 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
Gariaband district | |
|---|---|
 Rajivalochan Vishnu Temple inRajim | |
.svg) Location in Chhattisgarh | |
 Gariaband district | |
| Coordinates (Gariaband):20°39′N82°03′E / 20.65°N 82.05°E /20.65; 82.05 | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| Division | Raipur |
| Headquarters | Gariaband |
| Tehsils | List
|
| Government | |
| • Collector & District Magistrate | Mr. Prabhat Malik,IAS |
| • Lok Sabha constituencies | Mahasamund |
| • Superintendent of Police | Mr. J. R. Thakur,IPS |
| Area | |
• Total | 5,822.861 km2 (2,248.219 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 597,653 |
| • Density | 102.639/km2 (265.834/sq mi) |
| Demographics | |
| • Literacy | 68.26% |
| • Sex ratio | 1020 |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 493xxx (Gariaband)[1] |
| Vehicle registration | CG-23 |
| Major highways | NH-130C |
| Website | gariaband |
Gariaband district is one of the 33 districts ofChhattisgarh. It has its headquarters atGariaband town. The district was carved out of Raipur district in 2012.[2]
The earliest history of the district is associated withRajim. At the Rajiv Lochan temple, a 7th-century inscription records the king as Vilasatunga, most likely from theNala dynasty. The region was controlled by a variety of powers, including the Mauryas and Guptas. TheKalachuris, who conquered the territory in the 10th century CE continued to rule there until Marathas invasions in 1742.
The district covers an area of 5,822 square kilometres (2,248 sq mi).[3] The district is bordered on the south by theNabarangpur district of Odisha, on the east by theKalahandi andNuapada districts of Odisha, on the north by theMahasamund andRaipur districts and on the west by theDhamtari district.
On the north the district is bounded by the Mahanadi river, which merges with the Pairy river nearRajim. Part of the district's southern boundary with Odisha is formed by theTel river.
The district is divided into five taluks:
The district has four urban bodies: Gariaband Municipality and Rajim, Chhura and Fingeshwar Nagar panchayats.
Much of the district is covered by forest. The forest area of the district is 2,935 square kilometres (1,133 sq mi), includingUdanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, making up over half of the district area.
The present Collector andDistrict Magistrate of Gariaband is Chhattar Singh Dehre (IAS).[4] Shri Bhojram Patel is theSuperintendent of Police of Gariaband District.
| Religion | Percent | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hinduism | 98.50% | |||
| Islam | 0.91% | |||
| Other or not stated | 0.59% | |||
| Distribution of religions | ||||
According to the 2011 census, the population of the district was 597,653, of which 40,454 (6.77%) live in urban areas. The sex ratio was 1020 and the literacy rate was 68.26%. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 17.97% and 36.14% of the population respectively. Tribals made up 48% of Chhura taluk and were the majority in Gariaband and Mainpur taluks.[6]
According to the 2011 census 69.48% of the population speaksChhattisgarhi, 22.95%Odia, 5.10%Hindi as their first language. 1.24% of the population spoke 'Others' underMarathi, almost all of whom wereKamar. The Odia population is concentrated in Mainpur tehsil, where over 40% of the population speaks Odia, and Deobhog tehsil, where over 80% of the population is Odia.[7]
Rajim is an important pilgrimage site, located on a Triveni Sangam: the confluence of the Pairy and Mahanadi rivers. It is sometimes known as the "Prayag of Chhattisgarh". Every year theRajim Kumbh Mela is held from Magh Purnima to Maha Shivaratri. Rajim is particularly significant for Vaishnavites and there are a variety of temples dedicated to forms of Vishnu in the town. There are also a variety of Shiva temples in the area.
Jatmai Temple - Located in Gariaband, 85 km (53 mi) fromRaipur. Jatmai Temple is dedicated to Mata Jatmai and is located in a small forest. The temple is carved out of granite with a huge tower and many small peak/ towers. On top of the main entrance, can see one murals depicting mythological characters.
Ghatarani Temple - It is another located 25 km (16 mi) from Jatmai Temple. Nearby there is a famous waterfall. TheNavratri festival is celebrated in this temple.
Bhooteshwarnath - This village is nestled among thick forests 3 km (1.9 mi) away from Gariaband. Here can be found the world's largest natural Shivalinga. Every year on Mahashivratri and Monday of Sawan people (Kawariya) come here.
Sikaser Dam - Sikaser Dam is anartificial dam located 50 km (31 mi) from the district headquarters.[8] It is accessible in all seasons. Sikaser Dam was built in 1977. The Sikaser Dam is 1,540 m (5,050 ft) long and 9.32 m (30.6 ft) high. A 2X35 MW WaterHydropower Plant is installed within the dam's structure and is used for bothelectricity andirrigation.[9]
Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve - The Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve was established in 2009. They are also known for their pure-bred Wild Buffaloes.[10] As of April 2021, there is one female buffalo, nine male buffaloes, and one young calf. With a low proportion of male to female buffaloes, the center is concerned about the longevity of the species.[10] The center is hoping that their 25 h.a of land will allow for the species to repopulate successfully.[10]
