GANJAM DISTRICT PROFILE
The District of Ganjam came into being with effect from 1-4-1936 after it got
separated from Madras presidency and became a part of Orissa province constituted from
that date. The district has got its name from the Persian word “Gunj-i- am” which means
granary of the world. The history itself signifies that it was once upon a prosperous area.
LOCATION :
Ganjam district is situated in the coastal region of the state surrounded on the
north by Khurda district, on the east by the Bay of Bengal, on the west by Kandhamal
and Gajapati district and on the south by Andhra Pradesh.It lies between 19.00’ and 2017’ of the Northern Latitude and 84-6’ to 85.11’ of eastern longitude.
The district is covered by East and South Eastern Coastal Plain Zone and North
Eastern Ghat Zone. The Coastal Plain Zone is characterized by a number of deltas mainly
formed by the river Rushikulya. The famous Chilika Lake lies in the Eastern part of the
district covering an area of approximately 632 Km.
PHYSICAL & NATURAL DIVISIONS :
The district is broadly divided into two natural divisions ie the coastal plains in
the east and the hills and table lands in the waet. The Block wise physical features of the
district are as follows.
1. Coastal -
Rangeilunda, Chikiti, Chatrapur, Ganjam and Khalikote
2. Plains -
Kabisuryanagar, Hinjilicut, Polosara, Beguniapada, Aska, Purusottapur,
Sheragada & Bellaguntha.
3. Upland -
Sanakhemundi, Patrapur, Digapahandi and Kukudakhandi.
4. Hilly -
Buguda, JagannathPrasad, Suruda, Bhanjanagar and Dharakote.
RIVERS :
The important rivers of the district are Rushikulya, Badanadi, Jahada, Dhanei and
Baghua.
SOIL :
The soils of the district are mostly alluvial, black, laterite, lateritic and red and
saline . The texture is sandy to sandy loam or clay to clay loam. Silted soils are available
near river banks.
CLIMATE :
The district is characterized by an equitable temperature all through the year,
particularly in the coastal regions. The average annual rain fall of the district is 129.60
Cms. The rain fall generally increases from the coast towards the interior hilly tracks of
the district.
The relative humidity is high through out the year specifically in coastal areas.
Winds are fairly strong particularly in coastal regions in summer and monsoon months.
CROPS & INDUSTRIES :
The principal crops of the district are paddy, ragi, moong, biri, groundnut,
sugarcane and chilly. Compared to some other districts of Orissa, Ganjam is rather poorly
endowed with mineral resources. However, minerals like quartz, lime etc is found in the
district. Jayashree chemicals, Indian Rare Earth Ltd, and Aska Spinning Mill are some of
the large and medium scale industries, located in the district. Among the cottage
industries, weaving occupies a prominent place and Berhampur silk sarees are famous in
the state as well as in the adjoining states. The district, which constituted a significant
part of ancient Kalinga, is well known for its rich culture.
The district covers an area of 8206 sq. kms and comprises 3 Revenue SubDivisions, 22 CD Blocks , 475 Gram Pancayats and 3212 revenue villages.