalos may yield upto 4 ltrs of
milk. The milk is very rich in fat content. The bullocks are highly valued for
draft purpose and for their longevity. The breed is very hardy and are
managed in open forest herding also. This breed is under threat of
extinction.
Integrated Livestock Development Project (ILDP)
Integrated Livestock Development Project became operational in
Koraput with the funding of DANIDA (Indo-Danish Project) during the year
1992- 2002. The objective of the ILDP was to reduced poverty in rural
families. It was a livelihood development programme aiming at the socio-
economic development of rural farmers. It was functioning in four blocks of
Koraput district namely Koraput, Jeypore, Kundra and Laxmipur. The
activities are being taken up in hundred villages taking twenty-five villages
from each four blocks. The main objective of the project was to provide
i. Health Care of Large animals.
ii. Small Animal Development.
iii. Creation of SHG groups.
iv. Fodder Development.
Health Care
The health coverage of large animals was taken up in camp mode in
collaboration with Veterinary Department. Heat Synchronization camps were
organized in different villages to bring more number of cows to estrus
simultaneously so that the animals can be inseminated with exotic imported
semen.
Small Animal Development
Under this programme emphasis was given for development of small
animals like sheep and goat by organizing mass de-worming camps and
providing improved rams and bucks for genetic up-gradation of local stock.
Malpura breed of sheep, Sirohi & Jamunapari Bucks were introduced for the
purpose. Trial was also made for artificial Insemination of goats with boer
semen pellets.
246
Formation of Self Help Groups (SHG)
In the adopted villages of the project Self Help Groups were for with
amed with a view to improve the socioeconomic status of individual farmers
of the village. Emphasis was given for women empowerment by involving
90% women members in the groups. One member of each SHG was taken
on exposure visit to different parts of the state and to outside state for
improving their knowledge and skill on different livestock farming. Each SHG
is provided with financial assistance for taking up different animal husbandry
activities up to Rupees 1,00,000/- per SHG.
Fodder Development
For improving the nutritional status of the livestock in the adopted
villages steps have been taken by ILDP for improving the Gochar lands of
the villages. Five Acres of Gochar land has been developed in each village
with a total of 500 Acres. In these plots both perennial and seasonal fodder
crops has been grown which was utilized by the farmers of those locality.
Chaff cutter was provided in each adopted village for scientific way of
feeding livestock. The seed production farm at Rondapalli was handed over
to ILDP for pasture development and Sheep/Goat demonstration purpose
Major achievements of ILDP is given below:
Trained 200 Community Link Workers (100 female and 100 male)
a. The ILDP established the first systematic Self Help Groups in KBK
districts of Odisha. 150 Self Help Groups comprising of 2700 villagers
were established from 1966.
b. Formed 19 SHG Apex Bodies comprising of 231 SHGs(DRDA 96+135
ILDP)
c. Formed 25 village Committees.
d. Disbursed 2.3 million Rupees through the village revolving funds to the
SHGs.
e. Trained about 2800 farmers on Livestock and allied extension practices
including Animal Husbandry, Agriculture and Horticultural Production.
f. Conducted over 300 on-farm trials and demonstrations on various
cropping patterns that not only provide an increase in grain yield, but
also provide a larger amount of residual by products as livestock feed.
g. The project supported a local farm owned by AKD at Randapalli where
various grasses and legumes were grown and sheep and cuttings from
these were distributed to the farmers.

247
h. The project ran a goat and sheep upgrading programme, where
indigenous breeds were introduced to selected villages.
On-Going Programmes of the Department
For income generation of poor rural farmers of the district various
programmes like Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme/Promotion
of Dairy Enterprises have been taken up for promotion of dairy farming in the
district so as to augment the milk production of the district. Besides
Commercial Agri-Entrepreneurship has also been taken up for development
of dairy, poultry & goatery also for developing composite farm of the district
with provision of subsidized bank loan facility.
Added to this, National Mission for Protein Supplementation (NMPS)
has been introduced with the aim of goattery development with provision of
50% subsidy to the progressive goatery farmers by providing funds for
construction of goat sheds and purchase of new stocks. The subsidy
amounts to maximum of Rs 106000/- for 95+5 goat unit.
As a measure of risk management of livestock of the district, livestock
insurance programme is in progress under National Livestock Mission so as
to protect the livestock owners against the loss from livestock death from
diseases and in the event of any natural calamities by providing them the
umbrella of insurance coverage for their Livestock.
The Mobile Veterinary Unit programme has been taken up in the 14
blocks of the district with the aim of providing veterinary services at the door
step of the livestock owners residing in the remote areas of the district where
departmental veterinary services are un-approachable. The Mobile
Veterinary Unit consists of one veterinary officer, one para vetenerian and
one attendant equipped with adequate medicines, vaccines and instruments
necessary to take up the treatments of all type of diseases, for artificial
insemination services and for preventive vaccination work against various
contagious diseases like HS, BQ, Anthrax, Goat pox, PPR, Enterotoxaemia,
Ranikhet Disease etc. Besides AH Extension and awareness programmes
are also being done by the MVUs.
Under CAE, two nos of Broiler units with capacity of 25000 each have
been cleared in the district which will function soon.
Breed Upgradation and Cross Breeding Programme
i. 80% of breed able live stock population of the district has been covered
under frozen semen Artificial Insemination programme (FSAI) with
frozen semen AI centre at every GramPanchayat.

248
ii. 3000 numbers of genetically upgraded cows under National
Programme of Cattle & Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB) through
departmental AI centres as well as extra departmental agencies like JK
Trust & BAIF working in collaboration with AH department.
Dairy Development
i. Through OMFED the milk routes in the district has been increased to 6
nos.
ii. Through Calf Rearing Scheme (CRS) under Rastriya Krushi Vikash
Yojana (RKVY), 662 calves have been provided with calf feed for their
optimum physical and sexual growth and attainment of productive
mother hood. Most of the calves have already attended mother hood
with a daily milk production of around 10 litres per day.
iii. Fodder cultivation programme has been has been extended 6 hectors
area by OMFED and 2.5 hectors by departmental fodder staff at the
farmers field for economic milk production.
iv. Through Dairy Entrepreneurship Development scheme (DEDS) and
through Promotion of Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme (PDE), 238
nos of milch animal and through Commercial Agri- Enterprise
Programme (CAE), 80 cross breed milch cows have been inducted to
the district.
v. Through National Livestock Mission (NLM), 1031 milch cows have been
covered under Livestock Insurance Programme during the year (2013-
14) to save the farmers against loss of cows from diseases and natural
calamities and during 2014-15, 799 large animals have been covered
under the same programme.
Small Animal Development
Under National Mission for Protein Supplementation (NMPS), 31 goat
units with total of 1600 does and 96 bucks have been established. Under
Commercial Agri- Enterprise Programme (CAE), 9 goatary units with 1800
nos of total goats have been cleared which will be established soon.
Poultry Development
Koraput district is fortunate enough for having two no. of Govt poultry
farms namely Regional Poultry Farm, Koraput and Poultry Breeding Farm,
Semiliguda with separate hatchery units in each farm with capacity of
hatching 8000 chicks per week. Funds have been provided from Centrally
Sponsored Planned Scheme(CSPS) and Rastriya Krishi Vikash
Yojana(RKVY) for infrastructure development. Presently each farm has

249
capacity to rear 4000 number of parent stocks. Banaraja poultry birds are
being maintained in the farms for supply to interested farmers for commercial
purpose. 866 nos of BPL farmers have been supplied with Banaraja chicks
under Central Sponsored Programme in backyard poultry with total nos of
birds supplied- 38970 and they also have been provided with funds for
construction of night shelter.
Other Veterinary Organizations of the District
OMFED

The Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (OMFED)‘s

main activities include promoting, production, procurement, processing and
marketing of milk & milk products for economic development of the rural
farming community in Odisha. It started functioning in this district from
22.01.2005 initially in Koraput and Jeypore blocks of the district and then its
activities are extended to another six blocks namely Borigumma, Kundra,
Kotpad, Laxmipur, Semiliguda and Parts of Boipariguda. Now milk is
collected through 100 functional Milk Producers Co-Operative Societies with
6500 litres of milk procurement per day. Seven Bulk Milk coolers are
functional in the district with maximum capacity of preserving 14,000 litres of
milk per day.
Objectives of OMFED
1. Formation of cooperatives of farmers i.e. Milk Producers Cooperative
Society.
2. Exposure visit of farmers to Gujurat and other places.
3. Animal Health Camps/ Infertility Treatment Camps/ Mass Deworming
Camps at farmers‘ doorstep.
4. Supply of Dairy inputs like Cattle feed and Medicines.
5. Vaccination against serious contagious diseases of cattle.
6. Tribal women Dairy Project
7. Fodder Development Fodder roots and slips are supplied at 50%
subsidy to interested farmers for covering an area of 15 Acres.
8. Calf Rearing Scheme - 340 Metric tonne of calf feed are being supplied
th nd
to 200 calves from 4 month of age to 32 month of age for improved
growth and to enhance production potential of the calf when attain
motherhood.

250
9. Till date 500 Crossbred cows have been supplied to interested farmers
with an aim to enhance procurement of 10000 litres of milk within a
span of three years. Special emphasis is given for clean milk production
by imparting training to farmers.
Central Cattle Breeding Farm, Sunabeda
The farm was established in 1972 with import of 300 pregnant heifers of
pure Jersey breed from Denmark. Since then the farm is maintaining pure
Jersey germplasm by breeding these animals by use of imported semen of
progeny tested bulls. This organization is controlled by Ministry of
Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi.
About the Breed
Jerseys come in all shades of brown, from light tan to almost black.
They are frequently fawn in color. All pure bred Jerseys have a lighter band
around their muzzle, a dark switch (long hair on the end of the tail), and
black hooves. They are calm and docile animals, but tend to be a bit more
nervous than other dairy cow breeds. The Jersey cow is quite small, ranging
from only 400–500 kilograms. The main factor contributing to the popularity
of the breed has been their greater economy of production, due to
1. Due to lower body weight, the maintenance requirements are on lower
side, and superior grazing ability.
2. Calving ease and a relatively lower rate of dystocia, leading to their
popularity in crossbreeding with other dairy and even beef breeds to
reduce calving related injuries.
3. High fertility
4. High butterfat, 4.84% butterfat and 3.95% protein, and the ability to
thrive on locally produced fodder. Bulls are also small, ranging from 540
to 820 kg, and are very aggressive for breeding purposes
About the Farm
This station is one among the seven Cattle Breeding Farms,
established in the year 1972 by the Government of India, Ministry of
Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying and Fisheries to
produce high pedigree male calves of Jersey breed to cater the needs of the
farmers, States A.H. Departments/Union Territories/Non-governmental
organizations and persons engaged in cattle development work.

251
Objectives
a. Progressive genetic improvementof Jersey breed for improvement in
the milk production following scientific methods.
b. Production and distribution of superior pedigreed bulls for using them in
production of frozen semen doses and natural services in the state
cattle and buffalo breeding programme / projects in the country.
c. Training/Demonstration of scientific breeding and farm management
practices to the farmers.
Location
This farm is situated in the hilly zone of the remote tribal district of
Koraput in Odisha. The H.A.L. an enterprise of Ministry of Defence, Govt.of
India is a neighbouring organization.The State capital Bhubaneswar is
situated at about 550 kms, Vizianagaram – 130 kms., Visakhapatnam Rly.
Station & Air port – 200 kms.
Fisheries Activities at a Glance
The Koraput district is located on section of Eastern Ghat in 2-Agro
Climatic Zone, namely
a) Eastern Ghat High land (Koraput Sub-Division)-
Except Bandhugaon block, remaining blocks are not potential for tank
pisciculture due to poor quality of soil and low water retaining capacity.
Due to hilly terrain water hardly remains for 6-8 months in a year.
b) South-Eastern Ghat Zone ( Jeypore Sub-division)-
(Blocks of Jeypore, Boriguma, Boipariguda, Kundra and Kotpad)
Except Boipariguda block all blocks are suitable for aquaculture.
The Fish Farmers‘ Development Agency (FFDA), Koraput came into
existence from 03.10.1984 under the chairmanship of the Collector and
District Magistrate, Koraput.
The Fisheries Department in Koraput District is headed by District
Fisheries Officer -cum-Chief .Executive. Officer, FFDA (Koraput). For fishery
development at grass-root level, Asst. Fisheries Officers ,Junior Fisheries
Technical Assist are posted under the control of BDOs in different Blocks
of the district.
The Primary objectives of the District Fishery Organization are -
a. To boost fish production of the district by utilizing theexisting and
creating feasible water bodies as well as by implementing scientific
method of pisciculture in private & GP ponds , Minor Irrigation Projects (
MIP) and reservoirs .

252
b. to provide quality fish seed at reasonable rate
c. to motivate and train unemployed youth and fish farmer and
entrepreneur on scientific methods of fish farming that provides self
employment to the unemployed, through suitable awareness camps,
trainings & exposure visits and also by providing incentives as subsidy
d. to strengthen village women organized through SHGs by providing
gainful employment through fish culture
e. to strengthen traditional fish farmer through adoption of intensive and
composite integrated fish farming
f. to strengthen the traditional fishermen with advanced method of fish
catching from river, canal, reservoirs, ponds etc.
g. to substitute traditional methods of fishing by advanced fishing
technology
The district has got good number of GP, revenue and private tanks,
most of which are seasonal, need renovation for taking up semi intensive
and intensive fish culture. Besides, there are a number of M.I.P.s and
reservoirs in the district, which can be suitably utilized for freshwater
fisheries. The water area available in the district is about 9500 Ha, out of
which about 5675.76 ha. are feasible for pisciculture .In sixteen Minor
Irrigation Projects with an area of 329 hectors capture fishery is developed
with stocking of fingerlings. Similarly in three big reservoirs namely Upper
Kolab (3500 hectors) Muran (tributary of Indrabati 600 hectors) and Jalaput
(Machhkund river 3462 hectors) capture fishery is taken up.
Water Area
Sl.No. Category Total Water Area in Feasible Water Area
Ha. in Ha.
No Area No Area
01 Ponds / Tanks 3073 1592.44 2226 1273.00
02 MIPs 16 329.00 15 272.00
03 Reservoirs 3 7562.00 2 4100.00
Swamps & Water logged
04 9 31.56 8 30.76
area
Total 3101 9515.00 2251 5675.76

Fish Production in Koraput District

Sl. No. Category No Area (Ha) Fish production (MT)

01 Ponds/ Tanks 2224 1260.30 3470.67
02 MIPs / Reservoirs 19 7891.00 708.28
03 River & Canals 190.06
Total 2243 9151.30 4369.01 MT

253
FISH SEED HATCHERIES & FARMS
There is a Govt. Fish farms in the district at Jeypore, with the prime
objective of producing fish seeds catering to seed demand of the district.
Jeypore fish farm is only breeding farm having a Chinese circular hatchery,
which produces quality spawn and fry and cater to the fry demand of the
entire district. The total area of Jeypore fish farm is 17.57 Ac. as per the
details given below.
Total water Water area available for pisciculture (Ac.)
area (Ac.) NT (nursery RT ST Total
tanks) (rearing tanks) (stocking tanks)
No. Area No. Area No. Area No. Area

17.57 39 7.78 6 4.75 4 5.31 49 17.57

Besides, there is a fry rearing centre at Kotpad (Area – 2.08 Ac.), which
was run by Orissa Pisciculture Development Corporation till 2013-14. The
said farm has been leased out to a private party during the year, 2014-15 for
supplying fish seed to the needy farmers.
GOVERNMENT SPONSORED SCHEMES TO BOOST FISH PRODUCTION

Development of Tank Fishery through FFDA

FFDA aims at increasing cultivable water area in feasible private lands
through bank finance or through the own sources of the beneficiaries with 45-
50% subsidy assistance. FFDA also provides 10 days intensive training to
progressive fish farmers on scientific method of fish farming. Scale of finance
and subsidy admissible in various category of FFDA finance are as follows.

Sl. Category Unit Project Subsidy (Rs)

No Cost (Rs) Gen SC/ST
1 Construction of New 1-Acre 1,20,000/- 54000/- 60,000/-
Pond
2 Renovation of Old Pond 1-Acre 30,000/- 13500/- 15000/-
a. Input cost for fish culture 1-Acre 20,000/- 9,000/- 10,000/-
3 Fish Seed Hatchery 10 M Rs 12 lakh Rs 4.80 lakh
seed

Development of Tank Fishery through Nmps (National Mission for

Protein Supplement)
Under this scheme a beneficiary has to excavate new tank of minimum
1.00 ha. and maximum 5.00 ha water area through bank finance or out of
own source funds. The project cost will be Rs. 4.00 lakh/ha and the
beneficiaries of all categories are eligible for 50% subsidy.In addition to
subsidy the beneficiaries are eligible for 5% interest subvention for timely
and regular repayment of loans under the above schemes.

254
CAE (Commercial Agri-enterprises (under State Agriculture Policy,
2013)
Under this scheme a beneficiary has to excavate new tank of minimum
of 0.40 Ha (1.00 Ac.) water area and take up commercial fish production.
The project can be funded through bank finance or own source. The project
cost is Rs.7.00 lakh / Ha. and all category of beneficiaries are eligible for 50
% subsidy. Besides excavation of tanks the beneficiaries can avail projects
like fish seed hatchery, fish feed plant and fisheries equipments/machineries
under this scheme as detailed below.
Sl. Items Pattern of assistance
No.
1 Aerators for intensive aquaculture in fresh 50% of cost - max. of Rs.90000/ha
water
2 Ice Boxes for preservation of fish 50% of cost-max.. of Rs.50000/unit
3 Setting of ice plant/fake ice plant, cold storage 50% of cost- max. of Rs.25.00 lakh/
& insulated van unit
4 Mini fish feed meal plant for aquaculture 50% of cost-max. of Rs.1.50 lakh/
unit
5 Establishment of One stop Aqua shop for 50% of cost- max. of Rs.2.50 lakh/
promotion of intensive aquaculture unit
6 Fisheries equipments like net, water testing kit, 50% of cost- max. of Rs.1.00 lakh/
water pump, transportation vehicle used for unit
fisheries and allied work, oxygen equipment
etc.
7 Private lift irrigation points/ tanks under 50% of cost-max. of Rs.0.20
Jalanidhi Yojana minimum 0.40 ha(a)Shallow lakh/unit
tube well (b) Deep bore well 75% of project cost-max of
Rs.50000(Excluding cost of
electrification)
8 Tractor up to 40 PTO HP 50% of cost- max. of Rs.0.90
lakh/unit
9 Power Tiller ( 8 BHP and above) 50% of cost- max. of Rs.0.75
lakh/unit

Short Term Credit in Pisciculture (like Crop Loan in Agriculture)

The short term credit (i.e., repayment period 12 months) facility in
pisciculture in the line of ‗Crop Loan‘ in agriculture is available to any
individual / SHG having own tank or have taken GP tank on lease for
adopting scientific pisciculture. The maximum limit of finance under short
term credit is Rs 80,000/- per acre and there is no provision of subsidy in this
scheme. However, there is interest subvention of 3% is available on timely
repayment of loans out of 7% interest rate. Therefore, a beneficiary has to
pay 4% interest on his loan.
MUY (Matshyajibi Unnayana Yojana)
a. Supply of Net & Boat for reservoir fishing with unit cost of Rs.40000.00
having 50% subsidy.
255
b. Supply of marketing infrastructure units like Bicycle/Moped/Auto with
Ice box at subsidized rates.
c. Revolving fund assistance to Women SHGs @Rs.5000.00 / SHG.
d. Scholarship to meritorious students of fishermen community
e. Supply of free SIM cards for empowering fishermen through voice
messages.
f. Cage culture projects in reservoirs linked with subsidy
g. Providing 4 decimal homestead land to land less people
h. Construction of dwelling houses under Mo Kudia Yojana for fishermen
i. Construction of dwelling houses under Matshyajibi Basagruha Yojana
j. Assistance to fishermen for fatal diseases
k. Health insurance up to Rs.1.00 lakh will be provided to fishermen
families of 5 members under Biju Krushak Kalayan Yojana.
Development of Reservoir Fishery under NFDB / SC, ST Development
Department Programme
The Upper Kolab Reservoir, Muran Reservoir (Part of Indravati),
Kodigaon MIP & Jagannath Sagar MIP have been taken up for stocking of
advanced fingerlings under NFDB Reservoir Fishery Development
programme during the year2015-16 in order to boost fish production.
Coverage of Fishermen under Group Accident Insurance Scheme
There are 8575 Nos. of Fishermen / Fisher women who are covered
under Group Accident Insurance Scheme during the year 2014-15 free of
cost. During 2014-15, there was production of 338 lakhs of spawn, fish fry \
fingerling of 83.89 lakhs ‗. There was stocking of 243.66 lakhs of fry and
fingerlings by the Department, OPDC and private producers. In reservoirs,
there was a stocking of 24.44 lakhs of fingerlings.
Constraints in Fishery Development
About 50% of G.P. tanks in the district dry in the month of February
onwards requiring renovation so as to improve water retentivity in order to
add fishery potential in the district. All the feasible GP tanks need to be
leased out on long term basis of 3-5 years instead of 1 year. As these are
community tanks having multifarious use by the villagers, there can be only
semi intensive culture as intensive pisciculture in community tanks will make
the water unusable for the village folk inviting resistance from them. Bank
finance for fishery schemes needs to be made easier i.e. joint ROR/SC, ST
256
land could be considered for mortgage as most of the rural farmers possess
joint land records. Field functionaries in all the blocks are required. Presently
only Jeypore, Borigumma, Kundra, Koraput and Semiliguda blocks are
having fishery field functionaries.
Natural Calamities and Disaster Management
Koraput district is situated to the west of Eastern Ghats Mountain range
and bordering to Andhra Pradesh. Since time immemorial this district has
never faced any ravages due to severe cyclone but only heavy rain. But
during the year 2014, it has come across a severe cyclone namely Hud Hud
followed by heavy rain which had caused havoc in all the 14 blocks of this
district in which 10624 number of families in 1412 villages were affected.
The District Administration was forced to evacuate 6.7 lakh people to the
safer places (Cyclone Shelter). After receipt of warning from Indian
Metrological Department, district administration was fully prepared to face
any eventuality owing to the said cyclone for which it could manage to
handle with zero casualty and minimum loss of property. Relief and rescue
operation involving the whole machinery of the district administration
including that of Police, Fire Brigade, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force,
National Disaster Response Force team etc. was in full swing. Due to the
effective management, district administration could manage to bring the
situation under control in a short period. The affected families were supplied
with adequate quantities of polythene for shelter and cooked food in free
kitchen. and house building assistance, clothing & utensils were also
provided within a short span of time.
Two major rivers namely Kolab and Indravati are flowing through the
district and at times due to heavy incessant rain the water level surges and
causes flood. The block administration are usually kept in readiness with
adequate stock of rescue and relief materials to assist the marooned people
and evacuate them to safer places with provision of free kitchen.
Prior to 1980, this district had dense forest in major parts which
improved the water retention capacity of soil. The climatic condition has
been changing due to deforestation, setting up of industries, increase of
vehicular traffics, increase of mining activities etc. This has its negative
impact on agriculture and also on the economy of the people. Unlike the
coastal districts of the state, this district experiences less number of natural
calamities. Being situated within the region of cyclonic disturbances of the
Bay of Bengal, it is frequently visited by storms in the monsoon. The storm is
generally accompanied by heavy rains and thunder as the district is situated
in the Eastern Ghat mountain ranges. After rainfall, almost all the rivers swell
and flood. The annual precipitation is more due to presence of high
257
mountains and forests. With heavy rains the mountain streams swell and
become unfavorable for some time. But due to high gradient of surface, the
water is drained out in an hour or two after the cessation of rains. Drainage
of water of mountain streams is generally mountain-valleys which are very
thinly populated; the river-valley being steep, cultivation there is thin. Flood
in rivers, therefore, does not cause great loss except occasionally in big
mountain-rivers like Kolab and Machkund with surging water level at times
crossing the bank. In October 1931,water level in these two rivers rose to
unprecedented height due to abnormal rainfall of 21‖ in a single day at
Pottangi. Measurements at the Bagara waterfalls showed that the discharge
of the Kolab river water near the present site of present river dam reached
the figure of 3 lakh cusecs. The Machkund rose to 40 feet above its summer
level at Kondakamberu (now in Malkangiri district) and swept away the
travelers bungalow which had been built on a height presumed to be safe
from floods. Villagers living on the banks of these rivers can tell of similar
experience in the past, of which the worst was in 1914.
Another major river, Indravati, causes damage to crops in the years of
heavy rain as it flows on comparatively plain lands. Indravati spreads to a
large water reservoir on the plains of Kotpad Block area. Loss of crops has
been reported to have occurred in the years of heavy rain . The gradient of
the rivers in these areas being more than that of plain areas, water drains
out swiftly leaving silt deposit on the lands and crops are raised again on the
field. During the floods of 1956, the kitchen of the rest shed erected by the
side of the river Kolab at Gupteswar was completely washed away and the
rest-shed could withstand the ravages of flood with much difficulty. The flood
swept away the crops of the valley of Indravati once.
There was heavy rainfall throughout the district continuing from the
st
evening of 1 July 1956. The rainfall during the first five days was 19.51
inches at Jeypore, 11 inches at Malkangiri, 17.29 inches at Nowrangpur and
17.25 inches at Koraput. It was 10 inches on an average in the district during
nd nd
48 hours ending on 2 July 1956. The rainfall was the heaviest on 2 July
1956 and the rivers, Indravati and Kolab swelled up to abnormal levels on
that day. The rate of rise in the Indravati was alarming. These rivers over
nd
topped their banks in the evening of 2 July 1956 and deluged the lower
rd
portion of the countryside on both the banks by the morning of 3 July 1956,
About 100 square miles in the Indravati basin remained under water for more
than 48 hours. In the low-lying paddy fields water remained much longer. As
a result of this flood, an area of about 36,020 acres of cultivated land with a
population of 42,000 was affected, 3,617 acres of land was sand-cast, 667
houses were damaged and causality of six persons. There were 5 breaches
in the river embankments.
258
 In July 1962, another heavy rainfall occurred in the district to the
western part of the Ghats causing floods in all the local rivers. Rainfall was
most intense to the immediate west of the Ghats which obstructed the heavy
th th
cloud wave. Between 9 and 10 of the month, Jeypore received more than
22 inches of rainfall. Because of the heavy falls and the resultant floods
thousand acres of cultivated land were overcast with sand.
Though floods are not so damaging, drought resulting from failure of
rains has been a source of calamity during the last few years. In 1954 the
district had less amount of rainfall and there was a general decline in crop
yield. The general loss was assessed at 25 per cent. This affected 55,000
acres of land and 1,88,224 people.
In 1957, rains completely ceased after September and the paddy and
ragi crops were hard-hit. A number of water pumps were provided by the
State Government to partially restore the crops by pumping to the fields from
what so ever water sources were available.
There has been no occurrence of a famine because of the sparse
population and food grains produced are always surplus. In 1919, there was
famine in Visakhapatnam areas and scarcity was felt in this district due to
heavy export of food grains. The hill tribes were tempted to sell away their
produce at high price. This was checked by prohibition of export of food
grains and the Maharaja of Jeypore helped to tide over the critical period by
releasing a part of his large accumulation of food grains from his granary for
sale.
Hazards and Disaster Management Response
Vulnerability of the Koraput District towards disasters, both natural and
man- made is widely recognized. The district is vulnerable towards natural
disasters like cyclone, flood, flash flood, drought,land slide, hail storm, whirl
wind, lightning, fire hazards., Forest Fire & capsizeing of boats in reservoirs
also occur .
The District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) has been envisaged
as a plan of preparedness whereby on receipt of a signal of an impending
disaster, the system would simultaneously galvanize and activates the
mechanism for response and mitigation without loss of crucial time. This
would involve all the participating managers to know in advance the task
assigned to them and the manner of response. Identification of available
resources including manpower, material, equipment and adequate
delegation of financial and administrative powers are prerequisites to
successful operation of the District Disaster Management Plan.

259
 The District Disaster Management Plan in essence prescribes the
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in which the implementation of efforts
on ground is well laid down. Activities such as evacuation, search and
rescue, temporary shelter, food, drinking water, clothing, health, sanitation
and Law & Order are given prime importance. Communications accessibility
and public information, that are important components of disaster
management, would follow on the activation of the District Disaster
Management Plan. These activities are common to all types of disasters and
require subdivision and preparation of sub action plans by each specified
authorities. Each sub group has been requested to work out the District
Disaster Management Plan mechanism relevant to their group of disasters.
The District Disaster Management Plan requires the disaster managers to -
a. Evolve an effective signal/warning mechanism
b. Identify activities at their levels
c. Identify sub activities under each activity/level of activity
d. Specify authorities for each level of activity and sub activity
e. Determine the response time for each activity
f. Workout individual plans of each specified authority to achieve
activation as per the response time.
g. Have quick response terms for each specified authority
h. Have alternative plans and contingency measures
i. Provide appropriate administrative and financial delegation to make the
response mechanism functional viable Undergo preparedness drills.
The Disaster Management Plans have been formulated starting from
the village level up to the District level. The plan clearly indicates the role
and responsibility of each player of the team. The Collector at the district
level, Sub-Collector at the Sub-Divisional level and the BDO at the Block
level will head the team. The Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat (G P) as a
people‘s representative is the key player in GP level and the Community with
guidance of Village Disaster Management committee formulates and carries
out this plan in the village level. Civil society organizations also play a vital
role during the implementation of this plan in the field.
District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC)
In response to the Notification No. 46229 / R&.D.M. Dated 12.11.2010
of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of Government of
Odisha, the District Disaster Management Authority in respect of this district

260
has been formed consisting of 1. Collector & District Magistrate, Koraput,
Chairperson, 2. President, Zilla Parishad, Co-Chairperson, 3. Superintendent
of Police, Member, 4. Chief District Medical Officer, Member, 5. Executive
Engineer in charge, Embankments, Member, 6. Addl. Dist. Magistrate, in
charge of Emergency, Chief Executive Officer, 7. Executive Engineer, Rural
Development Department, Member, 8. Project Director, District Rural
Development Agency, Member & 9. Deputy Director, Agriculture, Member
Disaster Incidence in the District
Based on the previous disasters experiences of the district in the past,
probability of flood ranks first. Accordingly the occurrence of other disasters
such as cyclone, fire accident, drought, epidemic and earthquake rank as
orderly mentioned.
River
Jeypore sub-division of the district is on plains generally affected by
flood where as Koraput sub-division covered under hilly terrains experience
less flood than that of Jepore Sub-Division.
Indravati
The river Indrabati has its danger level of 544.84 m. at village Basuli
and affects 24 villages of Kotpad Block & Johra Nala having its danger level
545.2 m. at village Surli and affetcs 14 villages of Borigumma Block. Very
often these rivers cause flood in low laying areas of Kotpad Block. Similarly
flood occurs in the river Kolab & its tributaries and affects thirty one
villages in Jeypore, Boipariguda and of Kundra blocks of the district.In
addition to the 11 villages of Kotpad block are identified as low lying areas
(likely marooned villages) due to discharging of excess water by Indravati..
Cycolne and Flood Shelters
Keeping in view of the vulnerability of flood and cycolne three rescue
centers are setup at Balia in Jeypore Tahasil, Sadaranga in Kotpad Tahasil
& Bhitarabadi in Borigumma Tahasil of this district. Beside the above, at the
time of need all School buildings, G.P. Ghar & Rajiv Gandhi Seba Kendras
are utilized as shelter during natural disasters.
Vulnerable areas For Chemical and Industrial Disasters
The major Industries setup in the district are Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited, Sunabeda, Natinal Aluminum Company, Damanjodi, Sewa Paper
Mills, Jeypore & Gajapati Cements, Ampavalli which emit hazardous gases
and effluent that may affect adversely to the people as well as the ecology.

261
 The peripheries of industries present in the district are prone to
chemical or industrial hazards. The list of GPs and villages, industry wise is
given as detailed for industries in particular here under. So the vulnerability
to hazards of chemical emission and discharge is quite a lot. Peripheral
villages to the industries are mostly from the Koraput, Semiliguda, Jeypore,
Kundra, Boriguma Blocks of the district.
Earth Moving and Road Cleaning Equipments
In order to over come afftects of disasters, the Earth Moving and Road
rd
cleaning equipments which are with Odisha Diasater Rapid Action Force (3
Bn. Odisha State Armed Police),National Aluminium Company, Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited and Executive Engineer, Works Department in the
District, the details of description and address of the concerned persons are
in the India Disaster Resource Network .
Action Plan to Meet Disasterous Situation (Flood/Cyclon/Epidemic) in
the Koraput District for the year 2015.
Taking into consideration of past experience especially during HUD
HUD-2014 an action plan is prepared in the district for the year 2015 to
combat the Natural Calamities. The line department officials and all
concerned of this district are instructed to remain alert and make necessary
arrangements to meet the emergency situation of Natural Calamities as and
when required. Necessary preventive health measures are being taken up
well in advance to complete the arrangements before the onset of rainy
season. The arrangements are made specially at the most vulnerable points
along with the medicines and disinfectants.
FLOOD/ CYCLONE/ EPIDEMIC ZONE
Epidemic Zone
Calamity occurs due to spread of epidemic in the district affectiing its
vulnerable population.
For smooth management of work of this district is divided in to seven
zones and each Zone is kept under the control of Zonal Medical Officer to
take immediate steps as and when required. Again each Zone is Sub-
divided in to some sectors and the Public Health Centre/Community Health
Centre / Upgraded Public Health Centre, Medical Officers act as Sector
Medical Officer of their concerned sectors with assistance of Para Medical
Staff in carrying out the preventive and curative health measures at the time
of need.
Stock of emergency medicines and disinfectants are kept with the
Zonal Medical Officers for utilization of the same during the emergency. The
262
Zonal Medical Officer can use the medicines without waiting for instructions
from the district office and Zonal Medical Officer is also authorized to issue
instructions to the Sector Medical Officer to avail the Vehicle from the
concerned Public Health Centre/Community Health Centre / Upgraded
Public Health Centre to attend the emergency as and when required.
Sector Medical Officer
The Medical Officer in Charge of each Public Health Centre/Community
Health Centre / Upgraded Public Health Centre who are the Sector Medical
Officer of the respective institutions are instructed to divide their respective
areas into sub-centre‘s according to availability of Medical Officers and
Supervisor in their institutions and each sub-centers are being kept under
responsibility of the Medical Officer or a Supervisor. The Medical Officer,
Supervisors and other Para Medical staffs of respective sector carry out the
preventive & curative health measures at the time of need. The Staff remain
vigilant and they remain prepared to rush to the epidemic / outbreak areas
within a short notice. Advance health measure and disinfection of all drinking
water sources are being carried out before the rainy season in co-ordination
with RWSS Department, Koraput. Daily epidemic reports being submitted to
the A.D.M.O (PH), Koraput with a copy to the Zonal Medical Officers
concerned during period of epidemic / outbreak. The CDMO should form a
District Task Force Team in this regard and intimate to district administration.
Mobile Team
One Mobile Team is being formed at the district level and they rush to
the field as and when required without any delay.
Besides the above, one emergency medical unit is being formed at the
Public Health Centre/Community Health Centre / Upgraded Public Health
Centre level and they attend the epidemic affected area whenever the
situation arises. There are fourteen Mobile Health Unit under Zilla Swastya
Seba Samiti, Koraput which are instructed to move to the affected areas in
consultation with sector Medical Officers. They make camp at the affected
areas if needed and render treatment & take preventive measures. The
Public Health Centre/Community Health Centre Medical Officer are
instructed to utilise the services of the Mobile Health Unit teams.
Medicines and Disinfectants
The Medical Officer of each Public Health Centre/Community Health
Centre / Upgraded Public Health Centre is required to receive the common
medicines like O.R.S packets, Tetracycline Caps/Intra Vein Fluids etc. and
disinfectants like bleaching powder, phenyl etc. from Asst. Dist Medical
Officer, (Public Health/ Malaria/ Fileria/ Leprosy) Koraput as per the

263
requirement by deputing their staff. The Medicines will be sent well in
advance before rainy season and it will be kept in suitable places especially
in un-approachable areas where it can be used without delay at the time of
need. The following concerned Public Health Centre/Community Health
Centre / Upgraded Public Health Centre Medical Officers are requested to
store the Medicines and disinfectants in the unapproachable areas before
the Rainy Season. The Chief District Medical Officer, Koraput to ensure the
distribution and availability of disinfectants and life savings drugs at the
grass root level.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Collector and District Magistrate
The Collector & District Magistrate is the chief of the District Disaster
Management Committee under whose direction and supervision the entire
district administration rises up to the occasion at the time of need. Soon after
receipt of warning from Indian Metrological Department the district
magistrate call preparetory meetings of all concerned departments to
monitor the situation and assign specific duties to concerned officers for
rescue, evacuation & management of the effects of the Disaster to minimize
the loss of life and property. In this process voluntary organizations like
National Cadet Crops, Nehuru Yubak Kendra, National Social Service and
Non Govrenment Organisation as well as local people representative are
being involved in the process. .
Inland Water Transport Facility in Koraput
Rivers of Koraput are known as lifeline in the district since time
immemorial having deep river-bed requiring means of conveyance on water
bodies. In early ages, the inhabitants were using dry wood logs to cross the
river. At the later stage, they could manufacture country boats called as
“Padhau & Vela” and they used the country boats to cross water bodies
and fishing purpose which was used as a means of conveyance. But such
conveyance was not safe and caused drowning very often. Now a days
people became civilized and tried to improve the means of conveyance on
water bodies which took birth to wooden boats which is being used in all
most all water bodies in this district. Machkund Dam Project was completed
in the year 1955 which submerged a large area and created a water body
which called as Machkund reservoir necessitating use of boats for regular
conveyance of tribal people living in the cut off area for their day to day
livelihood. Upper Kolab Multi purpose Project was constructed and
completed in the year 1986 and formed a large water body cutting off
different villages of Koraput, district from the main land in Semiliguda,
Nandapur & Lamtaput blocks. Similarly the Indravati Project was constructed
during the year 1999 and a dam at Muran in Dasamantapur Block was
constructed at the upper catchment area of river Indravati for which a large
264
section of people of the block & neighboring district of Nabarangpur depend
on country boats to cross the dam.
Since 2010, 53 wooden boats including five motorized boats are plying
in different water bodies of this district. After the boat tragedy in Sambalpur
district during 2013, the district administration of Koraput became alert to
prevent any such mishap in the water bodies and strictly followed the Odisha
Boat Rules, 2004. In this connection, the Administration has provided further
30 number of sophisticated wooden boats with adequate life saving
equipments like life jackets, life buoys, fire extinguishers & First Aid box at its
own cost. Besides, all the boats with crew are being covered under
insurance scheme. The boats are registered with the Director, Inland Water
Transport, Odisha. Enforcement machinery is there to prevent the
overloading & unauthorized plying of boats. Display boards in each ghat has
been exhibited for information of general public about the timing of
movement of boats, fare & safety laden capacity of the boat to make aware
of the journey to the passengers. Apart from the above, one Lunch and one
rescue boat are provided by the Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha for
use at the time of exigencies and two boat men are appointed for this
purpose.

265
 CHAPTER - VIII

INDUSTRIES & MINING

History & Evolution of Industry in the District

The district is adequately endowed with significant mineral deposits like
Bauxite, Black granite, Red orcher, Granite, Quartz, limestone, Dolomite,
Clay and Mica etc. Lack of skilled labour, capital, industrial Infrastructure
combined with geographical isolation makes the district of Koraput relatively
industrially backward. With the district abounding in mineral wealth and
forests there are only five large scale industries located in the district
manufacturing & processing alumina, paper, cement, aeronautic engine and
hydro electricity. The general pattern of non-agricultural employment,
however, leans heavily towards small-scale and household industries.
However the district with abundant forest and mineral resources coupled
with surplus unskilled & semi-skilled labour has a great potential for the
development of new industries.
Power Production Resources
Hydro
The hilly terrain & perennial streams are ideal for hydro electricity
generation. The District is home to two Major & One Small Hydro electricity
project.
Machkund Hydro-Electric Project
The Machkund river flowing at an elevation of 3,000feet has been
dammed at Jalaput to form the Jalaput reservoir and at Duduma it has been
diverted by a diversion weir and through a series of tunnels to produce a
head of 850 feet over the power house where hydro-electric power is
generated.
Machkund Hydro-electric Project is a joint project governments of the
Odisha and the then Andhra Pradesh Government. Each State has full right
to the use of 50 per cent of the ultimate power generated by the project, but
according to the inter-State agreement the Government of Odisha
transferred to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for a period of 99 years
th
from the date of signing of the agreement (on 14 January 1946) with
Odisha‘s right to use 20 per cent of the ultimate power generated by the
project and on the expiry of the period of 99 years the Government of
Odisha shall be entitled to claim 50 per cent of the total power generated.
The installed capacity of Machkund Power Project as envisaged in the
project is 120 MW of Power.
266
267
268
Upper Kolab Hydro-Electric Project
Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project was taken up for execution in the
year 1976 by the Irrigation and Power Department, Govt of Odisha at an
estimated cost of Rs. 74.63 Crores. This Project is utilizing the water
potential of river 'KOLAB' a tributary of river Godavari. It is a multipurpose
project amis at generation of 320 MW Hydro Electric Power, providing
irrigation facilities to 47,985 H.A. by lift and canal irrigation and supplying
drinking water to the towns of Damanjodi, Koraput, Sunabeda and Jeypore .
The Project has got a potential of producing 95 MW of firm power with a
generation of 832.2 million units and power is fed to the general grid at the
Jeypore sub-station. Flow irrigation is provided to an ayacut of 47985 H.A of
C.C.A in Jeypore, Borigumma & Kotpadtahsils. Jeypore main canal is
designed to carry additional discharge for irrigation for 22267 H.A of C.C.A
at higher contours uptoTelengiririver. This lift ayacut will be developed in
second stage. Drinking water supply for Jeypore town is pumped from the
'Satiguda Pond' by the State Public Health Engineering Organization. The
reservoir is ideal for the development of pisciculture as the water spread
area of over 114 sq km is to provide recreational facilities for people of
Jeypore, Koraput and Sunabeda towns. The Project also attracts tourists,
being so close to the National Highway and rail head.
Middle Kolab Small Hydro Electric Project
It is located at Tentuligumma of Boipariguda Block, Middle Kolab
Small Hydro Electric Project was commissioned by Hyderabad based
Minakshi Power Pvt. Limited in the year of 2011. This small Hydro Electric
project located on Kolab River with an installed capacity of 25m.w (2x12.5) is
built at the cost of Rs.112.10 crore including power evacuation. The entire
power generated from the project is sold to West Bengal.
Thermal Power
The district doesn‘t have any independent thermal power plant.
However it has three small coal fired thermal power plants integrated to the
industrial units.
The Refinery unit of NALCO at Damanjodi has coal fired thermal power
plant with installed capacity of 74MW (18.5x4). The power generated from
the plant feeds the refinery unit & mining operation. Surplus power is used
for consumption in the township & is also sold to the state grid.
The BILT Graphics Paper Products Limited, located adjacent to
Jeyporetown also has a captive power plant of 13 MW. Similarly Sunabeda

269
Unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has a 2 MW power generation capacity
primarily used for consumption in plant & township.
Renewable Energy Sources
The major activity in the field of renewable energy such as solar, wind &
biogas is done through Renewable Energy Cell, DRDA, Koraput. Additionally
some Non-Government organizations do play a minor role in the sector.
The Rural Electrification (RE) Cell through its Remote Village
Electrification Programme (RVEP) have installed 3441 home lights & 312
street lights in 68 villages of 11 blocks of the district. It also has till date
installed 108 units of solar energy based Duel Pumps for drinking purpose in
ten different blocks of the district. Towards its drive for clean energy, the RE
Cell has completed installation of 2.5 Kwp Solar Power Backup system in 7
Police station of the district.
Mines and Minerals, Extraction of Minerals, Mineral Processing
The principal economic mineral deposits of Koraput district are
Limestone & Bauxite, besides these, occurrence of China clay,
NephelineSynite, Gold, Black & Multi colored rocks named as Decorative
Stone are also found in this district.
Important mines of Koraput district
Panchpatmali Bauxite Mines of M/s. National Aluminum and Co. Ltd.
Panchpatmali bauxite mines of M/s. National Aluminum Company Ltd. (
NACO) , a Government of India public enterprice at Damanjodi is the main
producer of bauxite in the district. Another mine (South Block) of
Panchpatmali is kept reserve for future exploitation. The weigh to-meter
attached to the conveyor belt at Panchpatmali is checked at a regular
interval.
Maliparbat Bauxite Mines of M/s. Hindalco Industries Ltd.
One Mining Lease has been executed in favour of M/s. Hindalco
Industries Ltd. covering an area of 268.11 Hectares in village Aligaon etc.
(Maliparbat) of Koraput district. The said lease is also working.
Ampavally Limestone Mines of M/s. Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd.
and M/s. Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha Ltd.
Two Mining Leases have been executed in favour of M/s. Odisha
Mining Corporation Ltd (OMC) and M/s. Industrial Development Corporation
(IDC) of Odisha Ltd. covering an area of 1300.79 hectors and 285.429
hectors respectively. Out of 2 nos. of Mining Leases, one Mining Lease of
M/s. I.D.C. in working condition.

270
Granite (Decorative Stone)
Occurrences of Black & Multi-coloured stone (Decorative) are found in
Koraput district. Black deposits are mainly occurring around Jeypore in
Koraput District. There a few polishing units existing in Koraput district.
Mineral based & other industries in the District
NALCO, Damanjodi
National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO) is a Navaratna CPSE
(Central Public Sector Undertaking) under Ministry of Mines, Government of
India. It was established on 7th January, 1981, with its registered office at
Bhubaneswar. It is involved in two major activities at its sites in Koraput as
mentioned bellow.
Bauxite Mining
On Panchpatmali hills of Koraput district in Odisha, a fully mechanized
opencast mine is in operation since November, 1985, serving feedstock to
Alumina Refinery at Damanjodi located on the foothills. Present capacity of
Mines is 68.25 lakh TPA. Panchpatmali plateau stands at elevation of 1154
m to 1366 m above mean sea level. Bauxite occurs over the full length of the
Panchpatmali plateau, which spans over 18 kms.
The salient features
a) Area of deposit - 16 sq. KM
b) Resource - 310 million tonnes
c) Ore quality - Alumina 45%, Silica 3%
d) Mineralogy - Over 90% gibbsitic
e) Over burden - 3 meters (average)
f) Ore thickness - 14 meters (average)
g) Transport - 14.6 KM long, single flight, multi-curve cable belt
conveyor of 1800 TPH capacity
Alumina Refinery
The Alumina Refinery is located at Damanjodi, Odisha, approximately
14 KM from the bauxite mine at Panchpatmali. The mined-out bauxite is
transported from captive mine to refinery by a 14.6 KM long single-light
multi-curve 1800 tones per hour (TPH) capacity cable belt conveyor. The
alumina produced is transported to aluminum smelter at Angul (Odisha) and
to Vizag (Andhra Pradesh) port by rail. The present capacity of Alumina
Refinery is 22.75 lakh TPA. Alumina produced is used to meet Company's
requirements for production of primary aluminum at smelter. The surplus
alumina is sold to third parties in the export markets.
271
Salient Features
a) Atmospheric pressure digestion process
b) Pre-desalination and inter-stage cooling for higher productivity
c) Energy efficient fluidized bed calciners
d) Co-generation of 4x18.5 MW power by use of back pressure turbine
in steam generation plant
Manpower Position (As on 31.05.2015)

Sl. Unit/ office Regular manpower Manpower of contractors

No Executives Non- Total engaged in various jobs
Executives including projects
1 Bauxite 118 411 529 574
Mines
2 Alumina 464 1400 1864 2575
Refinery

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Sunabeda

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Koraput Division, was
established during March 1964 under License agreement for manufacturing
of MiG-21 Engine with Erstwhile Soviet Union. It has two Divisions
Manufacturing and Overhauling of Su30MKI Fighter Aircraft Engine i.e.
AL31FP
Sukhoi Engine Division was established to Manufacture and Overhaul
AL31FP engines. Division has started overhaul of AL31FP Engines from
2007 onwards which power the Su30 aircraft. Over last 7 years Division has
over hauled more than 150 Engines.
The Division follows the 'Group Technology' with the Engine parts being
dismantled, viewed and loaded to different work centers for ROH activities.
Regular review of progress through latest IT enabled systems ensures timely
completion of assemblies and sub-assemblies of the engines. The stripped
components are subject to stringent quality checks using modern technology
like CMM, NDT and LASER non-contact measuring equipment. Repair and
refurbishing of worn-out parts and sub-assemblies are undertaken by skilled
workmen. Division is also manufacturing most of the components in-
house,which are required during overhaul. Repairs and Refurbishing
Processes include all types of welding including a Manned Argon Chamber
welding facility, hard alloy coatings, ultrasonic strain hardening and a large
number of protective coatings like Plasma Spray, Detonation Coatings,
Vapour Deposition, etc. Assemblies, sub-assemblies and Engine
Accessories undergo rigorous functional tests on various Hydraulic, Fuel and

272
Electrical Rigs. Quality control checks are carried out using various NDT
methods, like X-ray, Magna-flux, Dye-penetrate check and ultrasonic
inspection besides other conventional techniques. Every manufactured /
overhauled Engine undergoes rigorous tests on Engine test beds that
simulate all flight conditions.
Overhauling of MiG Series Fighter Aircraft Engine i.e. R25, R29B, RD33.
Since the early 1970, the Division has been overhauling Aero Engines
of Various types i.e. R11, R25, R29 and RD33 which power MiG-21FL, MiG-
21BIS, MiG-27 and MiG-29 respectively. Over last 4 and half decades
Division has overhauled more than 5000 Aero Engines of various types with
an aim to ensure maximum aircrafts flying.
The Division follows the 'Group Technology' with the Engine parts being
dismantled, viewed and loaded to different work centers for ROH activities.
Regular review of progress through latest IT enabled systems ensures timely
completion of assemblies and sub-assemblies of the engines. The stripped
components are subject to stringent quality checks using modern technology
like CMM, NDT and other non-contact measurements. Repair and
refurbishing of worn-out parts and sub-assemblies are undertaken by skilled
workmen. Division is also manufacturing most of the components in-house,
which are required during overhaul. Repairs and Refurbishing Processes
include welding, hard alloy coatings, vibro-tumbling, micro-shot peening,
ultrasonic strain hardening, nickel alloy powder coating and a large number
of protective coatings. Assemblies, sub-assemblies and Engine accessories
undergo rigorous functional tests on various Hydraulic, Fuel and Electrical
Rigs. Quality control checks are carried out using various NDT methods, like
X-ray, Magna-flux, Dye-penetrant check and ultrasonic inspection besides
other conventional techniques. Overhaul of accessories is carried out in
environmentally controlled rooms. Every manufactured / overhauled Engine
undergoes rigorous tests on Engine test beds that simulate all flight
conditions. The preliminary and final acceptance test, hot test, endurance
test and gas dynamic stability tests are conducted through computerized
controls. Electronically assisted throttle, digital and analog read-outs help get
real-time simultaneous data and engine parameters during Engine testing.
The plant current strength of manpower is 3660, which includes officers
and employees.
Manpower Position (As On 31.05.2015)
Category Engine Division Sukhoi Engine Division Total
Officer 467 349 816
Employees 1511 1333 2844
Total 1978 1682 3660

273
Toshali Cements, Ampabhali
TOSHALI CEMENTS PVT LTD started its operation in the year 2004. It
manufacturers of GAJAPATI Brand cements in its plants in located at
Ampavalli , about 16km from Sunki in PottangiTahsil off NH-43.It sources
limestone from ampabhali limestone mines. The plant has a capacity of 2,
00,000 MT of cement per annum. It primarily manufactures Clinker &
Cement.
Manpower Position (as on 31.05.2015)
Sl. No. Category Male Female

01 Un-Skilled 6 0
02 Semi-Skilled 19 0
03 Skilled 43 0
04 Highly Skilled 0 0
05 ITI / Diploma 5 0
06 Degree -Eng. 10 0
07 Executive 9 0
08 Probationer / Trainees 5 0

Bilt (Ballarpur Industries Limited) Graphics Paper Products Ltd,

Jeypore
The Sewa Papers Mill Limited commissioned in the year 1984 and
became sick in the year 1987. However, under the Bureau of Industrial and
Finance Restructure (BIFR) reward the Thapar Group of Companies i.e.
Ballarpur Industries Limited (Unit Sewa) taken over in the year 1991 and
commissioned its production till date. During the year 2012 the company
changes its name BILT Graphic Paper Products Limited (Unit Sewa).
This is a unit for manufacturing of copier papers with two paper
machines having capacity of production 200MT per day with its install
capacity 72000 TPA. We have also a captive power plant of 13 MW capacity
and Bleach Pulp Mill capacity of 53217 TPA.
Man Power Position (As On 31.05.2015)
(a) Management Staff 100
(b) Permanent Staff & Workmen 575
(c) Contract Workmen 754
Total- 1429
Cottage, Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME)
The district has infrastructure for growth of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprise Industries. The category wise MSME units set up in Koraput
district up to the end of March, 2015 are presented below
274
Categories-Wise MSME Units Set Up In Koraput District during Last
Three Years

Sl. Category No. of Investment in (Rs. Employment (in

No. Units in Lakhs ) number of
persons)
1 Food & Allied 1470 6804.61 12755
2 Electrical & Electronics 68 244.43 308
3 Chemical Based 33 76.5 169
4 Engineering metal 771 3293.18 3396
based
5 Forest and wood 63 94.25 1002
based
6 Glass & Ceramics 16 318.06 1279
7 Textile based 161 119.118 947
8 Leather Units 7 4.9 63
9 Paper & paper 92 408.11 1147
products
10 Rubber & plastic 30 158.43 180
11 Repairing & Servicing 1190 3901.43 4334
12 Miscellaneous 500 921.45 1451
13 Stone crusher & 21 216.28 148
Mining
14 Essence Oil 3 86.07 45
Total 4425 16646.82 27224

Cluster Development
The following Clusters have been identified for Koraput district.
1. Rice Milling Cluster, Jeypore
2. Cashew Processing Cluster, Jeypore
Rice Milling Cluster
It covers 76 nos. of Paddy Processing industries situated in the district
and the diagnostic study report and its implementation is made by the
Andhra Pradesh Industrial Techno-Craft Organisation (APITCO),
Hyderabad.TheSpecial Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the cluster will undertake
its works as per the dra ft project report ( DPR) with due approval of the
MSME Department, Government of India.
Cashew Processing Cluster
It covers 55 nos. of Cashew Processing industries situated in the
district and the diagnostic study report and its implementation is made by the
APITCO, Hyderabad under supervision of the Directorate of Industries,
Cuttack. The SPV of the cluster will undertake its works as per the DPR with
due approval of the MSME Department, Government of India.

275
(Ballarpur Industries Limited) Engineering Cluster
This cluster covers the Engineering units of Sunabeda and Koraput and
the Diagnostic Study of the Cluster are in process. The validation of the
action plan is yet to be made.
PMEGP (Prime Minsiter Employment Generation Programme)
Basic guldelines under the programme with regad to the eligibility of
the enterprenuer are given below.
Qualification
For projects under Industries sector with investment Rs. 8th pass
10 lakhs and above
For projects under Service sector with investment Rs. 05
lakhs and above
Residence Resident of the District
Income No Bar
Employment Per Capita investment should
be Rupees1 lakh
Project cost with qualification 8th pass and above
Industries Sector Maximum Rs.25 lakhs
Service sector Maximum Rs.10 lakhs
Project cost with qualification below 8th
Industries Sector Maximum 10 lakhs
Service sector Maximum 05 lakhs
Promoters to contribute
SC/ST/OBC/Women beneficiary 05% of the Project Cost
General Male 10% of the Project Cost
Margin money cum Subsidy to the beneficiary
SC/ST/OBC/Women beneficiary( Rural Area) 35% of the Project Cost
SC/ST/OBC/Women beneficiary( Urban Area) 25% of the Project Cost
General Male( Rural Area) 25% of the Project Cost
General Male( Urban Area) 15% of the Project Cost

Micro Units set up under Prime Minister Employment Generation

Programme (PMEGP)
Year 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
No. of units disbursed 34 25 37
Units grounded 21 25 16
Amount Invested ( Rs in Lakhs ) 50.92 189.39 462.90
Employment 119 219 76

276
Facilities and Benefits under IPR, 2007 / MSMED Policy 2009
Eligible Units under IPR 2007 can avail fiscal incentives as per the following;
a. Reimbursement of VAT paid up to 05 years.
b. Interest Subsidy @5% on term loan availed up to 5 years
c. 100% exemption of Entry tax on procurement of machineries and raw
material up to 5 years
d. 100% xemption of electricity duty up to 5 years
e. Capital Investment Subsidy @ 10% on fixed cost limited to Rs. 8 lakhs
(12% and limited to Rs. 10 lakhs for the entrepreneurs with Diploma
and Degree in Engineering qualification)
Promotion of Micro and Small Industries
Promotion of Industries is the most important task of DIC. Identification
of products to be manufactured on taking in to consideration of its techno-
economic viability and identification of suitable entrepreneurs to take up
such industrial activities within their resources are the basic and prime
responsibility of the the DIC team to promote the industries in the districrt
with necessary extension of skill and financial inputs.
Koraput district is endowed with surplus natural resources in different
sectors like agriculture, horticulture, forest, animal husbandry and bauxite
and lime minerals. Assessment of potential under MSME sector with
systematic study of various factors on identification of viable and sustainable
activities in different scale suitable for different categories of entrepreneurs
in different regions of the district has been chalked out and presented below
for promotion and growth of such industries in the district.
1. Ancillary & Downstream
2. Agro & Food processing
3. Forest & Wood based
4. Pharmaceutical & Chemicals based
5. Glass & Ceramics based
6. Mechanical & Metallurgical based
7. Electrical & Electronics based
8. Leather Products
9. Textiles based
10. Repairing & Servicing
11. Paper based
12. Plastic based
13. Miscellaneous
277
Three industrial estates are there in Koraput District as follows:
1. Industrial Estate, Sunabeda
2. Industrial Estate, Kaki, Semiliguda
3. Industrial Estate, Bisoiput, Jeypore
Ancillary and Downstream Industries
Koraput district has four number of large sector mother plants for
development of ancillarisation.
A list of products identified for ancillary development basing on the
requirement of store items by different mother plants.
NALCO Damanjodi
1. Grinding material
2. Lime
3. Ferric Alum
4. Computer stationary
5. Paint and varnish
6. Machining Jobs
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Sunabeda
1. Cutting Tools
2. Grinding wheels
3. Packing boxes for aero engine and nozzles
4. Carbide tip tools
5. Cutting tools
6. Blade polishing unit
7. Rubber packing
8. Machining jobs
9. Light Engineering Works
10. Zigs and fixture
11. Quartz Powder
12. Silica Gel
13. Computer stationeries
14. Reclamation of used lubricants

278
Bilt Graphic Paper Products Private Limited, Gaganapur
1. Alum
2. Lime
3. Paper tubes/Cones
4. Card Board cartoon
The Following Ancillary Units are in Operation in Koraput District
Name of the mother Name of the Ancillary Unit Product
Plant
Hindustan Aeronautics M/s Radhika Printing and Binding Works, Printing and Binding
Limited, Sunabeda Sunabeda Works
M/s ShrreeMaa Engineering Works, Fabrication
Sunabeda
M/s Aurobinda Precession Tools, Precession Tools and
Sunabeda Engineeering Works
M/s Mallick Engineering, Sunabeda Precession Tools and
Engineeering Works
M/s Economic Engineering Works, Engineeering Works
Sunabeda
M/s Shreedevi Cotton Works, Jeypore Cotton Works
M/s Zenith Corporation, Boipariguda Silica Sand
M/s Reeti Printers, Koraput Printing and Binding
Works
M/s Kamadhenu Cattle Feeds, Cattle feed
Semiliguda
M/s Samalji Printing Works, Semiliguda Printing and Binding
Works
Name of the mother Name of the Ancilary Unit Product
Plant
National Aluminium M/s National Printers, Damanjodi Printing and Binding
Company Limited, Works
Damanjodi M\S Shrredevi Cotton works, Jeypore Cotton works

M/s Mallick Engineering, Sunabeda Engineeering Works

M/s Reeti Printers, Koraput Printing and Binding
Works
M/s Kamadhenu Cattle Feeds, Cattle feed
Semiliguda
M/s JyotiFoundary and workshop, Foundry works
Rayagada
M/s Jyoti Steel casting works, Rayagada Engineering Works
M/s Konark Alum Industries, Rayagada Alum

279
 It is worth mentioning here that some of the anciliaries are developed in
order to caterv to the needs of more than one mother plant.
The major livelihood for the people of Koraput District is agriculture. However
to supplement their income during the lean period, some of them practices
different artisan activities which includes popular crafts like Terracotta,
Bamboo Craft, Wood Carving, Tribal Jewellery, Iron Craft Sisal Fiber etc. As
many as 2007 numbers of artisans of the District are directly depending on
these crafts for their livelihood.
Bamboo Craft
Basket and mat making from Bamboo considered to be a major craft of
the district which is a traditional profession of Durua Tribe of the region. The
locally available bamboos are used for production purposes. Such crafts
have been introduced such as furniture, fruit basket, tray, light stand, pen
stand, candle stand etc. having utility and decorative value. Bamboo basket
and agarbati sticks are produced in a number of places having easy access
to get the bamboos from the forest area. 1050 Nos. of artisans of Koraput
district practise this craft by acquiring skill through various programmes of
D.I.C.
Terracotta Craft
Terracotta is an art form so universal in its scope, yet decorated with
the district imprint of the native soil. Terracotta artifacts demand a very high
degree of application and motivation. The polish on the final figure conceals
an enormous volume of tireless toil and watchful attention. The terracotta
products of the State have attained eternal beauty and attracted admiration
of art lovers all over the country. The artisans prepare the figures in clay and
then allow them to dry and the objects lare put to fire in the kilns. These
products are then polished with specific touch. The products are brown or
black in colour. Artisans of Kusumi, Kuagaon, Khumbharlimca, Mastiput and
Jhodiguda, Goudaguda and some areas of Bandhugaon blocks of the district
are famous for producing terracotta craft.
Now about 740 Nos. of terracotta artisans of the district practice this
craft by acquiring skill through various programmes of D.I.C.
Iron Craft
An interesting variation of a form of iron smithy that was used originally
to make agricultural implement, iron artifacts are created by Iron-smiths or
locally known as Kamars or Lohars. The Kamars traditionally make farming
and agricultural implements, lamps, and other house hold objects by heating
and beating process using traditional implements like furnace, anvil, tongue

280
and hammer. While the conventional agricultural implements and utilitarian
items are generally made to be used and sold within the area where they are
crafted, the modern repertoire includes a host of decorative artifacts of
animal and birds figures , human shape as well for decoration in rooms and
also for wall hangings. These craft is now practiced by traditional craftsmen
called Bindhanis/ Lohars in Girla, Narayanpatna, Bondaguda of the district
by around 40 Nos. of artisans.
A cluster development programme has been taken up at Girla by
Directorate of Handicrafts and Cottage Industries, Odisha and new products
have been introduced through design development.
Sisal Fiber craft
Sisal, a fiber yielding plant that grows to about one meter in height is
available widely in the district. The leaf tissue of this plant yields hard,
flexible fibers which are suitable for making rope, twine cord matting,
padding and upholstery. The process of making sisal fibre products involves
the extraction of sisal fiber and then winding it into various kinds of ropes,
twines and other products using simple weaving skills. Traditionally, it was
used by the villagers and tribal people to barricade their fields against wild
animals but after realizing the utility of the sisal pulp, it was woven into mats,
bags etc. Similar types of products are presently made in Odisha. The craft
is practiced by about 110 artisans in Kotpad, Semiliguda, and Lamtaput
Blocks of the district. A special clusters development programme has been
implemented by Director of Handicrafts and Cottage Industries at Kotpad
with 60 women and various new products have been introduced through
design development programme.
Tribal Jewellery Craft
There are as many as 62 tribes in Odisha having different styles of
living. It is seen that the women folk of most of the tribes, wear typical
ornaments made out of brass, bell metal, silver / white metals made by a
particular section of tribal artisans. The significance of these tribal artisans is
that they make varieties of items as per the necessity, design and motif of
each ethnic group. Hence, their items are culture and community specific.
However, the craftsmanship fused with the contemporary design has created
a wide market for the products in the modern society. Bastamba,
Sourakuhudi of Kotpad region of the district practices this craft traditionally.
A special cluster has been developed by Director of Handicrafts and Cottage
Industries at Kotpad and innovative products have been introduced.

281
Other crafts
Other crafts practiced in a proletarian way in this district include stone
craft, paper machie, wood craft, toys from waste materials etc. A unique craft
in this segmen is toys out of cow dung .Now it is a languished craft . Such
toys of cow dung have found its presence in the Museum gallery of the
district. Artisans of this district also have the competence to produce art
objects from stone and wood for which the state is legendary in the world.
Textile and Handloom Sector
The exquisite vegetable dyed scarves and saris spun by MirganTanties
are significant handicrafts which are nationally awarded and internationally
renowned for their aesthetic beauty of rare artistry.
The weavers of Kotpad area are weaving varieties of saree, odhani,
tussarsawals and dress materials. There are 188 members of weavers
engaged under two Weavers Coop. societies. They are famous due to their
natural aulcolour dyeing process which is under Geographical Indication( GI)
and the naturaly dyed product are famous all over the India and abroad as
well.
Mahatma Gandhi Bunakar Bima Yojana– In Koraput district 96 weavers
are insured to avail the following benefits.
a. Natural death … Rs. 60,000/-
b. Accidental death … Rs. 1,50,000/-
c. Completely disabled … Rs. 1,50,000/-
d. Partially disabled … Rs. 75,000/-
th th
e. for 9 and 12 calssChildrens stipend @ 1200/- per annum

Promotion of Handloom Industry In this scheme the following benefits

are given to the traditional weavers.
a. Natural colour training … 20 persons … Rs. 65,000/-
b. Basic weaving training … 40 persons … Rs. 4,80,000/-
c. New loom … 42 persons ... Rs. 3,42,000/-
d. Loom accessories … 50 Persons … Rs. 1,34,000/-
e. Solar light … 77 Persons … Rs. 3,02,017/-
f. Warping drum … 03 Nos. … Rs. 75,000/-
g. Bobbin welding machine… 06 Nos. … Rs. 1,00,000/-
h. Workshed cum Housing … 06 Nos. … Rs. 4,20,000/-
i. Concretisation of loom Pit…32 Nos. … Rs. 1,12,000/-
j. Renovation of godown …02 Nos. … Rs. 3,00,000/-

282
Schemes of Handicraft and Cottage Industries

Rehabilitation to the Handicraft Artisans

Under the programme Handicraft artisan can avail financial assistance
froma bank at the rate of Rs.20,000/- with own contribution of 5% and
subsidy at 25% of the Project cost.
Master Crafts Man Training programme
In this scheme an approved Master crafts man out of a panel prepared
by the Director of Handicraft and Cottage Industries will be engaged to
impart training to a group of artisans for their skill development and in
addition to the training, the artisans will be provided with tools and
equipments along with rawmaterial for the entire training period.
Modernization and Technological Upgradation of Handicraft Industries
(MTUHI)
In this scheme a wood craft artisan from Jeypore has availed of loan
amounting to Rs. 5, 10,000.00 from the State Bank of India, Jeypore and
has also got subsidy of Rs. 1,02,000/- from the Director, Handicraft &
Cottage Industries.
Construction Work shed cum Housing to Handicraft Artisans
Two handicraft artisans of Koraput Block and Kotpad Block respectively
availed Rs. 70,000/- each towards construction of work shed cum housing
for 180 sq feet house in the financial year 2013-14. Three handicraft artisans
are selected for this scheme for the financial year 2014-15. The Construction
work is under progress.
Aam Aadmi BimaYojana (AABY)
Under the Yojana the premium amount of Rs. 200/- per annum per
artisan to be borne by the Government. (Rs. 100/- by State Government and
Rs.100/- by the Central Government)
522 numbers of handicraft artisans are covered under AABY for the
financial year 2014-15 and target has been fixed for 300 numbers for this
financial year.
Distribution of solar lantern among handicraft artisan
300 numbers of handicraft artisans have availed solar lanterns for the
financial year 2013-14, and 624 numbers of handicraft artisans have been
covered for the financial year 2014-15

283
Design Development Programme
A design development programme in Bamboo craft for 15 numbers of
trainees at Talur in Boipariguda block has been conducted by D.I.C. Koraput
for the current financial year 2015-16.
Ancestral Industry & Industrial Art
Old time industries were a few and their growth was limited to local
needs. People needed then, as they do now for necessaries of life, i.e.,
clothes, oil, iron, utensils, agricultural implements, house fittings and
furniture. Therefore, there were weavers, potters, bell-metal workers,
blacksmiths and carpenters. There was no improved machinery. Manual
labour was being employed to produce the requirements on a small scale
that lay within the capacity of a small number of workers. Products were few
in number and crude in finish though the process was ingenious. These
industries exist mostly in the rural parts even to this day. These are,
however, unable to compete with imported factory products and are
gradually disappearing. They were traditional artisans castes belonging to
certain castes who pass on the skill to next generation.
Among the old time industries mention may be made of pottery, basket
making, weaving, oil extraction, smelting and smithy, carpentry and wood-
carving. These old-time industries reveal the primitive art and tradition of the
land. Pottery and basket making marked civilization at the Neolithic stage
and these industries continued in more or less complex form and varieties in
the historic period, remaining in the cottage stage. The tribal communities of
Koraput have exhibited considerable skill in basket-making, products of
which are often decorated with ‗cowry‘ shell. Pottery of the tribal‘s is still in
the stage of Neolithic culture. Water-pots and earthen utensils are seldom
decorated.
Spinning and weaving are the most important old time industries of
Koraput and till today the art of weaving is compulsory among the girls of
certain hill tribes. It is said that a Gadaba girl not given in marriage unless
she knows weaving. Bonda and Gadaba woman extract fibre from the bark
of the kerang plant to turn it into yarn, after which they weave the cloth on
small tension-looms. The Saora and Kondh girls prepare excellent cotton
yarn on a hand-spindle.
Oil-pressing is done in three different ways. Where a little oil is required
the seed is crushed with the help of a stone to break the crust and then
boiled in water. The oil floats and is poured out. Almost every Adivasi
household knows this process.

284
 Community oil pressing is done by a wooden wedge wighed down by a
heavy stone. The seed is warmed and crushed. It is then put in a bag made
out of Sialifibre. The bag is pressed between two planks tied at one end and
weighed down by a heavy stone at the other end. The third method is the
ordinary Ghani where instead of a bullock four men contrive to push the
pressing column round by manipulating two cross-bars.
Carpentry and wood-carving are still in a primitive stage. The doors and
pillars of the houses are usually of crude type and the house-hold articles
consist of a rickety cot, husking lever (Dhenki) and a few implements.
Different types of combs are found among the tribal‘s; pipes of decorated
bamboos for smoking tobacco are also popular mostly among the Kutia
Khonds. Looms and spindles continue even today in their primitive form so
also the drums and musical instruments. Most of the old time industries
which still exist in the district are of remote origin and they reveal the tribal
cultural trait of the district offering quite interesting study.
Labour Laws and Relations, Protection of Labour, Trade Unionism and
Labour Welfare
To maintain industrial peace & harmony & to protect labour interest,
many legislation have been enacted viz. Factories Act 1948, Industrial
Dispute Act, 1947,Industrial Employment (Standing Order) Act 1946 ,Trade
Union Act 926,1Payment of Bonus Act1965 etc. Moreover for welfare of the
labourers, Employees Compensation Act 1921, Payment of Gratuity Act
1972, ESI Act 1948, EPF & MB Act 1961, are enforced. However, above
mentioned Acts mostly caters to workers engaged in organized sectors. The
other acts enforced by Government viz. Minimum Wages Act 1948, Payment
of Wages Act 1936, Equal Remuneration Act 1976, Child Labour Act 1986,
Contract Labour(R&A) Act 1970 mostly serve the interest of unorganized
working class.
There are a number of large-scale industries like Hindustan
Aeronautics Ltd, Sunabeda, NALCO, Damanjodi, BGPPL, Unit Sewa,
OHPC, Bariniput, Machkund Hydro Electric Project, Toshali Cements Ltd,
Ampavali, are in operation in the district. Industrial clusters & tourist
destination have also helped in development of Hotel& Hospitality Industry in
the District. Besides, a substantial number of Cashew Processing Units, Rice
Mills, Oil Mills & other medium & small scale industries employ a sizable
number of semi-skilled & unskilled workers. However, except the large scale
industries, the labourers in these industries are not properly organized.
Details of these organizations in terms of their labour relations, Trade
Unionism &Labour welfare is mentioned bellow.

285
National Aluminium Company, Damanjodi
The Damanjodi unit comprising Refinery Complex and Mining at
Panachapattamali Hill employs 5350 regular and contractual Executives &
workers. The labourers of the mining division and refinery unit have got
registered trade unions to look in to the interest of workers. Currently the
plant has got 15 Nos. of registered trade unions.
The company has developed integrated township for its employees with
amenities required for day to day activities as well as for recreation and
entertainment. The township comprises housing quarters laid out in well-
planned lanes & streets. The facility also includes a well-developed water
supply & treatment plant, hospital with specialists and permanent resident
doctors, Nationalized bank branches with network of ATMs, two consumer
cooperative stores , two market complexes. It also has got parks, community
centers & clubs, temple & mosques within the township for recreational &
spiritual activities.
The Company provides various welfare measures to its workers
besides the welfare measures prescribed under various statutes. Some of
the important amenities are as under;
Medical Facility
There is one 50-bedded Hospitals each with all modern equipments
and specialized Doctors at M&R Complex, Damanjodi. The treatments and
the medicines provided in the Hospitals to the employees are free of cost.
Besides, for critical and specialized treatments, employees are referred to
other reputed Hospitals of the State as well as outside the State. The cost of
treatment and medicines are also reimbursed on actuals and as per the
Rules of the Company.
Education Facility
There are both vernacular and English medium Schools at Damanjodi.
The management expenses of these schools. Schoarship scheme has also
been introduced for the employees‘ children who are meritorious and
pursuing higher studies.
Sports, Games and Cultural activities
The Company has been providing financial assistance to organize
various sports, games, celebrations, cultural activities etc. by the employees.

286
Death Benevolent Fund
A contributory fund has been created with the contribution of Rs.20/-
per case of death per employee and a matching contribution from the
Company for disbursement to the dependants of the deceased employee.
Loans & Advances
Advances with subsidized rates of interests like House Building
Advance, Motor Vehicle Advance, Special Advance, Multi-purpose Advance
etc. are also given to the employees for the specific purposes.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
Around 3000 Nos o executives, Non-Executives & contract labourer are
employed in the Engine Division & SU-30 Division of Hindustan Aeronautics
Ltd. The company has got three registered trade unions to look in to the
welfare of the workers. The company provides following benefits to its
employees
a. Leave Travel Concession
b. Medical Facilities
c. Leave (Casual and Earned)
d. Facilities for Acquiring Higher Qualification
e. Study Leave
f. Reimbursement of Membership Fee paid to Professional Bodies
g. Workers Education Scheme
h. Uniforms
i. Canteen Facilities
j. Accommodation
k. Transport Facilities
l. Educational Facilities
m. Presentation of Service Gifts
n. Interest Subsidy
o. Interest Subsidy on House Building Loans/ Car Loan
The company has developed integrated township for its employees
filled with amenitas required for day to day activities as well as for recreation
and entertainment. The township has got one Hospital & permanent resident
doctors as well as zonal dispensaries. It also has three post Offices, two

287
nationalized banks with network of ATMs, four large cooperative stores,
fourMarket Complexes.
It also has got parks, Cinema Hall, Community centers and clubs,
Library, Temple within the township for recreational & spiritual activities. It
also has a mini stadium & an indoor stadium for sports& gaming activities.
For welfare of the children of the employee the factory has 3 High
Schools namely one DAV High School, VS Vidylay and Aeronautics Girls
High School. Besides one college and one industrial training centre are run
by the Company.
BILT Graphics Paper Products Ltd.
The paper plant employs around 1420 numbers of persons as skilled,
Semi-skilled & contract labours. The plant has six labour unions taking care
of interest of the workers. The company provides various intramural and
extramural facilities to its works & their families.
. The company provides to and fro transportation facility to its workers
from Jeypore town, Borigumma andPhampuni Village in different shifts.
Additionally it provides free transportation facility to its workers & their family
for leisure activities and picnics during Sunday and other holidays. Besides
company has separate Safety Department with experienced Safety Officers.
It is also providing safety PPEs along with rain coats, rain shoes, mosquito
nets, blankets, winter jackets, soaps, coconut oil and molasses to staff and
workers of our Mill
Medical benefits including hospitalization charges to the workers not
covered under ESI are also provided to the workers. The company also has
opened a high school where education is imparted to the children of the
employees. Stationeries, books & uniforms are supplied free of cost with all
expenses met by the company.
Toshali Cements Ltd, Ampavali
The cement unit located at Ampavali employs around 100 persons as
skilled, semi-skilled & contract labours. The Company provides various
welfare measures to its workers besides the welfare measures prescribed
under various statutes the company provides Canteen facility with
subsidized foodstuff. It also extends transportation facilities to the workers
from the nearby villages. It gives medical and educational assistances to
workers & their family.

288
Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd.
The OHPC at its Power Generation unit of Upper Kolab employs
regular and contractual workers. It has got two labour unions looking after
the interest of the workers.
The unit has residential quarters for its workers at Bariniput. It has got
parks, community centre, guest houses, and temples for its workers & their
family.
Trade Unionism in Koraput District
The industries in the District have 32 registered trade unions to look
after the well being of the workers.
Engagement of displaced persons by industries
The NALCO operation in Damanjodi and Panchapattamali hills has
affected 600 families. More than 10,000 acres of land were acquired for
mines, refinery unit & township. During the initial stage of establishment of
projects of the Company at Koraput District, total 600 families were identified
as the Land Displaced Persons (LDP) and all have been provided with
houses in two specifically constructed rehabilitation colonies having all
infrastructural facilities. One able bodied man from each of 599 LDP families
has been provided with regular employment in the Company and as regards
the remaining families, the Company stands committed to provide
employment after the nomination from the family is finalized. Besides,
recently 235 families have been identified as Substantially Land Affected
Persons (SLAPs) i.e. whose one third or more of their total land holding has
been acquired for the Company. Based on their nomination, rehabilitation
benefit will also be provided to one nominee each from these identified
families.
The Engine Division of HAL at Sunabeda initially gave regular
employment to 138 Land Displaced Persons as per the recommendation of
State Administration. Additionally it provided to those displaced families
facilities like health free medical treatment in HAL Hospital, Sunabeda,
vocational training in mushroom cultivation, running a beauty parlors, making
of Agarbati, candle, Phenyl, Soft toys & pickle making, tailoring with free
distribution of sewing machines, mobile repairing, driving.

289
 CHAPTER-IX

BANKING TRADE AND COMMERCE

Evolution of Banking, Trade and Commerce in the District

The general credit facilities available in the past were only from the
moneyed men of the localities and no particular history of banking practice in
the district is available. About 20 years ago the gothi system, as it is called in
Koraput or Khambari as it is in Rayagada, was widely prevalent. The debtor,
who is called the goti or Khambari, undertook in writing or verbally or in both
to work under the creditor for a number of years and pay off the debt with
interest. No rate of interest was stipulated, but the period for which he would
work was stated. He also would receive a maintenance allowance in the
shape of grain, a piece of cloth and some presents on special occasions.
Goti was vitually a bonded labour. Mr. Bell in his Koraput District Gazetteer
calls this system ‗debt Slavery‘ and writwes,
―When the lender, like the borrower was a member of one of the hill
tribes the yoke of the gothi would be an easy one. The loan would generally
have been incurred in order to pay the expenses of a marriage and the
lender would as an often as not be the borrowers own father in law or
another close relative. The Gothi would be treated as an equal in his
master‘s house, would have leisure to carry on cultivation on his own
account and to be allowed frequent holidays. But when, as often happens
now-a-days, a hill man pledges his services to an immigrant from the plains,
the result is a much less harmonious relationship. The plains man, who has
invested money in a servant, tries to exact as much as he can from his
investment in the shape of labour. The hill man dislikes being driven and is
accustomed to quit work for days at a time when he finds something more
attractive to do; and he regards it as unfair that his creditor should make
deduction from his subsistence grant on account of these absences, or
even, as he sometimes does, make an account to the capital of the loan that
has to be worked off. In many cases unhappily the attitude of the immigrant
who employs a Gothi is purely one of exploitation and incorrect accounts of
the debt are kept and the Gothi is compelled to work on long after he has
repaid the amount borrowed.‖
On account of agitation through political and social organization the
Government of Odisha enacted Regulation I of 1948 called the Orissa Debt
Bondage Abolition Regulations, 1948 by which the Gothi agreement and any
other agreement of similar nature were held void. Either on application of the

290
debtor or at the initiative of certain Revenue Authorities, the Gothi contract
could be terminated or in certain circumstances the creditor could be
penalized. In consequence, several thousands of gothi contracts have
ceased. But gothi is by no means a thing of the past. The Scheduled Areas
and Scheduled Tribes Commission set up by the President under Article 339
of the Constitution of India reported in 1961 as follows.
―The existence of Gothi, a form of bonded labour, on a wide scale, was
brought to our notice during our visit to Orissa. A survey was conducted by
the Assistant Commissioner in four villages of Semiliguda in Koraput district
to ascertain the incidence of Gothi. Out of 61 tribal families interviewed, 21
persons belonging to the tribal communities were serving as Gothis. The
practice existed also amongst persons belonging to Scheduled Castes and
other communities. The period of service ranged from three to five years.
The age of the Gothis was generally between 16 and 20. The Gothis had to
do both agricultural and domestic service, including fetching of fuel and
drawing of water. The Gothis at Sunabeda were engaged in the construction
of the approach road under a tribal Welfare Programme for which the
contract was under taken by a local Panchyat member. The wages specified
in the contract were not paid to the Gothis but were received by their master.
Out of 24 Gothis, about whom records were available, 21 had houses of their
own. Among the families interviewed, there were earning. The amount of
loan taken by them ranged between Rs. 50 and Rs. 200.
The above account gives a broad idea of the situation. It is extremely
difficult to give a more detailed picture. We would, however, say that the evil
practices attributed to money-lenders are waning and on their last legs. The
social awakening, political consciousness and development activities are
having their impact. The tribal, like any other citizen, is getting out of the old
rut. If the survey had been conducted 10 years ago conditions would have
been deplorable. We have to bear in mind those conditions also.‖
In villages where most people are either peasants or ordinary artisans
and in the absence of a Bank, a Post Office or even a Co-operative Credit
Society, the village money-lender is still the most important source of credit.
Besides, a few Kerala Moslems and Afghan Pathans called Kabuliwalas
have also entered the field. They usually live in the towns, visit the vilages
during the dry seasons, advance small amounts and recover their debt with
interest in the following year. Small loans required by the village cultivations,
middle class or low-salaried groups in the towns and villages are generally
taken from the money-lenders.
The Orissa Money-lenders Act ,1939 by giving relief to the debtors was
extended to the partially-excluded area of Odisha including the present
291
Koraput district (excluding Kashipur PS) from 6th April 1940. But certain
clauses of the Act (clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 18 & 19) were made inoperative in
those areas. These clauses prescribed registration of the money-lenders and
some regulations like maintenance of loan registers showing name of debtor,
date of loan, amount of principal and rate of interest, etc. and made it
obligatory to issue stamped receipt for every payment. These provisions
were, however, restored in the partially-excluded areas under the Orissa
Money-Lenders Regulations, 1951. But in order to safeguard the interest of
the people of those areas certain new provisions were made. Under section
9 of the Regulation the maximum rate of interest was 9 per cent simple per
annum in case of secured loan and 12 per cent per annum in case of
unsecured loan. Under the Regulations a court is authorized to pass a
decree for interest at a higher rate, subject to a maximum of 25 per cent per
annum in case of grain loans. Under Section 11, the court is authorized to
reopen the transactions, take an account between the parties and relieve the
debtor of all liabilities in respect of any interest in excess of 9 per cent simple
per annum in case of secured loan other than a loan of grain, 12 per cent
simple per annum in case of unsecured loan other than a loan of grain and
25 per cent simple per annum in case of loan of grain.
In spite of the legal and constitutional steps taken by the Government
there is yet much to be done to protect the interests of the tribal. They are
being exploited by the traditional money lenders who flout the provisions of
the Odisha Money Lenders Act 1939.. In spite of their struggle with nature in
cultivating multiple crops and in producing bumper harvest, the tribal lead a
life of poverty and insecurity. They are exploited mainly by non tribal, such
as traders, liquor vendors and money-lenders who have come from out side
of Koraput. The Dombs play the role of middle men between the tribal
people and the outside exploiters. During hard months, the tribal people
particularly the Saoras and the Khonds get loans from the Sahukars who are
mostly the Kumuti businessmen or the Sundhis (wine-sellers) through the
Dombs. The money-lenders who are but causal visitors to tribal villages
come in direct contact with the Dombs and transact through them. The
Dombs very often play tricks with the simple and innocent Khonds and
Saoras and deprive them of their valuable holdings on false pretexts.
The tribal people are, however, being relieved of exploitation by the
Sahukars and the Dombs through grant of Takavi loan by Government and
advance of loans by the Co-operative Credit Societies.
Under The Agriculture Loan Act 1884, short term loan otherwise known
as Taccavi loan was given to the famers by the Tehsildars. Under the Land

292
Improvement Loan Act, 1884, medium term loan was given by the Tehsildars
to the farmers for improvement of land.
Co-operative Credit Societies and Co-operative Banks
Large Agriculture Multi Purpose Co-operative Societies (LAMPCS)
Following the recommendations of the Dhebar Commission in the early
1960s, Cooperative Societies exclusively for members of the Scheduled
Tribes were established in different parts of India. Later in 1973, K.S. Bawa
Committee recommended the Organization of Large Size Multipurpose
Societies in Tribal areas. Accordingly Large Size Multipurpose Societies
st
came into existence in different states in India. Till 31 March 1948,
Cooperative Societies of the undivided Koraput district were under the
administrative control of the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies,
Ganjam Circle, Berhampur. In July 1962, a separate Assistant Registrar was
posted for Rayagada, Gunupur and Koraput Sub-divisions leaving the
Assistant Registrar at Jeypore to be in charge of Nowrangpur and Malkangiri
subdivisions. After the division of the former Koraput district into Koraput,
Nowarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada, supervision and regulation of
cooperative societies of the Koraput district are vested with two Cooperative
Circles namel each Circle in charge of one Assistant Registrar Cooperative
Societies( ARCS). There are now ARCS, Koraput and ARCS Jeypore who
function under the supervision and guidance of the Deputy Registrar of
Cooperative Societies, Jeypore. The Office of the Deputy Registrar of
Cooperative Societies started its functioning since 01.12.1969 being
segregated from erst-while Berhampur Cooperative Division comprising six
ARCS Circles situated at Jeypore, Koraput, Rayagada, Gunupur,
Nowarangpur and Malkangiri coinciding with six revenue sub-divisions.
Subsequently, after bifurcation of the newly created Rayagada division with
effect from 01.01.2012, both the Rayagada and Gunupur Circles have been
brought under Rayagada division. The Office of the Assistant Registrar of
Cooperative Societies, Koraput circle was established during the year 1967
(01.9.1967) comprising nine blocks namely, Koraput, Lamtaput, Nandapur,
Semiliguda, Pottangi, Dasmanthpur, Laxmipur, Narayanpatna and
Bandhugaon with a mission of social and economic upliftment of the people
through cooperative network. There are 13 nos of LAMPCS in Koraput sub-
division and 7 nos. of LAMPCS in Jeypore sub-division. The LAMPCS are
the primary cooperatives on which the whole cooperative super structure is
built up. These cooperative societies are federated to Koraput Central Co-
operative Bank, located at Jeypore which is further affiliated to Odisha State
Cooperative Bank (OSCB) which is an apex institution at the state level

293
having close link with the RBI and NABARD ( National Bank Of Agriculture
and Rural Development).
The LAMPCS are mainly organized to provide package programme of
credit, sale of consumer items at a reasonable rate and purchase of
agricultural produce (from the members) to tribals and other members under
a single roof. Now the activities of the LAMPCS are limited to providing
agricultural credit to its members, undertaking Public Distribution System
(PDS) dealing with essential commodies business and functions as
commission agents of the Odisha State Civil Supply Corporation for
procurement of paddy from the farmers. The members of the LAMPCS are
provided with agricultural crop loan at a low rate of interest i.e., 5% per
annum in both Kharif and Rabi season, out of which 3% interest subvention
is provided to the farmer members by the Government of India who repay
the loan outstanding within due date of repayment. To ensure better returns
on the agricultural produce, the farmer members should not only be
encouraged to use the latest technology to increase agricultural production
but also to store their produce in a scientific way to minimize storage loss.
They can as well pledge the produce to avail loan to bridge the credit gap.
In order to enable LAMPCS to provide more services to their members and
generate income for themselves, an initiative has been taken to develop
LAMPCS as Multi Service Centres (MSC). This will enable LAMPCS to
provide auxiliary services to its members and diversify its activities.
Presently, NABARD has established Primary Agricultural Cooperative
Societties Development Cell (PDC) in some of the LAMPCS like Guneipada
LAMPCS at Lamtaput in Koraput sub-division and Borigumma LAMPCS in
Jeypore sub-division with a view to create member awareness.
In Jeypore Circle in seven LAMPCS, membership has grown from
62239 in 2008-09 to 72064 in 2014-15. Total loan advanced to members has
also increased from Rs1552.42lakhs in 2008-09 to Rs 6142.18 lakhs in
2014-15. Similarly in Koraput circle in 13 LAMPCS, membership has grwn
from 84744 in 2008-09 to 106037 while loan advanced to members has
increased from Rs1619.32 lakhs to Rs6022.48 lakh in 2014-15.
Integrated Cooperative Development Project
The Integrated Cooperative Development Project in Koraput District
was sanctioned during 2001-2002 with a view to strengthening the existing
infrastructure of the 20 nos of LAMPCS and creation of new infrastructure for
facilitating their activities for dispensation of farm credit, supply of inputs like
fertilizer, seeds and pesticides and marketing activities like paddy
procurement.As provided in the action plan, construction of 39 godowns,
repair of 33 existing godowns, construction of 34 office and mini bank
294
buildings, 23 mini bank counters, supply of 23 nos of iron safe, construction
of 5 agri- shopping complexes and provision of 15 nos of physical and
functional infrastructure for paddy procurement in addition to construction of
office building for the project at Jeypore have been accomplished.
Enrolment of Members and issue of Kissan Credit Cards by LAMPCS
Out of total 189468 agricultural families in Koraput district, the LAMPCS
have enrolled 188924 as its members as on 31.5.2015, out of whom 101648
are scheduled tribe members. These LAMPCS have attained a major
breakthrough by distributing Kissan Credit Cards (KCC) to these farmer
members. As on 31.5.2015, 115003 Kissan Credit Cards have been
distributed to the members. The KCC Scheme introduced in August 1998
has emerged as an innovative credit delivery mechanism to meet the
production credit requirements of the farmers in a timely and hassle-free
manner. This scheme has been implemented in Koraput district and it has
received wide acceptance amongst the Commercial Bamks, Regional Rural
Banks, Cooperative Banks and farmers. The Kissan Credit Cards in the form
of ATM enabled Debit cards is in the pipeline which will be implemented in
the near future by the Koraput Central Cooperative Bank.
Procurement of Paddy by LAMPCS
Earlier the farmers of Koraput district were prone to distress sale of
paddy. Short term credit cooperatives have taken the initiative of market
intervention and participated effectively in procurement of paddy as
commission agents on behalf of Odisha State Civil Supply Corporation Ltd.
Out of 20 LAMPCS in Koraput district 11 LAMPCS are procuring paddy as
on date. In the KMS 2014-15, 1396107 quintals of paddy have been
procured from 21057 farmers through LAMPCS and Rs.18987.04 lakhs have
been distributed to the farmers through the Koraput Central Cooperative
Bank which is the nodal agency for paddy procurement operation in the
district. This goes in a long way to check distress sale by farmers.
Cooperative Banks
The Central Cooperative Bank constitutes the middle tier of the three
tier cooperative credit structure with the Odisha State Cooperative Bank at
the top and the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and
LAMPCS at the bottom. It caters to the credit needs of farmers through the
affiliated PACS/LAMPCS. It also provides non-agricultural and commercial
credit to the members. It provides banking services to its customers through
its branches. It implements the schemes of Kissan Credit Card, Swarojgar
Credit Card in order to ensure provision of instant finance to farmers, small
traders and artisan groups for farming and income generation activities. It
295
also extends credit facilities to SHGs, Joint Liability Groups and Tenant
Farmer Groups. The Koraput Central Cooperative Bank established on
th
15.3.1950 started functioning with effect from 5 April 1950 under the name
of Nawarangpur Cooperative Central Bank Ltd. The headquarter of the bank
was shifted from Nawarangpur to Jeypore during the year 1970-71 and now
the bank is functioning at N.K.T. Road, Jeypore w of Koraith the acronym
Koraput Central Cooperative Bank Ltd. The bank got its license from the
Reserve Bank of India during 2010-11 and has earned net profit for last 12
years consecutively. Though it is headquarters at Jeypore, it covers the
entire undivided Koraput district through its branches at Koraput, Malkamgiri,
Nawarangpur and Rayagada districts. It has branches at Jeypore sadar,
Borigumma, Koraput, Laxmipur and Semiliguda besides one Mahila and one
evening branch at Jeypore.
One Urban Cooperative Bank is situated at M.G. Road, Jeypore. This
bank was established with an authorized share capital of Rs 50 lakhs made
upto two lakhs shares of Rs.25/- each. The Jeypore Urban Cooperative
Bank operates within the Jeypore Municipality area and has tapped local
deposits and is carrying on business with its own funds and deposits.
Regional Cooperative Marketing Societies (R.C.M.S)
There are two Regional Cooperative Marketing Societies (RCMS) in
Koraput district namely the Jeypore Regional Cooperative Marketing Society
situated at Jeypore and Dummuriput Regional Cooperative Marketing
Society situated at Koraput. The establishment of these cooperative
marketing societies was another step which has been taken to overcome the
problems arising out of the present system of marketing agricultural produce.
These cooperative marketing organizations are associations of producers for
the collective marketing of their produce and for securing for the members
the advantages that result from large scale business which an individual
cultivator cannot secure because of his small marketable surplus. Regional
Cooperative Marketing Societies are at the intermediate level, the apex
being the Odisha State Cooperative Marketing Federation and the Primary
Agricultural Cooperatives (PACS) / LAMPCS at the grass root level. Earlier
these Regional Cooperative Marketing Societies were supplying chemical
fertilizers to the Graingolla Cooperative Societies. They were also involved in
running rice mills. But presently these societies have limited their activities to
the distribution of essential commodities and sale of fertilizer, seeds and
pesticides etc.

296
Other Cooperative Societies
(i) Weavers’ Cooperative Societies
Koraput has a distinct style of weave widely differed from Sambalpuri
weave. Around 60 weavers of Kotpad village of Koraput district have been
registered as members of Kotpad Weavers‘ Cooperative Society (WCS). The
tribal weave of Kotpad village is traditionally woven in heavy cotton ranging
from counts of 10s to 20s. The use of the natural dye extracted from the
roots of the Indian Maddar Tree (aal tree) makes it different from other
weaves. The Kotpad WCS was established in the year 1956 and is affiliated
to the Odisha State Handloom Weavers‘ Cooperative Society Ltd.
(Boyanika). Besides this, the Boipariguda WCS, Jeypore WCS, Pottangi
WCS and Lamtaput WCS were established in the Koraput district
(ii) Mulberry Rearing Cooperative Societies (M.R.C.S)
A large numbers of households took up cultivation of Mulberry plants
and rearing of cocoons in Koraput district. Silk production based on mulberry
is concentrated in Blocks of Pottangi, Semiliguda, Borigumma, Nandapur
and Lamtaput. Silk production based on Eri is less popular in Koraput district
and it is concentrated ainPottangi Block. Some of the Mulburry Rearing
Cooperative Societies (MRCS) in Koraput district are Podagada MRCS,
Lamtaput MRCS, Nandapur MRCS, Borigumma MRCS and Pottangi MRCS.
Most of these societies are in defunct stage.
(iii) Consumers’ Cooperative Stores
Consumer Cooperative Stores in Koraput district play an important role
in distributing essential commodities such as kerosene, rice, sugar, cloth and
cooking gas etc. The Sabari Wholesale Cooperative Store situated at
Sunabeda is mainly distributing Hindustan Petroleum Gas to the customers.
Similarly, the HAL Consumer Cooperative Store at Sunabeda distributes
Indane gas. It has a big cloth store also. The Upper Kolab Consumer
Cooperative Store at Kolab nagar distributes PDS commodities like rice,
wheat and kerosene.
(iv) Dairy Cooperative Societies
The Koraput District Milk Producers Cooperative Union Ltd was
established in the year 1979 at Jeypore with a state Government Share of
Rs.50,000/-. Its area of operation covers the entire un divided Koraput
district and it is affiliated to the OMFED, Bhubaneswar. The business of the
union is limited to collection of milk and sale the same to OMFED, Jeypore
unit. Dairy Cooperatives in Odisha are structured in Anand mode of Gujrat
with athree tier structure. At village level there are primary cooperatives

297
consisting of individual milk producers; at the district level these primary
cooperatives are affiliated to the District Milk Union. All district Milk Unions
are affiliated to the Odisha (Cooperative) Milk Federation.
OMFED, Jeypore operates in four districts of undivided Koraput
district and takes an important part in boosting the economic conditions of
thousands of rural milk producers by providing continuous milk marketing
support to the milk producers of remote villages through organised Dairy
Cooperative Societies at village level. KMNR (Koraput, Malkangiri,
Nawarangpur, Raygada) Regional MILK union was formed by the merger of
four District Milk Unions of Koraput, Malkangiri, Nawarangpur, Raygada of
undivided Koraput District and affiliated to OMFED during 2005. In the
financial year 2005-06, OMFED was procuring around 7137 liters milk per
day through KMNR Regional Milk Union from 3010 milk producers through
103 Dairy Cooperative Societies in 20 Blocks of these four districts. During
the financial year 2015-16, it is procuring around 26970 litters milk per day
from 11776 milk producers through 390 Dairy Cooperative society in 27
blocks of these districts.The milk chilling capacity of KMNR Regional Milk
union was around 13000K litter per day during 2005-06 having 13 Bulk Milk
coolers which has been expanded to 68000 litter per day with 33 bulk milk
coolers at present. Bulk milk coolers have been installed at village level to
provide instant chilling facility for the milk procured from different Dairy
Cooperative Societies .During the year 2005-06, around 69MT balanced
cattle feed was provided to the Dairy farmers through KMNR Milk Union at a
subsidized rate which has gone up to 2200MT in 2015-16. Jeypore Dairy of
OMFED plays an important role for milk processing and milk marketing in
these four districts and Jagdalpur town of Chhatishgarh .Initially the plant
was having processing capacity of10,000 ltrs Milk per day which is expanded
to 20,000ltrs per day in the year 2010. During the year 2005-06 , average
milk and milk product marketing of Jeypore Dairy was 6120 ltr milk per day
through 45 Milk parlours which has increased up to around 17500 ltr milk
per day through 203 Milk parlours in the year 2015-16.Besides this various
Govt. sponsored Dairy Development schemes are implemented through
OMFED for providing support to milk producers and enhancement of
economic conditions of farmers by dairy business through organised Dairy
Cooperatives.
Information on Banks in Koraput District
st
As on 31 March 2015, there were 22 banks operating, the details of
which are furnished below;

298
Public Sector Banks
1. State Bank of India 2.Allahabad Bank 3.Andhra Bank 4.Bank of India
5.Bank of Baroda 6.Canara Bank 7.Central Bank of India 8. Corporation
Bank 9. Indian Bank 10. Indian Overseas Bank 11. IDBI Bank 12. Oriental
Bank of Commerce 13. Punjab National Bank 14.Syndicate Bank 15.UCO
Bank 16. United Bank of India 17.Union Bank of India
Private Sector Bank
18. Axis Bank 19. HDFC Bank 20. ICICI Bank
Regional Rural Banks
21.Utkal Grameen Bank
Co-Operative Banks
22.Koraput Central Co-Operative Bank
Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Micro Finance
The origin of Self Help Group (SHG) is from the Grameen Bank of
Bangladesh, which was coceptualised by Mohammed Yunus who became
subsequently a noble laureate. SHGs were stated and formed in 1975
Over the years, the provision of micro finance has addressed to the
liquidity problem of the rural poor. Self reliance and sustainability of income
generating and microenterprise development programmes of self help
groups have been successfully achieved with effective linkage and
networking. The inter play between the two sub systems of socio-economic
development, i.e., micro enterprise development and the micro credit and
saving mechanism has been quite smooth and effective in the case of SHGs
linkage to the main stream institutions. Through micro finance facility, rural
villagers of the district have undergone a remarkable social upliftment. The
value and acceptance of women has also increased substantially in rural
society and they feel better empowered. Self-Help Group or in-short SHG is
now a well-known concept. It is now almost two decade old. SHGs have a
role in hastening country‘s economic development. SHGs have now evolved
as a movement. Mainly, members of the SHGs are women. Consequently,
participation of women in the country‘s economic development is increasing.
They also play an important role in elevating the economic status of their
families. This has led to boost up the process of women‘s empowerment.
st
Till 31 March 2015, 12050 Women Self Help Groups have been formed in
the district.

299
Life Insurance
Life insurance made its debut in India well over 100 years ago. By the
year 1956, the life insurance business was nationalized and the Life
st
Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) was constituted on 1 September 1956.
LIC of India transacts life Insurance business every nook and corner on India
with objectives of ―Spread Life Insurance widely and particular to the rural
areas and to the socially and economically back ward classes with view to
reaching all insurable persons in the country and providing them adequate
reasonable cost‖. Now LIC, the giant financial institution stands with 113
Division, 08 Zonal Office, 2048 branch offices and 4000 satellite and mini
offices. The concept of Life Insurance was brought to Koraput district by
Jeypore branch in the year 1970. The Corporation opened Koraput branch in
the year 1988 under the Berhampur Division. Now two branches and 03 mini
offices are working in the district of Koraput. Above 90 thousand policies by
Koraput Branch and more than 110 thousand policies Jeypore Branch are
being serviced currently.
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in the District
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a National Mission for
financial inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, Banking/
Savings & Deposit Accounts, Remittance, Credit, Insurance, Pension in an
affordable manner. Under this scheme aiming at financial inclusion, accounts
can be opened in any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra)
outlet. PMJDY accounts are being opened with Zero balance. However, if
the account-holder wishes to get cheque book, he/she will have to fulfill
minimum balance criteria.
Special Benefits under PMJDY Scheme
A. Interest on deposit
B. Accidental insurance cover of Rs.1.00 lac
C. No minimum balance required.
D. Life insurance cover of Rs.30,000/-
E. Easy Transfer of money across India
F. Beneficiaries of Government Schemes will get Direct Benefit Transfer in
these accounts.
G. After satisfactory operation of the account for 6 months, an overdraft
facility will be permitted
H. Access to Pension, insurance products.

300
I. Accidental Insurance Cover, Re Pay Debit Card must be used at least
once in 45 days.
Overdraft facility up to Rs.5000/- is available in only one account per
household, preferably lady of the household.
TRADE AND COMMERCE
Regulated Market Committees
There are two Regulated Market Committees (RMCs) in Koraput
district, namely, Jeypore Regulated Market Committee and Koraput
Regulated Market Committee. Both the RMCs were established in the year
1971 as per the provisions of the Odisha Agricultural Produce Markets Act,
9OAPM ACT)1956. The main objective for establishing the Regulated
Market Committees is to facilitate backward and forward market integration
of agricultural produce, which ultimately leads to remunerative price
realization to the producers and availability of quality produce to the
consumers. Odisha State Agricultural Marketing Board is the sole authority
and controlling body of these Regulated Market Committees. The main
objective of the RMCs is to ensure payment of fair price to the farmers.
These RMCs work as a facilitator between the farmers and the procuring
agencies. It facilitates both parties by providing market yards, weigh bridge,
meeting of farmers and agencies, godown for storage, cold storage for
perishable items etc. During paddy procurement, it is the responsibility of
these RMCs to provide Moisture meter, Sample Divider, Analysis Kit,
weighing scale, Mini Grader, Tarpaulin/Polythene sheet and furniture to
paddy purchase centres. In return the RMC charges market fees at a rate of
2% of MSP (Minimum Support Price) for the KMS as per provisions of
OAPM Act/Rules. These market fees are paid to RMCs in two phases i.e. in
the month of May and September after Kharif and Rabi procurement is over.
It earns its revenue from the check gates/Yards at the rate of1% of the value
of the commodities from the traders carrying notified agricultural
commodities. There are 21 weekly markets managed by these two RMCs.
Information on rural marketing
Farmers in country side have been victims of unfair trade practice and
undue exactions of a host of middleman on whom the producer has to
depend for marketing his surplus produce. Unless the agricultural producer
is assured of his legitimate price of the commodities paid by the consumer it
is very difficult to bring any improvement in the standard of living condition of
the cultivators.

301
 Regulated Market Committee is constituted to stop the unfair practices
that are commonly practiced by the wholesale traders such as unfair
deductions, non-use of standard weights and measures, unfair manipulation
of weighing and measurement, taking very large quantities as free samples
and levy of excessive market fees etc to name a few. The committee is also
a democratic body consisting of elected representatives of traders,
agricultural producers, member of the local bodies and officials nominated by
the Government. The committee is responsible for obtaining up to date
market intelligence to be made available to the producers.
However, it is has been the experience that the few registerd traders in
a Market Committee enter into an unholy oligagarchy to down bid the price
of the agricultural produce. In the absence of strong farmer organization,
farmers can not face the unholy practice of traders lobby and they often do
not get the due remunerative price.

302
 CHAPTER-X

ROAD, TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION

Evolution of Transport & Communication system in the District

One of the principal shortcoming in the system of communication of this
district is want of lateral communication. As the district was administered
from Vishakhapatanam since British occupation and because of the fact that
commercially it is linked to the coastal plains of the then Madras Presidency
now Andhra Pradesh, all the roads initially built run down the Ghats towards
the coast. Need for building roads was probably not felt till 1921 when the
district and other Agency tracts of Vizagapatam and Ganjam were
administratively united under one Commissioner of Vizagapatam Agency. It
was then felt to be an administrative necessity. But the unified system of
administration continued for a period for any progress to be made in this
direction. With the creation of Odisha as a separate Province in 1936 and
the constitution of Koraput as a separate district, need of lateral
communication was more intensely felt. The first of these difficulties was
removed in 1940 by construction of a direct road from Lakshmipur to
Kumbhikota. This lateral link of Koraput with Rayagada follows for the first 61
Km of the previously existing road to Lakshmipur and then to Kumbhikota on
the new construction cutting across sixteen miles of wild country. From
Kumbhikota there was already in existence a rough road leading to
Rayagada but a good amount of expenditure was incurred on improving this
section. By this road Koraput is only 110 Km from Rayagada, 76 Km shorter
than on the other rout through Andhra Pradesh.
The Public Works Department (PWD) of the State government
maintains National Highways, State Highways and Major District Roads
(MDR), other district roads ( ODR) of black-topped surface. The total length
of National Highway in the district is 303.54 Km., State Highway 164.75 Km.,
M.D.R 134.40 Km., O.D.R 288.00 Km. All the Roads are all weather roads
with Black-topped surface.
Old-Time Trade Routes and Highways and Modes of Conveyance
Most part of the Jeypore country, as the Koraput district was termed by
the early Europeans when it formed a part of the Vizagapatam Agency, was
for several centuries isolated from the plains due to non-existence of
communications. Outsiders never penetrated into it on account of its steep
hills and malaria-infested jungles. All the roads in existence at present have
been constructed after 1863 A.D. when Madras Government first took over

303
the direct administration of the Jeypore estate which now is spread in four
districts ( after earlier Koraput district divided) . Roads as is understood at
present were non-existent. In 1863 only the plains portions of the district
adjoining the Parlakimedi Tahasil were accessible. But the nature of the
route connecting those portions by that time is not known. There was a road
from Jeypore to Bhadrachalam on the other side of Godavari (then in
Madras province) but it was very difficult to cross it as there were many
ghats in the hills and rivulets and it passed entirely through jungles. Several
routes also appear to have been in existence through the Jeypore country to
Nagpur. There was a route connecting Jeypore with Parvatipur now in
Andhra Pradesh which passed through the villages Alamanda,
Narayanapatna, Bandhugam, Laxmipur and Mahadeiput.In those days carts
were in use in the country below the Ghats. But for want of proper roads they
were unable to cross the Ghats. It was only by about 1874 that carts could
with difficulty cross the Ghats for the first time on the newly laid road on the
Ghats from Salur to Pottangi and on the Ghats between Koraput and
Borigumma. Prior to that merchandise was being carried by caravans of
pack-bullocks. For carriage of smaller loads ―Khavadis‖ (baskets slung on
either end of a bamboo piece carried across the human shoulder – Bhara)
were used and are still popular throughout the district. The first road to be
constructed by the British is the present Jeypore-Anantagiri road. Regarding
its construction we quote below from R.C.S. Bell‘s Koraput District
Gazetteer, which may be of some interest.
―For some years after Government officers first entered Jeypore the
annual grant for construction of roads was only Rs. 13,000 of which Rs.
10,000 was for jungle clearing along the rough tracts which traversed the
country, the old rule being that fifty yards (the supposed effective range of an
arrow) should be cleared each side of a road. Efforts were at first
concentrated on building a road direct from jeypore, which was then the
administrative centre of the Agency, to Vizagapatam by the shortest route,
viz., Padwa and Anantagiri. Work was begun on the Ghat section below
Anantagiri by the old Sibbandi force, and improved by the company of
sappers then stationed at Jeypore, who also constructed part of the track
down the Petta Ghat which had been marked out by Major Shaw-Stewart, R.
E.In February 1863, the mortality and sickness among the sappers was so
heavy that the Government recalled them. Lieutenant Smith, the first
Assistant Agent at Jeypore, nevertheless continued the work and made the
92 Km from Jeypore into an excellent bullock track. The Ghat section up to
Anantagiri was not, however, made practicable for traffic, and from 1866 all
funds were devoted to developing the alternative track, viz., Pottangi and
Salur, and the Anantagiri Ghat was abandoned for many years. The idea of

304
completing it was revived in 1885 by Mr. H.G. Turner, the then Agent, and
after an expenditure of Rs. 67,000 he made the Ghat to Anantagiri passable
for carts, but the Government declined to sanction the Rs. 87,000 that were
required for the completion of Mr. Turner‘s project, averring that it led only ‗to
a bare and sparsely populated plateau and will apparently be of little use
except as a second alternative to the Salur-Pottangi road to Jeypore‘.
Nothing more was done to develop this route until the years after the war of
1914 -1918 when the two Ghats were considerably improved.‖
Although road building work began with the construction of Jeypore-
Anantagiri road it was soon felt that a road to Jeypore via Salur would be
more useful for traffic. In 1866 work on the present Salur-Jeypore road was
first started by the then Assistant Agent at Jeypore, Lieutenant Smith, when
the section running across the plateau was laid. In 1868 it was decided that
the main route to Jeypore must follow this course. After several attempts for
finding a suitable course on the two Ghats at each end of the road, the
existing route was finally fixed upon. At the Pottangi end first a road was laid
by improving on a bullock-track between Sunki and Pechipenta and in 1878
H.G. Turner, the then Special Assistant Agent at Koraput, constructed the
Ghat, which still bears his name, connecting Pottangi with Tadivalasa in the
plains. Sometime afterwards this road was greatly improved. This road has
an advantage over the road by way of Sunki, the descent of about 3,000 ft.
being accomplished in twelve Km instead of twenty. But it has long since
been abandoned. This route is now favored by pack-bullock caravans
because the facilities of pasture and water on it are much better than on the
regular road. At the Jeypore end the portion now called Ranigedda Ghat was
laid by Lieutenant Smith by cutting the Ghat between Koraput and
Borigumma. It was only by 1874 that carts from Salur could cross the Ghat
(with difficulty) and reach Jeypore for the first time. In the year following,
under the direction of Mr. Nordaman of the P.W.D., construction work of the
present Pottangi-Ghat road, which crosses the old Pchipenta route at
several places, was begun. The construction work faced great difficulties, the
upper staffs were constantly down with malaria and labour was scarce and
shy. In 1880 Colonel Sankey, the then Chief Engineer, visited the Ghat for
inspection and the work gained momentum. Still it was only in 1883 that a
carriage could be driven to Sunki. Excepting the Sunki Bridge which was
constructed much later, the work was finished by 1889. Soon the traffic
which swarmed up and down this road was beyond expectations. Carts in
search of grain from coastal region reached as far inland as Kotpad. The 22
miles from Itikavalasa to the end of the Ghat had cost Rs. 21,000 a mile. In
1887 H.D. Taylor, who was then in charge of the Jeypore estate, took in
hand the construction work of the Ghat between Koraput and Jeypore. The

305
then Maharaja of Jeypore contributed the expenses in honor of Queen
Victoria‘s Jubilee and it was at first christened as Jubilee Ghat. This road
was finally metalled in 1892. The Pottangi - Koraput section, except for the
iron girder bridge across the Kerandi River, was completed by the P.W.D. in
1895 at a cost of Rs. 3, 00,000.The road construction work was intensified
after the First World War. By 1940, the total length of the principal roads of
the district under the P.W.D. was 1024 Km of which 617 Km were metal led.
Because of the Second World War the progress of road construction was
considerably checked but soon after Independence and especially during the
First and Second Five- year Plan periods it gained momentum.
Road Transport
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) is headed by the Collector as
the Chairman, RTA. The Regional Transport Officer (R T O) is the Member
Secretary of the R T A. It is constituted under the M V Act 1988. It controls
the mechanically propelled vehicular traffic in the district. The RTA decides
the number of transport vehicles (both goods and passenger) and
accordingly issues permits specifying time and area of operation etc. It can
restrict plying of heavy or certain vehicular traffic in the busy timings in the
town area. The RTA used to be constituted with Collector as chairman, RTO
as member Secretary, with S.P Koraput, Executive Engineer, Public Works
Department as ex officio members with two other members of public (who do
not own any transport vehicle) nominated by the State Government. RTA
was functioning up to 2005 with such composition of membership after which
it has been discontinued. Now Collector of the District is the Chairman and
RTO is the Member Secretary.
The Regional Transport Office, Koraput started functioning from 01-08-
1965. RTO, Koraput is authorised to register the newly purchased motor
vehicles in the district. He is also authorised to transfer, record hire purchase
endorsement and termination, cancellation of registration, renewal of
registration, issue of driving licences of all categories like two wheeler (Motor
Cycle), Light Motor Vehicles & transport vehicles. Minimum age limit for
getting a driving licence for two wheeler and three wheeler light motor
vehicle is 18 year and for transport vehicle it is 20 years. R T A is entrusted
with the responsibility under different Central and State Acts like Motor
Vehicle Act, 1988, Central Motor Vehicle Rules, Odisha Motor Vehicle Rules,
the Odisha Motor Vehicle Taxation Act and Rules framed under these Acts
to control, regulate the operation of different categories of motor vehicles as
well as to levy M.V tax and fees. It has an enforcement wing which ensures
compliance of different provision of law. It collects Motor Vehicle Revenue
which includes Motor Vehicle Tax, different types of fees prescribed under

306
Rules, compounding fee (compounding an offence in lieu of filing
prosecution).
In order to provide transport connectivity with in the district R T A has
issued 110 intra district permits to passenger transport vehicles to be
operated by private operators. It has improved the connectivity to interior
parts of the district.
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), a
Government of Odisha Undertaking has a Zone with Head Quarter at
Jeypore under the charge of a DTM (District Transport Manager) . Another
Zonal office is situated at Vizianagaram (A.P) headed by another DTM there
to operate bus service to different areas of districts of Koraput, Malkangiri,
Nawarangapur, Rayagada from Vizianagaram (A.P). Some buses of OSRTC
also ply to Visakhspatanam (A P) from different parts of Koraput district.
These buses ply under inter state permits granted by the Odisha State
Transport Authority (STA) under reciprocal agreement with Andhra Pradesh
STA. These two DTMs are provided with service by RTO, Koraput on
taxation and registration matters. Both DTMs are having fleet capacity of
about 40 vehicles each. Some buses also ply to different cities and towns of
Chhatishgarh. Some passenger stage carriages ply from Andhra Pradesh to
Chhatishgarh through Koraput district under reciprocal agreement with
concerned STA of those States. Private and STU (State Transport
Undertaking) of Andhra Pradesh and Chatishgarh operate to different places
of Koraput district as well as through the district under reciprocal agreement.
A list of such routes are given below:
Bus routes to Chhatisgarh State
1. Damanjodi to Raipur (via Koraput, Jeypore, Nabarangpur, Umerkote)- 2
buses daily
2. Damanjodi to Raipur (via Koraput, Jeypore, Kodpad, Jagdalpur)- 2
buses daily
3. Koraput to Raipur (via Jeypore, Nabarangpur, Umerkote)-1 bus daily
4. Koraput to Raipur (via Jeypore, Kotpad, Jagdalpur) -1 bus daily
Bus routes to Andhra Pradesh
Jeypore to Visakhapatanam - 12 buses daily
Besides these, there is good communication facility to other major cities
of Odisha from Jeypore and Koraput. Number of Govt. and Private buses are
plying from Jeypore and Koraput to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Also Govt.
buses are plying from Koraput and Jeypore to other towns like Balangir,
Bargarh, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Angul, etc.

307
308
The number of different categories motor vehicles registered in the
district so far is listed below.
1. Motor Cycle-72183
2. Cars/Taxi-1929
3. Tractors/Trailer-4720
4. Auto Rickshaw/Auto Goods-3703
5. Light Goods Vehicles-1658
6. Heavy Goods Vehicles-667
7. Buses-200
8. Ambulance-53
9. Others-4887
So far 90000 vehicles are on road in the district up to Dec-2015.
Road Safety Activities
As per the Committee on Road Safety constituted by the Honourable
Supreme Court of India the following items are given emphasis on
enforcement to reduce road accidents,
1. Drunken Driving is to be regularly Checked by three number of of
breath analyser provided to the office.
2. Driving at excess speed is to be checked by interceptors (to be
received in near future).
3. Excess load is checked at different points at Weigh Bridge provided at
the check gate and weigh bridges situated at different locations of the
district. A portable weigh bridge is also provided to the office to check
the over load position of goods carriages any where on the road
4. Carrying of passengers in goods carriages, illegal passenger vehicles
(having no insurance for passengers, no permit, fitness cetificate and
carrying passengers in private Omini buses (more than seven seat
vehicles) are checked regularly.
Check of using mobile phone while driving and no use of safety belt by
car drivers and users.
5. No use of helmet /head gear by the riders and pillion riders.
6. Bulk Goods Transportation - Products of NALCO, HAL, SEWA paper
mill, Jeypore (Built), Crusher Industries and agricultural produce
contribute for bulk materials transport in the district. About 2000 goods

309
 carriages of Odisha, Chattish Garh and A.P states are engaged in
transportation of bulk materials.
In order to ensure road safety in the district following steps have been
taken to prevent accidents.
a) The school areas have been erected with sign boards & how high
speed breakers.
b) The school & college students are being sensitized on Road Safety
during road safety week and through road safety clubs.
c) The vehicles are pasted with Retro Reflective tapes of White
(front), Yellow (Both sides) & Red (Rear) for better visibility is clear
to prevent accidents.
d) Regular checks are done to prevent overloading in passenger &
goods vehicles & to prevent alcohol consumption by driver while
driving.
In case of violation of provision of MV Act and Rules noticed in above
matters action deemed proper is taken such as suspension the driving
license for three to six months and penalty for the offence as per the MV Act
1988.
In order to encourage new operators, incentives are given under a new
scheme named (Biju Gaon Gadi Yojona) It was first implemented in Koraput
nd
district on 22 Feb 2014. Under this scheme so far 150 vehicles are
provided to 14 areas in the district, capacity ranging from 8 to 32 .All the
G.Ps (226 no‘s) are provided with either traditional or BGGY buses. In this
scheme Road Tax and permit fee are exempted for 5 years, and up to 5%
rebate on interest on bank loan is provided to the BGGY operators. The
scheme has been successfully implemented in the district .The Common
Bus Stand is being used for all types of Buses at Koraput, Jeypore,
Semiliguda and other Bus Stops at block head quarters.
City Bus Service
At Koraput ,Jeypore and Sunabeda city service is going to be
introduced shortly with 20 no‘s of buses provided to the District.20 vehicles
have already arrived and kept with the P.D, DRDA ,who is the chairman of
the city Bus Service. The buses are intended to ply to Koraput, Jeypore
Railway station, Medical and other important places of tourist interest and
educational institutes to places like Damanjodi, Pottangi, Semiliguda,
Jeypore, Kotpad, Boipariguda, Nandapur, and Lamtaput city bus service will
be extended in course of time.

310
 Collection of motor vehicle revenue which consists of M.V. tax,
compounding fee, penalty and other types of fees was of Rs.21,70,00,000/-
during the year 2014-15 which includes the collection from the two check
gates at Sunki & Birahandi and from enforcement activities by RTO, T.I.,
IMV, Jr. MVI. Tax is collected on line from vehicle owners & vehicle dealers.
Driving License- DL Smart Cards in respect of Motor Cycle- 36760
No.s, LMV-16230 No.s & Transport- 7090 No.s have been issued till June-
2015.
Connectivity - The R T A has issued 115 nos. of bus Permits .109 Nos.
of buses under Biju Gaon Gadi scheme are put on operation to connect rural
areas. 16 nos. of OSRTC Buses under BGGY operate in rural Maoist
affected areas. Out of 226 Gram Panchayats in Koraput district 170 Gram
Panchayats are connected with bus services orservices of BGGY vehicles.
Road connectivity in the district has improved a lot during past two
years. Out of 226 GPS in 14 Blocks, Bus communication has been provided
to 170 GPS accounting for 78% of total G.P. Rest of the GPS are connected
through light commercial vehicles like Bolero, Marshal, Savari and closed
body commander with hard top and side doors are allowed officially to ply as
passenger vehicles. The commanders without hard top and side doors are
not allowed to carry passengers.
In Koraput district there are 120 private buses, 70 OSRTC buses, 16
OSRTC Biju Gramin buses and 35 Andhra Pradesh route buses catering to
the passenger for transportation in the district.
Transport and Communication as a means of Employment
About 15000 persons have got their engagement in 3000 Auto
Rickshaws, 2000 Trucks, 2500 Taxies and 2100 Tractor / Trailer and 200
Buses, 80 Ambulances in the district. They are employed as drivers,
conductors, helpers and managers in operation of vehicles.
National Highways and other roads
National Highway No.26 – Salur - Nabarangpur District border Road
This road is a part of the National Highway No.26. The total length of
the road within the district is about 152.48 Km. From Salur the road leads
almost to west till it reaches Itikavalasa, 9 Km from Salur. Just after
Itikavalasa it takes uphill zigzag course across the Eastern Ghats rising
steeply for the first six Km from 600 ft. above sea-level to about 2,000 ft.
above sea-level. It then crosses the Andhra-Odisha boundary, about 8 Km
from Itikavalasa. Thenceforward for the next eight Km the road winds on the
slope of mountain ranges but takes more or less a level course, till it reaches
311
Sunki. From Sunki it rises again, with intervening level stretches, and
reaches a height of 3,500 ft. above sea-level and therefrom it descends to
a 3,000-ft. plateau in about 5 Km reaching Pottangi. The road crosses the
plateau, passing through Semiliguda and Koraput. From Semiliguda a
branch road meets the Jeypore-Anantagiri road at Handiput and from
Koraput two other roads lead to Borigumma and Rayagada (via Lakshmipur)
respectively.
From Jeypore going north it leads to Borigumma (22 Km from Jeypore).
A road from Koraput and another from Umerkot meet this road at this point.
The distance between Itikavalasa and Jeypore is about 100 Km. As the
trade of the district is largely in the hands of merchants at Salur and
Vizianagaram the road is of much commercial importance. The weekly
markets at Kunduli, Dummuriput, Umuri and Kotpad are served by this road.
Buses carrying passengers from Vizianagaram ply on this road.
(ii) National Highway No.63 – Borigumma - Chandili border Road
This road consists of 41.055 Km. black – topped road covering in
Koraput district which starts from 0/0 at Chandili border to Borigumma i.e., at
41.055 Km. This road connects Andhra Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Odisha.
Towns like Sukuma, Jagadalpur, Kotpad and Borigumma have connectivity
through this road.
(iii) National Highway No.326 – Aska - Motu Road
N.H. 326 starts from Km. from Km.0/0 at Aska- Kalasandhapur of
Ganjam district to 513/700 at Motu of Malkangiri district covering towns like.
Aska Kalasandhapur, Digapahandi, Podamari, Mohana, Adava, Raipanka,
Gumuda, Ramanaguda, Tandikona, J.K Pur, Rayagada, Laxmipur,
Kakirigumma, Koraput, Jeypore Borpariguda, Govindapalli, Malkangiri &
Motu.
This road consists of 149.000Km single lane black-topped road in
Sunabeda N. H. Division (except some stretches at Kakirigumma,
Panchada, Rayagada & J.K. Pur about 48 Km two lane ) covering in Koraput
& Rayagada district. The jurisdiction of this Division starts from 162/700
(Tandikona in Rayagada District) to 311/7000 (Koraput Traffic in Koraput
District). Widening of 101.00 Km to two lane work is in progress. Total length
of this road in Koraput district is 110.00 Km.

(iv) State Highway Road (SH–48)-Koraput-Raniguda-Borigumma Road

This Major District Road having a length of 36 Km. It descends the
Ghat to Raniguda and meets the N.H – 63 road at Borigumma. This serves
312
in the dry season as a loop to remove congestion on the route via Jeypore. It
is intervened by two perennial streams which obstruct traffic in the rainy
season.
(v) State Highway Road (SH) - Visakhapatnam-Jeypore Road
This road links Jeypore with Visakhapatnam, Kotta, Lamptaput,
Handiput, Padwa and Anantagiri. At Kotta a road from Malkangiri meets this
road. From Lamptaput, a branch road leads to Machkund and at Handiput
meets the road from Semiliguda on Salur-Jeypore road. The total length of
this road is 219 Km of which 72.70 Km is in Koraput district. This is a State
Highway Road motorable throughout the year. This is a very convenient
alternative route to Visakhapatnam.
(vi) State Highway Road (SH–51) – Parvatipur-Lakshmipur Road
This road from Parvatipur in Andhra Pradesh enters Koraput district
near Alamanda after 13 Km of its course. Then it proceeds in a zigzag
manner to Lakshmipur (on Koraput-Rayagada Road) via Narayanpatna . The
total length of this State Highway is 56.63 Km. Widening of the entire road
except for some reserve forest area is in progress.
(viii) Major District Road No. 55 – Semiliguda-Handiput Road
This road connects Jeypore-Salur road with the Jeypore-Vizagapatam
road via Nandapur. This is an all-weather black-topped road having a total
length of about 36 Km..
(x) Major District Road No. 100 - Lamtaput-Mackkund Road
The total length is 18 Km motorable throughout the year. At the 18th
Km from Lamtaput. Machkund Hydro-electric Project is situated.
(xi) Major District Road No. 101- Sagar-Jalaput Road
Total length 13 is Km. This is an all weather road joining Jalaput where
there is a reservoir for Machkund Hydro-electric Project, with Sagar on
Jeypore-Visakhapatnam road.
(xii) Major District Road No. 99-Semiliguda- Mathalput-Kakirigumma
Road
Total length 31.16 Km. this is an all-weather road joining Damanjodi
Aluminimum factory to Kakirigumma Town. Out of 31.16 Km., 18.5 KM is
maintained by P.W.D and rest 12.66 Km is being maintained by NALCO.
xiii) Major District Road No. 110- Jeypore - Phampuni Road

313
 Total length is 14 Km. This is an all weather road connecting Phampuni
village to Jeypore Town.
xiv) Major District Road No. 98-Boipariguda-Ramagiri-Gupteswar Road
Total length 34 Km. this is an all weather road connecting Boipariguda
Block Head Qr. to Gupteswar (The Siva Temple).
(xv) Other District Roads (O.D.R)
Besides State Highway and Major District Roads, this district has 21
Nos. of Other District Roads of total length of 288.00 Km. which connects
Block Head Qrs. to Dist. Head Qrs. and Sub-Divisional Head Qrs.
Apart from the roads developed and maintained by Works department,
Rural Works Department have also constructed and maintain 133 roads with
a length of 968 k.m. Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
Rural Works Department has constructed 480 roads with a length of 1997
k.m. In the interior rural area road connectivity is ensured by Gram
Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis (PS). Total 4373k.m. of G P roads and
2227 k.m. of PS roads exist in the district.
There are still 633 villages in the district having no connectivity. These
are mostly inhabited by tribal. Particularly during rainy season when they fall
ill, patients are carried manually .No Government official visits them in the
absence of connectivity.
Railways
Railways in Koraput district come under East Coast Zone,
Bhubaneswar while its Divisional Head quarter is at Vissakha patanam.
In 1960, Indian Railway took up three projects the Kottavalasa-Koraput-
Jeypore-Kirandaul line (Dandakaranya Project), the Titlagarh-Bolangir-
Jharsuguda Project and the Rourkela-Kiriburu Project. All the three projects
taken together were popularly known as the DBK Project or the
Dandakaranya Bolangir Kiriburu Project. The Koraput-Rayagada Rail Link
Project was completed on 31 December 1998.
Trains
The Visakhapatnam-Kirandaul Passenger passes through Koraput. The
Hirakhand Express connects Koraput to Bhubaneswar via
Rayagada and Vizianagaram. Howrah-Koraput Express travels
via Jharsuguda and Rayagada. Samalswari Express travels along the same
route from Howrah and goes up to Jagdalpur. The Durg-Jagdalpur tri-weekly
express travels via Titlagarh, Rayagada and Koraput. Koraput railway station
serves around 27,000 passengers every day.
314
Waterways and Ferry system
There are five water ways in Koraput District covering Ten Blocks as
given below.
Kolab River, 2.Kolab Reservoir, 3.Indravati River, 4.Muran Dam,
5.Janhar Nala. The ferry system operating in the district is as given below.
No.of Ferry No.of boats operating Total
Ghats Manual Motorized
Government Private Government Private
72 59 05 15 0 79

Airstrips and Aerodrome

Jeypore Airport is located 3 kilometres north-west of the town
of Jeypore . The airstrip was constructed in 1962 along with the
establishment of a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) factory nearby
at Sunabeda. In the 1980s, Vayudoot operated a daily Bhubaneswar-bound
flight via Vishakapatnam but subsequently it was discontinued.
The airport is spread over 60 acres. The state government has asked
the Koraput district administration to identify another 310 acres of land
adjoining the existing airstrip to facilitate its expansion. The Odisha
government has made a provision of Rs 6 crore for the renovation of the
airstrip.
Postal Services
The Koraput Postal Division consists of four districts namely Koraput,
Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Malkangiri headed by Sr. Superintendent of
Post Offices, Jeypore. The area of Koraput Postal Division is 27369 Sq. Kms
with 717 Post offices which serves more than 3015000 populations in urban
and rural area.
The Koraput Postal Division will shortly launch ATM counter at Koraput,
Jeypore, Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Semiliguda. In ―Beti Bachao Beti
Padhao‖ scheme post office launch Sukanya Samrudhi Account for Girls
Child with 9.2% rate of interest.
All Sub-Post Offices of Koraput Division work in fully computerized
platform. e-Post services launched instead of Telegram Services.Post
Offices adopted e-commerce, Digital India, Swatch Bharat Abhiyan etc.
The Post offices provide MGNREGS Accounts for wage earners, BPL
Accounts for BPL holder, accounts of Kendu Leaf Plucker ,Madhubabu
Pension Accounts for Physically handicaped Persons, Indira Gandhi Widow
Pension for widows, Old age pension for Old age persons, Pocket Money
account fo SC/ST students.
315
 Number of Post Offices with area and population served (as on
01.07.2015) in Koraput Dist.
a. Number of Head Post Offices with Core Banking solution.. 3
b. Number of Mukhya Dak Ghar .. 2
c. Number of Grade-II Post Offices .. 2
d. Number of Grade-I Post offices .. 3
e. Number of ‗A‘ Class Sub-Offices .. 8
f. Number of ‗B‘ Class Sub-Offices .. 15
g. Number of ‗C‘ Class Sub-offices .. 40
h. Number of Non-Delivery Town Sub-Offices .. 16
i. Number of Gramin Dak Sevak Branch Offices .. 625
j. Area served per post Offices .. 38 Sq. Kms
k. Population per post office.. 4205
The only official mail Tonga ( horse drawn cart) in the country is still
run by India Post in Jeypore (Koraput). The mailbags are carried from the
RMS ( Railway Mail Service) Sorting room to the Bus Stand by a horse
drawn cart, that is run by the same family since last 80 years. First
appointment was given by the erstwhile king of Jeypore in 1928, and four
generations of the family have engaged themselves in this work. The present
mail cart man, Padmanabh Nayak took over the reins from his father who
passed away in 2008. He is the fifth generation of cart man doing this work.
Inspite of tion introduction of sophisticated I T change over in postal
communication system, this antic is still retained as a heritage which blends
tradition with modernity.

Horse Drawn Cart carrying Postal Bags from the R M S located in the Old
Royal Palace of Jeypore to the main Post Office.
Telephone and Cell Phone Services
BSNL, Koraput is a Business Unit (Telecom District) of Bharat Sanchar
Nigam Limited (A Public Sector Organization of Government of India). It is
responsible for providing telecom services in Koraput Secondary Switching

316
Area (SSA) in Odisha Telecom Circle. The area of operation of BSNL,
Koraput comprises four revenue districts of Koraput, Rayagada,
Nabarangpur and Malkangiri. It shares its geographical boundaries with
Kandhamal and Kalahandi Revenue Districts in the North, Gajapati Revenue
District in the East, Andhra Pradesh State in the South and Chhatisgarh
State in the West.
The administrative head of this Telecom District is the General
Manager.
There are eight Telecom Sub-divisions in this unit out of which three
relate to this district. Sub-divisions are demarcated almost being coterminus
with the revenue sub-divisions. The Telecom Sub-divisions and their area of
operations in this district are as given below.
Sl. Name of the Telecom Sub-division Area in Revenue Subdivision
No
1 Koraput Telegraph Subdivision Koraput Subdivision
2 Jeypore Phones Subdivision Jeypore City Area
3 Jeypore Telegraph Subdivision Rural area of Jeypore Subdivision

Landline telephone services in this district are being provided from 107
different telephone exchanges. In addition to the landline services, this unit
is also providing Broadband service, 2G and 3G mobile service, Leased line,
ISDN etc. services.
All the landline exchanges, broadband equipments and mobile towers
are connected through highly reliable optical fiber transmission network.
Important Transmission routes are also in the ring network to minimize
failure time and increase reliability.
To help the subscribers to pay their landline, broadband and mobile
bills comfortably, payment counters have been installed at the telecom sub-
divisional headquarters level. There are facilities for payment through post
offices and banks also. Subscribers can also pay their bills online.
Besides, BSNL other Cell phone services are available in this district.
The service providers include Airtel, Aircel, Idea, Reliance, Tata Docomo,
Vodafone and Uninor.
Radio and Wireless Systems and Stations
All India Radio, Jeypore
All India Radio, Jeypore became operational as an auxiliary centre from
Randapalli, on the Vishakhapatnam-Raipur National Highway, on 28th June,
1964, with a carrier power of 10 KW Medium Wave Transmitter having a
mast of 70 metres height and was relaying programmes from All India Radio,

317
Cuttack. There was a receiving centre at Kumuliput, 12 KMs away from
Jeypore town, which helped in relaying National Programmes like news from
All India Radio, Delhi. Efforts were made to originate programmes at this end
of All India Radio, Jeypore since 15th July, 1968. The transmitting power of
All India Radio, Jeypore was enhanced to 20 KW with the installation of an
additional transmitter of 10 KW carrier power on the 8th September, 1974.
Firstly the emergency studio attached to transmitter office and then a make-
shift studio in a rented building at Palace Building, Raj Mahal, Jeypore,
started producing programmes for local broadcast. Untill June 1975, there
was only one transmission in the evening. The permanent Type-I studios of
All India Radio, Jeypore were commissioned on the 11th September, 1979 in
its own office building, which is situated in a beautiful landscape on one side
of the town, on the banks of Jagannath Sagar, a large pond. This studio
enabled the station to originate a number of programmes in its three
transmissions. In 1989 the studio setup was upgraded to Type (I)R and on
16th September, 1993 the transmitting power of the station was further
upgraded to 100KW. In addition to this a 50 KW short wave transmitter was
installed which became operational on the 15th August, 1998 and All India
Radio, Jeypore reached to far-off places like Denmark, Sweden, Finland and
many more countries. Adjacent to Chhatisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, the
broadcasting zone of All India Radio, Jeypore covers five districts – namely
Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Gajapati. Dhimsa FM
Radio station, established by the UNICEF in collaboration with Southern
Odisha Voluntary Organisation (SOVA) in 2012, is now a forum that pays
attention to the problems faced by the local people. Dhimsa's radio jockeys
are known in the community for their support through communication. As the
local dialect in Koraput is Desia, the villagers found it difficult to understand
the government programmes and schemes. In comes Dhimsa Community
Radio, which solved this problem by delivering these programmes in Desia.
Presently, this community FM radio broadcasts programmes from 9 am to 12
noon (Udila Suraj) in the morning and 6pm to 9pm (Sanjuabela Gharejiba
Bela) in the evening. Besides this, they have repeat programmes from 2pm
to 5pm (Uparbela Aram bela) during afternoon. The programmes cater to the
need of community people, ranges from health, and education awareness
issues to interviews of community leaders, experts, government officials and
tribal songs by community singers.

318
 CHAPTER- XI

ECONOMIC TREND

In the beginning it is necessary to presnt stastical profile on certain

important aspects of Koraput district to appreciate its peculiarities. As 50% of
the population of the district consists of tribals, population profile of tribal
communitiesl will throw light on their interaction with economic activities. It
will also give a comparative comparative economic profile of different
categories of population:
Information Sheet on Scheduled Tribes of Koraput District

Sl no Indicator ST District Total State Total

1 Household 167094 (49.48%) 337677 9637820

2 Population 697583 (50.56%) 1379647 22.08 %
3 Sex Ratio 1068 1032 979
4 Literacy Rate 35.36 % 49.2% 73.45 %
5 Workers 373892 (27.10%) 693406
(50.25 %)
6 Non-workers 323691 (23.46%) 686241
(49.74 %)

Source: Census 2011

Number and area and average size of Operational Holdings of the district
Operated area Average size of
Sl No District Name No. of holdings
(in Ha.) holdings
1 Koraput 166734 270982 1.63

Social Groups wise number and area of Operationa Holdings

District Social Number of Operated area Average size of
Sl No
Name Group Holdings (in Ha.) holdings
1 Koraput SC 18004 22641 1.26
ST 106458 164497 1.55

All Social of Groups no. and area of Operational holdings

No. of operational Area operated Average size of
Size Group
Sl No holdings Total in Ha. Total holdings
Marginal 75768 46635 0.62
Small 52675 74605 1.42
Semi Medium 25908 69856 2.70
Medium 7713 43220 5.60
Large 816 15517 19.02
All classes 162880 249833 1.53

319
 All Social of Groups no. and area of Operational holdings
No. of operational holdings Area operated in Ha.
Size
Sl No Instutitiona Individua Instutitiona
Group Individual Joint Total Joint Total
l l l
1 Marginal 75342 355 71 75768 46392 228 15 46635
2 Small 52274 398 3 52675 74012 590 3 74605
Semi 167
25325 578 5 25908 68164 18 69856
3 Medium 4
4 Medium 7602 105 6 7713 42581 605 34 43220
5 Large 658 40 118 816 8685 531 6301 15517
All 16288 362 24983
161201 1476 203 239834 6371
6 classes 0 8 3
(below 1.00
Marginal
Ha.)
Small (1.00-2.00 Ha.)
Semi (2.00 - 4.00
Medium Ha.)
Medium (4.00 - 10.00 Ha.)
(10.00 Ha. And
Large
naabove)

Source- Agricultural Census 2010-11

From the tables given above, it can be observed that gender ratio of
trbal in the district much better than that of the State population; it is better
than the gender ratio of the district population which means more number of
tribal women than tribal male which is not the case for the population of the
State. This is a positive demographic indicator and reflect tribal attitude
towards female gender. How ever this positive trend is contrasted when one
looks at the literacy rate fora.While literacy rate for the State is73.45%, for
Koraput district it is only 49.2% and for the tribal of the district it is as low
as35.36%. If gender wise analysis is attempted, one finds the rate for the
tribal male literacy is 46.20% and for tribal female it is 25.37% (these two
figures not given in the table above). Such a wide discrepancy in literacy tells
upon poor socio economic development of the tribal.
In matter of average operational holding it resnts a peculiar picture.
There is a wide discrepancy in size of teoperational holdings of different
categories of farmers even though average holding of a tribal does not differ
much from the district average.
In participation in work, tribal participation is 27.10% where as for
the district population as a whole it is 50.25%which means tribal workers
account for more than 50% of the total work force which is a positive feature.
With the inception of economic planning in India, it has become
imperative on the part of the planners, policy-makers and economists to
measure the success or performance of economy. It can be measured
320
through certain socio economic parameters like gross production in a certain
territory, per capita income, participation of labour force, literacy, infant
mortality etc.
Gross Domestic Product may be defined as the market value of final
goods and services produced by all the producers in the domestic territory of
a country during an accounting year. The producers may be resident
producers or non-resident producers. But they operate within the domestic
territory of the reporting country.
State Domestic Product
In accordance with the guidelines provided by the Central Statistical
Organisation (CSO) New Delhi, the State Governments prepare the
Estimates of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for Primary, Secondary
and Tertiary sectors. The State Accounting System owes its origin to the
National Accounting System. The current concept of compiling the State
Domestic Product (SDP) is similar to that of compiling the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) at national level.
Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is defined as the total market
value of all final goods and services produced within the state in a given
period of time (usually a calendar year). It is also considered the sum of
value added at every stage of production (the intermediate stages) of all final
goods and services produced within a State in a given period of time, and it
is given a money value.
Thus, SDP is a measure in monetary terms with regard to the volume of
all goods and services produced in the state in a given period of time
(generally a year) without duplication.
District Domestic Product
Income of a district is considered to be one of the most important
indicators to measure the economic growth of a district. Preparation of
District Income estimates has recently gained added importance and it is
being prepared by several states in India.
. District Domestic Product (DDP) is an important device to measure
the economic growth of the district,assess the developmental objectives of
the district ,examine the contribution of different sectors to the district
economy ,measure income disparity among districts, plan for the
development of backward districts, measure human development at sub
regional level ,improve district planning, etc.
District Domestic Product (DDP) is equal to the income generated by the
production of goods and services within the geographical boundaries of a
321
district. Thus, it is the Gross Domestic Product of the District. It can be
defined as the unduplicated market value of output of all goods and services
produced within the boundaries of the district in a given period of time
(usually a financial year). It is called unduplicated output because output of
a particular item is not calculated twice in this system. Only additional value
added during the process of production is taken into account for calculating
the estimates of Gross Domestic product.
Thus, the concepts of Domestic Product or Value Added are same for
the District.
District Domestic Product (DDP) Calculations
1. District Domestic Product (DDP) or Gross Value Added (GVA)=Gross
Value of Output (GVO) – Value of Intermediate consumption or Value
of Inputs
2. Net District Domestic Product (NDDP) or Net Value Added (NVA)=
Gross Value Added (GVA) – Depreciation (Consumption of Fixed
Capital)
3. Per Capita Income of District = Net Value Added (NVA)/Population of
the District.
Major application of the DDP are to measure the a) pace of economic
development of the district, b)making Policy decision on regional balance, c)
removal of backwardness in the district, d)carrying out effective District
Planning, e)taking decision on Sectoral priority in the Districts, f)
Devolution/Decentralisation of Plan Resources
Methodology for District Income Estimates
The Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Odisha has started the
estimates of DDP of 30 Districts of Odisha since 1993-94 for all the sectors
of the economy. The basic approach adopted in Odisha is to allocate the
State Domestic Product (SDP) among the Districts with suitable district level
indicators for related sectors except very few sectors like agriculture, animal
husbandry and fishery for which district data are used for estimation.
However, the methodology for compiling the DDP, given in the following
paragraphs, takes into consideration the broad guidelines given in the
Report of the Technical Group on District Income and also its
recommendations and the methodology which was developed jointly by the
DES of Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh in August 1996. The proposed
methodology takes into account the available data at the district level for the
commodity producing sectors and the results of the surveys, both relating to
socio-economic aspects and unorganised sectors of the economy,
322
conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) and states
DES. For many sectors of the economy, the proposed methodology avoids
allocation of state estimates to districts in proportion to the district-wise
workforce, as this does not take into account the income disparity at the
district level.
Broadly, the methodology of computation of sectoral estimates is the
same as adopted for estimates of State Domestic Product (SDP). The
database for estimation of DDP is still not satisfactory for any of the states.
Data for compilation of DDP for commodity producing sectors viz., primary
sector and manufacturing (registered) sector, are mostly available on a
regular basis but are very scanty in respect of the remaining sectors. As
such, wherever district-wise basic data are available, they may be utilised to
compute the DDP estimates, following the methodology adopted at the state
level. In the case of non-commodity producing sectors, where district-wise
basic data are not available, the state level estimates may be allocated to
the districts on the basis of suitable district-wise indicators. Further, in some
of the commodity producing sectors, though district-wise production data are
available, the corresponding prices are not available. In such cases, district-
wise production may be evaluated using prices prevailing in the adjoining
district/region.
For compilation of DDP, the economy may be divided into 14 broad
sectors (8 commodity producing and 6 non-commodity producing sectors) as
followed for compilation of State Domestic Product (SDP).
Commodity Producing Sub Sectors
1. Agriculture
2. Forestry & logging
3. Fishing
4. Mining & Quarrying
5. Manufacturing (Registered)
6. Manufacturing (non-Registered)
7. Construction
8. Electricity, Gas and water supply
Non-Commodity producing Sub sectors
1. Trade, Hotels & Restaurants
2. Transport, Storage & Communication
3. Banking & Insurance

323
4. Real estate, Oownership of dwellings and Business services
5. Public administration and Defence
6. Other services
There are certain difficulties in calculating the gross income in some of
the under developed districts like Koraput. The main difficulties are
i) A sizable non-monetised sectors
ii) Income from illegal activities like gambling cannot be included
iii) Service rendered by free of cost are not to be calculated in the income
iv) Illiterate people do not maintain proper & regular account of their
income
v) Lack of adequate statistical data for all the sectors of the economy

The estimated value of GDDP & NDDP of Koraput district is given below:

( Rs. In lakh)
GROSS DISTRICT DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDDP) OF KORAPUT DISTRICT
STATE (At STATE (At
Year At current price At 2004-05 price
current price) 2004-05 price)
2004-05 248925 (3.2%) 7772943 248925 (3.2%) 7772943
2005-06 273462 (3.21%) 8509649 267367 (3.25%) 8214472
2006-07 344715 (3.38%) 10183947 304707 (3.29%) 9270083
2007-08 412132 (3.19%) 12927445 332198 (3.23%) 10284562
2008-09 461801 (3.11%) 14849071 352423 (3.18%) 11081178
2009-10 528526 (3.24%) 16294643 373668 (3.23%) 11585113
2010-11 631378 (3.2%) 19752990 407846 (3.26%) 12513105

(Rs. In lakh)
NET DISTRICT DOMESTIC PRODUCT (NDDP) OF KORAPUT DISTRICT
STATE (At STATE (At 2004-
Year At current price At 2004-05 price
current price) 05 price)
2004-05 223391 (3.29%) 6798702 223391 (3.29%) 6798702
2005-06 243841 (3.32%) 7354959 238682 (3.36%) 7100497
2006-07 303805 (3.46%) 8792126 267746 (3.35%) 7984484
2007-08 362324 (3.26%) 11110925 287867 (3.32%) 8669191
2008-09 405635 (3.18%) 12751620 305183 (3.27%) 9320665
2009-10 457492 (3.37%) 13583679 317198 (3.38%) 9395723
2010-11 547719 (3.32%) 16476038 343788 (3.44%) 9987972

Source –Odisha Economic Survey

324
 Source DE&S& Odisha

Per capita Net District Domestic Product of Koraput District

(Rs In lakh)

Sl No Year At current Prices At 2004-05 prices

1 2004-05 17932 17932
2 2005-06 19275 18867
3 2006-07 23649 20842
4 2007-08 27773 22066
5 2008-09 30617 23035
6 2009-10 34003 23576
7 2010-11 40086 25161
Source DE&S, BBSR, Odisha

Work participation rate in the District

As per the 2011 census, out of total 6,93,406 numbers of workers in
the district main workers are 3,96,460 and marginal workers are 2,96,946.
325
Out of them 2,07,194 are cultivators, 2,90,626 are agricultural labourers,
14,416 work in household industries and the remaining 1,81,170 are
engaged in other works. Out of total work force ,6,10,613 belong to rural
areas and the rest 82,793 belong to urban area. Almost half of the
population of the district 50.3% participate in the work and the rest are
dependent on them. In rural areas of the district 52.9 participate in work and
in urban areas only 36.6 % of the population participate in work. Ratio of
dependency is very high.
Contribution of Various Sector in NDDP at 2004-05 base:
(Figures in Rupees in lakhs; Figures in bracket in %)
Year Primary Secondary Tertiary Finance & Total
Services NDDP
2001-02 54008 32083 20507 42958 149556 NDDP at
(38.00) (21.00) (13.00) (28.00) (100.00) 1999-
2002-03 51235 31807 22367 47015 152424 2000
(33.63) (20.86) (14.67) (30.84) (100.00) base
2003-04 66308 38421 27633 52052 184413
(35.95) (20.85) (14.98) (28.22) (100.00)
2004-05 69535 58673 35351 59832 223391 NDDP at
(31.12) (26.26) (15.85) (26.77) (100.00) 2004-
2005-06 72915 62784 42378 65765 243841 2005
(29.90) (25.74) (17.39) (26.97) (100.00) base
2006-07 93170 85016 52794 72825 303805
(30.66) (27.98) (17.39) (23.97) (100.00)
2007-08 115898 103091 59269 84066 362324
(31.98) (28.45) (16.37) (23.20) (100.00)
2008-09 117773 112610 71021 104231 405635
(29.03) (27.76) (17.52) (25.69) (100.00)
2009-10 134095 104079 83302 136016 457492
(29.31) (22.74) (18.22) (29.73) (100.00)
2010-11 179690 127334 101166 139528 547719
(32.80) (23.26) (18.47) (25.47) (100.00)
2011-12 166345 170135 116730 153386 606595
(27.42) (28.04) (19.26) (25.28) (100.00)
Source: DE&S,BBSR,Odisha

326
 Wholesale Prices in Rs. Per Qntl.
Year 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Paddy 497 420 496 492 497 659 771 878 939 933 1032 1173 1,272

Gram NA 1700 2050 NA 2650 3100 NA NA 3011 3200 NA NA 3,582

Arhar 1397 1356 2061 1659 1883 2580 NA NA 4233 NA 3850 4467 4,600

Mung 1800 1413 1984 1900 2190 3259 NA 4000 3789 4061 NA 5000 5,167

Biri 1637 1440 1505 1714 2401 3293 2800 3152 3462 3777 3862 4358 4,486

Kulthi 975 906 806 864 912 1700 1800 1800 1822 1969 1888 2050 2,606

Mustard 1766 2000 1900 2383 2061 2800 NA NA 3375 3500 3400 3650 4,800

Groundnut 1325 1942 1485 1566 1655 1667 NA NA 2733 2240 2487 2880 3,475

Til 1650 NA 1307 2000 1740 2983 NA NA 3480 NA 3211 3541 4,200

Castor 1302 1475 NA 1000 1433 NA NA 1763 NA 3000 2796 NA 2958

Sunflower NA NA NA 1400 1912 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 4100

Linseed 1950 NA NA NA 1550 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 2470

Potato 413 647 509 744 719 500 722 754 838 806 735 954 1,129

Onion 423 587 751 751 708 917 1256 1575 1561 1194 1166 1613 1,644

Source: DE&S,BBSR,Odisha

Employment and Unemployment situation in Koraput district

Higher growth trajectory is essential for expanding income and
employment opportunities in the economy system. Gainful employment is an
important condition for food security, economic security and sustainable
livelihood. Actual rate of expansion of labour force in the district usually
depends on several factors that include growth of population, working age
population, labour force participation rates, educational enrolment at higher
levels and reduction in school dropout rates. It is very difficult in judging of
employment or unemployment, whether a person who is not currently
working should be counted as ―unemployed‖.
Sl. Parameter / Indicator Male Female Total %
No.
1. Self-employed in farm activities -- -- 1,48,578 42.05
2. Self-employed in non-farm activities -- -- 7474 2.11
3. Employed in organized sector 31495 8373 39868 Both public
& private
4. Employed in unorganized sector -- -- -- --
5. Total wage labour
6. Wage labour enrolled under EGS 262492 96.13
7. Registered in employment exchange 16592 7758 24350 As on 12/14
8. Total unemployed 16592 7758 24350 --
9. Educated unemployed 15294 7536 22830 --
10. Skilled unemployed 2988 538 3526 --
11. Migrant labour -- -- -- --
12. Child labour -- -- -- --
Source: District Employment Office, Koraput

327
 Sl. Parameter / Indicator Male Female Total
No.
1 Total Un-employed youth waiting for 16117 7484 23601
employment in the district(as on
30.04.2015)
2 Scheduled Caste (Out of Total) 3477 1304 4778
3 O.B.C(Out of Total) 959 326 1285
4 S.E.B.C(Out of total) 902 735 1637
5 Placement -- -- --
6 Notification 2 -- 2
7 Submission 158 48 206
Source District Employment Office, Koraput

Human Development Index

The Human Development Index (HDI) developed by United Nation

Development Programme (UNDP) is a summary measure of average
achievement in key dimensions of human development a long healthy life,
being acknowledgeable and a decent standard of living. It is the geometric
mean of normalized indices for each of the three dimensions. The health
dimension is assessed by life expectancy at birth, the education
dimensionion is measured by mean of years of schooling for adults aged 25
years or above and expected years of schooling for children of school
going age. The standard of living dimension is measured by gross national
income per capita. The scores for these three dimensions indices are
aggregated into a composite index using geometric mean. HDI simplifies and
captures only part of human development entails. It does not reflect on
poverty, inequality, human security and empowerment. Koraput district has
become a victim of chronic poverty and vulnerable human development for
so many years.
Naba Krushna Choudhry Center for Social Studies, Bhubaneswar has
measured the HDI of different districts of Odisha .which is published in
Odisha Development Report 2004. There after no such measurement is
made. As per the report HDI for Koraput district is as follow.
I M R (Infant mortality rate) 1999 is136 pr thousand; Health Index
0.218; District Domestic Product per capita in 1999 ( at 1993-94 prices)
Rs5,148; Income Index 0.539; Over all literacy 36.2; combined gross
enrollment ratio( 6 to 14 years) in 2003-04 being 84.73; over all literacy index
0.333. HDI value is estimated as 0.431 with ranking of Koraput district at 27
among thirty districts. Even though this estimate of HDI is more than one
decade old, it gives a comparative ranking of this district.

328
Economy of Koraput district
District income is estimated by way of apportioning the state GSDP
among different districts. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is the
single most important tool to measure the economic growth rate and per
capita income is an important indicator of standard of living of the people.
The real per capita income at 2004-05 prices for Koraput district for the year
2010-11 is higher than Odisha. This sounds amusing when this district is the
abode of large number of marginalized persons. Thus statistical computation
hides hard realities. Income generated by industry and mines add to the total
income of the district and dividing it with the population of the district works
out the per capita income which reveals a very promising figure. This not at
all reflects the average standard of living of large number of tribal and other
weaker sections who eke out a living in a marginalized existence.
Year wise GSDP AND NNDP of Koraput district
Rs. In Lakh
Sl. Year GDDP NDDP Per Capita NDDP
No. At Current At 2004- At Current At 2004- At At 2004-
Prices 05 Prices Prices 05 Prices Current 05
Prices Prices
1 2 3 4 5
1 2004-05 248925 248925 223391 223391 17932 17932
2 2005-06 273462 267367 243841 238682 19275 18867
3 2006-07 344715 304707 303805 267746 23649 20842
4 2007-08 412132 332198 362324 287867 27773 22066
5 2008-09 461801 352423 405635 305183 30617 23035
6 2009-10 528526 373668 457492 317198 34003 23576
7 2010-11 631378 407846 547719 343788 40086 25161
8 2011-12 700028 432694 606595 364130 43715 26242

Source: Odisha Economic Survey, 2014-15

Percent Distribution of Growth Rate of Koraput District during 2004-05

to 2010-11
Sl. Year GDDP NDDP Per Capita NDDP
No. At Current At 2004- At Current At 2004- At Current At
Prices 05 Prices Prices 05 Prices Prices 2004-
05
Prices
1 2 3 4 5
1 2004-05 3.20 3.20 3.29 3.29 102 102
2 2005-06 3.21 3.25 3.32 3.36 102 104
3 2006-07 3.38 3.29 3.46 3.35 106 103
4 2007-08 3.19 3.23 3.26 3.32 100 102
5 2008-09 3.11 3.18 3.18 3.27 97 100
6 2009-10 3.24 3.23 3.37 3.38 103 103
7 2010-11 3.20 3.26 3.32 3.44 101 105
Source Odisha Economic Survey, 2014-15

329
 The above table highlights the Percent distribution of growth rate of
GDDP from 2004-05 to 2010-11. The Percent distribution of growth rate of
GDDP was highest in the year 2006-07 which comprises 3.38% at current
price and 3.29 % at 2004-05 base year. In the mean time the lowest percent
distribution of growth rate was in the year 2008-09 i.e., 3.11 % at current
prices and 3.18 at 2004-05 base year. The Percent distribution of growth
rate of NDDP was highest in the year 2006-07 which comprises 3.46% at
current price and 3.35 % at 2004-05 base year. In the mean time the lowest
percent distribution of growth rate was in the year 2008-09 i.e., 3.18 % at
current prices and 3.27 % at 2004-05 base year.
The Percent distribution of growth rate of Per Capita NDDP was
highest in the year 2006-07 which comprises 106% at current price and 103
% at 2004-05 base year. In the mean time the lowest percent distribution of
growth rate was in the year 2008-09 i.e., 97 % at current prices and 100 %
at 2004-05 base year.
Classification of economic activities
Typically, Economic activities have been grouped into three broad
sectors in India, namely primary, secondary and tertiary. The primary sector
includes agriculture and allied sectors like agriculture and animal husbandry,
forestry and fisheries, mining and quarrying. The secondary sector consists
of manufacturing, electricity, gas, water supply and construction sub-sectors.
The tertiary sector includes various services including public administration.
Odisha‘s economy has been classified as Agriculture, Industry and
Service sector as per CSO( Central Stastitical Organization) classification
instead of the traditional classification of primary, secondary and tertiary.
The Agriculture Sector
The agriculture sector includes agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries
and forestry sub sectors. Because of higher rate in the industries and service
sector achieved during the past decade the share of agriculture sector has
been declining. In spite of this agriculture sector continues to be very
important for this district as this sector provides employment and
sustenance, directly or indirectly to more than 60 percent of the population.
However this sector suffers from occasional natural shocks, like drought and
flash floods affecting the growth trend. Because of susceptibility of the erratic
rain fall the food grain production generally fluctuates from year to year.
Koraput district has recorded high yield rates of HYV paddy ranging
between 39 to 46 quintals per hector during 2013-14.These positive
developments augur well on overall improvement of the Agriculture sector
and will increase food grain production in the district in course of time .
Extent of irrigated area is gradually improving. With a view to increasing
330
irrigation facilities as quickly as possible, the state government launched in
2009-10 two innovative irrigation schemes, i.e.,(i) Construction of check
dams and(ii) sustainable harvesting of groundwater through installations of
bore wells in a massive scales.
The Industry Sector
The Industry sector consists of manufacturing, mining and quarrying,
electricity-gas-water supply and construction sub-sectors.
Industrial Scenario of Koraput district

Sl No. Head Unit Particulars

1 Registered Industrial unit No 1547
2 Total Industrial unit(GIP) No 4938
3 Total Medium & Large Unit No 4
4 Total employment in small scale industries No 29840
5 Total employment in large and medium industries No 7756
6 No. of industrial area/growth centres No 3
7 Total investment in plant and machinery of small Rs. In 11966.52
scale industries Lakhs
8 Total investment in plant and machinery of medium & In Crores 8482.49
large scale industries
Source: Directorate of Industries, Government of Odisha, Cuttack.

The number of ―Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)‘ in the

district has been increasing over time. Among manufacturing units, the
largest number of MSME units belongs to the repairing & services followed
by food and allied sector. Industrial sickness continues to be a problem
among MSMEs. The handicraft and cottage industry in Koraput exhibits a
declining trend in terms of number of units as well as employment
generation.
Large Industries
The district has 04 large Industries as under
Product, Investment and Employmsent Generated by Large Scale
Industires in Koraput District
Investment
Employment
Name of the Industry Location Products (Rs. In
(No.)
Crores)
HAL, Sunabeda Sunabeda Aero Engine 4033.00 3206
NALCO, Damanjodi Damanjodi Aluminium 2095.23 3985
Ballarpur Industries Jeypore Paper 315.92 942
Snehadhara Portland 250
Ampavalli 17.57
Industries Cement
Total 6,461.72 8383
Source: Potential Linked Credit Plan 2012-13

These industries have been responsible for enhancing the Per capita
income of the district and employment opportunities in the State as well as in
the country. Though there are four large industries,ancillary units related to

331
them have not come up in the district. This situation indicates that there is
lack of interest on the part of these large industries for promotion of ancillary
units which would have developed the skill and non-farm sector in the
district.
Service Sector
The sector comprises sub-sectors like banking and insurance, real
estate etc, public administration, trade, hotels and restaurants, transport,
storage and communications and other services. The sector has been
growing at higher rates compared to other sectors more or less in a stable
manner. In banking sector the growth rate of the total bank deposits in the
district is rising.
SGSY
Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojagar Yojana (SGSY) is an initiative
launched by the Government of India to provide sustainable income to poor
people living in rural areas of the country. The scheme was launched on
April 1, 1999.
The SGSY aims at providing self- employment to villagers through the
establishment of self-help groups. Activity clusters are established based on
the aptitude and skill of the people which are nurtured to their maximum
potential.
The SGSY was somewhat intended to provide self- employment to
millions of villagers. Poor families living below the poverty line were
organized into self- help groups (SHGs) established with a mixture of
Government subsidy and credit from investment banks. The main aim of
these SHGs was to bring these poor families above the poverty line and
concentrate on income generation through combined effort. The scheme
recommended the establishment of activity clusters or clusters of villagers
grouped together based on their skills and abilities. Each of these activity
clusters worked on a specific activity chosen based on the aptitude and skill
of the people, availability of resources and market potential.
Self employment under SGSY programme in Koraput district
Sl. Year No. of No. of families No. of Beneficiaries Covered
No. BPL covered SC ST OC Total Women Disabled
families
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2007-08 221846 4212 742 2351 1119 4212 3800 66
2 2008-09 221846 5416 789 3212 1415 5416 4896 71
3 2009-10 221846 6412 897 3719 1796 6412 3800 21
4 2010-11 221846 7220 817 3483 2920 7220 5561 104
Source: Statistical Handbook, 2009 & 2010-11

332
MGNREGS
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 was later renamed as
the ―Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act‖ (or
MGNREGA) It is an Indian labour law and social security measure that aims
at giving guarantee to wage earners the ―right to work‖. It aims to ensure
livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage
employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members
volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
The MGNREGA was initiated with the objectives of ―enhancing
livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed
wage employment in a financial year, to every household whose adult
members volunteer to do unskilled manual work‖. Another aim of MGNREGA
is to create durable assets (such as roads,canals, ponds, wells. Employment
is to be provided within 5 Km of an applicant‘s residence, and minimum
wage is to be paid. If work is not provided within 15 days of applying,
applicants are entitled to an unemployment allowance. Thus, employment
under MGNREGA is a legal entitlement.
Employment Generation under MGNREGS Programmes in Koraput
District*
Sl Year No. of No. of Beneficiaries Covered No. of No. of
.No. Job SC ST OC Total Women Household Mandays
Cards provided generated
Issued employment (lakhs no)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2007-08 246117 41687 78742 33967 154396 61759 84538 30.69
2 2008-09 266240 29564 55859 24097 109520 43811 63845 19.49
3 2009-10 266270 29443 55614 23991 109048 43619 62949 23.14
4 2010-11 273166 54120 102227 44099 200446 80179 96942 41.43
5 2011-12
6 2012-13 284183 137310 79998 25.13
7 2013-14 287954 125393 90323 33.38
8 2014-15 297139 145307 106714 46.42
9 2015-16 300785 161624 110006 47.61
Source Statistical Handbook, 2009 & 2010-11

Contribution of Koraput district to the State Exchequer on some

important items of tax and non tax revenue is given below.

333
Revenue from State Excise
Year Revenue Collected
(Rs in Lakhs)
1990-91 269.03
1991-92 341.96
1992-93 410.31
1993-94 407.39
1995-96 247.08
1996-97 343.47
1997-98 339.23
1998-99 342.91
1999-00 290.12
2000-01 255.65
2001-02 173.96
2002-03 259.12
2003-04 295.14
2004-05 309.6
2005-06 438.55
2006-07 452.93
2007-08 516.11
2008-09 577.96
2009-10 640.01
2010-11 719.29
2011-12 839.95
2012-13 920.47
2013-14 1134.95
2014-15 1415.75
2015-16 (upto January 2016) 985.03

Mining Revenue
Year Annual Collection of
Mining royalty and
other revenue (Rs. In
Crore)
2004-05 39.48
2005-06 49.64
2006-07 66.87
2007-08 73.94
2008-09 /62.05
2009-10 79.39
2010-11 91.52
2011-12 101.62
2012-13 128.39
2013-14 140.28
2014-15 191.07

334
Land Revenue, Cess and other Miscellaneous Revenue

Year Revenue Collected

(Rs in Lakhs)
2001-02 331.53
2002-03 279.99
2003-04 283.57
2004-05 418.73
2005-06 584.55
2006-07 750.97
2007-08 1335.17
2008-09 984.09
2009-10 1122.25
2010-11 1133.30
2011-12 1623.12
2012-13 3763.34
2013-14 2057.64
2014-15 2017.10
Sale Tax Revenue

Year Revenue Collected

(Rs in Lakhs)
2009-10 8002.76
2010-11 8523.61
2011-12 9187.74
2012-13 14438.21
2013-14 27632.6
2014-15 43282.27
2015-16 (Up to Feb) 17226.98

In a district like Koraput where tribals constitute about fifty per cent of
the population, unless disaggregated data for scheduled tribe are collected
on parameters like IMR, literacy, gross enrollment ratio in primary schools,
drop out rate, life expectancy and per capita income etc., a clear picture for
the marginalized group of tribal will not emerge. Similarly HDI for the tribal
need to be worked out separately to appreciate the magnitude of the
problem.

335
 CHAPTER- XII

GENERAL& REVENUE ADMINISTRATION

District Administration General Overview

Historical back ground
Before Odisha was formed as a separate province in 1936, Koraput
district consisting of present districts of Rayagada, Nawarangpur, Malkangiri
and Koraput was under Madras Presidency.In the year 1920, formation of
the Agency Commission necessitated redistribution of the administrative
units. Koraput division consisted of six Taluks namely Koraput, Jeypore,
Nowrangpur, Malkangiri, Padwa and Pottangi. The Narayanapatna Agency
was a part of Parvatipur division. However, for administrative convenience
Koraput district was parcelled out among four subdivisions namely, Kondh,
Soboro, Oriya and Ghats, each in the charge of an officer designated as
Assistant Commissioner. No further changes of importance were made till
1936 when Koraput district was created along with the province of Odisha.
Then it consisted of just two Sub Divisions with headquarters at Koraput and
Rayagada. Subsequently, Sub-Divisions were created for administrative
convenience with headquarters at Nowrangpur, Malkangiri, Jeypore and
Gunupur.
Revenue administration is a three tier system; The Board of Revenue at
Cuttack is the apex body in controlling almost all matters starting from
collection of land revenue to disposal of revenue cases and supervision of
the field revenue administration. It is the apex Revenue Court in disposal of
revenue cases under different Revenue Laws. The Board of Revenue is
headed by a very senior member of the Indian Administrative Service
equivalent to the rank of Chief Secretary. He is called Member, Board of
Revenue. There are three Revenue Divisional Commissioners for Northern,
Southern and Central Divisions. Koraput District comes under Southern
Division with Headquarter at Berhampur. There are ten (10) districts under
this Division. Revenue Divisional Commissioner is the Head of the Division.
Collector and District Magistrate is the head of revenue administration of the
District. There are two sub-divisions in the District which are headed by Sub-
Collectors cum Sub-Divisional Magistrates. Each Sub-Division is divided into
Tahasils headed by Tahasildars. There are14 Tahasils in the District. For
the purpose of revenue administration at the grass-root level, each Tahasil
has been divided into Revenue Circles headed by Revenue Inspectors.

336
 The present Koraput district came into existence with effect from
01.10.1992 as per Notification No. 49142, dated 01.10.1992 of Government
of Odisha in Revenue & Excise Department and Notification No. 44137,
dated 01.10.1992 of Government of Odisha comprising of two sub-divisions
i.e. Koraput & Jeypore after carving of the district out of erstwhile Koraput
District which came into existence after creation of Odisha province on
01.04.1936.
The geographical area of the present Koraput district is 8807.00 Sq.
Kms. and cultivable area of 1777399.16 hectors consisting of 1986 number
of revenue villages. The lands available in this District are classified as
Paddy-I, II, III, Dangar-I, II, III, Basti land, Gramakantha Pramboke Land,
Gochar, Government land like Patita, Patharabani, Kupuli, Pahad etc. With a
view to bring the administration nearer to the people each Tahasil co-
extensive with Block which is a unit of development and welfare
administration. Each Tahasil is divided into Revenue Circle being co-
terminus with limits of Grama Panchayat of a Block since 2008 vide
Notification No. 17662 / Revenue & Disaster Management ( R&DM) Dated
19.04.2008 and Notification No. 33533 / R & DM, Dated 06.08.2008 of
Revenue & D.M. Department. The Tahasil and Block wise details are given
below:
Sl. Name of the Name of the Total No. of R.I. Total no. of
No. Sub-division Tahasil / Block Circles / G.P. Revenue villages

01 Koraput Koraput 15 112

02 Semiliguda 18 103
03 Pottangi 14 102
04 Nandapur 22 226
05 Machkund Lamtaput 15 186
06 Dasamantapur 16 178
07 Laxmipur 13 103
08 Narayanapatna 09 128
09 Bandhugaon 12 154
10 Jeypore Jeypore 24 128
11 Borigumma 30 148
12 Kotpad 17 102
13 Boipariguda 16 232
14 Kundra 12 84
Total 233 1986

337
Boundary dispute on villages between Odisha & Andhra Pradesh -
There are 22 disputed villages concerning boundary dispute coming
under Tahasils of Pottangi and Nandapur.
The disputed villages of Pottangi Tahasil are namely
1) Kotiya
2) Ganjeipadar
3) Madkar
4) Barnapadu
5) Doliamba
6) Phagunsineri
7) Phatusineri
8) Salapguda
9) Konadora
10) Harmandingi
11) Mohipani
12) Sidiwalsa
13) Tala sembi
14) Dhulipadar
15) Arjuwalsa
16) Tadiwalsa
17) Neradawalsa
18) Ranasing
19) Paniki
20) Simagada
21) Upper sembi
And one disputed village of Nandapur Tahasil is Bora Muttha.
District administration of Koraput exercises full administrative control
in Kotiya group of villages and takes up developmental activities. Conduct of
general election to State Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha , election to
Panchayat Raj Institutions are conducted by Govt. of Odisha under the
instructions and guidance of Election Commission of India and State Election
Commission. Census operation in these disputed villages is conducted by
the district administration under the supervision of Director General of

338
Census. These 21 villages of Kotiya GP in Pottangi Tahasil and one village
in Nandapur Tahasil ie. Boramuttha are still un-surveyed due to boundary
dispute with neighbouring State of Andhra Pradesh. Since the disputed
villages are un-surveyed, Record of Rights have not been prepared for these
villages. However, Revenue Administration shoulders the responsibility of
disaster management and provides compensation to the victims of natural
calamities. The Revenue Circle, Kotiya has 28 villages including 21 un-
surveyed villages. The population of un-surveyed Kotiya group of villages as
per 2011 census comes to male 3730, female 4001, total 7731. Land
revenue in shape of Rent, Cess and Water rate are being collected in
respect of 07 surveyed revenue villages, yoke rent (as prevailed during
ANCHALA SASANA) in shape of cess amounting to Rs. 237.10 is being
collected in respect of 21 un-surveyed villages annually. Various
development welfare works are taken in these 21 un-surveyed villages by
the District Administration . A brief account is given below.
1) Distribution of essential commodities
(a) No. of Card holders 1117
(b) Supply of rice Qtl. 62.15
(c) Kerosene Oil K.L. 1011
2) No. of Anganawadi centres 06 nos.
3) Drinking water facility 21 villages
4) Beneficiaries under Social Security measure
(a) Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) 251
(b) National Old Age Pension (NOAP) 287
(c) Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (Disabled person) 21
(d) National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) 58
(e) Indira Awasa Yojana (IAY) 82
(f) Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana (BPGY) 08
(g) Conferment of Forest Right Patta 96
(h) Assistance for land development at the rate Rs. 30,000/- each
Besides, roads and other public assets have been created in each
village under ensuing developmental programmes like Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA). Sometimes,

339
progress of work is affected due to Left Wing Extremist activities. This area
is frequented by activists of Left Wing group..
Extent of Government Land available in Koraput District (Area in Acre)
Abada Jogya Anabadi (Arable waste) 59054.34
Abada Ajogya Anabadi (unarable waste) 384717.66
Rakhit (Reserved) 158742.74
Sarba Sadharana (common use) 36414.00
Total 638928.74
The Extent of forest land is 35728.93 Acres recorded in Forest
Department.
The Extent of Forest Kissam land such as Gramya Jungle, Patra
Jungle, Jhati Jungle etc. is 526984.88 Acres. These forests are other than
reserve forest area.
Brief Activities of District Administration
District Revenue Administration Hierarchy

District Collector & District Magistrate /

Additional District Magistrate

Sub – Division Sub-Collector – cum – Sub Divisional Magistrate /

Additional Sub - Collector

Tahasil Tahasildar/Addl.Tahsildar- cum- Executive Magistrate

Revenue Supervisor

R.I. Circle Revenue Inspector /Asst. Revenue Inspector / Amin

Function of the District Administration
The general Revenue Administration of the district rests with the
Collector cum District Magistrate assisted by Additional District Magistrates,
Sub-Collectors, Deputy Collectors, Asst. Collectors and subordinate Staff.
The Collector is pivot of the district. The revenue Administration in the district
is entrusted with collection of land revenue, implementation of various
340
Revenue laws including Land Reforms , Regulation 2 of 1956 (Governor‘s
th
Order under 5 schedule of the Constitution) to protect the tribal lands being
transferred to non tribal. In order to provide social security, economic benefit
and to protect the illiterate weaker section of the society from the exploitation
Regulation 2 of 1956, Odisha Land Reforms Act, Odisha Money Lenders
Act, are in operation. Apart from these, the Acts of Odisha Government Land
Settlement Act, Forest Right Act and Odisha Prevention of Land
Encroachment Act are administered by the Collector. In addition to these
items, issuance of various Miscellaneous certificates like caste cerificate to
the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, income certificate, money lending
certificate to a person who so applies come under the responsibility of
Revenue Administration.
Some of the important activities of Revenue administration in the district
under the leadership of Collector are given below,
Collection of land revenue (presently land revenue on agricultural land
is abolished, but cess is collected), irrigation rate, revenue from sairat (
natural resources), miscellaneous revenue like premium on conversion of
agricultural land for non agricultural purpose, conduct of survey of all lands
lying out side the limits of reserve forest, settlement of rent on tenan land,
preparation & maintenance of Record of Rights( ROR), calculation of rent,
resolving boundary disputes between tenants,between government land and
tenant land, registration of documents, records, marriage under the Indian
Registration Act,collection of Stamp Duty , conducting census opreation,
implementation of development works and various socio-economic welfare
measures, education, animal husbandry, irrigation, maintenance of law and
order, legal meteorology etc.
1) The collector has his office named Collectorate manned by Deputy
Collector, Asst. Collector, ministerial staff and other staff under direct
supervision of Additional District Magistrate who during the absence of
the Collector remains in charge .
2) Supervision of Record Room which preserves old revenue and other
records of the district as well as ROR, village maps and case records
3) Assessment of Rent, Cess & Water tax
4) Updating of Land Records followed by changes in the ROR and Map
due to lease and transfer of property by way of sale, gift, succession
etc.
5) Disposal of Lease Cases both in rural & urban area.

341
6) Sanction of Lease, Alienation of Government land to Educational
Institutions / Social and Philanthropic Organization.
7) Lease, Alienation of land in favour of Government of India Deptt. /
Public Sector Undertaking.
8) Lease of Govt. Land to private companies.
9) Matter relating to encroachment cases.
10) Settlement of land kept in inchoate status like Gramakantha
Paramboke Land, Sikkim, ceiling surplus land etc.
11) Implementation of Forest Right Act 2006 to confer occupation right to
the forest dwellers in the Reserve Forest areas.
12) Safeguarding interest of the tribal land owners under the Regulation 2
of 1956.
13) Identification of homestead less and landless families & distribution of
homestead land and waste land to them under Vasundhara Scheme.
14) Demarcation of Rayati land to facilitate land owners to identify their land
under ―Mo Jami Mo Diha‖ scheme.
15) Protection of Govt. Land from encroachment.
16) Computerization of Land Records and Maps under ―Bhulekh
programme‖.
17) Maintenance of Law & Order by the District Magistrate, Sub-divisional
Magistrate, other Executive Magistrates with the help of Police.
18) Implementation of various development and welfare schemes for up
liftment of people below poverty line.
Most of these functions relate to land administration for which scientific
preservation and up dating the land records are quite important.
Apart from revenue administration, the Collector also administers and
supervises disaster management, supply,control and distribution of essential
commodities under the Essential Commodities Act, procurement of food
grains under government programme, wefare administration relating to
scheduled caste, scheduled tribes and other weaker sections, regulation
and control of excise items like country liquor, Indian Made Foreign Liquor,
toddy etc. and road transport as Chairman of the Road Transport Authority.
Officers like Civil Supply Officer, District Tribal Welfare Officer, District Social
Welfare Officer, Excise Superintendent and R.T.O. function directly under
the supervision and control of the Collector.

342
 The Collectorate is divided into different sections, each section under
the supervision of one officer in the rank of Deputy Collector. At times due to
shotage of officers, one officer remains in charge of more than one sections.
Different sections of the Collectorate
Various sections in the Collectorate as listed as under:
1) Establishment
2) Revenue
3) Nizarat
4) Judicial
5) Election
6) Emergency
7) Development
8) General & Miscellaneous
9) Record
10) Land Acquisition
11) Audit Census
12) Small Savings
13) Civil Supply
14) Welfare of S.C and S.T
Other District Level Offices
Collector has a suprervisory role in relation to various line departments
in the district for an effective coordination to resolve the interdepartmental
issues in a controlled manner. These departments with their offices in the
district are as follows:
Sl. No. Department Name of the District Head of the Office Location
under State Govt. Level Office
01 Agriculture District Agriculture Each Agriculture Jeypore /
office, district headed by Koraput
Horticulture office , District Agriculture
Watershed and soil Officer & Deputy
Conservation Director is the Range
Officer, District
Horticulture Officer
,Project Director
Watershed
02 Commerce & Jeypore
Transport Regional Transport RTO Koraput
office
343
03 Co-operation Circles of Co-operative Each Circle headed by Jeypore
societies Assistant Registrar
Cooperative Societies
and the Range by the
Deputy Registrar
04 Electronics & National Informatics DIO Koraput
Information Centre
Technology
05 Energy South Co Executive engineer Koraput /
Jeypore
06 Excise District Excise office Superintendent of Koraput
Excise
07 Finance District Treasury / Treasury officer Koraput /
Special Treasury Jeypore
08 Fisheries & Animal District Fishery office District Fishery officer Koraput
resources District Veterinary office Chief District Koraput
Development Veterinary Officer
09 Food supplies & District Civil Supply Civil Supply Officer Jeypore
Consumer Welfare office
10 Forest & Divisional forest office Divisional Forest Koraput and
Environment Officer Jeypore
11 Health & Family Office of the CDMO Chief District Medical Koraput
Welfare Officer ( CDMO)
12 Home Police , Home Guard Superintendent of Koraput
and Fire service Police / District Fire
Officer
13 Housing & Urban Municipality / NAC Executive officer Koraput /
Development Jeypore /
Sunabeda /
Kotpad
14 Industries District Industries General Manager Jeypore
Centre
15 Information & District Information and DIPRO Koraput
Public Relations Public Relation office
16 Labour & District Labour office District Labour officer Jeypore
Employees ‗State
Insurance Law‘
17 Panchyati Raj District Rural Project Director Koraput
Development Agency
18 Planning & Co- District Planning office Deputy Director Koraput
operation
19 Rural Engineering Divisional office Executive engineer Koraput /
Sunabeda
20 ST & SC Integrated Tribal Project Administrator / Koraput /
Development, Development Agency / District Welfare officer Jeypore
Minorities & ST & SC Development
Backward Classes office
Welfare
21 School & Mass District Education office District Education Koraput
Education officer
22 Sports & Youth District Sports office DSO Koraput
Services

344
 23 Steel & Mines Mining office Deputy Director Koraput
24 Handlooms, Textile / Sericulture Deputy Director Koraput
Textiles &
Handicrafts
25 Tourism / Culture District Tourist office & District Tourist officer Koraput
District Culture office & District culture
officer
26 Water Resources Odisha Lift Irrigation Executive Engineer, Koraput
Corporation OLIC
27 Women & Child District Social Welfare DSWO / DSSO Koraput
Development office / District Social
Security office
28 Works Roads & Buildings / Executive Engineer Koraput /
Rural Works Jeypore

Revenue Rent Collection System

Before settlement operation in the District, Koraput was un surveyed. It
was not possible to know what exactly was the extent of land under
possession of each ryot. The extent was generally expressed in terms of
yoke or seed capacity which was more based on eye estimation than on
actual measurement. A yoke capacity of land generally varied from 5 to 8
acres and different areas had different yoke capacities. It generally meant
an area that a yoke of bullocks could plough in one season. Similarly, one
putty seed capacity of land meant the extent of land which required one
putty of paddy as seed at the time of sowing and roughly represented one
acre. Therefore, the rent value statement produced by the estate did not
show the extent of land or the rate of rent per acre. It only showed the name
of the ryot and the amount payable by him. Each area had generally a rate
of rent per plough or per one putty seed capacity and from the total rent of
the ryot it could be roughly calculated what seed capacity or yoke capacity of
land the ryot possessed. Besides, the land on which assessment had been
fixed almost each ryot had in addition some other lands which were un-
assessed land, but neither the ryots not the estate Agent could point out
during the Settlement Operation as to which lands were assessed and which
un-assessed, because they themselves did not know. But in particular areas
some categories of un-assessed lands could be clearly known from the
custom of assessing paddy or dongar lands. In Nabarangpur Sub-Division
the custom was not to assess the dongar lands while in Koraput Sub-
Division the reverse was the case. This had relation with the economy and
physiography of the area. Generally in flat with slight undulations, the
economy of the people is largely dependent upon the product of paddy lands
where as in Koraput Sub-Division paddy lands are few being mostly situated
in the Jholas and steep undulations do not permit of paddy cultivation. The
entire economy depends upon dry crops grown on dongar lands. There was
also no uniformity regarding the kind of rent in different areas of the district.
345
In some areas only cash rent was prevailing and in some areas both cash
and kind rent were prevailing. In a few holdings purely kind rent was also
realised. The amount of kind rent fixed for each holding, where kind rent was
prevalent, was not dependent upon the produce of the holding from year to
year. It was a permanently fixed amount of kind rent and no where the
sharing system of kind rent was prevalent very much unlike the other
Zamindaries in the State. In Koraput generally cash-rent was prevalent.
Produce rent was very negligible in the district.
Although there as a customary rate of rent which could generally be
ascertained by dividing the total rent of the village by the total extent as
measured by seed capacity or plough capacity, still no fair apportionment of
the same was attempted on individual holdings owing to absence of reliable
data regarding the extent of land in each holding. The rate of rent for similar
classes of lands varied not only from village to village but also from holding
to holding. By dividing the rent of each holding by the total extent of
assessed lands as found out after settlement no definite acreage rate could
be ascertained owing to this disparity in the rent structure. It may, therefore,
be safely said that the existing system of rent was not fixed scientifically as it
was not co-related to the extent and classification of the land which indicate
the productivity and the income accruing to the ryot.
System of Zamindary Account, Method of Rent Collection and Village
Servants-
The cultivated lands in the estate were administered partly on ryotwari
system and partly on village rent system otherwise known as Mustajari
system. Ryotwari system was introduced in Rayagada Tehsil and gradually
extended to other areas. The records and registers were of very elementary
nature. The estate used to keep a register of ryots and their holdings in the
various villages together with rent due from each. The holdings were
described in their local names and sometimes a very rough description of
their boundaries was given as well as an estimate of their seed capacity.
Each ryot used to pay his rent direct either to the Tana Amin or to one of the
villagers appointed by the Estate as the revenue collecting agent.
The Mustajari system was almost akin to the gountia system of
Sambalpur and other parallel system in some of the Orissa states. The
mustajar was in the position of a headman and was an agent for collection of
rent, being remunerated by grant of rent free lands called ―Heta Bhumi‖
(These ―Heta Bhumis‖ were recorded in the record of rights as naik nowkari
mafi). Sometimes he was also permitted to retain a small percentage of the
collections. The rights and responsibilities of the mustajars were defined by
no law and ostensibly the Maharaja could appoint any one to the mustajar
346
post. In theory the mustajar was elected by the ryots but in practice the office
was usually hereditary, being held by the Nak or headman of the village. The
mustajari received a patta locally known as Kabala or Cowle from the
Zamindari and in return executed a Kadapa in his favour. Fresh Cowls and
Kadapas were normally executed only after death of one of the signatories.
The mustajars were not required to keep any accounts or any written record
of the holdings in their villages. Although he was getting receipts from the
Samasthanam for the rents of the village paid by him, he himself was not
generally giving receipts to the ryots for the rents paid by them to him. The
only record for the mustajari villages was the record prepared for the
Collector‘s land cess register which was prepared every three years for the
purpose of fixing the cess to be paid to the local boards in the district.
Extracts from this register are still regarded as valuable evidence in civil
disputes regarding lands. The Mustajari responsible for payment of the entire
stipulated sum fixed as rent for the village irrespective of the fact whether he
made any collection or not. As the mustajar was an agent of the landlord he
was bound by the terms of the Madras Estates Land Act in his relation with
the ryots of his village, whereas the relationship between the Zamindar and
the mustajar was a civil one with which the revenue courts were not
concerned. Suits between the mustajars and ryots were of extremely rare
occurrence and there is no case law at all upon the subject. In some areas
the mustajar used to lease out waste lands without making a corresponding
enhancement in the rent which he paid to the Zamindar. In some other
places the estate officials used to lease out waste lands even in mustajari
villages and collect rent of the leased out lands quite independently of the
mustajar. There were also a few instances of enhancement of rent of the
ryots by the mustajars in violation of the provisions of the Madras Estates
Land Act which the ryots possessed. The Madras Estates Land Act provided
remedy for such abuses but the people being backward and ignorant
scarcely invoked the provision of the Act in their favour. Besides being the
landholders agent for collection of rent, the mustajar was also assisting the
Estate and Government officials in their duty during tours, was responsible
for village administration, supplying labour for estate and public work and
Rasad or Bhatia to estate officers and Government officers on tour. In
general it may be safely said that on the whole the relation between the land
holder and the tenants was cordial as the incidence of rent was low and
pressure on the lands being less the ryot was less vulnerable to harassment
although not infrequently the estate suffered in the opinion of the ryots on
account of the misdeeds of the mustajars and actions of the minor estate
officials.

347
 The Estate system was abolished by Govt. Resolution No.4103-E.A.
th st
dated. 7 June, 1955 with effect from the 1 July 1955 and the direct
collection of rent by Govt. through salaried employees was introduced. It
was, however, decided to continue Mustajaris in remote and inaccessible
areas where it would not be immediately possible for the collecting staff. As
a result of this decision, all Mustajaris were abolished in all places except in
the inaccessible Bonda Hill area. It was also decided on the abolition of the
mustajari system, the ―Heta Lands‖ held by them would be resumed and
settled with them on Ryoti rights on payment of salami and fair and equitable
rent.
There were in mustajari villages a class of people known as ―Chalans‖
and ―Gandas‖ who were to assist the Mustajaris in rent collection and village
administration on grant of some rent-free lands. Their services were also
terminated along with those of the mustajaris and their service lands
resumed for resettlement with them on ryoti rights. Until completion of the
resumption and the resettlement proceeding, it was decided that the
mustajaris and challans should pay rent at one fourth of the produce.
Both in the Ryotiwari and in the Mustajari villages there were some
other classes of village servants known as Pujaries etc., who while doing
some communal duties used to assist the State officials or the mustajaris, as
the case may be, in collection of revenue and other misc. works and got jagir
lands as their remuneration. Settlement of their lands is governed under
provisions of Section 8(2) and 8(3) of Orissa Estate Abolition Act but as they
have outlived their utility under the changed circumstances after vesting,
th
government in their Order No. 46898 –R., dated the 4 October, 1962,
decided that Jagirs as specified (Gonda, Bhukta, Kumbhara, Majhi, Kamari,
Noria, Bahuka, Paika, Dhoba, Badhai, Katwal, Bhoi, Sardari, Ejralu,
Bhandari, Mediri, Kathi, Ghatual, Kuadia, Jaguali) should be abolished
immediately and the jagirs land should be settled in occupancy right in
st
favour of the holder of the jagir and other in actual possession as on the 1
July, 1962. No salami ( premium) would be charged for such land and no
reservation to be made out of these jagir lands for Gram Sabhas.
th
In G.O No. 3535-R dated the 18 January, 1963, ―Bariks‖ have also
been abolished but Jannies doing pujahs to village deities are allowed to
continue. The Revenue Department has taken up the settlement of such
jagir lands.
th
In G.O. No. 694-R dated the 6 January, 1959 subsequently modified
th
by G.O No. 35843-R dated the 24 August, 1959, it was decided that the
land held by Mustajaris and challans should be settled with them and Ryoti
Pattas should be issued to them on payment of salami to be charged for
348
different classes of lands held by them at twenty times the annual rents
settled for the rents. It was further decided that if the lands held by a
mustajar or challan were in excess of 33 acres, 10% of the total land should
be resumed for the public purposes and the rest of the land should be
settled with him on payment of salami and that a small marginal adjustment
should be made when the extent of the land to be settled with a mustajar or
Challan varied from 33 to 36 Acres to ensure that after deduction for the
preservation of mustajar or challan was left with 33 acre‘s and that the lands
reserved should be placed at the disposal of Gram Panchayats for public
purposes. The Mustajar or Challan was required to pay such rent as may be
assessed by the Collector as fair and equitable i.e. the average rate of rent
payable by occupancy ryots for lands of similar description and similar
advantage in the vicinity. In Jiroyoti villages also there were Naiks and
challans to assess the state officials in collection of rent. In G.O No. 18803-R
th
dated the 30 April, 1959, it was also decided that the services of Naiks and
Challans in this villages should be dispensed with and that the lands held by
them should be settled with them on the same lines as ordered for
settlement of lands with the Mustajars and Challans in the Mustajari villages
st
to take effect from the 1 July, 1959.
The Revenue Department has taken up the settlement of lands of the
Mustajars, Naiks and Challans in both the mustajari and jiyoroti villages.
Land is an important source of livelihood of people in the district.
Revenue administration touches all social groups and stakeholders and is
concerned with their problems. Activities of the Revenue Administration of
the District are not merely confined to solving people‘s problems relating to
land. The Administration also takes care of providing land to the landless
and homestead less families and also protect the Government land from
encroachment.
The District administration shoulders the responsibility of providing
immediate relief to the people affected by various calamities such as floods,
droughts, cyclones, hailstorms, earthquakes, fire accidents, lightening, boat
capsize etc. It also takes initiatives for relief, rescue, rehabilitation and
restoration works. All these works are implemented by the District
Administration under the direct supervision of Collector & D.M.
In the matter of transfer of property, particularly transfer of immovable
property, the Registration Offices under the Revenue and Disaster
Management Department play a key role in providing service to the people
by registering all documents and collets registration fees and stamp duty
contributing to the state exchequer.

349
 There has been phenomenal change adopting modern technology like
Hi-Tech Survey, Digitization of Land records, institution of Modern Record
Rooms for preparation, updation and preservation of Land records. The
Revenue Inspectors have been empowered for disposal of undisputed
Mutation Cases at their level within the time limit given in the ORTPS Act.
(Odisha Right To Public Services Act. 2012). Under the same Act
miscellaneous certificates for residence, income, nativity, caste, legal heir
etc. are being issued by the competent authority through online within the
time frame. The Common Service Centres now-a-days have come up in the
rural areas to facilitate the common people. At the district level there is an e-
District Manager looking after delivery of these services under e-Governance
project. All the Tahasil offices have been connected through Odisha State
Wide Area Network. Similarly, registration of documents is being executed
online using bio-metric identification and digital signature of the parties.
The Revenue Administration has been playing a pivotal role for
alienation / lease of Government land for various industrial and public
purposes. In Koraput District Government land has been alienated for
establishment of public sector undertakings like Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) at Sunabeda, National Aluminium Company (NALCO) at
Damanajodi, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) at Koraput. Government
land has also been utilised for Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project (UKHEP)
at Jeypore, Telingiri Medium Irrigation Project (TMIP) at Telingiri near
Jeypore, establishment of National Armament Depot (NAD) at Sunabeda,
Central University at Sunabeda, Airstrip at Jeypore, Medical College at
Koraput, Swaminathan Research Foundation at Jeypore, Gajapati Cement
factory at Ampavali under Pottangi Tahasil, Radio Station (All India Radio) at
Jeypore, Central Cattle Breeding Farm (CCBF) at Sunabeda, Odisha State
Housing Board (OSHB) at Sunabeda. Besides, Government land has been
leased out for Coffee Plantation, Cashew Plantation, Fishery, establishment
of ITI, Educational institutions like school, Colleges, Anganawadi Centres,
PHCs etc. under private & public sector. That apart, Government land has
been allotted to the Homestead less families and family having no agriculture
land. A land bank has been created for allotment to Industrial Infrastructure
Development Corporation ( IIDCO) for developmental purposes. District
administration acquires private land for public purposes and at the same
time implement government policy relating to rehabilitation and resettlement
of displaced persons.
Conduct of decennial census is also an important activity of district
administration which is done under supervision and guidance of Collector &
District Magistrate.

350
Regulation 2 of 1956
th
Whole Koraput district is in Scheduled Area ( as enshrined in the 5
Schedule of the Constitution). In the past most of the lands in this tribal area
was owned by the tribal as they used to cultivate lands both in the hills and
plain land by clearing the forest. Most of the non tribal are outsiders to this
hill plateau over a period of time. They possess more material means
compared to the tribal. Once they start settling in this district, they started
buying lands from the tribal and took over sizable chunk from them. In order
to have a check and regulate transfer of immovable properties by the
Scheduled Tribes in the Scheduled Areas of the State, the regulation 2 of
th
1956 has been promulgated by the Governor under the 5 Schedule of the
Constitution of India. This Regulation prohibits transfer of immovable
properties of Scheduled Tribes in favour of non-scheduled tribes. Written
permission was required from the competent authority like Sub- Collector-
cum Sub-divisional Magistrate, Officer on Special Duty, Land Revenue,
(OSD, LR) prior to transfer of any immovable property of scheduled Tribes.
Any such transfer would be null and void, if the same has been transferred
without written permission from the competent authority. This system has
been more regulated with its Amendment during 2000. Amendment 2000
restricts the transfer of immovable property with in the scheduled tribes only.
A scheduled tribe can transfer his immovable property to another person of
the scheduled tribe only provided he / she still possesses minimum 5 acres
of non irrigated land and 2 acres of irrigated land after transferring the
land. In case, any such transfer has been executed in contravention to this
provision in the Regulation, the competent authority designated for the
purpose, either suo-motu or on receiving a petition filed on that behalf, shall
declare such transfer as illegal and shall restore the land to the lawful land
owner or his/her legal heirs by following due procedures of the law. The
Regulation also provides for penal action in respect of illegal transfer as well
as unauthorized occupation to the extent of eviction of persons in forcible
occupation of the land belonging to members of Scheduled Tribes.
The following cases are under trial by the competent authority in
respect of Koraput district.
There are 18 no. of cases pending for disposal up to November 2015
under Section 3(2) of Regulation 2 of 1956 (Contravention of Sub-Section
3(1).
Similarly, there are 1238 no. of cases pending for disposal up to
November 2015 under Section 3(A) & 3(A)(1) of Regulation 2 of 1956
(Eviction of un-authorized occupation).

351
 There are 1308 cases pending for disposal up to November 2015 under
Section 3(B), 3(B)(1) & 3(B)(2) of regulation 2 of 1956. (Reversion of land
transferred by fraud)
There are 5 cases pending for disposal up to November 2015 under
Section 7(A) of regulation 2 of 1956 (Offences to be tried by Executive
Magistrate).
153 warrant cases are pending up to November 2015 for execution by
different Tahasildars of this district.
Sub-Divisional Level Administration.
There are two Sub-Divisions in this district viz. Koraput & Jeypore. Sub-
Collector & Sub-Divisional Magistrate is head of the Sub-Divisions. Sub-
Collector being the sub-Divisional Magistrate of the Sub-Division looks after
law & order situation. There are five Tahasils namely Jeypore, Borigumma,
Kotpad, Boipariguda & Kundra coming under Jeypore Sub-Division and
nine namely Koraput, Semiliguda, Nandapur, Pottangi, Narayanapatna,
Laxmipur, Bandhugaon, Dasamantpur & Machkund at Lamtaput come under
Koraput Sub-Division. Sub-Collector & Sub-Divisional Magistrate is the
head of Revenue Administration in the Sub-Division. He / She supervises the
collection of land revenue in the Sub-Division and exercises administration of
the Sub-Division. Jeypore, Borigumma, Kotpad, Koraput, Machhkund and
Potangi Tahasils are old Tahasils. There are irrigated lands in Jeypore,
Borigumma and Kotpad Tehsils coming under the irrigation command of
Upper Kolab irrigation project. So revenue demand in these Tehsils is good
with potential of revenue collection. In Bandhugaon & Narayanapatna
Tahasil potential of revenue collection is very less because of non-existence
of adequate number of sairat sources, less agricultural land and lack of
adequate irrigation facility.
Land Revenue System – Past and Present
Present land-revenue administration succeeds the ancient feudal
system and the methods according to which it was administered. Those
were without parallel in other parts of Madras Presidency. No survey
settlement was ever carried out in any part of the district. Prior to the
abolition of the Jeypore zamindari, the Jirayati lands in the estate were
administered partly on rayatwari system and partly on a village rent system
called Mustajari. The relation between landlords and tenants was governed
by the provisions of the Madras Estates Land Act of 1908, which was
administered by the District Collector and the Revenue Divisional Officers.
Under the Act the tenants had the occupancy right on their holdings.
Previously they did not possess this right. Moreover, the landlord could evict
352
a tenant only by the authority of law. Now the rights and privileges of the
tenants are protected under section 8(i) of the Orissa Estates Abolition Act.
The tenants having occupancy rights during the zamindari enjoyed the same
privilege after abolition.
Rayatwari
The rayatwari system placed the rayats in a better position than those
in Mustajari villages. This system was prevalent in 587 villages in the year
1945, mostly in Rayagada subdivision of un-divided Koraput District.
Agreements, such as Cowls and Kodpas, were executed between the
landlords and tenants by which the latter secured the holdings. Receipts
were granted in proper form to the rayats by regular Revenue Establishment
of the estate. The estate used to keep for each rayatwari village a register of
rayats commonly known as Demand Register which showed each raiyat‘s
holding and the rent due from him. The holdings were described by their
local names and a rough description of their boundaries was given, the area
being estimated either on their seed or plough capacity. Each raiyat used to
pay his rent either to the Amin or to one of the villagers appointed by the
estate as the Revenue Naik, and obtained a written receipt for the amount
from the land-holder or the person authorized to collect rent.It appears from
the Partially-excluded Areas Enquiry Committee Report, 1940, that there
were then only 745 rayatwari villages in the district.
Inams
By the terms of the Permanent Settlement, the reversionary right the
Inam tenures then existent was reserved to the Government, though the
Kattubadi on them was included in the assets of the estate and was payable
to the zamindars and proprietors. In 1862 the Inam Commission appointed
by the Madras Government visited the Vizagapatam district and permitted
holders of pre-settlement Inams to enfranchise their grants by payment of an
annual quit-rent fixed according to circumstances. They could thereby avert
the risk of their Inams being reverted to Government. The quit-rent fixed did
not vary thereafter. But no probe had ever been made into the status of the
various Inamdars in Jeypore and the hill tracts of Pachipenta. In fact, there is
no practical distinction between pre-settlement and post-settlement grants in
the district, the Government never having exercised their right for reverting to
the former either by resuming them or enfranchising them. Owing to the
absence of reliable records it has become impossible to ascertain the date of
an original grant.
The Inams in the district were of three kinds of gift, gift . The payment
made by the grantee to the Maharaja was known alternatively as Tonki or

353
Kattubadi, the former being an Odia and the latter a Telugu term. Dana
grants were usually made to Brahmans for religious purposes. Mokhasas
were granted in favour of the Raja‘s relations or other persons of rank and
were subject to lapse on failure of direct heirs. Frequently, a condition was
attached to them requiring the grantee to appear with a certain number of
retainers at the Dashara Durbar or to perform certain other services. Some
mokhasa were with service conditions attached to them. Ordinary service
grants were made for such minor duties as doing worship to certain deities,
supplying the Maharaja with household necessities, and performing
domestic service in the palace.
Of the three types of Inamdars, the mokhasadars were the most
important. These beneficiaries included persons of varying status, ranging
from the grantee of a single village of a feudatory chief like the Thatraj of
Bissamcuttack of un-divided koraput district, who ruled an estate of
hundreds of square miles and was accorded the title of Raja. All of these
large feudal estates namely, those of Bissamcuttack (Old name Bhishma
Kataka), Kalyansingpur, Nowrangpur and Malkangiri, all were in undivided
koraput district under Jeypore imprtible estate. The Bissam Cuttack grant
was resumed in 1926 and that of Kalyansingpur in 1892. The last ruler of
Malkangiri, the Ranee Bangara Devi, was deposed in 1872 and the
Nowrangpur grant lapsed for want of heirs in the year 1912. Before abolition,
most of the mokhasas were small properties of a dozen or fewer villages but
those of Ambadola and Jagdalpur in the Bissam Cuttack Tahasil, which were
grants made originally by the Thatraj but recognized and continued by the
Jeypore Maharaja after the resumption of that estate, are exceptions
consisting of about 150 and 60 villagers and Kattubadi of Rs. 200 and Rs.
160, respectively. S. Sundar Raja Iyengar explains mokhasa in his ―Land
Tenure in the Madras Presidency‘ in the following manner – ‗Mokhasa was a
well-known term in the Northern Sirkars and that the term itself implied that it
was a tenure subject to service. It took this form when it was granted to
servants and military chiefs in lieu of pay; sometimes it was granted to men
of high position and influence, whose tenure was of an honorary or almost
nominal nature.‖In the year 1953 four mokhasas, namely, Pukuli, JAgdalpur,
Ambda and Durgi, were abolished. Similarly 500 Inam villages were
abolished during the period 1954 – 57.
Mustajari
The Mustajari system, it seems, has almost the same origin as the
Gaontiahi system of tenure in Sambalpur and there are also similar systems
in some other districts of Odisha. But an exact description is difficult to be
given as the system has never been defined by a settlement and there are

354
numerous local variations. The Mustajar is an agent for the collection of rent,
who is remunerated either by a grant of a piece of rent-free land known as
Hetha Bhumi, or a percentage of the collections. In theory the Mustajar is
elected by the rayats but in practice the office is usually hereditary, being
held by the Naik or headman of the village. The Mustajar receives a ‗patta‘
locally known as a ‗Kabala‘ from the zamindar and in return executes a
Kodapa (agreement) in his favour. Fresh ‗Kabala‘ and Kodapas are normally
executed only after the death of one of the signatories. The rights and
responsibilities of the Mustajars are not defined by any law. The Maharaja
can in fact appoint one, whom he likes, to the post and can remove him
without having recourse to any legal process. The Mustajars are not required
to keep any account or any written records of the holdings in their villages. In
fact the only record-of-rights, in existence, was the Collector‘s Land Cess
Register which was prepared every three years for the purpose of fixing the
cess payable to the Local Boards in the district.
Though the Estates Land Act made no specific mention of the Mustajari
system, the position was that a Mustajar, being an agent of the landlord, was
bound by the terms of the Act, in his relation with the rayats in his village,
whereas the relationship between the zamindar and the Mustajar was a civil
one in which the Revenue Courts have no concern. The Act prohibits
enhancement of rent except at a settlement or by the decree of a court, but
instances have come to light where such enhancements have been made
without authority. Instances of the Mustajars redistributing the holdings in
their villages, disregarding the occupancy rights which the rayats possessed,
were still there. The Act provided remedy for such abuses but the
backwardness and ignorance of the people were such that it could scarcely
be invoked.
Ambiguity in the relationship between the zamindar and the Mustajar,
which required to be made clear either by legislation or a settlement. For
instance, there were local variations in the method of assessing new
cultivation. In some tanas (a revenue administrative unit), the Mustajar
leased out waste lands and no enhancement was made in the sist ( rent)
which he paid to the Zamindar; in others the corresponding enhancement of
sist was made. But elsewhere the estate has been leasing out waste lands
and collecting the rent quite independently of the Mustadars. There was a
similar confusion regarding the right to the usufruct of trees staging on waste
lands.
Rents
Rent was paid either in cash or in kind, each rents being more common
on the 3,000-foot plateau (where the crops are mostly dry) and in the
355
Rayagada subdivision on the 2,000-foot plateau of Jeypore itself where
much paddy is raised. The grains received as rent were stored in the
granaries at the Tana Offices and held up until prices were high and then
sold to traders. Where cash rents were in force the assessment was usually
a certain sum of each plough and hoe used. This varied from Rs. 2 to Rs. 6
a plough and from Annas 4 to Annas 8 a hoe, according to the quality of the
soil and the accessibility of the village. Normally a single raiyat was
assessed on the assumption that he had one plough and a hoe and was
permitted to cultivate as much land as he could. Resentment was felt when
the estate or the Mustajars attempted to apply the rule literally with the
rayats possessing more than one plough or hoe. We get the following
relevant account from the report of the partially excluded Areas Enquiry
Committee, Orissa, 1940
―We have already referred above to the scheme of the annual royalty
system or plough tax, as desired by the Chief Forest Officer, Jeypore estate.
This was approved by the Assistant Commissioner, Orissa Agency Division,
in 1921. In fixing this annual licensing fee or rather the royalty, a standard
had to be adopted. The plough used by the raiyat was taken as the unit and
royalty was fixed according to the locality and the number of ploughs a raiyat
th
used. It is laid down in the Chief Forest Officer‘s circular, dated the 11
March 1922 that this annual license is optional and has to be issued only
with the mutual consent of the villagers and the estate. The assessment has
no legal basis and the payment is said to be voluntary on the part of the
people. We have also referred to the statutory concession, granted to certain
classes of people called the ‗privileged classes as regards the use of timber
and forest materials under the Jeypore Forest Rules and also to the
privileges extended to them by the estate in 1921 while introducing the
annual royalty system.‖
Where grain rents were in force the rent was generally fixed upon the
seed capacity of the land, the usual rule being that the raiyat paid as rent a
quantity of grain equal to that required to sow the land. This was the system
prevalent in Jeypore Tahasil and Nowrangpur and Malkangiri sub-divisions.
Here also, there were anomalies and local variations in the matter of
practice. In these areas all the valuable land was cultivated for paddy and
dry crops were comparatively unimportant. No rent was claimed on dry land
and the general belief gained ground that rayats were to cultivate dry land
without payment of rent. The estate claimed the right to levy rent on dry
lands and in some areas the rayats agreed to the demand while in others
they resisted it.

356
 In addition to cash and grain rents, one or two minor miscellaneous
dyes were still levied. In former days the assessments used to include
stipulated quantities of oil, ghee, skins, arrow-root and Suan, but when the
estate was under the Government management they gradually changed to
cash payments. The only items of this kind which continued are the grass
sist levied in certain tanas of the ‗Upper‘ divisions, the proceeds of which are
used for the thatching of estate buildings, and the customary bheti or
offerings of a goat or fowl which some villages are required to make at
Dashara.
The general uncertainty which existed regarding the rights and customs
in the land-revenue system was undoubtedly very unsatisfactory and it was
hoped that they would be set right at no distant time by a general survey and
settlement. Nevertheless, taking the totality into consideration it may be said
that the relation between landlord and tenant were good.
Present Land Revenue System
th
After abolition of the estate on 29 December 1952 under provisions of
the Orissa Estates Abolition Act, the Mustajari system has been abolished
except in the Bonda hill area and rent is now collected by Government
directly from the rayats.
Unlike previous practice, rent is paid in cash only at present. In the
present rent settlement, effort was made to rationalize the earlier irrational
and discriminating rent structure. Fair and equitable rent was fixed on a
scientific principle correlating the settled rent to productivity and area of the
land. The cultivated lands of the district are broadly classified into three
classes, namely, (i) Paddy, (ii) Dongar, and (iii) Attal (Alluvial soil on the side
of rivers) and to allow for variations in productivity each class of land was
further subdivided into three sub-classes, namely, I, II and III. Villages were
formed into groups to fix uniform rates for similar classes of lands. The yield
per acre of each such sub-class of land in each group was determined by
crop-cutting experiments and by enquiries from the people, then the gross
yield was converted into gross income at average of the prices prevailing
during the pre-war years which were considered as normal years. From the
gross income thus determined, deductions were allowed towards cost of
cultivation at the net income. The principle of fixing the fair and equitable
rent at one-third of the net income was generally followed subject to
adjustments in favour of the rayats in case of abnormal increase. Attal lands
have been assessed at the rates applicable to Paddy lands of the same sub-
classification and bari, tope and other lands at the rates applicable,
st nd rd
respectively, to 1 , 2 and 3 class Dongar lands.

357
Land Tenure System and Tenancy Rights
In the district, where about 80 percent of the population depends on
land for their livelihood, the most urgent problem is to find out ways and
means for making the land more productive and the rural economy dynamic.
The most important work of a preliminary nature that is necessary for
removing all impediments to development of the agrarian economy is to
eliminate all intermediaries between the Government and the tenants who is
the tiller of the soil. The next step is conferment of rights of ownership on
such tillers those who do not have such rights at the moment and assuring
them fixity of tenure and reasonable rent so that the right of ownership
becomes effective. The availability of cultivable land is limited and more and
more land is required for industrial purposes as the country marches towards
progressive industrialization. On the other hand, if industrialization with the
available economic resources of the country cannot keep pace with the
growth of population and if industrialization will not be able to absorb the
increased population, the district will remain predominantly agricultural for
quite a number of years to come and will not be able to absorb all labour and
ther will be disguised un employmet.Inequal ownership of land calls for land
reforms. This leads to concentration of land in the hands of a few cultivators
which would be detrimental to the economy of the country as a whole. A
ceiling has, therefore, to be imposed on landed property by cultivators.
In the first five year plan period, the Odisha Estate abolition Act was
enacted and Jeypore estate has been vested in the State Government at the
first stage. In the second stage following steps were taken.
a) Conferment of right of the ownership on the tenant,
b) Security of tenure and fixity of reasonable rent so that right of
ownership becomes effective, and
c) Fixation of ceiling on holdings.
At the subsequent stage various acts like Odisha Tenants Relief Act
1955, Odisha Land Reforms Act 1960 1965, Odisha Survey and Settlement
Act 1958, were enacted.
Survey and Settlement
Survey and settlement operation in Koraput district was taken up prior
to the division of this district. In some Tahasils the ROR are years old like
1950‘s and there after there has been no Survey & Settlement in the region.
There are 1986 revenue villages in the district out of which 22 villages are
disputed due to boundary dispute with neighboring state Andhra Pradesh
since 1968. These 22 villages are un-surveyed.

358
Introduction and Programme
Koraput was an un-surveyed tract when it was constituted as a new
st
district on the creation of the Province of Orissa on 1 April 1936, after its
separation from the Vizagapatam district of Madras. Great difficulty was then
experienced by the administration for want of reliable particulars regarding
extent and ownership of lands. In order to secure the rayats and the land-
holders of their respective legal rights it was necessary that a survey of
land should be made and record-of-rights of lands prepared which would be
of immense help in the general administration of the district. Before
embarking on such a huge scheme in an area covering the entire district, it
was decided to take up the operations in the first instance in only 20 villages
of Boipariguda area as an experimental measure in the year 1938. The
survey and record-of-rights operation were carried out under the provision of
Madras Survey and Boundaries Act (1923) and the Madras Estates Land Act
(1908). The result of the experience gained in the experimental survey was
encouraging. A programme was framed for taking up survey and settlement
operations in the entire district. Operations began in right earnest in the field
season of 1941-42 in Block A covering 545 villages of Umarkote area of un-
divided Koraput. After completion of the preparation of preliminary record-of-
rights, the operations were suddenly suspended due to World War (1939-45)
but were resumed in 1947-48. The original programme framed was revised
in the light of the Government decision to give priority to more developing
areas, which meant taking up selected pockets throughout the district. Late
in 1951 Government reviewed their order and decided to include the entire
district in the programme of survey and settlement. Accordingly, a revised
programme dividing the entire district into 9 blocks (from A to I) was
nd
approved by Government on 22 August 1951. Again in 1958, Malkangiri
was omitted from the programme as having too little cultivation to pay for the
expenses of survey but was again included in 1959-60 on the wake of the
Dandakaranya Development Authority getting interested in the area for the
resettlement of the displaced persons from East Pakistan. The town areas
were left out of survey at the time of general survey of the surrounding
villages, but they were later taken up in the year 1959-60 for survey and
record-of-rights operations only and not for rent settlement. The latest
settlement programme covered the entire district excepting about 500
square miles of Bonda hill and Kondakamberu (presently in Malkangiri
district) areas which are then most inaccessible and least populated and
cultivated region in the district. The survey of the area was proposed to be
taken up in the year 1969-70.

359
Method of Survey
A village was taken as the unit of survey. Plane table method of survey
of Bihar and Orissa pattern was decided to be adopted in Koraput against
the Chain Survey method followed in Ganjam the former being less costly.
Cadastral survey is based on the polygon of traverse, done either by
Theodolite or by plane table. The former is more accurate, at the same time
more costly and also time taking. Theodolite traverse survey (TTS) was
done by the parties of Deputy Director of Surveys, Bihar, in 5 per cent of the
villages of Blocks A, B and B-1 i.e., the area covered by the present
Nowrangpur district and in rest of the villages of these blocks plane table
traverse was done. Subsequently, it was decided to get all the villages
traversed by the T.T.S. Party, Bihar, Accordingly, cent per cent villages of
Blocks C, D, D-1 and E (i.e. a small portion of Koraput subdivision and a
major portion of Rayagada and Gunupur subdivisions) were traversed by the
T.T.S. Party. Portions of E-1 and G were also traversed cent per cent by the
T.T.S. Party, Bihar. But as it was not possible on the part of the T.T.S. Party,
Bihar, to take up traverse work in accordance with programme.It was
thought necessary to take up Theodolite traverse Sutvey only in 5 per cent
of villages in the remaining blocks. Accordingly, 5 percent of the villages of
Blocks F, F-1 and G (i.e. a major portion of Koraput Subdivision) were
traversed by the T.T.S. Party. But plane table traverse was done in all the
villages of Blocks H and I (i.e. the present Malkangiri subdivision). The inter-
State boundaries have been completely traversed by the T.T.S. Party, Bihar.
Administrative control
The settlement operation of the district was under the control of the
Settlement Officer, Ganjam-Koraput, with headquarters at Berhampur till the
end of 1954. Afterward, a separate Settlement Officer was placed in charge
st
of settlement work of the district with his headquarters at Jeypore till 1
August 1960, when the Ganjam-Koraput Major Settlement was again formed
having headquarters at Berhampur with the extension of survey and
settlement operations to rayatwari areas of Ganjam district.
The following kinds of Khatas were prepared during survey and settlement

1. Ryoti [vide definition in Sec. 3 (16) of Madras.Estate.Land.( MEL) Act]

2. Private [vide definition in Sec. 3 (10) of M.E.L. Act]
3. Parityakta Bedakhali ryoti (for surrendered / abandoned and for the
lands in khas possession of the land-holder which are not private lands]
4. Jamadharya-Jogya (for assessable lands)

360
5. Abad-Jogya Anabadi (for cultivable waste)
6. Abad-Ajogya Anabadi (for un-cultivable waste)
7. Poromboke (for communal lands and reserved lands in all areas
excepting Malkangiri)
8. Sarbasadharana (communal lands in Malkangiri subdivision only)
9. Departmental
10. Rakhita (reserved for the benefit of Government and people in
Malkangiri subdivision only)
11. Sikimi (rights of Bhagchasis in Malkangiri subdivision only)
12. Gharabari (in town areas only)
Land Reforms position in the district
There has been remarkable change of land reforms in Odisha after
introduction of Odisha Land Reform Act, 1960. Introduction of Bhoodan
Yagna Samiti Act, distribution of ceiling surplus land to land less persons
and marginal land holders, checking of illegal transfer of land of SC and ST
to non S.C and non S.C persons,restoration of lands of S.T. and S.C.
persons illegally transferred to non S.T and non S.C. people or forcible /
illegal occupation by them are some of the important reforms.
Sources of Revenue of this District
There are different types of revenue collected by Revenue Authorities.
These are
(i) Land Revenue which includes rent, cess, N-cess, (Part – I)
Rent is not collected for agricultural land, but it is taken into account as
a base in calculating Cess and Nistar Cess. Rent is collected on non
agricultural land.
(ii) Miscellaneous revenue which includes royalty, fine etc. (Part – II)
Of late the magnitude of misc. Revenue has held greater importance in
comparison with other sources due to more exploitation of sairat sources like
stone quarry, morum, sand and execution of developmental works
throughout the district, and conversion of agrictultural land for non
agricultural purpose
(iii) Water Rate (CBWR & FWR) (Part – III)
In Koraput district the percentage of irrigable land is very less
compared to total cultivable area. Total assessment of water rate is not

361
collected as cultivators complain about non supply of water to the tail end of
the canal.
Besides, premium is collected from conversion of land from agricultural
land for non-agricultural purpose, collection of revenue from various Sairat
Sources, leasing out of Government land to private parties and others.
Total demand of Land Revenue including miscellaneous revenue &
water rate for the Financial year 2015-2016 is Rs. 23,19,06,664/-
Part of the Revenue items Demand for the year 2015-16 in Rupees.

Part-I 44,49,646.75
Part-II 20,17,28,183.43
Part-III 2,57,28,834.25
Total 23,19,06,664.43

In the way of modernizing and bringing efficiency to the land revenue

administration as well as to make it citizen-centric, technological intervention
has been envisaged under the centrally sponsored Digital India Land
Records Modernization Programme. Major focus of the Program me is on
citizen services. Various components of the programme are underway in the
district which in brief have been outlined below.
Under this programme, all textual data of records of rights are being
updated and computerized. Data conversion of all textual records has been
completed in respect of all Tahasils of the District and has been hoisted in
the Bhulekh website. Computerized RoRs are being issued to the citizens.
Re-entry of RoR data is being done on continuous basis for further updation.
Cadastral map-sheets of all the villages of the district have been digitized
and mosaicised. All those maps have been integrated with the textual RoR
data of bhulekh website for public view and official use. Steps have been
taken to make the mutation process transaction based in which notices of all
transactions registered in the registration offices are sent by the registering
officers to the concerned tahasil offices for initiation of mutation proceedings.
There have been sharp decline in the application based mutation cases
during the last 2-3 years. Further all Tahasildars have been instructed
suitably to dispose all un-contested mutation cases within a maximum period
of three months. People have been greatly benefitted due to quicker up-
dation of land records.
Modernisation of land records
In line of computerizing the Tahasil offices of the district, Tahasil level
computer cells have been made functional in all Tahasils of the district.

362
Information technology is being use for maintaining village wise property
records and for providing services to citizens in a better way.
All the Tahasil offices have been provided with broadband internet
connectivity. In addition, virtual private network over Broad Band (VPNoBB)
has been provided in the Tahasil offices for secure data transmission. The
VPNoBB connectivity is being used to transmit the updated RoR data from
the concerned tahasils to the NIC Head-quarters through File Transfer
Protocol (FTP) for reflection of the same in the bhulekh website. Steps have
been also taken to provide connectivity through Odisha State Wide Area
Network (OSWAN) to all Sub-Collectorates, Tahasils and Registration offices
of the district. The District Head Quarters are already connected with
OSWAN.
In order to replace the existing system of physical storing and
maintenance of land records which has a lot of shortcomings and
inconvenience, Modern Record Rooms in Tahasil offices are being created
under DILRMP. In these Modern Record Rooms, valuable revenue case
records shall be stored electronically through document management
system software after their scanning. Maintenance of land records in the
dematerialized format shall go a long way in long-term storage of the
valuable revenue case records as well as in providing better citizen centric
services. As of now, Modern record rooms have been made functional in all
Tahasils of the district.
Under DILRMP, all the Registration Offices of the district have been
computerized with adequate hardware, software. All the Registration offices
are connected to the Central Server at the State level through a dedicated
software on Virtual Private Network (VPN) mode.Bio-metric authentication
system has already been put in place in all the Registration offices. Data
Entry of Valuation details, legacy encumbrance Data and scanning of old
documents in respect of all records from 1995 to date has been
accomplished. Citizens are being provided immediate services such as
Encumbrance Certificates (E.C.) and Certified Copies (C.C.) at the
Registration offices.
Implementation of Forest Right Act
This is an act to recognize and vest the Forest Right and occupation in
Forest Land of forest dwellers of Scheduled Tribe and other traditional forest
dwellers who have been residing in such forest for generations but whose
rights could not be recognized. The rights may be of two types i) individual
rights ii) community right on forest land.

363
 For better implementation of Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional
Forest Dwellers, Recognition of Forest Rights Act 2006 and FRA
Amendment Rules, 2012 are in force. The District Administration has taken
up steps to cover all the left out eligible forest dwellers under the Scheduled
Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights)
Act, 2006 and Amendment Rule, 2012.
This process has been started in time bound manner so as to cover all
the forest dwellers those who depend on the forest or forest land for
bonafide livelihood. 25,742 individual claims under Forest Right Act have
been settled up to 30.11.2015 involving area of 40086.42 Acres in respect of
this district.
Similarly, 4 no. of community claims have been settled up to
30.11.2015 involving 16.11 Acres. A special campaign has been started to
identify the left out genuine beneficiaries to be covered under the Forest
Right Act. Project Administrator, ITDA, Koraput being the Nodal Officer of
this scheme is monitoring the progress on regular basis. Tahasildars and
Block Development Officers are implementing the scheme along with their
sub-ordinate officials i.e. Revenue Inspector, Asst. Revenue Inspectors,
Amin VLW, WEO. A Joint verification on individual and community claim is
conducted with the team of Revenue, Forest and Welfare officials. Progress
of the scheme is reviewed by Collector periodically.
In conclusion, it can be said that the District Administration is
responsible not only for its traditional functions of collection of revenue and
maintenance of Law & Order but it plays a dynamic role in ushering an all
round development in the life of the citizen in respect of health, education,
vocation ensuring a high standard of living for them. There is no limit in
functions of the district administration since it acts as a bridge between the
people and the Government.

364
 CHAPTER-XIII

LAW & ORDER AND JUSTICE

Introduction
In early part of the 19th century law and order followed tribal sanction.
The Zamindar and the local chiefs had no real control over the hill tribes who
remained in inaccessible jungles. Of the grave crimes committed in the
district, the one that most attracted the attention of the British Officers was
the practice of Mariah or the sacrifice of human victims to propitiate the Earth
goddess and other deities. Its existence was discovered by George Russell,
the Special Commissioner, in 1836. In 1845, a special Mariah Agency was
formed which included the Jeypore estate and other Khond tracts. An Agent
was kept in sole charge of the administration of the area with many
assistants.
The Mariah sacrifice was widely practised in the Khond tracts. This
practice continued unabated for many centuries. Neither the Raja nor any
local chief ever dared to interfere with this custom. After the formation of the
Mariah Agency, steps were taken to suppress this inhuman practice.
Similarly severe punishment was meted out to persons ccused of witchcraft
and sorcery. There were also organised gangs of Khongars (thieves) who
systematically terrorised the country side. They generally formed a part of
the establishment of men of influence in Jeypore. Captain A. C. Me Neill
reports that these bands of dacoits used to pay a yearly tax of one rupee per
head to the Raja or rather to the person who was temporarily in charge of
affairs in Jeypore. He writes ―Some idea may be formed of the depredation
committed by this lawless race, when I state that a yearly contract obtains in
Jeypore called the ‗ Khondar Goota ‘ averaging from one thousand to three
thousand rupees per annum, and which is entirely obtained from the sale-
proceeds of property stolen by Khongars. Numerous Bringaries complained
to me that, whereas they at present pay transit duties amounting to 12½
rupees per one hundred bullocks, for passing through Jeypore country, they
would willingly pay double that amount, if they were only guaranteed
protection against the Khongars.‖
The lawlessness of Jeypore country in the 19th century can be known
from the above accounts. Murder, dacoity and assassination continued
unabated till the establishment of Police force in 1863. In 1864, to give only
one instance, two Paiks at Nowrangpur fought a duel with broad swords in
open daylight in one of the streets there to settle a dispute between their

365
wives about a well, and one of them had his head taken off at one swoop of
his opponent‘s weapon.
Organisation of the Police Force
(i) Towards 1855 proposals were submitted to the Government for
control of both police and revenue of the tracts above the Ghats. But Lord
Dalhousie, Governor-General, objected to it on the ground that it would
involve the British Government into military operation and protracted jungle
warfare. Subsequently towards 1860 the Government revised the proposal
and authorised the Inspector-General of Police to visit this district and advise
the Government on the course to be adopted permanently, for the Police
management of Jeypore. The Agent to the Governor at Vizagapatam and
the Inspector-General of Police met and reported that there was no reason
why Jeypore should not be included in the General Police arrangements of
the district. In this, Government concurred and sanctioned introduction of
Police in the Jeypore country. Accordingly, the Police Force was established
in 1863 and Captain Galbraith was located at Jeypore as Assistant
Superintendent of Police. In May 1864, Jeypore became a separate Police
district consisting of all the parts of the estate lying above the Ghats. The
remaining portion, corresponding to the present Rayagada subdivision,
continued to be part of the Vizagapatam Police district- Though the
headquarters of the Superintendent was moved to Koraput in 1870, his
charge continued to be called the Jeypore district till the present Koraput
district was formed in April 1936.
(ii) The force consisted in 1941 of a Superintendent, two Assistant
Superintendents, a Sergeant-Major, two Sergeants, nine Inspectors, forty-
one Sub-Inspectors, fifty-six Head Constables and five hundred and fifteen
Constables. The Sergeant-Major and Sergeants, fourteen Head Constables
and one hundred and thirty-seven Cons tables comprised the Armed
Reserve at the headquarters of the district. The district was divided into three
subdivisions under the control of the Superintendent and the Assistant
Superintendent at Koraput and Rayagada, respectively. There were 9
circles, 31 stations and 11 out-posts.
(iii) Village headmen and officials appointed by the zamindars used to
render assistance to the Police in the detection of crimes. In absence of any
direct financial obligation to the Government, any act of negligence on their
part was being brought to the notice of zamindar for correction. There was
no village police establishment and the Naiks with their assistants, the
Chellans and Barikis co-operated well with the Police in the prevention and
detection of crimes and in punishing the offenders.

366
Present organizational set up
Administration of crime affairs and Law and Order in the district is under
the over all supervision of the District Magistrate . He controls all Executive
Magistrates in the district. The Additional District Magistrate exercises all the
powers of the District Magistrates but functions under over all control of the
District Magistrate. The Sub Divisional Magistrate controls all Executive
Magistrates in a Sub Division. Executive Magistrates exercise their authority
in trial of cases under the preventive sections of the Criminal Procedure
Code. They are deputed by the District Magistrates to remain in charge of
armed police force in situation of law and order.
District Police organization is headed by the Superintendent of
Police(S .P.) . He is assisted by two Additional S.P.s,12 Dy S.P.s.,25
Inspectors, 86 Sub Inspectors (S.I.) including Women S.I.s‘, 130 Assistant
S.I.s‘. One Reserve Inspector is in charge of the district Armed Police
Reserve assisted by 3 Sergeants and 2 Havildar Majors. One Drill Sub
Inspector is attached to the district Armed Police. .The district armed
constabulary consists of 313 constables including special police officers. The
S.P. is the Commandant of the Home Guards in the district . He is assisted
by one Assistant Commandant.
Erstwhile Koraput district was divided into four districts of Malkangiri,
Rayagada, Nawarangpur and Koraput in the year 1992. Due to its location in
border to two states i.e. Chatishgarh and Andhra Pradesh and passing of
National Highways on the heart of Koraput district, offences relating to both
body and property are committed in large number. The population of Koraput
has increased over the period along with literacy, income and living
standard. Along with the development in the district, certain movements in
the district have affected law and order in the districts affecting the
population. Left wing extremist movement by the Maoist cadres otherwise
called Maoist activities and its frontal organization in shape of Chasi Mulia
Adivasi Sangha particularly in Laxmipur area have been a challenge to the
district administration in general and police in particular. Of late there has
been decline in Left Wing activities due to coordinated action of State and
central police forces.
Coordination of police with other wings of administration has reduced
the rate of crime in the district in the last few decades but the cyber crime,
economic and social offence are on rise. However, the modernisation of
police along with change in attitude of police and behaviour in the field for
combating both Maoists and local criminals, deployment of police force at
troublesome places, organising public - police interface meeting to elicit
public cooperation , collection of intelligence with appropriate training of
367
police personnel have taken the police a long way in changing the crime
scenario with better law and order in the district .
As this district borders to Andhra Pradesh on the South, Chhatishgarh
on the West,. Criminals from bordering states use to frequent the district to
commit crime relating to property. The well communicated roads, National
Highways support them for their escape after commission of crime. The
district is dominated by tribal and certain community by profession commit
property offence cases like theft, burglary and robbery, Highway robbery.
Besides, Tribal indulge in drunkenness. Under influence of liquor they
commit serious crime like murder and homicide on small issues.
The NH-26 and NH-63 are running through this district connecting
Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) to Raipur (Chhatish Garh) . Both the
major cities with business centre are located both sides of this district, so
heavy vehicular traffic are found on the roads through this district. Besides,
through the district runs state highways connecting Malkangiri and
Rayagada districts. In neighbouring Malkangiri district ganja cultivation is
very common in the hilly area bordering Andhra Pradesh and goes
undetected either due to remoteness of the area or being frequented by left
extremist or with connivance with police and State Excise staff. The ganja
smugglers of different states like Bihar, UP, ChattishGarh in a clandestine
manner transport contraband ganja through this district procuring the same
from the remote parts of Malkangiri. Special drives are organized to detect
the transportation of ganja. In the recent past, large quantity of contraband
ganja while in transport was seized in different occasions and smugglers of
different states were arrested and the conveyanes used for the purpose
were seized. During 2015, 18 cases of illegal transportation of contraband
ganja have been detected in which total 5973 Kgs 530 grams of ganja have
been seized along with 40 accused persons arrested and put behind bar .
Other than the crime committed by the criminals of other states in
transportation of ganja, offences against property like burglary, theft,
robbery, dacoity as well as swindling are on rise in the district. Criminals
engaged in those above noted cases are confined to a certain community.
These are professional criminals in those crimes, whereas the offences of
swindling are committed irrespective of community, but people hailing mostly
from outside of Koraput. Since, the district became a hub of industries like
aluminium, paper and agricultural products and people became gradually
better off, there is also crime like gambling and betting of money on play
widely seen in every place. The number of vehicles increased tremendously
during last decade. Incidence of road traffic accident is high, due to drunken
driving and lack of traffic awareness. Although, the condition of road has

368
 improved, at certain places due to poor road engineering accidents occur.
Reporting of sexual offence cases at Police stations like rape and
kidnapping has doubled and tripled respectively in the last 5 years from 2010
to 2014. Kidnappings are mainly reported on child missing and in eloping
(Udulia, a practice in which male tribal youth elopes with a unmarried young
girl mostly with her consent instantly or subsequently) case, which is
supported by the community but reported at PS for the sake of the future of
minor girl as the guardians are gradually becoming law conscious. In each
and every criminal case, police action has been taken promptly to give
justice to the society.
The head wise crime break up for last five years is given below -
Sl HEAD 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
No.
1. Murder 26 45 50 53 71
2. Dacoity 17 19 18 20 15
3. Robbery 29 32 48 43 37
4. Burglary 60 96 85 97 105
5. Theft 70 123 143 120 99
6. Swindling 15 33 28 51 30
7. Rioting 83 64 94 71 61
8. Mv accident 268 273 263 278 277
9. Rape 41 54 73 77 94
10. Misc. Case 967 1032 946 938 1342
11. Total 1576 1771 1748 1748 2131
12. Kidnapping 23 35 33 57 70
13. Abduction - 5 3 3 3

Source- District Crime Bureau The reporting of dowry torture and

dowry death in the district in comparison to other part of the state is low but
in rise on analysis of the last five years statistics. Alike the other parts of the
country, Koraput is not behind in false reporting of dowry and non-dowry
torture. There are instances of complaints lodged against husband and in-
laws on technical grounds in order to put the opponents to trouble using the
weapon of law in favour of the women. But those cases are treated as
Special Report cases by the district police and senior officers have been
entrusted for supervision and investigation. It is seen that the cases of dowry
torture death is les in Koraput district. The Human Rights Protection Cell of
the District Police, headed by one Dy.S.P. is functioning in order to look in to
the matter. The death on atrocity cases is nil in Koraput and, sexual offence
on atrocity upon women is quite less.

369
 Death due to Dowry and Atrocity on Women in Koraput District

Sl ITEM 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

No.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 Death due to 04 - 04 08 14 09
Homicide
2 Death due to - 01 01 02 06 03
Suicide
3 Dowry Torture 42 48 49 60 52 81
4 Non-Dowry 46 56 48 56 54 73
Torture
Total 92 101 102 126 126 166

Source District Police Office

Important duties of the Police are the prevention of crime and the
maintenance of law and order. It also has a mandate to attend to the
following items;
1 To ensure safety and security of the people.
2 To maintain Law and order in time of emergency.
3 To detect Crime and Criminals.
4 To protect Law of the Land.
5 To ensure safety and security of vital installations including historical
monuments.
6 To maintain communal harmony.
7 To safeguard and protect the down trodden and weaker section people
of the society.
8 To work impartially, firmly and politely without fear and favour.
9 To provide immediate relief/ assistants to the victims.
10 To rescue the missing child and their rehabilitation.
12 To prevent trafficking.
13 To collect intelligence on crime, political activities, trade union activities,
extremist movement
It also assists the Prosecution in providing required materials and
witnesses for successful trial and conviction in a Court of trial of criminal
cases. Of late a new dimension in shape of left wing extremism has kept
the police busy and alert.

370
District Intelligance Bureau
The District intelligence Bureau (DIB), Koraput functionins in the
residential campus of SP Koraput headed by one Dy.S.P. . Generally DIB
works for collection of intelligence based on political affairs relating to
politics, student organization, matters concerning religion trade union ,
agrarian issues, refugee, village factions, movement of criminals etc. The
office also prepares the arrangements for deployment of force in connection
with law and order situations in major festivals, during visit of VVIPs, natural
calamities, general elections etc. It also does the verification of person,
Passport, and staying of foreigners.
District Forensic Science Laboratory (DSFL)
The District Forensic Science Laboratory functions in the campus of
district police office, Koraput with a separate building equipped with all
facilities. It is headed by one scientific officer, assisted by one fingerprint
Sub-inspector, one ASI photographer, and one laboratory attendant. One
special vehicle is meant for DFSL to proceed to the crime spot . The vehicle
is prepared to carry the sniffer and tracer dogs of detective dog squad which
is attached to the DFSL. Two trained dogs are well maintained in a kennel
inside the District Police office campus. The DFSL team attends to all
important crime spots on requisition of four districts i.e. Malkangiri, Koraput,
Rayagada, Nawarangpur.
Police Hospital
The police hospital is functioning since 08.11.1950. From the year 1955
the hospital is functioning in the campus of police colony in its special
building with 16 bed facility. One medical officer, one pharmacist, one nurse,
one cook, one sweeper and one visty work in this hospital. The hospital
runs on the administrative control of SP Koraput. Only first aid and general
out door treatment to the police personnel and their family are given in the
hospital. In serious cases the patients are referred to the district head
quarter hospital, Koraput.
3rd Battalion Odisha Special Armed Police (O S A P), KORAPUT
rd
The 3 Bn OSAP Koraput was established in the year 1964 with 6
companies of sepoys under the administrative control of one Commandant.
Now the strength is enhanced to 9 companies. Force of this Battalion have
are deployed to perform different kinds of duties like law and order, anti-
naxal operation, philanthropic operation during calamities as and when
required. One Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) comprising of
one platoon force specially trained and equipped with machineries is working

371
under the control of the Commandant and rendering their service throughout
the district and outside as well as and when required. The Battalion has
office, residential campus, own play grounds, parade ground, firing range.
The Battalion is situated by the side of NH-26, 3 KMs away from Koraput
town towards south. This Armed Battalion is under direct control of the
Director General of Police.
1st India Reserve Battalion
The 1st India Reserve Battalion was established in the year 2002 with
strength of 7 companies of sepoys under the administrative control one
Commandant. Now the force is giving their service in different districts like
Malkangiri, Koraput, Nawarangpur, Phulbani etc affected by left wing
extremists. Previously the Battalion was functioning in the old buildings of
Kolab Hydro Electric Power Project and in the year 2014 it started in its own
specially constructed building on the side of the NH-26 at a distance of about
5 KMs from district headquarters in the west.
Left Wing Extremist Actvities In Koraput District
The district has twenty two Police stations including one Women Police
station. Koraput district is full of mountains and hills covered with dense
forest with rivers and waterfalls. The treacherous and inaccessible terrain
suits the Maoist to a great extent. The Maoists have used the tribal as their
shield against action of Police in every time they were combated. In
Malkangiri district, it is proved that they failed to motivate the refugee Bengali
towards their ideology rather could be successful with the tribal. Their
organisation stands on the support of a limited section of the tribal
community.
Till 2004 there were no visible Maoist activities in Koraput district,
though their movement was noticed in Narayanpatna-Bandhugaon P.S area
bordering Andhrapradesh and in some part under Boipariguda and
Macchkund P.S bordering Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Malkangiri. But
Maoists were very active and caused numerous subversive incidents in
Malkangiri and Rayagada Districts prior to 2004 which are bordering Koraput
District.
The first visible action was seen on 06.02.2004, when a large
contingent of Left Wing Extremists simultaneously attacked District Police
Armoury, Government Treasury, Koraput Town Police station, Koraput
Sadar Police Station, Koraput Jail, Police stations of Kakriguma, Laxmipur
and Naryanpatna. Constable Narasingh Nayak who was on sentry duty at
District armoury was killed. Maoist also blasted one vehicle of CRPF which
was coming for reinforcement resulting in death of two CRPF personnel.
372
Since then up to 2008, Koraput was incident free from Maoist extremism,
but their movement was noticed in Narayanpatna, Bandhugaon, Laxmipur,
Kakriguma, Damanjodi, Semiliguda, Pottangi, Machkund and Boipariguda
P.S. limits.
Another sister agency of Maoists namely Chasi Mulia Samiti was
formed in the year 2002 under the leadership of Smt Paidi Amma of
Almonda and Arjun Kendruka of Kesubhadra (both under Bandhugaon P.S).
Later in the year 2005 it was renamed as Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha( C M
A S) having major influence in Naryanpatna, Bandhugaon and Laxmipur PS
area. Initially the organization was fighting for abolition of bonded labour,
ban on sale of liquor, settlement of land related grievance etc. The
organization could muster large support in the area under the leadership of
Nachika Linga who was elected as President of CMAS in 2008. The Maoist
who were active on Andhra Pradesh side saw this as an opportunity and
voluntarily extended support to the struggle launched by the organization.
The CMAS leadership felt that the support of Maoist would help them in
fulfilment of their demands and both the organization started working
together. Since then, violence in the area started increasing. They killed 06
civilians in 2008, 09 in 2009, 19 in 2010, 10 in 2011, 11 in 2012, 02 in 2013
and 09 in 2014 . Besides they attacked on Damanjodi Nalco Mines on
12.04.2009 , killed 10 CISF personnel, looted away 01 LMG, 10 INSAS
rifles. Similarly they ambushed OSSF commander jeep on 18.06.2009 under
Narayanptan PS limits and blasted away the vehicle resulting in death of 10
OSSF personnel including one driver, 09 INSAS rifles were also snatched by
the ultras. On 04.04.2010 Maoist blasted Police Bus carrying SOG (special
operation group) personnel under Boipariguda PS killing 11 SOG
commandoes. On 27.08.2013 the banned CPI (Maoist) blasted one BSF
convey under Pottangi PS area and killed 04 BSF Personnel. In this way 21
Police personnel in 2009, 12 in 2010, 02 in 2011, 05 in 2012, 04 in 2013
were killed by the Naxals in land mine blast, ambush etc. Besides the Maoist
also blasted the buildings of Macchkund, Boipariguda Police Stations and
Ramagiri PoliceOut Post in 2009. The left wing extremists have also
damaged many Mobile telephone towers in affected areas.
Left wing extremists were taking advantage of the favourable terrain,
security vacuum and buffer areas in the borders to expand their activities.
Considering this BSF was deployed in the interior pockets of Narayanpatna
and Boipariguda P.S limits in 2010. State elite force S.O.G. started
aggressive offensive operations in coordination with District Voluntary Force
and Cobra. As a result many hard core left extremists were neutralized in
exchange of fire with Police. (01 in 2010, 03 in 2012, 02 in 2013, and 03 in
2014). Police and security agency busted many maoist camps and
373
recovered arms, ammunition, huge amount of explosives, and other Naxal
articles which gave a major blow to the banned organization. Some hard-
core maoists like Ghasi ( in 2011) and Chandu ( in 2014) were arrested and
large no of militias and supporters were arrested. (82 in 2012, 43 in 2013, 20
in 2014).
After working for the maoist for 5-6 years gradually the leaders of
CMAS realized that Maoist are trying to use the organization to wage war
against the government with a plea of fulfilling their ideological agenda. The
Maoists in the later part tried to control the CMAS leadership and killed
some supporters of the organization which created friction between the C M
A S activists and the Maoists and the CMAS leadership wanted to return to
the main social stream. Police administration facilitated the surrender and
many CMAS members including some local Cadres of Narayanpatna
surrendered before District Police (05 in 2011, 03 in 2012, 05 in 2013, 58 in
2014, 13 in 2015). Finally on 28.10.2014 Nachika Linga the president of
CMAS surrendered before District Police bringing an end to the nexus
between the sangha and Maoist.
After dismantle of CMAS, Naxal organization lost ground in
Narayanpatna area. Due to lack of local support, surrender and arrest of
militias, Maoist were on back foot. Different kinds of police activities like
cultural programs, aids to village committe, organization of health camp,
establishment of police and central police force (BSF & CRPF) camps in
remote areas for security and surveillance were initiated. So the left
extremists were not able to execute any major violent act in the year 2014
and 2015. Hence being frustrated they are now killing innocent civilians
branding them as police informers to spread terror in those area, burning
Mobile towers and vandalizing construction camps, damaging roads etc. to
deter the developmental work so that local people will not come in contact
with Administration and remain in their clutch.
Community Policing
Steps are taken to implement community policing system in remote
villages of this district by means of organising sports, health Camps,
distribution of sports items and conducting cultural activities in regular
manner every year to keep a friendly relation with the general public and to
win their confidence. With effect from 01.04.2013, Community Policing
system in the form of AMA POLICE (our police) is started actively in area of
Koraput Town Police Station, Kotpad Police Station and Semiliguda Police
Station. Steps are taken to establish a good policing system in the district
furthering cooperation and mutual understanding between Police and the
Community thereby creating an environment of confidence with common
374
people. As on date Ama Police Samiti are organised in the limits of all Police
Stations of Koraput District. Monthly meeting with the Samiti members are
organised to achieve the very purpose of launching of the community
policing scheme ―Ama Police‖. To ensure proper service of 108 Ambulance
vans, all Police Stations are sensitized to render necessary cooperation as
and when required. The Staff of D.I.B. , Police Stations, Reserve Police
Office are sensitized to attend to any eventuality on priority basis in time.
On the request of the Government of Odisha, Central para military
forces namely Border Security Force( BSF) are deployed in the district to
tacle the movement of left wing extremists. Four B SF battalions are
deployed at different places in the district details of which are given below:
Boarder Security Force (BSF) Sector Headquarters at Koraput
01 BSF 143 Bn. BSF ―A‖ Coy Ramagiri
HQR at ―B‖ Coy Ankadeli
Boipariguda ―C‖ Coy Mantriamba
―D‖ Coy Machkund
―E‖ Coy.(Trg) Boipariguda
―F‖ Coy Lamtaput
―G‖ Coy Ankadeli
02 BSF 120 Bn. BSF ―A‖ Coy. Laxmipur
HQR at ―B‖ Coy. Narayanpatna
Laxmipur ―C‖ Coy. Laxmipur
―D‖ Coy. Tentulipadar
―E‖ Coy. Podapadar
―F‖ Coy. Pallur
―G‖ Coy. Ralegada
118 Bn. BSF ―B‖ Coy. Kumbhari
HQR at ―C‖ Coy. Bandhugaon
Rayagada ―D‖ Coy. IRBN. Camp
―E‖ Coy. Narayanpatna
―F‖ Coy. Kumbhariput
03 202Bn.CoBRA Headquarters
Sunabeda

Two Assistant Commandants are posted to this district out of the

th
strength of 4 S. S. Bn, Hdqrs. at Koraput. Presently, one Assitant
Conmmandant is assigned to look after the smooth functioning of Range
th
Police Training School (RPTS) in addition to his own assignment 4 S.S.
Bn). Basic Training Course of Constables and SPOs (Special Police Officer)
is conducted at this R.P.T.S. Koraput.
Range Police Training School, South Western Range, Koraput
One Training School is functioning at District Reserve ground at
Koraput since 25.10.2008. The training school is used to train Police
constables of different districts and organizations, SPOs, OAPFs. The
DIGP(DY Inspector General of Police), SWR ( South Western Range),

375
Koraput is the Ex-Officio Principal and SP Koraput is the Vice Principal of the
th
school. One Assistant Commandant of 4 S.S.Bn Hdqrs. Koraput looks after
the functioning of the training school. The trainers and supporting staff are
mobilized from different districts of S-W range as well as from the concerned
districts of the trainees. Till date 1094 Constables, 785 SPOs , 649 OAPFs
have undergone the basic constable course of training in 9 different batch .
th
The 10 batch of basic constable course of training among 141 constables is
continuing since 01.09.2015.
District Home Guards organization in Koraput district is functioning prior
to 1976 in the district police office premises. The S.P.Koraput is the
nd
Commandant of the organization and one Dy.S.P. is officiating as the 2 in
command. Out of 534 Home Guard volunteers of the district, 482 are male
and 52 are female. The Home Guards are deployed in different police
stations to assist the police in patrolling, traffic duty, and maintenance of Law
& Order. They are also used to collect intelligence from the locality. Their
performance in the last general election and in other natural calamities has
been very encouraging. The volunteers are also deputed to outside districts
on requisition. Apart from this, Home Guards are now deployed at Public
Sector Undertakings like Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Power Project
(UKHEP), Bariniput for watch and ward duty and at Fire stations. The Arms
and Ammunition of Home Guard organization were looted by the Naxals in
the year 2004 and till date it has not been replenished by State Headquarter,
Cuttack.
Pigeon Service
The practice of sending messages in police department was carried out
through pigeons sounds amusing in the context of present day electronic
telecommunication service. Koraput is full of mountain and forest terrain.
Before its division, the geographical area was too large starting from
Chhatisgarh border of Malkangiri district to border of Rayagada district
touching Ganjam, from Andhra Pradesh border of Koraput to Chhatish Garh
border of Nawarangpur. During Second World War Britishers introduced
pigeon service in Odisha to facilitate communication of Police as well as of
communication of important and urgent matters of government. They
brought Belegian birds t from abroad and alloeed their breeding. The pigeon
service continued even after independence.There was a pigeon loft
maintained at District Reserve office Koraput where pigeon were trained .
Staff were deputed to maintain the loft till 2005. To facilitate the
communication system from state headquarters Cuttack to the district
headquarter Koraput the pigeon service was practised in past, having its
short shelter centre and relay centre of pigeon at Laxmipur. The messenger

376
pigeons were maintained there and again redirected for their destination. But
now this service has been disbanded.
Number of Police Stations/ Out Posts/ Beat House/Top (Town Out Post)
In the District
Details on Police Station/ Out Posts/ Beat Houses under the
jurisdictions of each Sub Division is furnished below. All Police Stations are
headed byInspector of Police. There are Police Sub Divisions in charge of
one Sub Divisional Police Officer in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of
Police. Certain number of Police Stations and Out Posts are kept under one
Police Sub Division.
Police Posts of Koraput District

SDPOS POLICE OUT BEAT TOPS COURTS

STATIONS POSTS HOUSES
Koraput 1.IIC KPT (T) 1. Kolab 1.KPT Sadar Court
Sadar 2.IIC KPT (S) 2. Girliguma (TOP) Koraput
3.IIC DMP
Laxmipur 4.IIC Laxmipur J.M.F.C.
5.IIC Kakrigumma Laxmipur
6.IIC N.Patna
7.IIC Bandhugaon
Sunabeda 8.IIC Sunabeda 3.Dumuriput 1.Sunki 2.SBA (
9.IIC Semiliguda TOP)
10.IIC Pottangi
11.IIC Damanjodi
12.IIC Kotiya
( not yet
functioned )

Nandapur 13.IIC Nandapur 4.Ranitota 2.Lamtapu

14.IIC Machkund 5.Jolaput t
15.IIC Padwa 6.Chatwa
Jeypore 16.IIC JYP (T) 7.Ambagud 3.Konga 3.JYP Jeypore
17.IIC JYP a (TOP) Court
(Sadar) 8.Barinipput
18.IIC 9.Gaganpur
Boipariguda 10.Ramgiri
19.IIC Kundura
20.OIC Mahila
Borigumma 21.IIC Borigumma 11.Ranigud 4.Chandili 4.Kotpad JMFC.
22.IIC a ( TOP) Kotpad
BhirabSinghpur
23.IIC Kotpad

Grama Rakhi- Gram Rakhis (GR) are village guards to assist the police
in providing information on crime and other intelligence. Total number of
GRs working in Koraput District is 477 against sanctioned strength of 603.
There are vacancies of 126 GRs in different P.Ss in the district. They get a
small allowance and uniform.

377
 Gram Rakhi are called village Police.One Gram Rakhi works in one
village or for two to three villages depending on size and population of the
area. Gram Rakhi collects information on the matters relevant to police like
movements of foreigner, criminal gangs, wandering strangers who look
suspicious, offenders involved in property offence, criminal activities,
disposal of stolen property, coning, drugging, black marketing, village
dispute, chronic land dispute, injury and sabotage to public property, political
rivalry etc. by regularly visiting the area. Besides they help the police in
execution of non bailable warrants, arrest of offender and help police in
showing the trouble spots. They visit the village under their respective area
and report the matter in the OP/PS once every week. They are also engaged
in law and order works during election.
Government Railway Police (GRP)
Railway in Koraput district comes under the jurisdiction of S.P. G.R.P,
Rourkela.
Area and the Jurisdiction
Area and jurisdiction of Koraput GRPS run from Darliput Railway
Station on the East to Ambagaon Railay Station on the West. Besides,
Singapur Road Railway Station is on Koraput Railway line under Waltair
Division. Even though the Koraput Railway line has started functioning since
more than 15 years, it has not yet been handed over to GRP Dist. Rourkela.
The Train Guard & VIP Security duties are being managed by Koraput
GRPS in Korapt-Hawrah Express Train No-18006 and Koraput-
Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express Train (up and down) 18447 and 18448. In
all other matters the respective local PSs are looking into the cases along in
collaboration with GRP and RPF. All crimes committed in Rail way area
limits are registered and handled by the GRP.
Revenue Dist. Boundary over Railway track No. - Darliput R/S K.M.
No.127/4 to Ambagaon R/S K.M. No.271/07 and from KPT R/S to Laxmipur
R/S K.M. No.61/07 under KPT Dist. and from Tikiri R/S K.M. No.82/18 to
Rayagada R/S K.M. No.343/12 comes under Rayagada District.
Fire Service
The following Fire Stations are functioning m Koraput district:
1. Koraput Fire Station - W E. from - 1979
2. Jeypore Fire Station - W.E. from - 1955
3. Borigumma Fire station - W.E. from - 2001
4. Kotpad Fire station - W.E. from - 1993
5. Similiguda Fire station - W.E. from - 2013
6. Laxmipur Fire siaiion - W.E. from - 2013
7. Narayanapatna Fire Station - W.E. from - 2013
8. Pottangi Fire station - W.E.from - 2016
378
Special Initiative taken by the Police of the District to improve Law and
Order
1. Introduction of Highway Patrolling. Road Blocking and checking of
vehicles.
2. Introduction of one PCR Vehicle in Koraput Town Police
Station/Jeyopore Town Police Station limit, round the clock.
3. Expeditious drive for execution of pending Non Bailable Warrants.
4. Random Night Blocking and M.V. Checking to detect Criminals.
5. Prompt investigation of all the cases.
Besides due priority is being emphasized to curb the Maoists activities.
ANO. (Anti Naxal Operation) is being conducted regularly to check the
movement of C.P.I. Maoists.
Grievance Redressal
The Superintendent of Police attends to the Joint Grievance sessions
along with District Magistrate and Collector regularly on each Monday every
week at different Block Headquarters. Members of general public come
forward to ventilate their genuine grievances whenever they come to the
district police office in all working days. Immediate action is taken for prompt
redressal of the grievances. A separate register is maintained at District
Human Right Protection Cell (DHRPC) under the control of DSP, HRPC.
Koraput. To redress the grievances of Army personnel (Serving and
Retired), the D.S.P. HRPC, has been nominated as the nodal officer.
Besides the grievance petition received from the C.M‘s Grievance cell,
National Human Right Commission ( NHRC), Odisha Human Right
Commission (OHRC) and the Dist. Collector are promptly attended to which
is reviewed during monthly staff meeting in every month. Separate Registers
are maintained at DHRPC, Koraput in this connection.
Women and Child Cell
In pursuance of instruction/ guidelines communicated vide Police
Circular Order No. 362/ 2013 the Women Child cell functions. Dy SP
DHRPC. Koraput supervises the response of all the Police Stations of this
district in connection with Crime/ Complaints relating to Women and
Children. This cell functions under the supervision of DSP, HRPC .Koraput.
One Inspector of Police. 1 ASI, 2 Constables are assigned to look after the
smooth functioning of this cell.

379
Functioning of IAHTU (Integrated Anti Human Trafficking Unit )
This unit has been started functioning at this Hd. qrs, w.e.f.
25.02.2015, in accordance with Govt. of Odisha, Home Department
Notification No. 46307/ D&A, dtd. 17.12.2014. D.S.P., HRPC is assigned to
look after the overall functioning of IAHTU till posting of one D.S.P. against
the sanctioned post under IAHTU. Besides one Inspector, 1 ASI and 1
constable are attached to this unit for smooth functioning of this unit.
Functioning of Anti Naxal Cell
Maoists are called Naxalites as the Left Wing militancy originated from
Naxalbari of West Bengal in 1960s. Under the direct supervision of
Superintendent of Police, Koraput this cell is functioning at this Hdqrs to
prepare data base on movement of C.P.I. Maoists and its related
organisation. Young and experienced Police personnel are attached to this
cell. Anti Naxal Operations (ANOs ) are being conducted regularly to check
and curb the Naxal activities in remote areas of this district. Due to
effectively and timely collection of intelligence and timely action the Naxal
activities are under control in this district. Besides remarkable achievements
are noticed in last years in detection and seizure of huge quantity of I.E.Ds,
Arms and Ammunitions , arrest of hardcore Maoists, and surrender of the
Naxal cadres. A detail list of such cases year wise is annexed here with
separately.
Surrender of Naxals
As per Govt. of Odisha, Home Department Guidelines published from
time to time due attention are being provided to conduct screening
committee of the surrendered naxals, categorise them and to provide them
the Rehabilitation package as per eligibility. Till date as many as 37 persons
(C.P.I. Maoists) cadre have surrendered before the district police and joined
the main stream of the society. Besides a numbers of militias and supporter
/members of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS), one of the frontal
organisation of the C.P.I. Maoists have also surrendered in different
occasions.
Ex. Gratia to Civilians
Due priority is being emphasized to provide State as well Central
Assistance to the nearest keens of the deceased civilians who were killed
due to Naxal violence as per the existing guidelines.
Ex. Gratia to Police Personnel
Similarly basing upon the guidelines of the Government. of Odisha
Compassionate Grant/ Ex. Gratia , Insurance Claims, Rehabilitation benefit,
380
Special Family pension, Educational Assistance to the children of the
deceased Police personnel are provided to the nearest of the keens of
deceased Police personnel , who have laid down their lives in counter Naxal
operation as well as due to Naxal violence.
Police – Magistrate coordination meeting
For smooth performance and maintenance of Law and Order, the
coordination between Police and Executive Magistrate is required. Monthly
meetings are being convened at District level where there is deliberation on
crime and law and order. The Inspector in Charge of police staion/ SDPOs
are briefed to keep liaison with the local Executive Magistrate in order to get
prior information on law and order, to prevent further breach of peace.
JAIL AND JAIL ADMINISTRATION, PRISONERS' WELFARE
Koraput Prison
Prison administration in Odisha is under the control of the Inspector
General of Prison (I.G.P) who is also the Director of Correctional Services
(DCS). This Prison was set-up in the year 1908 while it was under the
control of Madras Presidency. At the inception of this Jail, it functioned as a
District Cadre Jail but after 1936, the status of this Jail was withdrawn and
declared as a Special Sub Jail. Later on, the previous status was again
restored and it became Grade-II District Jail and subsequently on Ist April
1959 it was upgraded to Grade-I District Jail. Now this Jail has been
upgraded to Circle Jail status vide Govt. of Odisha Home Department
Notification No.5096 dated 8.2.13. Accordingly the post of Superintendent
has been up graded to Senior Superintendent.
As per R.O.R., the total land alienated in favour of this Jail is AC.
19.674 out of which the Jail was constructed in ane area of AC. 5.790. The
rest of the land is used for construction of 71 Nos. of staff quarters of all
categories and Jail garden. The scheduled capacity of this Jail is for 519
prisoners including 24 nos. of female prisoners. 60 Nos. of cellular cells are
available inside the Jail but only 20 are working properly. Though all the
wards and blocks are very old it is being maintained properly. There is a
separate enclosure constructed for confinement of the female prisoners. For
supervising them, female warders and officer have been deployed.
Hygeine and sanitation inside the Jail are looked after by all prison
officials properly with the help of sweeping staff and convicts. Water is
supplied to the Jail by P.H.D. A good number of septic latrines and toilets are
available in the Jail for use of the inmates. There is a 20 bedded Hospital
which is functions inside the Jail under the proper supervision of one whole
time Medical Officer and a Pharmacist. In case of any emergency, the
prisoners are referred to District Hd. Qtrs., Hospital and if further referred,
381
they are shifted to the Medical college hospital at Berhampur or Cuttack for
higher treatment.
The psychiatric prisoners are treated by one Psychiatrist.
Diet of the Prisoners
In the morning prisoners are given breakfast and tea. Thereafter, lunch
before noon and night meal before sunset. In the night they are being
supplied with a biscuit packet. As per the prescribed diet scale of the Govt.
weekly menu is designed. All the cooked items are prepared by the
prisoners and also distributed by them. Paneer on every Thursday and
Chicken curry on Wednesday and Sunday are being supplied to the
prisoners to meet their protein requirement. The vegetarians are supplied
with milk.
Sanctioned Staff Strength
The Circle Jail, Koraput functions with the following staff: one Senior
Superintendent , one, Medical Officer, one Jailor, one . Prison Welfare
Officer, four Asst. Jailors, Sub Asst. Jailors, one Pharmacist, one Chief Head
Warder, five Head Warders, 46 Warders, 4 Female Warders one Teacher,
one Weaving Instructor, Assistant, one Technician, one Orderly, 7 sweeper .
Affiliated Jails under Koraput Circle
There are 13 Jails under Koraput Circle. All these Jails function under
the supervision of the Superintendent of said Jails. Only transfer and
posting, promotion of guarding staff are done by the Senior Superintendent.
The 13 Jails are District Jail, Bhawanipatna, Sub Jail, Dharmagarh,
Nuapada, M.adanpur Ramapur, Khariar, Jeypore, Kotpad, Umerkote,
Nabarangpur, Malkanagiri, Rayagada, Gunupur and Bisam uttack.
WELFARE OF THE PRISONERS
Aims and Objectives
The main aim and objective of a Jail is to reform an inmate during his
confinement and make him a law abiding citizen and bring him to the
mainstream, provide the inmates vocational training and educational facilities
for their rehabilitation, imparting moral and spiritual education to make them
good human beings and good citizens of the society.
Education
This Jail maintains its dignity to afford all types of education to its prison
inmates. It takes care and concern for providing education to all the
prisoners and their children who live outside.

382
 One school is functions inside the Jail with the help of one paid teacher.
There is a library inside the Jail where a newspapers, books of literatures,
religious books, Puranas etc. are available and allowed access to all the
prisoners. Besides, one IGNOU Study Centre and NIOS Study Centre are
also actively working inside the Jail for imparting higher education to
prisoners. With the help of Vedanta Foundation, one Computer education
centre is also working.
Awareness Programmes
This Jail organises awareness camps such as Legal Aid, Plea
Bargaining, Aids Control, Literacy Drive, Health inside the Jail so that
prisoners can be sensitised and enlightened about their legal rights etc.
Religious Programmes
As a measure of reformative treatment, various local Philanthropic
religious groups are contacted and allowed to organise religious
programmes and give religious discourses for peace of mind and relieve
them from depression and stress.
Yoga and Pranayam smart classes are arranged by different Yoga
gurus. Further prison inmates are allowed to observe all the local and
national religious festivals of all Community.
Sports and Games
To refresh their minds volley ball, carrom, ludu, chess are provided to
them. Sometimes outside Volunteer Organisations are contacted for
conducting Sports and Games meet inside the Jail at least twice in a year
followed by distribution of prizes so that the prison inmates can take part in
the competition.
Entertainment
Colour Television sets are provided to each and every Ward of this
prison with some limited channels for entertainment.
Interview and Communication
All the prisoners are allowed to have interview with their family
members, relatives, friends and advocates for three days in a week. Further,
all the prisoners are allowed pay phone to talk to their family members and
others. Post Cards are also supplied to the prisoners to write to their
advocates and family members where telephone facilities are not available.

383
Panchayat Council
As per the standing instructions, one Panchayat Council election is
conducted inside the Jail in the month of March every year. Four
representatives from among the inmates are elected by all the prison
inmates in exercising their franchise through secret ballot. These elected
representatives manage the kitchen, distribution of food, sanitation & literacy
under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent.
Leave
As per Parole leave rules, a convict is eligible to go on parole leave
subject to condition that his appeal before the Appellate Court should be
finalised. This leave is sanctioned by the District Magistrate of the District
for a maximum period of 30 days once in a year on the recommendation of
the concerned Superintendent of Police. So that the convict can be
socialized and humanized in the society.
Similarly furlough leave is also sanctioned by the Inspector General of
Prisons and Director of Correctional Services., Odisha on receiving the
recommendation of the Superintendent of Police endorsed by District
Magistrate and Collector. This type of leave is granted for a maximum period
of five weeks in a year in two spells. In the first spell for two weeks and in the
second spell for three weeks.
Premature Release
The Govt. of Odisha has constituted one State Sentence Review Board
under the Chairmanship of Principal Secretary to Govt. of Odisha, Home
Department and I.G. of Prisons and D.C.S.,Odisha is the Member Secretary
for consideration of premature release of life convicts under 14 years rule
excluding remission. Accordingly, the Senior Superintendent of this Jail
obtains the views of the District Authorities such as S.P. and District
Magistrate and submit the proposal just after completion of 14 years of
actual sentence along with the views of the Jail authority to the Directorate of
Prisons for placing before the Board.
Protection to the Family And Properties
As per direction of the State Human Rights Commission and Govt. of
Odisha Home Department, it is required to give protection to the family
members and the properties of the prisoners while they are in the custody.
Upon receipt of a complaint from the prisoners, the Prison Welfare Officer is
resolving the issue with the help of the concerned I.I.C. and other Executive
Authorities of the concerned District.

384
Juveniles
No juvenile offenders are lodged in this Jail.
Prison Visitors
Among the Prison Visitors are persons such as Members of State
Legislative Assembly, Magistrates of the Judiciary, Executive Magistrates,
team of Human Rights Commission, District Committee headed by Distract
Judge, Collector and Superintendent of Police. Further the non-official
visitors are also pay visit to this Jail to look after the wellbeing of the
prisoners.
Remission of Sentence
As per Orissa Jail Manual, remission is awarded by the Senior
Superintendent to all the convicted prisoners in every quarter. Ordinary
remission is 2 days a month for non-labouring inmates and 4 days a month
for labouring inmates. In addition to this the Superintendent can give 30 days
sol-remission and I.G. of prisons and D.C.S., Odisha has empowered to
grant 60 days of special remission to a convict.
Prison Labour and Industry
The convicted prisoners who are awarded sentence to undergo
rigorous imprisonment are allowed to engage in various works inside the jail
after due scrutiny. Prison Labour includes work in the prison industry, garden
inside the jail. After necessary training they make door mat, engaged in rope
making, weaving, dying, smithy work, phenyl making, durry making,
carpentry, chalk works, , farming, gardening, tailoring, cleaning and washing,
general kitchen, convict watchman, wall guard, writer etc. The services of
Female convicts are utilised for cleaning of rice and wheat, sewing, needle
work, tailoring.
Wages for Prison Labour
An amount of Rs. 40/- is paid per day to a convict who is engaged in
any work as an incentive. This Jail has engaged 133 convicts in different
works. Money earned towards incentive by an inmate is deposited in his
Post Office Savings Bank Pass Book. They are permitted to withdraw a
portion of their savings and give to their family members and advocates.
Prison Discipline and Security
In this Jail different categories of prisoners are confined including hard
core, Naxals, dacoits etc. As such with the existing staff, strict vigilance is
maintaintained under direct supervision of the Senior Superintendent to
avoid any prison unrest and untoward incident. One platoon O.A.P.F. has
385
been deployed to ensure the security around the perimeter wall. Four watch
towers at the vulnerable points of the perimeter wall are manned by the
O.A.P.F. staff to strengthen prison security. Close Circuit Cameras are fitted
at various places to watch the activities of the inmates. As a security
measure, Video Conferencing System has been introduced in this Jail
directly linked to different judicial courts.
Administration of Justice in Koraput District
The British Government assumed actual and direct control of Jeypore
Estate in January, 1863 by appointing lieutenant J.M. Smith as Asst. Agent
at Jeypore. Till then (January 1863) the administration of justice was
practically in the hands of Raja of Jeypore. Hence to know about the
administration of justice in this area (undivided Koraput District), we have to
look at the administration of justice carried by the Raja of Jeypore prior to
1863, the period under British control , the period after formation of the
province of Odisha till independence and the present judiciary system.
Administration of Justice Prior to the Year-1863
As per the cowle granted by lord Hobart President and Governor in
Council of Fort St. George to Rama Chandra Deo, Zamindar of Jeypuram,
Rayagada, Izemocottah, Narayanapatnam, Gundapuram and Singapuram
the Zamidar of Jeypore was to maintain the law and order and the welfare of
the country.
The disputes in Jeypore Estate were settled by the village Headman
through Panchayats. There were two types of Panchayats viz Village
Panchayats and District Panchayats with village Munsiff. The District
Panchayat was functioning as per District Panchayat Regulation,1816
(Regulation No.VII of 1816). Mr. D.F.Charmicheal I.C.S. Collector and Agent,
in the District manual of Vizagpatnam Published in the year 1869 at Page
248(Para-5) stated that the distinction between these two kinds of
Panchayats is that village Panchayats have cognizance of suits for money or
other personal property only, while District panchayats embrace landed
property as well .In neither case the jurisdiction is limited to any particular
amount. The limit of a village munsif‘s jurisdiction was ten rupees, and the
suit must be for money or personality, but as an arbitrator he could decide
with the same restrictions, suits to the value of Rs.100/- only.
During the tour of the Agent to the hill area (Jeypore Estate) in
December 1864 the Agent directed the assistant Agent at Jeypore
Lieutenant J.M. Smith to ascertain through the Deewan (Principal Chief
Administrator under the Raja) of Jeypore the number of petty suits actually
referred to arbitration of local Panchayats in Jeypore Country. From the
386
enquiry it was found that during 1865 in total 293 such suits were referred to
Panchayats and out of them only 20 remained un disposed of at the end of
the year.
In the said report of the Agent, it is further stated that the tribals,
subdivision of tribes and villages aided and controlled by the Patriarch ( on
enquiry about the ward Patriarch‖ it is known that there were ―Podiharis‖ in
village and elders of the community). The moral influence of Patriarch and
elders was found sufficient for adjudication of all differences between
members of the same tribe.
In the report though Mr. D.F. Chermicheal recommended for Civil
Courts, the then Agent reported that the civil courts were then not warranted
at the stage. To support his contention the Agent stated that the petty claims
and atrivial quarrels that were being adjudicated by the panchayatas, which
besides administering justice were trying to reconcile the parties, a matter of
infinite consequence in a society like Jeypore and the tribal disputes
requiring promt and decisive action suitable to the emergency on the part of
Magistracy. The Agent recommended that the things (Administration of
Justice) may be allowed to remais such until the country is in a different
condition from what it is at present, it would suffice to encourage and
promote thevailing system ie. the system of Panchayat which entirely meets
the wants and the requirements of the bulk of the community. If cases of any
special importance would arise the European officers of the agency would
intervene or the native Magistrate would be authorised by the Agent to do
so. (vide page 251 of District manual of Vizagapatnam Mr. T.F.Chermichear
of 1869).
Criminal Cases
Criminal cases like theft , robbery, homicide, rape and other serious
type of offences were decided by the Raja till January 1863 . The petty
cases were decided in Panchayats with the help of Headman of the village
and the Amin who was an officer of the Estate .Revisions cases were
decided by the Raja with the help of his officers. There were Pandits and
Deewans (Chief Administrator) in the darbar (Court) of Jeypore Raja , who
were assisting the Raja in deciding the cases. The punishments awarded
were executed by Subedar and Seepoys assisted by Khilldare of the Estate.
In the Jeypore Estate, learned persons were appointed as Deewan like
Sri Jagarnath Mahapatra, who was Deewan of Jeypore Estate during the
period of Raja Rama Chandra Deo. After assumption of charge by the British
Govt, Deewans were deputed by that Govt. to assist the Raja to administer
the Estate. O Puala Reddy I.C.S., HD Teylor , I.C.S., V.Ramakrishna I.C.S.,

387
C.V.Rao, M.A.B.L. worked as Deewans of the Estate. The last Deewan of
Jeypore Estate was Late Gopinath Behera, a senior administrator of Odisha
cadre, who continued till abolition of Jeypore Estate on 29.12.1952.
In January 1863 Lieuteznt J.N. Smith, the first assistant Agent to the
Governor was appointed. Basing on his reports and reports of the Agents to
the Governor, who was stationed at Vizagapatnam (Erstwhile District
Headquarters, now known as Vishakapatnam) Laws were enacted by the
British Government. for this area .
Effect of Act. XXIV of 1839 (Ganjam and Vizagapatnam Act 1839)
To set up ordinary court within this agency area was quite difficult for its
location as it was this tract (agency area) was kept out of the jurisdiction of
ordinary courts and a special Act was enacted for Ganjam and Vizagapatna
Districts known as Ganjam And Vizagapatnam act 1839( Act XXIV of 1839) .
After implementation of Ganjam and Vizagapatnam Act 1839 (Act XXIV
of 1839) 6 magistrates were posted in the Jeypore agency region (undivided
Koraput District) as it was known by then at the following places.
1. Gunupur.
2. Rayagada.
3. Aurada-Kasbi
4. Mahadeiputti
5. Nawarangpur
6. Jeypore
A Special assisting Agent was stationed, who resides in Jeypore Town.
Besides, him there was an Assistant Magistrate at Jeypore.
By then Madras regulation and agency rule were in force. Under
Madras regulation which gave these functionaries power in petty cases i.e.
involving non-cognizable offences and petty theft , to lodge culprits for 12
hours in the village choultry or if he would be of low caste to place him in
stocks for 6 hours . The Deputy Tahasildar was Sub-Magistrate and the
Divisional Officers had 1st class Magistrate powers and the Agent was the
Sessions Judge assisted by senior Civilian Divisional Officer, who was also
the Addl .Sessions Judge.
As per sec-6 of the said Act (Act XXIV of 1939), against the order of the
Agent, appeal could be filed before the High Court both in civil and criminal
matters and the High Court was to proceed to try and determine it in the
same manner as appeals from provisional courts.The criminal justice was
388
administered by the magistrate as per criminal procedure code and Indian
Panel Code except that there was no trial by Jury.
Originally the civil cases were tried by the Panchayats but this practice
was revised by enactment of Ganjam and Vizagapatnam Act 1839 and the
Agency Rules there under , which directed that civil suits be heard by
Revenue officers. As per the Agency Rules , all the Tahasidars were
declared and vested with powers of the Agency Munsiff and were trying suit
up to Rs.500 in value and the divisional officers who were designated as
special assistant Agent had the civil powers as the Agency Sub-Judge was
trying suits between Rs. 500/- to Rs. 5000/- and the Agent –cum-Collector
had the power to try all suits above Rs.5000/-. In the year 1836 a judicial
officer was appointed with the designation of Agency, sub-judge, who was
disposing all civil cases of value of above Rs.500/-(vide page 197 of
Vizagapatnam, District Gazettes Vol-I) . After creation of this post, suits were
transferred from the file of Assistant Agent (Revenue officers) to the agency
nd
Sub-Judge. All Tahasildars were vested with powers of 2 class Magistrate
rd
and Deputy Tahasildar with powers of Magistrate 3 class and were taking
cognizance of complaints arising with in their Jurisdiction.
In the year 1870 the Headquarter of Special Assistant Agents stationed
at Jeypore was shifted to Koraput with same power in the entire area as it
was earlier. In the 1874 the schedule District Act -1874 was enacted and
enforced which declared Jeypore region as a part of schedule District. This
Act empowered Agent to the Governor to appoint officers to administer civil
and criminal justices besides, collection of revenue and conduct
administration in the area. Two Assistant Agents stationed Nawarangpur
and Koraput were designated as special Assistant Agent with same
functions as earlier. In the year 1882 new Taluks under Deputy Tahasildar
were created with Headquarters at Poderu and Pottangi. Similarly in 1884
Bisamcuttack Taluk was created. Subsequently in 1893 Poderu Taluka was
abolished and Padua Taluk was created in its place. This system was in
force till 1920. In the meantime some changes were made in the
organization of subordinate courts. In the process the Sub-Magistrate of
Mahadeiput was moved to Koraput and the Aurada Magistrate post was
abolished and new one was created at Malkangiri.
In the year 1920 as per the G.O. No.2680, Dtd.06.11.1920 (vide
annexure -II) all the Agency tracks were removed from the control of
Collectors of the districts and a new division called ―Agency division‖ was
formed comprising all agency tracks of Ganjam, VIzagapatnam and
Godavari Districts and placed in charge of Commissioner and Agents to the
Govorner in the Agency tracks having its Headquarters at Waltair. By the
said notification, the area comprising Jeypore, Koraput, Malkangiri,
389
Nawarangpur were named as ―Oriya Agency‖ and its headquarter was fixed
at Koraput. The areas of Padwa and Pottangi were made part of Ghat
agency with headquarters at Waltair. The administration of Justice in the
area as it was then (till 05.11.1920) was under the control of Collector and
Agent to the Governor under the control of Governor. After creation of
Agency division (as discussed above), powers and administration of Justice
were conferred with the Commissioner who was assisted by a Civil Judge
who was a judicial officer known as Assistant Judicial Commissioner. This
system couldn‘t be continued long. The agency division and the post of
Commissioner was abolished in 1923 by Govt. notification No.G.O.No.257
Dtd 08.10.1923 (Vide Annexure-II) Thereafter a judicial officer was appointed
under the designation of Agency Subordinate Judge who was disposing of
all civil suits of the value of above Rs.500/- and was also vested with the
powers of appeal against the judgments of Agency Munsiffs . After abolition
of ―Agency Division‖ these areas were reconstituted as separate Sub-
divisions as follows:
Subdivision Headquarters Taluk In Charge Tahasildars or Deputy
Tahasildars.
Koraput Koraput Koraput, Malkangiri, Nawarangpur
Narsapatnam Narsapatnam Gudari, Padwa, , Pottangi, , Jeypore
Parvatipur Parvatipur Gunupur, Bisamcuttack, Rayagada

In the said Notification powers were again conferred on Collector,

Vizagapatnam for administration as per law as Agent to the Governor.
Jeypore Taluk was in charge of a Tahasildar and other Taluks were in
charge of Deputy Tahasildar.
This procedure of schedule District Act-1874 was modified by the Govt.
of India Act 1919 and the Schedule District Act was repealed by Govt. of
India Act in 1935. By Govt. of India Act. 1935 , a clear distinction was made
between excluded area and partially excluded areas. ―The area inhabited by
compact tribal population was treated as ―Excluded area‖ and where the
tribal population being large in number was mixed up with the agricultural
community, the tract was treated as ―partially excluded area‖. By this Act, the
Vizagapatnam Agency area (under which the Jeypore Estate and undivided
Koraput District was there) was declared as partially excluded area. The
administration of this tract was under control of the Ministers subject
however to the control of Governor exercising his individual judgment.
Judicial System after Formation of State of Odisha -
In 1936 as per the Govt. of India (Constitution of Orissa) , Order -1936
th
published in the Gazette of India, New Delhi on the 19 March -1936 Orissa
province was formed on 01.04.1936 . In Odisha separate District in the name
of Koraput District (undivided Koraput district) was formed along with other

390
districts. This Koraput District was in charge of Collector and District
st
Magistrate, who was also the Agent to the Governor. The 1 Collector cum
District Magistrate and Agent to Governor was Mr. R.C.S.Bell, I.C.S. In the
beginning Koraput District had two subdivisions namely Koraput with
headquarters at Koraput and Gunupur with headquarters at Rayagada which
were under the control of a Deputy Collector designated as special assistant
Agent. Koraput Sub-division comprised five Taluks and Rayagada two
Taluks. Each Taluk was under the charge of a Sub-Deputy Collector, who
was functioning as Magistrate. As per notification No.480-R Dtd. 20.02.1941.
Koraput District was divided in to three Subdivisions namely Koraput,
Rayagada, Nawarangpur. The newly created Nawarangpur Sub Division was
carved out of Koraput sub-divisions with 3 Taliuks namely Jeypore,
Nawarangpur and Malkangiri.
After formation of Nawarangpur Subdivision it was placed under the
charge of a deputy collector, who was also the Assistant Agent to Governor.
Nawarangpur Subdivision consisted of 6 Tahasils, viz, Nawarnagpur,
Boriguma, Kotpad, Jeypore, Umarkot and Malkangiri. As stated above these
Revenue officers were conferred with the powers of magistrate and were
deciding all cases within their jurisdiction.
After formation of State of Odisha the Hon‘ble Chief minister in course
of his reply in the Orissa Assembly , during the general discussion of the
th
budget for -1937-38 on 9 September 1937 on the administration of the
backward tracts of the province , assured the members of the Assembly that
Govt. would have an examination of the Special regulation in force in these
area . Accordingly the Governor of Odisha appointed a committee to enquire
in to the general administration of the partially excluded area of Koraput,
Ganjam Agency, the Kandhmal and Angul in Orissa. Shri A.V.Thakar of the
Harijan Sevak Sangh was appointed as Chariman of this committee known
was partially excluded area Enquiry committee of Orissa.
Babu Sachidananda Mishra, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector
was appointed as Secretary to this Committee. This Committee submitted its
report on 18.09.1940 which is known as Report of the partially excluded area
Enquiry Committee, Orissa. In this report at Page -16(Para 37) while
reporting the affairs of Koraput District, it is mentioned as follows.
―At presents the collector of the District of the District Functions as the
District and Sessions Judge. Much of his time is taken up in legal work. We
propose that the court of the Agency Sub-Judge should be retained at
Jeypore and he will exercise all the powers ordinarily vested on a sub-Judge
in the normally administered areas and will further be invested with the
powers of an Additional or Assistant Sessions Judge. He will try such cases,
391
as will be transferred to him by the Agent and also the criminal cases now
being tried by the special assistant Agents U/S 30 of Cr.P.C. The special
Assistant Agents will cease to exercise the powers of a Sub-Judge. The
agency Sub-Judge will further be the direct appellate authority for the
purpose civil Judgments of the Taluk officers. The statistics taken of the civil
Suits of the different Taluks Courts don‘t justify the creation of Munsiffs court
in any part of the district. We are all agreed that the existing system of civil,
criminal and revenue administration will continue as before, subject to
suggestions, mentioned above‖
In the year 1940 the Agency Sub-ordinate Judge was vested with the
powers of Assistant Sessions Judge and in 1946 he was vested with the
powers of Additional Sessions Judge. He was trying all session‘s cases and
was hearing all criminal appeals from the decisions of the Magistrates. His
headquarters was at Jeypore. Thereafter the Collector did not exercise any
criminal jurisdiction power and was partially transferring all his criminal case
works to the Agency sub-ordinate Judge. Though the Collector and Agent to
Governor was not exercising any power of the District and sessions Judge
and as such he was official superior to the Agency sub-ordinate Judge. The
procedure followed in these courts was guided by the Agency rules.
After independence of India, under the provisions of Article 372(2) of
the Constitution of India , promulgated an order called ― the Adoption of
th
Laws Order, 1950‖ which came into force with effect from 26 January,
1956. According to this order, all existing central laws, existing provisional
laws and existing state laws were adopted. Accordingly even after
independence and adoption of the Constitution of India, the Ganjam and
Vizagapatnam Act, 1939 with other laws, Regulations were in force in this
area.
System since 01/01/1953 (Effect of Regulation-V of 1951) (From
01/01/1953 To 30/05/1967)
After formation of Orissa High Court, towards end of the year 1948 the
inspecting Judge of the Hon‘ble High Court of Orissa inspected the court of
Agency Sub-Judge-cum-Addl. Sessions Judge. In his report he
recommended that the Collector as Agent to the provincial Government
should no longer continue to be Head of the administration of civil and
criminal Justice and that normal civil courts be established in the district (
Page 273 of Dist. Gazette of Koraput by Shri Nilamani Senapati, ICS). His
recommendation was accepted by the Hon‘ble High Court. The State Govt.
considering the report of Partial Excluded Area Enquiry Committee( referred
above) and the recommendation of the Hon‘ble High Court to implement the
proposal, enacted Orissa Regulation -5 of 1951 known as ( Koraput
392
&Ganjam Agency repealing and Extension of Laws and Regulation, 1951
repealing the Agency rules and Ganjam and Vizagapatnam Act, 1839 in the
year 1952 and immediately the Orissa Regulation-5 of 1951 was brought
into force w.e.f. 1.1.1953 from which day normal administration of Justice
both civil and criminal was introduced in this District. The Collector and
District Magistrate of the area ceased to be Agent to the Governor or any
Agency Sessions Judge of the area ( vide Law Department Notification
No.10222 J, dtd. 17.12.1952, Home Department Memo NO. 144156(52).
nd
Date 22 September, 1953 and enclosed Press Note(vide Annexure-II).
District and Sessions Court was created and stated functioning from
st
01.01.1953 and Shri Anant Ram Guru was appointed as the 1 District
Judge of Koraput District with its headquarters at Jeypore.
In place of Agency Rules the Civil Procedure Code 1908 and the
Bengal, Agra and Assam civil Courts Act, 1887 (Act 12 of 1887) were made
applicable.On 01.01.1962 Malkangiri Sub-Division was created with
Malkangiri and newly created Motu Tahsil. . Similarly Gunupur Sub- Division
was created on 01.08.1962 with Gunpur, Bissam Cuttack and the
KashipurTahsil which was in Kalahandi District subsequently amalgamated
st
in Koraput district since 1 August, 1962. Jeypore Sub-division was created
on 11.01.1966 with Jeypore, Boriguma and Kotpad Tahasil. In these sub-
divisions the Revenue officers were holding criminal courts.
Each sub-division was headed by an officer known as Sub-Divisional
Officer under whom Tahasildar was functioning in each Tahasil. The Sub-
Divisional officer besides the superior Revenue officer in the sub-divisional
st
set-up was also having the powers of Magistrate 1 class. Sub-Divisional
officer was also assisted by an officer in the rank of Tahasildar in his office
st
known as Revenue officer with powers of Magistrate, 1 class.
As per Act-V of 1898 i.e. the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 the
sessions Judge was the head of criminal administration in the district under
the appellate and administration control of the High court. In the criminal
administration of justice under the control of Sessions Judge there were
Addl. Sessions Judge, Asst. Sessions Judge, Sub-Divisional Magistrate,
st nd rd
Magistrate of 1 class and Magistrates of 2 class and 3 class. The courts
of stationary Sub-Magistrate who were also under the control of Sessions
Judge was abolished. These judicial officers were exercising powers as per
the provisions of Criminal Procedure Code and as conferred on them by the
Hon‘ble High Court.

393
Civil Courts
Under the appellate and administrative control of High Court there was
the Dist. Judge on 01.01.1953. Court of Munsif was established with head
quarter at Jeypore for the entire district and the Tahasildar were divested of
the civil powers.
The Agency Sub-Ordinate Judge‘s court was abolished from
01.01.1953 and from that date the District Judge was trying civil suits till
opening of the court of Sub-Judge at Jeypore. Later when the work
increased a court of Subordinate Judge at Jeypore was created vide
notification No. 114, dtd. 23.01.1959 of law department and the court of
Subordinate Judge at Jeypore started functioning w.e.f. 02.02.1959. The
court of Munsiff at Koraput started functioning from 30.03.1991 and the court
of Sub-Judge at Koraput started functioning from 25.03.2000. Two courts of
ex-officio Munisifs were functioning at Rayagada and Gunupur from
01.01.1953. Subsequently the court of Munisif at Rayagada and Gunupur
started functioning from 01.01.1967; the court of Sub-Judge at Rayagada
started functioning from 20.09.1971. Similarly the court of Sub-Judge,
Gunupur started functioning from 27.08.1982.
The court of ex-officio Munsif, Nowarangapur functioned from
11.11.1959. On judicial separation the court of Addl. Munsiff Nowrangpur
started from 01.06.1963. Subsequently the same court was upgraded as
Munsif, Nabarangpur. The court of Sub-Judge at Nabarangapur was opened
on 27.02.1982. The court of Add. District and Sessions Judge at
Nabarangapur started functioning from 25.03.2000.
The court of Munsiff at Malkangiri was started on 01.04.1985 and the
court of Civil Judge, Senior Division (Sub-Judge) at Malkangiri started
functioning from 23.04.2000. Similarly the court of Addl. District and
Sessions Judge started functioning at Malkangiri from 01.05.1999. NOTE
For other details of courts in Koraput Judgeship see annexure-I wherein the
details of functioning of courts in Koraput-Jeypore Judgeship are furnished.
Separation of Judiciary From Executive
th
On 15 May, 1960, Govt. of Odisha in Home Department passed a
resolution for separation of judiciary from Executive. In the said resolution it
was decided that power of cognizance should be given to the judiciary
except in regard to preventive and preventive sections of the Cr.P.C. which
would remain with the Executive Magistrates. In consultation with the High
st
Court and concerned Heads of Department the scheme was in the 1 stage
given effect to three districts of Cuttack, Puri and Balasore with effect from
01.05.1960. Under this scheme separate executive instructions were given
394
to judicial and Executive Magistrate and Police officers. Under the scheme
the post of Executive Magistrate of the Revenue Department were created
namely Collector and District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional officer and other
Revenue officers were also vested with the powers of executive Magistrate.
The Collector by virtue of his office will exercise the powers of District
Magistrate under Cr.P.C. In judiciary the category of Magistrate created were
a. The Addl. District Magistrate(Judicial)
b. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and
c. Magistrate of First, Second and Third class
The scheme of separation of judiciary from executive was implemented
in different districts as per separate notification. In the undivided Koraput
district separation of judiciary from executive was implemented on
01.06.1967, as per notification No. 14782, dt. 19.05.1967 of Home
Department.
After amendment of criminal procedure code in 1973 by Act-2 of 1974
which came into force from 01.04.1974, the post of Addl. District Magistrate
(Judicial) was re designated as Chief Judicial Magistrate. Besides doing the
regular trial work as Asst. Sessions Judge the Chief Judicial Magistrate is
also to inspect all courts of Judicial Magistrates in the district.
As per the amendment to the Essential Commodities Act by Act 18 of
1981 Special court was created and District and sessions judge was
designated as Special Judge. After expiry of time Act. 18 of 1981 is no more
in force (see notification No. 845) 2001-4054 HS of Home Department Govt.
of Orissa. Sessions Judge is also trying all atrocity cases against S.C. and
S.T. as the Special Court under Act. 33 of 1989 of Parliament.
Subsequently the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge at
Jeypore was created on 18.10.1982 and started functioning. Similarly
separate court of J.M.F.C. and Addl. Munsiff was created at Kotpad on
01.10.1982 which started functioning at Jeypore. On 03.03.1989 the court of
J.M.F.C. –cum- Munsiff ,Kotpad was shifted from Jeypore to Kotpad .
Fast Track Court
Considering the work load in different courts, on the recommendation of
the High Court ,besides the Addl .District and Addl.Sessions Judge at
Jeypore a Fast Track Court in the rank of Addl. District and Addl. Session
Judge was established on 29.09.2001 which has been disposing of cases
transferred to this court by the District and Sessions Judge. Subsequently a
similar Court started functioning at Gunupur from 04.10.2002.

395
Effect of Creation of New District
From 02.10.1992 the erstwhile undivided Koraput district was divided in
4 (four) districts, with new revenue district viz. Rayagada, Nabarangpur and
Malkangiri. These new revenue districts are under one judgeship of District
Judge, Koraput. The District Judge, Koraput at Jeypore was the
administrative authority and the Principal Civil Court for all the four Revenue
Districts (Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Malkangiri). Subseqently
separate judgeship for each other district was created and District and
Sessions Judge, Koraput exercises jurisdiction in Koraput district only.
As per the recommendations of the Law Commission, and decision of
High Court and Govt. notification published in Orissa Gazette Ext.
No.1647/20/12/1993 the designation of Sub-Judge was changed to Civil
Judge, Senior Division and that of Munsiff is changed to Civil Judge (Junior
Division). Hence, on civil side now there are following court in the districts.
1. Court of Dist. Judge, Addl.Dist.Judge and Fast Track Addl.District
Judge at Jeypore.
2. Court of Civil Judge, Senior Division which includes Addl.Civil Judge,
Senior Division one at Jeypore and one at Koraput.
3. Court of Civil Judge, Junior Division which includes Addl.Civil Judge,
Junior Division at Jeypore. Koraput and Kotpad.
Present Criminal Courts
Criminal Procedure Code 1898 was amended by the criminal procedure
Code 1973 (Act.2 of 1974) which came into force on 01.04.1974.
Accordingly at the district level Session Judge is the head of all criminal
courts in the district. At present for better administration and to decide all
criminal cases arising from this district the following courts are functioning
1. Court of Sessions Judge at Jeypore.
2. Court of Addl. Sessions Judge at Jeypore.
3. Court of First Track Court –cum- Additional Session Judge at Jeypore.
4. Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Asst. Sessions Judge.
5. Court of Sub-Divisional Magistrate at Jeypore and Koraput.
6. Magistrate First Class two at Jeypore, two at Koraput , one at Kotpad
and one at Laxmipur.
Other Special Courts Functioning in the District
(i) Besides the above, Addl. District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special
Judge (Vigilance) court was also established on 10.08.2007 at Jeypore
to deal with cases initiated by the Vigilance Department.

396
(ii) In the court premises of the District & Session Judge at Jeypore a
permanent and continuance Lok Adalat Court is functions w.e.f.
10.02.2001 under the Legal Services Authority Act. 1987.This Lok
Adalat is functioning with the help of two conciliators who assist the
parties to settle their dispute amicably and give legal advice to the
needy. No Court fees or costs are required to be paid for settling a
dispute in this forum. Besides deciding cases this forum implements the
legal aid programmes by having at least one court and one legal
literacy programme every month in the villages of the district.
District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum
iii) Under the Consumer Protection Act. 1986 a District Forum is
functioning at Jeypore since 02.04.1990. In this Forum all consumers‘
disputes are settled within a short period .When the consumer Protection
Act. 1986 was introduced, District Judge at Jeypore was the president and
other two members were selected by the State Government. Since
09.01.1994 retired District Judges and experienced advocates are appointed
as President of the forum.
Revenue Courts
Besides the Civil courts, Criminal courts, Special courts, Revenue
courts are functioning in the district to settle all disputes coming under the
purview of revenue laws. Among the revenue courts, Collector is the head of
revenue administration in the district. The following revenue courts are
functioning in the district.
1. Court of Collector, Koraput.

2. Court of Addl. District Magistrate, Koraput.

3. Court of Sub-Collector, at Jeypore and Koraput. Besides courts of

revenue officer attached to the office of the Sub-Collector.

4. Courts of OSDLR at Koraput to deal with cases under regulation – 2of

1956 and under chapter –III O.L.R. Act.

5. Courts of the Tahasildar and Addl .Tahasildar at all Tahasilshead

quarters.

Till enactment of Orissa Estate Abolition Act, 1951 all disputes relating
to land between landlord and tenant were decided as per the Madras Estate
Land Act. , 1908 which is in short known as M.E.L. Act. And rule made
thereunder. This M.E.L Act, 1908 was repealed by sec-49 of Orissa Estate
Abolition Act. At present the disputes between landlord and tenant are
settled as per the provision of Orissa Land Reform Act. 1960. The dispute

397
relating to transfer of land by hill tribes to non-hill tribes was controlled by
ATLT Act. 1917 (Agency Tract land transfer Act. 1917) which was repealed
by Sec.-9 of Regulation Tribes) Regulation , 1956 which is now in force. In
place of Orissa money Lenders Act . Orissa Regulation -2 of 1968 Orissa
(Scheduled area) money landers Regulation, 1967 assented by President of
nd
India on 22 February, 1968 was enacted to protect the people of the
scheduled area which is now in force.
Labour Court
To solve the labour problems and all the disputes between the
employers and employees at present the following courts are functioning in
this district.
1. Labour Court Presided over by a Judicial officer at Jeypore.

2. Court of Deputy Labour commissioner, Jeypore.

3. Court of Asst. Labour commissioner, Jeypore.

4. District Labour Officer, Jeypore.

398
 CHAPTER-XIV

LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

While discussing on local self government, we shall discuss separately

on rural local bodies and urban local bodies. Rural local bodies refer to
Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRI). Urban local bodies are Municipalities,
Notified Area Council and Municipal Corporation.
We shall start with rural local self government.
General Profile of PRIs in Odisha
Soon after independence, the Odisha Grampanchyat Act 1948 was
passed. Article 40 of the constitution of India (Part IV) lays down that ―State
shall take step to organise village Panchayats and endow them with such
powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as
units of Self Government‖. There after a new model of empowerment to
Panchayati Raj was briefly experimented with the enactment of the Odisha
Anchala Sasana Act-1955. However the Act was repealed and Government
decided to switch over to Mehta Committees‘s proposal for three tier
Panchayati Raj to fall in line with national mainstream. Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru, first Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Pancahyati Raj system
on 2nd October 1959 in Rajasthan. Accordingly, all the States constituted
Panchayati Raj Institutions. Odisha Panchayat Samiti Act 1959 and Odisha
Zilla Parishad Act, 1959 were enacted and implemented during the year
1961. In 1968 the Zilla Parisad was abolished. As far back in the year
1961, Odisha had formal existence of three tier system of PRI covering all
villages in all the districts. But it had a number of shortcomings such as
absence of fixity of tenure. In the light of new dispensation, the Odisha
Gram Panchayat Act 1964 came in to force followed by a notification of the
Odisha Gram Panchayat Rules,1968 made there under. The OGP Act and
Rules have since then undergone several amendments, especially more so
rd
following the 73 Amendment of the Constitution in 1992, but do remain till
date the primary instrument governing the Grama Sabha, the bottom layer of
the Pachayatraj polity. In Odisha at the primary level it is called Gram
Panchayat, at the intermediate level it is Panchayat Samiti and at the district
level it is known as Zila Parishad. For each tier of Panchayat Raj institution,
there is a separate statue namely the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964;
the Odisha Panchayat Samiti Act, 1959 and the Odisha Zila Parishad
Act,1991. Statutory rules are made there under each Act.

399
 Seventy third Amendment of the Constitution augured the era of
empowerment of PRIs by way of endowing them with a statutory tenure and
authority to manage their own funds and functionaries. Part IX of the
Constitution makes provision for direct election of members to PRIs at every
tier and indirect election to the Chair Persons at the intermediate and the
district level where as at the Gram Panchayat level it has left to the state
legislature to make provision either for direct or indirect election of the Chair
Person in the state law. In Odisha there is provision in the Act to directly
elect the Sarpanch (as the Chairman so designated). Chair Person at the
Panchayat Samiti level is called as such where as at the Zila Parishad level
he is called President.
Necessary amendments have been effected by the State Government
to the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964, Odisha Panchayat Samiti Act
1959 and Odisha Zilla Parishad Act 1991, Odisha Gram Panchayat Election
Rules, 1965, Odisha Panchayat Samiti Election Rules 1991 and Odisha Zilla
Parishad Election Rules 1994 in accordance with the spirit of
rd
73 Amendment to the Constitution.
The Odisha Grama Panchayat Act 1964, is in force in the State. This
Act replaced the Odisha Gram Paanchayt Act 1948, under which 12 Gram
Panchayats were constituted in 1949 in the district of undivided Koraput.
When the provisions of the Act were extended through out the district during
1955-56, the whole district was divided into 272 Gram Panchayats .197
number of Gram Panchayats (GP) were functioning in the Koraput district in
1992 after it was constituted( with other three districts of Raygada,
Nawrangpur and Malkangiri taken out). The number of GPs later increased
to 226 between 2002 to 2012.
There has been a spectacular growth in the number of PRIs in Odisha
as well as in Koraput district in the post-independence period. The following
table indicates the details on number of PRIs i.e. Gram Panchayts,
Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishads at differet stages during the period
1966-2002 in Koraput district.
Sl No Year Gram Panchayat Panchayat Samiti ZillaParishad
1 1966 166 13 1
2 1983-84 173 14 1
3 1989-90 177 14 1
4 1991-92 197 14 1
5 2001-02 226 14 1

400
Composition of Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samities and Gram
Panchayats
There are 14 Panchayat Samitis (PS) in the district and at the apex
level there is Zila Parishad. All the 226 Gram Pachayats have 2275 wards
and each ward directly elects one ward member. Out of 2275 ward
members, S.T. members number1645, S.C. members 372, members
belonging to Socially Backward Class (SEBC) are 604 and women
members are1570. There are 226 PS members with following categories;
S.T. 129, S.C. 30, SEBC 55 and 125 women members. Zila Parishad has 29
members out of whom S.T. members are 16, S.C. 05, SEBC and women
members are 14. In each category, women represent at least 50 % of total
membership. As PESA Act applies to the whole district , all heads of the
PRIs at each level are meant of tribals exclisively. In a G.P. if the Sarpanch
is a male person, the Naib (deputy) Sarpanch shall be a woman as provided
in law. This is also applicable to P.S. and Zila Parishad. This goes in a long
way in empowerment of women. Members of PRIs must be able to read and
write in Odia.
The PESA Act, 1996
rd
The 73 Amendment did not become operative to the whole of India
rd
territory. According to the 73 Amendment, the Scheduled areas were
excluded from the provisions of the Act. As per Article 243(m)(4)(2), the
Parliament may by law extend the Provisions of Panchayat to the Scheduled
Areas, subject to exceptions and modifications as may be specified in such
law. It was done so to avoid conflict between the traditional tribal institutions
and statutory Panchayats. Considering the growing of discontentment
among the tribals across country, the Union Government, constituted a
Committee headed by Sri Dilip Sing Bhuria in June 1994 who submitted its
report in January 1994 recommending the adoption of 3 - tier systems in
th
the Fifth Schedule Areas. So, a Bill was passed in the Parliament on 24
December, 1995 giving rise to new Act namely Provision of Panchayats
(Extended to Schedule Area) Act (PESA) -1996 (Act No,-40). Odisha
legislature made suitable modification in all the three statues in conformity
with the PESA Act.Koraput district being a scheduled area PESA Act applies
to all the PRIs of the district.
Election to PRIs
State laws and Procedure related to Election to Three tier Election have
rd
under gone sea change after the Constitution (73 Amendment Act 1992)
came into force. The State Election Commission of Odisha has been
constituted as per the provision of Article 243-k of Constitution during the

401
year 1996 which is vested with the power of conducting election to the
Panchayat Raj institutions including bye election. The Superintendence,
direction and controlling of the preparation of the Electoral Roll for conduct of
all elections to the Panchayat shall be vested in State Election Commission
consisting of a State Election Commissioner to be appointed by the
Governor.
The Election to Panchayats used to be conducted and supervised by
the Govt. in Panchayat Raj Department, Odisha before the office of the
State Election Commission came into existence. At times, the impartiality
and purity of the election process were questioned. Panchayats were not
able to complete their tenure on many occasions and elections were also not
rd
held timely. After the 73 constitutional amendment that provided for an
independt State Election Commission, separate election rules were made for
each tier of Panchayat Raj Institutions keeping conformity with the
Constitutional mandate and provisions of the statues.
Prior to conduct of Election by the State Election Commission, the task
of the limitation of ward/ and constituencies of Panchayat bodies at different
tier as well as reservation of seats for constituencies and for offices of the
Chair Person, Vice Chair Person in each tier of PRIs are to be completed by
state Government. There is fifty per cent reservation for women across the
groups as well as for offices of Chair Person and Vice Chair Person. After
completion of the delimitation and reservation of seats to PRIs, State
Election Commission proceeds with the task of preparation of Gram
Panchayat ward wise electoral roll. State Election Commission broadly
follows the latest Assembly electoral roll. Consequent Upon the
recommendations of State Election Commission Government may callupon
ward/ constituency to elect Ward Members, Sarapanches, Panchayat Samiti
Member and Zilla Parishad Member in accordance with provision of the said
Acts and Rules.
Thereafter, State Election Commission notifies the programme for
election preparing the schedule indicating date of nomination, scrutiny of
nomination papers, publication of final list of contesting candidates etc.,
Commission also makes programme for procurement of election materials,
appointment of polling personnel, meeting with political parties, enforcement
of Model Code of Conduct, training of polling personnel, poll programme,
closure of poll and counting, publication of result. Poll to PRIs is conducted
in five phases. After election of the members to different tier of PRI, Election
Commission conducts indirect election to the offices of Naib Sarpanch of the
GP, Chair Person and Vice Chair Person of Panchayat Samiti, President and
Vice President of the Zila Parishad as per the schedule notified by the State

402
Election Commission. Directly elected members elect from among
themselves to these offices. Sarpanches are ex officio members of
Panchayat Samiti. Similarly Members of Legislative Assembly of the area
and Member of Rajya Sabhla who is a voter in electoral roll of the Assembly
constituency is also an ex officio member of the Panchayat Samiti and Zila
Parishad if the said Samiti or Parishad occurs in that constituency. Ex officio
members do not participate in election to the offices of Chair Person and
Vice Chair person even though they participate in the vote of no confidence
against those office bearers.
In pursuance to the requirement under PESA Act 1996 the Gram
Panchayat in scheduled areas are entrusted with obligatory and
discretionary functions under section 44 of OGP Act 1964. The Panchayats
are manned by mixed group of elected reprentatives and employees and
entrusted with a number of functions. There is an organic link in all three
levels of PRIs.
Functioning in Gram Panchayat
In Gram Panchayat level Sarapanch is the administrative head of the
Grama Sasana and other elected functionaries i.e. Naib-Sarapanch and
Ward Member assist him in taking decisions. For day to day functioning of
Panchayat, Executive Officers are appointed for enabling the GP to perform
its functions. Before amendment to section 122 of OGP Act the financial
management of GP works was performed jointly by the Sarapanch and GP
Secretary. Later on in every GP local Village Level Workers (VLW) were
appointed as Executive Officers under Section 122 of OGP Act. The posts
of GP Secretary has become a dying cadre. As per Government instruction
the Gram Panchyat Secretaries are given promotion to the post of Village
Level Worker who subsequently are appointed as Executive Officer in each
GP. After introduction of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during the year 2006, the Posts of Gram Rojgar
Sevak, (Multipurpose Assistant) are created in each Gram Panchayat for a
consolidated pay by way of contractual posting. Later on in pursuance of
Notification No. 190 dtd.26.3.2013, published in Odisha Gazette on
8.4.2013, 70% vacant posts of VLW are to be filled up by way of direct
recruitment. and 30% posts are to be filled up by way of promotion through
selection from among the Gram Rojgar Sevaks (GRS). Under the said
selection procedure, 10 Village level workers are posted by direct
recruitment and five number of GRS are propmoted to the post of VLW, in
this district. At present the sanctioned post of VLW is 226 in the district.
In the Panchayat Samiti, the Chair Person is the head and is assisted
by the Vice chair Person and other members (both elected and ex officio) to
403
take different decisions. Each Panchayat Samiti is coextensive with a Block
which is a developmental administrative unit. The Block Development Officer
(BDO) is the Executive officer of the Panchayat Samiti. Extention Officers of
different Departments attend to different items of work as per their job chart.
President of Zila Parishad is assisted by the Vice President and other
members of Zila Parishad. He is the Head of Zila Parishad. Project Director,
District Rural Development Agency DRDA) is the ex officio Secretary of the
ZIla Parishad and in that capacity he officiates as its Executive Officer.
Collector is the Chief Executive Officer of the DRDA. He is also the Chief
Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad. President Zilla Parishad also officiates as
President of the DRDA.
Panchayats Extension to Schedule Areas Acts (PESA)
Panchayats (Extension to Schedule Areas) Acts 1996 came in to force
th
on 24 December 1996. Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964, Odisha
Panchayat Samiti Act, 1959 and Orissa Zilla Parishad Act, 1991 have have
been amended to comply with provisions of PESA Act in relation to the
scheduled areas which include Koraput district. The PESA Act provides for
representation of scheduled tribes in every tier of PRI in proportion to the
percentage of their population in the district subject to the condition that not
less than fifty per cent of the total number elected seats shall go to the
tribals. The office of the Chair Person at every tier shall be reserved for the
members of scheduled tribe.
The mandatory provision in the central Act to ensure that tribal
communities hold control over natural resources, granting of licenses for
minor minerals and their exploitation and acquisition of land by Government
for development projects through Grama Sabhas, have not yet been fully
complied with in the State. Currently, the Panchayat rules of Odisha
government conform to the reservation of seats for STs in scheduled area in
proportion of their population. All the posts of Chairpersons of the PRIs at all
levels are reserved for STs. The ST and SC Development Department have
made suitable amendments in the existing Regulations in conformity with the
provisions of the PESA Act. The Odisha schedule area Transfer of
Immovable property (by Scheduled Tribes) Regulations of 1956 has been
amended by regulation of 2002 (Regulation-I of 2002), which has come into
effect from 04.09.2002. The Odisha Scheduled Areas Money-Lenders
th
Regulations, 1967 (Regulation and of 1968) is in operation since 15
November 1968 with a view to regulating and monitoring Money lending
activities in scheduled area of the states.

404
 Further, different line departments have devloved some power to PRIs
by suitably amending their existing rules and provisions. Let us appreciate
the deliverables of PESA in Odisha in little details.
Minor forest produce
Panchayat Raj Department Resolution No-8131 dated 26.05.2000 has
given the necessary powers to Grma Sabhas vide the Forests and
Environment Department Resolution No-5503 dated 31.03.2000. The
Odisha Government. (Minor Forest Administrative Rules, 2002) have come
in to force w.e.f. 15.11.2002. The ownership and management of 69 minor
forest produces has been entrusted to GPs/ Gram Sabhas.
Enforcement of Prohibition and sale of Intoxicant
Revenue and Excise Department vide their letter No-22977/R dated
22.04.1999 by amending the Bihar and Odisha Excise Act, 1915 provides
that no such license of exclusive privileges shall be granted except with the
prior approval of the concerned Gram Panchayat. With the concurrence of
the Gram Sasana the GP is to give permission within 30 days.
Money Lending
The SC & ST Development Department has taken steps to amend the
―Odisha (Scheduled Areas) Money Lender‘s Regulation, 1967‖ to empower
the GPs for control over Money Lending and issue of licenses in Scheduled
Areas.
Management of Minor Irrigation Water Bodies
The task is vested with ZillaParishad.
Minor Minerals
The mines and minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 (67
of 1957) has been amended on 31.08.2004 which provides that no
respective license or Mining/ Quarry lease or its renewal or auction shall be
granted without recommendation of the concerned Gama Panchayat.
Control of Village Market
All the Public Properties coming under Gram Panchayat shall be
vested with the Grma Sasana for control and management. As per Rule 37
of OGP Rules, 2014 where the management of Hat (weekly market) has
been transferred from Gram Panchayat to a Regulated Market Committee
under the Odisha Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1956, the net income
derived by the Regulated Market Committee from the Hat (weekly market),
so transferred, shall be shared equally by the Regulated Market Committee

405
and Gram Panchayat every year, provided that the share of the Gram
Panchayat in any one year, shall not be less than eighty percent of the
average net income derived by it from the Hat (weekly market) in the three
years immediately preceding its transfer to the Regulated Market Committee.
At present, 39 numbers of Hats (weekly markets) are managed by
RMCs of Koraput and Jeypore and they pay to the concerned Grama
Panchayats of their share.
PESA provisions have gone a long way in empowering tribal
communities at the grass root of democracy. As heads of PRIs they stand
involved in governance and decision making. If other provisions of PESA
concerning control of all types of natural resources are mandated by statue,
there will be greater involvement of tribal people in the process of
development and their feeling of being alienated will disappear .
Urban Local Bodies
There are 4 urban local bodies in the district . Those are Jeypore
Municipality, Koraput Municipality, Sunabeda Municipality and Kotpad
Notified Area Council. To appreciate the evolution of local self government
in urban area of Koraput district , a brief outline is given below.
The Jeypore Union Board came into being in 1905. It then consisted of
11 members, of whom 10 were non-officials. In 1937-38, the income was Rs.
13,022 which included Rs. 7,284 from house tax and Rs. 1,240 from market
rentals. The houses were assessed at the rate of one anna per rupee of the
annual rental value. The Board was responsible for sanitation, water-supply
and maintenance of roads. The Koraput and Kotpad Union Boards were
formed in 1937 with a membership of 7 and 10, respectively. These Union
Boards were taken over by the Government, under Ordinance No. Ill of 1953
and were placed under the supervision of the District Board. Special Officers
were appointed in these Boards under Government notifications Nos. 19-
st
L.S.G. and 17-L.S.G., both dated the 1 January 1954.
The Union Board, Jeypore, was converted into a Municipality under
Government notification No. 5914-L.S.-G., dated the 30th June 1953, while
that of Koraput was constituted into a Notified Area Council ( NAC ) in
Government notifications Nos. 5808-L.S.-G, and 5805-L.S.-G., both dated
the 30th June 1953. Kotpad Union Board was abolished and reconstituted
into Gram Panchayats with effect from 13th July 1956, respectively. Its
assets and liabilities were taken over by the Kotpad Gram Panchayat.

406
Jeypore Municipality
A Union Board was constituted at Jeypore from 1st October 1905 with
the Medical Officer, Jeypore, as ex officio President and with ten nominated
members. When the Madras Local Boards Act, 1920, was extended to the
Agency areas of Vizagapatam district, the Union Board was reconstituted.
The President, Taluk Board, nominated the members, and the President,
District Board, appointed one of them as President of the Union Board. The
total strength of the Board was eleven with 10 non officials and one official..
Again when the said Madras Local Boards Act, 1920, was amended by
Government of Odisha and was extended to the district of Koraput, the
previous system of nomination was changed and election was introduced.
Every tax-payer had the right to vote for the election of members. The
strength of the Union Board was fixed at fourteen. The area was divided into
twelve wards, each of which was to elect a member. Two members, in
addition, were nominated by Government. The President and Vice-President
were elected from among the elected members of the Board.
From 1st July 1953 the area was declared a Municipality under the
Orissa Municipal Act, 1950. It was divided into 28 wards to elect 16
Councilors on the basis of adult franchise of which two Councilors were to
belong to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Councilors
elected a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman from among them and took charge
of the Municipal affairs from 1st July 1954.
In 2014-15 total receipt of Jeypore municipality consisting of taxes,
license fees, income from property , grants, debt and other miscellaneous
receipts was Rs 71,368,460.Total expenditure on veracious items was Rs
51,196, 180.
Receipts of Jeypore Municipality (Figures in Rs.)

Sl.No. Receipts 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

1 Rates and taxes 3,656,977 4,557,003 3,440,224
2 License etc. 1,659,368 2,317,631 522,480
3 Receipts under special Acts. 29,908,039 42,039,568 24,193,333
Revenue from Municipal property and
4 7,024,388 12,580,979 4,636,508
power.
Grants & contribution (for works and
5 51,223,560 112,794,652 31,833,525
others)
6 Miscellaneous 840,852 2,660,542 1,102,463
7 Extraordinary and debt. 4,757,383 3,818,223 5,639,927
Total 99,070,567 180,768,598 71,368,460
Expenditure of Jeypore Municipality

407
 Sl.No. Expenditure 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
1 General administration 3,257,172 4,436,849 2,670,737

2 Collection of taxes & fees 3,561,390 3,204,039 6,680,295

3 Lighting 277,227 203,512 235,724

4 P.H establishment charges 10,025,056 10,143,522 11,817,403

5 Market & slaughter-houses 379,675 209,308 0
6 Planting & preservation of fences, etc. 21,000 492,437 0
7 Drainage 133,442 294,808 666,667
8 Roads 331,058 2,160,737 16,841,016
9 Works establishment 2,450,978 2,656,269 2,965,119
10 Miscellaneous 5,306,471 12,013,268 1,248,405
11 Advances 1,181,152 2,369,488 2,910,019
12 Pounds 379,772 0 0
13 Stock and plants 21,000 492,437 0
14 Stationery and printing. 202,870 355,265 262,265
15 Provident Fund contributions. 0 86,764 564,936
16 Securities 606,853 1,192,611 2,225,549
17 Buildings 1,515,485 807,291 1,078,667
18 Contributions 3,571,914 1,027,325 886,270
19 Refunds 0 0 4,108
20 Elections 97,208 946,149 139,000
Total 33,319,723 43,092,079 51,196,180

Koraput Municipality
The Koraput Union Board was formed in 1937 with a membership of 7.
This union board was cancelled by Odihsa government via notification No.
5813 Dated 30.06.1953 under Madras Local Board Act and the constitution
of Koraput N.A.C., was given effect from 01-07-1953 vide Notification No.
6035/LSG Dated 03.07.1953 of Development Department, Government of
Odisha. Now Koraput NAC is upgraded to Koraput Municipality vide Gazette
Notification No. S.R.O. No.70/2014 Dated. 24.02.2014.It comprises of
10(Ten) nos. of revenue village viz -Kumbha-I, Kumbha-II, Chindri,
Landiguda, Disarikharaguda, Dangadeula, Tentuliguda, Koraput Nagar,
Odiyaguda, Kanheiput.
The last General Election of the Council of Koraput Municipality was
held on 19.09.2013 for 21 Wards. The term of the present Council is up to
30.09.2018. Koraput municipality has 407.75 kms of total road length under
its jurisdiction. Of this 46.90 kms of CC roads, 49.46 kms of Black Topped
roads, 58 kms metal roads, 198.5 kms earthen roads, 55 kms unmetalled
roads and 211 culverts.

408
Receipts of Koraput Municipality (Figures in Rs.)
Sl.No. Head 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
1 Rates and taxes 2982711 2988550 1794343
2 License etc. 500250 695531 696164
3 Receipts under special Acts. 260 472 580
4 Revenue from Municipal property 6192215 8510506 6127183
Grants & contribution (for works
5 109979247 102606698 127947973
and others)
6 Miscellaneous 9080390 6041508 7244998
7 Extraordinary and debt. 13246483 10780117 6487330
Total 1.42E+08 1.32E+08 1.5E+08

Expenditure of Koraput Municipality

Sl. No Head 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

1 General administration 2659054.00 2122819.00 3541197.00
2 Collection of taxes & fees 2524708.00 4058378.00 7461070.00
3 Lighting 14543678.00 11809298.00 12432770.00
4 P.H establishment charges 4831018.00 5069859.00 11029627.00
5 Dak bungalows and Sarais. 0 586710.00 0
6 Drainage 7926909.00 7736485.00 5691884.00
7 Roads 39140291.00 30590118.00 32706165.00
8 Works establishment 599706.00 647187.00 1024908.00
9 Miscellaneous 5552745.00 6059068.00 4718823.00
10 Advances 5396178.00 4435159.00 8137304.00
11 Deposits 2165552.00 5312119.00 3248723.00
12 Libraries and reading-room, etc. 1643.00 4108.00 2167.00
13 Stationery and printing. 104532.00 124511.00 110358.00
14 Provident Fund contributions. 952301.00 849645.00 820454.00
15 Buildings 14752709.00 13808389.00 24183194.00
16 Refunds 0 2934915.00 0
17 Elections 47560.00 708688.00 405000.00
Total 101198584.00 96857456.00 115513644.00

Sunabeda Municipality
Sunabeda Notified Area Council was constituted in accordance with
Notification No.-15995 dt-29.10.65 of Government in H&UD (LSG)
Department. As per Notification No-4866 / HUD Dt-24.02.2014 of H&UD
Dept.Odisha, Bhubaneswar the Sunabeda NAC is upgraded to Sunabeda
Municipality w.e.f. 24.02.2014 .After de-limitation of Wards and Reservation
of Seats, the Sunabeda Municipality consists of 25 Wards. The last General
Election of the Council for Sunabeda Municipality was held on dt-07.04.2015
for 25 Wards. The term of the present Council is up to April, 2020.
Piped water supply to Sunabeda town is being operated by the P.H.D.
144 no. of stand posts and 89 no. of Tube wells have been installed in
different locations of the town to provide Drinking water.
Out of 25 wards 17 no. of wards are outside the limits of HAL while the
remaining 8 wards are with in HAL area. The sanitation work of the wards

409
outside HAL is managed by the existing sweepers of Sunabeda Municipality.
The ULB is maintaining 1692 no. different types of lights in all the wards of
Sunabeda Municipality.
Receipts of Sunabeda Municipality
Source of Income / Year 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Octroi 29588267 45775805 43048000
Taxes on houses & Land 1242804 1229960 1351125
Lighting, water & conservancy rate 1063966 967466 889960
Other rates & taxes (specify) 146744 99450 260161
Markets, slaughter houses & rents 2601011 2989783 1642055
Income from vehicles 205550 179700 154335
Grants- State Government 40475172 35616707 36422245
Central Government 29990000 19563000 19053000
Other 489261 730199
Miscellaneous 39090096 29439405 9316148
Others 5050074 2634649 3995080
Total 149842945 139726124 121463158
Opening Balance 6930426.14 99226200.14 92213411.14
Grand Total 219143205.14 239165917.14 213676929.14

Expenditure of Sunabeda Municipality

Heads of Expenditure 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Public lighting & water supply 9578217 13649270 17957918
Drainage, conservancy & water
supply 5026034
Public Instructions 3653020 1029000 14042006
Miscellaneous 40343280 46429241 37025958
Roads/ Bridges 15235360 46730807 21965494
Buildings 8149669 12563504
Others 45920371 27077627 35172063
Government 0 0 220000
Others 1999258 2819524 0
Investments/ Deposits 0 0 4006954
Loans/ advance given 2761499 1067368 1763830
Total 119496005 146952506
Closing Balance 99226200.14 92213411.14 112717803.00
218722205.1
Grand Total -
4 239165917.14 100959126.14

410
Profile of urban local bodies
Name of Urban Local Jeypore Koraput Kotpad Sunabeda
Body
1. Area (Sq. Kms) 25.00 56.62 12.94 76.48
2. Population as per 2011 84,830 47,024 16,326 50,394
Census
A. Male 42,602 24,111 7,945 26,016
B. Female 42,228 22,905 8,381 24,378
C Other 0 08 0 0
4. No. of Wards 28 21 13 23
5. No. of Households 19,973 11,379 3878 12,444

Kotpad N.A.C.
The Kotpad Union Board was formed in 1937 with a membership of 10.
The Union Board was taken over by the Government, under Ordinance No.
Ill of 1953 and were placed under the supervision of the District Board.
Kotpad Union Board was abolished and reconstituted into Gram Panchayats
with effect from 13th July 1956. The Kotpad Gram Panchayat was again
converted into a Notified Area Council with effect from 1960 vide
Government Notification No. 3002/LSG, dated. 24.4.1960 of the erstwhile
Local Self Government Department. and started functioning with effect from
01.05.1960. The Assistant Surgeon, Government Hospital, Kotpad
functioned as part-time Executive Officer. The Elected body functions since
1963. The Notified Area Council consists of 13 Wards out of which one is
reserved for Scheduled Castes and one for Scheduled Tribes.
The NAC functions in its own building. Besides the following
buildings belong to the N A C.
1. Town Hall -- 1
2. Staff Quarters -- 3
3. Kalyan Mandap -- 1 ( under construction)
4. Bus Stand -- 1 ( under construction)
5. Rented Stalls -- 56
6. Souchalaya -- 2
There are 20 nos. of open wells of the N A C, 1158 nos. of private
open wells, 154 nos. of tube wells and 124 nos. of water supply stand posts
available for drinking water purpose of general public. Piped water is
supplied in some wards partly by the P.H. Division. The Tube wells and
water supply Stand posts are managed by P.H. Division, Koraput.
Besides 2 nos. of Water Tankers are available for supply of drinking
water to the general public during summer season.

411
The following street lights are available in this NAC area.
Semi High Mast Light --- 3 nos.
Mini High Mast Light --- 13 Nos.
Juno Light --- 5 Nos.
T-5 lights --- 250 Nos.
85 wt. CFL --- 325 Nos.
45 wt. CFL --- 375 Nos.
S.V. Lamp --- 56 Nos.
The following staffs are dedicated for the Sanitation work
Sanitary Inspector --- 1
M.P.H.W. (M) --- 1
Disinfector --- 1
Jamadars --- 2
Sweepers --- 8
N.M.R. Drivers --- 2
Besides some wards of Kotpad NAC are given to a private party on
tender basis for cleaning and dumping of solid waste of the town. There are
two own Tractors available for sanitation purpose and one cess pool is also
available for cleaning of septic latrines.
Receipts of Kotpad NAC (in Rs.)
Sl. No. Head of Receipts 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
1 Rates and taxes 287309 356836 488559
2 License etc. 158710 277928 204799
3 Revenue from Municipal property and power 208065 348799 275534
4 Grants & contribution ( for works and others) 25380886 41488552 29235083
5 Miscellaneous 1392965 1617568 1527675
6 Extraordinary and debt. 3811512 5310954 4515885
Total 31239447 49400637 36247535

Expenditure of Kotpad NAC

S. Head of Receipts 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
No
1 General Administration 1898805 1440445 1252572
2 Collection of taxes & fees 2453604 2790817 1897372
3 Lighting 2210699 1950368 3853852
4 P.H. establishment charges 2355661 2601495 3293130
5 Works establishment 283006 460010 364800
6 Miscellaneous 1316783 1871693 1568505
7 Advances 1112000 1264995 1075000
8 Deposits 509740 919054 560000
9 Stationery and printing 37216 52388 42000
Total 12177514 13351265 13907231

412
Town Development and Planning
District Urban Development Agency (DUDA)
The District Urban Development Agency (DUDA), Koraput started
functioning vide resolution no 45788 dated 20-11-1990 of State Urban
Development Agency. At present DUDA is attached to District Rural
Development Agency (DRDA) with effect from 17.12.2014 vide notification
no 26389 and H&UD dept. resolution no 23003date 15.11.2014. The Project
Director, DRDA functions as Project Director, DUDA of the district and will
act as the Member Secretary and convener of governing body of DUDA. The
DUDA was the controlling office of urban local bodies of the concerned
district. The DUDA is the approving authority of all works through Collector &
District magistrate. It will also countersign the Grant in Aid bills and the
utilization certificates submitted by concerned departments.
Jeypore-Koraput-Sunabeda Urban Transport Trust (JKSUTT)
The JKSUTT was constituted under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban
Livelihoods Mission (JNNULM) project. The Project Director, DRDA is the
Chief Executive Officer to JKSUTT. It was constituted to facilitate and
st
develop city bus service with in Koraput district. As on 1 July, 2015, tenders
were called for four packages covering 10 bus routes in Koraput district.
Koraput Regional Improvement Trust (KRIT)
KRIT was setup in 1990 after amalgamation of S.P.A. Koraput, S.P.A.
Jeypore, S.P.A. Sunabeda. The objective of establishing this Trust is to take
up town development activities within the master plans of Jeypore, Koraput,
Sunabeda and Damanjodi towns. It‘s aims include to take up Town
Improvement schemes, Enforcement & Implementation of Master plan
proposals of aforesaid area, detection of unauthorized construction, Issuing
notices u/s 150 & 152 of O.T.P & I.T Act, 1956, imposing of penalties etc.
As per the directions of H&UD department, Government of Odisha new
master plan is being prepared for the city of Jeypore.

413
 CHAPTER-XV

MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES

Public Health and Medical facilities in early times

For centuries the district was almost inaccessible mainly for two
reasons. Firstly, the Ghats which separate it from the coastal plains were not
easy to cross and secondly, the climate of the forest covered in the track
lying to the west of Ghats was considered inhospitable to outsiders. From
the early period of British occupation, official records are full of references to
the unhealthiness of its climate .D.F. Carmichael has observed in the Manual
of the Vizagapatam District, published in 1869, that ―there is scarcely a man
who visits these parts who does not return with an enlarged spleen or liver,
more or less affection of the head, making business irksome, and with some
constitutional breakdown‖. A newcomer to the district, even after a very
short stay was being suddenly attacked by malaria, a disease most dreaded.
Even by 1940, after decades of fight against malaria and other diseases with
many public health activities, the district was still considered unhealthy.
―Even at the present time‖, writes R.C.S Bell, ―the district can not strictly be
called healthy, for malaria is endemic almost everywhere and a special
allowance is paid to official serving there, who are not natives or domiciles of
the district, to compensate them for the unhealthiness of the district. But
malaria and its complications apart, the district is more salubrious than most
parts of the Province.‖ Although the rule of granting special allowance still
continues, most parts of the district, more specially its towns and
headquarters Koraput are no more dreaded, thanks to the sanitary and other
hygienic measures and with a little precaution about food and drink a person
may really enjoy a cool-summer at Koraput, on a 3,000 feet plateau.
Before the introduction of the Western system of medicine or allopathic,
the popular Ayurvedic system of medicine existed in this country for
centuries. Ayurveda received royal patronage from the Royal Court of
Nandapur. It may also be presumed that the Vaidyas or Kavirajas, the
followers of this system, practiced mostly among the non-Adivasi residents
of the Nandapur terriroty. Vaidays in those days were very few, but
nonetheless they had remarkable zeal for this system. The district has the
unique distinction of having produced two great scholars of Ayurvedic
medicines whose works are said to be of considerable merit. These two men
are Yogi Praharaj Mohapatra and Maguni Das.

414
 It was by these able scholars and many others that the science of
Ayurveda was cultivated in Koraput but the bulk of the population belonging
to the aboriginal tribes and residing in remote villages received a little benefit
from them or from other Vaidyas. Unani had never been followed by
anybody in this district and Homeopathy, which is of a recent introduction, is
at present confined to a few towns. The hill men were generally muscular
without any tendency to corpulence. Writing about cleanliness of the
habitation of a Hill men, R.C.S. Bell states, ―His women folk keep their
houses and their surroundings spotlessly clean. Exhortation to cleanliness
and advice upon sanitary mattes are superfluous‖. But the observation is not
true in case of all the hill tribes, many of whom are found unclean in body
and habit.
Tribal people ordinarily ascribe disease to evil influence of different
deities & evil spirits or to witchcraft. To free themselves from diseases, they
propitiate the spirits and take the services of imposter-doctors (known
among different tribes as Disari, Beijus, Siras, etc) who pretend to counteract
the effects of black art. Goddess Thakurani was worshipped to ward off
epidemic like smallpox which in earlier days used to visit in virulent form. A
belief among certain hill tribes is that a sorcerer, possessing little finger of
the right hand of a still-born child, can accomplish miracles, kill a healthy
man or cure a sick man by his powers.
Faith in medicine among hill men though was feeble, many herbs
possessing medicinal properties were known to them since time immemorial.
Of the herbs they used many have no relevance but later some are proved
to be very useful and scientific. Some of the commonest herbs are as below;

Sl. Name of the Scientific name. Disease in which used.

No. herbs (botanical names)
1 Kochila. Nux Vomica (Strychnos Kalazar.
nuxvomica)
2 Chadhoi gudi Hemidesmus Black-water fever

3 Kochila seed. Nux vomica Malaria.

4 Patalagaruda root Rauwolfia Serpentine Snakebite.

5 Range charo. Sesalania Pemicea Poisoning, Eye & Ear

diseases, Dysentery,
6 Bela. Bengal Quince Dysentery.
(aeglemarmelos)
7 Bhuin nimba. Gentiana Constipation.

415
Present service Delivery System
Health being a State subject and in absence of much private sector
service make people depend on Government health system for medical &
public health services.The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) is the head
of the health administration of the district. He is supported by three Addl.
District Medical Officers (ADMO), one each for Medical, Family Welfare &
Public Health. Besides that vertical programmes are cared by individual
officers like District TB Officer, District Malaria officer, District Leprosy
Officer.
The health system is divided into two major parts i.e. Medical (curative
service) and Family Welfare & Public Health services (promotional &
preventive services). There is a District Programme Management Unit
(DPMU), National Health Mission (NHM) which supports the system with its
consultants (specialists in management) for different sectors led by the
District Programme Manager, NHM.
For curative sector the District has a District Head Quarter Hospital
(DHH) which is one of the best in the state (Recently awarded with Kaya
Kalpa Awad in 2015). The DHH is ISO 9002 Certified which has a Regional
Diagnostic Centre (RDC), District Public Health Laboratory (DPHL), Special
New Born Care Unit (SNCU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There is a Sub-
Divisional Hospital (SDH) at Jeypore with specialists. Both hospitals have
uninterrupted power & water supply with a good ambulance & Blood Bank
services. Below that, at the sub district a Community Health Centers (CHC)
is functioning in each block with four to five Primary Health Centers (PHC) in
the sub-block level. All institutions have either functional or promising full
fledged MCH services. The field level Maternal and Child Health and other
health services are catered from the Sub-Centre (SC) with provision of a
male & a female worker in each for about four to five thousand population.
As of now there are 16 CHCs, 49 PHCs (New) & 307 Sub-Centres. The bed
strength of CHCs vary from 6 to 16 with a special provision for female ward.
There are two hospitals owned and managed by two Public
Undertakings namely National Aluminum Company Ltd. (NALCO) at
Damanjodi and Hindustan Aeronautic Ltd. (HAL) at Sunabeda which render
service to their employees and to the people of the area they have adopted
under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Asha Kiran Hospital is the only
accredited private sector hospital functioning at Lamtaput. All the three are
extending their hands for implementation of Government Programmes.
One Government Medical College is coming up at Koraput and is
under construction, to upgrade the District Head Quarter Hospital to a

416
tertiary level hospital with a teaching institute. It is expected to be functional
by 2017. This Medical College will help the local tribals and other people of
this district to reduce the medical expenses on diseases calling for tertiary
treatment, as it would make easy access to better treatment facility in the
district itself.The present health system in the district has hybrid Allopathy
with other Indian Systems of Medicines(ISM) looking to the demand of the
people due to scarcity of allopathic doctors. Ayurvedic Yoga Unani Siddha
Homeopathy (AYUSH) medical officers are posted in the CHCS, PHCs,
Mobile Health Units (MHUs), Mobile Health Teams (MHT) in the rural areas.
There are some accredited paramedical personnel called ASHA
(Accredited Social Health Activist). They work as links between the
community and the health system at Sub-block and Block level. They are
popularly known as ASHA Didi and capable of managing minor ailments,
malaria and some family welfare services, counseling and assistance in
which they are well trained and equipped.
Common and Vulnerable Diseases in the District
Vector Borne Diseases
Malaria - (National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme) NVBDCP
Koraput is the largest tribal district in Southern part of Odisha. Malaria
poses the major public health hazards in the community. Rapid
deforestation, living in close proximity of forest, change in eco-system,
increased water bodies due to irrigation system, life style of people with little
care to protect their bodies from mosquito attack and their poor economic
status, and high incidence of poverty have added a lot to increasing
incidence of malaria in the district. Malaria is the name derived from the
Italian Mala aria or bad air. Malaria continues to be most important cause of
fever and morbidity in the Tropical world.
History
The symptoms of malaria were described in ancient Chinese medical
writings. In 2700 BC, several characteristic symptoms of what would later be
named Malaria were described in the Nei Ching.
Malaria remains the world's most devastating human parasitic infection.
Malaria affects over 40% of the world's population. WHO, estimates that
there are 350 - 500 million cases of malaria worldwide, of which 270 - 400
million are Falciparum Malaria (Pf), the most severe form of the disease
which may kill. Now the disease is under NVBDCP which takes care of
prevention, detection and treatment even at the village level through the
medical and paramedical people.

417
Events on Malaria
Charles Louis Alphose Lavern discovered malaria parasite in 1880.
Later between 1883-1891 developments of different dyes help to confirm the
parasites in blood smears. It is only 1898 Roland Ross came out with the life
cycle of parasite and the role of Mosquito in the transmission of the disease.
His research was in Almora in India to win Noble Prize in 1902. Further
research proved Exoerythrocytic cycle in Liver by Shortt and Garnham in
1948.
With optimal knowledge on the parasite, transmission and the disease
the World thought of eradicating Malaria. From there onwards the efforts
have many ups and downs with time and reached to a state of control
programme with initiatives like Long Lasting Insecticide Net (LLIN), Early
Diagnosis and Complete Treatment (EDCT) besides other Sanitation majors.
Cause of Malaria in Koraput
The geographical location of the district, its climatic condition and
continuous torrential rain during rainy season, distribution of villages in the
foothill location, weak connectivity are some of the reasons for high
incidence of Malaria. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) driven
Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC), Koraput has identified An.
Fluviatilis as the major Vector transmitting Malaria in the district.
Malaria is caused due to infection by one of the four species of the
Parasite called Plasmodium (falciparum, vivax, malariae, and ovale). The
most dangerous of the four is P.falciparum.
Symptoms
Fever, Chill Sweating, Headache, Nausea and Vomiting, Body ache,
General Malaisere are general symptoms. But sometimes a complicated
malaria patient has loose motion, loss of consciousness etc. Of course the
signs and symptoms may vary away from the above in atypical cases which
are not rare.
Cause of Increase in Malaria during 2014
The reasons for the increase in number of Malaria cases during 2014 is
as below:
i. Increased temperature compelling the villages to sleep outside without
mosquito net making people susceptible to bite by mosquitoes carrying
malaria vector.
ii. As per Lot Quality Assurance Survey (LQAS) data, 68% of people are
using LLIN supplied to them. However to increase the use rate
418
 following activities are carried out. Night surveillance of LLIN use by
ASHA to ensure regular use of LLIN by community, Sensitization for
use of LLINs in different platforms like Gaon Kalyan Samiti (GKS)
meeting, Sector meeting, Nodal meetings etc. Information Education
and Communication (IEC) through Nidhi Mousa Ratha to sensitize the
community for use of LLIN and control & prevention of Malaria and
other vector borne diseases
In spite of efforts, people in rural area resist to use the LLIN. Some
people misuse it for fishing, protecting plants, selling to other people etc. The
old LLIN supplied five to six years back in blocks like Narayanpatna and
Bandhugaon needs replacement as the efficacy of the LLIN is only for three
years. Due to non replacement of these LLIN promptly in due interval,
people are prone to malaria again. There is a daily, weekly, monthly
surveillance system maintained by Integrated Disease Surveillance (IDSP)
Unit and District Malaria Officer (DMO) for malaria cases and deaths. Even
daily monitoring is also carried out by DMO office by SMS to prevent chance
of missing of any deaths due to malaria. Further all the deaths reported are
confirmed and investigated by DMO & respective Medical Officer I/Cs as per
the protocol and notified to State.
Hence all the initiatives are taken for control of Malaria in the District
with district specific innovations too. However the Malaria control programme
will be more effective if all the GKSs will assume the responsibility and
actively involve in the programme. To add to this active participation of
Angan Wadi Worker (AWW) in implementation of Indoor Residual Spray
(IRS), use of LLIN, community sensitization, Malaria Dengue Diarrhoea
(MDD) Campaign and IEC activity would be the best support.
Malaria control strategies adopted in Koraput
Reduction of parasite population by Early Diagnostic and Complete
Treatment (EDCT)
Early detection by Rapid Diagnostic Kit (RDK), complete treatment with
Artisunate Combined Treatment (ACT), strengthening of referral services,
Epidemic preparedness and rapid response.
Reduction of vector population by integrated vector management (IVM)
IRS- IRS by DDT (50%) is conducted in high endemic areas of Koraput
nd
District in two rounds (1st round May-June, 2 round Sept-October) every
st
year. During 2015 1 round it is proposed to cover 7.3 lakh population. This
is one of the best intervention but acceptance is not that encouraging.
LLIN/ Insecticide Treated Net(ITN) Till May 2015 3,65,000 nos. of
LLINs to the beneficiaries, 61,400 no. of LLIN to pregnant women, 39267
419
nos. of LLIN to the boarders of Tribal Residential schools have been
distributed.
Programme implementation, Monitoring and Supportive Supervision
Human resources and capacity building, Monitoring and evaluation,
IEC/BCC, PPP and Social mobilization, Inter- sectoral collaboration, Up-
scaling best practices of Blocks/ districts has been undertaken and is a
continuous process. For effective scientific monitoring and supervision,
research and evaluation a South Odisha Monitoring Evaluation and
Research Unit (SOMERU) project is established at Koraput which will help in
developing measures to fight malaria and to achieve the goal to bring down
the API to 50% and nil death.
Special Innovative taken by Koraput District in Collaboration with
VCRC (ICMR)
To reduce Annual Parasite Incidence of high endemic area a special
Kudia spray was conducted at CHC Bandhugaon. LLIN/ITN has been
distributed in all households and residential schools on principle. The district
is saturated with LLIN/ITN and the old one who has lost their effective period
will be replaced in phased manner. In 14 nos. of Tribal School Teachers of
High API blocks were trained and sensitized for diagnosis and referral of
cases, use of Mo Mashari, discussion on Malaria on every Monday and
sensitizing students on IRS. Besides this the MO Moshari provision is strictly
instructed for all Pregnant Women, 29 nos. of ANM of TRW Deartmentt.
Were trained and sensitized on NVBDCP programme.
Epidemiological Status of Malaria Incidence
BSC/ RDT
Total P A
Year Population (Tested for PF only
Positive PV ABER
Malaria)
1 1
2008 1300924 237766 32761 30990
771 8.3
3 1
2009 1342093 240374 39569 36406
163 7.9
2 1
2010 1324161 246601 48559 45579
980 8.6
2 1
2011 1335260 171410 43267 41038
229 2.8
2 1
2012 1396762 171349 38867 36758
109 2.3
1 1
2013 1423243 203999 25000 24000
000 4.3
3 2 1
2014 1439338 264387 34871
7247 376 8.4
8
2015 1435637 115867 12705 11809
96
(Source: District Malaria Officer, Koraput)

420
Other Vector Borne Diseases
Filaria and Dengue
Selected 10 nos. of Hydrocelectomy cases operated during National-
Filarial Week. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is done once in a year
distributing suitable dose of Diethyl Carbamin Citrate (DEC) tablets at each
door step to prevent transmission of filarial.
Though the District is not endemic for Dengue, a viral disease
transmitted by An.adis Mosquito, all preventive measures are being taken
through IEC, cases are referred to well prepared lab and hospital for
diagnosis and treatment. Especially during the peak season a month is
observed as Dengue month in August. This is also known as Hemorrhagic
Fever.
Other Communicable Diseases
YAWS
YAWS is a chronic contagious non venereal disease characterized by a
primary skin lesion followed by destructive lesion of skin bone cartilage latter
making a person disabled. It is also called in different local names like Koya
Rog, Gondi Rog, Madai Rogam etc. This is caused by an organism called
Tripanoma. Since the organism is highly sensitive to penicillin and a shot of
long acting penicillin cures the disease, Govt. of India initiated YAWS
eradication programme in 1996 and recently in October-2015 the WHO
certification team visited this District and has given a favourable report of
YAWS being eradicated. There is no YAWS case in Koraput District since
2002.
Venereal Disease
This is a group of diseases transmitted by sexual mode. The diseases
include Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Venereal Warts etc. and the causative
organisms are also different for different diseases. Since the science and
symptoms are similar the control programe takes a syndromic approach.
National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
Leprosy is a communicable disease thought to be a contagious disease
but it spreads by droplet infection. This was a major public health
programme since British period. Thus there was a Leprosy hospital at Salur
(AP) neighboring the district. There is a leprosy colony at Koraput. Even
Lepra society was functioning as Koraput with assistance from Lepra-UK. In
1983 National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) started in the state
and in this district in 1992 when the prevalence rate (Number of persons per
ten thousand population) was as high as 49.72 which came down below 1 in
421
2006. Then the district was declared as Leprosy eliminated. Even the
structural integration was done. Gradually after the vertical programme was
stopped the PR again started rising to reach 1.44 in 2015. This developed a
concern and different intensive search operations, MDT, Disability
Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation are being done to keep things under
control and to benefit the cured patients. The district administration is also
taking care of them by repairing and maintaining the leprosy colony from
time to time, supplying blankets, nets etc
Mobile Health Unit (MHU) and Mobile Health Team ( MHT) to be added
Rastriya Bal Swathya Karyakrama (RBSK) is a new initiative during
2013-14 to screen all children from birth till 18 years of age under 4D
approaches (Birth Defects, Deficiency, Diseases, Developmental delays
including disabilities) in the Institutions like Anganwadi center s & Schools.
The 14 MHUs and 34 MHTs are specifically doing the surveillance,
screening, treatment and referral in the remote areas and also covering the
schools, residential hostels and Angan wadi centres.
MHTs have screened 499721 no of children out of them 149436 no
were identified for some disease or other and 4082 RBSK children were
referred to District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC)for early intervention
where steps were taken to correct. Out of them number of club foots 112 no
of cleft lips and palate 54 no and 33 nos of other serious diseases are
treated at higher centres.Now the community is well sensitized on this
immunization programme and sue-moto are coming to the routine
immunization sessions for which the full immunization coverage shows an
upward trend to reach beyond 90% by now. As such the programme
managers instead of looking at individual antigen coverage now directing
only on Full Immunization. For every one it should be full immunization or
complete immunization when we mean immunization of a child.
Maternal, Child Mortality and Health care
RCH Services (Reproductive and Child Health Services)
Maternal Health
Safe motherhood is a central concept in reproductive health
programmes. It aims at attaining optimal maternal and newborn health. It
implies reduction of maternal mortality & morbidity and enhancement of the
health of newborn infants through equitable access to primary health care
including family planning ,prenatal, delivery and post-natal care of the
mother and new born as well as Access to essential obstetric and neonatal
care.

422
 One of the major focus areas, of Reproductive Child Health in Odisha
is Maternal Health. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is an important health
indicator that is being monitored in the State on a regular basis. Over the
years though maternal health indicators have improved substantially yet
keeping the vision of NRHM and the Millennium Development Goals in
view, significant efforts is required to achieve the desired objectives, in the
State.
Maternal Death (Definition)
Death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of
pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, due to
any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management
but not from accidental or incidental causes. The ratio (MMR) indicates the
quality of maternal health service. This is the ratio of Maternal Deaths per 1
lakh Live Births.
Purpose - To measure risk of dying, related to events of pregnancy
- Status of women in society and functioning of health
system

423
Maternal Death Review (MDR)
Maternal death is review as a tool to know the cause of death of the
pregnant women and the gap in service. This helps to reduce preventable
maternal deaths ahead. It is not for fault finding or punishing the defaulter.
The quality depends on fearless response of service provider to verbal
autopsy and interpretation of records. If the service provider conceals due to
fear of disciplinary action for the lapse the whole purpose of the MDR will not
be served.
Ante Natal Care Service (ANC)
The HMIS analysis for the year 2015-16 (Apr-Nov) indicate that in
Koraput the registration rate in the first trimester of pregnancy is as low as
65% till June-2015 but gradually improved to above 80% in next three
months due to the interventions of the District Administration and follow up
by health system. This delay in the ANC registration is the main cause for
the low rate of registered pregnant women completing their full course of
IFA and quality Antenatal Care Service (ANC).

2014-15 2015-16

40000 33262 28893 27894 29849 26068

30000 22540 17982
21588
18121 17618 1929217456
20000
10000
0

424
 2014-15 and 2015-16 (Annualized on Nov-2015)

Home Delivery & Institutional Deliveries

(2014-15) (2015-16 annualized)

Home
SBA(%
) Non-
5% SBA
(%)
32%
Inst
Delive
ry (%)
63%

Out of this 22540 registered pregnancies only 11866 (65%) go for an

institutional delivery. With all the interventions Koraput is continuing to
improve in the service delivery & rising upwards in the state ranking, inspite
of incentive provision for hospital delivery under Janani Surakhya Yojana
(JSY). However better picture is expected in future.
The mother after delivery and the new born child are also given home
based care by medical and para-medical staff up to 42 days after delivery
and free medical care upto 1year of the child including free transportation.
Cause and Analysis of Maternal Death
Due to lack of birth preparedness majority of the maternal death occur
with preventable causes which could be managed by strengthening Delivery
Points with Basic Emergency obstetric Care (BEmOC) and Comprehensive
Emergency obstetric Care (CEmOC) for treating maternal complications and
resuscitation of newborn after birth. The usual causes of maternal death are
Hemorrhage, Sepsis, Anaemia, Eclampsia, Heart Disease. Hemorrhage may
be before delivery (APH) as well as after delivery (PPH). These
hemorrhages are the cause of death particularly in anemic mothers due to
sudden reduction of hemoglobin leading to cardiac failure. But the sepsis is
mostly after delivery. Similarly the anemia (bloodlessness) may be moderate
to severe. In the moderate stage it is managed by Iron supplementation but
for serious conditions blood transfusion is given. The health department
distributes Iron tablets to all pregnant women for profile excess and
therapeutic purpose as soon as the pregnancy is registered. If Anaemia is
not managed well before child birth, this threatens the life of both mother and
the baby. Even it effects the growth of the child in the womb resulting low
425
birth weight. Eclampsia is a condition when a pregnant women suffers from
high blood pressure, convulsion, loss of consciousness due to her
pregnancy complications and many a times leads to death.

(Source District Family welfare data)

Key interventions to effectively prevent maternal deaths by cause

Child Health
Immunization
Vaccination is protection of a person by raising immunity in the body by
giving vaccines which may be a live or killed form derived from the causative
organization. All diseases do not have vaccines. But many communicable
killer diseases have the vaccine available. When this vaccination is done for
preventive purpose in normal person it is called immunization. In India there
is a National Immunization Schedule covering Nine preventable diseases
like - Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Pertusis, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Measles,
Hepatitis-B, Haemophilus Influenza, Rota Virus infection (to be initiated
soon in the District),

426
 Immunization of infants and children against the vaccine-preventable
diseases protect children from major preventable causes of child mortality,
disability, morbidity and related malnutrition. Immunization of pregnant
women against tetanus reduces maternal and neonatal mortality. The fixed
immunization day for our State is Wednesday. The AWW and ASHA assist
the health functionaries in coverage of the target population for
immunization. They help in the organization of fixed-day immunization
sessions and follow up to ensure full coverage.

YEAR WISE VACCINATION STATUS (2012-13 to 2015-16)

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 (Apr-June)
Name of the Antigens

Total achievemrnt

Total achievemrnt

Total achievemrnt

Total achievemrnt
Annual Target

Annual Target

Annual Target

Annual Target
In %

In %

In %

In %
mmunization

31122

27690

30094

25201

29373

26740

29854

27764
Full

89

84

91

93
Source: ADMO (FW) wing

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)

Period Total Live Birth Low Birth Weight % of
Baby(<2.5 k.g.) LBW
April-2015to Nov-2015 17691 4063 23

As per analysis from Health Management Information System (HMIS)

from Apr-2015 to Nov-2015, about 23% of live births are born having low
birth weight i.e. below 2.5 k.g. This is a major contributor for infant deaths,
because these Low Birth Weight (LBW) children are prone to different
infectious diseases like Pneumonia, Mal Nutrition. The cause of LBW is
mainly due to poor ante natal nutrition & maternal diseases.
Infant mortality rate denotes the number of deaths under one year per
1,000 live births .This rate is often used as an indicator of health in a country.
An infant must adapt to a rapidly changing environment, and death may
occur if this adaptation is not successful. Traditionally, this has been
expressed by stating that the most dangerous times in the life of a human
being are the first day, the first week, the first month, the first year, in that
order. In many regions of the world, the risk of dying within the first year of
life will only be matched at the ages of eighty years and beyond death.The
death of an infant is often dependent on external factors like Poor water
427
quality, inadequate food supply, poor housing, poor health seeking behavior,
substandard health services, and high level of infectious diseases like
Malaria, Pneumonia, Diarrhea contributing to a high IMR. The IMR is
therefore considered a good indicator of the level of health in a community.
Though there has been a decline in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of
Koraput in the recent years, it is seen that the pace of IMR decline is not
appreciable. Of course the rate is influenced by the number. of reported
infant deaths. May be better surveillance is reflecting the real picture now
than the previous years. Infant mortality rate, particularly Neonatal Mortality
of the district is quite high. About 58% (599 out of 1028 deaths) of the
deaths among infant are caused with the first month of life. This percentage
of death can be prevented by proper maternal and new born care.
The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and Still Birth is a key outcome
indicator for ante natal care, newborn care and directly reflect prenatal, intra
partum & post partum care. Neonatal deaths are major contributors for both
IMR and U-5 mortality. Birth Asphyxia, infections, prematurity and Low Birth
Weight are major causes of neonatal deaths. Diarrhea, pneumonia and
malaria with factors of malnutrition and anaemia have been major causes of
deaths among under 5 children.
Malnutrition in children
Concerning child health, malnutrition is a cause of concern in some
tribal interior pockets of the district. From the study it was inferred that
multiple interrelated factors including some social determinants contribute
to high rates of malnutrition. One needs to contextually understand the

complex relationship between social aspects, biological determinants and

medical management of malnutrition before attempting to address the
problem. The traditional response to Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) has

428
been to refer the child to a hospital for nutritional correction. But now the
district is equipped with two NRCs (Nutrition Rehabilitation centre), one is
attached with the District head Quarter Hospital and the other at
Rabanaguda CHC with the total bed capacity of 20 which is grossly
inadequate keeping in view the number of children suffering from mal
nutrition. At these centres steps are taken for nutritional correction in a
scientific manner with guidance of Nutritional expert and trained pediatrician
who also treats the child at the sight. The care giver of the child (the
Mother) are given education for proper home feeding after discharge to
prevent further malnutrition. By the end of Nov-2015, there are 1224 no. of
children are admitted and 1121 of them have achieved the expected weight
gain as per age.
Strategy to Improve the Child Health Status in the District the
Upgrading Facilities
With the support from NHM, the SCs, PHCs, CHCs, SDH & DHH
buildings are upgraded as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for
providing better services to the beneficiaries.
Establishment of SNCU/ NBSU / NBCC / NRC/DP
There are two Special New Born Care Units (SNCUs), 2 New Born
Stabilization Units (NBSUs), 24 New Born Care Corners (NBCCs),2 NRCs .
functioning . 24 nos. of Delivery Points (DPs) are functioning with provision
of expansion to 59 nos. in phases by end of March-2017.
The services of both the SNCUs in the district are up to utmost
satisfaction. There are 8215 number of cases admitted with 4137 in born
and 4078 out born. Of them 6160 nos. have recovered while 838 nos. died,
532 nos. left units inspite of medical advice not to leave and 685 nos.
referred to higher centres.
Skill Enhancement of Functionaries
Skill building is a continuous process and the knowledge and skill of the
service providers needs to be upgraded from time to time. For example
hemoglobin estimation , blood pressure check up, urine test, whole blood
finger prick test for HIV, Foetal Heart Sound (FHS) monitoring etc. are
practically observed and if required the functionaries sent to appropriate
station for training. The district also imparts trainings like Skilled Birth
Attendant (SBA )and Navajata Sishu Suraksha Karyakrama (NSSK) to
AYSUH MOs, Staff Nurses & HW(F)s who are working in Delivery Points
(DPs) as well as in the Sub-Centre areas for safe delivery & new born care
practices.

429
Improved Coordination between ICDS and Health
Both Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) & Health work
together for the improvement of health & nutrition status of both mother and
child. On monthly basis both the departments sit together to review the
activities & plan for the improvement of the same. All field related activities
like VHND & Immunization are jointly supervised by the supervisors of both
ICDS & Health department to ensure better quality of service.
Family Welfare Programme in the District

Family planning is the planning of when to have children, and the use
of birth control and other techniques to implement such plans. Other
techniques commonly used Include sex education, prevention and
management of sexually transmitted infections, pre-conception counseling
and management, and infertility management.
Family planning is sometimes used as a synonym or euphemism for the
use of birth control, however, it often includes a wide variety of methods, and
practices that need not mean birth control .alone. It is most usually applied to
couple who wish to limit the number of children they have and/or spacing of
children. Family planning may encompass sterilization, as well as abortion.
Family planning in India is based on efforts largely sponsored by the
Indian government. In the 1965-2009 period, contraceptive usage
substantially increased more than three times (from 13% o in 1970 to 48%
in 2009) and the fertility rate has come down by more than half (from 5.7 in
1966 to 2.6 in 2009), but the national fertility rate is still high enough to
cause long-term population explosion. India adds up to 1,000,000 people to
its population every 15 days i.e. 2,00,00,000 every year.
Female sterilization is much accepted in the district than the male
sterilization besides all advantages. Of course we have patches of areas like
Laxmipur, Pottangi where NSV is well accepted. The procedure of Lap
sterilization is most popular. Koraput is awarded as the topper for NSV in the
year 2012 & 2013 and the second best in sterilization in the year 2014.
Temporary methods like IUCD and other methods are encouraged but not
well accepted or practised.
Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation
Though Drinking water supply and Sanitation is a part of public health
activity, it mostly depends on line departments like Rural Water Supply
Scheme (RWSS) and Public Health Engineering Department. Of course
Health Department join hand in water quality control, water quality
surveillance, right advice, feedback and need based service through field

430
staff and DPHL. During out breaks disinfection of water source is directly
taken over temporarily by the health administration.
Disease Out Break Management
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) unit do
surveillance of selected diseases by field staff, rumor review and
investigations, media surveillance and data analysis on daily, weekly and
monthly basis. The district is prone to out breaks of Anthrax, Acute Diarrheal
Diseases (ADD) and Measles.
ADD may be due to many reasons but there must be a source like infected
food or water. So clean & hygienic food habits, hand washing, drinking
potable water are counseled for prevention.
Anthrax is a life threatening zoonotic disease.
This disease is known from ancient age. The
causative organism Bacillus Anthraces remains
as spore in the soil for years together, which is
resistance to heat & chemicals. This spore has
the threat of use in biological weapons.

The disease spreads through

the cattle. The cattle get infected by
the spores while grazing & when the
infected flesh of the cattle is
consumed, man gets the infection.
Particularly persons engaged in
handling of the caracas for
deskinning, dressing the flesh etc.
have the highest probability of
getting the disease. The disease is
manifested in human but this
spreads through cattle. So
prevention can be made only vaccinating all cattle every year. The
unvaccinated cattle help to spread the disease. All caracas should be deep
buried with lime to avoid infection of surface soil and consumption of flesh of
carcas by humans. For prevention and control of this disease, community
participation & efforts of veterinary department is the only way. Anthrax
affects skin and internal organs too. Accordingly it is classified as cutaneous
anthrax & systemic anthrax. Systemic anthrax kills soon if not treated
immediately but cutaneous anthrax starts as a small blister to form an ulcer.
If the ulcer remains for months together till it is treated & cured. Prolonged
untreated cases may die of septicemia.

431
 All blocks are more or less affected continuously for years. So the
district is Anthrax endemic. National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is
proposing to setup a research laboratory in the district soon.
Measles starts with fever, cough &
cold but only when the rashes come up
people suspect & visit the doctor.
Sometimes notification gets delayed due to
the blind belief of rural people and tribal‘s
who preferred visiting Dishari / witch craft
thinking a to be due to Deity (Thakurani).
Post measles complication are more
dangerous than the measles itself. Children die of post measles
pneumonia, diarrhea etc. Measles vaccination of a child between 9-12
months helps to prevent the infection and reduces the mortality and
morbidity.
Regular preventive and promotive activity is taken up round the year
adding curative & referral services during outbreaks. The health
intelligence systems, surveillance, response to outbreaks is quite
responsive in the district . The initiatives and experiences are well
appreciated by WHO / Govt. of India External Assessment teams..
In 2013, the District experienced 21 numbers of outbreaks with 213
numbers of attack & 2 numbers of deaths while the same are 24, 420,13
respectively in 2014 and 43,281,8 in 2015 so far (till Nov-2015).
Revised National Tuberculosis Programme
The dreaded disease of Tuberculosis is being managed through the
RNTCP which is implemented in the district with 24 Designated Microscopic
Centres (DMCs) where the sputum of the patients is tested for the causative
organism ―Acid Fast Bacillus (AFB)‖. These TB patients are categorized as
AFB positive & AFB negative patients. All the TB patients are treated
through Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS).
To control Tuberculosis measures like, free Sputum examination in
DMC, Early initiation of treatment within 7 days of diagnosis, Drug
Registrant suspect cases are tested through CBNAAT (Cartridge Based
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) and treated suitably, Patient & community
interaction meetings and IEC is done for sensitization and even there is
provision of honorarium for the patients and DOTS provider for successful
completion of treatment, under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control
Programme (RNTCP)

432
Blood Bank
The two Red Cross Blood Banks of the district, at District Headquarter
Hospita ( DHH)and , SUB Divisional Hospital ( SDH)Jerypore are delivering
the services . Voluntary blood donation camps are conducted at various
outreach sites in and outside of the district by the specially trained medics &
paramedics. The district achieves the voluntary collection up to 90% of the
demand. Free blood is also supplied under schemes like JSSK(Janani Sishu
Surakshya Karyakram), Poor etc.
District Aids Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU)
There is an Aids Prevention And Control Unit (DAPCU) at Koraput
having the jurisdiction of undivided Koraput District. This unit manages the
prevention of HIV infection. The suspected persons are counselled & tested
for HIV infection. AS of now Koraput district has 966 detected cases of HIV
of whom 757 are People living with HIV(PLHIV), 209 died and 831 have
been given treatment. Pregnant women are also subject to the test as a
routine. The facility of free testing for HIV is available at DHH, SDH, all
CHCs and even at all Delivery Points. There is proposal to extend this to the
Sub-Center / VHND (Village Heath & Nutrition Dau) level. Persons with
positive symptoms are treated as per protocols at the Anti Retro-Viral
Therapy (ART) Centre at Koraput. This Center is running in PPP (Public-
Private Partnership) mode with BILT-SEWA. The positive patients are also
covered under various social benefit schemes like Madhu Babu Pension
Yojana, Antodoya Rice Yojana, Mo Kudia Yojana & Free Bus Pass. This
initiative is a step forward by DAPCU, Koraput with support from the district
administration. 203 PLHIV have got the benefit so far in this initiative.
Appreciating the initiative, OSACS (Odisha State AIDS Control Society) is
promoting in other districts to scale up across the state.
In Koraput district availability of safe drinking water is a constraint to
people in remote area having poor connectivity. As many as 153 villages are
without safe drinking water source. Even in other villages drinking water tube
wells fall defunct most often. Villagers mostly tribal depend on stream or
stagnant water to meet their needs. Because of drinking of contaminated
water they fall ill. In many cases they are carried in make shift cradle to the
nearest dispensary which will be several kilometer away without any motor
able road. Particularly during rainy season this problem is more acute when
hill roads become more slippery and natural water outlets in these villages
get polluted. It is imperative for the Government to ensure all weather
connectivity to all habitation particularly those which are located on hills with
high gradient and some situated in deep ravine so that at the time of any
epidemic such villages can be approached by health teams by motor
433
vehicles instead of traversing by foot the very idea of which deters health
staff to move to such habitation promptly. Apart from epidemics, individual
patients can be brought by ambulance to the nearest health centre. Now
patients from in accessible pockets are being carried manually by villagers in
a make shift swing negotiating stiff gradient. This should therefore be
addressed as a supply driven approach. by the State . In matter of sanitation
villagers are to be made aware of hygiene and public sanitation viz. drinking
safe water , avoiding open defecation for which State should construct water
sealed latrines for each house hold or community latrines with adequate
provision of water for cleaning. Villagers are to be made conscious to
develop habit of using such toilets and give up open defecation. On
sanitation front , it should be a combination of supply drive from the State
and demand drive from people especially in such remote pockets of the
district rarely visited by the administration. With a determined shift in
approach by the State through micro planning, access to health and
improvement in sanitary, hygienic environment in these marginalized
pockets will improve considerably.

434
 CHAPTER - XVI

EDUCATION AND LITERATURE

PART-I

EDUCATION

Historical Background of Education in the District

In order to present the holistic view of education in the district one has
to keep in mind the factors that have influenced the system at different
periods of time. The corresponding development of education as available
from records including the District Gazetteer (Senapati and Sahu 1966) and
Educational Profile- Koraput (D.P.I, Odisha 1979) relates to the old
undivided Koraput district. Hence the fact furnished here in some cases may
be relevant to older Koraput up to 1992. Utmost attempt has been made to
limit the scenario to the present day Koraput district.
The earliest epigraphic references to education in Atabika territory is
seen in the Jaugada and Hatigupta inscriptions. These two inscriptions
narrate that education was confined to the princes and they received
instructions in coinage and economics, accountancy, law and state craft. In
th
addition to this music was also a faculty. Subsequent records from 4
century onwards described that support was extended to teachers and
scholars by the rulers. The Podagada inscriptions found in Umerkote area of
the present Nowarangpur district, indicate that during reign of Nalas and the
th th
Vakatakas (5 & 6 Century A.D.), famous patrons of Brahmanical and
Vaishnavite culture flourished. The education pattern during these periods
was mostly religious.
th
With the advent of the Musilims in the 17 Century, schools were
attached to mosques for instructions in Islamic religion.
A major portion of ex-estate of Jeypore was renamed as Koraput
st
District on the 1 April-1936 when it became one of the 6 districts of the
newly formed province of Odisha, (Orissa changed to Odisha) during British
Rule. Prior to British occupation this region was under the Suryavanshi
rulers. During their rule Shaktism and Vaishnavism began to flourish in this
region. The Neo-Vaishnavism cult of Sri Chaitanya became very popular. In
th
the early years of the 19 century some poets contributed for the
development of Odia literature. In 1806 A.D.; three years after the advent of
the British rule, there was not a single formal school in the Visakhapatnam
Agency in which the present Koraput occupied a major part. In 1866 A.D

435
sixty three three years after the coming of the British, Odisha had only 77
schools of all grades with 3536 students (Govt. of Odisha, 2004- page-99).
But there was not a single school in the Vizagpatnam agency (in which
Jeypore estate was a part) . Carmichael at that time wrote, ―The Schools we
set on the foot at the town of Jeypore, on our first entering the country three
years ago, met with no success whatever, and after struggling for some time
with neglect and the climate, the matter came down and shortly afterwards
died‖ (Senapati and Sahu, 1966 P-359). This shows that there were no
facilities even in the town areas, what to speak about the remote areas of
the region. No formal institutions were there to impart education throughout
the area of the former undivided Koraput district. A very few people in towns
like Jeypore and Kotpad took personal measures to educate their children by
engaging teachers from the coastal regions. After British occupation a fresh
beginning was made by opening a school at Koraput. The Christian
missionaries rendered valuable services and did a considerable work for
educating children and adults and opened a number of missionary schools
for the purposes. The Schleswig Holstein Evangelical Lutheran Mission
Society of Germany (SHELM) and its worthy child the Jeypore Evangelical
Lutheran Church (JELC) maintained for some time about 25 per cent Higher
Elementary Schools and about 12 per cent of Lower Elementary Schools in
the district. Towards 1895-96 about 120 schools were there in total including
a few in Parvatipur areas ( which is now in Andhra Pradesh) ,which were
also under the charge of the Assistant Agent at Koraput. Out of these 120
schools it cannot be ascertained how many schools actually were there in
the present Koraput district. It can be inferred that most of such schools were
there in Jeypore and Kotpad areas since by that time Koraput had not
flourished as the head quarters of the district.
Considering the population of the district the progress in the field of
education was not at all inspiring. But it was inevitable under the
circumstances to take serious measures for imparting modern education in
the area. The bulk of population in the district was composed of different
aboriginal tribes with different languages, cultures, customs, traditions and
faith of their own. Although the hill tribes showed indifferent attitude towards
education the Govt. started schools in larger villages, but the attendance of
children was very poor. The reason was that the hill tribes lived in small
settlements and most of them were in vast inaccessible forest belts. The
unhealthy climate was coupled with it. As a result, it kept the district out of
the light of modernity for a pretty long time.
The first school started in 1886 at Jeypore was a vernacular lower
grade school which was raised to the status of a Middle English school in
1913. In 1917 it became a full-fledged High School with 182 students on roll
436
and it presented candidates for the Matriculation examination of the Madras
University in 1922. This school was under the management of the Local
Board and later by 1936 the District Board took over the management after
st
formation of Odisha as a separate State on the 1 April 1936 and Koraput
being a separate district. There were very few Aided Schools in this region.
The local Board had also opened one M.E. School at Kotpad in 1929 which
was upgraded to a proposed High School in 1946. It became full-fledged in
the following year. In all, there were two High Schools in the district by the
time of independence. The first Govt. High school was established by the
state Government at the district head quarter at Koraput by upgrading the
Middle English School in 1948 which became a full-fledged High School in
1951-52 and this school presented candidates for Matriculation Examination
under Utkal University. There were only 13 Middle English ( ME) schools and
39 Higher Elementary Schools in the whole of the then district . The School
system at that time was quite different from that of the northern districts of
Odisha.
The first step towards bringing uniformity in both the halves (North &
South) of the state was taken up in 1939-40. Pending formation of the Utkal
University, all the High Schools of the state were affiliated to the Patna
st
University w.e.f.1 January 1943.
A few M.E. schools were setup both by the Education Department and
Tribal and Rural Welfare Department, in 50s of last century which were
consequently renamed as ‗Ashram Schools‘. The schools under District
Board were taken over by the State Govt. and they were treated as a
separate category of schools.
Women education was severely neglected in this area then. There were
only a few M.E. Schools for girls. The first Girls‘ High School was set up at
Jeypore by the State Government in 1958 and it was the only school for girls
till 1968 when another school was set up by the Govt. at Kotpad. In the
same year a Girls M.E. School was opened at Koraput by the Notified Area
Council and the State Govt. opened a Girls‘ High School at Koraput in 1968
after which the M.E. School was merged into it.
There was an Elementary Training School at Jeypore for preparing
teachers for the Primary Schools and it was setup in the year 1921 and this
school was upgraded to a Govt. Secondary Training School in 1964. Again it
was upgraded to a DIET (District Institute of Education and Training) in the
year, 1988.

437
District Institution of Education and Training
The Government of Odisha has established one D.I.E.Ts in each of the
district. Accordingly there is one such institution at Jeypore which was
established in 1988 and the Government Secondary Training School,
Jeypore which was functioning there was closed. This institution imparts
training to teachers for Elementary schools of the district. The training is for
two years and intake capacity of trainees was 100 in the beginning of the
first year. After completion of two year course the trainees appeared for an
examination conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha.
An Ashram School was started at Koraput in 1947 and it was later
shifted to Sunabeda in 1960 giving way to Soil Conservation Training Centre
to function in that building. One Sevak Talim Kendra was started at
Sunabeda with a view to train Sevaks ( teachers are called Sevaks in
schools run by the Department of Tribal And Rural Welfare) . This institution
was meant for the Sevaks of Koraput, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Balangir and
Sundargarh districts. The Ashram School at Sunabeda was later upgraded
to a High School in the year 1963.
Sri Vikram School of Arts and Crafts was established at Jeypore in
1946 by the Maharaja of Jeypore, Vikram Dev Verma for imparting training in
drawing and painting, modeling and paper making for two years. Later it was
maintained by the Govt. of Odisha and has been functioning till date.
There was one Sanskrit Toll at Jeypore set up by the Late Maharaja Sri
Vikram Dev Verma which is still continuing and receiving grants from the
Government and it is under the control of the Superintendent of Sanskrit
Studies, Puri.
One can understand the state of school education in the district, in the
eve of India‘s independence and this is shown below in the table below.
Schools Nos Enrollment
Primary 482 15263
Schools
Middle 13 906
English
Schools
High 05 1723
Schools
Source (Senapati and Sahu, 1966, P-359,366)

Expansion of School Education

The district saw a major change in the field of education in the post-
independence era. Several schemes for expansion and development of
education were launched. After two and half decades of planned
438
development, in the year 1973-74 the number of primary schools, middle
and high schools in the district stood at 3768, 162 and 60 respectively. Thus
the expansion of no. of schools for general education during the period
between 1947 and 1974 was about eight-fold in case of primary schools and
twelve-fold in case of High schools. In 1977-78 the number of primary,
middle and high schools were 3923, 290 and 81 respectively. The number of
enrollment of students during the year were 200138, 18799 and 15635
respectively. The following table presents the growth in number of primary,
middle and high schools and the enrolment of students at all levels shows
the pace of educational development.

Expansion of School Education in Koraput District between 1947-48

and 1977-78
Year Category of Schools No. of Schools Enrollment
1947-48 Primary School 482 15263
1977-78 3923 315443
1947-48 Middle Schools 13 906
1977-78 290 21174
1947-48 High Schools 05 1723
1977-78 81 17812
Source: Government of Odisha, 1979, P-22.

One important fact pertaining to expansion of school education

between 1947-48 and 1977-78 is that the number of students belonging to
Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes increased during the period, but
this was not at par with the non-ST or non-SC students. In the year 1947-48
the number of ST and SC students enrolled in primary schools in the district
were 3796 and 786 respectively out of which, the number of girls was 876
and 201 respectively. These figures rose to 75994 and 39311 respectively in
1977-78 and out of these the number in respect of girls was 19610 and
12001 respectively. The enrollment of ST & SC students in middle schools
rose from 14 and 25 in 1947-48 to 1282 and 1093 respectively in 1977-78.
Similarly in high schools the enrollment figures in respect of ST & SC
students rose form 17 and 93 in 1947-48 to 1037 and 1140 in 1977-78.
The next year i.e in 1978-79 the number of primary schools including
Sevashrams and Junior Basic schools was 4064 and enrollment in these
schools was 184723. The number of M.E. schools including Ashrams,
Kanyashrams and Senior Basic Schools in the district was 323 and the total
enrollment was 15859. The total number of high schools, higher Secondary
schools and Post Basic schools was 87 and the enrollment in these schools
was 15084. The enrollment of girl students in Primary, Middle English and
High schools was 59284, 4679 and 4358 respectively. This shows that there
is a growth both in number of schools and in enrollments.
439
 After division of the larger Koraput district, the present district is limited
to 14 Blocks and 4 urban areas. In 1992-93 the total number of primary
schools in the district was 1639 and the total enrollment was 76053 out of
which 25227 were girls. The number of M.E schools in the district was 191
and the enrollment was 32932 out of which 9658 were girls. Similarly the
number of secondary schools in the district was 71 and the enrollment was
15520 out of which 5937 were girls.
In 1999-2000 the number of primary schools was 1673 and the total
enrollment was 124485 out of which 56038 were girls. After eight years the
growth in number of primary schools is 2.03 %. Similarly the enrollment grew
st
by 38.90%. In the beginning of the 21 century i.e in 2000-2001 the number
of primary schools remained the same. But the enrollment rose to 150125
out of which the number of girls was 64761. Thus the enrollment grew by
17.07% and the increase of girl students was 13.46%.
The number of M.E schools in 1999-2000 was 206 and the enrollment
was 19967 out of which 7164 were girls. In 2000-2001the number of M.E
schools remained the same but the number of student rose to 21130 out of
which 7616 were girls. The increase in enrollment was 5.50% and for girl
students it was 5.93%. The number of secondary schools in 1999-2000 was
109 and the enrollment was 23782 out of which 8993 were girl students.
After eight years the growth in secondary schools was 27.52% and the
enrollment grew by 34.74% and in respect of girls it was 33.98%. The next
year i.e 2000-2001 the number of secondary schools grew to 111 and the
percentage of growth was 1.80. The enrollment grew to 24554 out of which
9377 were girls. The percentage of growth was 3.14 and in respect of girls it
was 4.09.
In 2010-11 the number of primary schools was 1744 out of which 16
were private schools. The growth in primary schools after a decade was
4.07%. The growth of schools in case of primary seemed not to be inspiring.
The enrollment in all categories of primary schools was 187482 out of which
90443 were girl students. The growth in enrollment was 19.92% and in
respect of girls it was 28.39%. This seemed to be encouraging. This year
30226 SC students and 105003 ST students were enrolled in these primary
schools. The number of middle schools was 854 out of which 18 were
private schools and the enrollment in those schools was 54186 out of which
23699 were girl students. The increase in enrollment after a decade was
61% and in respect of girls was 67.86%. 11681 SC students, 24565 ST
students were enrolled this year in M.E schools of the district. There were
137 Secondary Schools in 2010-11 in the district out of which 34 were
private schools. The total enrolment was 33827 out of which 13524 were

440
girls. The growth in number of schools was 18.97%, the growth in enrollment
was 68.56% and in respect of girls it was 30.66%. This year 8358 SC
students and 12900 ST students were studying in Secondary schools.
In 2014-15 the number of primary schools in the district was 1643 and
the numbers of Upper Primary schools were 808. The number in case of
primary schools decreased as some of such schools were upgraded to
Upper primary schools. The M.E schools were renamed as Upper Primary
schools. There are some Upper primary schools having class-VIII. The
enrollment in primary schools was 175529 out of which 85363 were girl
students. 33689 SC students and 101578 ST students were enrolled this
year. The growth rate in primary schools decreased by 5.79%. The
enrollment decreased by 6.37% and in respect of girl students it was 5.61%.
This decrease was due to the fact that some of the primary schools were
upgraded to upper primary schools which were previously named as M.E
schools. In such Upper primary schools the enrollment was 52023 out of
which 24975 were girl students. The SC & ST students enrolled were 11508
and 26837 respectively. The number of upper primary schools decreased
from 854 to 808 because of that some schools of this category were
upgraded to High schools. The enrollment also decreased by 3.99%. The
enrollment of girl students increased by 5.10% and decreased was found in
case of SC students by 1.48% but in case of ST students there was a growth
of 8.46%. There were 227 Secondary schools. This number includes
Government, Aided and Block grant schools. The enrollment in these
schools during the year 2014-15 was 30693 which included 13345 girl
students, 7223 SC students and 10906 ST students. The number in
secondary schools grew by 39.64% and enrollment decreased by 9.26% and
in respect of girls there was a decrease by 1.01%. This decreased is due to
the fact that the schools run by Scheduled Cast and Scheduled Tribe
Department were not included in the above figures.
During these few years a major change has been found in the pattern
and structure of schools. Some schools having 5 classes having I to V are
named as Primary schools, schools having 7 classes from I to VII a and 8
classes having I to VIII are named as Upper Primary Schools. There are also
schools called Project Upper Primary Schools having classes I to VII. There
are Secondary Schools having 5 classes from VI to X and 3 classes from VIII
to X. There are also certain schools having 10 classes from I to X which are
called Upgraded High Schools.
The change in administrative setup is also a major factor that has
impact on the system. Previously the entire school education of the district
was under the Inspector of Schools, Southern Circle, the head quarter of

441
which was at Berhampur, Ganjam up to 1961. Then the schools of Koraput
remained under the Inspector of Schools, Balangir circle. A new circle was
created only for Koraput district in 1967 and since then, all the schools of
Koraput district were under the control of the Inspector of Schools, Koraput
circle with, headquarter at Koraput. Again in 2013, due to reorganization
taken up by School and Mass Education Deartment, the post of the
Inspector of the Schools was designated as District Education Officer. As a
result, each of the newly formed district has its own District Education Officer
to supervise the school education of the district. Similarly the District
Inspector of School has been designated as Block Education Officer. Prior to
2012 there were only two District Inspectors of Schools, one at Jeypore and
the other at Koraput. Now each Block has a Block Education Officer. There
are 14 Block Education Officers for 14 Blocks of the district and they are the
controlling authority of the Elementary education of their respective Blocks.
Besides the above schools managed by the state Government there
are some other categories of schools in the district such as Kendriya
Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya and certain English medium schools.
There are two Kendriya Vidyalayas in the district. They run under
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India and are
affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi. The
Kendriya Vidyalaya at Koraput was established in the year 1979. It is a co-
educational school having standards from I to XII. The School is well
equipped with laboratories, library and toilets, both for boys and girls. The
second Kendriya Vidyalaya in the district is established at Sunabeda in the
year 1989. It is also a well-equipped institution. In addition to thse there are
15 English medium schools having classes up to X or XII and 4 English
medium schools having classes from I to VII waiting for upgradation. The
total enrollment in these schools during 2014-15 was 6166.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Landiguda, Koraput
The Navodaya Vidyalaya System is a unique experiment unparalleled
in the annals of school education in India and elsewhere. Jawahar Navodaya
Vidyalaya, Koraput was established in the year 1986 in accordance with the
National Policy on Education 1986. The main objective of the Vidyalaya is to
provide quality modern education predominantly to the rural talented children
and to promote national integration. Its motto is ―Come to Learn and Go to
Serve‖ It is a co-educational residential institution affiliated to CBSE, New
Delhi and running under Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, an autonomous
organization under Ministry of HRD, Department of Education, Government
of India.

442
 At present there are 532 (Boys-336 & Girls-196) students in the
Vidyalaya from Class-VI to XII with two streams i.e. Science and Humanities.
The Vidyalaya has well equipped Class rooms, Science Labs, Mathematics
Lab, Geography Lab, Computer Lab, Smart Class room, Resource room and
Library.
Ekalabya Vidyalaya
The State Govt. has opened two Ekalabya Vidyalayas, one at Pungar in
Pottangi Block and another at Kumbhariput in Bandhugaon Block. These two
th
schools also impart education to the tribal students up to 12 standard. They
follow the CBSE syllabus along with the course for HSC and HSSC of the
State Govt.
Gender and Inter-Caste Difference in Education and Measures to
Address Them
The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) scheme was launched
by the Government of India in August, 2004 for setting up of residential
schools at upper primary level for girls belonging predominantly to the SC,
ST, OBC and minorities in difficult areas. The scheme of the KGVY ran as a
separate scheme in harmony with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for the
st
first two years, but has since 1 April, 2007 merged with the SSA
programme as separate component of that programme.
The objective of KGBV is to ensure access and quality education to the
girls of disadvantaged groups of society by setting up residential schools at
upper primary level. 14 nos. of KGBVs have been set up to provide
elementary education to the drop outs or those never enrolled girls between
10-14 years.
Vocational training on self defense , exposure of girls at various levels
of competitions are few other measures taken by Govternent. to address
gender issues.
Measures taken under SSA to Address Inter-Caste Disparity in
Education
1. Training of Teachers on attitudinal issues (RUPANTAR).
2. Sensitization of Community through Caste –Counsel i.e. JATI
SHIKSHA SABHA.
3. Ensuring use of tribal language in teaching learning atmosphere to
minimize the gap between School language & home language.

443
4. Collection & preservation of children‘s folklore through SRUJAN
programme and development of supplementary reading materials in
local languages.
5. Development of supplementary reading materials ensures not only
enhancement of learning skills but also enrollment and attendances of
tribal children.
6. Multi-lingual Education has been implemented in 05 Tribal Languages
i.e. BHUMIA, BHATRA, GADABA, PARAJA & KUVI in Koraput District
since 2014-15.
7. Number of Schools taken up for implementation of MLE programmes
and language teachers posted to address language issue in schools
Children from well-to-do families are running after better institutions
offering different types of courses paying exorbitant fees. As a result,
different types of schools are coming-out for preparing students for various
examinations like HSC Examination conducted by the BSE, Odisha, CBSE
and ICSE etc. that encourages disparity in the society.
Growth of Literacy
In 1966 the total percentage of literacy in Koraput district was 8.2 out of
which for male it was 7.40 and for female 1.59. A total number of 127083
people were found literate and out of them 22397 were females. In rural
areas 96577 out of whom males and females were 83683 and 12894
respectively. In urban areas the total numbers of 30506 were literate out of
whom 21003 were males and 9503 were females.
In 1980-81 the percentage of literacy grew to 15.65. out of which male
literacy was 23.41 and female literacy was 7.94.In 1993 after division of the
district, the rate of literacy was 24.65 and in case of male literacy it was
33.99 and female literacy 15.16. After more than a decade the literacy grew
by a meager 9 percent.
st
In the beginning of the 21 century i.e in 2001 the rate of literacy was
35.72% and in case of males the literacy rate was 47.20 and for females
24.26.All along there is a wide gap in literacy between the gender.
After a decade in 2011 the rate of literacy in the district was.49.2% out
of which male literacy was 60.30 and female literacy was 38.60 according to
the census of India and collected through the source District Statistical
Handbook 2011. The increase of literacy rate after a decade is 13.48. The
literacy among males increased by 13.10 and in case of females it was
14.34. This year the state literacy was 73.45. The male literacy was 82.40
and female literacy was 64.36. Although the literacy in the district increased
444
during the decade it is not encouraging as the literacy in the district was less
by 24.25 % in comparison to the state literacy figure.
Both the State and the Central Government are taking up several major
schemes in the field of education especially in school education. Accordingly
the central Government sponsored the scheme of District Primary Education
Programme (DPEP) and was implemented in the State in two phases as a
major initiative to revitalize the primary education system in the state and to
achieve the objective of universalization of primary education. The first
phase was started in eight districts in the year 1996-97 and it was supported
by the World Bank. The second phase was implemented in another eight
districts from 2001 to 2008 and it was supported by the Department for
International Development (DFID). In the Second phase when it was
expanded to eight more districts, Koraput was one of these eight districts.
Similar activities like Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan (SSA) were being adopted in
primary level only. The original closing date for this programme was
November 2008. However this was extended up to March-2009.
Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan (SSA)
Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan is a programme of the Government of India for
achievement of Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE) as
mandated by 86th amendment to the Constitution of India making free and
compulsory Education to the Children of 6-14 years age group, a
Fundamental Right. It was implemented in partnership with State
Governments to cover the entire country. The programme seeks to open
new schools in the habitations where there are no schooling facilities. It aims
at strengthen existing school infrastructure through provision of additional
class rooms, toilets, drinking water etc.
The schools where there is inadequate teacher strength were provided
with additional teachers and the capacity of the teachers were strengthened
by extensive training, providing teaching-learning materials and
strengthening of the academic support structure at a cluster, block and
district level. The objective of Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan was to provide quality
elementary education including life skills. It also aimed at focusing on girl's
education and children with special needs.
Broad Strategies and Achievment of SSA in Koraput District
In Koraput district major strategies have been taken for making
necessary assessment to improve prevalent education system including
educational administration, achievement levels in schools, financial issues,
decentralization and community ownership, review of state Education Act,
rationalization of teacher deployment and recruitment of teachers, monitoring
445
and evaluation status of education of girls, SC/ST and disadvantaged
groups, policy regarding private schools and Early Childhood Care and
Education scheme (ECCE).
Community Ownership SSA- In Koraput preference is given to
community ownership of school-based interventions through effective
decentralization. For this purpose about 320 members of Panchayati Raj
Institution (PRI) have been trained for smooth management of Schools.
Improvement in quality Education SSA is an initiative to universalize
and improve the quality of elementary education through district based
decentralized, content specific planning and implementation strategy. The
programme has achieved remarkable successes in strengthening resource
group, teacher empowerment, classroom process, Learning enhancement
program, Learners assessment and Tele conferencing innovation.
Transparency
The Educational Management Information System (EMIS) will correlate
school level data with community-based information form micro planning and
surveys. Besides this, every school has been instructed to share all
information with the community, including grants received during their
monthly sharing meeting. For this purpose a notice board would be put up in
every school.
Habitation as a Unit Planning
The SSA, Koraput has been working on a community based approach
for planning, taking a habitation as a unit. Habitation plans will be the basis
for formulating district plans.
Accountability SSA, Koraput always envisages cooperation between
teachers, parents and PRIs, as well as accountability and transparency to
the community.
Priority to education for all girls, especially those belonging to the
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Minorities, is considered as
one of the principal concerns in Sarva Shisksha Abihyan.
Focus on Special Groups SSA- Koraput district has focused on the
inclusion and participation of children from SC/ ST, minority groups, urban
deprived children disadvantaged groups and the children with special needs,
in educational process.
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009
The Eighty Sixth Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21-A in the
Constitution of India to provide free and compulsory education of all children
446
in the age group of six to fourteen years as a Fundamental Right. The Right
of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, declares
that every child has a right to full time elementary education of satisfactory
and equitable quality in a formal school which satisfies certain essential
norms and standards. This elementary education must be Compulsory and
free. The Act prohibits (a) physical punishment and mental harassment, (b)
screening procedures for admission of children, (c) capitation fees, (d)
private tuition by teachers (e) running of schools without recognition. It also
provides for development of curriculum in consonance with the values
enshrined in the Constitution, and which ensure all round development of
the child, building knowledge, potentiality and talent and making the child
free of fear, trauma and anxiety and to achieve this the system of learning
should be child friendly and child centered.
Drop out Rate
In Elementary level several measures are taken during the last few
years by both the State and Central Governments to bring all the children of
6 to 14 year age group to the school. Mid day meals are provided to
children of this age group in elementary schools, Text books and school
uniforms are supplied to children free of cost. Pre Matric scholarship is given
to children belonging to SC and ST. Still then dropout is found in schools of
this tribal region due to several causes. But the dropout rate is decreasing
gradually over years . In 2010-11 this rate was 1.971%, whereas in 2014-15
it decreased to 0.314%. which is encouraging.
Rastriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA)
RMSA is the first large scale intervention for universalizing access to
and quality of secondary education. This programme is launched by the
Government of India throughout the country in 2012. The programme
ensures physical facilities, staff and supplies of reading and teaching
materials in all secondary schools, according to the prescribed standards
through financial support. This will improve access to secondary schooling to
all young people according to the norms of secondary schools within 5 kms.
and higher secondary schools within 7-10 kms delivering secondary
education of good quality to all, irrespective of gender, socioeconomic,
disability and other barriers; It aims at enhancing intellectual, social and
cultural learning in secondary schooling. The implementation of RMSA in
Odisha has resulted in the introduction of new strategies and innovative
experiences in the realm of Secondary Education. It has also brought in a
new perspective on special focus groups – girls, children with special needs,
SC, ST & RM Children. The vision of this programme is to make good
quality education available, accessible and affordable to all young people
447
within the age of 14-18 years. Measures are taken for expansion and
strengthening of existing Secondary Schools & Higher Secondary Schools in
the district.by (a) Up gradating the Upper Primary Schools. (b) Up gradating
the existing Secondary Schools to Higher Secondary Schools. (c) Setting up
of new Schools in un-served areas.
Steps have been taken for providing required infrastructure in
secondary schools, improved teaching learning processes and making the
environment conducive to learning, reviewing curriculum to meet the
National Curriculum Framework 2005 norms; and for bringingequity,
decency and privacy, separate toilets for girls in schools, facilities for the
differently abled children. Similarly, lodging and boarding facilities,
scholarship and cash incentives to disadvantaged groups of students like
girls, SC, ST, OBC and minority community are to be provided.
The gender gap is 22%. In literacy. Literacy rate among the Tribals is
low and it is lower in case of women as per the 2011 census. The census of
2011 also reveals that the dropout rare in upper primary schools in the
district was 16.98% even though the percentages of literacy grew from 36.20
% in 2001 to 49.87% in 2011. While thinking over the fact the first and
foremost reason that comes to mind is the poverty of this tribal region.
Parents generally engage their children for earning their livelihood. The girl
child stays at home to look after the younger siblings so that the parents may
go out to work. People in remote areas are not aware of the value of
education. They also do not know the facilities that the government is
providing to their children if they come to school. The Social status
accompanied by the economic condition of the people of the district
particularly the tribals is the sole reason that hinders the growth of education
in the region. Non availability of trained teachers adds to this problem.
However, the school and Mass Education Department of the state has taken
suitable steps for the training of hundred percent of teachers through Distant
education mode. Under the Sarva Sikhya Abhiyan Schemes new schools
have been opened and teachers appointed. But they do not run regularly
and systematically. In some remote villages although there are schools, the
teachers remain absent for days together. It is due to lack of residential
facilities for the teachers and also due to lack of communication facilities
even for a two wheeler to these areas. The distance from the urban
localities is also a hindrance for the teachers to be regular in their duties.
Now the Government have taken steps to establish residential schools with
residential quarters attached to them. One may expect that the problem of
residential facility for teachers may be solved. This will also create an
academic atmosphere in the residential schools that will attract children from
the rural areas. There will be no need for building school building in small
448
and scattered villages and appointing teachers for each of the schools where
the role generally remains 20-25 only.Another important factor is that unlike
other Schools of the state the students of this region where they speak their
own languages that have difference in between themselves and they do not
understand the teachers language i.e. Odia too. The teachers also fail to
speak and understand the local languages. So it creates a gap in between
the students and the teacher. Difference in languages is a hinderance to the
learning process. Taking this problem in to consideration the teachers in this
region have been directed to learn the tribal languages of the locality where
they have been posted. Now the department has engaged 358 nos. of multi
language Sikhya Sahayaks in such Schools of the district where the strength
of the Tribal student is more.
Out of total 1643 nos. of primary schools in the district only 56 nos. of
schools are having sanctioned post of headmasters. Similarly for 808 upper
primary schools only 208 headmaster posts have been sanctioned. As many
as 173 nos.of Government. High Schools no head master posts have been
sanctioned. They are functioning without regular Head masters. Most of
such Schools are waiting for filling up of teachers‘ posts too. In this tribal
area the students must be prepared for self employment by facilitating them
by providing vocational education in +2 level which is highly essential.
After establishment of a no of high schools in the district more students
have been enrolled. More emphasis is now given on quality education. In the
year 2010 the percent of result in High School Certificate Examination was
63.86% which was less than the state level result i.e. 71.74%.
But in 2015 the result of the HSC Examination increased to 87.24%
where as the state average was 82.56%.
Mid-day-meal programme is carried out in all Government Aided and
Government School, S&ME and SSD Departments. For students from class-
th
I to class-8 . In 2698 Schools 2, 14,306students have been provided with
Mid-day-meals in the year 2015. 1857 nos. of kitchen sets have already
been constructed with a objective to 100 % coverage of all the schools. The
nutritious feeding encourages students and it increases enrollment.
The rate of literacy in Koraput district is much less in comparison to the
other districts of the state. In Koraput it is 49.87 % against the state average
of 73.45%. The gender gap in literacy is 22%. Literacy rate among the
Tribals is striking low and it is lower in case of women as per the 2011
census. The census of 2011 also reveals that the dropout rare in upper
primary schools in the district was 16.98% even though the percentages of
literacy grew from 36.20 % in 2001 to 49.87% in 2011. While thinking over

449
the fact, the first and foremost reason that comes to mind is the poverty in
this tribal region. Parents generally engage their children for earning their
livelihood. The girl child stays at home to l00k after the younger ones so that
the parents may go out to work. People in remote areas are not aware of the
value of education. They also do not know the facilities that the government
is providing to their children if they come to school. The Social status
accompanied by the economic condition of the people of the district
particularly the tribals is the sole reason that hinders the growth of education
in the region. Non availability of trained teachers adds to this problem.
However the school and Mass Education Department of the state has taken
suitable steps for the training of hundred percent of teachers through
Distant education mode under the Sarva Sikhya Abhiyan Schemes new
schools have been opened and teachers appointed. But they do not run
regularly and systematically. In some remote villages although there are
schools, the teachers remain absent for days together. It is due to lack of
residential facilities for the teachers and also due to lack of communication
facilities for at least a two wheeler to these areas.The distance from the
urban localities is also a hindrance for the teachers to be regular in their
duties. Now the Government has taken steps to establish residential
schools with residential quarters attached to them. One may expect that the
problem of residential facility for teachers may be solved. This will also
create an academic atmosphere in the residential schools that will attract
children from the rural areas. There will be no need for building school
building in small and scattered villages and appointing teachers for each of
the schools where the role generally remains 20-25 only. Another important
factor is that unlike the other Schools of the state the students of this region
where they speak their own languages that have difference in between
themselves and they do not understand the teachers language i.e. Odia too.
The teachers also fail to speak and understand the local languages. So it
creates a gap in between the students and the teacher. Difference in
languages abstracts the learning process.Taking this problem in to
consideration the teachers in this region have been directed to learn the
tribal languages of the locality where they have been posted. Now the
department has engaged 358 nos. of multi language Sikhya Sahayaks in
such Schools of the district where the strength of the Tribal student is more.
Out of total 1643 nos. of primary schools in the district only 56 nos. of
schools are having sanctioned post of Headmasters. Similarly for 808 upper
primary schools only 208 Headmaster posts have been sanctioned. As many
as 173 Govt. High Schools no Head master posts have been sanctioned.
They are functioning without regular Head Masters . Most of such Schools
are waiting for filling up of teachers‘ posts too. In this tribal area the students
450
must be prepared for self employment by facilitating them by providing
vocational education in +2 level which is highly essential.
After establishment of a number of High schools in the district more
students have been enrolled. More emphasis is now given on quality
education. In the year 2010 the percent of pass result in High School
Certificate Examination was 63.86% which was less than the state level
result i.e. 71.74%.
But in 2015 the result of the HSC Examination improved to 87.24%
where as the state average was 82.56%.
Mid-day-meal programme is carried out in all Government Aided and
Government School, S&ME and SSD Departments. For students from class-
th
I to class-8 . In 2698 Schools 2, 14,306students have been provided with
Mid-day-meals in the year 2015. 1857 nos. of kitchen sets have already
been constructed with a objective to 100 % coverage of all the schools. The
nutritious feeding encourages students and it increases enrollment.
Government Polytechnic College, Rondapalli, Jeypore
This institute is established in year 2014. It offers courses in Civil,
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering carrying 60 seats in each branch. The
total enrolment is 216 in the year 2014-15.
In addition to above premier technical institutions there are eleven
Industrial Training Centres / Industrial Training Institute in the district.
Higher Education
The area of Higher Education caught no notice of either the
Government or the elite people of this region for a long period of time. Very
few students of rich parents were going outside the district for higher
education. After independence, a College was established at Jeypore with
local efforts in 1947 and was named ―Vikram Dev College‖ after the
Maharaja of Jeypore who was alive by that time. One of the few persons
fighting for separate state of Odisha late Harihara Mishra, who was a close
associate of the Maharaja, was the Chairman of the Jeypore Municipality
who took initiatives for its establishment. It was an Intermediate College for
some time, then a Degree College having both Arts and Science streams.
For many years it was the only College of this region till a non-Govt. College
was started at Koraput by the Dayananda Anglo Vedic (DAV) trust in 1968.
Later, it was taken over by the State Government in 1974. Similarly the first
Women‘s College was started at Jeypore in 1979 through non-governent.
efforts and after a few years in 1983 it was taken over by the State
Government. The Second Women‘s College in the district was a Junior

451
College established by the state Govt. at Koraput in 1991 which still
continuing as a Junior College.
At present a total number of 15 Degree Colleges are functioning in the
District. There are also a few plus two colleges in the district and out of those
five colleges are run by State Government. All others are private colleges.
College of Teacher Education
There is a College of Teacher Education in the district head quarter of
Koraput for preparing teachers for Secondary Schools. It was established in
1981 and the State Government took over this college in 1990. The students
used to take training for one year after completion of which they have to
appear for the Bachelor degree examination in education. Since 2014-15
students are enrolled for a two year course. The present capacity of the
College is 100. In 2014-15 there were 98 students in the first year class and
they are continuing in the second year. The College is affiliated to the
Berhampur University.
Central University of Odisha, Koraput
The Central University of Odisha was established by parliament under
the Central Universities Act, 2009 (No. 3C of 2009) by Govt. of India,
situated at Koraput Town. The territorial jurisdiction of the Central University
of Odisha is the whole of the Odisha. It is one of 15 new Central Universities
established by the Government of India during the UGC XI Plan period to
address the concerns of ―equity and access‖ and as per the policy of the
Government of India to increase the access to quality higher education by
people in less educationally developed districts which have a Graduate
Enrollment Ratio of less than the national average of 11%. Koraput region is
an underdeveloped region of the State of Odisha. This district is known for
tribal culture, because the majority of the people here belong to ST and SC
categories. Since there was no university set up in this region the Central
University was proposed. The University imparts courses in the following
braches of knowledge.
School of Languages
1. Centre for Odia Language & Literature (COLL)
2. Centre for English Language & Literature (CELL)
School of Social Sciences
1. Centre for Sociological Studies (CSS)
2. Centre for Anthropological Studies (CAS)

452
School of Education & Education Technology
1. Centre for Journalism & Mass Communication (CJMC)
2. Centre for Teacher Education (CTE)
School of Basic Sciences & Information Sciences
1. Centre for Mathematics (CM)
School of Biodiversity & Conservation of Natural Resources
1. Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation of Natural Resources
School of Development Studies
1. Centre for Economics (CE)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centre,
Koraput
Koraput region of IGNOU cuts across two states, such as Odisha and
Chhattishgarh with a total of 12 districts in its operational jurisdiction. Now,
the region has been formed by taking the adjoining low literacy tribal
districts- 6 from Odisha and 6 from Chhattisgarh. Six districts of Odisha that
come under this region are Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri,
Kalahandi and Nuapada. Regional centre, Koraput came into being in
September 2005 after being upgraded from Sub-regional centre that had
been established in February 2004. Since inception of the Sub-regional
Centre at Koraput, student enrolment has also been steadily increasing.
Presently it is functioning through 49 Learner support centers spread over all
the corners of the region out of which 8 are Regular Study centers, 14
Programme Study Centers and 27 Special Study Centers situated in
Colleges. Koraput Regional Centre of IGNOU offers all major Academic
Programmes like, BA, B.Com, B.Sc., BCA, BSW, MA (History, Economics,
Political Science, Hindi, English, Sociology, Computer Applications, Rural
Development, Social Work, Public Administration etc.), MBA, BED.With
support from District Administration, Educational Institutions and Non-
Governmental organizations the Centre has been able to reach out to the
hitherto unreached tribal and rural pockets in the region with good student
participation over the years.
Technical Education
1. Gopabandhu Industrial Training Institute (GIIT), Ambaguda
G.I.T.I., Ambaguda is one of the premier Industrial Institution in the
State. This was the first technical Institution of Koraput district. It was
established by Govt. of India during 1969 and subsequently handed over to
453
State Govt. in 1975. Now this institution is functioning under Directorate of
Employment and Technical Education & Training, Odisha. It imparts
Craftsman Training (C.T.) in 11 numbers of trades under CTS pattern. In
addition to this this institution also imparts training in some informal Sectors
such as Training under Employment Mission, Training to people ousted out
of their lands because of projects, candidates sponsored by different
Companies, Training under Modular Employable Skill (MES) under the Skill
Development Initiative (SDI). This institute plays a key role in providing
technicians to the industries of this district.
2. Sidhartha Institute Of Engineering and Technology (Polytechnic)
It provides only diploma course in branches like Civil, Electrical,
Mechanical and Electronics and Telecommunication. This institute is
affiliated to Directorate of Technical Education and Training, Cuttack and
recognized by All India Council for Technical Education (A.I.C.T.E), New
Delhi. It was established in 2008.
3. Jeypore School of Engineering and Technology, Rondapalli
Jeypore School of Engineering & Technology was established in 2007.
This institute is accredited to the State Council of Technical Education and
recognized by the All India Council of Technical Education, New Delhi. The
vision of this College is to transform the diploma course into corresponding
Bachelor and Post Degree courses retaining the basic diploma courses.
This College is offering Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering,
Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
and Computer Science and Engineering. The present roll strength of all
branches of this institute is 142.
4. Samanta Chandra Sekhar Institute of Technology and
Management, Semiliguda
This institute is one of the premier technical institutes in south Odisha.
It was started in the year 2001. This institute offers wide range of courses in
the field of Engineering both Degree and Diploma. The programs offered are
Computer Science. & Engineering, Electronics and Communication
Engineering, Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. This institute is
affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha and recognised by
All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE)
5. Gopal Krushna College of Engineering and Technology, Jeypore
This institute was established in 1999. It offers both Diploma and
Degree courses in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and

454
Communication Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The four year B.
Tech Programme is affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology,
Rourkela and the Diploma programme is approved by AICTE, recognized by
Govt. of Orissa. The total number of students enrolled in the year 2014-15 is
611 both in Degree and Diploma branches.
6. Jeypore College of Pharmacy, Rondapalli, Jeypore
The Jeypore College of Pharmacy founded in the year 2001, has today
grown to become one of the forefront educational institutes in KBK Districts.
The institute is managed by Banagiri Development Trust. It is teeming with
academic research, medicinal garden, canteen, playground and personal
development activities. The Institute offers 2 year D. Pharm, four year B.
Pharm and 2 year M. Pharm (Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical
Analysis & Quality Assurance, Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology) course
complying with the norms of AICTE & PCI. The institution is approved by All
India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Pharmacy Council of India
(PCI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Orissa and
affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha & Orissa State
Board of Pharmacy, Odisha.
7. Government Polytechnic College, Rondapalli, Jeypore
This institute is established in year 2014. It offers courses in Civil,
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering carrying 60 seats in each branch. The
total enrolment is 216 in the year 2014-15.
In addition to above premier technical institutions there are some
Industrial Training Centres / Industrial Training Institute in the district.
Research Institution
Council of Analytical Tribal Studies (COATS) is a premier Research
cum Academic Institute in the field of Tribal Studies. It is a registered body
situated in Koraput town in Koraput district which is in the heart of the
Central Tribal belt of the country. This institute started functioning in the year
1991-92. The Institution offers courses in M.A and M.Phil. in tribal studies
and is affiliated to Berhampur University, Odisha. It has taken up a number
of research studies on various aspects of this tribal region entrusted by
Planning and Coordination Department, Government of Odihsa, Planning
Commission, Government of India and Central Statistical Organisation,
Government of India form time to time. Till 2014-15 a number of 113
candidates have received M.Phil. Degree and 10 candidates have received
Ph.D. Degree from Berhampur University through this Institute. It is a non-

455
profit making entity and enjoys a good reputation in the Koraput region as
well as the State of Odihsa and the country as a whole.
Special Schools
There is a school for the Blind at Koraput and a school at Sunabeda for
the Deaf and Dumb. Both the institutions are being aided by the State Govt.
Similarly a Special School financed by the State Govt. is at Koraput for
mentally retarded children.
Spread of Education among Tribes and Backward Classes
After independence, the State Government. felt the need of better
education among the ST in the State, as the number of educational
institutions run by the School & Mass Education Department couldn‘t cater to
the services in tribal concentrated areas. Koraput district concentrated with
Scheduled tribes and Scheduled Castes was facilitated with Sevashrams i.e.
the primary educational institutes without residential facility since the year
1952 by the Tribal and Rural Welfare Department (later named as S.T & S.C
Development Department) for rapid spread of education. The Sevashrams
are recognized as equivalent to Primary Schools under Education
Department. Owing to the geographical condition and lack of proper
communication at that time, to facilitate the ST/SC students of distance
villages, the need of residential facility was felt and the residential
Sevashrams started functioning from the year 1956. The said Sevashrams
and Residential Sevashrams functioned with Lower Primary (class I to III)
and Upper Primary (class I to V). Subsequently some of the Residential
Sevashrams were upgraded to Ashram Schools to facilitate Middle standard
education (up to Class VII) to the ST/SC students. Further some of the
Ashram Schools established exclusively for girls were named as
Kanyashram.
Prior to 1963-64, newly organized Koraput district was facilitated with 5
Primary Sevashrams, 2 Residential Sevashrams, 2 Ashrams Schools and
one Kanyashrams. The number of ST/SC students on roll was 718 (652
boys and 66 girls) and number of teachers was 17. Besides the above one
Sevak Talim Kendra for training of primary school teachers of the
department was made functional at Sunabeda in the year 1948. Latter on
the ET Training Centre was shifted to Bissamcuttack (now under Rayagada
district) and one Ashram School was opened at Sunabeda in the year 1968,
with the available infrastructure. Upgrading the Boraguda Kanyashram, the
first Girls High School for tribal girs in the district started functioning in the
1956. Construction of Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project (1975-1993)
affected the area and the Boraguda Girls High School was first shifted to

456
Deoghati during the year 1984 and later to Subai in Semiliguda Block in the
year 1992-93. Thereafter, at different phases the number of institutions of
the department increased and the schools also were upgraded from
Residential Sevashram to Ashram Schools, Kanyashram & Ashram Schools
to High Schools for providing primary to higher secondary education to the
students of weaker sections in one campus. All these efforts could not check
the dropout rate among SC and ST students. Children from remote pockets
were deprived of upper primary and secondary education and all these lead
to high rate of dropout. It was assessed that dropout rate was more than
50% and the need of residential education for SC and ST students was
seriously thought. Govt. felt the need of more departmental institutions with
adequate residential facilities to address the high rate of dropout among S.T
and S.C students in the district. Thereafter, between the year 1985-86 to
1995-96, Govt. focused on more residential facility to ST/SC students by
upgrading and creating more number of High Schools, Girls High Schools in
the district. Additional hostel facilities were created for primary school SC/ST
students with sanction of 196 Low Cost Hostels (now called Primary School
Hostel with 40 boarder strength under one hostel for each GP norm) during
the year 1984-85 and attached to different Tribal Dept. Schools as well to
the schools run by the S & ME Department. By end of the year 1992-93,
newly reorganized Koraput district was left with 13 High Schools, 4 Girls
High Schools, 11 Ashram Schools, 2 Kanyashrams, 10 Residential
Sevashrams and 100 Sevashrams. The roll strength during the year (1992-
93) was 4950 (ST boys-3550, St Girls-990, SC Boys-320 & Sc Girls-90). In
comparison to 1963-64 to 1992-93, the situation of tribal education in the
district marginally increased and dropout rate could be reduced to 18 to
19%. All those efforts could not bring desirable change in girl education of
backward community and in the corresponding year, their literacy rate stood
at 8 to9 % only.
From the year 2000 onwards upliftment of girl education, especially
among the ST/SCs, was a concern of the State Government. During the year
2002-03, 105 KBK Girls Hostels with an intake capacity 40 boarders were
opened exclusively for the ST girls of the district, under which 4200 ST girls
were provided with additional residential facility in addition to normal
sanctioned strength of boarders in the school of Tribal Department. Similarly,
to accommodate more tribal girls, during the year 2007-08, 7 Girls High
Schools from class VI to X and during the year 2013-14, 4 Girls High
Schools were opened in those blocks where Girls High Schools were not
available. These new high schools attracted 2035 girl (ST-1850 + SC-185)
boarders for their residential upper primary and secondary education in this
district. Besides the above, between the year 2007-08 to 2013-14,

457
Government sanctioned 324 no. of 100 seated hostels to the district with an
intention to create more residential facilities to the SC and ST students. Out
of the above, 168 hundred seated hostels were made functional and
attached to schools run by SC & STDevelopment Department, S & M E
Department and to different Colleges of the district, and the remaining
hostels are under construction.18,400 S.C and ST students were provided
residential education facility in the above 168 100 seated hostels. The High
Schools of School and Mass Education Department having adequate
infrastructure were also encouraged for functioning of recognized hostels
with due approval of the District Education Officer, Koraput to increase their
enrollment, to check the dropout as well as to create more residential facility
for the SC/ST students.
During the year 2000-01, Govt. in ST SC Development, Odisha
established one Ekalbya Model Residential School (EMRS) with the
assistance of Ministry of Tribal Affairs department, Government of India.
Initially, the school started functioning in the campus of Govt. High School,
Sunabeda with class VI. The infrastructure of the EMRS was developed at
Pungar under Semiliguda Block and the institution shifted to Pungar during
2006-07. 200 Boys and 200 Girls are prosecuting their residential education
there from VII to Plus two standards (+2 Science). Similarly, the Govt. SSD
High School at Kumbhariput under Bandhugaom Block has been upgraded
to Higher Secondary School in the year 2006-07 and 213 SC and ST
students were facilitated with +2 Science and Commerce streams in the said
institution.
By end of the year 2015-16, the district has been facilitated with 72
Sevashrams, 47 Ashram Schools, 35 High Schools, (Girls High Schools-18,
Co-Education High Schools-4 and Boys High Schools-13). All these
institutions and additional hostels could cater to educational needs of
residential students of 48,690 ST and SC categories in the district besides
day scholars of 6278 boys and 5226 girls of backward community.
(Boarders, ST Girls-25269, ST Boys-19099, SC Girls-2236 and SC Boys-
2086) The above strength clearly indicates that more efforts were made for
the girls‘ education in the district.659 Teachers of all category are working in
the schools run by the department. Engagement of more teachers is under
process.
During the current year 2015-16, Govt. of Odisha launched a new
Programme ―ANVESHA‖ the urban education programme for ST and SC
students. The programme aims at quality education of ST and SC students
in Public Schools located in urban locations. Under the programme, 34
students (27 ST and & 7 SC) students were enrolled in the Vikash Vidyalay,

458
English medium school located at Koraput district head quarters, for the first
year.
Facilities like Pre-Matric Scholarships, Post-Matric Scholarships,
uniforms, reading writing materials, amenities, subsidized rice and health
care etc. are extended from the Govt., for not only to bring the SC and ST
students to schools but also ensuring the quality education among them.
Besides the above, financial support is extended to the ST and SC
students for prosecution of higher studies like Medical, Engineering and
other civil examinations.

PART II

LITERATURE

Eminent Writers and Poets of Koraput District

Erstwhile larger Koraput District was situated at the Southern part of
Odisha adjoining Khamam district of Telengana, East Godavari District of
Andhra Pradesh and Bastar District of Chatisgarh. It occupies a major
portion of the ancient Dandakaranya famous in the epic of the Ramayana
and also Mahakantar of the early history. The whole district, as a part of the
Eastern ghat Range of mountain is full of hills and mountains and dense
forests as well with flora and fauna that magnificently allure the creative
minds of poets, artists and writers. This is the reason why every tribal child of
this beautiful land is gifted with an ability of composing poems instantly and
singing them orally, a special form of art found among tribal young men and
women of this region. As they were all in oral format and could not be
recorded for the future, thousands of such songs have been composed,
sung and forgotten in course of time. Stories have been created, told,
survived in the memory of the listeners and transmitted to next generation.
Those which survived till today are found as oral Puranas of the specific
community.
It is believed that ancient sages like Vasistha, Viswamitra, Parsuram,
Parasara and Valmiki built their Ashrams in this Aranyak land, composed
mantras for the Vedas and Slokas for the epics like the Ramayana. It is said
that Kalidas wrote his Khandakabya Meghadootam being fascinated by the
floating clouds lashing against the Ramagiri Hills in Boipariguda Block. The
enchanting beauty of nature of this region gripped the attention of poet
Prabir Sen of the fourth Century AD and ignited his poetic spirit and brought
him name and fame. This beautiful land with its innocent tribal people and
459
their varied culture has not only created poets but also encouraged learning
in the various branches.
th
There is no doubt that from the epic period till the 18 Century Koraput
region might have given birth to hundreds of writers but they have not been
able to come to lime light due to lack of facilities for publication. Therefore,
tracing their names and their writings and collecting them, have become a
herculean task. Nothing has been done in this context. As discussed earlier
they were mostly in oral form of items. As a result, they could not be made
available for the present generation.
Poets and writers
Late Jogi Praharaj
He was believed to be a contemporary of King Vikram of Nandapur. He
was an established popular writer of the then Korapurt District not only for
his poetic activities but also for his writings on Aurvedie treatment and
medicines.‗Vaidya Hrudayananda‘ and ‗Baidyalackar‘. These two books in
Sanskrit are considered as valuable writings of this time.
Late Bipra Bhagirathi
From his writing ‗Saibottar Purana‘ it is known that the poet had been
appointed as one of the pundits in the court of King Ramachandra Dev II, the
then King of Nandapur Kingdom. His writings envisage the beauty and
bounties of Nandapur Kingdom, its tourist places and the importance of the
deities of the area. It conveys the idea that how unprecedented thought and
action of human beings are the cause of their sufferings. He was a notable
poet of his time. His work has been preserved in the State Museum,
Bhubaneswar.
Late Ballava Narayana Behera Patro
th
He was born in Jeypore during the last decades of 18 Century and by
virtue of his poetic activity he could win the post of the prime poet of
Nandapur Kingdom. Credit goes to him for his three valuable books; ―Shiva
Geeta, Bishnu Purana, and Tirtha Chintamani‖.
Late Devdas
th
Popular poet of Kotpad area was born in the first half of 18 Century
and he is still alive in the hearts of the local people as they recite his famous
verse from his precious writing ―Gopika Sailodi‖.

460
 th
Writers of 19 century and their creations
Late Rajashree Vikram Dev Verma
Rajashree Vikram Dev Verma was one among the famous poets and
writers of this century who contributed to the treasure Odia literature. He
was a scholar in Sanskirt, Odia and Telugu as well as wrote poems, stories,
plays and sloaks which were published both in telugu and odia news papers
and periodicals of that time. Most of his odia writings had been collected by
the famous writer Late Gopinath Mohanty and had published in the title
―Vikram Verma Rachanali in two big volumes. The first volume contains
hundreds poems, sloaks, chaupadis along with two plays ―Budha Charita‖
nd
and ―Utkal Kundamala‖ where as in the 2 volume a biography of the King
written by Dr. Radha Charan Panda and a book on Jeypore written by Kabi
Sekhar Chintamani Mohanty have been included along with a number of
Prose and Poetry work of Vikram Verma.
Late Mahamohapdhaya Bidya Bhusan Ramanath Nanda Sharma
He was one of the prominent writers of this century who had shown his
outstanding talent in contributing his writings both in Sanskrit and Odia
languages for which he had earned name and fame all over India. He was a
native of Jeypore (1901-1979) who was an extra-ordinary talent. He was
famous for his great work ―Jeypore Rajabansabali‖, annotations pundit and
occupied the higher annotation of ―Geeta Seeta Ballabha‖, Shatartha
Padyam, Vikram Panchashabdi, Tirthakastakam Vikram Varnamala in
Sanskrit language.
Late Kumar Vidyadhar Singhdeo
Although the writer was born in Sadheikala, after completion of his
education, he married to the daughter of Maharaja Vikram Dev after which
he came to Jeypore and stayed here at the palace. He was known as Kumar
Saheb. He was a famous historian and an archaeologist. He had published
his research work and essays in different periodicals and magazines and
earned name and fame. He was the Editor of the English monthly magazine
th
―Vaitarani‖ published during the first half of the 20 century. He had written
―Nandapur A Forsaken Kingdom‖, a very valuable book on the history of
Nandapur Kingdom.Late Kabi Magatu Panda.
Late Magatu panda- he was born in the district of ganjam in the last
th
decades of the 19 century and came to jeypore in the year 1918 to work as
a priest in a temple. He was a versatile poet of humorous poems who used
to compose verses instantly. He is still remembered in the area for his
creativity as his voice still flows from the mouth in the locality.

461
Late Harihara Nanda
He was a pundit in the court of the King of Jeypore and his books
―Sankhipta Devi Bhagabata and Nityakarma Vichara are his contributions.
Late Bidya Bhaskar Binayak Rath
He was a scholar in Tantra and Yoga, a brilliant personality of Jeypore.
He was famous for his work like ―Tantrasara Digdarshan‖ and ―Bhedabhada
Bichara‖.
Late Gourachandra Samantaroy
Born in Kumuli, he could establish himself as a famous scholar in the
court of Vikram Dev, who appointed him at a convener of poets in the poetic
conferences. He was well known as Chand Master in the locality and had
been famous for his simple verses. His only collection of verses ―Malatimala‖
to his credit.
Among the other poets and writers whose writings adored the news
th
papers, journals and other publications of the 19 century were late
Vaidyaraja Binayak Mohapatro, Baidyanath Mohapatro, Pundit Krushnanada
Shastri, Banamali Rath, Damodara Brahma, Gopinath Pujari and Late
Govinda Mishra.
th
Writers and Poets of 20 century and their credentials
Late Shimadri Moharana
He was one of the eminent poets who had devoted his life for the
development of art and literature in Koraput district. He was a sculpture and
architect of Vikram Art School at Jeypore. He had written a lot of poems and
verses, but they have not yet been published
Late Rajendra Samantray
He was a theatrical personality born in Kumuli. He was written
―Srikrushna Leela‖ and opera ballet which was being played in different
places of Odisha. He had written several plays usually played in the rural
areas and are known as ―Desia Nata‖ that enchants audience with their
marvelous type of narration, sweet songs and unique dialogues.
Late V. Venkat Ramulu
He was the writer of the play ―Nauka Bhanga‖ a translation from Telugu
and he was felicitated by Govt. of Odisha for his writings. Although he was a
Telugu by birth his love for Odia literature is really praiseworthy.

462
Late Lakshmi Narayana Mohanty
The poet has left an indelible mark in the literary field for his book
named ―Rasakeli‖ in Desia language which was highly acclaimed by the
tribal people. His poetry ―Sukanya‖ has remained unpublished.
Late Rampadhi
He was a prominent personality from Narayanpatna, an interior place of
Koraput district, who had mastery over thirteen Indian languages. He will be
ever remembered for his active role in the upliftment, spread and
development of Odia language and literature. He had set up a press in his
area and published a journal named ―Prabhati‖ in which he not only
published his poems, comics and translations from other languages but also
had encouraged other contemporary writers. Many of his articles have been
published in different newspapers in a pseudonym. He was a poet, story
writer, translator, press manager, farmer, teacher and a social worker, a rare
versatile personality.
Late Gopinath Mohanty
The most well known novelist of the time, Gopinath Mohanty wrote his
famous novels Paraja, Matimatala, Dadibudha and Shibu Bhai during his
stay at Koraput. The writer made Koraput famous through his writings and
at the same time Koraput with her nature, characters and places amidst
nature created in him and made him such a great novelist.
Late Kanhucharan Mohanty
While he was working as a Govt. official in Koraput district, he could not
resist this feeling at the sight of natural beauty of Koraput and wrote his
famous novel. ―Tamasatire‖
Late Lala Lambodara Singh Deo
Nick named as Baba Saheb, his contribution to literary world was
immense. He was a play writer, a drama director, an editor and a writer of
children literature. He had his contribution to the store house of Odia
literature by his plays and poems. His famous plays were ―Shunyadaka‖
August 15‖ Mebar Patana and poem ―Kabita Stabaka‖.
Late Ramnath Panda
Story writer and novelist Late Ramnath Panda had immense
contribution towards spread and development of Odia literature within
region. He was the founder of Jeypore Sahitya Parishad, Bikash Press and
Bikash Pratisthan and he was sincerely working for printing, publishing and
sale of Odia books. He was also the publisher and editor of Odia fortnightly
463
journal Sahitya Samachar. He had written several novels like ―Daiba Daudi‖
Padma Banara Pratirakhya, Gana Yangnara Nayak and Adrushya Asirvada‖.
His play ―Brata Bhanga‖ was highly appreciated during his time.
Late Nimei Charan Sahu (Nimei Bhai)
He spent his life in social service and literary activities. He had
published a number of books based on morality and basic principles of life.
His novel ―Mu Mujibur Kahuchi‖ published in pseudo name was a popular
writing.
Among the other writers of the time who established themselves for
their contributions for the enrichment of Odia literature were Late Balaram
Das for his two books ―Paisundari‖ and ―Kumarboli‖, Sisir Mohanty for his
collection of poems ―Hrudeyeswari‖, Late Babru Bahan Patnaik of Jeypoe
who was a poet and the editor of ―Trusha‖ a literary magazine, Late Manoj
Tripathy poet, critic and the editor of the review ―Jabab‖, Late Profulla
Mishra, Late Narasimha Mishra, a versatile scholar and poet had contributed
a lot to Odia poetry. His works were Pheriasa‖, ―Bansdhara Teere‖, ―Nayane
Salile Arghya‖ ―Milan Bihangi Kande‖, ―Mohendra Tanayare Sandhya‖, and
―Astaragara Kabita‖ etc , Late poet Kailash Sadangi for his poetry;
―Uttarana‖, ―Bifala Eswar‖, ―Niraba Jhada‖, ―Nirvasana‖ and ―Eswar na thiba
Prithivira Adi Kabita‖ and Astrologer Chandra Sekhar Rath of Koraput for his
book on astrology ―Sugama Jyotish Sarani‖ and ―Adarsha Niti Slokabali‖ a
collection of three hundred twenty four Sanskrit sloaks which have been
translated into Odia.
Active Literary Organisations of Koraput District
Literary and Cultural Organizations play a major role now-a-days for
development of culture language and literature. These institutions create
leadership in this field and interlink different areas in harmonious manner. At
present the following are some of the leading organizations in this District. In
the past a few organizations have come up and after a few years they
vanished from the literary sphere leaving no trace of their own.
1. Jeypore Sahitya Parishad - Jeypore
2. NIRBANA Sahitya Parishad - Jeypore
3. SRUJANI Sahitya Parishad - Jeypore
4. PUJYAPUJA Sahitya Parishad - Jeypore
5. BASUMATI Sahitya Parishad - Jeypore
6. CHHINDANAEE Sahitya Parishad Jeypore

464
7. SATTA Sahitya Sansad - Koraput
8. Koraput Sahitya Paribar - Koraput
9. Utkal Sanskrutika Parishad - Sunabeda
10. Banaprabha Sahitya Sansad - Sunabeda
11. Bhanja Sanshad - Sunabeda
12. Barsha Sahitya Sansad - Damanjodi
13. Utkal Sahitya Samaj - Koraput
14. Deomali Sahitya Sansad - Semiliguda
15. Semiliguda Press Club - Semiliguda
16. Laxmipur Sahitya Parishad - Laxmipur
17. Dharanidhar Sahitya Sansad - Kenduguda (Boipariguda)

Active Cultural Organizations of Koraput District

1. Koraput Cultural Society - Koraput
2. Kalaniketan - Koraput
3. Sabara Srikhetra Sanskrutika Parishada - Koraput
4. Banabharati - Koraput
5. Nadabrambha Sangeet Sikshyanusthan - Koraput
6. Nandanika - Koraput
7. Jyoti Kala Parishad - Koraput
8. SURABHI - Koraput
9. Jeypore Kalakendra - Jeypore
10. Meera Dance Group - Koraput
11. Damayanti Kala Parishad - Kotpad
12. Utakal Sanskrutika Parishad - Sunabeda
13. Damanjodi Natya Sansad - Damanjodi
14. Madhusudan Seba Sangha - Sunabeda
15. ANUPSA Nrutyashala - Damanjodi
16. Gangeswari Yubak Sangha - Pottangi

465
17. ESKI - Laxmipur
18. Laxmipur Krida ‗O‘ Sanskrutika Parishad - Laxmipur
19. Nilasaila Sanskruti Bihar - Jeypore
20. Radhamadhab Sanskruti Sansad - Jeypore
21. Shilpi Sanskrutika Sangeet Pratisthan - Jeypore
22. Kishore Kala Mandal - Jeypore
23. Rangamayee Kala Parishad - Jeypore
24. Adibasi Gabesana Mancha - Kundra
Media plays an important role in the present day society. Besides,
electronic media provides more information for the public at large. In Koraput
District, some of the leading news papers are published today. In the past a
number of such papers had been published for some years and gradually
they discontinued. Besides these news papers a few Magazines and
Periodicals are being published in this District. The name of few leading
Magazines are detailed below.
List of Magazines & Periodicals of Koraput District

Sl. Name of the Period of Language Publisher

No Magazine / publication
Periodical

1 BARSHA Yearly Odiya Barsha Sahitya Sansad,

Damanjodi

2 BANAPRABHA Yearly Odiya Banaprabha Sahitya Sansad,

Sunabeda

3 Bhanjaprabha Yearly Odiya Bhanja Sansad, Sunabeda.

4 SATTA Quarterly Odiya Satta Sahitya Sansad, Koraput

5 NIRBANA Yearly Odiya Nirbana Sahitya Parishad,

Jeypore

6 BASUMATI Yearly Odiya Rajamauja Kamiti, Jeypore

7 SABARA Monthly Odiya and Sri Jagannath Mandir,

SRIKHETRA English
SAMACHARA Sabara Srikhetra, Koraput

8 PARAB Yearly Odiya and District Council of Culture,

English Koraput.

466
 CHAPTER -XVII

PLACES OF TOURISM

Koraput abounds in the imprints of Odisha‘s glorious past. Temples,

monasteries and other historical monuments from the medieval period,
breathtaking in their beauty and of incalculable historical importance, stand
as footprints of time, telling the story of the past.
Eternal Symphony
Adorned by the majestic Deomali Mountain, Koraput is the most
fascinating manifestation of creation with her undulating meadows, roaring
rapid steams, whispering forests and terraced valleys. She offers a splendid
blending of natural beauty and ethnic treasures with a sublime sense deeply
interfused. Spread over rural tranquility and great forest lands, sprawling
grass lands and valleys leading up to verdant hills make it a cradle of nature.
The muted Song of gurgling brook with melodious call of cuckoo and
fragrance of wildflower mirrors natures own eternal Symphony.
Koraput with her golden autumn and misty mornings of the monsoon
months, her painted spring and slumbering summer provides varieties of
living perhaps unmatched anywhere in the world. The elevating ghat roads
spirally ascending the lofty hills and descending the steep valleys with blind
curves makes a journey thrilling. Railways passing through tunnels piercing
the heart of mountains, winding their way and encircling the green hills
touching different picturesque tourist spots en route bring heaven to earth.
Cultural heritage of the tribal who even in the twenty first century love
their culture with homogeneity and gregariousness has been a point of
attraction of the tourists particularly the foreigners. Many scholars visit this
district for anthropological studies and research. Some of the cultural traits of
the tribal are outlined below.
Blend of Tribal Diversity
Tribals are the original inhabitants of Koraput. We find many categories
of tribes in this region in varying numbers. This cradle of tribal culture offers
a harmonious blend of tribal diversity. The fascinating life style of Bondas,
Gadabas, Kondhas, Parajas and Sauras are incredible with their timeless
customs and traditions. They are possessive about their unique ethnic
identity. Tribal religion is an admixture of animism; animatisms, pantheism,
fetishism, shamanism, anthropomorphism, and ancestor worship.They adore
Mother Nature. Among most of the tribes the deities are believed to reside in
467
sacred grooves and even the village goddesses are worshiped under a tree
at the outskirts of the village. They show utmost respect to these places and
preserve it like a precious treasure. The elegantly simple tribes with their
unique attire ornaments and appealing customs gratify the delight of
anthropologists and social scientists.
Fairs and Festivals
Traditional tribal culture has a blending of Hindu pantheon. They follow
the Hindu calendar. Many tribal after conversion to Christianity have a
change in their cultural outlook.The culture and traditions of this region are
as fascinating and diverse as the landscape. The Yearly Calendar of
Koraput is packed with Festivals. ―Bali Jatra‖ begins five days before the
Bhadra (August- September) full moon and ends five days after it. The
beginning of the festival is identified with the ‗Nua Khai (eating new crops)‘
feast. Chaitra parab is celebrated in the whole month of Chaitra (March –
April) by the tribals. It is a great time of love, joy and match making for the
tribal youths. ‗Push punei, is observed in the month of Pausha (December-
January), in which men, women and children participate. After the rituals in
front of a head of wood, the heap of wood is lit fire. During all these festivals
dance and music with traditional instruments create vibrating rhythms.
‗Parab‘ a mega festival takes place in the month of November in KORAPUT
every year organized by the district administration.
Jagara Mela
Jagara Mela, other wise knowns a Mahasivaratri is observed at the
shrine of Gupteswar, shrine of Lord Shiva in a mountain cave in the Sal
forest of Ramgiri in Boipariguda Bloc.. This festival takes place in February-
March and attended by tribal and non tribal of Koraput as well as from
neighbouring state of Chhatish garh and Andhra Pradesh. Guteswar is a
place of religious tourism and visited by tourists (mostly worshippers)
through out the year.
Splendor of Art and Craft
The joy of free life finds expression in community art and craft. The rare
artistic skill of the tribal people of Koraput is manifested in their dress,
ornaments, wall paintings, wood carvings and toy making. The painting of
tribals reflects their vibrancy and life style. The Sauras are famous for their
wall paintings or Jhotis. Wood carving, metal work, house decoration with
various icon figures & colour plastering of earth witnesses the exquisite
creativity of communities living in the area. Bonda and Gadaba weave
clothes using Keranga fiber which last for decades. These hand spun textile
of coloured yarn are example of the best artistic skill of these people.
468
Dongaria Kandha, Paraja, gadaba, Mali, women are skilled in making
beautiful embroidery work in their body make tattoo designed & scarf. Almost
all the tribal communities use ornaments of brass and other metals of rare
artistic quality.
Tourist Centres in the District

SL Spot Importance Distance from

No Koraput in Kms
1 Neelabadi Religious Centre of 100 Kms
Agnigangama
2 Kanspabali (Kechela) Island inside Kolab reservoir 12 Kms
3 Birakhamba Pitha, Seat of presiding deity of 50 Kms
Kendupada Boipariguda

4 Chingudi Darha & Waterfall 46 Kms

Rangapani Nala
5 Ramagiri A mythological site 64 Kms
6 Badudi Pahada A scenic spot on the bank of 90 Kms
Saberi river
7 Tikiragarh An old ruin fort 70 Kms
8 Ambiliambaguda Siva Shrine 21 Kms
9 Bhairabsingpur Jaina Shrine and Temple of 60 Kms
Goddesses Bhandargharani
10 Rani Duduma Scenic Spot & Waterfall 48 Kms
11 Pakjhola Scenic Spot 40 Kms
12 Muran Dam Water reservoir 65 Kms
13 Doraguda Jain Shrine 64 Kms
14 Chandan Mali Patta devi Historical site 49 Kms
Gumpha
15 Hati Bari Cave and Scenic Spot 65 Kms
16 Tentligumma (via Birth place of freedom fighter 125 Kms
Gobindapali) Laxman Nayak
17 Pedapadu Jaina caves Shrine & Scenic 90 Kms
spot
18 Jalmunda Waterfall 15 Kms

Koraput is a paradise of Ecotourism that involves travelling to relatively

undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with specific objective of
studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its flora and fauna as well
as exiting cultural manifestation. The whole place is a museum in nature,
unspoiled, virgin and unexplored. It is the ultimate destination for tourist who

469
love nature, sprawling grass lands, dense forest and a few days of tranquility
and serenity.
KORAPUT is situated at 2900 ft. above
sea level amidst green hills. The panoramic
view of the town and its salubrious climate
makes it an attractive health resort. Nature
speaks a variety of languages which the lover
of nature translates into joy. The breath taking
scenery brings heaven to earth. Sabar
Srikhetra, the Jagannath Temple perched atop
a hillock in the heart of Koraput town adds to
the importance of this place.
Tribal Museum, Koraput
The tribal museum adjoining to it, projects the rare cultural heritage of
the tribals of this region. The tribal museum behind the Jagannath Temple
Koraput with collections of mineral samples, tribal costumes, hand woven
clothes, musical instruments, caters to and educates the tourists about the
culture and heritage of Koraput tribals.
Gupteswar
The cave Shrine of Gupteswar nestles
on a lush green hill, 58 K.m from Jeypore,
and 80 Kms away from Koraput, amidst
deep forest. The Cavernous interior of the
Temple enshrines a huge ‗lingam‘. The
cave is a multi Chambered wonder,
Gupteswar is also Popularly known as
Gupta Kedara. Shabari a rocky stream of
great scenic beauty flows by Gupteswar. It
is believed that Lord Rama during his banishment to forest passed through
this region on his way to Panchabati in Dandaka-ranya. The heavily wooded
valley all around is a heaven for the adventure loners.
Bagra
Bagra is situated 18 km from Koraput. Three waterfalls of Kolab river at
Bagra starting from Kilkura or the 300 feet plato jump over one another with
great speed from a height of 30 feet.

470
Deomali
The highest mountain Peak of Odisha
Deomali 1762 mt. high nestling in the lap of the
Eastern Ghats is an ideal spot for Aero Gliding
and trekking expeditions. It is 60 Kms away
from Koraput.
Machhkund (Duduma)
The Majestic waterfall, popularly known
as Matsya Tirtha of epic fame falls from a
height of 175 mtrs. Set in the heart of a
picturesque hill, Duduma 70 Kms. to the
South of Jeypore and 88 Kms away from
Koraput is a rocky outlet for the river
Machhkund, which flows through this rough
Terrain. Rock-climbing enthusiasts can try reaching the base of the fall from
the opposite side of the hill, a route tribals claim can be Terribly Strenuous.
Onakadelli
Three Kms away from the Duduma water fall, a small village called
Onakadelli draws the attraction of foreign tourists to its weekly market day on
Thursday where the Neolithic tribe Bonda come from inaccessible forest for
marketing. It is 90 Kms away from Koraput.
Jolaput
It is a dam reservoir over Macchkund river. It is 68.2 sq. kms in area
and an idealist place of picnic and pleasure trip. It is 77 Kms away from
Koraput.
Nandapur
The ancient capital of Jeypore
Kingdom Nandapur is famous for the
presence of Batrisa Sinhasana (thirty
two steps to the throne). It is a 32 step
well preserved relic linked with the
fabled throne of King Vikramaditya. The
arresting red image as asix-feet
Ganesha and the shrine of Bhairavnath
and other monuments of great antiquity. It is 45 Kms away from Koraput.

471
Subai
Subai a road side village 16 Kms from
Sunabeda and 34 Kms away from Koraput
has the relics of a Jain monastery,
containing rare images of the Tirthankaras.
Jeypore

Jeypore, the city of victory, the

biggest town in the district and home to
royal family is steeped in history. The old
fort is encircled by high masonary wall with
an imposing gateway. Towards the eastern
part of the town is a big tank called
Jagannath sagar attracts for water sports.
It is 22 Kms away from Koraput. The old
Royal Palace which is now in ruins was a an attraction to the tourists.
Damanjodi
The town came to limelight with the discovery of bauxite mines in the
Panchapatmali hills and setting up of NALCO, Asia‘s biggest Alumina co
mplex, Nearby stands the highest peak of Orissa. It is 34 Kms away from
Koraput.
Dumuriput
A village stands between Koraput and
Sunabeda by the side of NH-43. the famous
Sri Ram Temple situated in the locality is
widely known for the highest kneeling
Hanuman Statue in Odisha. Shree Ram
Navami festival is popularly celebrated
every year which attracts a large number of
devotees. It is 12 Kms away from Koraput.
Kolab Reservoir
At an altitude of about 3000 ft. above
sea level on river Kolab, stands the
majestic Kolab Reservoir generating Hydro
Electric Power. The place is highly admired
for its scenic beauty, attracting people for
weekend picnic and boating. It is 20 Kms
away from Koraput.

472
Sunabeda
It is situated 18 Kms away from Koraput. It is a model township &
famous for manufacturing of MIG fighter planes & Sukhoi factory & Museum
containing aircraft engines displayed worthy to be seen.
Gulmi
Kolab River forming a whirl pool at Gulmi and attracting large number of
visitors from the district as well as from Chatisgarh state. It is 100 Kms away
from Koraput and 25 Kms from Chandeli (Odisha border).
Raja Cave and Balmiki Ashram
Raja Cave & Balmiki Ashram in other name known as Kapat Parbat. It
is believed the ancestors of Balmiki reside in this site situated on the bank of
river Machakund and the river dividing the border of Odisha & Andhra
Pradesh. It is a scenic spot & best place for trekking in Nandapur block for
Eco & Cave tourism. Akhayaturtiya in April (Beginning of agricultural
season) is the main festival of this site.
Balda Cave
Balda Cave is situated 66 Kms away from Koraput surrounded with
natural beauty. The top of the mountain plateau is flat one. View of Jalaput
reservoir from this plateau is enchanting and scenic. Donger Dei is the main
deity of the cave worshipped by the local people during Chaitra Festival. It is
good for trekking and a place for nature lover.
Kechela
A village situated in the southern bank of Kolab at a distance of 10
Kms away from Koraput. There is a copper plate stating the fact that the
village had been granted to one Narasingha Mishra. On the occasion of the
Solar eclipse 24 September 1620 by Maharaja Krishna Dev. There is a Jain
temple about 30 ft. high contains which has five images of Thirthankars
namely Resavanath, Mahavir Jain, Ambika Devi, Jakhya & Jakhyani. The
images are chiseled with great care and achieve high standard of art which
indicates the Kechela was a seat of Jainaism in the medieval period.
Narayanpatna
This village stands 1000 ft. above sea level. An ancient Jagannath
Temple, ruins of the old mud-fort and the curious old cannon are the
additional attractions of the place. Once the capital of Jeypore Kingdom, it is
remembered for the numerous wives and mistresses who committed Sati on
the death of King Viswamber Deo. The site popularly known as ―Sati Garva‖
still pointed out by the locals. Neelabadi neighbouring to Narayanapatna
473
and 102 Kms away from Koraput is famous for the presiding deity
Agnigangamma. A nine day festival of the deity is celebrated here.
Raisil
Three Kms from Laxmipur and 60 Kms away from Koraput stands on
one stone hill with a perennial stream that attracts a large number of
weekend tourists. This place is ideal for trekking surrounded by natural
scenery. ―Anla Navami‖ in the Hindu month of Kartik (November) is
celebrated every year with huge colorful gatherings.
District Museum, Jeypore
A Government Museum with antiquities and craft works, mostly famous
for Jain iconography. It is located in the town hall complex, close to the
Government bus stand, Jain images are found at several places of the
district.
Parab, Koraput
A festival of festivals! PARAB – an annual tribal festival organized by
the District Council of Culture, Koraput is a gala event of the state, organized
in the month of November every year all over the district. The whole month
of parab witnesses events on sports culture, seminar mountain trekking, boat
race and artist‘s camp. On a three day from all over the country are staged
on one platform, with crafts mela and exhibitions in the Koraput Parab
ground.
Raniguda
18 Kms away from Koraput is an ideal place for weekend picnic
adventure & Eco-tourism site.
Maliguda
35 Kms eastwards of Jeypore and
25 Kms away from Koraput is a small
village where on a hill top is India‘s
highest broad gauge Railway tunnel. The
place is ideal for weekend picnic

474
475
Information on Koraput

Area 8807 Sq.km

Altitude 303.3 to 909.9 mt above sea level
Population 13,77,934 – 2011 Census
Rainfall 15670.2 mm (Normal)
Climate Minimum Temp 12.0 c Maximum Temp 38.0 c
Language Tribal languages, Oriya, Telugu, Hindi & English
spoken
Clothing Cotton is Summer and Heavy woolen in Winter
Latitude 17 50 N To 20 3 N
Longitude 81 27 E 84, 1E
Website www.koraput.nic.in &www. Odhishatourism.com

Distance from Koraput

Bhubaneswar 499 Kms Nandapur 45 Kms
Raipur 400 Kms Duduma 88 Kms
Jagadalpur 115 Kms Jolaput 77 Kms
Visakhapatnam 202 Kms Maliguda 25 Kms
Vizianagaram 150 Kms Nilabadi 100 Kms
Bhadrachalam 310 Kms Malkangiri 127 Kms
Sunabeda 18 Kms Rayagada 109 Kms
Jeypore 22 Kms Hatipathar 112 Kms
Gupteswar 80 Kms Nabarangpur 66 Kms
Subai 34 Kms Mudulipada 98 Kms
Ankadelli 91 Kms Sambalpur 429 Kms
Berhampur 320 Kms Titilagarh 355 Kms

How to Reach Koraput

Air - Nearest air port is at Visakhapatnam (AP) – 202 Kms from Koraput.
Train - Well connected from Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Delhi,
Chennai, Kolkata via Rayagada Railway Station. Rayagada is 176 K.M.
away from Koraput by Train and 109 KM By Road .
Road - NH-26 passes through the District.
Season to visit Round the year. Any time of the year is the right season to
visit Koraput.
Important Phone No. of Koraput District (Code 06852)
Collector- 250700 (O), 250255(Res).
Superintendant of Police-250901 (O)
Government Hospital-251222
DI & PRO-251286,
DTO-250318,
DCO-250298,
Police-100 & 250245,
Railway Enquiry-131 & 251442,
Bus Enquiry-251487

476
477
 CHAPTER-XVIII

MISCELLANEOUS
PART-I

DISABILITY AND SOCIAL WELFARE SCHEMES OF KORAPUT

DISTRICT
Disability Welfare
Person with Disabilities (PwDs) were not considered as equal partners
of the family, community and society in the distant past. Their innate abilities
were ignored. In fact now, there is reserve situation, innate abilities of PwDs
have been recognised and rewarded. Collaborative and sincere efforts have
been made for integrating PwDs into the mainstream, socially and
economically.
Now Government of Odisha has taken sincere effort to uplift the PwDs
into their mainstream and have taken so many schemes for them.As per
2011 census the total population of Koraput is 13,76,934 with an area 8807
Sq.KM. Population of PwDc of the Koraput district is 36291 the details given
bellow

Total number of disabled

In seeing In Hearing
persons
Persons Males Females Persons Males Females Persons Males Females
36,291 18,770 17,521 9,041 4,622 4,419 7,979 4,081 3,898

In Speech In Movement Mental Retardation

Persons Males Females Persons Males Females Persons Males Females

1,741 944 797 6,406 3,488 2,918 1,790 933 857

Mental Illness Any Other Multiple Disability

Persons Males Females Persons Males Females Persons Males Females

1,049 504 545 5,152 2,675 2,477 3,133 1,523 1,610

There is a separate section for the welfare of Person with Disability in

the district under the direct supervision of the Collector & District Magistrate,
Koraput. The District Administration, Koraput has organised three Bhimabhoi
Bhinakhyama Samartha Abhijan (BBSA) camps in different blocks from 2011
in single window camp to provide different benefit in door steps to PwDs as

478
per Person with Disability Act-1995. 11262 Disability Certificates have been
issued to PwDs in different BBSA Camps by District Medical Board etc so far
.Besides the Government Welfare schemes for PwDs are implemented
through Sub-Division & Block administration in the district. Besides one club
food programme is organizing at DHH, Koraput to eradicate early deformity.
So far 115 cases have been taken in DHH, Koraput.
The following institution are working for the welfare of the PwDs in the
District.
District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), Koraput.
A high percentage of persons with disabilities (PWDs) live in areas
where no rehabilitation services are available and the biggest challenge in
this regard is to reach these unreached PWDs. The DDRCs lunched in 107
districts of the country by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (S
J & E), Govt. of India during January, 2000 was a step towards providing
rehabilitation services and implementation of Persons with Disabilities
(PWDs) Act. Against this backdrop the DDRC, Koraput was set up in July,
2000 and this Centre has significance of being the first rehabilitation centre
amongst the said 107 DDRCs in the Country. Initially DDRC, Koraput was
setup under the supervision of Swami Vivekananda National Institute of
Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), Cuttack in collaboration
with District Administration and continued to support till March, 2004.
Thereafter, Govt. of India started funding the organization under DDR
Scheme of the Ministry of SJ & E on yearly 10% tapering basis.
Subsequently this funding was discontinued in 2010-11. Then Department
of Women & Child Development ( W& CD), Govt. of Odisha ( GOO) has
been releasing the tapering amount and later on taken over the organization
completely and funding in full fledged manner under the control Director
Welfare of Person with Disabilitis,W&CD ,Department,GOO with direct
supervision of District Administration.
Presently the staff strength is seven in DDRC, Koraput. They are;
1. Physiotherapist
2. Prosthetic&OrthoticTecnician
3. Multipurpose rehabilitation Worker
4. Mobility Instructor
5. Office assistant
6. Lady Attended
7. Night Watcher
479
DDRC renders following services:
i. Facilitation and provision of Disability Certificate.
ii. Assessment of PWDs on the mode of treatment.
iii. Provision/Fitment of assistive devices.
iv. Follow up/repair of assistive devices.
v. Therapeutic services like Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy,
Special Education for mentally retarded persons, Mobility
Training to the Visually Impaired.
vi. To generate an awareness to barrier free environment.
vii. Encouraging and enhancing prevention of disabilities, early
detection and intervention.
viii. To provide counseling and guidance, vocational training and
employment for persons with disability.
ix. Providing orientation training to teachers, Awanganwari
workers, ANM, PMW workers, CDPOs/DLOs, Supervisions,
PRI members, community and families.
x. Identifying suitable vocation for PWDs, keeping in view of the
local resources and designing vocational training.
xi. Counseling and guidance for home training programme.
xii. Provided referral services for existing educational, training,
vocational institutions.
xiii. Training of PwDs for minor repair of aids and appliances and
basic rehabilitation.
xiv. GP level assessment camp for assessment of disability and to
provide them Govt. facilities.
xv. Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Programme.
xvi. Facilities
xvii. Workshop for fabricate and fitment of rehabilitation aids and
appliances.
xviii. Physiotherapy unit.
xix. Occupational therapy unit.
xx. Communicational therapy unit.

480
 xxi. Communication disorder unit.
xxii. Orientation and mobility training unit.
xxiii. Special Education and family counseling unit.
xxiv. Cabin facility for inpatients.
Special School for Mentally Rrtarded (M A N A S)
‗MANAS‘ (Education & Vocational Training Centre for the Mentally
Challenged) Koraput is an Institution solely dedicated to the welfare of the
persons with Mentally Challenged. This Institute was established by
‗ALOK‘ (Resource Centre for the Persons with Disabilities) Koraput, on
7.3.2001 in its own building in the District Headquarter, Koraput.
Aims & Objectives
Providing special education for mentally challenged individuals of age
group 6 to 18 years.
2. Providing vocational training for self employment.
3. Providing rehabilitation to the MR Students.
4. Providing daily living activities.
5. Encouragement among the mentally challenged individuals by
various type of Sports and Entertainment.
StudentStrength and Staff Position
MANAS are a residential school having 50 students with 4 teaching
staff and 5 non teaching staff. Besides the head quarter hospital is engaged
for regular health care of the students. Out of 50 students and 9 no staff. The
maintenance cost of the hostel & staff salary are borne by Indian Red Cross
Society, district branch Koraput.
The MANAS is being managed by District Administration, Koraput since
its inception and subsequently it was supported by Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment, Govt. of India only for the Year 2007-08, to 2009-10 with
scanty amount, then it was managed by Indian Red Cross Society, District
Branch, Koraput. The Institution is facing hardship du e to non sanction of
grant in aid from Govt. of India since 2006-2007. Now the institution is
running with the assistance of IRCS, District Branch, Koraput under the
control of District Administration. The State Government has been moved to
take MANAS under new Government of India Rule.

481
Special Education Programme
Comprehensive Special educational assessment, and intervention
are conducted for the children with learning difficulties, slow learners,
Mentally Challenged and other educational difficulties. Out of 50 students,
40 are in Special Education stream and rest 10 is getting Vocational training.
All the 50 students are the hostellers. For the purpose of Special Education
and Training, the students are grouped in to 6 classes basing on the age,
fundamental ability and level of mental retardation.
Vocational Training Programme
‗MANAS‘ also offer vocational Training to the Mentally Challenged
children with a futuristic view of vocational placement. Till now 22 Nos. of
students have been rehabilitated through various private sector Companies
who were trained of vocational units like tailoring , turmeric powder
Processing , manufacturing of candle, cutting and book binding unit and
screen printing . They are employed in the following ways;
1. Visakhapatnam Transporting Agency – 01
2. Rourkela Steel Plant – 03
3. Security Guard – 05
4. Damanjodi NALCO – 04
5. Tikiri Private Sector – 03
6. Cultivation - 06
Recently one livelihood project has been established in collaboration
with Mission Shakti, Koraput ie. the printing of Chatua packing bags to
supply to all Angawadi centers of Koraput district under THR programme of
ICDS. The Mission Shakti is providing 50% of profit to Manas as a share for
maintenance of hostel.
So far as achievement of Tailoring unit is concerned, the students are
well trained to stitch mosquito nets, carry bags, Door & Window Screens and
other simple domestic materials. The Institute has supplied 2200 Mosquito
nets to Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Koraput, ITDA Jeyp
ore and other institutions of the district.The students of this institution used
to take part in the various events during celebration of State, national and
international Days.The inmates of MANAS have participated in cultural
program in Parab Festival 2012 and get Trophy and prizes

482
School for the Blind, Koraput
School for the Blind, Koraput is an Educational Institution Solely
dedicated to the welfare of the person with visually impaired children. This
institution originally started functioning at Sunabeda since 1983 and shifted
to Koraput in 1990.
Aims and Objectives
(i) Providing special education for visually challenged individuals of age
group 6 to 18 years.
(ii) Providing vocational training for self-employment.
(iii) Providing rehabilitation to the visually challenged Students.
(iv) Providing daily living activities.
(v) Encouragement among the visually challenged individuals by various
types of Sports and Entertainment.
Student Strength
School for the Blind is a residential school. At present altogether 75
visually impaired pupils are prosecuting their studies in the institution from
Prep to class X.
Staff Position
There are all together nine teaching staff. All the teaching staffs are
highly qualified with specially trained to handle visually impaired children.
The Institution is being managed by the District Administration, Koraput
since its inception receiving 100% financial support of Government in W &
C.D. Department, Odisha towards staff salary and students maintenance.
Education Programme
The institution is functioning from Class- PP to X since the education
session 1996-97. It is subsequently upgraded to High School Level. In the
meanwhile 16 batches student have appeared H.S.C. Board Examination
and achieved commendable result of 100%.
Rehabilitation Programme
The school for the Blind, Koraput also offers vocational training such as
bamboo work, re-canning and music to the V.I. children with a futuristic view
of vocational placement. Till dates about 30 students prosecuting their
studies in this institution have been rehabilitated in Govt. organization. They
are working in efficient manner with due ability in due discharge of their
duties. .Theirs details are given below;

483
 (1) Central University of Koraput –1
(2) Kendriya Vidyalaya of Koraput –3
(3) Bank P.O. Bhubaneswar –1
(4) Sikshya Sahayaka – 20
(5) Junior College, Baragarh –1
(6) Blind School Teacher –4
Sports Activities
The Institution takes due care to promote indoor and outdoor games
like chess, playing cards, Kabadi, Cricket, Athletics etc. During last four
years students participated in state level cricket championship for blind at
Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and also succeeded
in getting award of state level championship.
It is a matter of pride that one of the students namely Mr.Sukhram Majhi
was selected for Indian National Team and also participated in International
Cricket Series at Pakistan. Sri Majhi played the Cricket Series at Islamabad
and subsequently at Lahore in 2011.
Parents Counselling Workshop
It is seen that parents are not taking care to their visually impaired
children to make them aware of importance of education. Parents
counseling is conducted regularly and it has given good result.
School for Deaf, Sunabeda
School for the DEAF, Sunabeda is an Educational Institution solely
dedicated to the welfare of the hearing impaired children. This institution
was started functioning at Sunabeda since 2.10.1986 under the control of
the District Administration, Koraput under the banner of district Red Cross &
Rotary society for the handicapped.
Aims and Objectives
(i) Providing special education for hearing impaired children of age group
5 to 18 years.
(ii) Providing vocational training for self-employment.
(iii) Providing rehabilitation to the hearing impaired children.
(iv) Providing daily living activities.
(v) Encouragement among the hearing impaired children by various types
of Sports and Entertainment.
484
 Bhimo Bhoi Bhinnakhayam Samarthya Sibir are organized in each
block during 2011-14 in four times to identified and assess the PwDs. They
are provided all the benefits at Single window camp such as aids and
appliances, Disability Certificates, Income certificates, I.D cards, pass books,
transport concession, measurement of Orthosis, Prothesis etc.
Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) are given to PwD by commercial
banks for self employment with assistance up to Rs. 20,000/-.
Banishree Scholarship is disbursed to differently able students having
40% above disability at the rate of Rs.200/- per month for Standard I to
standard V and Rs. 250/- per month for Standard VI to X and Rs. 300/- per
month for +2 and +3 and Rs. 350/- per month for P.G, students and of
Technical and Vocational Training.
Scholarship to children of PwDs for pursuing higher education is
disbursed at the rate of Rs.350/- per month.
Mission Khayamata (empowerment)
Unlike in other cases, Self Help Groups (SHG) of 5 persons are allowed
for Person with Disability. PwD SHGs are granted Rs. 10,000/- as revolving
fund for taking up to an economic activity. Linkage to the Banks is being
encouraged and facilitated. Total 294 SHGs of PwD are alreadyvformed in
the district and 88 SHGs have availed revolving fund.
Person with Disability having 60% disability and above is being
provided subsidized rice at the rate of Rs.2/- per Kg. for 10Kg in a month.
The detail achievement for the year 2014-15 is given below. In the district
4775 such persons are authorized to avail this benefit.
Persons with Disability are provided housing facility in shape of Indira
Abas Yojana (a Government of India sponsored scheme) & Biju Pacca
Gruha Yojana (a state government scheme) for their shelter.

SOCIAL WELFARE
Madhu Babu Pension Yojana
Under the schemes the Older Persons, Widows, Person with Disability,
Aids effected Person are being proved Rs. 300/- per month and Rs. 500/- is
being provided to the Older person above 80 years. Total 70507 persons
are covered in the district under this programme.
Indiragandhi National Old Age Pension
485
 Under the schemes the Older Persons whose age 60 and above with
BPL category is being proved Rs. 300/- per month and Rs. 500/- is being
provided to the Older person above 80 years. The detail achievement is
given below. Under this pension scheme 65867 persons are benefitted so
far.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
The eligible age is 40 years with BPL( Below Poverty Line) category
and the pension is Rs. 300 per month. After attaining the age of 80 years,
the beneficiary will get Rs. 500/- per month. 24378 widows have availed
benefit.
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme
The eligible age for the pensioner is 18 years and above with BPL
category with 80% and above disability. The amount is Rs. 300 per month
and after attaining the age of 80 years, the beneficiary will get Rs. 500/- per
month. 2521 have availed benefit.
National Family Benefit Scheme
Rs. 20,000/- will be given as lump sum assistance to the bereaved
household in the event of death of the bread-winner. The death of such
bread-winner should have occurred whilst he/she is more than 18 years of
age and less than 60 years of age and BPL category. Under this scheme
1387 house holds are benefitted
INTIGRATED CHILD DEVLOPMENT SERVICES (ICDS) NUTRITIONAL
OPERETIONAL PLAN
Six Services of ICDS
1. Supplementary Nutrition programme
2. Preschool Activity
3. Health checkups
4. Referral
5. Immunization
6. Counseling services
Supplementary nutrition programme (SNP)
Morning snacks and Hot cooked meal
Supplementary nutrition programme implemented by ICDS is for
nutrition supplementation of children in the age group of 3 to 6 years who
486
are enrolled in Pre School in an Angan Wadi Cente (AWC). About 76,000
children are benefitted under Supplementary Nutrition programme in 3264s
AWCs in Koraput District. As per the schedule hot cooked meal are given to
the children in a in lunch with boiled eggs thrice in a week. Vegetable, soya
curry etc are served to the children on other days of the week the children
who are malnourished are given one packet of RASI laddu to help them
overcome their nutritional deficiency. The morning snacks items like
sprouted moong, chuda etc are served. This is a good incentive to the
children to give mind to learn and this food intake at the AWC is instrumental
in maintaining the good nutritional status of the children. A substantial
number of children who were suffering from malnourishment have improved
their status and have become normal by regularly taking the morning snacks
and hot cooked meal at the AWC. By the end of July, 15 about and 75652
children in the age group of 3 to 6 years have benefitted under the
supplementary nutrition programme. As far as severely underweight children
are concerned 2812 children in the age group of 3 to 6 years have taken the
benefit of the SNP In the above mentioned period
Take Home Ration
77973 children in the age group of 6months to 3 years, 32037 pregnant
women and lactating mothers have been benefitted of the SNP through the
Take home Ration programme. As far as severely underweight children are
concerned, 6024 children in the age group of 6 months to 3 years were
benefitted through the Take Home Ration (THR) progrmme.
Adolescent girls are also provided Chatua for their nutrition
supplementation. Red colored packet for severely malnourished children in
the age group of 6 months to 3 years and 3 to 6 years , Yellow coloured for
pregnant women & lactating mother, Blue for all children between 6 months
to 3 years are distributed to the concerned beneficiaries twice a month.
Presently in Koraput district we have 28 nos,. of SHGs who have been
engaged in Chatua preparation in 15 ICDS projects.
Pre School activity under NUA ARUNIMA (New Shine) Karyakram
75652 children in the age group of 3 to 6 years are the beneficiaries of
our preschool activity under Nua arunima. Under the preschool activity
Action songs, storytelling, different indoor and outdoor games and activities
are being conducted by AWW for cognitive development of the children.
Work book for children to practise for learning of alphabets, identification of
colors, body parts, plants, animals, small & big size and different other size
and shapes. All Supervisor and Anganwadi workers were trained under Nua
arunima for effective learning and skill enhancement for conducting

487
 th
preschool activities. Designated days like Childrens‘ day on 14 November
st
and and Grand parents day is observed on 1 October under Nua Arunima.
st st st
Parents‘ meeting is organized on 1 January,1 may and 1 September
every year to appraise the parents about the progress of the child with
regards to learning. Songs, dance, story telling are the medium of learning
under Nua Arunima that help the child to learn in a joyful atmosphere with
enjoyment.
Observation of Annaprassanna Diwas
On every second Thursday of a month Annaprassanna Diwas of
children who have completed 6 months of age is celebrated in the AWC.
This activity is aimed at encouragement of parents for timely initiation of
complementary feeding of children to prevent malnutrition after the age of 6
month. It is one of our traditional practices in the society and it was included
as an activity of AWC to generate awareness and sensitize mothers and
care takers for initiation of complementary feeding after 6 months of age
which is of different variety, quality and quantity thus providing a balanced
diet for the children. One bowl and spoon is given to the children who
completed 6 months in every AWC and demonstration of a wide spectrum of
foods prepared by using ingredients of locally available grains, cereals and
vegetables is done.
Weekly Iron Supplementation of Adolescent Girls (SABLA)
Adolescent girls between the age group of 11 years to 19 years are
given weekly Iron tablet at AWC. Weekly SABLA meetings are organized to
orient adolescent girls about personal & menstrual hygiene, Nutritional care
to prevent future risk pregnancy. The adolescent girls are also oriented on
the life skill education which helps them to cope with the pressure of dealing
with the opposite sex and addresses their queries about the functioning of
their own body.

Observation of Mamata Diwas (VHND)

On Tuesday or Friday MAMATA Diwas is observed in a AWC once in a
month. Children who are sick and underweight are weighed on the day of
Village Health Nutrition Day (VHND) and given necessary treatment for the
illness by the ANM. Children who need referral for higher facilities are
referred by ANM. Severely Accused malnourished (SAM) are identified and
referred to Nutrition Rehabilitation Center (NRC) for treatment .Nutrition
counseling of pregnant women & Lactating mothers done by AWW in
Mamata Diwas.

488
Shaktivarta
Shaktivarta programme is being implemented by the department with
an aim of reducing the maternal and neo natal deaths in the district This
programme is going to achieve the goal through empowerment of the
community members in the village in general and the pregnant women,
lactating mothers and adolescent girls in particular through generation of
awareness on the different issues pertaining to maternal & neonatal health,
nutrition, sanitation, water & hygiene. Shaktivarata will generate demand
about the government services & facilities offered through the different
schemes and link the community members with the government services
through increasing their accessibility to the services. Shaktivarata is
operational in all 226 Gram Panchyats of the district. This programme will
follow an approach called Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) where the
community members will identify and priorities of their problems regarding
maternal & child health, water, sanitation & hygiene and nutrition. Then they
will develop a strategy to address the problem, distribute responsibilities for
execution of the activities that will solve the problem. Then they will
implement the activities that will ultimately work in the direction of solving the
identified problems and in the final stage people will evaluate their
performance. Under this programme 20 meetings will be conducted at each
Shaktivarata point which will cover about 500 populations. In every 15 days,
one meeting will be conducted. These meeting will support the community
members to identify & priorities the problems, develop solution, execute the
activities to solve the problem and finally evaluate their performance. There
are 2754 Shaktivarta points in the district spread across 15 projects. Two
Gram Panchyat Facilitators are there in each GP who will facilitate the above
mentioned meetings. FourBlock Co-coordinators are there in each block who
will provide supportive supervision to the Gram Panchayat Facilitators.
Training of the Gram Panchayat Facilitators has been complete for the first
phase. The first meeting in the 20 meeting cycle has been done in 2611 out
of the 2673 SV points.

MAMATA Scheme
MAMATA Scheme is one of the main schemes of Government of
Odisha as a package for pregnant women under Conditional cash Benefit.
All eligible mothers are to enroll under the scheme and open a bank account
with zero account facility. The beneficiary will receive a total incentive of
Rs.5000/- in four installments from October‘2011 scheme was implemented
in all projects. Its goals are to contribute to reducing maternal and infant
mortality and to improve the health and nutritional status of pregnant and
lactating mothers and their infants

489
Objectives
1. To provide partial wage loss compensation for pregnant and nursing
mothers.
2. To increase utilization of maternal and child health services.
3. To improve mother and child care practices, especially exclusive
breastfeeding and complementary feeding of infants.
Target Beneficiaries
1. Pregnant women aged 19 yrs and above.
2. for the first 2 live births.
3. except Central/State Govt. or PSU employees and their
wives.(age, no. of live births and employment is self certified)

PART-II

Welfare Administration
A number of schemes are under implementation for poverty alleviation
and ensuring the achievement of the constitutional values of welfare in the
district, both by the state government and by the Government of India. A
brief outline of these schemes are given below;
1. Rural Housing
Rural Housing is a major flagship program of the Central government
and State government for providing shelter to the rural poor .It is a basic
necessity of human being. In the context of Koraput, Indira AwaasYojana
(IAY) & Biju Pacca GharYojana (BPGY) have been implemented by the
Panchayti Raj Department, Government of Odisha for providing pucca
houses to the rural poor in the district. The houses are allotted to the eligible
and deserving beneficiaries by selecting them in the Grama Sabha
unanimously. Over a period of six years from 2013-14 to 20015-16, 29091
houses are allotted and at the time of writing this Gazetteer 22554 houses
are completed.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA)
The MGNREGA, another flagship program of the government is
implemented successfully in Koraput district with the objective of "enhancing
livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed
wage employment in a financial year, to every household whose adult

490
members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Also MGNREGA is to
create durable assets (such as roads, canals, ponds, wells). Employment is
to be provided within 5 km of an applicant's residence, and minimum wages
are to be paid. Thus, employment under MGNREGA is a legal entitlement.
Apart from providing economic security and creating rural assets, NREGA
can help protecting the environment, empowering rural women,
reducing rural-urban migration and fostering social equity, among others.
Under this Programme, 33, 38,203 no.of mandays were generated
incurring an expenditure of Rs. 6966.94 lakhs during the year 2013-14.
Similarly, 46, 42,569 no of mandyas were provided to the job seekers
incurring an expenditure of Rs. 6524.86 lakhs during 2014-15. Also in 2015-
16 financial year, 45, 00,000 no of mandays have already been generated in
the district under this Programme incurring an expenditure of Rs.
th
14300.00Lakhs as on 21 february'16.
2. BRGF
The Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) was implemented from
2007-08 to 2014-15 financial year to redress regional imbalances in
development by providing financial resources for supplementing and
converging existing developmental inflows in backward districts like Koraput
, to
Bridge critical gaps in local infrastructure and other development
requirements that are not being adequately met through existing schemes.
Strengthen, to this end, Panchayat and Municipality level governance
with more appropriate capacity building, to facilitate participatory planning,
decision making, implementation and monitoring, to reflect local felt needs.
Since the BRGF scheme has been de-linked by the central assistance
from 2015-16, no fund has been received during the current financial year
and the state government has decided to implement Gopabandhu Gramin
Yojana (GGY) from 2015-16 financial Year releasing Rs 29.34 Crores to
Koraput district in current financial year.
Sl Year Allotment Expenditure Achievement
No
1 2013-14 1465.00 1285.690 87.76041

2 2014-15 1213.00 806.500 66.48805

National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)

OLM is the acronym for ―Odisha Livelihoods Mission‖. OLM is a
registered society working under the Panchayati Raj Dept. of Govt. of

491
Odisha for enhancing the socio-economic condition of the rural poor through
promotion of sustainable livelihoods. The society is implementing the
centrally sponsored scheme of Govt. of India called ―National Rural
Livelihoods Mission‖ (NRLM). The project‘s aim is to enhance social and
economic status of the rural poor of all the blocks of 30 districts of Odisha
through development of self-sustained and community managed institutions.
The targeted poor households are mobilized into thrift and credit based Self
Help Groups (SHGs), which are in turn federated into higher level institutions
at cluster, GP and block level.
Key features of OLM
OLM aims at women‘s empowerment through development of self
sustainable institutions of women.
SHGs (Self-help groups) and their federations at the panchayat and
block levels are strategic components of OLM‘s implementation.
OLM will play a catalytic role for leveraging funds from banks and other
financial institutions.
OLM will focus on sustainable livelihood promotion of the poor
households through Producers Group (PG) and its higher level federation.
Components under OLM
The Odisha livelihood Mission is being implemented in the Koraput
district with three major components like Social Inclusion, Financial
Inclusion, and Economic Inclusion. Basically the OLM is functioning in 4 no
of intensive blocks like Borigumma, Kotpad, Koraput & Laxmipur of Koraput
district by providing its full-fledged support for promotion of rural livelihood.
Spending efficiency
Year Total Allocation Expenditure (in percent)
2012-13 703.43 344.63 48.99
2013-14 420.05 231.6 55.14
2014-15 333.57 789.53 236.69

C.C .Roads (Cement Concrete Road)

The Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Odisha has taken
initiative for construction of Cement Concrete Road in the village under CC
roads Schemes in order to improve the quality of life and hygienic conditions
in the villages. It has become a very popular scheme and one of the most
sought after schemes in the rural areas of Koraput district particularly by
improving the transportation and the communication facilities to the rural
pockets. Also the scheme has benefited the tribal people by providing the
intra village roads in the inaccessible pockets of Koraput district. More

492
emphasis has been given in the scheme for construction of intra village
cement concrete roads in the villages with the objective of attaining
saturation with special focus on ST/SC habitations. Within the
implementation period, maximum number of CC roads were taken up in
Koraput district and yet to cover remaining villages.
Scheme Year Allocation Expenditure % of Expenditure
C.C.Road 2013-14 18,08,00,000.00 17,86,93,979 99
2014-15 18,08,00,000.00 16,74,34,000 93
2015-16 7,16,50,588.00 78,81,565.00 11

5. Central Finance Commission

th
With the recommendation of 13 Finance Commission, priority has
been given to Rural Drinking Water, Rural Sanitation, maintenance of
Computers, maintenance of digital database system & maintenance of G.P
accounts in Koraput district.
Scheme Year Allocation Expenditure % of expenditure
13th FCA 2013-14 18,60,63,442.00 8,93,10,452.00 48
2014-15 21,22,53,860.00 7,64,11,390.00 36

The government has recently accepted the recommendations of the

th
14 Finance Commission which has raised the state share in the central
pool of divisible taxes from 32% to 42%. This is expected to substantially
increase the resources at the hands of the state government which they can
th
plan and use as per their own requirements. Also, the 14 FC has enhanced
the money that is transferred directly to the gram panchayat level,
substantially. This decentralization and devolution of resources is expected
to improve the planning and execution of works at the ground level.

6. State Finance Commission (SFC)

The Government in Panchayat Raj Department has allocated SFC
grant to Koraput towards maintenance of roads & bridges, repair and
maintenance of residential buildings/non-residential buildings, maintenance
of staff quarters etc.
Scheme Year Allocation Expenditure % of expenditure
3rd SFC 2013-14 11,82,51,592.00 7,56,81,019.00 64
2014-15 9,24.04,982.00 4,98,98,690.00 54
2015-16 1,87,00,000.00 5,61,000.00 3
th th
In line with the 14 FC the 4 State Finance Commission has also
increased the resources available at the panchayat level, substantially.

493
1. National food security Act
The National Food Security Act, or the NFSA, aims to provide all poor
people of the country with assured amount of food grain supply which will be
sufficient for their minimum food security. As per the Act, every poor family
which meets certain poverty criteria will be eligible to get 5 Kg of wheat or
rice, as per their choice, per member of the family per month. The
registration process for the NFSA has been completed in the district and
distribution of food grains has also started.
2. Chief Minister’s relief Fund
The chief minister‘s relief fund is a scheme which aims at providing
monetary assistance to people in great distress. The coverage of
beneficiaries has been made very flexible and the district administration has
been given a lot of liberty in identifying people in distress. Destitutes,
widows, orphans, victims of accidents, poor patients, etc. are being provided
relief under this scheme in the district.

494
 INDEX

Boipariguda5, 7, 15, 16, 56, 82, 103, 121,

A 140, 160, 187, 192, 193, 196, 197, 203,
215 252, 261, 269, 279, 284, 297, 310,
Abu Hussain 44
314, 3 59, 372, 373, 375, 377, 459, 465,
Agnigangama 469
468, 469
Ahmed Ali 47
Bolangir iv, xx, 79, 314
Akbar 41
Bondo 106, 112, 142, 147
Alamanda 51, 304, 313
Borigumma 5, 7, 16, 64, 88, 90, 92, 93, 95,
Allar Khan 46
96, 99, 101, 102, 110, 123, 124, 187,
Ambadola 200, 354
194, 203, 207, 213, 218, 250, 257, 261,
Ambda 354
297, 304, 305, 312, 337, 352, 377, 378,
Anangabhima Deva 30
Brahmani 10, 44
Anantagiri 304, 305, 312, 313
Buddhism 98, 99, 109
Anchala 102
Burnell 139
Andiniya 133
Angul iv, 10, 271, 307, 391
Aparajita 99 C
Arthapati Raja 25 Chait Parab 115, 116
Aska 27, 312 Chaitanya 435
Asoka 23 Chaitra Parba 194
Atavika 23 Chalan 128, 141
Aurada 52, 388, 389 Chandalas 132
Austro-Asiatic 112, 146 Chandella 98
Chhattisgarh 98, 110, 132
B Chikma hill 101
Cholas 102
Badhei 129, 131
Bagata 130
Bagh 115, 122, 128 D
Bandhugaon 5, 85, 86, 252, 280, 293, Dandakaranya 98, 101, 144, 145, 146, 147
337, 352, 372, 373, 375, 377, 419, 420, Dasmanthpur 134, 135, 138
443 Deodar 15
Bansuli 99 Deomali xiv, 7, 67, 160, 171, 231, 232,
Barhatika Paika 139, 140 465, 467, 471
Bastar 2, 4, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, 26, 27, Desia 105
29, 31, 32, 33 98, 101, 102, 116, 124, Dhulia Paika 139, 140
125, 132, 13 5, 146, 188, 459 Dhurwas 125
Benares 136 Didayi 106
Berhampur 56, 58, 59, 158, 160, 293, 300, Disari 115, 116, 120, 121, 128, 141
336, 360, 382, 442, 452, 455, 476, 484 Domb 133, 134
Bhairaba 98, 101 Doms 122
Bhat Nayak 142 Dongria 105
Bhatanayak 120 Dora 44, 105, 106, 107, 109, 123
Bhattra 110, 111, 138, 145 Dravidian 105, 106, 107, 146
Bhumia 98, 111, 121, 122, 125, 138, 141 Durga 100
Bodo Gadaba 113
Bodo Poraja 142
E
Bodo Porajas 117
East Godavari 4, 9, 188, 459

495
East India Company 3, 49, 153 Jenkar 114
Jhodia 118, 120
F Jhodia Poraja 142

Ficus infectra 145

K
Furer-Haimendrof 113
Kadamba 192
G Kalachuri 29, 31
Kalahandi 113, 134, 135, 136, 140, 142
Gadaba 89, 97, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, Kalimela 200, 230
110, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 124, 127, Kalinga 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 33, 38, 88,
141, 143, 145, 147, 150, 151, 209, 284, 90, 98, 99, 213
468 Kamadhenu 279
Ganjam 112 Kanker 137, 138
Gaudo 134, 135 Kapileswara 35, 37, 38
Godavari 115, 135 Kasipur 3, 144
Gond 105, 144 Kenduguda 101, 465
Gondi 105, 106, 107, 117, 421 Kerang 114, 127
Goomsur 126 Kharavela 23, 90, 233
Gota Mela 145 Kimuri 44
gothi 290, 291 Kobbiriya 133
Govindapalli 312 Kolata 130
Gudari 38, 390 Konda Dora 123
Gunda Mahadevi 33, 93, 100 Kondh 105, 106, 107, 142
Gunupur 112, 136 Kondhs 123, 126, 127, 134, 141
Gupta 134 Kosala 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 33, 134
Gupteswar xiv, 14, 16, 17, 103, 125, 192, Kotiya 71, 73, 74, 75, 338, 377
195, 198, 258, 314, 468, 470, 476 Kotpad xiii, 4, 5, 8, 10, 15, 16, 64, 67, 87,
Gurumai 120, 142 88, 89, 9 , 07, 2, 337, 3 2, 374, 377, 378,
Gurumaie 128 382, 391, 412, 436, 437, 460, 465, 492
Gutob 113, 114, 116 Kottia 140, 141
Koya 146
H Kui 105, 106, 107, 123
KusilyaMali 136
Halba 137, 138
Kutia Paika. 139
Hinduism 109, 138
Hiralal 125
L
I Lakshmipur 55, 303, 312, 313
Lalitamani Devi 49
Indo-Aryan 105, 106, 110
Lanjia 105
Indravati 7, 70, 89, 98, 221, 223, 233, 256,
Lombo Lanjhia 112
257, 258, 261, 264, 315

M
J
Machkund xi, 5, 7, 8, 64, 70, 79, 80, 81,
Jagadalpur 8, 32, 160, 312, 476
116, 140, 176, 223, 227, 245, 258, 264,
Jaina 101
266, 285, 313, 337, 352, 373, 375, 377
Jainism xi, 88, 98, 109
Maguni Das 414
Jalaput 70, 81, 227, 253, 266, 313, 473
Mahanadi 10, 27, 98, 232
Jani 128, 142
Mahasivaratri 468
Jatapu 105, 107
Mahatma Gandhi xiv, xxi, 54, 55, 58, 59,
Jaugada 435
217, 282, 333, 339, 403, 490
Jayanta 34, 35, 37
496
Maliguda xiv, 474, 476 Pakkanaguda 98
Malis 102, 135, 136, 137 Papadahandi 56
paper Mill 67
Mandiri 133 Parenga 105, 113, 115, 116, 127, 128,
Manikya Devi 33 141, 142, 145
Maratha 49 Paroja 108, 109, 110, 117, 118, 120, 121,
Mariah 365 124, 127, 143, 149, 150
Matia 105 Parvatipuram 4, 51
Megalithic Culture 145 Pengo 142
Meriah 126, 127 Peninsula 145
Mirgam 133 Penna 24
Mirigani 133 Pentia 138
Motu 8, 9, 11, 58, 64, 200, 312, 393 Phampuni 99
Mudli 128 Phulbani 372
Muka Dora 123 Podagada 102
Munda xii, 105, 106, 112 Pottangi 5, 7, 9, 16, 17, 19, 58, 59, 64, 71,
Muria 110 74, 75, 86, 136, 138, 140, 03, 207, 5, 218,
mutha 142 230, 231, 305, 310, 312, 336, 337, 338,
339, 350, 352 378, 389, 390, 430, 443,
N 465
Prabhanjana Varman 27
Nag 122, 128 Pratapa Roy 44
Naga 123, 124 Prendargast 50
Nala 25, 26, 132, 261, 315, 469 Putia 139, 140
Nandahandi 241
Nandapur viii, xiv, 1, 2, 3, 5, 35, 36, 37, 38,
R
39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 293,
297, 13, 8, 339, 352, 377, 414, 460, 461, Raipur 98, 137
471, 473, 476, 501 Rajguru 25
Narayan Raju 50 Ramagiri 8, 11, 16, 42, 81, 82, 103, 136,
Narayanpatnaviii, xiv, 5, 33, 46, 48, 49, 82, 140, 192, 193, 194, 314, 373, 375, 459,
85, 86, 87, 99, 148, 152, 161, 162, 223, 469
281, 293, 313, 372, 373, 374, 375, 419, Ramanaguda 312
463, 473 Ramanuja 32
Nayak 124, 128, 141, 142 Ramayana 112
Nisanmundi 145, 146 Ramdas 89, 91, 92, 113, 117, 501
Nowrangpur 102, 110, 123, 136, 145 Ramgiri 122
Rangachari, 133
O Ranpur 2
Ronas 139, 140
Odiya 133
Oduguda 15
S
Ollaro Gadba 116
Omanatya 97, 101, 109, 123, 125 Sabara 98, 105, 112, 145, 147
Omanatya, 123 Sabari 8, 9, 13, 297
Onomia 133 Samaj 465
Orissa 113, 123, 125, 126, 130, 140 Sankara Varman 27
Sano Porajas 117
P Saora 52, 105, 109, 112, 284
Sarua 132
Padwa 8, 65, 76, 169, 229, 304, 313, 336, Sileru 8, 9, 13, 79
377, 390 Simhapura 27
Paiko 133, 140, 141 Sisa 142

497
Skanda Varman 26 Umerkote 110
Sodabisiya 133
Sodor 145 V
Somesvara 31, 32, 33
South Kosala 99 Vaddadi 34, 35, 37, 39
Sri Chaitanya 100 vajra 93
Srikakulam 2, 27, 28, 39, 47, 113, 158 Vajrahasta 29
Sripura 27 Vijaya Chandra 39
Vikram Deo 3, 4, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54,
153, 154
T
Vira Vikrama Deo 1
Tadivalsa 73, 75 Vishnu 102
Takra 125 Vizagapatam 133, 140
Tamil 145
Telugu 107 W
Tirthankara 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96,
97 Waltair 4, 53, 54, 378, 389
Titlagarh 314 Western Ghats 10, 23, 180
Tugara 125
Tummiguda 16 Y

Yajna Satakarni 23
U Yasobhanja 32
Udaipur 52 Yeotmal 26
Umarkot 25, 33, 49, 391
Umarkote 1, 65, 359

498