CHAPTER - II GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF SATARA DISTRICT 2.pdf · Pune district. The drainage network...

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CHAPTER - II

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF SATARA DISTRICT

The geographical features are major determinants of climatic condition of any

region such as geographical location, relief, drainage network, soils, natural

vegetation and land use pattern. Above all geographical parameters of Satara district

are discussed in this chapter. An adequate knowledge of topography and vegetation is

very important to understand weather phenomena of region. The physiography and

other geographical phenomena of district are dynamically changed in a few

kilometers belt from west to east direction.

2.1 LOCATION

The Satara district lies in the western side of Deccan plateau in the

Maharashtra state. The latitudinal and longitudinal extension of district lies from 170

5’ to 180 11’ North and 730 33’ to 740 54’ East. Most part of the district is occupied by

Krishna river basin. The district is bounded by Pune district in the north, Solapur in

the east, Sangali district in the south, Ratnagiri in the west and Raigad in the north-

east. The Satara city is the district head quarter and located along Mumbai- Bangalore

National Highway No. 4. According to 2011 census, the district occupies an area of

10480 sq. km (3.4 percent total area of Maharashtra). The east to west lenngt of

district is 144 km and north to south is about 120 km. Administratively the district

consists 4 revenue divisions and 11 tahsils which are Satara, Koregaon, Jaoli, Phaltan,

Man, Khatav, Karad, Patan, Mahableshwar, Wai and Khandala (Figure 2.1). These

tahsils and their respective areas are given in Table II.I.

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TABLE II.I

SATARA DISTRICT

TAHSILWISE AREA AND POPULATION (2011)

Tahsil *Area km2 Percent of total area (%) **Population

Satara 879.90 8.3 381854

Wai 619.09 5.8 164244

Koregaon 948.40 8.9 239867

Phaltan 1190.29 11.4 290549

Man 1507.87 14.1 201514

Khatav 1364.57 12.8 275274

Karad 1042.11 10.1 498535

Jaoli 868.95 8.3 106506

Mahableshwar 221.9 2.09 44543

Patan 1403.64 13.2 299509

Khandala 536.08 5.06 137418

Total 10582.43 100 3,003,741

Reference - *Socio-economic abstract of Satara district.

**District Census Handbook-2011, Series-28, Part XII-B

2.2 PHYSIOGRAPHY

Satara district is the part of Deccan trap of Indian Peninsula. The physical

setting of district is divided in the hilly range, valley, tableland, plateau and plain area.

The physiographic landscape of district influences the spatio-temporal climatic

characteristics. The variation of relief height is 1426 meter in the Sahyadri range to

the 405 meter in the basin of the Nira river in the Phaltan tahsil above Mean Sea

Level. However, the district can be broadly divided into major four morphological

units, viz. The Sahyadries, Krishna vally, Nira vally, and Mahadev hills and Eastern

plateau. The physiography of the district is shown in the Figure 2.2.

2.2.1 THE SAHYADRIES

The range of Western Ghat is called as a ‘Sahyadris’ in the district. It is

continuous wall in north-south direction along the western boundary of the district.

The entire length of Sahyadri is about 96 km from the boundary of Pune district on

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northward direction to the boundary of Sangli district on southward. Within the

boundary limits of the district some peaks, forts, ghats and spurs are observed in this

range. Mahableshwar (1436 m.) is the highest peak in this area. Beginning from the

north, there are the Ambinali, Par, Hatlot, Amboli, Tivara, Kumbharli and Mala pass

etc. Out of these Kumbharli pass (Karad-Patan-Chiplun) and Ambinali pass (Satara-

Mahabaleshwar-Poladpur) are joined by road network from the Western Maharashta

to Konkan, while the Amboli, Par, Hatloat, Tivara, and Mala passes have the minor

routes and footpaths which connect Western Maharashtra to Konkan region. Major

five offshoots are going east and south-east direction from the Sahyadris range named

Kamalgad, Vairatgad, Hatgegad-Arle, Bamnoli-Gheradategad and Bhairavgad-

Kandur range. The spurs of these ranges are the water-divider of Krishana, Koyana,

Venna, Urmodi, and Tarali river. There are several hill stations on this range i. e.

Mahableshwar, Panchagani, Bamnoli, Tapola, and Koyananagar. In the main range

and spur of Sahyadri within Satara, there are Kamalgad, Pandavgad, Vairatgad,

Vandan, Ajinkyatara, Sajjangad, Vasota, Pratapgad, Makarandgad, Mahipatgad,

Kenjalgad, Gheradategad, Gunavantagad, Jayagad, Bhairavgad and Prachitgad hill

forts.

2.2.2 RIVER VALLEY

The Krishna and Nira river valleys cover major portion of plain region. The

altitude of this area is below 600 meters. This division includes eastern part of Karad,

Wai, Satara tahsils and northern part of Khandala and Phaltan tahsils. Karad and Wai

cover most of the portion of plain region. About ½ percentage agricultural

productions are taken from this area and 1/3 population is occupied. The Mahadev

hills divided this region in Nira valley and Krishna valley. The Krishna river basin

occupies central part of the district along the National Highway No.4.

2.2.3 MAHADEV HILLS AND EASTERN PLATEAU.

(i) MAHADEV HILLS

The Mahadev hills cover the second important physical feature after Sahyadri,

which is an offshoot of the Sahyadri in the north-western part of the district. This

range runs as an irregular line east wards in the Wai and Khandala tahsils as a main

range and sends several minor ranges south-eastwards and southwards direction i.e.

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Chandan-Vandan, Vardhangad and Mahimangad etc. in the Koregaon, Khatav and

Man tahasils respectively. This range separated Krishana and Nira basin. Khambataki

and Tadvala pass crosees the Mahadeo rang. the Khambataki pass is on the national

highway No-4 between Satara- Pune and the Tadvala pass is on the route of Wai-

Adarki and the Satara-Lonand. The irregular line of Mahadev hills is identified in the

local name of Maskoba Dongar, Gandhar Dev Dongar and Sitabai Dongar. On the

main range of the Mahadeo hills there are Kelanja, Santoshgad and Varugad hill forts,

but south-running spurs have many forts. The Chandan-Vandan is first spur of

Mahadev range, which runs about half across the study region and water parting of

Krishna and Vasana River. This spur starts from the Mahadeo hill at Harli, which is at

the east of the Khambataki pass. Chandan and Vandan is the twin hill forts on this

spur. Vardhangad is second spur begins from Mol village in Khatav tahasil toward the

Kundal town in the Sangli district. It is the water-divider between the Vangna, Vasna,

and Yerla rivers. Vardhangad and Sadashivgad are two important hill forts on this

spur. Mahimangad is the third spur begins from the 14 Km east of the Vardhangad hill

range and extended to the south-east direction toward Khanapur tahsil in the Sangli

district. It is the water-parting between Yerla and Man River. Mahimangad is the

major hill fort on this range.

(ii) EASTERN PLATEAU

The land between main Mahadev range and its spur has an elevated plateau

feature. It has been showing typical semi-arid topography of bare tops covered with

debris and stone. The eastern plateau covered the northern parts of Koregaon, central

part of Khatav and Man tahsils. The average height of Mahadev hills is about 1200 to

1300 meters above the Mean Sea Level. The slope of plateau is gentle and mainly in

the south-east part of the district. This region consist valleys of Vasana, Vangana,

Yerala and Man rivers. Animal raring and dry farming are notable activities in this

division.

2.3 DRAINAGE

In the district, the Sahyadri hill range and its subdivision divided the drainage

network into four areas; the Nira in the northern zone, the Krishna in the west and

south zone, the Manganga and Yerala in east and south-east zone respectively

(Figure 2.2). The major part of district is covered by Krishna river drainage system.

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2.1.1 KRISHNA DRAINAGE SYSTEM

The Krishna is the second largest east flowing river of Indian Peninsula. Its length

is about 1280 km and total drainage area is 243,610 km2. It rises on the 1364 meter

above the Mean Sea Level in the Sahyadri range just north of Mahabaleshwar hill

station of the district (Figure 2.2). Krishna is a main river in the district and drains 176

km in the middle of the district. After origin, Krishna runs in Mahabaleshwar, Wai,

Satara, Koregaon and Karad Tahsils. Kudali, Urmodi, Venna, Vasana, Koyana and

Tarali tributaries meet the Krishna in study region. The Dhom and Balkavadi dams

are constructed on the Krishna near Wai. The annual water supply and fertile soil of

Krishna drainage networks are providing the favorable situation for agricultural and

economic development of study region. Satara, Wai, Karad are situated on the bank of

Krishna.

Kudali

The Kudali is small tributary of Krishna originated near Kedamb in Jaoli tahsil

and meets Krishna on right bank about 3 km south of Panchawad town. The length of

Kudali river is 26 km and drains into Jaoli and Wai tahsils.

Venna

The Venna is one of the major tributaries of Krishna, which rises on the

Mahableshwar plateau in Sahyadri. It flows between Hatgegad -Arle range on the left

and Satara range on right side, and after meets Krishna near Sangam Mahuli about 5

km east of Satara city. The length of Venna is 64 km and it drains through

Mahabaleshwar, Jaoli, and Satara tahsils. Near Kanher village one dam is also

constructed on the Venna river. This reservoir is also beneficial for Jaoli, Satara and

Koregaon tahsils for agriculture and drinking purpose.

Urmodi

The Urmodi is small tributary of Krishna that originates on the Kas plateau

and joins near Venegaon. The Urmodi drains between Satara-Yavteshwar and

Kalvali-Sonapur hill ranges. The total length of Urmodi is 32 km and flows into Jaoli

and Satara tahsils. One small and one large dams are constructed on Urmaodi near

Kas village and Parali town respectively. The water of Kas is supplied to the Satara

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city for drinking purpose. The Urmodi dam is beneficial for agriculture purpose of

drought prone area of Satara and Sangli districts.

Tarali

The Tarali river rises on the east of Thoseghar-Chalkewadi village. It flows in

Patan, Satara and Karad tahsils from the south east direction of Kelavali-Sonapur and

north-east of Jalu-Vasantgad hills. The length of Tarali is 35 km and it joins Krishna

river near Umbraj. The small dam is also constructed on this river.

Vasna

It is small tributary of Krishna and joins near Manglapur in Koregaon tahsil.

The Vasna is originated in Mahadev range near Solshi village in the Koregaon tahsil

and flows between Chandan-Vandan and Vardhangad ranges. The total length of

Vasna is 32 km. The river Vangana is tributary of Vasna that join near Koregaon.

Koyana

The Koyana is the largest tributary of Krishna in the study region. It originates

near Mahabaleshwar in Sahydri range and drains through Mahableshwar, Jaoli, Patan

and Karad tahsils. The total length of river in study region is 128 km and joins

Krishna near Karad at Pritisangam. The Koyana flows between main line of Sahyadri

and Bamnoli-Gheradategad ranges. The river Kera, Vang, Kajali, and Morana are

tributaries of Koyana. The river Koyana is called lifeline of Maharashtra because

Shivasagar dam having 110 TMC and Hydro- Electricity project is constructed on the

river near the Helwak. It provides electricity for Western Maharashtra including

Mumbai region. Shivsagar dam is beneficial for industries, irrigation and drinking

purpose for South Satara and Sangli districts.

2.3.2 NIRA DRAINAGE SYSTEM

The Nira river is flowing on the border of Satara and Pune districts which

naturally divides these two districts. It is originated in Sahyadri range in Bhor tahsil of

Pune district. The drainage network of Nira is spread in Khandala and Phaltan tahsils.

The Veer dam has given great economic importance to the north part of study area.

The Nira left and right bank canals supply water for irrigation purpose to the

Khandala and Phaltan tahsils.

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2.3.3 MANGANGA DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

The Manganga River has been originated in Seetabai hill near Kulkjai village

in Man tahsil (Figure 2.2). Manganga is tributary of river Bhima and joins at Sarkoli

village near Pandharpur city. In study area, the length of Manganga is 64 km. The

Manganaga runs to the south-east direction along the Kulkjai, Malvadi, Andhali,

Bidal, Dahiwadi, Gondavale Bk, and Mhaswad. The bed of Manganga is sandy and

bank is highly eroded. The Manganga drainage network comes under rain shadow

zone of study area. It lacks rainfall. It is not favorable for agriculture but Andhali,

Pingali and Mhaswad dams have small water storage to provide seasonal benefit for

irrigation.

2.3.4 YERALA DRAINAGE SYSTEM

The Yerala is a small tributary of Krishna flowing in the south-east part of

study area (Figure 2.2). It originates in Mhaskoba hills in the north of Khatav. It runs

between Vardhangad and Mahimangad ranges and its total length is 120 km. It flows

through the Khatav tahsil and joins Krishna in the Sangli district at south of

Bhilawadi. In Khatav tahsil, it passes through Lalgun, Khatav, Vaduj and Nimsod.

Near Banpuri village, Yeralavadi dam is constructed on this river. The Yerala is non-

perennial river and helpful for seasonal agriculture production.

In the study area, the drainage network influences the economic and social

development of people. The Krishna drainage network provides perennial water for

irrigation. The physiography of district influenced the distribution of drainage

network; where the Krishna drainage network area is economically richer than the

eastern rain shadow zone.

2.4 CLIMATE

The Indian Meteorology Department, Pune divided Satara district into four

seasons.1

(i) Cold season -December to February

(ii) Hot season- March to May

(iii)Southwest monsoon season -June to September

(iv) Post monsoon or the retreating monsoon season - October and November

1. Climate of Maharashtra pp.148

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The climatic condition of Satara district depends on geographical factor.

Generally, the climatic conditions of India change latitude wise but in the district, it

changes longitudinal. The climate ranges from the rainiest in the Mahabaleshwar

region, which has an average annual all of over 5805 mm to the driest in Man tahsil

where the average annual rainfall is about 557 mm (Figure 2.3). Average annual

rainfall of Satara district is 1033 mm. The rainfall is received in the three seasons.

June to September is the south west monsoon season whereas October to December

constitutes the post-monsoon season or the retreating monsoon season. The pre

monsoon or hot season is from March to the end of May. The normal rainfall trend in

the district increases towards the east to west and reaches maximum around

Mahabaleshwar. The mean minimum temperature is 11.6o C whereas the mean

maximum is 37.5o C.

TABLE- II.II

SATARA DISTRICT

DISTRIBUTION OF MEAN ANNUAL RAINFALL (1983-2012)

Sr. No. Tahsil Rainfall (mm)

1 Man 557

2 Khatav 542

3 Phaltan 546

4 Khandala 563

5 Karad 759

6 Koregaon 798

7 Satara 878

8 Wai 966

9 Patan 1683

10 Jaoli 1805

11 Mahabaleshwar 5805

Source - Computed by researcher

In the rainy season, the air is highly humid (more than 75 percent) while

during the winter and the summer season, the air is dry particularly in the afternoon.

The eastern part of district is drier as compare

strong particularly on the Sahyadri Mountain in the monsoon season. They are weak

to moderate during rest of the year but local wind is also creating dust storm. In the

rainy season, the direction of wind is southwest or south and during

north and northeast. Thunderstorms

summer season (April and May). The Sahyadri

clouds and fog during the

Koyana valley and Mahabaleshwar tahsil in the winter season. Occurrence of haze

and frost is recorded in some part of Mahabaleshwar and Tapola area.

2.5 SOIL

The soil may be considered as an aggregate of solid particles of rock separated by

weathering movement. Soils also determine climatic condition of any region.

portion of the Satara district falls under the Deccan trap. According to geological and

geomorphological structure, the soil of district is classified into following two types

i.e. black soil and laterite soil

2.5.1 BLACK SOIL

The black soil is found in the vall

occupies more than 75 percent total geographical area of study area. Black soil is

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

Ra

infa

ll (

mm

)

MEAN ANNUAL RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION (1983

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Figure 2.3



The eastern part of district is drier as compared to western high range. Winds are



the direction of wind is southwest or south and during summer,

Thunderstorms and hails occur in the post monsoon months of

summer season (April and May). The Sahyadri hilltops are generally covered with

clouds and fog during the monsoon month. Fog also occurs occasionally in the

and Mahabaleshwar tahsil in the winter season. Occurrence of haze

and frost is recorded in some part of Mahabaleshwar and Tapola area.


weathering movement. Soils also determine climatic condition of any region.


eomorphological structure, the soil of district is classified into following two types

i.e. black soil and laterite soil (Figure 2.4).

The black soil is found in the valley of Krishna, Nira, Yerala and Man rivers. It


Tahsil

SATARA DISTRICT

MEAN ANNUAL RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION (1983-2012)



d to western high range. Winds are



summer, it is

and hails occur in the post monsoon months of

are generally covered with

casionally in the

and Mahabaleshwar tahsil in the winter season. Occurrence of haze


weathering movement. Soils also determine climatic condition of any region. Western


eomorphological structure, the soil of district is classified into following two types

Man rivers. It


2012)

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derived from weathering of Basalt rock of Deccan trap. The black soils have different

colours and texture with various depths. It is mainly from brown to dark black in the

different parts. Based on the colours and depth, the black soil is classified into three

categories.

(i) DEEP BLACK SOIL

The deep black soil is clayey and dark blackish in colour. This soil is rich in

humus but poor in nitrogen. The pH value is higher as compared to other soils in this

area. These soils are mainly found on the banks of Krishna, Nira and Yerala rivers.

The deep soils have black colour due to titanium content. This soil has high water

holding capacity and supports for cash crop cultivation.

(ii) MEDIUM BLACK SOIL

The zone of medium black soils is found in the plain region of Krishna, Nira,

Yerala and Man rivers. Except Sahyadri high range, this soil is observed everywhere

in the study area. This type of soil is thinner, medium course and less fertile as

compared to the deep black soil. It is suitable for cultivation by using proper

fertilizers. In the Krishna valley, this soil is rich in line composition. The proper

irrigation facilities increase the agriculture production in this soil. In the Phaltan tahsil

it is found in the belt of line composition in certain depth. The nitrogen and carbon

content is fully saturated in this soil. The fallow land or dry spell of monsoon

increased alkalization, which results in salty patches of this soil. Such salty patches of

soil are observed in the southern part of Phaltan tahsil. Other than Krishna valley, this

soil is also found in Koregaon, Khandala, western part of Khatav and northern part of

the Phaltan tahsils. Medium black soil is suitable for the cultivation of groundnut,

wheat, jowar, turmeric and sugarcane.

(iii)SHALLOW BLACK SOIL

The shallow black soil is found in the foothill zone of Mahadev hill range. It is

found in Khandala, Phaltan, Khatav, Koregaon and Man tahsils. The shallow black

soil is less fertile but ideal for the production of pulses. This zone mostly depends on

monsoon rainfall. Dhom Canal provides limited irrigation facility for agriculture

production.

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2.5.2 LATERITE SOIL

The belt of laterite soil is found in heavy rainfall zone of Sahyadri high range. In

the study area, Mahabaleshwar, Patan, Jaoli and Western part of Satara tahsils occupy

this soil. The presence of excessive iron oxide in this soil is looking red to brownish

colour. Laterite is locally known as Tambad/Tambadi Mati. These soils are acidic and

low in phosphoric content. According to colour, depth and chemical composition this

soil is classified as deep, medium and shallow laterite soil.

(i) DEEP LATERITE

The deep laterite soil is observed along the bank of Koyana river. This soil has

rich texture and suitable for agriculture cultivation. It is mainly utilized for rice

production. Deep laterite soil is formed due to iron oxidation.

(ii) MEDIUM LATERITE

The medium laterite zone soil largely occurs in the Koyana river valley, on

gentle slope of mountain and top of plateau. This laterite soil has less depth and

medium course in structure. This is suitable for agriculture but less as compared to the

deep. The main crops taken on this soil are like ragi, vari, nachni and sava. At the

high altitudes, especially around the Mahabaleshwar, this soil is used for strawberry

and gooseberry cultivation.

(iii) SHALLOW LATERITE

The shallow laterite soil is found in western slope of Sahyadri range. Dense

natural vegetation cover mostly occupies this soil. The small patches of this soil are

used for ‘Kumari’ cultivation.

2.6 NATURAL VEGETATION

The characteristic of elevation, temperature and rainfall of Satara district is

demarcating the variation in the types of natural vegetation (Figure 2.5). The

vegetation covers control the insolation process. All climatic parameters depend on

nature of forest area. Koppen and Thornthwaite determined world climatic condition

with distribution of forest cover.

In 2010-11, forests occupy 1542 km2 out of the total area of the Satara district

(10,480 km2). Most of the forest cover in the district has been depleted by the

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extension of cultivation. In the district, very dense forest covers 9.3 percent,

moderately dense is 44.60 percent and the open forest covers 46.1 percent of the total

area of the forest. It means about 53.9 percent of the total forest covered within the

study area is moderately dense to very dense. The dense forests area is observed in the

Mahabaleshwar, Jaoli and Patan tahsils. The western belt of natural vegetation is rich

in flora and fauna. UNESCO declared some part of this area as World Heritage Site

including Kas Plateau. Bison, leopards, bears, deer, monkey, wild cats, snakes,

reptiles, flower, trees, shrubs, climbers, grasses, and some other extinct and rare

species are found here. The forest types of district are generally classified into three

category i.e., evergreen forest, deciduous forest and thorn and scrub forest.

TABLE - II.III SATARA DISTRICT

FOREST AREA (2011-12)

Sr.

No. Department

Forest Area (km2) % of Total

Geographical

area Reserve Protected Unclassified Total

1. Forest

Department 1369 48 107 1524 14.54

2.

Social and

Private

Forest

18 - - 18 0.17

Total 1387 48 107 1542 14.71

Source-Chief Forest Statistics, Maharashtra State, Nagpur.

TABLE II.IV SATARA DISTRICT TYPES OF FOREST

Sr.

No. Department

Forest Area (km2) % of Total

Forest area Dense Moderate Open Total

1. Forest

Department 119 569 588 1276 9.33

Source-Annual Administrative Report 2009-10, Forest Department, Maharashtra

State.

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2.6.1 EVERGREEN FOREST

The evergreen forest area is found in the western part of the district. The belt

of 9 to 21 km of evergreen forest is continuous from north to south of the distrct.

This area is hotspot of biodiversity. More than one hundred extinct species in world

are found in this area. Dominant species of flora are Jambul, Hirda, Anjani, Awala,

Pisa, Ain, Kinjal, Bhoma, Kumbha, Amba, Katak, Chandala, Umbar, Nana, Jambha,

Gela, Kasa, Bibba etc. Karvi and Bamboo are found almost all over the area. Karvi is

beautiful tree with flower. Climbers such as Shikekai, Garambi are quite frequent.

This area is rich in shrubs and medicinal plants such as Karvand, Ranmiri, Vagati,

Toran, Dhayati, Tamalpati, Narkya, Kadipatta, Murudsheng, etc. In this forest

Tigers, Panthers, Gaurs, Leopard, Bison, Sloth bears, Sambar, Bear, Barking deer,

Mouse deer, Dholes, Giant Squirrel, Otters, Common langoors, Pythons, Cobras and

Reptiles etc. dominant fauna are observed. A unique species such as Bufo koyanansis

have only habitant in this protected area. Heart spotted, Rufous, Long tailed Nightja,

Brown capped, Goshawk, Woodpeckers, and Fairy Bluebird etc. are rich biodiversity

in bird’s family. The Forest department declared this area as wildlife sanctuary

known as Koyana and Chandoli. Mahableshwar, Patan and Jaoli tahsils occupy this

forest (Figure 2.5).

2.6.2 DECIDUOUS FOREST

The deciduous forest is found on the eastern slope of Sahyadri and its offshoot

along the belt of evergreen forest. Agricultural activities divided this forest area in

small patches. The density of forest covers decrease toward eastward direction. This

forest grows in areas of moderate rainfall of 100 to 200 cm per annum. The trees in

this forest drop their leaves in the early summer. This forest again becomes green with

leaves at the onset of the rainy season. This forest is economically valuable for timber

and several other forest products. Sag is major deciduous tree found in this area. The

main species found in this forest are Teak, Sag, Sal, Badam, Kusum, Jambhul,

Bamboo, Neem, Hivar etc. The patches of deciduous forest are found in the Patan,

Mahableshwar, Jaoli, Satara, Karegaon, Wai and Karad tahsils (Figure 2.5).

2.6.3 THORN AND SCRUB FOREST.

This forest is found in the low rainfall (less than 100 cm), low humidity (less

than 50 percent) and high temperature (more than 30 oC) area. The trees are widely

41

scattered and small in height. Some grasses also grow in rainy reason. The patches of

this forest are observed parallel to Krishna river toward the Man tahsil. The important

trees are Khair, Neem, Babhul, Palas, Nilgiri, Bor etc. Mahadev hills and its

extension occupy thorn and scrub forest area. Department of forest reserves some part

of this forest.

2.7 LAND USE PATTERN

The land use pattern is important in the economy of the region, which is

governed by physiography, and climate of the district. Table- II.V shows the general

land use pattern of the district. The study region occupies 1058200 hectors of the total

geographical area. According to the revenue department, the forest covers 14 percent

area and 50.5 percent Net area sown, whereas 2.7 percent land is under non-

agriculture use. About 8.8 percent land is barren and uncultivable, 7.2 percent is of

permanent pastures and grazing land, 0.64 percent land is under miscellanies trees and

grooves, 3.79 percent is cultivable wasteland and 13.4 percent is fallow land. The

western part of the district is showing forest cover, the central part of the study region

has more cultivated land and eastern part has most of the barren and uncultivable

land.

TABLE- II.V SATARA DISTRICT

LAND USE PATTERN 2011-12 (AREA 00 HECT.)

Categories Area % Geographical Area 10582 100 1. Forest 1376 13 2. Land under Non-agri.use 285 2.7 3. Barren and uncultivable land 931 8.8 4. Permanent pastures & other grazing land 761 7.2 5. Land under Misc. trees & Grooves 68 0.64 6. Cultivable wasteland 401 3.79 7. Total (4+5+6) 1230 11.62 8. Fallow land 704 6.65 9. Current fallow 714 6.74 10. Total (8+9) 1418 13.4 11. Net area sown 5342 50.5 12. Area sown more than once 1612 15.2 13. Total cropped area 6957 65.71

Source- Socio economic abstract, 2011-12

2.8 AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is the backbone of livelihood of the people and the most important

sector in the economy of the district. The monsoon rainfall, soil fertility and

availability of irrigation facility made the central part of district as an essentially

agricultural region. About 50.5 percent area of the district is under cultivation. Rice,

bajara, maize, pulses, jowar, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, groundnut, soybean,

sunflower, potato, grapes, onion, pomegranate, strawberry, ginger and turmeric are

the important crops grown in the district.

It has two important crop seasons. They are (1) Kharif (Rainy) season where

crop is corresponding to the southwest monsoon (2) Rabi (winter) season where crop

is corresponding to retreating monsoon and irrigation facility. Main c

season are rice, bajara, groundnut, mataki, jowar, maize, and soyabeen whereas

wheat, jowar and gram are major rabi crops.

Forest

Barren and uncultivable

Misc. trees & Grooves

Fallow land

Net area sown

42

Figure 2.6




ral region. About 50.5 percent area of the district is under cultivation. Rice,



ps grown in the district.



is corresponding to retreating monsoon and irrigation facility. Main crops in the kharif


wheat, jowar and gram are major rabi crops.

SATARA DISTRICTLAND USE PATTERN (2011-12)

Non-agri.use

Barren and uncultivable Permanent pastures & other grazing

Misc. trees & Grooves Cultivable wasteland

Current fallow




ral region. About 50.5 percent area of the district is under cultivation. Rice,





rops in the kharif


Permanent pastures & other grazing

Rice is important kharif crop cultivated in the Patan, Karad, Jaoli,

Mahabaleshwar tahsils. The eastern drought prone area is mainly for the cultivation of

bajara and pulses. The ground nut cultivation is mainly in the Satara, Karad, Patan,

Jaoli, Wai and Koregaon tahsils. The jowar is cultivated in whole part of the district

except Sahyadri high range whereas gram is unique crop of the entire region. Krishna

and Nira valleys are important for cash crop cultivation.

About 1.52 lakh hector area of the district is under irrigation. In the study

region 3.67 lakh hector area is under cereals, 82

pulses, 9.93 thousand hector areas is under oilseeds and 75.7 thousand hector area is

under other crops including sugarcane, cotton, pomegranate, horticulture and

vegetables.

2.9 POPULATION

According to the 2011 census, the total population of Satara district is a

3,003,922 in which males and females were 1,510,842 and 1,492,899 respectively.

The District constituted 2.67 percent of total population in the state. The 19.4 lakh

population increased as compared to the 2001 census and population growth rate over

the decade was 6.94 percent. The population density of district for 2011 is 287

persons per sq. km. The sex ratio of the district is 986 females for every 1000 males,

and a literacy rate of 84.2 percent. Table

characteristics.

Cereal

43

Figure 2.7

Rice is important kharif crop cultivated in the Patan, Karad, Jaoli,

ils. The eastern drought prone area is mainly for the cultivation of



high range whereas gram is unique crop of the entire region. Krishna

and Nira valleys are important for cash crop cultivation.


region 3.67 lakh hector area is under cereals, 82.2 thousand hector area is under






eased as compared to the 2001 census and population growth rate over



of 84.2 percent. Table- II.VI shows the decadal population

SATARA DISTRICT CROPING PATTERN (2011-12)

Cereal Pulses Oil Seed Cash Crop

Rice is important kharif crop cultivated in the Patan, Karad, Jaoli, Satara and

ils. The eastern drought prone area is mainly for the cultivation of



high range whereas gram is unique crop of the entire region. Krishna


.2 thousand hector area is under






eased as compared to the 2001 census and population growth rate over



VI shows the decadal population

Cash Crop

44

TABLE - II.VI

SATARA DISTRICT

POPULATION

Description 2001 2011

Total Population 2,808,994 3,003,741

Male 1,408,326 1,510,842

Female 1,400,668 1,492,899

Total Child Population (0-6 Age) 368,531 317,885

Male Population (0-6 Age) 196,241 167,729

Female Population (0-6 Age) 172,290 150,156

Population Growth 14.59% 6.93%

Population Density (km2) 268 287

Proportion to Maharashtra Population 2.90% 2.67%

Sex Ratio 995 988

Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Age) 878 895

Literacy 78.22 82.87

Male Literacy 88.20 89.42

Female Literacy 68.38 76.31

Source – District Census Handbook-2001 and 2011.

2.10 TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Transport and communication plays important role in social and economic

development of any region. Figure- 2.8 depicts the transportation network in the

Satara district. Satara District is well developed in the road and rail network.

Kolhapur- Mumbai broad gauge railway line of southern central railway runs through

the central part of the district. Total length of railway line within the boundary of

Satara district is 124. 84 km, on the track 14 stations are located. Satara and Karad are

main railway stations. Except Mahableshwar, Jaoli, Wai and Patan tahsil this railway

line crosses the all tahsils in the district. The National highway number 4 (Mumbai to

Bangalore) lies in the central part of the district. Total length of national highway

within the district is 130 km and it crosses four thasil. Total length of the all types of

roads is 9711 km. The length of state highways is 966 km, district roads 2215 km,

other district roads 1730 km and rural roads is 4670 km. The State

46

Highway connected major cities in the district, district roads connect the tahsil and

important places in the district, and rural roads connected the villages. Road network

in the district connected 1641 places permanently and 22 temporarily. The western

part of Koyana dam is connected by the waterways. There is small domestic airport in

Karad.

The communication network is also well developed and distributed in the

Satara district. Postal, courier, telephone, mobile, internet and other satellite

communication facilities are available in the study area. In the district, 665 post

offices are providing facility to the 652 places. Individual telephone connection

holders are 89470 in the district. Most of the people use mobile for communication.

The cyber cafe in the cities and towns provides the internet facility. Now a day’s most

of the people use mobile internet facility.

2.11 INDUSTRIES

The accessibility of transportation network and availability of raw material in

the district is suitable for industrial growth. In the district during 2012, 528 industries

have been registered under factory act and about 31876 labours work there.

Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (M.I.D.C) set four industries at,

Satara, Wai, Karad and Shirwal. There are six cooperative and five private sugar

factories and oil mils of groundnut, sunflower, soya bean, and in the Satara district.

Small-scale industries like dairy, poultry, small agro-processing centers play

important role in the economic development of the district.

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