ANALYTICAL NOTE

MALKANGIRI-30
1. Location and Size:

Malkangiri district is situated between 81°24' and 82° 25' east longitude and 17°49'
and 18°44' north latitude in the extreme southern part of Orissa. It is bounded by Koraput
district on the north, Khamana and east Godavari of Andhra Pradesh on the south,
Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh on the east and Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state
on the west.

The district having 5,791 sq. kms of geographical area occupied the 13 thrank in the
state during 2001 Census. The average height of the district is 350m above the mean sea level
having the highest elevation of 926 meters above Mean Sea Level.
The district has a horizontal expansion of nearly 87 kilometres from Kudumulugum
C.D Block on the east to Podia C.D. Block on the west, vertical expansion of 80 kms from
Mathili C.D. Block in the north to Korkunda C.D. Block on the south, the diagonal expansion
from north east to south west is 146 kilometres and from south east to north-west 93
kilometres. The physical shape of the district is triangular with its eastern and western
boundaries meeting at the confluence of the rivers Sileru and Sabari near Motu, which is the
southernmost part of the district as well as of the state.

2. Physiography:

Malkangiri district is a part of southern Orissa Highlands which is sub-divided into

three sub-micro regions namely (1) Koraput plateau (2) Malkangiri plateau and (3) Koraput
eastern ghat.

(1) Koraput plateau:

This sub-micro region having an average height of 1100 m above the mean sea level
consists of some portions of Orkel PS, Malkangiri PS, Mathili PS and Mudulipada PS of
Malkangiri district and some areas of Koraput district. There are high hills on the eastern part
of this region with the highest peak of 1351 m. whereas western part is comparatively plain
having the lowest point of 256 m. in Garia valley. General slope of this plateau is towards the
north. The rivers Kolab, Gundari and Garia with numerous hill streams are flowing in this
region. The plateau is full of dense and open jungles.
(2) Malkangiri plateau:
This is a small plateau lying in the extreme south-western part of this district. This
region consists of some portions of Motu, Kalimela, Orkel and Malkangiri PS. The average
height of the region is 350m above the mean sea level. It has the highest point of 926m.
above the mean sea level on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa under Malkangiri
police station. About half of the plateau is plain. This region is enriched with the valleys of
the rivers Potteru Vegu and Sabari. The hills are covered with reserved forests made of dense
mixed jungles.

Page 1
(3) Koraput Eastern Ghat:
The entire region is covered by high hills having the highest point of 1,672 m. above
mean sea level. The northern half of this region has downward inclination towards the south,
while the southern half towards the north. Many rivers like the Vansadhara, the Nagavali, the
Kolab, the Machhkund, the Gundari, and the Potteru Vegu along with numerous hill-streams
are flowing in this region. Abounding in a vast stretch of dense forests, a good number of
rivers, streams and valleys, this region is a valuable gift of nature.
On the whole, the eastern region of this district consists of mountain ranges and the valley
of the Machhkund River. Other regions of the district are comparatively plain and gradually
slopping from Govindpalli in the north to Motu in the extreme south. The confluence of the
rivers Sileru and Sabari at Motu presents a beautiful natural scenery.
The eastern region of this district is full of mountain ranges with high hills spreading over
the valley of the river Machhkund. The highest peak is 1,105 feet above the mean sea level. A
good number of small hills are also seen on the rocky beds of the rivers.

3. Geology:
This district is a part of the southern Orissa highlands, which is sub-divided into the
following sub-micro regions. Unclassified gneisses includes Singhbhum granite, charnockite
groups (Archaen), Bengal group (Lower Proterozoic), Chhattisgarh, Noagarh, Jagadalpur and
Sukma groups (Upper Proterozoic)
The main features of the geology of the district are:
(1) Archaeon ( Khondalites a Bengal series)
(2) Recent (Laterite and Alluvium)
The commonest rock-type in this district is granite gneiss. Banded magnetite and
Gruncrite-quartzites type of rock is seen near Malkangiri- Balimela road and course-cry
stalline quartzite type of rock are available in the hills between the triangular regions formed
by the rivers Sileru and Sabari.

4. Soil:
The soil of the district is classified in the following manner.
1) Aqualts – Ustalfs
2) Ustalfs – Ochrepts
Black soils, containing a large percentage of organic matter due to the decomposition of
forest grasses, are available in many parts of the district.

5. Drainage:
The Machhkund, the Kolab and the Potteru are the main rivers flowing within the district.
In addition to this, many perennial streams are also there. The Kolab originating from
Sinkaram hills on the 915 meter plateaus flows as borderline between Malkangiri and

Page 2
Nabarangapur districts. It also flows as borderline between Orissa and Andhra Pradesh on the
western part of the district. In the last part of the river Kolab it is called ‘Sabari’. The total
length of the river is 451 kilometres, out of which 88 kilometres flow within the state. It
meets the river Sileru at Motu and terminates into the river Godavari of Andhra Pradesh.
The river Machhkund originating in the Madgol hills of Visakhapatnam on the 915m.
Plateau passes through present Koraput district and entering into Malkangiri region forms a
boundary line between Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. It meets the river Sabari at Motu.
Machhkund River is famous for Duduma waterfalls, where a Hydro Electric power station
has been set up. Towards the last part, the river Machhkund assumes the name “Sileru”
(Rocky stream). The total length of the river is 296 kilometres and nearly 225 kilometres flow
through the district covering the boundary line between Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
The river Potteru rises from the hills near Balimela and flowing nearly 110 kilometres
within the district, it meets the river Sabari on the western boundary of the district.
Tanks:
Good numbers of tanks, known as ‘Mundas’ or ‘Bandhas’ are found in the plain areas
of the district. A large size reservoir known as ‘Balisagar’ is situated near Malkangiri.
Lakes:
There are no natural lakes in the district but a vast stretch of water bounded by
embankments forms an artificial lake or reservoir known as ‘Balisagar’ near Malkangiri.

6. Climate, Temperature and Humidity:

The climate of this district is mainly tropical in nature. Being in the fringe of Eastern
Ghat ranges, the southwestern monsoon sets in it a little bit earlier. The forests have great
influence on its climate. As usual, the district experiences four seasons in a year i.e. the
summer (March-May), the rainy (June-Sept),the post monsoon period (Oct-Nov), the winter
(Dec-February). The month of May is the hottest month and December is the coldest month
in the year.

Since there is no meteorological centre in Malkangiri, the temperature recorded at the

nearest centre in Koraput district is taken into account. The mean daily maximum and
minimum temperatures are 36.3°C and 17.9°C respectively. Temperature is maximum
reaching 45.4°C or more in the month of May and the temperature is lowest in December i.e.
8.0°C or less. It is observed that maximum temperature during hot season is gradually
increasing as 41.20°C (1997) 42.6°C (1998) and 45.40°C (1999). Both day and night
temperatures increase progressively after January up to May and with the onset of monsoon,
the temperatures decrease gradually up to December. During the monsoon, the weather is
cool and pleasant.
The table below shows the monthly average temperature and humidity for the years 2018-
2020.

Page 3
 Table 1

Monthly average temperature and humidity for the year 2018-2020

(Unit temp in 00 Celsius)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Year
Min

Min
Min

Min

Min

Min
RH

RH

RH

RH

RH

RH
Ma

Ma

Ma
Ma

Ma

Ma
x

x
33 34. 14. 43. 21. 43. 22. 7
2018 .0
9.0 66
2
8.5 68 38.2
0
55
4 2
47 NA NA NA
2 2 1
31 10. 38. 13. 17. 44. 20. 44. 24. 43. 24. 5
2019 .7 5
71
2 0
70 39.8
2
53
0 5
50
5 4
44
5 0 5
31 14. 35. 18. 26. 40. 27. 39. 29. 38. 37. 6
2020 .0 0
72
0 0
73 38.0
0
62
0 0
58
0 0
56
0 0 1

Monthly average temperature and humidity for the year 2018-2020 (Unit temp in 00 Celsius)
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Year
Min

Min

Min

Min
Min

Min
RH

RH

RH

RH

RH

RH
Ma

Ma

Ma

Ma
Ma

Ma
x

x
35 22. 32. 21. 34. 19. 34. 14. 33. 10. 32.
2018 .0 0
86
0 3
85
2 5
81
2 5
77
7 0
75
5
9.0 74
35 21. 34. 21. 35. 21. 33. 12. 38. 32.
2019 .5 2
82
2 7
82
7 8
78
5 5
72
0
9.5 72
2
8.0 72
30 22. 32. 24. 32. 24. 33. 23. 31. 22. 29. 16.
2020 .0 0
90
0 0
82
0 0
86
0 0
79
0 0
83
0 0
90

Above table shows that December was the coldest month recording minimum
temperature of 80C during 2009 and May was the hottest months recording maximum
temperature more than 44.50C. The mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures are
36.30C and 17.90C respectively. Both day and night temperatures increase progressively
after January up to May and with the onset of monsoon, the temperatures decrease gradually
up to December. During the monsoon, the weather is cool and pleasant.

Rainfall, Clouds and Wind

Wind is generally hot and light during the summer. It blows from southeastern direction.
Occasionally hot and strong whirl wind, full of dust blows in the afternoon during this
season. Heavy winds with water particle blow moderately during June to September. It blows
from southwestern direction along with southwestern monsoon. During the post monsoon
period and winter, light and dry winds blow from various directions. During rainy season,
this district receives rainfall due to the influence of the southwestern monsoon
Monthly normal and actual rainfall during the year 2018-20 is given below.

Page 4
 Table 2

Monthly normal and Actual Rainfall during the year 2018-2020 (Rainfall in mm)

Tota
Total % of
Ja Fe M Ap Ma Au No De l
year Jun Jul Sep Oct Nor deviati
n b ar r y g v c Actu
mal on
al
Nor 4. 8. 34. 49. 212 465 472 281 109 23. 1667
mal 2.7 1 9 8 1 .2 .7 .8 .2 .5 6 3.0 .6
0. 0. 280 477 396 157 23. 1667 1349
2018 0.0 0 0 9.0 4.2 .8 .9 .3 .9 7 0.0 0.0 .6 .8
0. 0. 84. 490 308 166 48. 11. 1667 113.
2019 0.0 0 0 0.0 3.6 4 .0 .0 .9 3 8 0.0 .6 0
0. 0. 44. 201 672 413 330 59. 70. 25. 1667 1820
2020 0.0 0 0 2.5 0 .9 .1 .9 .3 4 8 2 .6 .0 9.1

The above table shows that the normal rainfall of the district is 1667.6mm but actual
rainfall for the years 2018, 2019 is much less than that of the normal. During 2020 actual
rainfall was recorded as 1820.0mm as against normal rainfall 1667.6mm, indicating a
deviation of 9.1%. Comparison of actual rainfall for the period 2018 and 2020 shows that, the
quantity of rainfall has gradually increased from year to year.

Special weather:
Depression in the Bay of Bengal causes widespread and heavy rainfall. Sometimes it
turns into cyclonic storm and causes heavy damage to the crops and houses. Occasional
hailstorm during the summer also lashes some areas of the district. During the year 1,917 the
district experienced the highest annual rainfall 2,273 mm, whereas in the year 1901 the
rainfall was the lowest i.e. only 1,170 mm. The heaviest rainfall in a day in the district was
recorded as 306.3 mm on 17.6.1907. Sometimes during monsoon the top of hills in
Machhkund valley remains cloudy for days together. During winter the areas adjacent to
forests remain covered with tags

7. Flora
The district is full of forests with its concentration in Machhkund valley. The density of
forests is gradually decreasing due to the merciless felling of trees for podu cultivation and
selling of timbers. The district being situated in the Easternghat region; its forests contain
deciduous species like Dharua, Sahaj, Kerala, Bija, Toon, Simul etc. Bamboos of poor quality
are commonly available in the forests of the district. Sal and Teak abundantly grow in the
valley of Machhkund.
The classification of forest area by legal status in Malkangiri district as on 20.07.2019
is given in the following table.

Page 5
 Table-3

CLASSIFICATION OF FORESTS

SL NO. CLASSIFICATION AREA IN SQ. KM.

1 Reserved forests 352.44
2 Demarcated protected forests 940.65
3 Undemarcated forests 661.92
4 Unclassified forests 0.30
5 Other forests 1400.61
6 Total forest area 3355.92
7 Total geographical area 5791.00
8 %of Forest area to geographical area 57.95
Source - Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Odisha.

The climate of the district being tropical in nature, varieties of plants and trees
suitable to this climate grow in this region. Among them Sal (Shorea robusta), Saguan (teak),
Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia), Piasala (Petrocarpus marsupium), Mohua (Madhuca latifolia),
Waou (Dillenia indica), Simili (Bombox malabarium), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Karada
(Gleistanthus collinus), Kurumi (Adina cordifolia), Bandhan (Ouginia dalbergioides), Kashi
(Bridelia retusa), Amla (Phylianthees emblica), Chakunda (Dalbergia lanceolaria) are
commonly found in the hill-tracts and lower plateau of this district. Other species like-
Pahasisu (Dalbergia latifolia), Kangoda (Xylia xylocarpa), Kasaramba (Goruga pinnata),
Bahada (Terminalia belerica) etc. are also available in the hilly regions of the district.
Creepers like – Naipalasa(Spatho lobus rox burghil) Arkawala (Millettia ariculate) grow in
the forests. Kanta Baunsa (Bambusa arundinacea) and unidentified bamboo species are
commonly found. In addition to this, the hot and moisture climate of the district found
suitable for luxuriant growth of some unidentified grasses. Fruit bearing trees like Mango
(Mangifera indica), Tentuli (Tamarindus indica) Jamun (Eugenia jambolana), Mohua
(Madhuca latifolia), Kendu and Jack fruit etc. are commonly found throughout the district.

8. Fauna:
Deep forests and valleys of the district provide good scope for growth and shelter of wild
animals. Nearly a century back, the forests of this region were inaccessible due to fear of
tigers, leopards, panthers, bears etc. Till now that fear is not altogether wiped out, due to their
presence (though limited) in the forests. Other animals like jackal, spotted hyaena, deer,
barking deer, sambar, wild dog, jungle cat etc. are also seen in the forests. Stripped squirrel,
large Indian squirrel (Ratufa Indica), porcupine, hare, grey mongoose etc. are commonly seen
in the jungles. Common langur (Semnopitheeus entelus), Bandar (Macaca mulatta) and
bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) are also found in good number.
Red and grey fowls are commonly seen in the jungles. Green pigeons and blue imperial
pigeons are seen throughout the district. Snipe and painted snipe are mainly seen in high
altitude. The bison (Bibos gaurus) is more wide spread in the forest of this district. The

Page 6
common Indian crocodile is found in the Machhkund River. Green valley of Machhkund and
vast stretch of hills and forests provide suitable habitat for wild animals and birds.

9. Tenancy:

There are many stories narrating the deplorable conditions of the tenants and
oppression of the land lords (Zamindars). The root of this evil was the zamindars who
imposed arbitrary tax on land and forcibly collected it from the tenants without taking into
consideration of failure of crops or any other reasons such as poverty, illness etc. of the
tenants. Prior to the Madras Estates Land Act, 1908, survey and settlement were not carried
out in this district. The tenants had no occupancy right on land. The zamindars or their agents
assessed tax roughly basing on number of plough and hoe and seed–capacity of the land. At
that time two systems of tax collection were prevalent in the district i.e.; 1-Ryotwari, 2-
Mustajari. The “Jirayati” lands in the estates were administered partly on ‘Ryotwari’ system
and partly on “Mustajari” (a village-rent system.). In most of the villages the Mustajari
system of rent collection was in vogue. The Mustajari was an agent of the land-lord or
Inamdar for collection of rent. The remaining areas were covered under Ryotwari system
where the land-lord was directly collecting rent from the ryots (tenants) through officials. The
Riotwari system was better; it recognized the rights of the ryots. The Mustajari system had no
legal recognition and it varied from place to place. Moreover, the Mustajars were more
oppressive.

The “Zamindary” system was abolished on 29.12.1952 under the provisions of the Orissa
Estate Abolition Act 1952. The tenants got great relief from the oppressive hands of the
zamindars. Since then the rights and privileges of the tenants have been protected under
section 8(i) of the said Act and rent is now being collected by the Govt. directly from the
tenants.

The Tahasil pattern of administration has been introduced by the Board of Revenue in the
year 1961. In pursuance of the provisions of this Manual, the responsibility of collection of
land revenue now devolves mainly on the Tahasildar who is a revenue officer. There are seven
Tahasils functioning at present in the district for collection of the land revenues.

Page 7
10. Land use pattern:

Table 4

Area under different classification of land use in Malkangiri district is given below

(Area in 000’ hectares)

Not available for Other uncultivated lands excluding

cultivation fallow lands
Geog. Forest Barren and Permanent
Year Land put Misc.
Area Area Non pastures and Cultivable
to non- tree &
Cultivable other grazing waste
Agrl. use groves
land lands
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2019-20 579 335 23 38 21 1 4

2020-21 579 335 23 38 21 1 4

Fallow Lands
Year Irrigated (Total by
Current Net are sown Unirrigated
Old Fallow all scores)
Fallow
1 9 10 11 12 13
2019-20 15 4 138 61.58 95.42

2020-21 15 2 140 66.65 90.35

It is seen from the above table that during the years 2019-20 and 2020-21 27.16% of total
area of the district is utilized for agriculture purposes, which include old fallow, current
fallow and net area sown. Comparing land uses during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. It is seen
that there has been 1.4% increase in net area sown and 8.2% increase in irrigated area
respectively and current fallow has been decreased by 50%. There has been no change in the
utilization of lands for other purposes. It is also revealed from the table that during 2020-21,
out of total land utilized for cultivation (old fallow + current fallow + net area sown); more
than 90% of area is covered under net area sown. A remarkable feature for this district is that
there has been no reduction in forest area during the years 2019-20 to 2020-21 and it covers
57.8% of geographical area of the district.

11. Cropping pattern:

Cropping pattern in the district mainly depends on monsoon rain and quality of soil.
Due to undulating hill tracts, valley, plain and low lying areas, varieties of crops like paddy,
wheat, maize, ragi, bazra, mustard, nizer, ground nut, black gram, green gram, red gram,
sugarcane, tobacco, cotton and vegetables etc. are grown in different regions of the district.
Paddy is the main crop which is grown in plain and low-lying areas. Pulses and oilseeds are
grown in dry and slopes of hills. Vegetables are grown in plain areas. Korkunda, Malkangiri,

Page 8
Kudumulgum and Mathili blocks are suitable for growing of fruits like mango and lemon.
Orange is extensively grown in Korkunda block.
Utilization of cultivable land for growing different crops in the district is given in the table
below.
Table 5

Utilization of cultivable land

(Area in 000’ hectares)

Kharif Rabi Total

% of Annual %of total
Crop %of Rabi Area(Gross
Area Kharif Area area cropped
cropping Cropped)
cropping area
Rice 96.04 58.07 1.68 3.31 97.72 39.42
Other cereals 17.08 10.33 0.84 1.65 17.92 7.23
Pulses 10.27 6.21 20.67 40.71 30.94 12.48
Oilseeds 30.19 18.25 18.71 36.85 48.90 19.73
Vegetables 9.10 5.50 8.09 15.94 17.19 6.93
Fibres 0.55 0.33 - - 0.55 0.22
Spices 2.17 1.31 0.74 1.46 2.91 1.17
Sugarcane - - 0.04 0.08 0.04 0.02
Tobacco - - - - - - -
Others(fruits) - - - - 31.72 31.72 12.80
Total 165.40 100.0 50.77 100.00 31.72 247.89 100.00

It is seen from the table that rice being the staple food of the people, during the year 2020-21
it is cultivated in 39.42% of gross cropped area of the district. Cultivation of other cereals like
wheat, ragi, maize, millet etc covers 7.23%. Growing of pulses like green gram, black gram,
horse gram covers 12.48%.Growing of oil seeds like mustard, til, groundnut, covers 19.73%.
In case of vegetables and fruits are grown in 7% and 13% respectively. Spices (ginger, chilly,
coriander, onion, garlic etc) and sugarcane are grown in 2% area while fibre (jute, sun hemp)
is grown in very small areas i.e. within 1% of gross cropped area.

Utilisation of different chemical fertilizers for growing crops during the year 2020-21 is given below.

Table 5 A

Utilization of chemical fertilizers

total
Cropped Per Hectare
Kharif + Rabi (2020-21) (Nutrients in MT)
area in consumption(Kg/ha)
000ha
Nitrogenous Phosphatic Potassic Total(N+P+K)
216.17 32.80
3910 2167 1014 7091

Page 9
Above table shows that nearly 7091MT of chemical fertilizers (N+P+K) have been utilized
for growing crops during 2020-21. Among three varieties of fertilizers the use of nitrogenous
fertilize is highest, followed by Phosphatic and pottasic. With the passage of time, the use of
chemical fertilizer is increasing.

Area, Yield rate and production of different crops during 2020-21 of the district are given
below.

Table 6

Area, Yield rate and production of different crops

(A-Area in 000’ hect, Y- Yield rate kg/hect, P-Production 000’ MT)

Name of the crop A Y P

Paddy 97.72 3121 97.72
Total cereals 115.64 2027 234.38
Total pulses 30.94 491 15.20
Total food grains 146.58 1703 249.58
Total oilseeds 48.90 955 46.70
Total fibres 0.55 870 2.66
Total Vegetables 17.19 12154 208.90
Total spices 2.91 1935 5.63
Sugarcane 0.04 38362 1.53
tobacco - - -
Total 216.17 2382 515.00

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in the district. About 65 per cent of the total
population depend on agriculture. Due to undulation of land and hill ranges, shifting
cultivation is carried on in many places of the district. However, some plain areas towards the
south-western part of the district are suitable for agricultural purposes. Paddy is the main crop
grown in 90 per cent of the net area sown. In the rest of the areas, crops like ragi, green gram,
black gram, horse gram, til, maize, nizer, mustard, wheat, millet, suan, sweet potato,
sugarcane, groundnut, jowar, bazra etc. are grown. Among fruits, mango, guava, lemon,
orange, pineapple, banana, jackfruits etc. are cultivated. Spices such as ginger, turmeric, chili,
cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, curry leaves etc. are grown throughout the district.

12. Irrigation:
Agriculture in the district is mainly dependent on monsoon rain. Erratic monsoon causes
failure of crops for which the district is frequently affected by drought. Though irrigation is
essential for carrying on agricultural activities, its scope is limited in the district due to the
undulation of land. The plane areas of the district are irrigated through the Potteru and
Jamjodi irrigation project. Ground water is also utilized for irrigation purposes through dug-
wells and bore wells. There is wide scope of irrigation through lift irrigation points in the
district.

Page 10
 Table 7

Irrigation potential

(Area in 000’ hect)

Major/ Medium Minor (flow)

Lift irrigation
Irrigation irrigation Other sources Total
Year project
Project Project
Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi
2019-20 70.03 34.65 2.70 0.35 4.15 2.30 8.08 2.69 84.96 39.99
2020-21 70.03 34.65 3.52 0.36 4.17 2.31 2.86 2.85 80.58 40.17

The above table shows that Malkangiri district is mainly irrigated by both major and minor
irrigation projects. Lift irrigation projects also play pivotal role in irrigating this district.

The crop wise irrigated area covered during the year 2020-21 is given below.

Table 8

Crop wise irrigated area

(Area in 000’ hect)

Paddy Wheat Maize Ragi Total Cereals Mung Biri

Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi
32.12 1.68 - 0.01 3.12 0.82 0.09 0.01 35.33 2.52 0.35 0.30 0.45 -
Other pulses Total pulses Groundnut Til Castor Sunflower Mustard
Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi
0.40 1.77 1.20 2.07 1.50 9.40 - - - - - - - 0.20
Total oil Total Total spices Sugarcane Tobacco Gross area
seeds vegetables
Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi
1.50 9.60 6.65 6.50 0.50 0.74 - 0.04 - - 45.18 21.47

It is seen from the above table that maximum irrigation potential is utilised for
growing paddy during Kharif and almost equal area is irrigated for growing cereals during
Kharif. Among oil seeds maximum area is irrigated for groundnut followed by mustard. In
case of spices, more area is irrigated during Rabi Season.

Kharif, Rabi and gross cropped area and their percentage to total area covered during 2020-
21 given below.

Page 11
 Table 9

Kharif, Rabi and gross cropped area

(Area in 000’ hect)

kharif Rabi Total

% of % of % of
Total Total Total
Crops Area total Area total Area total
area area area
irrigated area irrigated area irrigated area
covered covered covered
covered covered covered
Paddy 96.04 32.12 33.44 1.68 1.68 100.00 97.72 33.80 34.59
Other
17.08 3.21 18.79 0.84 0.84 100.00 17.92 4.05 22.60
cereals
Pulses 10.27 1.20 11.68 20.67 2.07 10.01 30.94 3.27 10.57
Oilseeds 30.19 1.50 4.97 18.71 9.60 51.31 48.90 11.10 22.70
Fibres 0.55 - - - - - 0.55 - -
Vegetables 9.10 6.65 43.08 8.09 6.50 80.35 17.19 13.15 76.50
Spices 2.17 0.50 23.04 0.74 0.74 100.00 2.91 1.24 42.61
Sugarcane - - - 0.04 0.04 100.00 0.04 0.04 100.00
Tobacco - - - - - - - - -
Total 165.40 45.18 27.32 50.77 21.47 42.29 216.17 66.65 30.83

Above table shows that out of total area utilized for cultivation of different crops,
30.83% of area is covered under irrigation. Potential of irrigation is utilized cent percent for
sugarcane, 35% for paddy, 22.60% for other cereals, 11% for pulses, 77% for vegetables,
43% for spices and 23% for oilseeds.

13. Animal Husbandry

The natural environment of the district provides wide scope for rearing of livestock.
As regards dairy animals, maximum people keep indigenous cattle mainly for agricultural
purposes. Collection of milk from the cows is secondary to them. Only a few rears high
yielding crossbreed cattle for obtaining milk, which they sell in the market, rearing of
buffaloes is not widely spread. It is limited to a certain section of people as a traditional
occupation.

Poultry:
Poultry rearing in this district is not so developed for want of adequate infrastructure and
health care facilities. Only some small broiler units are available in private sector. The rural
people are rearing country fowl but the number of broilers and country fowl are not sufficient
to meet the increasing demand of meat and eggs in the district. In this regard Government is
taking steps to set up hatchings and feed mixing plants, so that a number of poultry farms can
be set up on commercial basis. Rearing of ducks is very much limited.
Sheep, goat and pig rearing:
The rearing of goats and sheep is a good source of earning for the people of rural areas.
Vast stretch of hills and forests provide wide scope for rearing of such animals. With the

Page 12
increasing demand for meat, the rearing of goat/sheep is quite profitable. Government is
encouraging people to set up stall-fed goat rearing farms for better yield. The rearing of pig is
undertaken by a small section of population in the district.
Number of veterinary institutions and personnel engaged during the year 2017-18 and 2018-
19 in the district is given below.

Table 10

Veterinary Institutions & Personnel

Hospitals & Livestock aid Artificial VAS & Livestock

Year
Dispensaries centres Insemination centres addl. VAS Inspectors
2017-18 13 50 42 12 48

2018-19 13 50 42 12 48

The Table shows that there are 13 veterinary hospitals & dispensaries, 50 livestock aid centres,
42artificial insemination centres,12 VAS & additional V.A.S and 48 livestock Inspectors during 2017-
18 .In 2018-19 the number of veterinary hospitals & dispensaries, livestock centres and artificial
insemination and VAS & additional VAS remain the same.

Treatment of animal and progeny born during 2018-19 and 2020-21 in the district is given in the table
below.

Table 11

Treatment of Animals

Total Artificial Progeny

Inoculation Animals Progeny
Year animals insemination born
done castrated born male
treated made female
2018-19 98379 512487 3718 5507 1190 1095
2020-21 94400 584400 4200 NA NA NA

The table shows that in comparison to the year 2018-19 and 2020-21 there has been increase
in the treatment of animals also there is rise in the case of inoculation and castration of
animals.

Five yearly livestock census concluded during 2003 is given in table 12 below.

Page 13
 Table 12

17th Quinquennial Livestock Census, 2003 of Malkangiri district

(In No.)
Category Male Female Total
1 2 3 4
A. Cattle
a) Cross Breed 2026 1477 3503
b) Exotic 1254 935 2189
c) Indigenous 242104 186859 428963
Total 245384 189271 434655
B Buffalo
a) Indigenous 24593 21438 46031
b) Improved 575 284 859
Total 25168 21722 46890
Total ( A + B ) 270552 210993 481545
C Sheep
a) Cross Breed 4357 4379 8736
b) Indigenous 10842 16766 27608
Total 15199 21145 36344
D Goat
a) Cross Breed 53035 91926 144961
b) Indigenous 0 0 0
Total 53035 91926 144961
E Pig
a) Cross Breed 40 38 78
b) Indigenous 27749 32346 60095
Total 27789 32384 60173
F Fowl
a) Desi 85731 125003 210734
b) Improved 3886 3806 7692
Total 89617 128809 218426
Source : Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Odisha, Cuttack

The above table shows that as per livestock census conducted during 2003 there were
434655cattle, 481545 buffaloes 36344 sheep and 144961goats in the district.

14. Fisheries:
Keeping in view the growth of population and change in food habit, the demand for fish
is increasing rapidly. The production of fish in this district from all the sources is above 2500

Page 14
metric tons. The inland fishery can be broadly classified into three sub-sectors viz. Riverine
fishery, Reservoir fishery and Pisciculture fishery. Sea fishing is not available in this district.
Source wise freshwater fish production (in MT) in the district is given below.

Table 13

Source wise fresh water fish production

Sources

Year Ponds & Rivers &

Reservoirs Swamps & Total
Tanks Canals
(MT) Bheels (MT) (MT)
(MT) (MT)
2018-19 4596.40 313.10 42.35 - 4951.85
2019-20 5082.67 116.22 11.73 - 5210.62
2020-21 6063.20 744.00 16.60 - 6823.90

The table shows that total fish production in the year 2018-19 was 4951.85MT, in 2019-20 it
was 3545.50 MT and in 2020-21 it was 3859.06.Comparing years 2018-19 and 2020-21 we
find that there is increase in production of fish.

Table-13A

Source wise brackish water Fish production &Prawn Culture in MT and Marine
Fish Landing

Sources Brackish water

Year Marine Fish
BW district Chilika Total Prawn Culture
Landing
2018-19 - - - - -
2019-20 - - - - -
2020-21 - - - - -

There is no brackish water fish production in the district.

15. Mining and Industry:

Table-14

Name of Ores, No of Working Mines, Area covered, No of Workers employed output

and quantity exports abroad during 2018-19 of Malkangiri Dist

Quantity
No. of Area No. of
Name of the Output in Value(Rs Export
Sl no. working covered workers
ore/minerals 000Mt in 000) abroad (in
mines (in Hect) employed
000 Mt)
0
1 Quartz 1 2.47 0 0 0

2 Total 1 2.47 0 0 0 0

Page 15
Industry:
The district has no large and medium industries. A good number of tiny sector units
are working in the district. There are 10 Industrial co-operative societies existing in the
district, out of which presently 3 units are defunct. A large number of artisans and
handicraftsmen are found in the district. Some of them are organized to form 8 societies.
There is one weaver’s co-operative society functioning at Pandripani with 43 members using
33 active looms. The weavers in the district are mostly engaged in production of course
janata clothes. Cottage industries based on forest produce such as hill brooms, leaf plates,
rope making etc. have been set up in rural areas. A number of non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) are also functioning in the district for the promotion of industrial and
artisan activities. As per Micro-Small-Medium Enterprise (MSME) Act 2006, the industries
are categorized as Micro Small and Medium according to the limitation of investment as
given below.

Table 15
Categories of Micro/ Small/ medium enterprises

Manufacturing Investment in plant Serving investment in

Category
and Machinery in Rs. equipment in Rs.

Micro Up to 25 lakh Up to 10 lakh

More than 25 lakh but not exceeding 5 More than 10 lakh but not
Small
crore exceeding 2 crore
More than 5 crore but not exceeding to More than 2 crore but not
Medium
10 crore. exceeding 5 crore.

Number of micro/small/ medium enterprises set up with investment and employment during 2019-20
and 2020-21 in the district is given below.

Table 16

Number of micro/ Small/ medium enterprises

Micro Small Medium Total

Year
No. Inv. Emp. No. Inv. Emp. No. Inv. Emp. No Inv. Emp.

2019-20 20 92.82 79 - - - - - - 20 92.82 79

2020-21 20 50.22 89 - - - - - - 20 50.22 89

Page 16
 It is seen from the table that there is no small and medium sized industries in the
district. During 2019-20, 20 micro level industries were set up with the aeration of
employment opportunity for 79 persons and in the subsequent year the same number of micro
level industries provided employment for 89 persons. Hence there was only 13% increase in
employment opportunities by the micro industries.

Number of handicrafts and cottage industries set up during the year 2018-19, 2019-20
and 2020-21 is given below.

Table 17

Number of Handicrafts & Cottage Industries

No. of units
Year Investment (in Lakh Rs.) No. of employment generated
setup
2018-19 1 0.25 1

1 0.25 1
2019-20
2020-21 3 0.75 3

From the above table, comparison of year wise setting up of handicraft & cottage industries
shows that during 2018-19 only 1 unit of cottage and handicrafts industries were set up
providing employment opportunity to only 1 person which increased to 3units in 2020-
21.But employment opportunity has not changed.

Number of handlooms and number of households engaged in weaving are given in the
following table.

Table 18

Number of Handlooms and no. of households during 2019-20 Handloom Census

No. of Household No. of Looms Handloom workers Weavers population

0 0 0 0

As per the above table there is no handloom industry in the district.

16. Trade & Commerce:

Owing to inadequate marketing and communication facility, trade and commerce in this
district is not so much developed. Brisk trading of commodities like, rice, vegetables,
pulses, cloth, grocery and stationery articles are carried on in a number of weekly markets in
different areas of the district. Agricultural and Multipurpose Society (LAMPs), Tribal

Page 17
Development Co-operative Corporation (TDCC) is also functioning in the district to facilitate
marketing of rural products. The network of Banking and other financial institutions are also
operating throughout the district.
17. Electricity and Power:

This district has a Hydro Electricity Power Project with installed capacity of 360
megawatt (MW) at Balimela. In order to meet the increasing demand of electricity, it is
planned to increase its capacity by additional 150 MW. There is another small hydro-electric
power project on the river Potteru.

Table-19
POWER
Division-wise Consumption of Electricity in Malkangiri district
2008-09

Sl. Category of Consumers / Malkangiri

No. Division ( MED MKG )
1 2 3
1 Domestic : a ) Urban 4.520
b ) Rural 4.540
2 Kutir Jyoti 0.001
3 Commercial : a ) Urban 1.047
b ) Rural 0.827
4 Commercial ( Over 10 KW ) 0.691
5 Small Industries 0.145
6 Medium Industries 1.278
7 Irrigation a ) O.L.I.C. 0.013
b ) Private -
8 Public Lighting 0.684
9 Public Water Works ( below 100 KW ) 0.404
10 Public Institution ( below 100 K.W) -
11 Others 0.419
L.T ( Total ) 14.569
1 Large Industries (below 132K.V.) 21.348
2 Mini Steel Plant -
3 General Purpose 2.285
4 Bulk-Supply Domestic 0.023
5 Public Water Works (above 100 K.W.) 0.217
6 Public Institution (above 100 KW) 0.021
H.T ( Total ) 23.894
1 Heavy Industries -
-
3 Railway traction -
4 Large Industries ( at 132 KV ) -
E. H. T ( Total ) 0.000
GRAND TOTAL : 38.463
Source : CESCO, Bhubaneswar

Page 18
As regard electrification of villages in the district, out of 1922 revenue villages 131. i.e. 6%
villages have been electrified till the end of 31.03.2019 (Source – GRIDCO, Bhubaneswar).

18. Transport and Communication:

The network of communication, which is now available in the district, was a dream
before a century. Practically this region was isolated from coastal plain due to inaccessible
hill tracts, dense forests, wild animals and malaria infection.

Table-20
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Distance of Sub-divisional Headquarters / Block Headquarters /
Main Hats ( Markets ) from District Head Quarters of Malkangiri district
Name of the Distance Distance Whether
Sl. Sub-divisional Hqrs./ on road from on road from Public / Private
No. Block Hqrs./ State Hqrs. District Hqrs. or both Bus
Main Hats (In Kms.) ( In Kms.) Services available
1 2 3 4 5
Sub-divisional Head Quarters
1 Malkangiri 625 0 Yes
Block Headquarters
1 Kalimela 665 40 Yes
2 Khairput 585 66 Yes
3 Korkunda 641 16 Yes
4 Kudumulaguma 597 65 Yes
5 Malkangiri 625 0 Yes
6 Mathili 580 45 Yes
7 Podia 692 67 Yes
Main Hat (Markets )
1 Chitrakonda 657 78 Yes
2 Govindapalli 572 53 Yes
3 Kalimela 665 40 Yes
4 Korkunda 641 16 Yes
5 Kudumulaguma 597 65 Yes
6 Mathili 580 45 Yes
7 Motu 727 102 Yes
8 Padamagiri 627 22 Yes
9 Podia 692 67 Yes
10 Urban ( Malkangiri) 625 0 Yes
11 Bhejaguda (Cattle Market) 601 28 Yes
Source : DPMU, Malkangiri

Different categories of roads in the district is given below in the table

Page 19
 Table-21

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Length of different Categories of Roads in Malkangiri district
( In Km.)
Sl. Categories
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
No. of Road
1 2 3 4 5
1 National Highway 0 0 0
2 State Highway 54 252 252
3 Major District roads 54 55 55
4 Other District Roads 56 56 56
5 Forest Roads 114 114 114
6 Grampanchayt Roads 0 0 2954 (P)
7 Classified village Roads 0 0 0
8 P.S.Roads 0 0 357 (P)
9 Village Roads 707 820 820
10 Urban Roads 0 0 0
NA : Not Available
Source: 1. Chief Engineer, National Highways, Bhubaneswar.
2. Chief Engineer, Rural Works, Bhubaneswar.
3. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Odisha, Bhubaneswar.
4. Panchayat Raj Department, Bhubaneswar.
5. Chief Engineer, R & B, Bhubaneswar.
6. Housing and Urban Development Dept., Bhubaneswar.

As per report of the State Transport Authority, Odisha , Cuttack the number of
vehicles of different categories registered during the years 2016-17, 2017-18 in respect of
Malkangiri district is given below.

Table-22

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Motor Vehicles Registered in Malkangiri district
( In Number )
Sl. Number Registered during
Vehicles 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
No.
1 2 3 4 5
1 Motor Cycles, Scooters and Mopeds 3676 4207 5455
2 Three Wheelers & Auto Rickshaws 223 265 169
3 Jeeps and Station Wagons 0 0 35
4 Private Cars 131 194 282
5 Taxies 30 59 27
6 Contract Carriages 46 59 33
7 State Carriages 17 4 21
8 Trucks and Lorries 143 92 295
9 Tractors and Trailors 219 207 370
10 Miscellaneous Vehicles 232 224 72
Total 4717 5311 6759
Source : State Transport Authority, Odisha, Cuttack

Page 20
As per report of the Divisional Railway Manager, Khurda Road/ Sambalpur for the year 2019
there was no railway route within Malkangiri district.

19. Post and Telegraph facilities:

Table-23

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Postal Net - Working in different Block &
Urban area of Malkangiri district
( In Number )
No. of Post Offices
No. of Post Offices
Year / having
Sl.
Block / Head Sub Branch Speed Instant
No.
ULB Post Post Post Total Post Money order
Office Office Office Service Service (IMO)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2017-18 1 9 76 85 3 1
2018-19 1 8 76 85 3 1
2018-19
BLOCK
1 Kalimela 0 1 12 13 0 0
2 Khairput 0 0 7 7 0 0
3 Korkunda 0 2 16 18 0 0
4 Kudumuluguma 0 0 9 9 0 0
5 Malkangiri 0 1 8 9 0 0
6 Mathili 0 1 17 18 0 0
7 Podia 0 1 7 8 0 0
ULB
1 Balimela (N. A. C.) 0 1 0 1 1 0
2 Malkangiri (N. A. C.) 1 (MDG) 1 0 2 2 1

Source : Superintendent of Post offices, Malkangiri

As per report of the Superintendent of the Post Offices, , there were 1 head post
office, 8 Sub post offices, 76 Branch post offices and 3 speed post service within the district
during 2018-19.

20. Panchayati Raj System:

The three tier Panchayati Raj system was introduced in the state with the enforcement of
the Orissa Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad Act, 1959, w.e.f. 26 th January, 1961 which
was further strengthened with the implementation of Orissa Zilla Parishad Act, 1991 w.e.f.
1st November, 1993. The major objective of the Panchayati Raj System is to entrust the
people with the management of local affairs and develop their capacity for self-governance.

Page 21
In the three tier system of Panchayati Raj, the Panchayat Samiti functions as the inter-
mediary between Zilla Parishad at district level and the Gram Panchayat at village level and
each of them functions within its own jurisdiction for the development of rural areas of the
districts for a normal tenure of five years.
Zilla Parishad, the apex body in the district is constituted of the following members. Each
Panchayt Samiti in the district elects two members to the Zilla Parishad. Elected Members of
Legislative Assembly and Members of Parliament from the district become the members of
the Zilla Parishad. Chairmen of all Panchayat Samities of the district, Chairmen of the
Municipalities/ NACs and Co-operative Banks of the district, the district officers of Health,
Education, Public Health, Agriculture, Forest, Works and Co-operative development become
the ex-officio members of Zilla Parishad. There is reservation of seats for SC and ST
members on the basis of proportion of their population while 1/3 rd of the seat is reserved for
women members including SC and ST woman. The members of the Zilla Parishad elect one
amongst them as President and another as Vice President. The Collector of the district acts as
the Chief Executive Officer. The Zilla Parishad, besides formulating policies for the key
areas of rural development in the district, monitors and evaluates the various developmental
programmes of the government which are implemented by the Pnchayat Samities in their
respective areas of the district.
The Panchayat Samities, which act as the inter-mediary between Zilla Parishad and Gram
Panchayats were established throughout the state in accordance with the provisions of the
Orissa Panchayat Samiti Act, 1959 and its jurisdiction is coterminous with the area of the
Community Development Block. The Block Development Officer is the Executive head of
the Samiti. Other Block level officers are the official members. The Sarpanch of all Gram
Panchayats within the C.D. Block become non-official members of the Panchyat Samiti. The
elected members of the Panchayat Samiti elect one amongst them as the Chairman and
another as Vice Chairman, of whom one must be a woman. Panchayat Samities are not only
responsible for the planning, execution and supervision of all types of governmental
development programmes in their areas but also look after the spread of primary education,
management of trust and endowments etc. and all other developmental matters in their
respective localities.
The Gram Panchayat at the primary level is constituted of a group of villages which are
divided into wards. Ward members are directly elected by the voters of each ward. The
Sarpanch of the Panchayat is elected by the voters of all the wards under the Gram Panchayat
and one Naib Sarpanch is elected from amongst the ward members to look after the work of
the Panchayat.
This primary unit of democratic de-centralisation is the main agency to mobilize the rural
man-power. Functions of the Gram Panchayat include sanitation, supply of drinking water,
maintenance of ferry ghats and wells, construction and maintenance of Panchayat roads,
cattle pounds, providing street light and implementing different agricultural schemes in the
villages under its jurisdiction.
The names of the CD Block, number of Gram panchayats, number of villages under each
panchayat samiti in the district is given below

Page 22
 Table-23
Panchayat Samities centre, Gram Panchayats & Villages
No of Gram Panchayats No of villages under the
Sl No Block Name/Panchayat Samities
under Panchayat Samiti Gram Panchayat Samiti
1 2 3 4
1 Maithili 20 149
2 Khairaput 9 130
3 Kudumulgum 11 271
4 Malkangiri 13 87
5 Korkunda 24 187
6 Podia 10 85
7 Kalimela 21 146

21. Social and Cultural Events:

The introduction of various developmental schemes and poverty alleviation programmes such
as Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (S.G.S.Y), Community Based Convergent Service
(C.B.C.S), Prime Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (PMRY), Integrated Child Development Scheme
(I.C.D.S), S.C/S.T Development Finance Corporation, State Social Welfare Advisory Board,
Mahila Samities, Rehabilitation of Distressed Women, Condensed Courses of Education for
adult women, Voluntary action and Family Counselling centres etc. by the Government and
the effective implementation of these schemes through the N.G.Os have brought remarkable
changes in the sphere of social and cultural activities of the people of the district.

Establishment of schools and colleges, opening of industries have effected changes in the
quality of life of the people of the district. The participation of women in various fields of
activities has also increased.
The socio cultural pattern of the people of the district is undergoing gradual changes due
to their interaction with the people of the other parts of the country through mass media like
radio, television, telephone, computer network, newspapers, magazines and other amenities

22. Places of tourist interest:

The important tourist places of Malkangiri District is given in the table below

Page 23
 Table 24

Important Tourist Spots of Malkangiri district

Distance Distance
on road on road
Name of from from Connectivity Importance
Sl.
the Tourist State District Rail / Bus of the
No.
Spot Hqrs. Hqrs. Services Spot
( In ( In
Kms.) Kms.)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Legendary Ram, Sita of
1 Amma Kund 595 76 NA Ramayan visited the place
during their exile.
Hydel Power Project,
2 Balimela 623 35 Bus 2nd town of Malkangiri
district.
A cave of ancient
3 Bhima Gumpha 690 65 Bus
puranic description.
Habitation of Bonda Tribals,
4 Bonda Hill 595 65 NA
Primitive Tribal Group
5 Chalas Guda 725 100 NA Boudha pitha
Water Reservoir &
6 Chitrakonda 657 78 Bus
High Soil Dam.
7 Kiang 600 65 Bus Udayagiri Waterfall.
Badayatra in every 2 years.
8 Malkangiri 625 0 Bus Boarding place of Lord
Mallikeswar
Religious place for
9 Manyamkonda 685 60 NA
Lords of Badayatra.
A place of freedom
10 Mathili 580 45 Bus
movement
Scenic spot & known as
11 Motu 727 102 Bus
Kanyakumari of Orissa
Birth place of Bonda race
12 Muduli Pada 595 65 NA
i.e. Muduli, Sita Kund
Weekly Market (Bonda
community
13 Mundiguda Market 595 80 NA came to exchange their
products
by "Barter System".
A small pond situated amidst
14 Rajarani Bondha 622 3 Bus
picturesque valley.
Ecological Park , Picnic
Spot
15 Satiguda Dam Site 615 10 Bus
Water reservoir & Water
Sports
16 Tulasi Pahada 580 55 NA Scenic spot
Source : Brochure by District Tourist Office, Koraput

Page 24
Balimela:
Balimela is a village in Malkangiri district, about 29 kilometers to the east of Malkangiri.
A Hydroelectric Project has been undertaken near the village jointly by the Government of
Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. A Dam is constructed at Chitrakonda, 24 kilometers from
Balimela across the river Sileru. .
Govindapali:
The village Govindapali is an important place for trade and communication with the
Bondas. The road to Bonda hills takes off at Govindapali on the Jeypur- Malkangiri road.
There is one Ashram school with the provision of training in various Arts and Crafts
Gupteswar Cave:
It is a place of natural beauty and famous for its shrine. It is situated by a forest tract,
which starts from the east of Ramgiri upto a distance of 15 kms. through thick sal forest and
is adjacent to the Malkangiri plains. The cave is at the top of a limestone hill which is about
151 meters high from surrounding country side. One can reach it by ascending a flight of
steps, flanked with lines of Champaka trees. In front of this, there is one roughly circular
chamber which is a stalactite and somewhat resembling a lingam. The lingam is held very
sacred in the district and is called Gupteswar. According to mythology, one day a Sabara
unexpectedly discovered the lingam of Gupteswar. He then conveyed the news to the Raja of
Jeypore, who organized a great feast in honour of the deity (Gupteswar) and the annual feast,
is still being held in every Sivaratri day under the patronage of his descendants. There are
several other caves nearby with little importance. A large number of people from every part
of the district congregate here on the day of Sivaratri to pay their homage to the Holy God.
Inside the second cave, there is a large stalactite formed by dropping of water containing
carbonates. People worship it as the udder of Kamadhenu, the celestial cow and wait under it
with outstretched palm to collect drops of water as a divine bliss.
It is said that Ramachandra of epic fame passed through these hills and forests on his way
to Panchabati in the Dandakaranya and worshipped here lord Siva “Kedarnath”. The lord
being very pleased with him blessed him for success in his mission and told him that his
name would be remembered forever in this part of the country. One mountain near
Gupteswar is thus named Ramagiri, named after Rama, visiting this place in course of his
wandering in Dandakaranya forest.
Gupteswar is popularly known as “Gupta Kedar” in Madhya Pradesh. People from this
State come in large numbers to worship this deity. Gupteswar is 65 kilometers by road from
Jeypore. Public bus services are available from Jeypore.
Mathili:
It is situated on the main road from Jeypore to Malkangiri, at a distance of about 43
kilometres from the later in northwest. The village is provided with a dispensary and a
school. On market days a large number Bondas, in their scanty but picturesque costumes
come down from their hills to visit the market and barter vegetables and forest produce for
trinkets. There is a police station in Mathili, which was a centre of freedom struggle during
the memorable movement of August 1942.

Page 25
Motu:
Motu is the southernmost point of Malkangiri district, situated at the confluence of the
rivers Sabari and Sileru. Timber and bamboos are exported in large quantity from this place
down the Sabari and Godavari to Rajahmundry. Lunch service (Passenger and goods) plying
between Rajahmundry and Bhadrachalam in the Godavari touches at Motu. This provision
works for six months and serves as an important means of carrying necessary articles to the
whole of lower part of Malkangiri.

Page 26