Social,
Environmental & Economic Sustainability
Our analysis of the rank of the district
Backwardness : 30
Disability : 264 (Census 2001)
HIV : Does not figure in A & B Category dists
Minority : Does not figure in MCD
Literacy Ratio : NA
Water : Flouride in Groundwater above permissible limits
Brief About Keonjhar District
The district of Keonjhar, lying between 21o1'N and 22o10'N latitude
and 85o11' E to 86o22' E longitude presents a panorama of millennia,
both from the geographical and anthropological point of view. Spread
over an area of 8,240 Sq. Kms, it is as varied as the whole of Orissa
with water-falls roaring gorges, mountains and minerals. The manifold
expressions of nature in this district are unique in Orissa.
Keonjhar has the distinction of containing one of the oldest
rocks of the world, approximately 38,000 million years old covering
an area of 100 Sq. Kms at Asanpat. It has also the oldest stone
inscription of Orissa paleogeologically belonging to the Gupta
period. In Sitabinj, one finds the fresco paintings in the cave
shelter of Ravana Chhaya dating back to 5th Century A.D.
Anthropologically, its two main tribes, namely the Juangs and
the Bhuyans carry a distinct and primitive past. The Juang claims
themselves to be the most ancient tribe of the world. In spite
of their modern ways of living, many aboriginal practices are
still prevalent among them.
The district of Keonjhar is highly rich in mineral resources
and has vast deposits of Iron, Manganese and Chrome Ores. About
30 percent of its total area is covered with tracts of dense forests.
But the district, in spite of its immense mineral and forest wealth,
still remaining economically backward.
As a sequel to the integration of the feudatory states with Orissa
on 1st January, 1948, the erstwhile princely state of Keonjhar
emerged as one of its districts with its head-quarters at Keonjhargarh
and since then it has been continuing as such.
HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT
AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT
The whole district of Keonjhar was a princely state before its
merger with Orissa. The early history of the State is not adequately
known. It was most probably a part of the old Khijjinga territory
with headquarters at Khijjinga Kota, identified with modern Khiching.
It became a separate state with Jyoti Bhanja as its ruling chief
sometime during the first half of the 12th century A.D. The then
State of Keonjhar comprised only the northern half of the modern
district for a long time prior to the installation of Jyoti Bhanja
as King. During the latter part of the 15th century the southern
half was occupied by King Govinda Bhanja under whose rule Keonjhar
was extended from Singbhum in the north to Sukinda(a Zamindari
in Cuttack district) in the South and from Mayurbhanj in the East
to the borders of the States of Bonai, Pallahara and Anugul in
the West. During the rule of Pratap Balabhadra Bhanja (1764-1792
A.D.) two small areas of Tillo and Jujhpada were purchased from
the Zamindar of Kantajhari and were added to the State. These
were recognised as parts of Keonjhar in the Sanad granted by the
East India Company to Raja Janardan Bhanj in 1804. Since then
there had been no territiorial changes of the State till its merger
with the Province of Orissa. But after merger largely for the
reasons of administrative expediency the areas of Tillo (7.51
sq.km) and Jujhpada (9.06sq.km.) were transferred to the districts
of Baleshwar and Cuttack respectively, while a number of villages
called Ambo group (14.84 sq.km.) of Balasore district were added
to Keonjhar district.
Geography
INTRODUCTION
Keonjhar is a land locked district with an area of 8240 Sq. Km.
It is situated in the northern part of Orissa. It is surrounded
by Singhbhum district of Jharkhand in the North, Jajpur in the
South, Dhenkanal and Sundargarh in the West and Mayurbhanj and
Bhadrak in the East. It lies between 21o1'N and 22o10'N latitudes,
between 35o11' and 86o22' longitude and at 480 meter altitude.
GEOGRAPHY
The National Highway-215 passing through Keonjhargarh approximately
bi-sects the district into two similar natural regions. To the
East of this Highway are the planes of Anandapur and a portion
of Sadar Sub-division. To the West is a range of lofty hills which
contains some of the highest peaks of Orissa namely Gandhamardan
(3477 ft.), Mankadnacha (3639 ft.), Gonasika ( 3219 ft.) and Thakurani
( 3003 ft.). About half of the area of this district spreading
about 4043 sq.kms. is covered by forests of Northern tropical
moist deciduous type and contains Sal, Asan, Piasal, etc. The
river Baitarani comes out of Gonasika Hills and flows to the north
touching the border of Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. It again
flows East entering Anandapur Sub-division and the district of
Bhadrak. The soil is mostly red throughout the district and in
the South there is a small patch of black cotton soil. The important
minerals available in huge quantity in the district are Iron-ore,
Manganese and Chromites.
CLIMATE
The climate of the district is characterised by an oppressively
hot summer with high humidity. Summer generally commences in the
month of March. Temperature begins to rise rapidly attaining the
maximum in the month of May. During the Summer maximum temperature
is 38.20 C. The weather becomes more pleasant with the advent
of the monsoon in June and remains as such up to the end of October.
The temperature in the month of December is lowest i.e. 11.70
C. Sometimes it even drops down to 70 C. The average annual rainfall
is 1534.5 mms.
RURAL POPULATION
According to the 2001 census, there were 2067 inhabited and uninhabited
villages in Keonjhar district. The rural population is 11,70,152
(5,83,129 Males and 5,82,023 females) giving an average of 571
per inhabited villages.
URBAN POPULATION
Barbil, Joda, Keonjhar, Anandpur, Daitary, Champua and Bolani
are the urban areas of the district. The proportion of urban population
to the total population of the District is 14.27. Keonjhar was
the only town in the district from 1941 to 1951. Barbil acquired
urban status in 1961. Thus the census of 1961 recorded two towns
in 1961. In 1971 Anandapur and Joda acquired urban status while
Balagoda (Bolani) and Daitary were include in Town list. In 1991
Champua acquired urban status in the town list.
DENSITY
In 1961,the density of population of Keonjhar district was 90
persons per square km. as against state figure of 113 persons.
In1971, it was 116 the state average of 141 persons per sq km.
In 1981, it was 136 against the state average of 169. In 1991,
it was 161 against the state average of 203 per sq. km. The density
of population thus continued to be lower in the censuses of 1961,
1971, 1981 and 1991 when compared with the state average.
POPULATION
The Scheduled Tribes of Keonjhar district which totalled 4,99,657
in 1981 census increased to 5,95,184 in 1991 census thus registering
a growth of 11.90% in a decade (1981-1991). As per 1991 census
there were 46 Scheduled Tribes in the district. Out of these the
principal tribes were Bathudi, Bhuyan, Bhumij, Gond, HO, Juang,
Kharwar, Kisan, Kolha, Kora, Munda, Oraon, Santal, Saora, Sabar
and Sounti. These sixteen tribes constituted 96.12% of the total
tribal population of the district.
The concentration of Scheduled Tribes is the highest in Keonjhar
and lowest in the Anandapur Sub-Division.
BATHUDI
The concentration of the Bathudis is more in the northwestern
parts of the state of Orissa, particularly in the areas bordering
the districts of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar. Their settlements lie
mostly on the plains in the rural areas and many of them are at
present in such living standard that to call them a hill tribe
is perhaps a misnomer.
They live in houses made of mud walls and thatched roofs. They
love to decorate their walls with multicoloured floral designs.
Their dress is scanty. A coarse cotton dhoti fulfils the requirement
of a male person. The women wear sari and generally prefer orange
coloured ones. They use silver ornaments. Tattooing is popular
among the Bathudi women. It is called Khada. According to their
traditions, before marriage, a Bathudi girl tattoos one or two
floral designs on her forehead or arm.
Bathudis' marriage takes place either in the house of the groom
or the bride. Both the systems are prevalent in the district.
Most of the Bathudis speak Oriya and only a few have taken to
HO as their mother tongue. Cultivation is their main occupation.
They worship all Hindu Gods and Goddesses. They worship village
deities like Basuli, Sundura Gouri, and Hatiani etc. in shape
of blocks of stone. It is the village Dehuri who worships the
deities.
Due to the impact of modern civilizations and change in the outlook
of the people the dress and other habits of the Bathudis have
changed to certain extent. But in the remote rural areas the old
habits still persist.
BHUYAN
The name Bhuya or Bhuyan is derived from the Sanskrit
word Bhumi meaning land. They consider themselves to be the children
and owner of the land and hence are known as Bhuyan. In the district
they are mostly found in Banspal and Telkoi. They claim themselves
to be the autochthons of the area which is also known as Bhuyanpirh
after their name. They speak Oriya as their mother tongue.
The Bhuyans are broadly divided into two categories, viz. the
pauri Bhuyans and plain Bhuyans. The pauri Bhuyans live in the
hilly and inaccessible areas of the Bhuyanpirh. The plain Bhuyans
live along with the caste Hindu in the villages of plain areas.
The Bhuyan vilalges are divided into bandhu villages and kutumba
villages. In the former, the marrying kinsmen reside. This division
of villages generally regulates their marriages. Matrimonial relationship
can be established between individuals belonging to Bandhu village
only. In no case it is permissible between kutumba villages. Marriage
between persons of the same village is strictly forbidden. Another
important feature of their social organisation is the existence
of a village dormitory, locally known as Mandaghar. It is a spacious
house centrally located in the village. The open space in front
of the Mandaghar is known as Darbar which serves as the meeting
place for the traditional village Panchayats and the dancing ground
for the villagers. The unmarried boys of the village are the members
of the dormitory. This is also utilised as a rest house for guests
from other villages.
The Bhuyans adopt both the practices of cremation and burial
for disposing of the dead body.
The Bhuyans are mainly cultivators and agricultural labourers.
They practise shifting cultivation called Toila chasa or podu
chasa on hilltops or slopes. They grow paddy, gingili, mustard,
ginger, maize, jalli, ragi and other crops extensively. Among
women, weaving of mats from the wild date palm and preparation
of broomsticks are common art. Men generally know rope making
and a very few of them work as Carpenters. Collection of forest
products is the major occupation of the community.
They perform Akhi-muthi or ceremonial sowing of seeds in the
agricultural field, Asarhi puja for bumper crop and good rain,
Gahma Punein for the welfare of the domestic cattle, Nuakhai for
first-eating of new rice and Magha Yatra which marks the formation
of the agricultural year. Their ceremonial hunting known as Akhin
pardhi is observed in the months of March-April. They believe
in village and forest deities and a number of spirits who bring
disease and trouble to the society. The Dehuri (Village Priest)
worships the deities.
GOND
Gonds are found chiefly in the rural areas of Keonjhar
and Champua Sub-division. They speak Gondi, a dialect belonging
to the Dravidian family. At present the Gonds of the district
know and speak Oriya.
The Gonds are immigrants from the central provinces and wear
Brahminical thread. Their caste chiefs are called Mahapatras and
Singhs. The Gonds possess good physique. They are also good at
negotiating steep climbs and often carrying heavy luggage.
They are divided into a number of clans. Marriage within the
same clans is strictly prohibited. Cross-cousin marriage, marriage
by service and marriage arranged by the parents are generally
practiced in their society. Bride price system is prevalent among
them. They are mostly settled cultivators. They collect forest
products for their own use.
The Gonds worship a number of deities of which Budhadeo, Jangadeo
and Lingadeo are prominent.
HO
The Hos are found mostly in the Anandapur Sub-division.
They live with other Tribes. Their houses are very neat. The
walls are made of mud and the roofs are usually thatched with
straw. Some have tiled roofs. They paint the walls in red and
yellow and their numerous artistic designs speak of their aesthetic
sense.
Their dress is scanty. Ornaments worn by women are very limited
and simple in design. The Ho women pay particular attention to
their hair. The hair is gathered up in a knot to the right of
the back of the head and is adorned with the scarlet flowers of
palasa and simuli or the pale yellow flowers of the Sal.
The Ho rigidly follow bride price . In their society marriage
is settled by a dutam karji or marriage broker and is solemnized
in the residence of the bridegroom . On the day of the marriage
the bride and the groom are led to the altar. There the bridegroom
pledges the bride by pouring some liquor ( handia ) from a cup
of sal leaf to her. The bride also does the same to the bridegroom.
The groom then applies vermilion to the forehead of the bride
and this completes the marriage. Widow marriage and divorce are
allowed among the Hos. Sororate and Levirate are also allowed
in their society. But cross-cousin marriage or marriage with the
sister's daughter is not allowed. Marriage within the same sib
is also forbidden.
The Hos generally bury their dead. The purification ceremony
called "Kamani" takes place on the 21st day.
The majority of the Hos speak their own language Ho which is
their mother tongue. Some of them have adopted Oriya. A few speak
mundari language.
The Hos of Keonjhar are agriculturists. Many take to agricultural
labour due to insufficient or no land of their own.
Their supreme deity is Sing Bonga. They also worship all Hindu
gods and goddess. Like other tribes they spend their whole life
in fear and dread of evil spirits. They observe Akshaya Trutiya,
Salui Puja, Makarsankranti, Sahrai or Bah Bongu, Gamha punein,
Rajasankranti and Karama festival. Of these Sahrai or Bah Bonga
is their most important festival.
Their main hobby in the past was hunting in the forests with
bow and arrow. This has changed with the passage of time. Dancing
in moon-lit night with drums and flutes is a popular recreation
for them.
JUANG
The Juangs are mostly concentrated in Banspal, Telkoi
and Harichandanpur Blocks. They claim themselves to be the autochthons
of the area from where they have migrated to other parts of the
state . They classify themselves into two sections ,viz. the Thaniya
(those who dwell in their original habitation) and the Bhagudiya(those
who have moved away to other places).
The Juangs believe that in ancient times their tribe emerged
from earth on the hills of Gonasika where the river Baitarani
has its source, not far from the village Honda in Keonjhar. In
their language the word "Juang" means man. In other
words, man emerged from the earth at the same place where the
river Baitarani emerged. The Juang also refer to themselves as
patra-savaras(patra means leaf). By this they mean that they are
that branch of the Savara tribe whose members used to dress themselves
in leaves.
They have got their own dialect which has been described by Col.
Dalten as Kolarian. They have acquired many Oriya words by coming
in contact with the Oriya speaking people. Most of them know and
speak Oriya.
In the Juang society, the village is the largest corporate group
with formally recognized territory. Within the delineated land
boundaries they possess their land both for settled and shifting
cultivation and the village forests for exploitation . They shift
their village sites frequently as they consider it inauspicious
to live at a particular place for a longer period.
Each Juang village is marked by the presence of a dormitory known
as Majang where their traditional dance takes place and the village
panchayat sits. It also serves as a guest-house for the visitors
to the village. The Pradhan who is the secular headman and the
Nagam or Boita or Dehuri, the village priest constitute the traditional
village panchayat of the tribe. A group of neighbouring villages
constitute a pirh which is headed by a Sardar who decides inter-village
disputes.
The Juangs are patrilineal and their society is marked by the
existence of totemistic clans which are divided into two distinct
groups known as "Bandhu clans" and "Kutumba clans".
The totem is never destroyed or injured by its members. The clans
are exogamous and marriage within the same clan is considered
incestuous.
Monogamy is commonly prevalent while polygamy is not ruled out
. Levirate and sororate type of marriage is prevalent on the Juang
society.
A Juang husband generally worships the "Sajana"(drum
stick)tree if his wife turns out barren and gives her a paste
made of "Sajana" flowers and seeds to eat or he ties
a sevenfold cotton string with seven knots round his wife's neck,
believing this to be a kind of talisman which will cause conception.
The Juangs do not allow their pregnant women to go to "Devisthan".
She must not tie up any thing ,must not weave mat or plaster a
house with mud.
The Juang cremate their dead. The corpse is laid on the pyre
with the head to the south . The ashes may be left on the spot
of cremation, or alternatively they may be thrown into stream.
For their livelihood they depend mainly on primitive shifting
cultivation and collection of minor forest produce.
The Juang life is marked by the celebration of a number of religious
festivals in honour of their gods and goddesses. For them Dharam
Devta and Basumata are the supreme deities. The former is identified
with Sun God and the latter with Earth Goddess. Gramashree is
the presiding deity of the village. There are also a number of
hill, forest and river deities in the Juang pantheon. They believe
in the existence of spirits and ghosts.
They observe Pusha Purnima as a mark of the beginning of the
agricultural cycle, Amba Nuakhia as the first eating of mango
fruits, Akhaya Trutiya as the ceremonial sowing of paddy, Asarhi,
marking the beginning of transplanting and weeding, Pirha Puja
for the protection of crops, Gahma for the welfare of domestic
cattle and other auspicious days for the ceremonial eating of
new rice harvested from different types of lands . All these occasions
are marked by dancing and singing. They use a kind of drum known
as changu at the time of dancing.
For the socio-economic development of the Juangs a micro-project
has been established in the Juangpirh at Gonasika. The project
has assumed the responsibility for various development activities
of the Juang. Gradually the Juangs have started settled cultivation
with modern technology. The podu ravaged areas are being covered
with trees of different species. They have also started subsidiary
occupation like tasar cultivation, tasar reeling, weaving, tailoring
etc.
Different infrastructural developments like communication, village
electrification, social forestry, and drinking water supply are
being implemented for their benefit. Under social activities,
education, health care and preservation of the human values existing
in them are being taken care of.
Considerable improvement has taken place among the Juangs after
the functioning of the Juang Development Agency.
KOLHA
Numerically the most important tribe of Keonjhar is
the Kolha. Most of them live in the Bhuyan hills and in the adjoining
areas like Nayagarh and Chamakpur.
They have a separate language of their own but most of them use
Oriya, Hindi and English as a subsidiary language. They appear
to have migrated to Keonjhar from the North east during the last
century.
They eat all kinds of flesh and are fond of Handia (fermented
liquor) like the other tribes . The Kolhas take pleasure in shooting
animals and birds with the help of bow and arrow, but are generally
timid.
It is evident that majority of the Kolhas follow Hindu Customs
and rites. But they hold the "Sajana" tree, Paddy, mustard
oil and the dog in special veneration. The breaking of straw is
considered as the final adjustment of a compact. Mostly these
people serve the well-to-do agriculturists as mulias or field
labourers and are generally paid in advance by their sahas or
masters.
They are very backward in respect of education and lag behind
many other tribes in the district.
MUNDA
Mundas are found in Barbil, Telkoi, Keonjhar and Champua.
They generally live in a separate sector in a village inhabited
by other castes and tribes.
The Mundas wear a loin cloth with coloured borders called "botoi".
On special occasion they use a kind of silk belt called "Kardhani".
They cover the upper part of their body by a wrapper called "barkhi"
which is about six yards long. A short variety about three yards
long, called "pichouri" is also used by them. The women
wear a long piece of cloth like a sari round the waist called
"Puria" which they pass across the shoulder to cover
their breast.
The women are fond of jwellery which is generally made of brass,
silver or gold. They use bracelets, armlets, necklets, anklets,
ear-rings, rings for fingers and ties. The women are fond of decorating
their hair with flowers. They tattoo their face, chin, arm, head
and feet. This practice is called "Sanga" in their language.
The mundas erect usually big memorial stones in the burial ground.
After a memorial stone is erected, a sheep or goat is slaughtered
near it and a feast held in which kinsmen partake of the meat
and liquor.
Their society is divided into a number of exogamous clans know
as "Killi" which take their name from some animals,
plants or material objects. From this it appears that they are
totemistic in nature. Marriage within the same "Killi"
is strictly forbidden. Each "Killi" is sub-divided into
several sub-clans. Nuclear family is commonly found among them.
All the members of the family participate in the common economic
and social activities. Their traditional headman is known as Munda
who along with the village elders looks into the social and religious
matters of the tribe.
The mundas worship their own tribal deities. "Sin Bonga"
is their supreme deity who is responsible for their creations.
They also believe in the existence of a number of spirits who
are responsible for diseases and death.
Mundas are primarily agriculturists but some of them earn their
livelihood as daily labourers. Collection of forest products is
one of their subsidiary occupations. They sometimes migrate to
distant places to work as labourers in mines, quarries etc.
SANTAL
Santals are generally found in Harichandanpur Block
area. Santals live alongwith other tribes.
The Santals have got their own dialect known as Santali which
is said to be one of the oldest languages of India. This belongs
to the Munda group within the Austro- Asiatic sub-family of the
Austric family of languages. At present most of them speak and
understand Oriya language.
The Santal society is well known for its division into twelve
patrilineal exogamous clans, the names of which are occasionally
used as surnames by the respective members of the group.
They live in spacious houses with a front and back verandah.
The houses are clean and the walls are generally decorated with
various artistic paintings in different colours.
Use of alcoholic drink is very common among them. Rice-beer is
their traditional drink which is extensively used on the occasion
of festivals and socio-religious ceremonies. They prepare this
drink at home and purchase Mahua liquor from the local vendors.
They observe Karama festival and Makar Sankranti elaborately.
Celebration of socio-religious ceremonies like birth, marriage
and death are marked by dancing, singing and drinking.
The Santals work as cultivators and agricultural labourers. After
the agricultural season is over they generally migrate for a temporary
period to work as daily wagers.
The Santals are also very backward in education.
INTRODUCTION
Keonjhar is one of the premier mineral producing districts
in Orissa. The district occupies a prominent place in the mineral
map of the Country.
Iron ore formations occupy most part of the district which can
be traced from the Bihar boarder in the north to the Jajpur boarder
in the South.
Extensive deposits of Manganese ore are found in Thakurani and
Joda East hills of Barbil.
Good deposits of Chromite, an important and strategic mineral
are found in Boula area near village Nuasahi of Anandapur sub-division.
There are also some other mineral deposits in the district such
as Quartzite, Bauxite , Gold , Pyrophillite and Lime stone.
The two important mineral based industries in the district are
the "Kalinga Iron Works" Barbil and the "Ferro-Manganese
Plant",Joda.
THE KALINGA IRON WORKS, BARBIL
The Kalinga Iron Works was initially named as the Kalinga
Industries in the private sector with technical collaboration
of M/S. Fried Crupp of West Germany having one low shaft furnace
with a capacity to produce 30000 M.T. of pig iron per annum. It
was taken over by the Industrial Development Corporation of the
Government of Orissa on 01st April 1963. It has since been named
as “Kalinga Iron Works”.
Presently the Kalinga Iron Works produces 100000 M.T. of foundry
grade pig iron by three low shaft furnaces. Besides, it has a
power generating plant of its own which supplies power to the
GRIDCO, Orissa to the extent of 2.3 M.W. This industry was running
with a capital investment of Rs.1,011.27 lakh in 1985. At present
1,320 persons (both skilled and unskilled) are working in the
unit.
Under the diversification programme Kalinga Iron Works is also
giving to undertake the production of Ductite Iron Spun pipes
in close collaboration with TOR-STEEL and MECON. Ductite Iron
Spun pipes have a tremendous marketing potential in foreign countries.
FERRO MANGANESE PLANT, JODA
The Ferro-Manganese plant at Joda was taken over by
the Tata Iron And Steel Co-Ltd. in December 1957. It was established
with a capital investment of Rs.3000 lakhs in 1985. At present
391 employees are working in the unit.
The plant is primarily meant for supplying Ferro-Manganese for
TISCO's own plant at Jamshedpur.
IPITATA, BELEIPADA
A sponge iron factory in the name of IPITATA is under
implementation by the Tata Iron and Steel Company in collaboration
with the Industrial Promotion and Industrial Corporation of Orissa
Ltd. at Beleipada. The capital investment of the factory is Rs.35
crores which provides employment to 375 persons.
CHARGE CROME, BRAHMANIPAL
A charge chrome factory is being set up at Brahmanipal.
The capital investment of the factory is Rs.412 crores and it
provides employment to 400 persons.
The establishment of the mineral-based industries and factories
paved the way for many small scale industries to grow in the district
which are largely concentrated in the areas around Keonjhar, Barbil
and Joda.
ENGINEERING AND METAL BASED INDUSTRIES
There are 53 small industries in the district employing
274 persons with an investment of 23.56 lakhs.
Products - Automobiles spare parts, Fabrication work (steel furnitures),
almirah, trunks, boxes, grills and steel metal products.
CHEMICAL & ALLIED INDUSTRIES INCLUDING
PLASTIC INDUSTRIES
These 48 industries are mostly concentrated at Keonjhar,
Barbil and Ghasipura. There are 268 persons woring with capital
investment of 30.79 lakhs.
Products- Agarbati, Candles, bore-metal, battery plates, Lime
powder, washing powder soap, spray paints.
FORESTRY AT A GLANCE
Reserved Forest 1,833.02 sq.km.
Demarcated Protected Forest 648.41 sq.km.
Undemarcated Protected Forest 43.41 sq.km.
Unclassed 0.24 sq.km.
Total 2,525.08 sq.km.
FORESTRY, WILD LIFE
The division wise classification of forest area by
legal status in Keonjhar district as on 01.04.96 are as follows.
Classification Area in Sq. Km.
Reserved Forest : 18,33.02
Demarked protected Forest : 6,48.41
Undemarked protected Forest : 43.41
Undeserved Forest : 0.24
TOTAL : 25,25.08
The above forest area is 30% of the total geographical area of
the district. The reserved forests of the district consist mostly
of steep hills and narrow winding valleys. It is indeed a pity
that most of the wide valleys which offer optimum conditions for
the growth of fine Sal forest are not a part of the reserved forest
area.
DRY WOOD FOREST
It occurs in parts of Boula, Atei, Kalapat, Santoshpur
and Barabank.
OPEN GRASSY DRY SAL FOREST
This is found on exposed hill slopes where the soil
is shallow and not fertile, mostly in Karo blocks.
HIGH LEVEL PLATEAU SAL
This type comprises the forests growing on flat-topped
hills which are a characteristic feature of Keonjhar.
MOIST HILL SAL
It is widely distributed in Keonjhar especially in
the Sidhamath and Karo blocks.
VALLEY SAL
It occurs in Sidhamatha and Karo blocks.
SANTAL SAL
Typical costal sal is called Santal Sal. it is mostly
found in the Boula and Santoshpur blocks. The sal is mixed with
Asan and Kurum.
WILD LIFE
TIGERS
Tigers (Bagha) are found in Rebana and Kalapat blocks.
There is no information about their exact number. There are reports
of cattle lifting.
LEOPARDS
Kalarapatra Bagha are quite common in Santoshpur, Atei,
Kalapat, Rebana and Barabanka reserved forests.Most of the villages
are in close vicinity of the forest and so blocks often complain
of interference and lifting of small domestic animals in their
area by the leopard.
ELEPHANTS
Elephants are frequently seen in small herds in the
forests like Boula, Kalapat , Rebana , Atei and occasionally in
Sidhamatha and Karo reserved forests. Though the herds move from
place to place it seems they have a permanent habitat in Boula,
Atei, Rebana and Kalapat. The elephants usually damage agricultural
crops and create occasional havoc in the mining huts and in small
villages in the periphery of the forest blocks.
BISON (GAYALA)
Gayal herds are occasionally seen in Kalapat and Rebana
reserved forests. Tease bisons are occasionally seen visiting
neighbouring villages of Dhenkanal district.
SAMBARA
Sambaras are quite common in the hilly forest area
and are more often seen in the Kalapat Rebana reserved forests.Spotted
deer ( Harina ), Barking Deer (Kutra) and wild boar (Barha) are
found throughout the district.
MONKEYS ( HANU AND PATI)
Monkeys are quite common and are seen in the valleys
in the periphery of the reserved forest. There are no reports
of wild dogs (Balia Kukura) but bears ( Bhalu ) are quite common
in the area. The bears have created lots of problems and reports
of bear-bite and fatal accidents caused by the bear are very common
particularly during their breeding season and in the hot summer
when mahula and mango are ripe.
