West Godavari district

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West Godavari district
District of Andhra Pradesh
Eluru District Collector Office.jpg
CompleteTempleComplex.jpg
SomeswaraSwamy-5.JPG
Dwaraka Tirumala Gopuram view.jpg
Antarvedi Beach view 02.jpg
Paddy fields before sunrise.jpg
Clockwise from top:District Collector Office, Somarama,District Beach, West Godavari Paddy, Dwaraka Tirumala, and Ksheerarama
Location of West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh
Location of West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh
Coordinates (Eluru): 16°07′N 81°01′E / 16.117°N 81.017°E / 16.117; 81.017Coordinates: 16°07′N 81°01′E / 16.117°N 81.017°E / 16.117; 81.017
Country India
StateAndhra Pradesh
HeadquartersBhimavaram
Tehsils48
Government
 • District collectorKartikeya Misra[1]
 • Lok Sabha constituenciesEluru, Narsapuram, Rajahmundry(Partly)
 • Vidhan Sabha constituencies15
Area
 • District of Andhra Pradesh7,742 km2 (2,989 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)
 • District of Andhra Pradesh3,936,966
 • Density510/km2 (1,300/sq mi)
 • Urban
808,777
Demographics
 • Literacy74.63%
 • Sex ratio1004
Vehicle registrationAP-37 (former)
AP–39 (from 30 January 2019)[2]
Major highwaysNH-16, NH-216, NH-216A, NH-365BB, NH-516D, NH-516E
WebsiteOfficial website

West Godavari district or Paschima Godavari Jilla is one of the nine districts in the Coastal Andhra region of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The administrative headquarters of the district is situated at Bhimavaram.[3] As of 2011 census of India, the district has an area of 7,742 km2 (2,989 sq mi) and a population of 3,936,966.[4] It is bounded by Krishna district on the west, East Godavari district on the east, Bay of Bengal on the south and the state of Telangana on the north.[5]

History[edit]

The Eastern Chalukyas ruled coastal Andhra from 700 to 1200, with Vengi, near Pedavegi village, as their capital. Historical evidences are found at the villages, Pedavegi and Guntupalli (Jilakarragudem). Eluru then became a part of the Kalinga Empire until 1471. Later it fell into the hands of the Gajapati Empire. In 1515 Sri Krishna Deva Raya captured it. After the fall of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, it was taken by the Sultan of Golkonda, Kutub Shah.[6] On 15 April 1925, West Godavari District was formed with Eluru as its headquarters and all the district offices and regional offices were set up in Eluru city.[7]

Eluru District Collector Office

West Godavari district was formed from old Godavari District in the year 1925 on 15 Apr. The Godavari district was renamed as East Godavari district and the new district is named as West Godavari district.[8]

In the Madras Presidency, the District of Rajahmundry was created in 1823.[9] It was reorganised in 1859 and was bifurcated into Godavari and Krishna districts. During British rule, Rajahmundry was the headquarters of Godavari district, which was further bifurcated into East Godavari and West Godavari districts in 1925. When the Godavari district was divided, Kakinada became the headquarters of East Godavari and Eluru became headquarters of West Godavari.

Geography[edit]

The district occupies an area of 7,742 km2 (2,989 sq mi). The district is bounded by Khammam district on the north, Bay of Bengal on the south. The Godavari River separates East Godavari district on east and Tammileru River and Kolleru Lake separates it from Krishna district on the west.[10]:22

Rivers and topography[edit]

S.no. Basin % of the area covered
01 Godavari 20.20%
02 Yerrakaluva 48.10%
03 Tammileru 26.80%
04 Ramileru 01.40%
05 Kolleru 3.50%

[11]

River Godavari at Kovvur

West Godavari is a flat country with a slight eastern slope along which the rivers of the district flow. The rivers in the West Godavari district generally flow from west to east. The three rivers which cut through the district are Godavari (after which the district is named), Yerrakaluva and Tammileru. Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage, Eluru canal, Vijayarai Anicut, Tammileru, Jalleru and Yerrakaluva reservoirs are the sources of irrigation.[12]

Climate[edit]

The region has a tropical climate similar to the rest of the Coastal Andhra region. The summers (March–June) are very hot and dry while the winters are fairly pleasant. The temperatures in the summers often rise over 50 degrees during the day. The rainy season (July–December) is often the best time for tourist visits, as fields are brilliantly green with paddy crops, rivers flowing with monsoon water, and a relatively cool climate. The region has long been home to the Indian nobles due to its climate and fertile soil, and several zamindar large mansions are scattered around the Godavari area.

Caves on Dhammalingesvarasvami Hill at Guntupalle

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1901919,234—    
19111,046,050+1.30%
19211,118,436+0.67%
19311,298,758+1.51%
19411,465,111+1.21%
19511,697,727+1.48%
19611,978,257+1.54%
19712,374,306+1.84%
19812,873,958+1.93%
19913,517,568+2.04%
20013,803,517+0.78%
20113,936,966+0.35%
source:[13]

As of 2011 Census of India, West Godavari district has a population of 3,936,966 with 1,091,525 households, which is the 11th most populous district in the state.[10] The district's population is approximately equal to the population of Liberia[14] and Oregon.[15]

In Andhra Pradesh, the West Godavari district is the 19th largest in terms of area with an area of 7,742 km2 (2,989 sq mi)(Before bifurcation) and has a population density of 509/km2 (1,320/sq mi), which is the fourth most densely populated district in the state.[10] Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 3.45%.[16] West Godavari has a sex ratio of 1004 females for every 1000 males and stands it at eighth position. It stands at first position in terms of literacy rate in Andhra Pradesh with 26,52,389 (74.63%) literates.[4][10] 20.6% of the district's population lives in Uuban areas.[17]

Economy[edit]

The gross district domestic product (GDDP) is ₹45,963 crore (US$6.4 billion) and it contributes 8.8% to the gross state domestic product (GSDP). For the FY 2013–14, the per capita income at current prices was ₹86,974 (US$1,200).

Paddy, banana, sugarcane, and coconut are the main agricultural products cultivated in the district. The agriculture sector contributes ₹18,385 crore (US$2.6 billion), industries contribute ₹7,086 crore (US$990 million), and services contribute ₹20,491 crore (US$2.9 billion) to GDDP.[17] The major products contributing to the gross value added (GVA) of the district from agriculture and allied services are paddy, sugarcane, banana, coconut, milk, meat and fisheries. The GVA to the industrial and service sector is contributed from construction, electricity, manufacturing, unorganised trade, and transport.[17]

Cashew nut, mango and tobacco are other important production from the district.[12] Shrimp production is also a main activity along with pisciculture.[18] The woolen pile carpet industry in Eluru produces eco-friendly carpets from wool that are exported.[19][20]

Culture[edit]

Culture and traditions at Kalavalapalli village in West Godavari district

Telugu is the most widely spoken language.[18] Vedas, which has oral heritage recognition from by UNESCO are taught at Sri Venkateswara Veda Patasala of I.Bhimavaram village in the district.[21] The district is well known for its wool-pile carpets and hand woven products.[22]

Dwaraka Tirumala Temple devotees

Tourism and landmarks[edit]

There are many landmarks and tourism destinations in the district. Eluru is the largest city of the district with many destinations related to Buddhists and Archeological importance such as Guntupalli Caves near the city.[23] Eluru city hosts a 74-foot high Buddha statue in the heart of the city.

Buddha Park at Eluru

Some of the religious destinations include, Dwaraka Tirumala known with the name as Chinna Tirumala,[24] Pancharama Kshetras of Palakollu and Bhimavaram.[25] Other destinatins of tourism importance are Perupalem Beach at Narasapuram, the Kolleru Lake being the largest fresh water in the country and a bird sanctuary,[26] Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage and Havelock Bridge. The Government of Andhra Pradesh is keen in developing Rajahmundry Airport as international airport and thus the district will get a major boost to tourism. Heli tourism is also introduced from Rajahmundry Airport to see tourist places in Districts of Godavari. Polavaram Project will become another tourist attraction in the district.

Administrative divisions[edit]

West Godavari revenue divisions map
See also: List of revenue divisions in Andhra Pradesh and List of mandals in Andhra Pradesh

The district has five revenue divisions, namely Eluru, Jangareddigudem, Kovvur, Kukunuru and Narasapuram. These revenue divisions are divided into 48 mandals in the district. These 48 mandals consists of 881 villages, 1 municipal corporation, 8 municipalities and 5 census towns. Eluru is the only municipal corporation, 7 municipalities include, Kovvur, Narasapuram, Nidadavolu, Palakollu, Tadepalligudem, Tanuku, Bhimavaram, Jangareddigudem and the 5 census towns are Dwarakatirumala, Sanivarapupeta, Satrampadu, Gavaravaram and Tangellamudi.[10]:22–23,54

Mandals map

Mandals[edit]

West Godavari district consists of 19 mandals spread across 2 revenue mandals.[27][28]

Serial
number 		Bhimavaram revenue division Narasapuram revenue division
Mandal Headquarters Mandal Headquarters
1 Akividu mandal Akividu Achanta mandal Achanta
2 Attili mandal Attili Iragavaram mandal Iragavaram
3 Bhimavaram mandal Bhimavaram Mogalthur mandal Mogalthur
4 Kalla mandal Kalla Narasapuram Mandal Narasapuram
5 Palakoderu mandal Palakoderu Palakollu Mandal Palakollu
6 Pentapadu mandal Pentapadu Penugonda mandal Penugonda
7 Tadepalligudem mandal Tadepalligudem Penumantha mandal Penumantha
8 Undi mandal Undi Poduru mandal Poduru
9 Veeravasaram mandal Veeravasaram Tanuku mandal Tanuku
10 Yelamanchili mandal Yelamanchili

Erstwhile Talukas[edit]

Before Formation of Mandals, Administration was done through Taluka system. Erstwhile Talukas in district are given below.

In 1978, the number of talukas in west Godavari district was increased from 8 to 19. Later in 1985, 19 Talukas were divided into 46 mandals.

In 2014, according to Polavaram Ordinance, 2 mandals from Telangana were merged with West Godavari District. So total mandals numbers increased to 48

Erstwhile talukas
S.No. Erstwhile Talukas

in 1971

New Talukas

Formed in 1985

New Mandals

Formed in 1985

1 Eluru Eluru Eluru, Pedapadu, Pedavegi,
Bhimadole [9] Bhimadole, Dwaraka Tirumala, Denduluru,
2 Chintalapudi Chintalapudi Chintalapudi, T.Narsapuram, Lingapuram, Kamavarapukota,
3 Polavaram Polavaram Polavaram, Buttayagudem, jeelugumilli, Koyyalagudem [part], Jangareddygudem [part]
4 Kovvur Kovvur Kovvur, Devarapalli, Chagallu, Nidadavole
Gopalapuram [10] Gopalapuram, Tallapudi, Koyyalagudem [part], Jangareddygudem [part],
5 Tadepalligudem Tadepalligudem Tadepalligudem, Nallajerla, Unguturu [part]
Ganapavaram [11] Ganapavaram, Unguturu [part], Nidamarru, Pentapadu,
6 Tanuku Tanuku Tanuku, Undrajavaram, Peravali,
Penumantra [12] Penumantra, Penugonda, Atili, Iragavaram,
7 Narsapuram Narsapuram Narsapuram, Mogalthooru, Yelamanchili,
Poduru [13] Poduru, Palakollu, Achanta,
8 Bhimavaram Bhimavaram Bhimavaram, Palakoderu, Veeravasaram,
Akiveedu [14] Akiveedu, Undi, Kalla

Cities and towns[edit]

 
Largest cities or towns in West Godavari District
As per the 2011 Census
Rank Division Pop.
Eluru
Eluru
Bhimavaram
Bhimavaram 		1 Eluru Eluru Division 250,834 Tadepalligudem
Tadepalligudem
Palakollu
Palakollu
2 Bhimavaram Narasapuram Division 210,961
3 Tadepalligudem Eluru Division 130,348
4 Palakollu Narasapuram Division 104,216
5 Tanuku Kovvur Division 77,962
6 Narasapuram Narasapuram Division 58,770
7 Jangareddygudem Jangareddygudem Division 48,994
8 Nidadavolu Kovvur Division 43,809
9 Kovvur Kovvur Division 39,667
10 Chintalapudi Eluru Division 25,952
Municipal Bodies in West Godavari District
S.No. Municipal Body Civic Status of town Municipality

Formation Year

2011 Census

Population

2001 Census

Population

1991 Census

Population

1981 Census

Population

1 Eluru Municipal Corporation 1866 250,834 215,804 212,866 168,154
2 Bhimavaram Municipality Grade - Selection 1948 146,961 142,064 121,314 101,894
3 Tadepalligudem Municipality Grade - Selection 1958 130,348 102,622 88,878 62,574
4 Palakollu Municipality Grade - 1 1919 104,216 76,308 56,969 46,146
5 Tanuku Municipality Grade - 1 1979 77,962 72,970 62,913 53,618
6 Narsapuram Municipality Grade - 1 1956 58,770 58,604 56,362 46,033
7 Jangareddygudem Municipality Grade - 2 2011 48,994 39,021 28,175 25,056
8 Nidadavole Municipality Grade - 2 1964 43,809 43,143 41,101 31,022
9 Kovur Municipality Grade - 3 1965 39,667 39,327 36,061 28,756
10 Akiveedu Nagar Panchayat 2020 32,412 24,259 29,421 21,317
11 Chintalapudi Nagar Panchayat 2020 25,952
Erstwhile Talukas in West Godavari District
S.No. Town Civic Status of Town 2011 Census

Population

2 Polavaram Grama Panchayat 13,861
3 Bhimadole Grama Panchayat 13,669
4 Ganapavaram Grama Panchayat 11,749
5 Gopalapuram Grama Panchayat 11,573
6 Penumantra Grama Panchayat 10,658
7 Poduru Grama Panchayat 9,578
Census Towns in District.
S.No. Town Civic Status of Town 2011 Census

Population

1 Dwaraka Tirumala Census Town 5,543

Constituencies[edit]

There are three parliamentary and 15 assembly constituencies in the district.

Constituencies
Parliamentary Constituencies[29]
1. Eluru
2. Narsapuram
3. Rajahmundry
Assembly Constituencies
1. Achanta
2. Bhimavaram
3. Chintalapudi (SC)
4. Denduluru
5. Eluru
6. Gopalapuram
7. Kovvur
8. Nidadavole
9. Narsapur
10. Palakollu
11. Polavaram (ST)
12. Tadepalligudem
13. Tanuku
14. Undi
15. Unguturu

Transport[edit]

Roadways[edit]

The total road length of state highways in the district is 1,229 km (764 mi).[30] The district relies mostly on public transport such as, buses of APSRTC operating from all parts of the district. Most of the major highways and national highways pass through major towns in the district such as, AH 45, NH-16, NH-216A, National Highway 516D (India).

Railways[edit]

South Central Railway division of Indian Railways operates many passenger and freight transport. Howrah-Chennai main line, Vijayawada–Nidadavolu loop line and Bhimavaram–Narasapuram branch lines are the major lines and sections that provide rail connectivity in the district.Kovvur-Bhadrachalam Railway line and Kotipalli-Narsapur Railway line are the major railway projects in the district.

Airways[edit]

Tadepalligudem Airport is the only airport in the district, but it is not operational. Rajahmundry Airport is present adjacent to West Godavari. People here are demanding Government to develop Rajahmundry Airport as an international airport. Government is also keen in developing the airport as international airport. Heli Tourism is introduced from Rajahmundry Airport to see tourist places in Godavari districts.

Waterways[edit]

National Waterway 4 passes through the district and connects Puducherry with Kakinada and Rajahmundry via Tadepalligudem, Eluru. It has access to Bay of Bengal at Narsapuram. According to AP State Reorganisation Act, Government is constructing Narsapur Port.

Education[edit]

The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided and private schools, under the School Education Department of the state.[31][32] As per the school information report for the academic year 2015–16, there are a total of 4,408 schools. They include 19 government, 2,664 mandal and zilla parishads, 1 residential, 1,344 private, 3 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), 208 municipal and 169 other types of schools.[33] The total number of students enrolled in primary, upper primary and high schools of the district are 522,793.[34]

Universities

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ "West Godavari Collector transferred, posted as Andhra CM's Additional Secretary". The Hans India. 17 April 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  2. ↑ "New 'AP 39' code to register vehicles in Andhra Pradesh launched". The New Indian Express. Vijayawada. 31 January 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  3. ↑ "District – West Godavari". Online Portal – Government of Andhra Pradesh. Government of Andhra Pradesh.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "West Godavari district profile". Andhra Pradesh State Portal. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)
  5. ↑ "West Godavari". Official portal of Andhra Pradesh Government. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  6. ↑ "FOCUS: WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT FORMATION DAY". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  7. ↑ "Ellora – "Encyclopedia". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  8. ↑ "West Godavari district profile". The Hindu. 15 April 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  9. ↑ Bhaskar, B. v s (8 June 2014). "Nyapathi Subbarao carved an identity for Telugus" – via www.thehindu.com.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 "District Census Handbook – West Godavari" (PDF). Census of India. p. 24. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  11. ↑ "IRRIGATION PROFILE WESTGODAVARI DISTRICT".
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Ground Water Brochure, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh (AAP- 2012–13)" (PDF). Central Ground Water Board. Ministry of Water Resources. p. 7. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  13. ↑ Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901
  14. ↑ US Directorate of Intelligence. "Country Comparison:Population". Retrieved 1 October 2011. Liberia 3,786,764July 2011 est.
  15. ↑ "2010 Resident Population Data". U. S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 30 September 2011. Oregon 3,831,074
  16. ↑ "District Census 2011". Census2011.co.in. 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 "Economy of West Godavari District". Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Mannan, M.A (3 January 2013). "Farmers turn away from agriculture to fish farming in Andhra Pradesh". indiatoday.intoday.in. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  19. ↑ Nagaraja, G (20 March 2014). "Handmade carpet industry in doldrums". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  20. ↑ Sajnani, Manohar (2001). Encyclopaedia of tourism resources in India. New Delhi: Kalpaz Pub. p. 66. ISBN 978-81-7835-018-9. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  21. ↑ "President inaugurates TTD's veda patasala in A.P." The Hindu. Akiveedu (West Godavari district). 25 December 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  22. ↑ Babu, A. Satish (2008). Tourism development in India : a case study. New Delhi: A.P.H.Pub.Corp. p. 87. ISBN 978-81-313-0346-7. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  23. ↑ "Guntupalli caves are selected as India's top 30 heritage sites".
  24. ↑ "Lord Venkateswara Temple".
  25. ↑ "Someswaralayam in Bhimavaram".
  26. ↑ "Kolleru Lake gets facelift".
  27. ↑ "West Godavari District". About District > Administrative Setup > Mandal. Government of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  28. ↑ About District > Map of District. Government of Andhra Pradesh https://westgodavari.ap.gov.in/map-of-district/. Retrieved 24 December 2023. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  29. ↑ http://ceoandhra.nic.in/Right%20to%20Infn.Act/annex1.htm District-wise Assembly-Constituencies in Andhra Pradesh
  30. ↑ "Existing State Highways" (PDF). Andhra Pradesh Road Development Corporation. Government of Andhra Pradesh. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 September 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  31. ↑ "School Education Department" (PDF). School Education Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  32. ↑ "The Department of School Education – Official AP State Government Portal". www.ap.gov.in. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  33. ↑ "School Information Report". Commissionerate of School Education. Government of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  34. ↑ "Student Information Report". Commissionerate of School Education. Child info 2015–16, District School Education – Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 8 November 2016.

External links[edit]


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