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Chapter – 5
BACKGROUND OF THE FIELD STUDY LOCATION
5.1. BACKGROUND OF THE DHUBRI DISTRICT:
5.1.1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The name of Dhubri comes from the tale of Chand Sadagar, where the main character of the story Natai Dhubuni used to wash her cloths on the surface of a big stone at the
bank of the river Bhamaputra. Legend says that the name of ‘Dhubri’ originated from the
name ‘Dhubuni’ (means the wash woman). In this district there is a particular place which
is known as the Natai Dhubunir Ghat.
In 1669 Raja Ram Singh, Mughal General of Amber was deputed by Aurangzeeb
of Delhi to crash a rebellion by the Ahom king Chakradhawaj Singha. But Assam was a
difficult country for such an operation and Raja Ram Singh requested Guru Teg Bahadur to
accompany him. Guru Teg Bahadur accepted the request and his presence were initially
thought to be a moral booster to both Raja Ram Singh and his troops. On the arrival to
Kamrup early in February 1669 A.D., Guru Teg Bahadur camped at Dhubri while Raja
Ram Singh with his army camped at Rangamati Fort. In the district there is a holy place
called Gurdwara Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib which has been visited thousand of pilgrimage across the country.
Dhubri district also witnessed the historical visit of many of the eminent personalities like Guru Nanak Dev, Srimanta Sankardev, Guru Teg Bahadur, Swami Vivekananda,
Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Gopinath Bordolai and many more.
Until 1874, Dhubri was mostly part of Bengal King. In 1874, the British Government
created a new province named Assam Valley Province and incorporated Goalpara district
area comprising three sud-divisions andDhubri was one of the three civil sub divisions of
the erstwhile Goalpara district, established in 1876 during the British rule. In 1879 the
district headquarter was shifted from Goalpara to Dhubri. In the year 1983, the old Goalpara
district was divided into four separated districts and Dhubri is one of those.
5.1.2. GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND:
Dhubri district is bounded both by inter state and international border,i.c., West
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Bengal and Bangladesh in the west, Goalpara and Bongaigaon districts of Assam and Garo
Hilles district of Meghalaya in the east, Kokrajar district in the north, Bangladesh and the
state of Meghalaya in the south.
The district is located on the globe between 89.42 to 90.12 degree east longitude
and 26.22 to 25.28 degree north latitude. The district is situated at 30 meters above sea
level on average.
5.1.3. AREA AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:
The total area of the Dhubri district is 1664.10 Sq. km.The administration of Dhubri
district is divided in to three major sub divisions and these are Dhubri (sadar), Bilasipara
and South Salmara- Hatsingimari (Mankachar). Moreover, there are eight revenue circles
and seven tahsils in Dhubri district. It also has eight police stations. There are 168 Gaon
Panchayat and eight towns in Dhubri district. The administrative set up of the district is
shown in Table (5.1)
Table (5.1): Administrative Set up of Dhubri District (After formation BTAD.)
Sl . No
Administrative Divisions
Numbers
1
Revenue Circles
8
2
Tehsils
7
3
Sub-Tehsils
2
4
Revenue Villages
1091
5
Model Villages
3
6
Anchalik Panchayat
15
7
Mahakuma Parisad
3
8
Municipal Board
1
9
Gaon Panchayat
168
10
Police Outposts
7
11
Basic Towns
4
12
Police Stations
8
13
Fire Service Stations
2
14
Police Watch posts
36
15
Border outpost
35
Source: www.dhubri.gov.in
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5.1.4. PHYSICAL FEATURE:
General topography of Dhubri district is plain with patches of small hillocks like
Tokrabandha, Dudhnath, Chaderdinga, Boukumari, Baropahar, Chakrasila etc. All these
are situated in the north eastern part of the Dhubri district. Mighty river Bamhaputra is
flowing through the district from east to west with its tributaries like Champabati, Gaurang,
Gadadhar, Gangadhar, Tipkai, Sankosh, Silai and Jinjiram.
5.1.5. CLIMATE AND RAINFALL:
Climatically, Dhubri district has mainly two seasons – the rainy season and the cold
season. The monsoons usually start in June and last until the end of October. Rainfall in
Dhubri district is usually heavy due to its peculiar geographical position. Present district
data on rainfall, temperature and humidity is not available. Taking the five years’ average,
the monthly minimum temperature was observed 12.25 degree Celsius in January. Similarly
the average monthly maximum temperature observed 31.78 degree Celsius in May. The
five years, average annual rainfall in the district is 2176 mm ranging from 1808 mm (lowest) in 2003 & 888 (highest) in 2005. The rainfall pattern observed dry during November to
March (winter) with an average annual rainfall of 97 mm only while April to October was
observed as wet period that received the average annual rainfall of 2079 mm. Due to varied
distribution of rainfall, the district suffers from heavy flood during wet period and moisture
stress in the dry period. Analysis of rainfall data shows that out of 104 average annual rainy
days, there are only 10 rainy days during the period of November to March and the remaining 94 rainy days during the period of April to October. Relative humidity was highest
during June & July while it was the lowest during February & March. High relative humidity coupled with high temperature during summer favors the growth of jute & paddy in the
district.
5.1.6. FLORA AND FAUNA:
Dhubri district is famous for Chakrasilla wildlife sanctuary. Chakrasilla hill was first
declared as reserve forest in 1966 and on July 14, 1994 it was recognized with status of
sanctuary by the Government of Assam. It covers an area of 45.568 kms (4556.8 hectares).
It is around 68 kms from Dhubri district town. The diverse eco-system of Chakrasilla presents model habitat diversity and support various animals like tiger, leopard, golden langur,
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leopard cat, gaur, mongoose, porcupine, pangoline, flying squirrel, civet cat, etc. It is to be
noted that the two internationally recognized wetlands namely Dhir and Deeplai has not
been yet taken insides the declared boundary of the said sanctuary. But they are very a part
of Chakrasilla eco-system. It should be noted that Chakrasilla is world famous for the
Golden Langur and it is the second protected habitant for the Golden langur in India.
5.1.7. LAND USE PATTERN:
Dhubri district falls under Lower Brahmaputra Valley agro climatic zone. Geographical area of the district is 236126 hectare out of which 61 per cent is cultivable area.
Out of the total cultivable area 90 per cent is at present under cultivation. The land use
pattern of the district has expressed in the Table (5.2) and land capability classification of
the district has been shown in table (5.3).
Table (5.2): Land Utilization Pattern (Area in Hectare)
Nature of Land
Amount of land
Geographical Area
236126
Forest
1664
Land under non agri use
16909
Cultivable Waste
6558
Permanent Pastures
2156
Land under Misc. tree crops
12942
Current fallows
7560
Other fallows
58303
Net sown area
130034
Gross cropped area
264497
Source: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhubri (Assam)
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The capability classification of the total land in the district is shown in Table (5.3)
Table (5.3) Land Capability Classification (Area in Hectare)
Land Pattern
Amount
Very good cultivable land
Land Class –I
8124
Good Cultivable Land,Class-ll
68638
Moderately Good Cultivable Land, Class – lll
63093
Fairly Good Land for Cultivation,Class –IV
7380
Land not Suitable for cultivation, Class – V
3135
Steep Slopes highly erosion prone with shallow, Class -VI
225
Source: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhubri (Assam)
5.1.8. POPULATION:
It is revealed in the census report of 2011 that out of the total population of 1948632
in Dhubri district 998346 were male and 950286 were female.
5.1.9. Sex Ratio:
According to 2011 census report, the sex ratio in terms of females per 1000 males
for Dhubri district was 952 as against 946 in 2001. Among all the districts of Assam, the
rank of the Dhubri district in respect of sex ratio is 16 but during 2001 census period rank
were 8.
5.1.10. DENSITY OF POPULATION:
In 2011, the density of population per square kilometer in Dhubri district was 1171
person as against 941 in 2001. Among all the districts of Assam, Kamrup Metro ranks first
regarding density of population which was 2010 persons per square kilometer in 2011.
Dhubri district stood second rank in respect of density of population in Assam. Thus we
may comment that the Dhubri district is a densely populated district of Assam.
5.1.11. LITERACY:
The literacy rate in Dhubri district was not significant especially when compared to
the rest of the districts of Assam. The literacy rate in Dhubri district was increased slightly
from 48.21 percent in 2001 to 59.36 percent in 2011. The significant feature of literacy rate
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is marked improvement in female literacy in Dhubri which shows an increase from 40.04
percent in 2001 to 54.26 per cent in 2011, while corresponding figures for male literacy
show an increase from 55.91 per cent in 2001 to 64.20 per cent in 2011. Among all the
districts of Assam only Dhubri district stood the last position regarding general, male and
female literacy rates in 2011 census period.
5.1.12. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX:
Dhubri district is positioned at the bottom in the HDI list of Assam with considerable lags in the development procedure of the district. The major HDI components of
Dhubri district are shown in the following Table (5.4).
Table (5.4): Human Development Index of Dhubri District
Location
HDI Value
Income Index
Education Index
Health Index
Dhubri
0.214
0.102
0.454
0.086
Assam
0.407
0.286
0.595
0.343
Source: Human Development Report, GOI, 2003
Relating to Gender related Development Index (GDI) also, Dhubri ranks at
the lower part of the list having 21st rank, just before Karimganj and Nagaon. This is shown
in the following Table (5.5)
Table (5 .5): Gender Related Development Index (GDI), Dhubri district
Gender Development index (GDI)
GDI Rank
HDI Index
HDI Rank
0.206
21
0.214
23
Source: Human Development Report, GOI, 2003
5.1.13. AGRICULTURE:
Dhubri district is primarily dependent on agriculture and forest products. More
than 70 per cent of the total population in Dhubri district is getting their means of livelihood
from agricultural sector. Out of total geographical area of 236126 hectare, the net area
sown in Dhubri is 130034 hectare. Dhubri is producing both food and cash crops. Main
source of income is paddy (both winter and autumn) with surplus production than its requirement. Jute and mustered seed occupy the major share of cash crops. Wheat, maize,
pulses and sugar cane are also grown moderately. Although tea is one of the most impor-
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tant cash crop in Assam but tea production in Dhubri district did not show any impressing
figure. There is some micro level tea garden in Dhubri district.
Agriculture is the mainstream of the economy of Dhubri. But agriculture in Dhubri
is solely depending on monsoons, which some times create unexpected havoc on agricultural production in the district. The farming system of the district is traditional in general,
so far farm mechanization is concerned in general. But with introduction of tractor, powertiller and power pump in last four five years mechanized farming system is taking a shape in
some area of the district, but however more numbers of these equipments are in great
demand in the district. The farms are interested to undertake the modern techniques of
cultivation; the major hurdle of this is poor economic condition of the farmers and land
fragmentation.
At present horticultural crops are cultivated in 47150 with fruits and nut crops
20000 hectare, vegetables 11000 hectare, root and tuber crops such as tapioca, colossi,
sweet potato etc in 6200 hectare and other horticultural crops are also cultivated in the
district. Most of these horticultural crops are cultivated in traditional and unscientific way.
Therefore, the yield and quality of these crops are not up to the commercial grades in the
market.
5.1.14. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY:
Livestock is a kind of reproducible biological resources. Livestock population includes cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goat, pigs, duck, etc. A large number of farmers in Dhubri
district depend on animal husbandry for their livelihood side by side their principal occupation. In addition to supplying milk, meat, eggs and hides, animals, mainly bullocks, are the
major source of power for both farmers and dryers. Thus animal husbandry plays an important role in the district rural economy. The livestock population of Dhubri district has been
shown in the Table (5.6)
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Table (5. 6): Livestock Population of Dhubri District, 2003
Name of the Animal
Number
Estimated livestock population 2008-09
Indigenous Cattle
510603
374884
Crossed Breed Cattle
7105
17133
Indigenous Buffaloes
15137
27543
Crossed Breed Buffaloes
2297
-
Sheep
14143
-
Goats
197507
186460
Pigs
50314
-
Horses and Ponies
201
-
Fowls
872625
308596
Ducks
393199
157995
Source: Statistical Handbook, Assam, 2006, 2009
The estimated livestock population of the district during the year 2009-10 is shown
in the table (5.7)
Table (5.7): Estimated Livestock and Poultry Population in Dhubri, 2009-10
(Sample Survey)
Indigenous Cattle Crossed Breed Cattle
Number 370577
16866
Buffaloes
Goats
Fowls
Ducks
33243
178194
295276
126637
Source: Statistical Handbook, Assam, 2010
5.1.15. INDUSTRY:
Dhubri district is situated at the western part of Assam. The economy of Dhubri
district is depending too much on agriculture. Dhubri district is one of the industrially
backward districts of Assam. The industrial sector of the district had been centralized around
some particular sectors like handicraft, small scale factories, some forest based industries
and other industries like printing press, brick and tiles industry, ice industry, chemical industry etc. There were total 66 numbers of factories in Dhubri district (as per NIC Report,
2004). In 1925, one Swedish industrialist established one match factory at Dhubri. Initially
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the match factory was known as Assam Match Company. The name of the company is now
changed to ‘’WIMCO’’. But due to various irregularities, this match industry had to face
huge loss and ultimately it was closed.
In a backward district like Dhubri, small scale and cottage industries have a big role
to play. The development of the small scale and cottage industries will not only mobilize
local resources but will also increase income and generate employment opportunities. Total
number of small scale industries in Dhubri district registered under the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Assam was 1220 units (31-12-2008). In the district there are various types of small scale and cottage industries, such as agro based industries, textile based
industries, commercial, engineering, electronic, mineral and other types of industries.
5.1.16. HANDLOOM, SERICULTURE AND WEAVING SECTOR:
Sericulture and weaving are playing an important role in the rural economy of Dhubri
district. The district is famous for variety of handloom products. In the case of sericulture,
Dhubri has 190 sericulture villages under the supervision of Directorate of Sericulture and
Weaving in 2008-09.These villages engaged nearly 1996 families in Eri, Muga and Mulbary
culture. Total area of land under Silk Worm food plants was 405 hectare during 2008-09.
During the same year Dhubri district has produced 10.87 MT Eri raw silk, 0.134 MT Muga
raw silk and 0.014 MT Mulbary raw silk. Dhubri district has at present 4 handloom training
centre and 7 number of weaver’s extension service unit (Statistical Handbook, Assam,
2009).
5.1.17. TRANSPORT:
Well developed transport system contributes to a great extent towards serving the
social needs and providing necessary infrastructure for rapid economic development of the
region. The importance of transport facilities is very high in a district like Dhubri as this
district has huge international trade potential to Bangladesh and inters regional trade potential to the Indian states like Meghalaya, West Bengal and other North Eastern states.
Dhubri district has its own glorious transport background. In 1902, Dhubri was connected
with Calcutta by the extension of Eastern Bengal Railway line. Again in 1909-10, Amingaon
was connected with Calcutta through Dhubri. After Independence, there was lot of changes
in the railway system in Dhubri district. After partition, the railway link between Assam and
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Calcutta via Dhubri was closed. During the first part of the 21st century the MG line of the
Dhubri district has been transformed in to BG line. At present there are two routs – between Dhubri – Guwahati-Silghat and between Dhubri- Monaguri.
In Dhubri district, the road transport system has to bear the major responsibility of
providing an efficient means of transport through out the district due to limitation of its
railways and waterways. National Highway number 31 passes through the district from
Bahalpur to Chagoliya. Existing roads connecting district and sub-division head quarters
with different interior places of the district as well as for increasing road connectivity between interior villages and National Highway to be developed through full implementation
of the Prime Minister’s Garmin Sarak Yojana. In this connection 14 numbers of roads have
already been taken up in 2000-2001 and 28 numbers of roads in 2001-02 covering all the
blocks on the Dhubri district. However, the condition of most of the roads in Dhubri is not
satisfactory and requires frequent repair due to ravages caused by floods. Moreover, many
of the roads being small in width with narrow and weak bridges and culverts, needs widening and up gradation. Numbers of villages connected by all weather roads are not available.
However, road length of the district is National Highway 111.45 k.m., State Highway 106.00
k.m. and other PWD road 880.00 km.
There are unique opportunities for developing inland water transport in Dhubri
district. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries are providing the water transport facilities in
different places on the district. The British ruler stared water transport system between
Dibrugrah and Calcutta.
Rupshi-airport is situated about 15 km away from Dhubri which was constructed
during last World WarII by the British Govt. exclusively for military operation. Number of
private companies operated regular flights carrying passengers as well as goods between
Calcutta/Dhubri via Jalpaiguri/Coochbehar (West Bengal) after Independence. The IndianAirlines also operated regular air flights between Calcutta/Dhubri. At present the Airport is
under the National Airport Authority of India and lying unused.
5.1.18. BANKING:
As on December, 2010, Dhubri district had 35 offices of Commercial Banks including State Bank of India, United Commercial Bank and United bank of India with a total
deposit of Rs. 950 Crores as against Rs, 650 Crores as outstanding credit. Regarding rural
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credit, The Assam Co-operative Apex Bank (two branches) and Garmin Bikas Bank (11
branches) cater the need of the small credit by rural borrowers along with the commercial
banks. The average population per branch shows that banking facilities in rural areas of
Dhubri district is not sufficient. Commercial banking is not up the satisfaction in the rural
areas of Dhubri. At present several private sector banks have established their branches in
the district town.
5.1.19. BASIC AMENITIES:
Besides housing standard of the rural people, the standard of living is also judged
based on the availability of certain basic community institutions in the rural locality along
with easy assess to these. Safe drinking water, facilities for basic education and health and
social security are some of the important elements of these basic requirements. In respect
of amenities in rural areas, there are facility wise variations. 80 per cent of the villages of
Dhubri have already been electrified. Besides, number of police stations and outposts, fire
service station and like facilities are not adequately available. The basic amenities of the
district is shown in the table (5.8)
Table (5. 8) Number of Amenities in Dhubri District
Amenities
Numbers
Total Inhabited Villages
1261 (94%)
Total Households
297121
No of Village Electrified
1008 (80%)
No. Police Station
7
No of Out Station
6
Fire Service Station
1
Educational Institutions
Primary School
1807
High and Senior Secondary School
178
Colleges
15
Vocational/ Technical Institutions
31 (Including 1 ITI)
Source: Statistical Handbook, Assam, 2008/ www.dhubri.gov.in
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5.2. PROFILE OF SAMPLE DEVELOPMENT BLOCK:
5.2.1. AGOMANI DEVELOPMENT BLOCK:
5.2.1. A. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION:
Agomani is situated at the distance of 50 K.M. to the North West of Dhubri, 12
K.M. to the south of West Bengal border and 8 K.M. to the North East of Bangladesh
border. 31st National Highway runs over Agomani from North to South and the historical
Gohain Kamal Ali (road) runs from East to West. Both the roads crossed it the heart of
Agomani. The famous “Agomani Ghat” is still surviving. Sheelbhadra, the famous Assamese
writer, wrote a novel namely “Agomanir Ghat” which made Agomani well known. In 1963
a terrible Cyclone blew over Agomani and swept away many houses, lives and properties
and the name of Agomani appeared on Newspaper, radio and Television and Agomani had
been known to all over Assam.
Agomani is an important place with some historical background. It is situated in the
district of Dhubri (Assam). There are some sayings about the origin of the name of
AGOMANI. Agomani derives from the word “AGOMAN” which means arrival. It is said
that Mahapurush Sri Sri Sankardev, the great preacher of Bhaishnava faith, made a voyage
from Pathbaushi with his niece Aai Bhubeneshwari to get her marriage with Chilarai, the
brother of Nara Narayan, the king of Koch kingdom. They made a journey by boat on the
river Ganghadhar. Both of them arrived at Agomani Ghat and received each other. From
that time the place was named Agomani. Later Shankerdev and Chilarai came to Satrasal
where marriage ceremony of Aai Bhubeneshwari with Chilarai was performed. At that
place there is a “Satra” which is popularly known as Ramrai Kuthi Satra.
Agomani Development Block is bounded both by inter state and international
border,i.c., West Bengal and Bangladesh in the west, Kokrajar district of Assam in the east,
West Bengal and Bhutan in the north, Golokganj Development Block of Dhubri district in
the south.
Agomani development block is located on the globe between 26.41 degree to 26.63
degree North Latitude and 90.01 degree to 90.02 degree East Longitude. The Block is
situated at 30 meters above sea level on average. The total area of the block is 19701.71
hectors. The important rivers of the block are Gangadhar, Raidak, Buranadi and Kaljani.
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The important beel (natural ponds) of the block are Bamoni, Mara Gadadhar, Silghagri,
Binnachera, Pagla Kura, Lal Kura, Sat Baini, Phalimari, Chagolia Kura, Bish Kura, Singimari,
Sonkosh, Tukamari, Fatik Kura and Bherveri.
5.2.1. B.CLIMATE AND RAINFALL:
Agomani block enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with a hot and wet summer and
cool and usually dry winter. The annual rainfall ranges from 1800 mm to 2900 mm. The
main rainy months are June, July, August and September. Average humidity of the Block is
being 68 per cent. The annual temperature of the area ranges from 8 degree celcious to 35
degree Celsius where June, July and August are the hottest while December and January
are the coolest months.
Flood occurs generally in the low lying areas of the block during July to September
every year. Late flood during the later part of September and October also occurs. The
occurrence of flood in the block is due to the river Gangadhar and Kaljani. During rainy
days the thousands of houses on the bank of the river Gangadhar are affected by the flood
due to poor protection system.
5.2.1. C.SMALL SCALE AND HANDICRAFT INDUSTRIES:
Agomani is very rich in handicrafts. This area is well known for their traditional
handicrafts based on Cane and Bamboo. Commercial production and sale of exquisite handicrafts of cane, wood and bamboo architecture, furniture, bamboo containers, baskets for
transportation and storage of the items, haversacks, winnowing trays and fans, fish traps,
rain shields, head gear, bamboo mat products, musical instruments etc are made in almost
all parts of the area as bamboo and cane being a readily available commodity in the area.
The skills involved in these crafts have been handed down from one generation to the other
generation through centuries. Almost every conceivable household item is made out of this
raw material.
Jute handicrafts of the area have created a niche the Assam over. A wide range of
skills have been honed to perfection by craftsmen who have learned to transform this natural fiber in to various products of daily use, with an aesthetic appeal. These are washable
and safe for children to play. Various gifts and decorative items with colorful embroidery
look absolutely attractive when made with jute.
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There are very few potters among the people of Agomani. They have long used the
elements quality of earth as a substance in the execution of both rituals and utilitarian
objects. A variety of roof tiles, utensils such as pots, bowls, plates and jars, and cooking
stoves meet specific requirements of daily life. Simultaneously the potters create votive
offerings in stone forms of bulls, elephants and houses as well as terracotta temples and
toys.
Woodcarving is one of the most important activities in the block. This can be broadly
grouped in to three sub- groups, they are painted woodcarving, and plain wood carving and
wood turned items. In this craft one can find painted wooden toys, masks, idols and chariot
decorations. The art is mostly practiced by the carpenter caste.
5.2.1. D.KUHILA SILPA (SOLA PITH CRAFTS):
The main handicraft of Agomani block is Kuhila Silpa or sola piths works. Many
families from the Kherbari, Jhapusabari and Shernagar Gaon Panchayat are associated with
this traditional art work. It is a very old form of art and has been taken as a profession by
many families.
Sola pith is a milky-white and very light weight sponge-wood which is carved into
delicate and beautiful objects of art. Sola or Kuhila is a plant, growing wild in marshy
waterlogged areas. According to the local legend, Sri Sri Sankardev had brought down
Akashiganga and Kuhila from the haven. Hence items manufactured from the sola are used
on the auspicious occasions, and people decorate their house, temple with those items on
the occasion of marriage ceremony, religious functions and other festivals. During the celebration of local festivals like Kati puja, Manasha Puja, Charak Puja, Bash Puja and many
more, deities are made of sola and the painted mask made from the sola are worn. The
artificial ornaments prepared from sola are worn in the religious festivals.
5.2.1. E.DEMOGRAPHY OF THE AGOMANI BLOCK:
It is revealed in the census report of 2011 that out of the total population of 20,33,429
in Agomani development Block 10,45,797 Nos. (51%) were male and 9,87,632 Nos. (49%)
were female. The percent of the ST population was 4.82 per cent and ST population was
2.42 per cent. About 87.84 per cent of the Block population lives in the rural areas. Thus
the sex ratio in terms of females per 1000 males for Agomani development Block was 944
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in 2001.In 2001; the density of population per square kilometer in Agomani Block was 584
person in 2001. The literacy rate in Agomani Block was not significant especially when
compared to the rest of the Blocks of Assam. The literacy rate in Agomani Block was 49.86
percent in 2001. The male literacy rate was 56.61 percent and female literacy rate was
42.64 percent.
5.2.1.F.LAND USE PATTERN:
Agomani development block falls under Lower Brahmaputra Valley agro climatic
zone. Geographical area of the development block is 19701.71 hectare out of which 13790.7
hectare is net cultivable area, 985.05 hectare is fallow land, 4925.25 hectare is not available
for cultivation and 1970.18 hectare is for other purposes.
5.2.1.G. AGRICULTURE:
Agomani block is an agriculture based area. About 90 per cent of its population is
directly or indirectly involved with agriculture and allied activities. About 14540.00 hectare
(73.6 per cent of the total area of the block) of land is used for cultivation. Many crops are
being cultivated through out the year, the major crops being paddy, jute, wheat, vegetables
and oil seeds like mustard seeds, Til, Tishi, Maga ctc. Non conventional crops like sun
flower and mushrooms are also cultivated by few farmers. The method of cultivation is
mostly orthodox and there are hardly any means of irrigation other than nature, though
modern methods of cultivation is also gaining popularity and now a days irrigation by
“Shallow Pumps” is used in many areas during the month of February to May to cultivate
various hybrid species of paddy. “Dheki Kal” is another method of irrigation. Total irrigated area is about 1050 hectare (7 per cent of the total land under agriculture), out of
which about 900 hectare are irrigated by means of canal and tube wells and rest are irrigated by “Dheki Kal” or other traditional irrigation method.
In regards of vegetables cultivation, position of Agomani block is very remarkable.
Many types of vegetables such as Chilly, Brinjal, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Radish, Potato,
Bitter gourd, carrot, Garlic, onion, Ginger and all types of seasonal vegetables are cultivated in large scale. An estimated area of 2000 hectare is used for vegetable production in
the block. These vegetables not only fulfill the local requirement, are also supplied to the
other parts of the sate and other states.
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In regards of fruit, Agomani holds a special position among the blocks of the Dhubri district. All types of Water Melons are cultivated in big way in Char areas of the block. Though
not cultivated in proper way, jack fruit, mango, and litchi are also produced in huge quantities and supplied to the other parts of the district.
5.2.1.H.FISHING:
River Gangadhar and its tributaries, such as Mora Godhadhar, Raiduck, and Buranadi
are the main water bodies that flow through Agomani. There are about 30 natural ponds
(beels), many small ponds and there are many man made ponds. These fish producing area
cover a geographical area of 510 hectare. These natural water bodies are satisfactorily rich
with local verities of fishes and fishes are available throughout the year. There is also a
Govt. Fishery and many private fisheries. So Agomani block has huge potential for fish
farming but due to lack of modern method and knowledge of fish farming, the output of the
fisheries is not very satisfactory. There is only one fishery office in Agomani area.
5.2.1.I.TRANSPORT:
National Highway 31 passes through the Agomani development block. The length
of the National Highway which falls under this block is 21 K.M. In addition to NH-31 there
are about 18 major and minor roads built by PWD in the block which covers total length of
98.6 K.M. Out of these 9.8 K.M. are topped while the rest are gravel road. There are also
36 number bridges and culvert in these roads but there is not a single RCC bridge other than
the bridges over the NH-31 and some of existing wooden bridges are very old and are in
deplorable condition. There are also many rural roads which are constructed under various
Govt. schemes. Recently works on rail rout between Golokganj and Chochbehar via Agomani
is going on.
5.2.1.J.ELECTRICITY:
Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) with 34 numbers of transformers of various
capacities has a good network for supplying electricity in the block area. The ASEB has its
Sub- Divisional office at Agomani which manages the administration and distribution of
electricity in the area. All the villages under the block have not been electrified and the
electrification work is still going on in few villages. It has covered 1894 number of household out of 17321 numbers of house holds of the block. At present the solar electricity
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becomes very popular in the remote villages in the block.
5.2.1.K.HEALTH:
Most of the people of the Block reside in the remote rural area. The people of the
remote area of this locality are far away from the medical innovation and the development
of vaccines, antibiotics and other modern medical services. The death rates are high owing
to poor diet, bad sanitary conditions and absence of preventive and curative medical practices. On the other hand the birth rates are high due to the early marriage, influence of social
beliefs and religious attitudes and also owing to the lack of derive and efficiency of the
There is only one 30-bedded Hospital in the entire area which is located at Halakura
and the facility available in the Hospital can neither meet the need of the poor people nor
eradicate many dangerous and fatal diseases as the ratio between the bed and the individual
resides in the area is 1:3413 where as the all India Bed-Population ratio is 1:1412 (source:
The Assam Tribune, 17th August, 20003). For any complicated diseases, the people have
go to for treatment either to the district headquarter Dhubri or Coochbehar (West-Bengal).
There are total 23 numbers of Govt. Health Sub Centers and two vetenary dispensaries in
the Block.
The water supply provided Public Heath Engineering is not sufficient as required
resulting the suffering for the purified water by people. There are only 16 water supply
centre in the area covered by the Block. Sometimes, these centers fails to supply water at
due time owing to the disturbance of power supply. Due to lack of purified water supply,
people suffer in many dangerous diseases, children being the main victim. However, attempts are tried to solve these problems disturbing tube well among the people under
various schemes.
During flood season, the misery of the poor people goes to high. This is because
during flood times, people are affected by various diseases like Malaria, Diarrhea but they
do not get the required medicine.
5.2.1.L. EDUCATION:
Education is a vehicle of transferring the knowledge of a society from one generation to the other generation. The area covered by Agomani Block is backward in the field of
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education as it has low percentage of its literacy in comparison to the other part of the
state. The educational institutions of this Block are- L.P. school 134 numbers, M.E/ M.V.
schools 60 numbers, High Schools- 25 numbers, Higher Secondary Schools- 3 numbers
and Colleges -2 numbers (non provincialised).
Among the school Agomani Higher Secondary School is one of the most important
schools of Dhubri district. It was established in the year 1948. The teaching staffs of this
school have received district and state level awards for their contribution in the field of
education.
5.2.2. PROFILE OF GAURIPUR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK:
5.2.2.A. GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND:
Gauripur Development Block is situated at the distance of 20 K.M. to the North
West of Dhubri, 18 K.M. to the south of West Bengal border and 8 K.M. to the North East
of Bangladesh border. 31st National Highway runs over Agomani from North to South. Its
headquarter name is Dharmasala. Gauri is another name of Goddess Mahamaya and “Pur”
denotes place. Thus “Gauripur” means the place of Mahamaya. The block has 15 number
of Gaon panchayats, 84 number of total villages.
5.2.2.B.TOPOGRAPHY:
Gauripur Block is situated in the lower Brahmaputra valley. The entire block is surrounded
by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries like Godhadhar and Gangadhar. The soil of the
block is fertile and suitable for agriculture.
5.2.2. C.CLIMATE AND RAINFALL:
Gauripur block enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with a hot and wet summer and
cool and usually dry winter. The annual rainfall ranges from 1900 mm to 2800 mm. The
main rainy months are June, July, August and September. Average humidity of the Block is
being 69 per cent. The temperature in the region increases from end of February and reaches
highest point during June and July. January is the coldest month on the year. The air is
highly humid throughout the year and winds are light in the Block. But some of the cyclonic
storms and depressions from Bay of Bengal occur in the monsoon and post monsoon periods heavy rain. Thunder storms occur during the period from March to May. Fog occurs in
the winter months. The complex physical features of this Block also contribute a great
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extent to the occurrence of flood. It is one of the flood prone areas of Assam state.
5.2.2. D. POPULATION:
According to 2011 Census Report, the total population of the Block was 1,45,766
among which 74,573 were male and rest 71,193 were female. SC population of the Block
was 2112 and ST was 11. The total number of the households in the Block was 18589.
There are 15 Gaon panchayats under this Block and 84 numbers of villages.
5.2.2. e. Education Facilities:
Education is a vehicle of transferring the knowledge of a society from one generation to the other generation. The area covered by Gauripur Development Block is backward in the field of education as it has low percentage of its literacy in comparison to the
other part of the state. The educational institutions of this Block are- L.P. school 184
numbers, M.E/ M.V. schools 70 numbers, High Schools- 21 numbers, Higher Secondary
Schools- 1 numbers and Colleges -1 numbers (non provincialzed).
5.2.2.F.HEALTH FACILITIES:
Most of the people of the Block reside in the remote rural area and Char area. The
people of the remote area of this locality are far away from the medical innovation and the
development of vaccines, antibiotics and other modern medical services. The death rates
are high owing to poor diet, bad sanitary conditions and absence of preventive and curative
medical practices. On the other hand the birth rates are high due to the early marriage,
influence of social beliefs and religious attitudes and also owing to the lack of derive and
efficiency of the
There is only one 30-bedded Hospital in the entire area which is located at Dharmasala
and the facility available in the Hospital can neither meet the need of the poor people nor
eradicate many dangerous and fatal diseases. For any complicated diseases, the people
have go to for treatment either to the district headquarter Dhubri or Coochbehar (WestBengal).
The water supply provided Public Heath Engineering is not sufficient as required
resulting the suffering for the purified water by people. There are only 16 water supply
centre in the area covered by the Block. Sometimes, these centers fails to supply water at
due time owing to the disturbance of power supply. Due to lack of purified water supply,
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people suffer in many dangerous diseases, children being the main victim. However, attempts are tried to solve these problems disturbing tube well among the people under
various schemes.
During flood season, the misery of the poor people goes to high. This is because
during flood times, people are affected by various diseases like Malaria, Diarrhea but they
do not get the required medicine.
5.2.2.G.TRANSPORT:
A small portion of the National Highway 31 passes through the Gauripur development block. The length of the National Highway which falls under this block is 18 K.M. In
addition to NH-31 there are about 17 major and minor roads built by PWD in the block
which covers total length of 89 K.M. Out of this 10.4 K.M. are topped while the rest are
gravel road. There are also 24 number bridges and culvert in these roads but there is not a
single RCC bridge other than the bridges over the NH-31 and some of existing wooden
bridges are very old and are in deplorable condition. There are also many rural roads which
are constructed under various Govt. schemes. The most near rail station of the block is
Gauripur and Dhubri. (Source: BDO Gauripur)
5.2.2.h.Agriculture:
Gauripur block is an agriculture based area. About 90 per cent of its population is
directly or indirectly involved with agriculture and allied activities. About 14540.00 hectare
(73.6 per cent of the total area of the block) of land is used for cultivation. Many crops are
being cultivated through out the year, the major crops being paddy, jute, wheat, vegetables
and oil seeds like mustard seeds, Til, Tishi, Maga ctc. The method of cultivation is mostly
orthodox and there are hardly any means of irrigation other than nature, though modern
methods of cultivation is also gaining popularity and now a days irrigation by “Shallow
Pumps” is used in many areas during the month of February to May to cultivate various
hybrid species of paddy. “Dheki Kal” is another method of irrigation. Total irrigated area is
about 1050 hectare (7 per cent of the total land under agriculture), out of which about 900
hectare are irrigated by means of canal and tube wells and rest are irrigated by “Dheki Kal”
or other traditional irrigation method.
In regards of vegetables cultivation, position of this block is very remarkable. Many
types of vegetables such as Chilly, Brinjal, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Radish, Potato, Bitter
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gourd, carrot, Garlic, onion, Ginger and all types of seasonal vegetables are cultivated in
large scale. An estimated area of 1800 hectare is used for vegetable production in the block.
These vegetables not only fulfill the local requirement, are also supplied to the other parts
of the sate and other states.
In regards of fruit, Gauripur holds a special position among the blocks of the Dhubri
district.Espically; jack fruit, mango, and litchi are produced in huge quantities and supplied
to the other parts of the district.
5.2.2.i.Small Scale and Handicraft Industries:Gauripur is not very rich in handicrafts. This area is well known for their traditional
handicrafts based on Cane and Bamboo, jute, clay etc... Commercial production and sale of
exquisite handicrafts of cane, wood and bamboo architecture, furniture, bamboo containers, baskets for transportation and storage of the items, haversacks, winnowing trays and
fans, fish traps, rain shields, head gear, bamboo mat products, musical instruments etc are
made in almost all parts of the area as bamboo and cane being a readily available commodity in the area. The skills involved in these crafts have been handed down from one generation to the other generation through centuries. Almost every conceivable household item is
made out of this raw material.
5.2.3. PROFILE OF THE BOGRIBARI-MAHAMAYA BLOCK:5.2.3.A. GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND:
Bogribari-Mahamaya Development Block is situated at the distance of 30 K.M. to
the West of Dhubri. 31st National Highway runs over the Block from West to East. Its
headquarter name is Mahamaya.
5.2.3.B.TOPOGRAPHY:
Mahamaya Development Block is situated in the lower Brahmaputra vally. The
entire block is surrounded by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries like Sankosh and
Tipkai . The soil of the block is fertile and suitable for agriculture.
5.2.3.C.CLIMATE AND RAINFALL:
Mahamaya Development block enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with a hot and
wet summer and cool and usually dry winter. The annual rainfall ranges from 1900 mm to
2800 mm. The main rainy months are June, July, August and September. Average humidity
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being 67 per cent. The temperature in the region beings to increase from end of February
and reaches highest point during June and July. January is the coldest month on the year.
The air is highly humid throughout the year and winds are light in the Block. But some of
the cyclonic storms and depressions from Bay of Bengal occur in the monsoon and post
monsoon periods heavy rain. Thunder storms occur during the period from March to May.
Fog occurs in the winter months. This Block is also a flood prone Block of Dhubri district.
5.2.3.D. POPULATION:
According to 2011 Census Report, the total population of the Block was 1,08,126
among which 55,286 were male and rest 52,840 were female. SC population of the Block
was 340 and ST was 507. The total number of the households in the Block was 14433.
There are 12 Gaon Panchayat under this Block and 146 number of villages.
5.2.3.E. EDUCATION FACILITIES:
The area covered by Mahamaya Development Block is backward in the field of
education as it has low percentage of its literacy in comparison to the other part of the
state. The educational institutions of this Block are- L.P. school 180 numbers, M.E/ M.V.
schools 65 numbers, High Schools- 15 numbers, Higher Secondary Schools- 2 numbers
and Colleges -1 numbers (non provincialised).
5.2.3.F.HEALTH FACILITIES:
Most of the people of the Block reside in the remote rural area and Char area. The
people of the remote area of this locality are far away from the medical innovation and the
development of vaccines, antibiotics and other modern medical services. The death rates
are high owing to poor diet, bad sanitary conditions and absence of preventive and curative
medical practices. On the other hand the birth rates are high due to the early marriage,
influence of social beliefs and religious attitudes and also owing to the lack of derive and
efficiency of the
There is only one 30-bedded Hospital in the entire area which is located at Nayahat
and the facility available in the Hospital can neither meet the need of the poor people nor
eradicate many dangerous and fatal diseases. For any complicated diseases, the people
have go to for treatment either to the district headquarter Dhubri or Bongaigaon.
The water supply provided Public Heath Engineering is not sufficient as required
resulting the suffering for the purified water by people. There are only 10 water supply
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centre in the area covered by the Block. Sometimes, these centers fails to supply water at
due time owing to the disturbance of power supply. Due to lack of purified water supply,
people suffer in many dangerous diseases, children being the main victim. However, attempts are tried to solve these problems disturbing tube well among the people under
various schemes.
During flood season, the misery of the poor people goes to high. This is because
during flood times, people are affected by various diseases like Malaria, Diarrhea but they
do not get the required medicine.
5.2.3.G.TRANSPORT :
A small portion of the National Highway 31 passes through the Mahamaya Development Block. The length of the National Highway which falls under this block is 21 K.M.
In addition to NH-31 there are about 17 major and minor roads built by PWD in the block
which covers total length of 82 K.M. Out of these 30 K.M. are topped while the rest are
gravel road. There are also 15 number bridges and culvert in these roads but there is not a
single RCC bridge other than the bridges over the NH-31 and some of existing wooden
bridges are very old and are in deplorable condition. There are also many rural roads which
are constructed under various Govt. schemes. The most near rail station of the block is
Sapatgram and Fakiragram. (Source: BDO Mahamaya)
5.2.3.H.AGRICULTURE:
Mahamaya Development block is an agriculture based area. About 90 per cent of
its population is directly or indirectly involved with agriculture and allied activities. About
14563.00 hectare (79 per cent of the total area of the block) of land is used for cultivation.
Many crops are being cultivated through out the year, the major crops being paddy, jute,
wheat, vegetables and oil seeds like mustard seeds, Til, Tishi, Maga etc. The method of
cultivation is mostly orthodox and there are hardly any means of irrigation other than nature, though modern methods of cultivation is also gaining popularity and now a days
irrigation by “Shallow Pumps” is used in many areas during the month of February to May
to cultivate various hybrid species of paddy. “Dheki Kal” is another method of irrigation.
Total irrigated area is about 1190 hectare (8 per cent of the total land under agriculture),
out of which about 877 hectare are irrigated by means of canal and tube wells and rest are
irrigated by “Dheki Kal” or other traditional irrigation method.
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In regards of vegetables cultivation, position of this block is very remarkable. Many types
of vegetables such as Chilly, Brinjal, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Radish, Potato, Bitter gourd,
carrot, Garlic, onion, Ginger and all types of seasonal vegetables are cultivated in large
scale. An estimated area of 1780 hectare is used for vegetable production in the block.
These vegetables not only fulfill the local requirement, are also supplied to the other parts
of the sate and other states.
5.2.3. I. SMALL SCALE AND HANDICRAFT INDUSTRIES:
Mahamaya Development Block is not very rich in handicrafts. This area is well
known for their traditional handicrafts based on Cane and Bamboo, jute, clay etc. Commercial production and sale of exquisite handicrafts of cane, wood and bamboo architecture,
furniture, bamboo containers, baskets for transportation and storage of the items, haversacks, winnowing trays and fans, fish traps, rain shields, head gear, bamboo mat products,
musical instruments etc are made in almost all parts of the area as bamboo and cane being
a readily available commodity in the area. The skills involved in these crafts have been
handed down from one generation to the other generation through centuries. Almost every
conceivable household item is made out of this raw material.
Contd.
5.3. Sample Village Details: The table (5.9) reveals the sample village details.
Table (5.9): Sample Village Details
Sl. No
Village
Blocks
GP
Male
Female
Population
Boundary
2011
No. of Non
Literacy (%)
farm Activity
Sagolchara Part – 2
Gauripur
Adabari
1164
1083
2247
125.04
124
23
2
Kuntirchar Part -1
Gauripur
Falaimari
108
105
213
37.63
64
45
3
Jhagrarpara Part -2
Gauripur
Jhagrapara
477
478
956
117.35
94
57
4
Kismater Hasdaha Part -4
Gauripur
Kalarhat
921
819
1740
231.07
247
56
5
Tiamari Part -2
Gauripur
Madhasaulmari
2397
2352
4748
320.91
133
67
6
Bhangadubi
Agomani
Agomani
465
449
914
139.68
81
34
7
Kaimari Char
Agomani
Boterhat
324
327
651
803.12
54
24
8
Gharialdanga Part – 2
Agomani
Halakura
854
845
1699
315.45
200
68
9
Bidyadabri Part -2
Agomani
Bidyadabri
1326
1228
2554
266.4
42
68
10
Chagolia Part -1
Agomani
Chagolia
1027
1162
2189
306.52
343
65
11
Mechpar
Mahamaya
Sankosh
551
611
1162
98.36
62
43
12
Shadhuvasha Part – 3
Mahamaya
Shadhuvasha
443
369
812
120
60
45
13
Khanabari
Mahamaya
Mahamaya
1359
1281
2640
63
259
34
14
Angerkata Part- 3
Mahamaya
Bogaribari
209
205
414
53
49
40
15
Barkanda
Mahamaya
Barkanda
1500
1202
2702
38.77
242
56
13125
12516
25641
Total Population
Source: Block Office Data, Gauripur, Agomani and Mahamaya
2060
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1