Overview
Durg district is an administrative district in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. The district headquarters is located at Durg, a city situated on the banks of the Shivnath River, a tributary of the Mahanadi. Durg lies in the central part of Chhattisgarh and forms part of the larger industrial belt that includes the twin city of Bhilai, home to the Bhilai Steel Plant.
Key facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| Country | India |
| Headquarters | Durg |
| Division | Durg division |
| Major city | Bhilai |
| Principal river | Shivnath |
Geography
The district is part of the Chhattisgarh plain, a relatively level tract drained by the Shivnath River and its tributaries. The terrain consists largely of agricultural land interspersed with patches of forest and small hills. The Shivnath, flowing through the district, is the most significant watercourse and supports irrigation in the surrounding tracts. Durg shares boundaries with several neighbouring districts of Chhattisgarh, including Balod, Bemetara, Rajnandgaon and Raipur.
Administration
Durg district falls under the Durg revenue division of Chhattisgarh. The district is subdivided into tehsils and development blocks for administrative and rural development purposes. The district administration is headed by a District Magistrate and Collector, supported by a Superintendent of Police and other line department officers. The headquarters town of Durg also serves as a major judicial and educational centre for the region.
History
The Durg region has a long historical association with the Haihaya rulers of the Chhattisgarh plain and later with the Maratha and British administrations. Under British rule, Durg was part of the Central Provinces. After Indian independence and the reorganisation of states, the district became part of Madhya Pradesh. With the formation of Chhattisgarh as a separate state on 1 November 2000, Durg became one of its districts. Subsequent administrative reorganisation has carved newer districts, including Balod, Bemetara and Bhilai-related units, out of the erstwhile larger Durg district.
Economy
The economy of Durg district is shaped by a combination of heavy industry, agriculture and trade. The Bhilai Steel Plant, operated by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), is the largest industrial establishment in the region and one of the major integrated steel plants in India. Around it has grown a dense cluster of ancillary industries, engineering units and service enterprises. Outside the industrial belt, paddy cultivation dominates the rural economy, complemented by pulses, oilseeds and vegetables.
Education and institutions
Durg district hosts several institutions of higher education and technical training, including engineering colleges, medical and pharmacy institutions, and universities serving central Chhattisgarh. Bhilai, in particular, has developed as a centre for technical and management education owing to its industrial base.
Transport
The district is well connected by rail and road. The Howrah–Mumbai trunk railway line of Indian Railways passes through Durg, and Durg Junction is an important station with originating long-distance services. National highways link the district with Raipur, Nagpur and other regional centres. The nearest major airport is at Raipur.
Demographics
Durg district is among the more urbanised districts of Chhattisgarh, owing to the presence of Bhilai and Durg city. Hindi and Chhattisgarhi are the principal languages spoken, with smaller communities speaking Odia, Bengali, Punjabi and other languages reflecting the migration drawn by industrial employment.
Related topics
References
- Wikid