MALKANGIRI

Malkangiri

 

About the district:-

               Malkangiri district was the former district headquarter town of Malkangiri. Malkangiri was a “Taluk” of Nabrangpur sub-division under district Koraput. In 1962 it became the sub-division of Koraput district. In 1992 it got an identity of a separate district in Odisha. The district has covered with 5791 sq kms of land. Currently it is one of the most naxalite-affected areas of the state and is a part of the Red Corridor.

 

Geography:-

                   It lays in 17 degree 45’N to 18 degree 40’N latitudes and 81 degree 10’ E to 82 degree E longitude. It has geographical area of 5791 sq kms.

The district is covered by vast dense forest. The district is divided into two distinct physical divisions. The eastern part is covered with steep ghats, platues and valleys, sparsely inhabited by primitive tribes, notable of them are Bondas, Koyas, Porajas and Didayis. The climate in the district is generally cold during winter and hot in summer with temperature ranging from 13 degree C to 47 degree C. The average annual rainfall is about 1700 mm. Relative humidity is generally high, especially in the monsoon and post–monsoon months. During the rainy season, most areas of the District become impassably swampy and heavy floods isolate it from the outer world. This district lies within the malaria prone belt.

 

Demography:-

                According to the 2011 census Malkangiri district has a population of 612,727. This gives it a ranking of 523rd in India (out of a total of 640. The district has a population density of 106 inhabitants per square kilometre (270 /sq mi) . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 21.53%.^[2] Malkangiri has a sex ratio of 1016 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 49.49%.

 

History:-

             This district was carved out as district from the undivided Koraput district on 2nd Oct, 1992. The administrative headquarters of this district is Malkangiri town. Malkangiri is the new home of the Bangladeshi refugees, who were rehabilitated since 1965 under the Dandakaranya project. Also some Sri Lankan Tamil refugees were rehabilitated in Malkangiri town, following the armed struggle of LTTE in the early 90's (most of them have returned, baring a couple of house holds).

 

Travel and tourism:-

1.      BALIMELA:-

                         Balimela is a block under Malkangiri district. The place is known for a beautiful dam. Here a Hydro-electric project has been established by the collaboration of two state governments (Odisha and Andhrapraesh) in river sileru. It is estimated that the power-house is generating 240,000 KW at 60% load factor. The tail water is subsequently utilised for irrigation about 2.4 lakh acres of land in Malkangiri and Motu plains. Best time to visit November to February.

2.      Satiguda Dam:-

                    Satiguda Dam is situated at a distance of 8 Kms. from Malkangiri Town. The Reservoir provides irrigation facility to the near by cultivable land throughout the year. The natural beauty of the Dam can be enjoyed in the early morning and evening hours. Boating facility is also available inside the Reservoir, which attracts visitors as well as the local people. Lord Shiva is being worshiped inside a cave near the Dam. Being surrounded by a large number of small hills this place is considered to be the most favourite picnic spot of the people. A guest house of Irrigation Department of Government of Odisha is built which provides accommodation to the official VIPs.

 

Conclusion:-

           It is a backward district of the Odisha. But the government is doing good work for people and The naxelite activity has decreased as compared to the past few years.