2. DESCRIPTION OF KORAPUT DISTRICT

Page. .5

2. DESCRIPTION OF KORNUT DISTRICT.

2.1. lHE LAND AM) ITS PEOPLE.

0 0 0

Koraput (17 .50' and 20 .30' north latitude and 18 .27' and 0

84 .lo1 east longitude) is one of the largest districts in India.

Koraput, the district head quarters 'a camp near Jeypore' was built by

the British in the middle of the 19th century. Before 1936, Koraput was

a part of the Madras Presidency as a subdivision of the Vishakhapatnam

district (Senior White, 1937a). It was f o m d by the merger of

Zamindaries of Jeypore and Kashipur. The whole district comes under

scheduled area marked for state and central assistance for its

developnent (Anonpus, 1969).

2.1.1. Location and boundar~es:

Koraput is the southern most and the largest district of Orissa

state situated at the junction f o m d by Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and

Madhya Pradesh [Map: 1). This district is bounded in the north by

Kalahandl and Phulbani districts of Orissa and Raipur district of

Madhya Pradesh; in the east by Ganjam district nf Orissa and

Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, in the southeast by the

Vishakhapatnam and Vijayanagaram districts of Anrlhra Pradesh, in the

south by East Godavari and Khmm riistricts of Anrihra IJradnsh and, in

the west by Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh. Ile fact that this

M

STATE EJUNDARY - DISTRICT BOUNDARY

-- --- Z5NE BOUNDARY

RESERVOIRS 6 RIVERS

A A A MOUNTAINS

MAP: 1 . Boundaries and physiography of Koraput D i e t r i c t .

Page. . 7

district borders 10 other districts of 3 different states shows that

it forms a nodal point for inter district and inter state population

mvemen t .

2.1.2. Area and population:

The district covers an area of 26,961 sq. h s . and a population of

2,467,329, of which 55 % are tribals and 14 % belong to scheduled

castes. The population density of the district is 92 per sq. !as.

(1981 census - Anonymus, 1Y85b; Anonpus, 1987b). 'the vastness of

this district can be judged from the fact that i t covers an area larger

than each of the states of Manipur (22,356 sq. lans. ) , Mghalaya (22,489

sq. kms.) Sikkim (7,299 sq. hs.) andTripura (1[1.477 sq, lans.). It

forms about two thirds (64.37%) of the area of Kerala State (38,864 sq.

kms. ) and more than half of Punjab (50,362 sq. !as. ) or Haryana (44.222

sq. kms.) States (Anonpus, 19821. Though the district occupies

alrrost one fifth (17.3%) of the total area of Orissa state, i t accounts

only for one tenth (9.5%) of its total population. The male to female

ratio is 1:0.99. Amajority of the population 188.70%) 11ws in rural

areas. mere are 5,683 villages (an average of 434 persons per

village) and approximately 11.000 hamlets ( 605, [I00 holdings and

1,261,000 rooms). The population of these villages and hamlets vary

from 10 to over 1000 persons (an averaae of 224 persons per hamlet).

'the total population of the district in 1981 (2,467.3291 had

Page. .8

increased by 341% as carpared to 1901 (722,792). Between 1971 and

1981, while the rural population has increased by only 16.38, the urban

population has increased by 67.5% indicating rapid urbanization. The

growth of population for the district as a whole and ttle four major

towns are shown Figures: 1 and 2 respectively. Mile the district

population doubled itself in about 30 years, the population in the

towns of Rayagada and Nawarangapur has increased 6 and 8 fold

respectively during the s m period (Anonymus, 1987b).

The remarkable increase in the population durlng the past 30 years

is not purely the result of excess of births over deaths, but is mostly

due to the migration of people from neighbouring areas in the wake of

developnental processes in this locality, such as establishnt of

factories at Rayagada and construction of the Indravathi project near

Nawarangapur (Anonymus, 1969; Anonymus, 1985b; Anonymous. 1987b).

2.1.3. Physiography:

The state of Orissa has been divided into four areas based on its

physiography (Dash &., 1984; Map: 2). The following is a brief

description of these divisions.

i . Northern plateau: an extension of Chotanagpur plateau from

Bihar and comprises of the Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundergarh

districts,

Page. .9

FIGURE: 1. Growth of populat ion i n Koraput d i s t r i c t (1901-1981)

Page. .10

PICURE: 2. Growth of population in Pour major towns of Koraput district (1951-1981).

Population for 1951 not available

Page. . l l

N

BOUNDARIES

0 40 80 * Kw .

HAP: 2. Physiographic zones of Orissa State: @- Northern plateau; @- Central table land;@- Coastal plains and@- Eaetern ghat region.

Page. .I2

ii. Central table land: districts of Dhenkanal, Sambalpur and

Bolangir form the central table land,

iii. Coastal tracts: Balasore, Cuttack, Puri and Canjam districts

form the costal districts which lie on the coromandel coast of

Bay of Bengal, and

iv. Eastern Ghat region: which includes the districts of Koraput,

Phulbani and Kalahandi towards west and south west of the

table land.

Wile the northern plateau and the eastern ghat regions have always

been malarious, in the coastal plains malaria is relatively recent

(Venkat Rao, 1949b). The hills of the eastern ghats lie to the north

west of Rajmndry and Vishakhapatnam and rise almst abruptly from sea

level to heights of about 900 to 1200 metres. The famous Jeypore hills

of Koraput district forms the northern most part of these hill ranges

and is continuous with those in the adjoining districts of Andhra

Pradesh (Vishakhapatnam, and East Godavari 1 and Madhya Pradesh (Bastar

district). The district itself is highly undulating one, covered with

many hills, forests and is crisscrossed with nmerous perennial and

seasonal streams and channels. These streams and channels are highly

conducive for breeding of malaria vectors contributing to the

malario~enic potential of the area. The physiography nf tho district

Page. . l 3

itself is ,not uniform and is divided into 4 zones on the basis of

altitude, separated by natural barriers (Anonpus, 1969: Map: 1).

These are:

i). Eastern Koraput zone (900 metres plateau): The eastern part of the

district is a plateau starting from near the peaks of Jeypore hills

(Pottangi) to Koraput town at an altitude of about 900 metres. It

extends from southern most limits of Kalahandi district in Orissa

to the K h a m and East Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. The

plateau is slightly tilted to the west and its eastern edge is

boldly marked by a line of hills which is the highest in the

district. The highest peak of the district and the state (PRmli:

1,647 mts.) is situated in this plateau. In the west it descends to

the 600 mts. plateau towards Jeypnre town. The area of this plateau

consists of undulating table land scattered with nmernus small to

large hills. The small hills show a remarkable similarity in

appearance. These hills have long since been denuded of their

forest growth probably due to the shifting cultivation practices.

At places where the process of deforestation has not advanced far,

the hills are still covered with low shrubs, though disfigured by

patches of shifting cultivation. The hills which form the state

boundaries however, contain thick and valuable forest growth. Three

main rivers, namely, Indravathi, Kolab and Machkund drain most part

of this plateau westward to the Godavari basin in Andhra Pradesh

(Map: 31. Koraput (district headquarters) and Sunaheda are

Page. .l4

Dis tr i c t boundary

7 Rivers

MP: 3. Map of Koraput d i s t r i c t shoring the important r ivers .

Page. .15

the two important towns of this zone.

ii). Jeypore zone (600 metres altitude): The second natural division

of the district is also a plateau which starts at the foot hills

of western part of Koraput zone. This zone lies centrally in the

district and consists mostly of flat land except on the eastern

side, where there are a few isolated hills covered with forest.

S m of these hills rise to about 900 metres height. In the south

i t descends into the Malkangiri zone as steep ghats (by 450

metres) and in the east i t slopes down to Kalahandi district

(lying 300 metres below]. The greater part of the plateau drains

westward through the Kolab and Indravathi and their tributaries

to the river Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. But at the northern

corner i t drops down into the '.alley of the 'Tel' a tributary of

Mahanadi. There are some intervening hill tracts within the main

plain land, of which the Ranaspur hills in B o r i g m and the

Biopariguda hills are worth mentioning. This area forms the

principal granary of the district. There are numerous villages

with wide tracts of paddy cultivation. In Umerkote, to the north

of Nawarangapur, the area is equally rich, where cultivation has

been greatly extended. Throughout this plateau there is a fine

growth of 'sal' and other timbers. Jeypore. Nawarangapur and

Umerkote are the important towns in this zone.

iii). Rayagada zone 1300 metres plateau): To the north eastern part

Page. .I6

of Koraput zone lies the Rayagada zone at an elevation of about

300 metres. This area consists of two broad almst parallel river

valleys of Vamsadhara and Nagavalli rivers, with ranges of high

and rugged hills that hedge them. In northern parts of Gunupur

and eastern parts of Bisum Cuttack of this zone, there are thick

forest tracts which contain the largest portion of timber wealth

of the district. This zone contains rich lands especially north

of Bisun Cuttack in Nagavalli valley and in Vamsadhara valley

north of Gunupur. This zone also has a number of hill ranges and

isolated hills, the most conspicuous being Niarnglris, Kailaskota

and Pilttasingi (the home land of famous 'Savara' tribe) north

east of Gunupur. Rayagada and Gunupur are the important towns in

this zone.

iv). Malkangiri zone (150 metres altitude): The southern most part of

the district is a flat land separated from the Jeypore zone by

high hills [near Govindapalli and Baipariguda) in the north. To

its east lies the mountain ranges which are continuous with those

in eastern side of Koraput zone. The most important ranges are

those of Bonda hills inhabited by one of the most primitive

tribes of Tnrlia, the 'Ilomlas'. T ~ I thr: east o l 1l1c:sc hills lies

the Machkund valley. The southern most tip of this zone is only

about 40 lons. from the junction of Sabari and Sileru rivers, near

Sileru. The whole zone was one of the thickest jungle covered

Page.. 17

areas called 'Dandakaranya'. The northern side of this area has

good timber (Bamboos and Sal) even at present. Apart from these,

vast stretches of natural growth of teak are also seen.

Malkangiri. nalimela and Mottu are tho iml~ortsnt towns in this

zone.

There are six major rivers in the district (Map: 31 . The rivers

Vamsadhara (arising from near Bism Cuttack) and Nagavalli (arising

from Kalahandi district of Orissa) flow eastwards through coastal

plains directly into the Bay of Bengal, Kolab and Machkund drain

westwards into the basin of mighty Godavari. The other river of

importance is 'Tell which rises north of Umerkote, flows into Kalahandi

and joins the Mahanadi.

Four varieties of soil are found in the district (Anonymous,

1969). They are as follows: i). Red laterite soil: this is the

cmonest type of soil found in the whole of Knraput district and

particularly abundant in Koraput and Jeypore zones. ii). Black soil is

found in Malkangiri zone and in some parts of Jeypore zone (Umerkote).

This is black in colour, contains large quantities of organic matter

and is more fertile cmpared to red laterite. iii). Alluvial soil is

found on either side of Indravathi in Jeypore zone (Borigumna, Kotpad

and Nawarangapur areas) and on either side of Vamsadhara in Rayagadd

zone. This soil is rich in organic matter and is quite fertile.

Koraput d i s t r i c t i s covered wlth h l l l s , v a l l e y s and fo- r e s t s , w l t h several streams and r i v e r s c r l s s crossing the area (Sec t ion: 2 . 1 . 3 ) .

Streams and r l vu le t s form an ~mjwrtant breedlnq source for m l a r l a vectors . Terracing c u l t ~ v a t ~ o n 1s also condu- c ive for ar~ophellne breedlnq (Section: 2 . 1 . 3 1 .

Page. . l 8

iv). Sandy soil which is not very fertile is found in some parts of

Rayagada zone and few pockets in Koraput zone.

2.1.5. Mineral resources and forest

The district is very rich in mineral deposits and forest wealth. I t

has large deposits of iron ore, high grade bauxite, lime stone of best

cement grade quality and also sizable deposits of mica, tin and other

metals (Anonymus, 1987b).

The district is abundant in forest wealth, which forms an important

source of livelihood for the tribals. A total of 12.219 sq, hs. of

area in the district is under forest cover (approximately 50% of total

area) and the forest contributes to about 61% of total revenue of the

district. The major forest produce is timber, which includes Sal (E

robusta) , Piasal (Pterocarpus ~ndicus) , Saguan (Tectona grandis), Sahaj

(Terminalis tomentosa) , Teak and Bamboo. The minor forest products

include tamarind, hlahua flowers, Sal seeds and resins, barks, soap nut.

arrow roots, wax, Kendu ( Diospyros melanosylon) or Beedi leaves,

broms, silk cotton, medicinal plants, canes, honey, gooseberry etc.

These products are not only supplied to different parts of India, but

also overseas (Chandrasekeren, 19831. The forests are under constant

exploitation. One can comprehend the magni tude of exploitation if one

sees the number of logs nnrl hamhoe sticks floating down Sileru and

Sabari to paper mills at lhadrachalam and Ra)nulndry. This will make one

to realize how the wealth of this district is being drained out

(Vyasulu. 1983). Though several rules and regulations have been made on

paper for protection and proper utilization of forest produce and

prevention of deforestation due to 'g' or 'Slash and Burn' type of

cultivation, these are never enforced.

Earlier workers had related the malariogenic potential of the

district to its forests (Perry. 1914; Christophers and Sinton, 1926)

since the vector, An. listoni complex was known to be associated with

forests. Deforestation was advocated as a rnethod of malaria control

(Perry, 19141. However, even after extensive deforestation (Ali, 19831,

malaria continues to persist in this locality.

2.1.6. Tribals of Koraput:

Though tribals constitute only 6.94% of India's total population,

54% of the population of this district are tribals accounting for 23%

of Orissa's toial tribal population. Out of a total of 62 tribes

inhabiting the Orissa State, as many as 51 are found in Koraput

district. These tribals have been grouped into three major classes (i)

Dravidian race represented by Kondh. Poraja, Gond and Koya, forming the

major part of the population. ( 1 i ) Munda or Kolarian race. which

includes Savara and Gadaba, and. (iii) Austro-Asian race: the Bondas,

one of the most primitive tribes. Apart from these three, there are

many others like Qlnathio and Llhunia, whose origin is not clearly known

(Anonynnus, 1969).

Page. - 2 0

Kondhs are numerically the largest tribe in Koraput. The word

'Kondh' is derived from the word 'Konda' meaning 'Hill'. These people

mostly inhabit the northeastern Rayagada zone, where they constitute

almost two thirds of the total population. They are also found in

recent set tlmnts nn hi l Is strparat lng Knrap~~t and .loypnrt! znnt!s and

those in the eastern parts of Koraput and Malkangiri. They are a

migratory race, shifting their entire establ ishent when the

surroundings b e c m unfavourable for 'slash and burn' cultivation.

Porojas are a heterogeneous group of tribals who have probably

different origins. Sone of them are known for goat breeding, others are

agricultural labourers or engaged in collection of firewood, charcoal

etc. (Anonpous,l9fi9). Bnndas are restricted to the Khairput area in

Malkangiri zone. The term 'Bonda' means naked, since the females in the

tribe are scantily clothed. The Bondas are grouped as upper and lower

Bondas. While the upper Bondas are restricted to high hill ranges in

the eastern part of Khairput who have been able to maintain their

cultural heritage, the lower Bnndas live in foothills and intermingle

with other tribes. The Bonda men and male children move about with bow

and arrows. They are known for their homicidal tendencies (Patnaik,

1987) . Gadabas form the principal Munda tribals of Koraput plateau but

are also found in small numbers in Jeypore area, They were the famous

'Palanquin' bearers by profession, but are presently settled

cultivators.

The other tribals include 'Savaras' (hunters) who inhabit Koraput

and Rayagada areas; 'Bhunia' and 'Chmathio' live in b r i g m and

Nawarangapur areas of Jeypore zone and are agricultural labourers;

'Koyas' constitute the principal tribe of Malkangiri who were

migratory, used to practice shifting cultivation like the Kondhs but at

present practice settled cultivation; 'Gonds' are restricted to

Umerkote area of Jeypore zone, they are also settled cultivators highly

open to new ideas. custms and thus adapting themselves to changing

patterns of life (Anonymous, 1969; Anonpus, 1976).

Most of the hill tribes live within a fairly circmscribed area.

The typical village is a settlement of from half a dozen to fifty

families of one of [he aboriginal tribes, l'he houses are small and

constructed either out of puddled earth or of jungle wood poles covered

with a thin coating of mud. In the south of Malkangiri taluk the poorer

classes live in houses with walls of matted bamboo or jungle wood poles

without any covering of mud. Houses are thatched with jungle grass or

occasionally with the leaf of the date palm. The villages of tribals

are generally noted for their cleanliness. The houses are plastered

with coloured mud at frequent intervals as a cultural practice, which

is known to adversely influence the efficacy of residual insecticidal

spraying done for malaria control. Since most people keep cattle, mixed

dwellings are c m n . Usually cattle are tethered at the entrance of

the house or within the courtyard enclosed by a single compound wall.

Apart f r m seasonal cultivation, collection of forest produce is

the main occupation of the tribals. Most tribals are accustumd to

prepare intoxicating liquors out of various substances including

blossom of Mahua (Bassis latifolia) tree, palmyra palms, Jack fruit,

mango and even rice, and other millets.

2.1.7. People other than tribals:

Scheduled castes form 14% of the population and 'Danbs' are

nwrically highest among these people. They are widely distributed

throughout the district and by profession are d r m r s or weavers. In

intelligence, the Danb is easily superior to the aborigines and leads a

canfortable life by his wits and sometimes by exploiting the

abnriginals. Ghasis are similar to Dombs in their cultural practices.

The Paikas, mostly found in Nandapur area of Koraput are descendants of

warriors. The others in this category include Dhoba (Washerman),

Gauda [Milkman), Bauri (barber) etc. (Anonymous, 19E9).

The people other than scheduled tribes or castes include Sundis, f

Brahins, Karanas and Kmtis. Brahins are hindu priests and, Karanas,

Kantis and Sundis are primarily engaged in business and like

establishwnts. While Karanas and Sundis are Oriya spaking, Komtis are

telugu speaking (Anonymous, 1969).

Population o f Koraput dlstrlcf rr31nly conslsts of t r l b a l s . T h e s e t r z b a l s a r e poor, Ignoran t and h l g h l y b a c k w o r d ( S e c - t l o n : 2.1.61.

Bondas are a prlmltlve aborlglne trlbe inhabltlng the remote and Inaccessible 'Bonda hillsw (Section: 2 . 1 . 6 ) .

The trlbal vlllages are small, remote and w l d e l y scattered. A t y p ~ c a l village conslsLs of about 50 households (Section. 2 . 1 . 6 1 .

Page.. 23

2.1.8. Agricultural practices:

Agricultural and irrigation practices are known to have a bearing

on the malaria situation ( S h a m and Uprety, 1902). A majority (32.1%

of total worker population) of the inhabitants of this district is

cultivators and agricultural labourers (Anonyrmus. 1SH7b). Principal

crops cultivated are paddy, maize, ragi, alasi and mustard. Three

varieties of rice (high, mid and low land types) are cultivated in the

district according to the terrdln. S m e tribals like the Bondas grow a

special type of rice whlch requires 10 months of cultivation for yield,

thus favouring the mosquitogenic conditions for a prolonged time. Three

types of cult~vations are practiced in this area: (a). 'slash and burn'

on hill slopes, ( I ] ) . terracing of stream beds and (c). cultivation of

plain land (source: district agr~c~lture office). Of the above, the

terracing mode of cultivation particularly favours malaria transmission

due to slou\'ing down of streams.

2.1.9. Live stock and poultry:

There is a large population of live stock in this district. The

total live stock as per latest estimates in 1977 was 2.21 million and

the total poultry was 1.44 million. In nmrical order the live stock

consist of the following: cattle [60%), goat (16.7%1, buffalo (10.7%),

sheep (8 .481 , Pig (4.2%). The man to cattle ratio is very high (1:0.90)

(Anonynuus, 1987b). It is possible that themalaria problem could have

been much m r e severe but for the large cattle population in this area.

2.1.10. Developnental activities:

Developnental activities are necessary for improving the

socio-economic status of the people, which in turn has a positive

impact on health conditions. However, these are known to result in

movement of population facilitating the spread of malaria (Subramaniam,

1955; S h a m and Uperty, 1982, Shrestha, 1985; Ray g G., 1989 ) .

Hence consideration of on going developnental activities is also

necessary in the light of malaria persistence.

2.1.10.1. Industries:

Iho largest al~ullirllur~ Idc.to~-y o r Asla INat ion~il Al~ir~~irlI~~n I:onq~any:

NALCO) is located in Damonjodi near Sunabeda in this district (Sahoo,

1983). The other important ~ndustries in the district are: sugar

factory and ferro-manganese plant at Rayagada, ferro-alloys plant at

Thiruvally, paper mil 1 at Jay Kaypur and aero-englne fdctory (Hindustan

Aeronautics Ltd.: HAL.) at Sunabeda. Despite the high yield of timber,

there are only few timher based industries in this locality unlike in

Kerala State (Chandrasekeren, 1983).

Page. .25

2.1.10.2. Irrigation:

?he irrigation facilities in the district are not adequate (only

3.8% of area under cultivation is irrigated), even though there is a

great potential (Vyasulu, 1983; Anonymous, 1987b). Two major

irrigation cun power projects are in progress on the rivers Kolab and

Indravathi, which are expected to meet the needs of Jeypore and

Nawarangapur subdivisions but, might increase the malariogenic

potential of the areas. The construction of Indravathi project however,

has also seriously affected the life of tribals in general. Besides,

this has also resulted in their migration to upper hills (Vyasulu.

1983) and thereby posing a threat of dissemination of malaria.

2.1.10.3. Camlunication facilities:

The crmnunication facilities in this area are still primitive which

hamper the surveillance activities in malaria control. Of the total

length of roads 112.312 hs), 88% are kutcha and unsurfaced. There are

only 71 buses plying in this large district (Anonymus, 1987b). Mst

villages in top, toot hills and in remte areas are connected by narrow

jungle or hilly paths, which are trekked only on foot. Several villages

are canpletely cut off during monsoons. I t is c m n knowledge that

many villagers and tribals walk 40 - 5 0 h s every day to reach a town,

market or hospital. There is no provisinn for transpnrt nf the sick,

only the rich can afford to engage others to carry them to the nearest

hospital or PHC, sometimes 40 to 50 kms away. For the same reason even

Page.. 26

the willing health care personnel cannot reach the sick in time.

2.1.11. Socio-econanic condition:

The socio-econanic condition of the people of this district, which

is richly endowed with natural resources is very poor. The rural wages

(according to official records of 1981) were as follows. The wage of

skilled labourers ranged betmen Rs. 9 to 12. Field labourers received

about Rs. 4 (men Rs. 4.52, women 3.97 and children 3.36). For the

agricultural labourers the daily wages were Rs. 5 for men, Rs. 4 for

wanen and Rs. 3 for children (Anonpus. 1987b). These wages are the

lowest ccmpared to any other district in Orissa (Anonpus, 1987b).

Child labour is very much in practlce in this area. The above rates are

not always followed and in some cases the entire daily wage is paid in

kind, like tamarind seeds, which the tribals either exchange for salt,

oil, etc., or preserve and eat the seeds either in powdered or boiled

form when they cannot afford to purchase rice and millets. The main

mode of trade and c m r c e IS weekly markets (Sandies), where the

villagers and tribals sell forest produce and vegetables and buy paddy,

rice, alasi, ragi etc. The mode of purchase is either by mney or by

barter. Since it is worse than hand to mouth existence for the people,

i t is impossible lor them either to purchase ~nodicines or to transport

the sick to health centres located far away.

The exploitation of the tribals in Koraput district is typical of

health personnel have to trek long distances by foot to reach the villages. S o m t l m s patients have to be carrled as long as 50 Kms to reach the nearest PBC (Sect~on: 2.1.10.31.

colonialism. The tribals appar to be exploited to a large extent by

others (other local residents, merchants, middlmn, industrialists.

politicians etc.1 in a worse manner even today after 40 years of

independence of India (Sahoo, 1983). The extent of exp1o:tation of the

tribals is revealed from the following uxamples. Sal seeds are used in

large quantities in soap manufacture as well as, as a substitute for

cocoa butter in preparation of chocolates (responsible for 'mlt in

mouth' taste). It has been calculated that for each kilogram of the

seeds, the tribals who are the actual collectors of Sal seeds received

one rupee, while the contractors and multinational ccmpanies received

Rs 12 and 20 respectively (Vyasulu, 19831. Karanla (Pongomia pinnata)

is another seed which has a high potential in the international market

for which India is the sole exporter. While the exporter's price is

around Rs 80 to 100 per kg, the tribal collectnrs rt!c~:ivo only Rs 2 to3

(Vyasulu, 1983).

The socio-economic scene of Koraput will not be complete without

the mention of the Dandakarnya kvelopwnt author it it:^ IDR4). The DDA

was primarily engaged (since at present i t is in final stages of

winding up) in settlement of refugees from East Uengal (present

Bangladesh], It started its operations in 1955, and over 200,000 people

have been settled in areas in and around Koraput. The major set tlments

are in the Malkangiri part of the district. Under this programne, the

settlers are provided house, land, cattle and other requirmnts.

Irrigation and other facilities lravc! been provided Lo bring in ~na jor

Page. . 2 8

econanic changes in the area. This project seems to have increased the

social tensions betmen settlers, tribals and other residents.

Overall, while the impact of developnt is distinct on the settlers,

it is difficult to believe and sustain the claim that tribals have

benefited to any extent in these areas. So much so, the settlers appear

to be exploiting the tribals at present. In tact, the D I N had

functioned solely as a rehabilitation agency rather than as a

developnent authority (Vyasulu. 1983).

Finally i t is felt that non-integration of its vast tribal

population in the economic activity in any distinct and positive way is

the major cause of backwardness of the district (even with its vast

natural resources) and hence the tribals of Koraput continue to live in

a world which is centuries behind present India.

The existing socio-economic conditions do not permit a c m n man

of Koraput to think of positive health. His priorities are that day's

earning and food.

2.1.12. Education:

The literacy rate in the population of the district is only 15.83%

as against 34.23% for state of Orissa and 36.2% for India. The male

literacy rate is higher (23.2%) when compared to that of female (8.481

(Anonymus, 1987b1, indicating the cultural and social taboos existing

Page. . 29

in t h i s a r ea . This low l i t e r acy r a tp cont r ibutes t o ttie lack of hea l th

care awareness prevai l ing in the population.

2.1.13. Language:

W s t people speak Oriya, but the nranncr anti the accent with which

tills i s spokeri I n Koraput is vrrv d i f f f ? r r n t iron1 ntlier partc: of Or issa .

hbst aborigine t r i b a l s lravp tlrrir ntjn r l ia lec ts . Ihn s r t t l e r s in

hlalkangi r i speak Ilcngal~ . 'ttira 1ntc~r1111xi11g trl Irlr1g11 ;~nd Ori ya i s

cha r a t . t e r~s t i c of Rayagada and . I P ! ~ ( J ~ P , s i nce solrle r ~ l u g u speaking

people from Srikakiilan and Vi jayana~aranr a r r a s t i t lv~ migrated t o these

areas c e n t r ~ r i e s hack and o the r s come for h ~ s i n n s s (Anolrym~rs, 19591.

One l i nds congregation of people s p r a k i n ~ o ther Indian languages in

projec t a r ea s , with ttio irrlrotluclior~ of develo[rr~cntal a c t i v i t i e s . The

mc~vclmmit of penjile frclrn ottrer a rnss c i f tire count ry r i tiu?r for trrlsiness

o r I'or o ther a c t i v i t i c s i s r~iijinrtant s i n r e I t ran ro su l t in

~ n t r o t i u c l ~ u n or spread of malaria.

2 .1 .14. hedicare f a c i l i t i e s :

71ie d i s t r l c t has 55 hosp i t a l s and d ispensar ies . I l lere a r e a t o t a l

ol 227 ~Jtic:Lor.s and ll~c?c~r~elii .al ly i 1 u'r~r'ks or11 Ilrat 1tior.o i s ;I cloctor

for every 10 ,869 population (1981 census: Anonynlous, 1987b). In ac tua l

p r ac t i c e , s i nce most doc t o r s a r e concentrated i n towns of .leypore,

Nawaran~apur. Korapr~t anll Rayagarla, thc a c t u a l cloclnr to j1np111 a t ion

Page.. 31

other preventable diseases arc the major cause of morbidity. According

to official figures 67,408 malaria cases reported to hospitals (does

not include cases recorded by routine house to house visits).

Nmrically t h ~ s followed the cases of gastroenteritis and nutritional

doficiencics (Anonymus, 1987b). The major causes of mortality are

show in Table: 1. These data indicate that fever accounted for about

60% of deaths. Majority of these cases probably suffered from malaria,

but blood smear examination has not been carried out due to practical

constraints. Aparl from these, there wpre 85 confirn~cd malaria cases in

6 jails and 114 prisoners died of 'febrile illness' (possibly malaria)

in IS81 (tbonymus. 1987h).

Ihe nie tcorologlcal data presented in this chapter were obtained

from the follnwlng sources.

( I 1 . Koraput Zone: Llistrict hk?teorological station, Similiguda.

( 1 1 ) . Jcypc~re Zone: Rice Research Unit of the Orissa University of

Agriculture Technology, Jeypore.

[ i i i ) . Rayagada zone. Sugar Factory, Rayagada (through the District

Agr~cullure authorities).

Table: 1

Relative contribution of deaths due to fever to total deaths in Koraput district.

Number of deaths in the year

Cause of Death 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980

Fever 5599 5854 5231 6364 5981

Gastroenteritis 349 399 439 659 620

Respiratory I l lness 288 130 371 473 522

WoundsGnd accidents 255 183 197 214 175

Cholera 0 0 5 0 0

Others 2671 2805 2690 3250 2071

Total 9162 9371 A933 10960 9369

Prilportion of Fever deaths to total ( 8 ) 61.11 62.5 58.56 58.07 63.84

* Wounds include those due to snake bite, attack of wild animals such as elephants, t i g m , bears, wolves etc . (Source. Anonymus, 1987bl .

Page. .33

(iv). Malkangiri Zone: Research Unit, Satiguda Dam site. Malkangiri.

2.2.1. Climate:

Though earlier official reports have recorded that the climate of

the district was of the most unhealthy nature (Senior White, 1937a;

Anonymus. 1969)- i t was primarily referring to the 'malariousness' of

the area and not to the actual climatic conditions. Presently Koraput

1s considered as a slnrmer resort, since i t is the coolest area in the

whole of Orissa during sumner.

The climate of the district varies in different physiographic

regions due to difference in altitude, rainfall and temperature. The

general climate of the district is characterized by hot s m r (hlarch

to mid June), heavy rains (Mid June to September) and a cold winter

(October tu February). 'Ille sunlrler is sevcrc in Rayagada and Malkangiri.

but in Koraput zone it is rllild and ever1 pleasant.

2.2.2. Rainfall:

Halns in the district seldom fail, lvbnsoon sets in around middle of

June (or sometir~ies late May) and continues ti l l Septder (sometimes up

to October]. Nearly 80% of the rainfall is received f r m the southwest

nansoun, col~~ing from Arabian sea side. During the monsoon the wind

direction is from west or south west. Ihe distribution of rainfall is

Page. - 3 4

in1 luo~r~~ul by tllc haslurn gl~al 111 11 I'CIII~CS. Reglolls on the wind-ward

side (western side of the hills) receive more rains than others. lhus

the rainfall in Jeypore and Malkangiri zones is heavier than in

Rayagada. The annual average rainfall in the district was 1521.8 mns

between 1901 and 1950. The average in the decade between 1951 and 1960

was 1652.2 mns. The mean annual rainfall between 1975 and 1980 was

1430.6 mns (Anonymous, 1987b). The annual average rainfall (1981 to

1987) in four physiographic regions and that for the district is shown

In Table: 2. 'Ibe average rainfall for the district in these seven years

1s 1353.5 mns and this indicates a declining trend from the middle of

the present century. This is probably due to the gross ecological

changes brought about by gradual deforestation for the purpose of slash

and burn type of cultivation (Chandrasekeren, 1983). The rainfall in

Jeypore and Malkangiri zones were nearly the same, though year to year

variations were observed. Rayagada zone being on the lee-ward side,

received minimum rainfall.

The seasonal rainfall pattern in the four geographical zones is

shown in Figure: 3. Rainfall was recorded round the year in all four

xurlcs. 'l'l~e gonr:ral soasr~nal pattorn of rain was qualitatively aimllar

in all areas. However, the peak rainfall was in August in all zones

except Rayagada, where i t was in July. Rainfall was m i n i m during

Decel~lber in all the zones.

'Ihe data on number of rainy days was available only from Koraput

Page . . 35

l ' ab le : 2

Annual r a i r l i a l l i n d i f f e r e n t phys iographic zones o f Koraput d i s l r i c t .

R a i n i a l l i r i I I I ~ I I ~ I I I ( ! ~ T O S

Year Koraput .leqpore iiayagada hlalkangiri D i s t r i c t %one %one , Zono %un~! T o t a l

RAYACADA m MLKANCIRI m J P M A M J J A S O N D J P M A H J J A S O N D

(Month) (Month)

FIGURE: 3 . Seasonal changes i n average (1981-87) minimum and maximum tempera- t u r e , and r a i n f a l l i n 4 d i f f e r e n t physiographic zones of Koraput.

Page. . 3 7

[1984-US) and Jcypore zones ( lOI i4 -H5) . I t was observcd that the

seasonal pa t te rn was qua l i t a t i ve ly s im i l a r in both zones (Figure: 4 )

but nunber of ra iny days mas higher in Jeypore compared to Koraput.

Rain for about 15 days or more was observed during June to September.

2.2.3. Temperature:

Ille seasonal va r i a t i ons in temperature in four geographical regions

a r e a l s o shown i n Figure: 3. The climate i s generally hot be twen March

t o May and the highest temperature was recorded in the month of May in

a l l ttlc zones. I n June, there was a decrease In lelrlpcralure following

the onset of r a i n s . The tenlperature was c:onsidcral~ly low during

November t o February, Decf!n~ber being the cooles t part of the year.

While these seasonal changes were s imi lar a l l over the d i s t r i c t , there

were sorrle va r i a t i c~ns i n d i r t r rer i t z.unes. Kur apul zone had the coolest 0

climate wi th n~inilllinr~ teniprratr~re recording 6 . 5 C in December and o

mawimum of 35 .4 C in May. Cl'hile the ~ l i r n a t e of Jeypore zone was

intermediate. Rayagada and Malkang~r i zones a w e h o t t e r . The mean u 0

maximum temperature recorded 111 hlay npnt i ~ p t o 43.7 C and 42.9 C i n

RayaE;ld;l and Mnlk;~ngi r I 7rinr.5 ri1s[1ec: t 1vr.1 v ; ~ r ~ r l diiri nfi I tic smr! rmnth. 11 11

Jeypore recorded 37.2 C and Koraput 3 4 . 5 C .

2 . 2 . 4 . Rela t ive hunlidity:

Thc d a t a on r e l a t i v e hunidity has avai lable only fromKoraput

J P M A I I J J A S O N D (Months )

PICURE: 4 S e a s o n a l c h a n g e s i n a v e r a g e (1984-85) number o f r a i n y d a y s i n Koraput and J e y p o r e z o n e s .

(1984-85) and Malkangiri (1981-86) zones. The minimum and m a x i m

relative humidity for the different months of the year are shown in

Figure: 5. The data on relative humidity showed that the climate in

Koraput was pleasant throughout the year canpared to Malkangiri zone.

since both minimum and maximum humidity in Koraput were at a higher

level compared to Malkangiri.

2.2.5. Evaporation:

?he data on evaporation was available only for the Malkangiri zone

(1983-86). March to May were the hot months since the evaporation was

higher than 100 rruil in ail these rnonltis and May was the hottest.

exceeding an evaporation of 158 nln (Figure: 6 ) .

2 . 2 . 6 . Wind speed:

Data on seasonal variation of wind speed was available only from

Koraput zone (1984-85). It ranged fr'orn a minirrlm of 2.9 h s per hour in

November to a m a x i m of 8 . 2 h s per hour in August. The wind speed was

high between June and August, coinciding silt1 the period of onset of

monsoon.

Page. .40

KORAPUT (1984-85)

UALKANCIRI - (1981-86)

I I l I l ~ ~ l ~ ~ J P M A U J J A S O N D

(nonthe)

PICURE: 5 Seasonal changes in average minimum and maximum relative humidity in Koraput and Ualkangiri zones.

J P U A U J J A S O N D (Months)

P I G U R B : 6. Seasonal changes in average (1983-86) monthly evaporation in Malkangiri zone.