CHAPTER-II

THE STUDY AREA: PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL

ENVIRONMENT

22
2.1) Introduction:
The undivided Midnapore, the southernmost district of Burdwan Division was the biggest among
the districts of West Bengal. Geographically the district lies between 213640- 225640
North latitudes and 86 3522- 88 1330 East longitudes. Midnapore district is bounded by
Bankura district on the north ; Hugli and Howrah on the east ; Bay of Bengal on the south;
Balasor district on the southwest; Singbhum and Mayurbhanj district on the west; Puruliya
district on the north-west. The district extends over an area of 14,081 sq. km. which is 15.86% of
West Bengal. The district Midnapore is renowned for its great regional as well as geographical
diversity in terms of physiographic, agro-climatic, economic development, social composition
and cultural
Figure no. 2.1: Administrative set up of the districts
aesthetics etc.
The north-west
part is bounded
by hilly upland
while the
eastern or
south-eastern
part
characterized
by alluvial
plain and
coastal plain.
The western
part
experiences
drought-
affected dry
areas while the Prepared by the Scholar

eastern part is highly flood prone area. The soil character is gradually changing from non-arable
lateritic soil in the west and north-western portion to highly productive alluvial soil in the eastern
portion. The western blocks are habitat of several tribes while the eastern blocks are the habitat

23
of people of different castes. In 2002, for the administrative purposes the district has been
divided into two separate districts i.e. the western portion as Paschim Medinipur and the eastern
portion as Purba Medinipur, each having four sub-divisions (Table No.- 2.1):

Table No.- 2.1- Administrative setup of the Districts

Sub- Sub-
C.D. Blocks C.D. Blocks
Divisions Divisions

Jhargram Tamluk
Binpur-I Sahid Matangini
Binpur-II Panskura-I
Jhargram Jamboni (Kolaghat)
Tamluk
Sub-Div. Nayagram Panskura-II
Sub-Div.
Sankrail Moyna
Gopiballavpur-I Nandakumar
Gopiballavpur-II Nandigram-III
Salboni (Chandipur)
PASCHIM MEDINIPUR

PURBA MEDINIPUR

Keshpur Mahishadal
Sadar Garhbeta-I Nandigram-I
Haldia
Sub-Div. Garhbeta-II Nandigram-II
Sub-Div.
Garhbeta-III Sutahata
Midnapore Haldia
Debra Patashpur-I
Pingla Patashpur-II
Egra
Keshiary Bhagawanpur-I
Sub-Div.
Dantan-I Egra-I
Kharagpur Dantan-II Egra-II
Sub-Div. Narayangarah Khejuri-I
Mohanpur Khejuri-II
Sabang Bhagawanpur-II
Kharagpur-I Ramnagar-I
Kharagpur-II Kanthi Ramnagar-II
Chandrakona-I Sub-Div. Kanthi-I (Contai-I)
Chandrakona-II Kanthi-II
Ghatal
Ghatal (Deshapran)
Sub-Div.
Daspur-I Kanthi-III (Contai-
Daspur-II III)

24
2.2) Physical Characteristics:

2.2.1) Geology:

The terrain characteristic of the district (undivided Midnapore) is lateritic in the western and
north-western part while in southern and south-eastern part it is gradually changing with
alluvium deposit of Gangetic delta. In north-west and western portion is hilly upland and several
ridges are formed where micaceous schist carved out from the beneath of lateritic outcrop. Grey
and bluish-grey micaceous schists are found in the ridges. The hills are separated by valley in an
irregular manner. The hills are composed of hard grey and grayish-white gritty quartzite whereas
blue slater and traps are found in the valleys.

The lateritic rocks are present in the undulating plain surface and it covers a large area. The
lateritic rocks area is slightly elevated from the adjoining alluvial plain. The gravelly structure is
found in most of the areas. The lateritic gravel and laterite covering areas are characterized by
dry, parched and stony soil which is not suitable for crop cultivation. The upper laterite often
enrooted by conglomeratic and pebbles of quartz or somewhere it rests upon grayish white and
reddish clay, soft soapy and felspathic rocks. The clay beneath down the lateritic gravels is
slightly saturated with iron. Most aberrant phenomenal feature of geology of the district is the
long and vast lateritic sheet found into the dip of adjoining Gangetic plain and also the dip of
western upland.

2.2.2) Physiography:

On the basic of the characteristics of the districts, the entire Midnapore district (Purba and
Paschim) has broadly been divided into two natural divisions the western upland including
undulating lateritic Rarh plain and the eastern Gangetic alluvial plain along with southern
maritime tract. It is assumed that a metalled road passing from Raniganj to Cuttack through
undivided Midnapore district that cut across the district north to south is the approximate
boundary line of these two natural divisions. Physiographically, the region has been sub-divided
into three macro-regions and five micro-regions. The macro-regions are:

a) The Western Upland.

b) The Rarh.

25
 c) The Plain (Deltaic and Coastal).

The micro-regions lies within these macro-regions are:

i. Medinipur upland
ii. Silai plain
iii. Lower Kasai plain
iv. Contai plain
v. Digha coastal plain

Prepared by the Scholar

Figure 2.2: Physiography of Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur

i. Medinipur upland:

Medinipur upland lies in the western part of Paschim Medinipur district bordering the
state of Odisha and Jharkhand. Upland comprises of several blocks totally or partially
Binpur-I and II, Jhargram, Sankrail, Jamboni, Gopiballavpur-I and II, Keshiary,
Dantan-I. The upland is characterized by high lands consist of alternative ridges and

26
 depressions and undulating lateritic surfaces. It is a part of the eastern fringe of the
Chotonagpur plateau which is formed with laterite. The land slope is decreasing from
north-west to south-east part. In extreme north-west, there have some hills ranging
from 82 to 223 meter in height. Several streams and rivers are found flowing over the
hilly surface. Among them, some flow meet into the Kasai River, some of them meet
into Subarnarekha River. The upland area characterized by dry, non-arable lateritic
soil character which is very much unsuitable for habitation and cultivation. Dwarf sal
trees are found in the lower hilly tract.

ii. Silai plain:

The plain land is also a part of eastern fringe of Chotonagpur plateau and consists of
lateritic formation. Silai plain is situated in the border of northern Bankura district.
Somewhere, the land is undulating in nature which ranges between 35.9 to 41.8 meter
respectively. The area is fully covered with dwarf sal trees and jungle of scrubs. Like
upland region here also several streams of rivers are flowing. Silai is the main river of
this area; it comes from Puruliya district and enters into Garhbeta-II block. Blocks
like Garhbeta-I and II and some portion of Binpur-I, Chandrakona I and II and
Daspur-I are included in this area.

iii. Lower Kasai plain:

Kasai is the main river in this region. The region extends over both the side of the
Kasai River. Being the largest plain area of undivided Midnapore district, the upper
eastern part is experienced with the deltaic nature while the lower northern part
experiencing the tidal influences; ebb and flow is very much active in this region. It is
a long depressed area characterized by low laying tract of alluvium. This is formed
due to the assimilation of the deltas of Kasai and Silai in the north-west portion which
is triangular in nature. The rate of alluvial deposition is very high as for the river bed
of Kasai is totally lost her navigability. Several blocks like Binpur, Jhargram, Salboni,
Midnapore, Kharagpur, Keshpur, Ghatal, Daspur, Panskura, Moyna, Debra,
Bhagwanpur, Pingla, Nandigram, Tamluk, Sutahata and Haldia have their share of
lands in this physiographic unit.

27
 iv. Contai plain:

Contai plain is situated in the central and southern part of the district. The region is
well cultivated in nature. The eastern part is generally flat alluvial plain whereas the
western part is gently undulating. The ranges vary from 5 to 46 meter. Rasulpur,
Keleghai , Kapaleswari are among the main rivers of this region. The area extends
between Debra, Pingla, Moyna, Sabang, Nandigram II and III, Khejuri, Contai,
Pataspur, Egra, Dantan, Nayagram, Mohanpur etc. blocks.

v. Digha coastal plain:

It is a littoral tract of Bay of Bengal. The region is characterized by sandy soil and is
exposed to southerly strong wind. Embankment, sand dunes and the several coastal
features have been found in the region. The coastal plain extends from mouth of
Rasulpur River to the mouth of River Subarnarekha. The sandy tract has its own
characteristics of vegetation which is verdant and it is very much preternatural. The
blocks included in coastal plain are Ramnagar-I and II, KanthiI and II.

2.2.3) Climate:

The area is experienced by a great variation in climatic characteristics. The climate is very much
tropical and exercising monsoonal characteristics with variations in micro-regions. The climate
of the northern and western part of the area is being characterized by arid climate having a
vicious dry heat in summer, a short winter season and moderately rainfall. The climate of
eastern and southern part is different in nature; characterized by hot and humid climatic
condition. The seasons are however well marked for the entire area.

Summer season (March to May)

South west Monsoon season (June to September)

Post-Monsoon season (October to November)

Winter season (December to February)

28
 Table No.- 2.2) Monthly Rainfall and Temperature in the District of Paschim Medinipur in 2011
Mean Mean
Average Actual Maximum Minimum Mean
Maximum Minimum
Month Rainfall Rainfall Temparature Temparature Temparature
Temparature Temparature
(in mm) (in mm) (in C) (in C) (in C)
(in C) (in C)
January 13 3 30 8 19 25 12
February 11 8 36 13 24.5 30 17
March 33 51 40 14 27 34 21
April 50 95 37 16 26.5 34 23
May 115 85 38 16 27 36 25
June 288 424 38 24 31 34 26
July 315 143 35 23 29 32 26
August 314 500 36 25 30.5 31 26
September 274 342 35 25 30 32 26
October 120 5 35 18 26.5 33 23
November 12 - 33 16 24.5 30 19
December 5 - 31 10 20.5 26 14
Total 1550 1656
Source: District Statistical Handbook of Paschim Medinipur, 2010 and 2011
Combined

Table No.- 2.3) Monthly Rainfall and Temperature in the District of Purba Medinipur in 2011

Mean Mean
Average Actual Maximum Minimum Mean
Maximum Minimum
Month Rainfall Rainfall Temparature Temparature Temparature
Temparature Temparature
(in mm) (in mm) (in C) (in C) (in C)
(in C) (in C)

January 17 3 29 8 18.5 25 13

February 14 10 32 13 22.5 28 17

March 32 13 36 14 25 31 22

April 41 76 34 19 26.5 32 25

May 108 112 35 22 28.5 33 26

June 286 309 35 25 30 32 27

July 320 272 35 24 29.5 32 27

August 325 384 35 25 30 31 26

September 333 335 34 25 29.5 31 26

October 200 24 34 18 26 33 24

November 16 - 33 17 25 30 19

December 5 - 30 10 20 30 10

Total 1697 1538

Source: District Statistical Handbook of Purba Medinipur, 2010 and 2011 Combined

29
Figure 2.3: Month-wise rainfall and temperature graph of Purba Medinipur

40
35

Temparature in C
30
25
20
Maximum
15
Temparature
10 (in C)
Minimum
5 Temparature
(in C)
0 Mean

October
June
April
January

May
February

August

November
March

July

September

December
Temparature
(in C)

Month
350
300
250
Rainfall in mm

200
150
100
Legend
50
Rain fall
0
October
June
April
January

May

November
February

March

July

August

September

December

Month

Climate Graph of Purba Medinipur

January
40
December February
30
November 20 March

10 Legend
October 0 April Mean
Temparature
(in C)
September May Average
rainfall in cm
August June
July

30
Figure 2.4: Month-wise rainfall and temperature graph of Paschim Medinipur

45
40
35
Temparature in C

30
25
20
Legend
15 Maximum
10 Temparature
(in C)
5 Minimum
Temparature
0 (in C)
June
April
January

May
February

March

July

August

October

November
September

December
Mean
Temparature
(in C)
Month
350

300

250
Rainfall in mm

200

150
Legend
100
Average
50 Rainfall
(in mm)
0
June
April
January

May
February

March

July

August

October

November
September

December

Month
Climate Graph of Paschim Medinipur
January
40
December February
30
November 20 March

10
Legend
October 0 April
Mean
Temparature
(in C)
September May Average
Rainfall in cm

August June
July
31
The average annual rainfall occurs in the area is 1525.5 mm which is very much variable in
nature from place to place. Most of it occurs during monsoonal period. At least 74.0 percent of
the total annual rainfall occurs in monsoonal period. The average annual range of temperature
varies from 25.5 C to 38.6C in Purba Medinipur whereas in Paschim Medinipur it varies from
39.0C to 10.0C. The average annual rainfall occurs in Purba Medinipur is 1697.0 mm whereas
in Paschim Medinipur it is 1550.0 mm (District Statistical Handbook of Purba Medinipur and
Paschim Medinipur, 2010 and 2011 Combined). Month-wise rainfall and temperature graph and
climate graph (figure no. 2.3 and 2.4) have been given to show the climatic variability of Purba
Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur.

2.2.5) Hydrology:

Groundwater is concerned with landforms geomorphology, soil characteristics, its drainage

system, topography, land use/land cover characteristics, vegetation condition and also underlying
geological characteristics like lithology or structure. In the entire study area a variation is found
in respect of hydrologic condition.

In Purba Medinipur district the whole regime is a part of alluvial plain except coastal sandy
stretches. In terms of all indicators of ground water potentiality, the region exercises a good
condition of ground water. Saline water regression and the extension of saline aquifers have also
noticeable. In the district, the ground water level in pre-monsoon varies from 3 to 15 meter
below and in post monsoon varies from 4 to 12 meter below (Basak, et. al., 2012).

The groundwater varies from a few to several meters in Paschim Medinipur district due to
rugged landforms and its lithological adjustments. Groundwater is mainly occurred in valley fill
deposits. So hydro-geologically the area has been classified into several types; such as younger
alluvium, older alluvium, fluvio-deltaic sediment overlained by secondary laterite, fluvio-deltaic
sediment overlained by primary laterite, platform margin conglomerate and basement crystalline
complex. The aquifer characteristics are given below:

32
 Table No.- 2.4) Hydrological characteristics in Paschim
Medinipur District, West Bengal
Hydrologic Unit
Younger Alluvium
Older Alluvium
Fluvio-deltaic sediment
overlained by sedimentary
laterite
Fluvio-deltaic sediment
overlained by primary laterite
Platform margin conglomerates
Basement crystalline complex
Aquifer character
Aquifers 10-20m below the surface.
Ground water occurs with pheratic water
surface and under semi confined condition.
Aquifers are both confined and
unconfined. Ground water level varies in
summer time is 1-18m below ground level
whereas in post-monsoon 1-7m below
ground level. Seasonal fluctuation is 6-
18m.
The pheratic aquifer layer varies from 12-
30m below ground level. Summer water
level varies from 2-21m and post-monsoon
water level varies from 1.5-9m.
Aquifers are both confined and
unconfined. Summer water level varies
from 6-21m and post-monsoon water level
varies from 1.5-9m.
Hill slope discharge zone with springs and
auto flows.
Unconfined. Summer ground water level
varies from 2-11m and post-monsoon
ground water level varies from 0.5-5m.
Source: Bhunia, et.al, 2012.
33
2.2.6) Drainage and River system:

The entire drainage system in general flows from the west to east according to the slope of the
area. The entire river system consists of river Hooghly and its tidal tributaries the Rupnarayan,
Haldi and Rasulpur. Apart from this, the river Subarnarekha is an important one that flows into
the southern part of Paschim Medinipur district and enters into Balasor and Singbhum district of
Odisha and falls into Bay of Bengal. The important rivers of this district are as follows:

Source: NRDMS cell Purba and Paschim Medinipur

Prepared by the Scholar

Figure 2.5: Drainage and River system of Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur

I. The Hooghly
II. The Silai
III. The Kasai
IV. The Keleghai
V. The Rasulpur
VI. The Subarnarekha

34
 I. The Hooghly :

The Hooghly River flows along the eastern boundary of the district Purba Medinipur
from where the water of river Rupnarayan falls into it. The river flows to the Bay of
Bengal. Hooghly River has several braided channel across its length. A line of sand
hillocks are present on the bank of the river.

II. Silabati or Silai :

The Silai River originates from Chhotonagpur plateau of Jharkhand and flowing through
Bagri Paragana in Paschim Medinipur (via Puruliya and Bankura) and joined with
Darakeshwar and falls into the river Hooghly. The tributaries are Tamal, Parang, Kubai,
Birai etc. The entire catchment area covers upto a part of Garhbeta-I and II, Daspur-II
and Keshpur block. Siltation and excessive downpour cause frequently flood situation in
entire catchment area.

III. The Kangsabati or Kasai :

The Kangsabati or Kasai River is a major river system in the study area. It originates
from Chhotonagpur plateau and flows in the district Paschim Medinipur and conjoined
with Keleghai and falls into the Haldi River near Mahishadal. The river is navigable
during rainy season. River Kumari in Bankura and Cossye from Kapastikri in Paschim
Medinipur are the main tributaries of Kasai River. The river carries a large amount of silt
causing silting up the channel.

IV. The Keleghai :

The river originates from the western end of the district in Dudhkundi in Jhargram P.S
and flows through Sankrail, Keshiary, Narayangarh, Sabang, Moyna and Pataspur block
and meets into Haldi River. Kapaleswari and new Cossye are the tributaries of Keleghai
River.

V. The Rasulpur River:

35
 The river originates from the south-western part of the study area and proceeds east ward.
Near Kalinagar, the river joins into another river and named as Rasulpur River and
flowing along south-east direction till to meet into the Hooghly River.

VI. The Subarnarekha :

The river Subarnarekha is originating from Chhotonagpur plateau near Ranchi in

Jharkhand and enters the district at the north west from Dhalbhum and passing through
Gopiballvpur-I and II, Sankrail, Keshiary, Dantan-I and also in Balasore district in
Odisha and finally falls into the Bay of Bengal. Sandy bed is seen along its flow. Dulong
is the tributary of the river. Excessive discharge of water from the Chandil reservoir
sometime causes flood in the catchment area.

2.2.7) Soil:

On the basis of predominant soil type the soil of the entire study area has been divided into two
types, viz.

1. Lateritic soil
2. Alluvial soil

In coastal plain region the alluvial soil is saline in nature due to the tidal influences.

The soil of entire study area has been classified taxonomically into three types i.e.

Table No.- 2.5) Soil Taxonomic Classification :

Soil Taxonomic Group Area

1) Alluvial soil Paleustalfs and Eastern segment

Haplaquents

2) Red and yellow Ochnaquelts, Rhodustults

soil and Haplusfuts Western segment

36
3) Red sandy soil Haplustalfs, Paleustalfs Central zone extending
and gravelly soil and Rhodustalfs north to south

(Source: Shit, P.K.et.al, 2010)

Prepared by the Scholar

Figure 2.6: Soil map Source: NRDMS

37
 Table No.- 2.6) Soil classification on the basis of pre-dominant soil type:

Soil Name of the Block

Binpur-II, Binpur-I, Garhbeta-I, Garhbeta-II, Jamboni,
Garhbeta-III,
Lateritic Jhargram, Salboni, Gopiballavpur- I and II, Nayagram,
Sankrail, Keshiary, Kharagpur-I and Midnapore.
Chandrakona- I & II, Ghatal, Daspur-I & II, Keshpur,
Debra, Kharagpur-II
Alluvial Pingla, Sabang, Narayangarh, Dantan-I & II, Mohanpur
and the entire district of Purba Medinipur.
Source: NRDMS

2.2.8) Natural Vegetation and Forest:

The natural vegetation of the district (undivided Midnapore) is mainly of tropical deciduous type
comprising of mixed forest trees, grasses and shrubs. With the changing nature of soil character
the natural vegetation or forest cover over the area has been changed. In western lateritic area,
the plant species like Minjri, Wattle, Sal, Teak, Neem, Arjun, Mahua, Challa, Siris, Rose wood,
Iron wood, Gamari, Piasal etc are found whereas in the eastern alluvial soil, the growing plant
species are- Simul, Sissoo, Khair, Babul. Besides that, the plants like Casuarina, Wattle, and
Cashew nut are growing on coastal sandy alluvial soil.

The forest area distributed over the area in Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur are as
follows

In Paschim Medinipur district, total forest cover area is 171935 hectare out of which protected
area occupy 160179.30 hectare. The main trees are Sal, Teak, Mahua etc. There are four forest
Divisions in Paschim Medinipur. These are:

1. Medinipur forest division

2. Jhargram forest division
3. Kharagpur forest division

38
 4. Rupnarayan Planning and Survey division.

Table No.- 2.7) Forest area in Purba and Paschim Medinipur

% of forest area of
Forest area (in Total geographical
total geographical
Districts hectare) area ( in hectare)
area

Paschim Medinipur 1779638 928581 19.35%

Purba Medinipur 1832 288052 0.64%

Source: District Statistical Handbook of BAES of Economic review, 2011-12, Govt.of W.B.

Table No.- 2.8) Classification of Forest Area in the district of Purba Medinipur
and Paschim Medinipur
(Area in hectare)
2010-11 Purba Medinipur Paschim Medinipur
Reserved forest - 6192.17
Protected forest - 159487.53
Unclassed state forest 1831.97 8647.04
Khas forest - -
Vested waste land - 3733.43
Forest owned by corporate
- 1577.75
bodies
Forest owned by private
- -
individuals
Total 1831.97 179637.92
Source: District Statistical Handbook of Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur, 2010 and 2011
Combined
The oldest forest division is Jhargram forest division and Kharagpur forest division is primarily a
social forestry division and the purpose of Rupnarayan Planning and Survey division is soil
conservation and social forestry. Medinipur forest division is comprised of reserved forest and

39
open scrub. In comparison, the district Purba Medinipur has a negligible amount of forest
resources.

Prepared by the Scholar

Figure 2.7: Natural Vegetation

2.2.9) Landuse and Land cover:

The land-use pattern of the districts Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur is most varied in
nature. Generally, a large open and well-cultivated plain is predominant land use of Purba

40
Medinipur while the land use scenario is somehow changes in case of Paschim Medinipur (table
no. 2.9).

Table No.- 2.9) Landuse and Land cover in the districts of

Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur
(Area in thousand hectare)

2010-11 Purba Medinipur Paschim Medinipur

Reporting Area 396.59 928.58
Forest Area 0.90 171.93
Area under Non-agricultural
102.24 156.59
use
Barren and unculturable land 0.69 2.48
Permanent pastures and other
0.18 0.58
grazing land
Land under misc. tree groves
2.15 10.02
not included in Net area sown
Culturable waste land 0.29 3.99
Fallow land other than
0.24 2.97
current fallow
Current fallow 1.85 93.82
Net area sown 288.05 486.20
Source: District Statistical Handbook of Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur, 2010 and 2011
Combined

2.2.10) Drought and Disasters:

A part of the entire study area (both Purba and Paschim Medinipur) has been suffering from the
crucial problem of Drought, Cyclone, Flood, Soil-erosion, Crop failure and Terrorism. In
Paschim Medinipur, the most vulnerable factor is the occurrences of drought situation. In spite of
the drought situation there are some other vulnerability issues have been under taken at present
viz. the occurrences of flood and terrorism. The flood prone vulnerable blocks are Ghatal,
Daspur-I and II, Chandrakona-I and II, Sabang, Pingla, Narayangarh, Midnapore, Keshpur and

41
Garhbeta-I, II and III in Paschim Medinipur district (District Human Development Report:
Paschim Medinipur, 2011). The western portion of this district Paschim Medinipur has also
suffered long a crucial problem of terrorism activity by the LWE (Left Wing Extremist called
Maoist). The blocks affected with Maoist violence are Binpur-I and II, Jamboni, Jhargram,
Gopiballavpur-I and II, Nayagram, Sankrail, parts of Midnapore, Salboni and Garhbeta-II
(District Human Development Report: Paschim Medinipur, 2011).

Prepared by the Scholar

Figure 2.8: Drought Prone Blocks

42
 Table No.- 2.10) Names of drought prone blocks:

Sl. No. Sub-divisions Blocks

Midnapore
Keshpur
Salboni
1. Midnapore
Garhbeta-I
Garhbeta-II
Garhbeta-III
Jhargram
Jamboni
Binpur-I
2. Jhargram Binpur-II
Sankrail
Gopiballavpur-I
Gopiballavpur-II
Nayagram
Kharagpur-I
3. Kharagpur Kharagpur-II
Keshiary
Narayangarh
4. Ghatal Chandrakona-II
Source: District Human Development Report, Paschim Medinipur, 2011

The drought prone blocks in Paschim Medinipur are Midnapore, Keshpur, Salboni, Garhbeta-I, II
and III, Jhargram, Jamboni, Binpur-I and II, Sankrail, Gopiballavpur-I and II, Nayagram,
Kharagpur-I and II, Keshiary, Narayangarh and Chandrakona-II (District Human Development
Report: Paschim Medinipur, 2011).

A severe drought had been occurring in 2002 which had affected in 24 blocks out of 29 blocks in
Paschim Medinipur. In case of Purba Medinipur, the coastal parts basically some of the blocks of
Kanthi sub-division (District Human Development Report: Purba Medinipur, 2011) are

43
undertaken as a disaster prone zone. The cyclonic activity resulting storm surges, water logging,
heavy soil erosion and damages of life and property are the basic vulnerable factors to make the
area as a disaster prone zone (table no. 2.11).

Prepared by the Scholar

Figure 2.9: Disaster Prone Blocks

44
 Table No.- 2.11) Disaster Prone Blocks

Name of the Sub-Division Vulnerable Blocks

Khejuri-II
Ramnagar-I
Ramnagar-II
Contai Sub-Division
Contai-I
Contai-II
Contai-III
Source: District Human Development Report, Purba Medinipur, 2011

2.3) Social and Economic Environment:

2.3.1) Population:

Before 2002, the present Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur districts were adjoining
together as one district, namely Midnapore district. For some administrative reason the district
has been sub-divided into two parts. From 1901 to 2011, the population growth status of both the
districts Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur (table no. 2.12 and 2.13) are given below:

Table No.- 2.12) Population growth in the district of Paschim Medinipur

% of rural
Year Total Population Urban population Rural population population to total
population
1901 2789114 89876 2699238 96.78
1911 2821201 101855 2719346 96.39
1921 2666660 96869 2569791 96.37
1931 2799093 138584 2660509 95.05
1941 3190647 188047 3002600 94.11
1951 3359022 252880 3106142 92.47
1961 4341855 334286 4007569 92.30
1971 5509247 420156 5089091 92.37

45
 1981 6742796 572757 6170039 91.51
1991 4486279 567567 3918712 87.35
2001 5193411 617760 4575651 88.10
2011 (P) 5943300 714992 5228308 87.97
Note : 1) Base 1901=100 for Undivided Medinipur district from 1901 to 1981
2) Base 1991=100 only for Paschim Medinipur from 1991 onwards

Source: District Statistical Handbook of Paschim Medinipur, 2010 and 2011 Combined

Table No.- 2.13) Population growth in the district of Purba Medinipur

% of rural
Rural
Year Total Population Urban population population to total
population
population
1901 2789114 89876 2699238 96.78
1911 2821201 101855 2719346 96.39
1921 2666660 96869 2569791 96.37
1931 2799093 138584 2660509 95.05
1941 3190647 188047 3002600 94.11
1951 3359022 252880 3106142 92.47
1961 4341855 334286 4007569 92.30
1971 5509247 420156 5089091 92.37
1981 6742796 572757 6170039 91.51
1991 3845633 253428 3592205 93.41
2001 4417377 366145 4051232 91.71
2011(P) 5094238 593468 4500770 88.35
Note : 1) Base 1901=100 for Undivided Medinipur district from 1901 to 1981
2) Base 1991=100 only for Purba Medinipur from 1991 onwards

Source: District Statistical Handbook of Purba Medinipur, 2010 and 2011 Combined

The districts are moderately denser in terms of population density. In spite of that, the district
Purba Medinipur has high enough population density comparatively Paschim Medinipur. The
population density of Purba Medinipur is 1076 person /sq km whereas in Paschim Medinipur; it

46
is 636 person /sq km (Census report of India, 2011). In case of population characteristics, the
districts have diversified population characteristics. As per the census report 2011, the district
Paschim Medinipur has 59.43 lakhs of total population which is 6.51% of the population of the
entire state of West Bengal. In case of Purba Medinipur, the district has 50.94 lakhs of total
population which is 5.58% of the population of the entire state of West Bengal. The growth of
population is found in a decadal nature of growth. Rural population is highly predominant
population in the district of Purba and Paschim Medinipur. According to census report 2011,
88.35% of populations are rural to the total population of the Purba Medinipur district whereas
87.97% of populations are rural to the total population in Paschim Medinipur district. In case of
schedule tribe population the district Paschim Medinipur has 14.88% of ST population to the
total population whereas in Purba Medinipur the proportion is negligible like 0.55% of ST
population to the total population.

Religious Composition:

The major religions of the entire study area are Hinduism, Muslim, Christian and certain
Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and other religions. Among all, Hinduism is the dominant religion in
the districts of Purba and Paschim Medinipur. Among total population, 85.64%
populations of the districts are Hindu, 11.33% are Muslim and the remaining 3.03%
populations are believes in other religion. The following figure no. 2.10 shows the
religious composition of the study area as combined status.

0.03% Religious composition

0.02% 2.73%
0.23%
0.02%
Legend
11.33%
Hindu
Muslim
Christian
Sikh
85.64%
Buddhist
Jain
Other Religion

Figure 2.10: Religious Composition

47
 Literacy:

Literacy rate
90.00%
80.00% 82.55%
74.90%
70.00% 69.30%
Literacy rate

60.00%
50.00% 48.50%
40.00% 38.50%
30.00% 32.30%
20.00% 21.30% Legend
10.00% Literacy rate
0.00%
1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

2011 (Purba+
Paschim)
Year
Source: Census of India, 2001 & 2011

Figure 2.11: Literacy

According to the census report 2011, the combined literacy rate (for both districts) is
82.55% to the total population. From the figure no 2.10 it is observed that the literacy rate
(combined for both districts) has a tendency to move upward from 1951 to 2011. It is
seen that the literacy rate is continuously increasing in the year 1951 to 2011 like 21.30%
to 82.55%. The literacy rate was increasing rapidly in the year 1981 to 1991(Census of
India, 2001 and 2011).

2.3.2) Agriculture:

There is a big contrast in terms of agriculture and irrigation in the districts Purba Medinipur and
Paschim Medinipur. The economy of the both districts is based on agriculture. So, the
development of standards of living of the people depends solely on the advancement or
development of agriculture. Out of total cultivable area in entire study area, almost 80% of land
area is used for rice production. Floriculture and horticulture are also a great concern in the
districts. In Jhargram and surroundings, horticulture is practiced whereas floriculture is well
practiced in Panskura and Kolaghat region. Betel vine cultivation and cashew-nut cultivation are
also practiced in the districts. Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizer, which leads to the loss of
fertility of soil and excessive withdrawal of ground water which leads to the scarcity of ground
water are the major hindrances for the advancement of agriculture.

48
 Agricultural Landuse in Paschim Medinipur
800.0

Agricutural landuse (in thousand hectare)

700.0 706.3 726.4
662.8 687.7
600.0 628

500.0
Legend
400.0
Foodgrains
300.0
200.0 Oil Seeds
96.4 107.4 96.8 91.4 86.6
100.0 Fibres
89.3 80.3 71.5 74.3
72.7
0.0 5.8 5.7 6 3.9 2.9
Miscellaneous
2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11
crops

Year

Source: District Statistical Handbook of Paschim Medinipur, 2010 and 2011 Combined

Figure 2.12: Agricultural Landuse of Paschim Medinipur

Agricultural Landuse in Purba Medinipur

500.0
Agricultural landuse (in thousand hectare)

449.9
450.0 441.6
456.9
400.0 407.9 416.4
350.0
300.0
250.0 Legend
200.0 Foodgrains
150.0
100.0 Oil Seeds
50.0 21.2 22.6 21.9 21.7 22.3
0.0 9.4 9.3 8.8 9.4 9.5 Fibres
1.8 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.7
2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

Miscellaneous
crops
Year

Source: District Statistical Handbook of Purba Medinipur, 2010 and 2011 Combined
Figure 2.13: Agricultural Landuse of Purba Medinipur
The detail of agriculture landuse is shown in figure no. 2.12 and 2.13 that represents the landuse
for food grains, oil seeds, fibers and miscellaneous crops for the year 2006-2007 to 2010-2011. It
is clearly seen from the figure no. 2.12 that the agricultural landuse is continuously decreasing in
Paschim Medinipur district. In case of food grains production it is decreasing from 706.3 (000
ha) in 2006-2007 to 628.00 (000 ha) in 2010-2011 and other crops have also the same tendency.

49
While in Purba Medinipur (figure no. 2.13), there is found a variations in agricultural landuse. In
case of food grains, oil seeds fibers and miscellaneous crops, the total agricultural landuse in
2006-2007 is 474.0 (000 ha) and in 2010-2011 is 489.4 (000 ha).

Betel vine and cashew-nut are well productive in both the districts. Betel vine cultivation is one
of the livelihood options of the people of Purba Medinipur and the district has the largest
productive area among all other districts of West Bengal. The major concentration of betel-vine
cultivation is found in Tamluk subdivision. In 2008-2009, the total betel-vine cultivated area in
Purba Medinipur was 6085 ha while in Paschim Medinipur it was 2038 ha (District Human
Development Report: Purba Medinipur, 2011) which is also 43.64% (combined) area for betel-
vine cultivation to the total area of betel-vine cultivation of West Bengal.
Like betel-vine, cashew nut production is also a great concern for the districts. In terms of
cashew nut production, Paschim Medinipur was the largest producer which occupies the area
about 7135 ha in 2008-2009 whereas in Purba Medinipur, the total cashew nut production area
was 3340 ha in 2008-2009. The most remarkable story of cashew nut production is both the
district combinedly produced about 93.41% of cashew nut to the total cashew nut production of
the entire state (District Human Development Report: Paschim Medinipur, 2011). Irrigation is
the most important factor for agriculture and its development. The different sources of irrigation
in the districts (both) are as follows:
*HDTW- High Capacity Deep Tubewell

*MDTW- Medium Capacity Deep Tubewell

*LDTW- Low Capacity Deep Tubewell

*STW- Shallow Tubewell

*RLI- River Lift Irrigation

*ODW- Open Dug Well

*Govt. Canal

*Tank

*Other sources

50
 Table No.- 2.14) Area irrigated by different sources in the district of Paschim
Medinipur
(thousand
hectare)
Area irrigated by
Year Govt.
Tank HDTW MDTW LDTW STW RLI ODW Others Total
Canal
2006-
160.70 25.31 8.18 31.76 0.54 133.37 15.94 10.57 41.75 428.12
07
2007-
163.63 25.31 7.88 31.70 0.54 123.37 16.24 10.57 41.75 420.99
08
2008-
137.10 40.11 8.18 31.70 0.54 108.57 15.94 10.57 41.75 394.46
09
2009-
121.22 26.38 9.10 48.20 1.72 105.16 17.81 8.94 18.68 357.21
10
2010-
19.02* 26.51 9.63 66.19 2.28 103.69 14.81 6.47 19.32 267.92
11
Source: District Statistical Handbook
of Paschim Medinipur, 2010 and
2011 Combined

Table No.- 2.15) Area irrigated by different sources in the district of Purba
Medinipur
(thousand
hectare)
Area irrigated by
Year Govt.
Tank HDTW MDTW LDTW STW RLI ODW Others Total
Canal
2006-
63.58 26.25 6.45 20.47 0.05 48.81 3.65 - .. 169.26
07
2007-
62.78 26.25 6.45 20.47 0.05 48.81 3.65 - - 168.46
08
2008-
62.78 22.38 4.77 36.70 - 36.60 2.77 - 26.72 192.72
09
2009-
62.78 22.38 4.77 36.70 - 36.60 2.77 - 26.72 192.72
10
2010-
62.78 22.38 4.77 36.70 - 36.60 2.77 - 26.72 192.72
11
Note : High capacity Deep
HDTW = Tubewell STW = Shallow Tubewell
Middle capacity Source: District Statistical Handbook
MDTW = Deep Tubewell RLI = River Lift Irrigation
of Purba Medinipur, 2010 and 2011
Low capacity Deep
LDTW = Tubewell ODW = Open Dug Well Combined
Irrigation sufferered due to severe drought
* situation.

Like agriculture, in irrigation there is also found a contrast between two districts. In Paschim
Medinipur, the total area irrigated by total different sources is found in a decreasing state. A
rapid change is found during the year 2006-2007 to 2010-2011. In 2006-2007 the irrigated area

51
was 428.12 (000 ha) whereas in 2010-2011 the irrigated area was only 267.92 (000 ha). In
Purba Medinipur, a stable condition is prevailing from 2006-2007 to 2010-2011(District
Statistical Handbook: Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur, 2011). Figure no 2.13 represents
the relationship between the irrigation and the agricultural landuse of the district Paschim
Medinipur.

Relation between Agricultural landuse and Irrigated areas

in the district of Paschim medinipur
1000
897.8 901.9
900 854.5
800 856.2
791.8
Area in thousand

700
600
hectares

500
428.12 420.99
400 394.46 357.21 Legend
300
267.92 Irrigated
200 Area
100
0 Agricultural
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Landuse
Year

Source: District Statistical Handbook of Paschim Medinipur, 2010 and 2011 Combined

Figure 2.14: Relation between Agricultural landuse and Irrigated areas

2.3.3) Industry:

Industry in the region has been classified into two major groups. These are large and medium
scale industries and cottage and small scale industries. The large and medium scale industrial
units in the district Paschim Medinipur are 151 while in the district of Purba Medinipur there are
111 numbers of such units (District Statistical Handbook of Purba Medinipur and Paschim
Medinipur, 2011). Almost all are the manufacturing industry like manufacturing of food
products, beverages, tobacco products, textiles, wood of cork, paper products, petroleum
products, chemical products, plastic products, basic metals, mineral products, electrical
equipments etc. But in case of cottage and small scale industries (year 2010-11), the total number
of units is 2146 in Paschim Medinipur and the number of employees engaged in the activities is
17075 which is 0.29% to the total population. In case of Purba Medinipur, the number of

52
industrial units is 2829 and the number of employees is 20883 which is only 0.41% to total
population. The different types of handicrafts of the districts are as follows:

* Horn craft

* Pat art

* Sea shell craft

* Mat of diversified products

* Brass of bell metal

* Diversity jute products

* Cane of bamboo products

* Sola craft

* Pottery/ Terracotta

* Wood craft

* Misc craft

* Zori craft

2.3.4) Occupation and Employment:

As revealed from the census 2011 data, the total working population of the district Paschim
Medinipur is much more dependent in agriculture and allied services than Purba Medinipur
district as the most of the area in Paschim Medinipur is not suited for cultivation due to its
physical boundness in terms of its physiography, geology, hydrology, soil character and overall
climatic hindrances. Thus it is clearly observed that the districts economy is backward or much
more based on agriculture rather than Purba Medinipur. Table no 2.16 and 2.17 represent the
block-wise occupational categories of population of the districts Paschim Medinipur and Purba
Medinipur.

53
 Table No.- 2.16) Economic livelihood of Paschim Medinipur District
% of Main
% of Main
Worker
% of Main Worker % of
% of % of % of Main (Other % of
Name of the Worker (House Non-
Total Main Worker industrial Margina
Blocks (Agricultura hold Worke
Worker Worker (Cultivator) category of l Worker
l labourar) industry r
main
worker)
worker)
Binpur - II 47.89% 28.12% 25.00% 42.00% 4.04% 28.96% 71.88% 52.11%
Binpur - I 45.22% 48.97% 32.14% 43.70% 3.31% 20.85% 51.03% 54.78%
Garhbeta - II 46.09% 62.70% 35.28% 46.10% 2.06% 16.57% 37.30% 53.91%
Garhbeta - I 39.21% 65.63% 38.27% 36.42% 1.59% 23.73% 34.37% 60.79%
Garhbeta - III 42.83% 64.31% 27.85% 36.35% 3.50% 32.30% 35.69% 57.17%
Chandrakona - I 39.55% 69.36% 40.42% 36.86% 4.32% 18.41% 30.64% 60.45%
Chandrakona - II 38.47% 66.35% 44.02% 40.37% 2.04% 13.57% 33.65% 61.53%
Ghatal 39.43% 71.81% 33.32% 27.31% 6.73% 32.64% 28.19% 60.57%
Daspur - I 41.12% 72.51% 35.95% 20.34% 9.45% 34.26% 27.49% 58.88%
Daspur - II 38.64% 75.24% 24.95% 14.48% 6.74% 53.84% 24.76% 61.36%
Keshpur 38.65% 65.74% 45.79% 34.64% 3.61% 15.96% 34.26% 61.35%
Salbani 45.64% 49.88% 32.04% 39.94% 2.73% 25.29% 50.12% 54.36%
Midnapore 41.25% 67.91% 19.77% 42.60% 3.71% 33.93% 32.09% 58.75%
Jhargram 46.07% 48.94% 28.38% 40.97% 2.57% 28.09% 51.06% 53.93%
Jamboni 45.20% 36.50% 20.54% 34.81% 4.60% 40.04% 63.50% 54.80%
Gopiballavpur - II 42.41% 54.37% 32.68% 46.52% 2.21% 18.60% 45.63% 57.59%
Gopiballavpur - I 43.40% 52.78% 27.82% 51.62% 2.17% 18.39% 47.22% 56.60%
Nayagram 49.26% 44.38% 27.44% 43.38% 9.68% 19.50% 55.62% 50.74%
Sankrail 45.40% 58.08% 42.81% 41.54% 2.20% 13.45% 41.92% 54.60%
Kharagpur - I 37.93% 75.35% 9.46% 22.59% 1.37% 66.59% 24.65% 62.07%
Kharagpur - II 43.38% 54.14% 25.05% 42.31% 2.97% 29.66% 45.86% 56.62%
Debra 45.70% 60.46% 29.14% 37.00% 3.64% 30.23% 39.54% 54.30%
Pingla 50.97% 55.35% 33.12% 38.30% 3.26% 25.32% 44.65% 49.03%
Sabang 59.22% 44.58% 40.49% 33.25% 8.45% 17.81% 55.42% 40.78%
Narayangarh 44.73% 56.11% 31.45% 41.42% 3.29% 23.84% 43.89% 55.27%
Keshiary 45.07% 48.77% 29.36% 46.99% 3.16% 20.50% 51.23% 54.93%
Dantan - I 36.90% 52.47% 34.24% 33.59% 2.34% 29.83% 47.53% 63.10%
Dantan - II 36.07% 65.64% 38.75% 35.61% 1.73% 23.90% 34.36% 63.93%
Mohanpur 34.25% 70.23% 45.52% 38.30% 1.44% 14.75% 29.77% 65.75%
Source: Census of India, 2011

54
 Table No.- 2.17) Economic livelihood of Purba Medinipur District

% of
% of
Main
Main
% of Main Worker
% of % of % of Main Worker % of % of
Name of the Worker (Other
Total Main Worker (House Marginal Non-
Blocks (Agricultural industrial
Worker Worker (Cultivator) hold Worker Worker
labourar) category
industry
of main
worker)
worker)
Panskura 45.93% 60.71% 26.70% 24.11% 9.69% 39.50% 39.29% 54.07%
Tamluk 40.43% 65.48% 21.70% 26.25% 8.36% 43.69% 34.52% 59.57%
Sahid
36.52% 64.99% 14.23% 17.65% 5.63% 62.49% 35.01% 63.48%
Matangini
Nanda Kumar 39.39% 59.56% 23.25% 24.39% 9.77% 42.60% 40.44% 60.61%
Mahisadal 35.88% 54.42% 12.99% 21.63% 4.89% 60.49% 45.58% 64.12%
Moyna 38.26% 50.78% 28.35% 32.48% 3.18% 35.99% 49.22% 61.74%
Potashpur - I 42.22% 57.51% 41.17% 31.53% 5.09% 22.21% 42.49% 57.78%
Potashpur - II 38.12% 56.82% 38.01% 32.60% 3.83% 25.55% 43.18% 61.88%
Bhagawanpur
37.81% 41.67% 21.34% 34.50% 2.25% 41.91% 58.33% 62.19%
- II
Bhagawanpur
38.56% 46.13% 21.58% 33.56% 8.05% 36.81% 53.87% 61.44%
-I
Chandipur 36.10% 42.86% 16.55% 23.91% 6.93% 52.61% 57.14% 63.90%
Sutahata 32.43% 49.26% 9.10% 23.49% 3.33% 64.09% 50.74% 67.57%
Haldia 36.51% 61.90% 17.80% 26.24% 2.73% 53.24% 38.10% 63.49%
Nandigram - I 31.87% 48.73% 17.59% 27.80% 4.62% 49.98% 51.27% 68.13%
Nandigram - II 34.90% 50.17% 20.67% 36.94% 2.23% 40.16% 49.83% 65.10%
Khejuri - I 38.30% 40.08% 16.08% 27.61% 4.11% 52.21% 59.92% 61.70%
Khejuri - II 33.83% 58.30% 23.55% 26.30% 2.87% 47.28% 41.70% 66.17%
Contai - I 36.10% 60.85% 17.84% 27.35% 3.27% 51.54% 39.15% 63.90%
Deshapran 37.65% 52.64% 20.27% 26.72% 3.15% 49.87% 47.36% 62.35%
Contai - III 41.29% 56.84% 21.97% 24.59% 4.94% 48.51% 43.16% 58.71%
Egra - I 43.66% 64.76% 46.50% 32.33% 1.97% 19.20% 35.24% 56.34%
Egra - II 37.51% 64.89% 28.53% 37.75% 3.48% 30.23% 35.11% 62.49%
Ramnagar - I 34.36% 73.54% 21.51% 29.23% 2.26% 46.99% 26.46% 65.64%
Ramnagar - II 36.37% 58.14% 25.36% 32.65% 1.95% 40.04% 41.86% 63.63%
Source: Census of India, 2011

55