Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district
District of Andhra Pradesh
Clockwise from top-left: Bhimeswara temple at Draksharama, Crop fields in Yeditha, Street of Amalapuram, Antarvedi Beach, Gummileru Jain Temple
Location of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district in Andhra Pradesh
Location of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district in Andhra Pradesh
Interactive map outlining district
Coordinates: 16°36′N 82°00′E / 16.6°N 82.0°E / 16.6; 82.0
Country India
StateAndhra Pradesh
RegionCoastal Andhra
Formed4 April 2022
Founded byGovernment of Andhra Pradesh
Named forB. R. Ambedkar
HeadquartersAmalapuram
Government
 • District collectorHimanshu Shukla IAS
 • Superintendent of PoliceP Sridhar IPS[1]
 • Lok Sabha constituencies01
 • Assembly constituencies07
Area
 • Total2,081.2 km2 (803.6 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)[2]
 • Total1,719,093
 • Density830/km2 (2,100/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialTelugu
Time zoneUTC+05:30 (IST)
Websitekonaseema.ap.gov.in

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district is one of the 26 districts in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated between the tributaries of the Godavari river in the Konaseema region of Coastal Andhra. It was carved out of East Godavari district on 4 April 2022 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Amalapuram is the district headquarters and the largest city in this district. The district shares boundaries with West Godavari, East Godavari and Kakinada districts.

Geography

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district is situated in the delta of the Godavari river. The land in this region is considered highly fertile, and its economy is primarily based on agriculture,[3] especially with a focus on rice and coconut cultivation.[4] Mangrove forests are present in the northeast of the district.[5] Apart from the Ramachandrapuram revenue division, the district lies between the two branches of the Godavari River. The Godavari divides into two components, namely Gautami and Vasishtha,[6] forming an island which is called Konaseema.[7]

This district is surrounded to the north by East Godavari district, south by the Bay of Bengal, east by Kakinada district and west by West Godavari district.[8]

History

On January 26, 2022, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet made a significant decision to create 13 new districts, and among them, the proposal for the Konaseema district was approved.[9][10] On April 04, 2022, the chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy virtually inaugurated all 13 new districts, officially establishing Konaseema district.[11][12] However, on May 18, 2022, the government initiated discussions about renaming Konaseema district in honor of B. R. Ambedkar, leading to violent protests on May 24, 2022, during which protesters set ablaze the home of transport minister Pinipe Viswarup.[13][14] Subsequently, on June 24, 2022, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet endorsed the gazette notification issued on May 18, officially approving the renaming of the district.[15][16][17] Finally, on August 02, 2022, Konaseema district was officially renamed to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. The change took effect on that date, as announced in the gazette notification by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh.

The notification stated:

"the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, in the interests of public, after having published proposals in that regard as required under sub-section (5) of Section 3 of the Andhra Pradesh Districts (formation) Act, 1974 (Act No.7 of 1974), and having taken into consideration the objections and suggestions received thereon all persons in the areas concerned and likely to be affected thereby, do hereby notify to change the existing name of the Konaseema district as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district"[18]

Politics

There is one parliamentary and seven assembly constituencies in the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. The parliamentary constituency is Amalapuram (Lok Sabha constituency), and the assembly constituencies are listed below.[19]

Constituency number Name Reserved for
(SC/ST/None)		 Parliament
42 Ramachandrapuram None Amalapuram
43 Mummidivaram None
44 Amalapuram SC
45 Razole SC
46 Gannavaram SC
47 Kothapeta None
48 Mandapeta None

Administrative divisions

Konaseema District
Satellite view of Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district

The district is divided into 3 revenue divisions: Amalapuram, Kothapeta and Ramachandrapuram, each of which is further subdivided into a total of 22 mandals, with each mandal being headed by a sub-collector.[20]

Mandals

The list of 22 mandals in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district,[21] divided into 3 revenue divisions, is given below.[22]

  1. Amalapuram revenue division
    1. Mummidivaram
    2. I. Polavaram
    3. Katrenikona
    4. Amalapuram
    5. Uppalaguptam
    6. Allavaram
    7. Razole
    8. Malikipuram
    9. Sakhinetipalle
    10. Mamidikuduru
  2. Kothapeta revenue division
    1. Atreyapuram
    2. Alumuru
    3. Ravulapalem
    4. Kothapeta
    5. P. Gannavaram
    6. Ambajipeta
    7. Ainavilli
  3. Ramachandrapuram revenue division
    1. Ramachandrapuram
    2. Gangavaram
    3. Mandapeta
    4. Rayavaram
    5. Kapileswarapuram

Cities and towns

The district underwent reorganization in 2022, resulting in the presence of one Grade 1 municipality,[23] two Grade 2 municipalities,[24] and one Nagar Panchayat.[25]

Largest towns and villages in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district
RankNameRevenue division Civil StatusPopulation
1MandapetaRamachandrapuram Municipality Grade - 265,406
2AmalapuramAmalapuram Municipality Grade - 153,231
3RamachandrapuramRamachandrapuram Municipality Grade - 243,657
4MummidivaramAmalapuram Nagar Panchayat25,355
5KothapetaKothapeta Gram Panchayat24,539
6RayavaramRamachandrapuram Gram Panchayat17,361
7RazoleAmalapuram Gram Panchayat13,597
8BandarulankaAmalapuram Gram Panchayat11,470
9AlamurKothapeta Gram Panchayat9,723
10P.GannavaramKothapeta Gram Panchayat9,459

Demographics

Religions in Konaseema district (2011)[26]
Religion Percent
Hinduism
 
 97.41%
Christianity
 
 1.39%
Islam
 
 1.04%
Other or not stated
 
 0.16%
Distribution of religions
Languages in Konaseema district (2011)
Language Percent
Telugu
 
 99.41%
Other or not stated
 
 0.59%
Distribution of languages

At the time of the 2011 census, Konaseema district had a population of 1,719,093, of which 164,421 (9.56%) lived in urban areas. Konaseema district had a sex ratio of 994 females per 1000 males.[27] Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes comprised 427,130 (24.85%) and 13,481 (0.78%).[2]

Telugu is the predominant language, spoken by 99.41% of the population.[28]

Culture

Prabhala Teerdham festival in Konaseema

The region has a diverse folk culture with their regional gods. In the heart of the Godavari Delta, Konaseema is one of the only two regions in India, apart from Kerala, where a large community still practices traditional Shrauta rituals. These traditions have largely fallen out of use in the rest of India, making it a favoured destination for scholars seeking to understand ancient Vedic culture.[29] Most of the Dalits, like in most of Coastal Andhra, are Christians - both Catholic and Protestant.[30]

Sankranti is observed as the major festival in the Konaseema region. The people of Konaseema commemorate the 400-year-old tradition of 'Prabhala Teertham' on Kanuma, the third day of the Sankranti festival.[31] This unique celebration is set to gain national attention as a tableau representing the Konaseema festival will feature in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26.[32]

Tourism

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district boasts numerous tourist attractions, including the picturesque Antarvedi, Chirra Yanam, and Odalarevu beaches.[33][34][35] A notable 2nd-century CE Buddhist archaeological site can be found in Adurru village.[36] Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation operates resorts in Dindi, providing tourists with the opportunity to indulge in the scenic beauty of the Konaseema backwaters.[37]

Among the district's religious landmarks, Sri Vighneswara Swamy Devasthanam in Ainavilli,[38] Lord Venkateshwara Temple in Appanapalli,[39] Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Antarvedi,[40] and Bhimeswara Swamy Temple in Draksharamam[41] are renowned for their cultural and historical significance.

Transportation

Road

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district has efficient connectivity through state and national highways, namely NH216, NH216A, and NH216E, which diverge from NH16 and pass through the region.[42][43] Furthermore, APSRTC has bus depots in Amalapuram, Ravulapalem, and Ramachandrapuram,[44] operating bus services to villages within the district and connecting to various towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.[45]

Railway

The district is currently served by four railway stations. Dwarapudi railway station and Kesavaram railway station on the Howrah-Chennai main line, and Kotipalli railway station and Ramachandrapuram railway station[46] on the Kakinada - Kotipalli line. Additionally, the Kakinada - Kotipalli - Narsapur railway line is currently under construction, including the development of a bridge over the Godavari river.[47] Upon completion, this railway line will include a stop at the district headquarters, Amalapuram railway station, enhancing connectivity in the region.[48][49] Among the major railway stations in proximity to the district are Rajahmundry railway station and Narasapur railway station.

Air

The district lacks local airports, with the closest domestic options being Rajahmundry Airport at a distance of 75.5 kilometres (46.9 mi) and Vijayawada Airport at 170 kilometres (110 mi) from the district headquarters, Amalapuram. For international travel, the nearest airports are Visakhapatnam Airport, situated 219 kilometres (136 mi) away, and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located 474 kilometres (295 mi) away.[50][51]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "P Sridhar IPS posted as SP- BR Ambedkar Konaseema District, AP | Indian Bureaucracy is an Exclusive News Portal". 19 April 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Demography | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema District | India".
  3. ↑ Charles Alfred Browne (1843). Alfred Radford Symonds (ed.). "An Introduction to the Geography and History of India, and the Countries Adjacent". P.R. Hunt. p. 188.
  4. ↑ "ONE DISTRICT ONE PRODUCT | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema District | India". Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  5. ↑ "Konaseema | PDF | Agriculture | Nature". Scribd. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  6. ↑ "GRMB". grmb.gov.in. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  7. ↑ "Konaseema - A Top Story of the Green Land popular for its Natural Beauty". inkakinada.com. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  8. ↑ "Map of the Konaseema district". 6 February 2023.
  9. ↑ "Andhra Pradesh Cabinet clears the formation of 13 new districts". Frontline. 26 January 2022.
  10. ↑ "Jagan govt carves out 13 new districts in Andhra, names one after TDP founder". Hindustan Times. 27 January 2022.
  11. ↑ "Explained: The 13 new districts of Andhra Pradesh, and why they have been created". The Indian Express.
  12. ↑ "Andhra Pradesh now has 26 districts with the addition of 13 new districts on April 4". Frontline. 5 April 2022.
  13. ↑ "Andhra minister's home set afire in protest over renaming district after BR Ambedkar". India Today.
  14. ↑ "How the Decision to Name a District After Ambedkar Led to Violent Protests in Coastal Andhra". The Wire.
  15. ↑ "Amalapuram burns over renaming district after Ambedkar". The New Indian Express.
  16. ↑ Jonathan, P. Samuel (24 June 2022). "Cabinet resolves to name Konaseema district after B.R. Ambedkar". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X.
  17. ↑ "Andhra Pradesh renames newly created Konaseema district after BR Ambedkar". The Indian Express. 24 June 2022.
  18. ↑ "The Andhra Pradesh Gazette Notification".
  19. ↑ "District-wise Assembly-Constituencies". ceoandhra.nic.in.
  20. ↑ "MANDALS | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema District | India". Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  21. ↑ "G.O. on naming Konaseema district after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar issued". The Hindu. 3 August 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  22. ↑ "AP cabinet approves two new revenue divisions". Deccan Chronicle. 7 April 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  23. ↑ "First Grade | Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration". cdma.ap.gov.in. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  24. ↑ "Second Grade | Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration". cdma.ap.gov.in. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  25. ↑ "Nagarpanchayats | Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration". cdma.ap.gov.in. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  26. ↑ "Population by Religion - Andhra Pradesh". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
  27. ↑ "District Census Hand Book – East Godavari" (PDF). Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. pp. 85–90.
  28. ↑ "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Andhra Pradesh". Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
  29. ↑ Knipe, David M. (1 April 2015). Vedic Voices: Intimate Narratives of a Living Andhra Tradition. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199397686.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-939768-6.
  30. ↑ "When the Caregiver Is Also a Survivor", Touched, 1517 Media, pp. 76–92, 3 March 2020, doi:10.2307/j.ctvp7d5f8.10, S2CID 240764530, retrieved 6 June 2022
  31. ↑ India, The Hans (23 January 2023). "Prabhala Theertham: A colourful combo of nature & people". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  32. ↑ "Tableau on Konaseema festival in Republic Day parade". The Times of India. 25 January 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  33. ↑ Reporter, Staff (6 March 2021). "Student feared drowned at Antarvedi beach". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  34. ↑ "Sunrise Beach - Tourist attraction - Chirra Yanam - Andhra Pradesh | Yappe.in". yappe.in. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  35. ↑ "TOURISM | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema District | India". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  36. ↑ "ADURRU (BUDDA STHUPAS) | Welcome to East Godavari District Web Portal | India". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  37. ↑ "In the lap of Godavari, all the time to sit and stare". The Hindu. 5 January 2012. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  38. ↑ "SRI SIDDI VINAYAKA SWAMI TEMPLE (SRI VIGNESWARA SWAMI TEMPLE), AINAVILLI | Welcome to East Godavari District Web Portal | India". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  39. ↑ "SRI BALA BALAJI DEVASTHANAM, APPANAPALLI | Welcome to East Godavari District Web Portal | India". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  40. ↑ Naidu, T. Appala (1 February 2023). "Antarvedi Kalyanotsav, procession of chariot enthrals devotees in Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  41. ↑ "LORD BHIMESWARA SWAMI TEMPLE, DRAKSHARAMA | Welcome to East Godavari District Web Portal | India". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  42. ↑ "APROADS". web.archive.org. 28 March 2016. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  43. ↑ "State-wise length of National Highways (NH) in India as on 30.11.2018 1/31". web.archive.org. 16 April 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  44. ↑ "Contact Numbers And Mail IDs Of Depot Managers". www.apsrtc.ap.gov.in. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  45. ↑ "APSRTC Official Website for Online Bus Ticket Booking - APSRTConline.in". www.apsrtconline.in. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  46. ↑ CG, Karthik. "Ramachandrapuram Railway Station Map/Atlas SCR/South Central Zone - Railway Enquiry". indiarailinfo.com. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  47. ↑ "Kotipalli-Narasapur railway line project work in Andhra Pradesh on track". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  48. ↑ "త్వరలోనే కోనసీమకు రైలు కూత". Sakshi (in Telugu). 27 February 2016. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  49. ↑ Naidu, T. Appala (13 February 2022). "'Release State share to complete Kotipalli-Narsapur railway project', demands BJP MP GVL". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  50. ↑ "Airports Near Me - Amalapuram, India | Travelmath". www.travelmath.com. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  51. ↑ "Airport Near Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India, Nearest Airports". airport.globefeed.com. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
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