Eluru district is a district in coastal Andhra Region in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Eluru is its administrative headquarters. It is formed from erstwhile West Godavari and Krishna districts on 4 April 2022. It was restructured on 16 February 2023 with the transfer of Ganapavaram mandal to West Godavari district
History Eluru District history has shared common history with West Godavari district, The Eastern Chalukyas ruled coastal Andhra from 700 to 1200, with Vengi, near Pedavegi village, as their capital. Historical pieces of evidence are found at the villages, Pedavegi and Guntupalli (Jilakarragudem). Eluru then became a part of the Kalinga Empire until 1471. Later it fell into the hands of the Gajapati Empire. In 1515, Krishnadevaraya captured it. After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, it was taken by the Sultan of Golconda Fort, Kutub Shah. Eluru District was formed with Eluru as its headquarters on 4 April 2022. Ganapavaram mandal was shifted to West godavari district on 16 February 2023.
Geography The district occupies an area of . The district is bounded by Khammam district and Polavaram district on the north, West Godavari district and Konnasemma District on the south. The Godavari River separates East Godavari district on east and Tammileru River and Kolleru Lake separates it from Krishna district and NTR district on the west.
Topography
Rivers and waterbodies The district is primarily served by the major river Godavari and three tributaries: Yerrakaluva, Tammileru, and Ramileru. Additionally, a freshwater lake flows through the district, serving as a crucial water source. Recently, the Government of India initiated the Polavaram Project, a water reservoir with the potential to store up to 194.6 TMC of water. This project aims to provide a significant water source for other parts of Andhra Pradesh, with the capacity to divert water to drought-prone areas such as Rayalaseema and other districts through the Buckingham Canal. Originally constructed by the British, the Buckingham Canal is now part of India's Inland Waterway project, designed to facilitate civilian and goods transportation, potentially reducing transportation costs and improving connectivity through waterways.
Climate The region has a tropical climate similar to the rest of the Coastal Andhra region. The summers (March–June) are hot and dry while the winters are fairly cold. The rainy season (July–December) is often the best time for tourist visits, as fields are brilliantly green with paddy crops, rivers flowing with monsoon water, and a relatively cool climate. The region has long been home to the Indian nobles due to its climate and fertile soil, and several zamindar large mansions are scattered around the Godavari area.
Demographics
At the time of its establishment in 2022, based on 2011 census, the district has a population of 1,937,695. Women number 969,945, making up 50.05% of the district's population. About 1,618,288 people (80.70%) live in rural areas. The urban population is 384,370 (19.84%), spread across four towns. Scheduled Castes number 424,446 (21.90% of the district), while Scheduled Tribes total 121,311 (6.26% of the district).
Politics There are one parliamentary and seven assembly constituencies in Eluru district. The parliamentary constituencies are The assembly constituencies are
Constituency Serial No. NameReserved for Status63UnguturuNone64DenduluruNone65EluruNone67PolavaramST68ChintalapudiSC70NuzvidNone73KaikalurNone
Administrative divisions
The district is divided into 3 revenue divisions: Eluru, Jangareddygudem, and Nuzividu, which are further subdivided into a total of 27 mandals, each headed by a sub-collector.
Mandals The list of 27 mandals in Eluru district, divided into 3 revenue divisions, is given below.
Cities and towns
+Largest cities or towns in Eluru District As per the 2011 CensusName of the City Revenue Division2011 Census PopulationEluruEluru231,250NuzviduNuzvidu Division58,590JangareddygudemJangareddygudem Division48,994ChintalapudiNuzvidu Division25,952KaikaluruEluru Division21,292Unguturu14,280Bhimadole13,669Mudinepalli6463ChatraiNuzvidu Division4613
+Municipal Bodies in Eluru DistrictMunicipal BodyCivic Status of townEstablishment yearEluruMunicipal Corporation2005NuzvidMunicipality Grade – 31983JangareddygudemMunicipality Grade – 32011
Economy The woolen pile carpet industry in Eluru produces eco-friendly carpets.
Culture and tourism
There are many landmarks and tourism destinations in the district. Eluru is the largest city of the district with many destinations related to Buddhists and Archeological importance such as Guntupalli Caves near the city. Eluru city hosts a 74-foot high Buddha statue in the heart of the city. Some of the religious destinations include, Dwaraka Tirumala known with the name as Chinna Tirumala, and Veerabhadra Temple, Pattiseema.
Notable people
Sekhar Kammula, film director Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu, Chief Minister of Madras Presidency L. V. Prasad, Indian film producer, actor, director, cinematographer and businessman Duvvuri Subbarao, former Reserve Bank Governor Silk Smitha, Actress Naga Shaurya, Actor Baladitya (actor), Actor
References
Bibliography
External links