Unicaus NEWS
With the nod to the creation of Polavaram district, the long-time demand for the bifurcation of Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, driven by issues like backwardness, lack of development, and logistical challenges, now appears to be addressed.
The last reorganisation of the districts was done by the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government in April 2022, increasing the number of districts to 26 from 13. The ASR district was carved out of Visakhapatnam district, comprising three revenue divisions of Paderu, Chinturu, and Rampachodavaram. It consisted of 22 mandals, with 11 in Paderu, seven in Rampachodavaram, and four in Chinturu.
In a previous review meeting, Chief Minister Naidu had noted that the newly carved districts had some flaws, which needed to be rectified.
In this reorganisation plan, Polavaram stands to benefit the most as the new district will include Rampachodavaram, Chinturu, and Polavaram. Now, Rampachodavaram and Chinturu will be separated from ASR.
ASR is the second-largest district after Prakasam, covering over 12,000 sq km. It is a tribal district and one of the most backwards in the country, falling under Schedule V of the Constitution.
Over 8,000 sq km of the district is densely forested, with abundant natural resources, mineral wealth, and tourist spots. Much of the district lies at least 900 metres above sea level, which provides an opportunity for hosting pristine hill stations.
However, this district has been a hotbed for Left-Wing Extremism since 1990s. Now that the movement has been largely driven out, the insurgency is almost quashed.
Despite being the second-largest district, ASR had the lowest population density, with a total population of only 9.53 lakh as per the 2011 census. Of this, 82.67% are tribals, including several Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, ASR is still not well connected in terms of roads or communication infrastructure, mainly due to Maoist influence.
This has created significant challenges for tribals. A tribal person from Chinturu or Rampachodavaram would have to travel around 280 km, taking 8 to 10 hours, to reach the district headquarters. The same was true for the officials.
With the bifurcation, all government officials will be posted in the new district, ensuring quick redressal of public grievances, said tribal rights leader Rama Rao Dora.
“The bifurcation of ASR district is a welcome move. Adivasis now travel 10 hours to reach the district headquarters in Paderu, only to be told to come back another day,” said Chakradhar Buddha from Lib Tech.
Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar said the bifurcation of the district would be beneficial for all. “Now, we have almost 12,250 sq km to cover in a naxal-infested area. The bifurcation will allow us to focus better on improving the law and order, and as crime monitoring,” he said.
K. Govind Rao of CPI(M) said that with the bifurcation, all senior officers such as Collector, SP, DRO, DEO, DM&HO would focus solely on the new district. “There will also be three project directors based at Rampachodavaram, Chinturu, and VR Puram,” he said.
As ASR is named after the freedom fighter Alluri Sitharama Raju, the tribals are now requesting that the new district be named after Karam Tamanna Dora, a Koya freedom fighter who led the first Rampa Rebellion against the British from 1839 to 1848. They want Rampachodavaram to be made the district headquarters.
