CHAPTER-H THE GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING OF THE STUDY AREA

Transcription

1 CHAPTER-H THE GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING OF THE STUDY AREA 2.1: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND During the medieval period, there was a Karbi Kingdom, known as Dimorua or Domora. The Dimorua kingdom was situated south-eastern part of Kamrup District (in ancient Pragjyotishpura) located at the southern bank of river Brahmaputra. The King Arimatta in the 13th century was supposed to be first King of the Kingdom and Rani Ikon Kowari was the last Queen of the royal dynasty, who died on 17th December, After the death of Ikon Kowari Raja Halisingh Ronghang became the king of Dimoria. Although the Assam history is silent regarding to ancient Dimorua Kingdom, many monarchial garments, fighting weapons, religious and cultural things, some old Sanchiapatia Puthi are still preserved in the royal mini museum in the house of Dimorua Raja indicate the existence of the Kingdom. According to Raj Bongsawali, there were 19 kings who ruled the Dimorua. The names of the king were Arimatta, Mriganka, Diang, Dimorua, Sona, Rup Singh, Makardhaj, Bathu, Yang Panggeteswar, Prabhakar, Mangal Singh, Jagat Singh, Repong Raja, Bairagi, Dhume Khunda, Hari Singh, Man Singh, Ballabh Sing and Sher Singh (Choudhury, 1998)^. The boundary of the kingdom was mentioned in the memorial stone of Rani Ikon Kowari. As mentioned in the memorial stone - the northern part was bounded by the river Kalong, southern part by Khasi and Jayantia hills, eastern side bordered by Gobha kingdom of present Morigaon district and western side was bounded by the Rajakhat Tetelia. Sir Edward Gait in his History of Assam (1926) mentioned about Dimorua, Pantheswar, the Raja of Dimorua, was a victim of Naranarayana s invincible general, but others say that he was formerly a care taker of the Kacharis, who sought and obtained Naranarayana s protection from their oppression, and was established by him as warden of the marchers in the direction of Jaintia. At the beginning of the

2 27 seventeenth century the Jaintia King Dhan Manik seized Prabhakar the chief of Dimorua, whose family owed allegiance to the Kacharis. Prabhakar appealed to the king, demanded his release. Presently Dimorua is popularly known as Dimoria. The name Dimorua turn into Dimoria, but no body knows how and when the name of the kingdom was changed. In regard to Dimorua, there was a legend, which has been accepted by the local people. In ancient time, at Thimfloo there were four brothers- Gobha, Dimorua, Khairam and Millim. Once, Dimorua and Gobha went abroad for searching new place for habitation one on an elephant and other on a horse. They have lost their ways in deep forests. Dimorua at last reached the Khasi kingdom and its capital Nongkre and subsequently he felt very tired and hungry. To get relief from the hunger, he took the fruits of tree called Dimoro. In next day he reached the Ghagra Dong at the Silsung. The inhabitants of nearby villages - Khomer, Talani (Talni) etc. introduced themselves with Dimorua and asked him to be the King of their territory. The name of Dimorua is supposed to be come from the tree Dimoro, because the king took its fruits in that critical night. So, there is possibility in respect of the term Dimoria which came from Dimoro. Though legend popular among the Karbis of Dimoria the name of Karbi Kingdom Dimorua have originated from the name of the Dimoro (fruits tree). On the otherhand there is a possibility of acquiring the name of the Kingdom from the name of the first Karbi King Dimorua. In mediaval period, during the reign of the king Pantheswara, the kingdom of Dimorua was dominated by Koch ( a populus caste of Assam) and the Kachari (a plain tribe of Assam) and subsequently by the Khasis and the Ahoms. The history of the other part incorporated in the study area is different, which falls in present Morigaon district. This region also has its own historical background. In 16th century there were some small kingdoms in present Morigaon district, at least five kingdoms name can be mentioned. Name of the Kingdoms were Gobha, Neli, Khola,

3 28 Uttar khola and chahari. Earlier these small kingdoms were popularly known as Tiwa kingdoms. Gobha kingdom is very adjacent to Dimoria kingdom. It was biggest than the other Tiwa kingdom. In 1564 Gobha king Pantheswar was successfully stand against the Bir Chilarai. Earlier, Gobha was dominated by Jayantia kings. In 1656 the Gobha kingdom was administered by Ahom king Jaydhaj Singha till the end of the Ahom rule. Still Gobha king is there and Gobha king and his ministers organized a fair every year during the Magh Bihu time and traditional barter system is still prevailed in the fair among the plain people and hills people. From historical point of view both these two old kingdoms are more significant (Bargohain, 1994)121 in Assam history as well as Dimoria region. 2.2: PHYSICAL SETTING 2.2.1: Physiography: The Dimoria Development Block (DDB) and its adjacent areas of Mayong Development Block (MDB) and Mayong Revenue Circle (MRC) virtually form a single physiographic unit. The eastern side of the area is surrounded by the river Killing and Morigaon plain. Southern part is bounded by the hills of Meghalaya plateau, while the southern boundary is depicted by Umpri river. The western part is surrounded by the greater Guwahati and Khanapara hills and northern part by the river Brahmaputra and river Sonai. The region has a varied physiographic features ranging from low lying flood plains through slightly undulating highlands to the hilly areas. In fact the topography of Dimoria region reveals that more than three fourth of the area covered by the rivers, beels, marshes, swamps and forests. The hills of Dimoria stretch almost from the Brahmaputra river and merges with the ranges of Shillong plateau (Deka, 2001)[3]. The whole of the Dimoria region is lies in the Brahmaputra valley at the foot of the Meghalaya hill area. Physiographically the region is not homogeneous. Monadnock and hillocks and some linear hills ranges coming out from the plateau are lie amidst the plain land. The region is dissected mainly by two rivers- the Kalong and the Digaru. Besides, three small rivers- the Killing, the Umpri and Sonai rivers dissected extreme

4 29 eastern, southern and northern boundary respectively. Based on the heterogeneous character of relief features we may divide the region into three physiographic divisions- (i) The southern foot hill region. (ii) The hillocks on the plain and (iii) The Kalong-Digaru plain region. (i) The southern foot hill region: Since Dimoria Development Block lies at the foot hills of the Meghalaya Plateau, its southern part is covered by the hills projected northward from the plateau. These hills are often separated from each other by small valleys created by the streams coming down from the Khasi - Jaintia Hills. The hilly area extends from Jagiroad of Morigaon District up to Bymihat- Jorabat- Khanapara area. The Digaru is the main river that flows through these hills. It has an important tributary called Umpri River that joins the Digaru in the south-western comer of the block, amidst the hills. The main source of the Umpri river is Barka Sarong and its surrounding areas. Important dong of the areas are - Tegheria dong, Kulabel dong, Langira dong, Bar dong etc. The hills of this foot hill area has different names in different parts. The extreme eastern part is known as Dhomra parbat (Dhoumara pahar), which rises to 555 metres. On the otherhand, important parbat (hill) are Gumguma parbat, Monsuk parbat (1500m.), Sarong parbat (412m.), Pamtison parbat (606m.), Dumria parbat (734m.) etc. Sonaikuehi Reserved Forest is in the eastern part of the area. The general slope of the area is from the south- west to the north-east and north and hence all the rivers and streams flow from the south-western part towards the Bymihat area. The villages like Pachim Nagaon, Topatoli, Nibira, Bherakuchi, Dhupguri, Bhogpur, Khetri, Belguri, Tetelia, Nuagaon, Barkasarong, Magursila, Dondra, Pisamsoru, Markang, Kalongpur, Nartap, Amguri, Dhemai, Maupur, Tando, Aparikola etc. fall in this region. The hills in this region are generally have steep slope towards north. The region is mainly covered with dense mixed and fairly dense mixed forests and a home of many wild animals like tiger, elephant, deer, wild goat as well as many species of birds.

5 30 From the Kopili to Shillong plateau, the general slope of the area is higher towards the north-western area. Altitude of this area ranges from 52.5 meter to meter. The rivers Barapani, Killing, Lutumai and their tributary streams have formed this area with their agradational and depositional activities. (ii)the hillocks in the Plain: The monadnock like hillocks is found prominent in some parts of this plain region. Such hills are scattered here and there in the plain rendering s undulation. From this point of view we may assume that this region is under the old stage of cycle of erosion. Two major hills from Jorabat area enter to this region through which the National Highway No. 37 passes dividing it into two distinct parts. One series of hillocks is extended from Jorabat to Sonapur along the northern bank of the Digaru River. Height of the hillocks ranges from 100m. to 400m. The region is full of Mixed forest. Morogdola Reserved Forest is situated here. Hills like Morogdola, Bekasila are prominent in this region. The villages like Tamulikuchi, Sarutari, Ambher, Matiagog, Morogdola, Sonaigaon, Jagobari, Kamalajari, Gojaigoan, Ural, Arabari, Morongabari, Medhikuchi, Gariaghuli, Upper Tepesia, Lower Tepesia are situated both sides of this hill range. The other hill ranges run from Jorabat towards Chandrapur. These hills rises from 100 to 400 m. The dense mixed forest covers of this region. The Amsong wild life sanctuary is situated here. Many of the hill streams dissected the whole area. The villages like Patarkuchi, Kamarkuchi, Nazirakhat, Jogdal, Jalukbari, Ghagua, Belguri, Amsong Tea Estate, Sonapur Tea Estate (Kamarkuchi), Khialkhaiti,, Mairakuchi, Digaru, Panbari etc. are situated along this chain of hillocks. Another linear series of hillocks runs from Chamata towards Kalongpar, which lies in middle of the region. These linear series of hillocks rises from 100m. to 300m. A highest hillock of the region is Garwani Parbat (298m.). The hillock comprises with open mixed forests and Dense Jungle. Many of the villages like Gomoria, Hodokhal, Bargog, Noagoan, Kamarkuchi etc. situated in this region. Two more branches of hillocks are found, of which one branch extends from Chamata area to Mitoni- Rewa- Maheswar and another

6 31 from Chamata towards Tetelia- Gandhi nagar area. The Durung pahar (134m.), Mota pahar (110m.) etc. are some other hillocks of this region, which are worth mentioning. (iii) The Kalong- Digaru Plain region: Two southern bank tributaries of the river Brahmaputra are Kalong and Digaru, drain which the Dimoria region. The Kalong flows along the northern part of the region while Digaru flows south-western comer of the region. Both the rivers have much contribution towards the formation of the flood plain of Dimoria. The plain region is extended up to the river Brahmaputra in the north and Killing river in the east. Many of the wetlands are concentrate along the north and.south bank of Kalong River and along the both sides of Digam River. The main source of the Digam River is Dighalpani stream Umtrew of Meghalaya. Due to a higher slope gradient of the area, the Digaru river is flowing towards north-east, which quite often causes flash flood in the plain area. This is a common problem in the region. Some important beels of this region are Chesakhal, Samaikuria, Amkhola, Chong, Gatua, Rowmari, Bomani, Nagajan, Borbeela etc. These beels are found along the meandering course of the rivers of Digam (Deka, 2007)[4l The Kalong flood plain region is very wide. The vast area of the region is constituted by the alluviums. Some wetlands particularly the beels cover major part of the region. The important wetlands in the southern bank of the Kolong river are- Amara, Itila, Duani, Jalikhara, Karkara, Bahadal, Jiong, Parkhali, Donga, Jun beel, Taranga, Udmari and Noa beel. On the otherhand, the wetlands in the northern bank of Kalong river are Garanga, Gorkhu, Nakara, Maudubi, Habam, Dekhal, Baral, Sarumonaha, Barmonaha and Raumari. The whole region is flood prone. The world famous one hom rhino habitat Pobitora Wiid Life Sanctuary" is situated here. Some hillocks like -Kamarpur pahar (170m), Baha parbat (241m.) and Hatiutha parbat (186m.) are prominent in this part of the region.

7 32 91"54*0"E 92* 12 0,rE 92* 18*0"E 26*18 0 N 28* 12 0 N 26*6 0'*N 26,0'0"N 5 Scale O 5 DaU Source: IRS P 0 LJSS HI Satellite Imagery of 2005 Kilometers f 1 Hill / MounUinoa Arc* Old Alluvial Area I 1 New Alluvial Area Figure: 2.1: Geomorphological map of Dimoria region.

8 : Geology: The study area said to be the extension of the Shillong Plateau and Brahmaputra plain. Geologically a major part of the region is covered by old as well as new alluvial soils. The Shillong Plateau is mainly composed of gnisses and schists of Gondwana series with intrusive granite rock. The Kalong, Kopili and Digaru river valleys are consist of un-consolidated pebbles, gravels, sand, silt and clays. The out cropping rocks are formed by three different geological ages, viz- Pre-eambrian, Tertiary and Quartemary ages. The flood plains of all rivers are made up of newer alluvium. In between the foot hills and newer alluvium belt, the older alluviums are exposed. On the unevenly eroded crystalline rocks are deposited the river alluvium forming the alluvial plain. The rocks found in the hilly regions are grouped into granite, gneiss, porphyritic granite, quartzite, pink granite, hornblende- biotite schist, pegmatite and quartz. The Aarchean rocks such as gneisses, schist, amphibolites and granites are exposed in various parts of the study area. The Shillong group of rocks composed of quartzite s with subordinate schist which are exposed in the southern part of the study area. The outcrops of these rocks are few; mostly covered by red soils. Rocks exposures are mainly found in hilly streams, which appear to be in-situ. It is generally found in some places that rocks are highly weathered and soil formation is continuing. The occurrence of wetlands are largely controlled by the geological formation and physiography of the study area. Of the following two major geological formations, the lithology of newer alluvium supports most of the existing wetlands. Table- 2.1 Geological formation and lithology of the study area. Age Formation Description of Litho Units Recent Newer alluvium Clays, Sands, Silts and Shingle Pleistocene Un conformity Older Alluvium Clays, Coarse sand, Shingle, Gravels and Boulders. Source: Sharma, P. Geo-ecological Study of Beels and Swamps in Nagaon and Morigaon Districts of Assam, 1993

9 : Drainage: The general slope of the study area is towards north and north-west. The Brahmaputra is the principal river of the region and flows in an east-west direction along the northern boundary of the study area. Its tributaries Kalong, Digaru, Killing, Sonai and Umpri rivers dissected the whole region. The river Umpri flows from the northern foot hills of Meghalaya Plateau and it meets the Digaru River at Bymihat of Rivoi District. Another stream flows from Jorabat hill area and adjoin with the Digaru River near Tamulikuchi and Sarutari. The river Digaru dissected the extreme western part of the Dimoria Region, which meet the Kalong river near Kajalimukh. The source area of the Digaru River is Kirdamkulai of Meghalaya. The upper part of this is known as Dighalpani stream in Umtrew. Major part of the region is washes away by the floods every year during rainy season by this river. Another main tributary of river Brahmaputra is Kalong. The river Kalong flows through middle part of the study area. Marging with the river Digaru and Kalong meet river Brahmaputra near the Candrapur of Pragjyolishpur sub-division of Kamrup (metro) district. Sonai river dissected the northern part of the study area. In the upper part Kalong- Diphlu, Diju, Missa are found which are tributaries of the Kalong River. The river Kopili is the main tributary of the Kalong. The Kopili River rises in the Jayantia Hills (Meghalaya plateau). At Doiangmukh, it meets its tributary channel Doiang River. After missing a few kilometers, the Killing or Umium and the Barapani in the western side meet the Kopili and Jamuna. Lankajan, Dimoru, Dighalpani, Horagati, Burhiganga are the eastern tributaries meet the Kopili at different points. After crossing a tortuous course, it joins the Kalong at Jagi near the western end of the Morigaon district The river Kalong is a navigable one. It is used as a trade route for the southern part of the Morigaon district. Its basin is a rich rice bowl of Assam. The Killing and Umium river rises in the Khasi hills and flows along a deep gorge in the hilly areas. It meets the Kopili River at the Morigaon district where it is known as the Killing River. This river is bounded the extreme eastern part of the study area. The Sonai river flows parallel to the Kalong and Brahmaputra Rivers. Many of its tributary streams dissected the northern plain region. Floods are occurred every year in this region. Almost all the

10 35 rivers in the Dimoria Region are perennial in nature. The main distributary channels of the Brahmaputra is the Kalong and Digaru river. srsrire 2*<p<rE 2*ro**B trim Data Sawca: Fig: 2.2: Drainage basins map of Dimoria region 2.2.4: Soil: The soil of the region is mainly alluvium. From physical and chemical characteristics, alluvial soil can be calssified into two classes - residual and transported soils. The lateritic soils are usually found in the hills and hilly areas of the region. On the otherhand, residual soils are found mainly in the foothills and transported soils in

11 36 the plain areas. The characteristic features of the soils are sandy, silty, loamy and clayey. The texture of the soil is usually vary. The soil is of heavy texture on hills and medium as well as light texture in alluvial plain. On the basis of the soil characteristics, it can be classified into the following three categories-(i) Laterite, (ii) Red soil (Loam, Yellow course) and (iii) Alluvial soil. (i) Laterite Soil: Laterite soil is found in the southern part of the study area. Its colour is yellowish - red, which turns black on the exposure to sun. Laterite soil is poor in lime, magnesium, nitrogen and potash. This soil is formed by hydrated alluminum oxide, iron, manganese and titanium oxide. Humus is present in this soil. Laterite soil is favourable for rice and sugarcane cultivation. At the adjoining areas of the foot hills and plain this soil is found. (ii) Red Soil: Red soil is found in the foot hills and slopes of the hills of Meghaleya Plateau and the monadnocks of the region. Humus or nitrogenous substances are less in this soil. It is relatively less fertile. The soil of the region is suitable for banana, orange, pineapple, rubber and bamboo cultivation. Most of the hill slopes are used for shifting cultivation by the indigenous tribal people of the region. (iii) Alluvial soil: The Digaru, Kalong, Killing and Sonai river banks are covered with alluvial soil. Basically the entire river basin is flood prone. The Digaru and Killing river banks are washed away every year by the flash floods. The Kalong and Sonai rivers are inundated by the flood water of the Brahmaputra. The soils formed near are acidic and have less kankars. It is rich in potash, phospheric acid and nitrogen. This region is suitable for rice cultivation. Both Boro and Sali crops are cultivated in these flood plain

12 37 areas. For better agricultural production sometimes manuaring is necessary. Soil plays a vital rule in maintaining the productivity of water bodies. Apart from helping mineralization of the organic deposits at the bottom, soil provides shelter and food to the benthic fauna and flora. It play a significant role in maintaining the floodplain wetlands, which receive additional input in terms of organic matter, inorganic matter, inorganic minerals, silt and clay. Most of the floodplain wetlands are heavily infested with aquatic vegetation. There is a heavy accumulation of dead plant materials at the bottom that undergoes decomposition. Consequently, the nature and properties of bottom soils of floodplain wetlands change from year to year. (Ecology and Fisheries of Beels in Assam, 2000)[5]' 2.2.5: Climate: Like other parts of Assam, Dimoria region is influenced by the monsoon climate. This region, experience humid sub-tropical climate and also characterized by hot summer and cool winter. The other characteristics of the climate in this area are (a) average monthly rainfall ranges between mm. to 357 mm. (b) the rainy season is long and under the influence of south-west monsoon and (c) average annual temperature ranges between minimum of C. to C. Monthly minimum and maximum temperatures, recorded during the period 2005 to 2007 are given in the table In 2005 maximum temperature was recorded in the month of September (33.5 C) and minimum temperature was recorded in the month of January (11.3 C). In 2006 maximum temperature was recorded in the month of August (34.1 C) and minimum temperature was recorded in the month of January (11.1 C). On the otherhand, in 2007 maximum temperature was recorded in the month of August (34 C) and minimum temperature was recorded in the month of Januaiy (9.9 C). The temperature starts rising from the month of March. The hot summer months begin from mid of April to September. During, this time the highest temperature

13 38 remains in between 30.7 C and C and highest monthly rainfall was recorded 357 mm. In the month of September monsoon retreats and temperature gradually falls. Table Monthly maximum and minimum average temperature of Dimoria region, Months Maximum in C Minimum in C January February March April May June July August September October November December Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati.

14 39 MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE GUWAHATI (The nearest station of Dimoria Region) 40 TEMPERATURE (IN DEG. CELCIUS) O CM JAN. FEB. MAR APR. MAY. JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP OCT. NOV. DEC. MONTHS INDEX A 2007 Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure - 2.3: Maximum Temperature of Guwahati, (Nearest Data Acquisition Centre) On the basis of this climatic condition four seasons are identified in the region viz. pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. The pre-monsoon season extends from March to May, the monsoon from June to August, the post monsoon from September to November and the winter from December to February.

15 40 June, July, August and September are the wettest months; rainfall ranging from mm. to 357 mm. On the otherhand, December and January record the minimum rainfall 26.3 mm and mm. respectively. (Table-2.3) MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE GUWAHATI (THE NEAREST STATION OF DIMORIA REGION) TEMPERATURE (IN DEG. CELCIUS) 8 i 3 > io CM N3 O 5 JAN. FEB. MAR AF>R M*W JUN. JUL. AUG. SBP. OCT. NOV. DEC. MONTHS INDEX Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport. Guwahati. Figure - 2.4: Maximum Temperature of Guwahati, (Nearest Data Acquisition Centre) The period from November to February is considered as the winter season. Winter is cold, dry and receives less rainfall. Another important phenomenon of this region is the occurrence of dust storms which is experienced usually from the last part of February till early part of April. In the month of April, thunderstorm is a common phenomenon and invariably occurs during afternoon. It is the result of cyclonic disturbances. Such thunderstorm is locally known as Bordoisila.

16 41 The climate of Dimoria region is also influenced by some other factors. The chief among them are the existence of highland areas of Meghalaya plateau on the southern border and a vast plain land in the northern border. Hillocks amidst the Dimoria region, which merge in the southern plateau towards the Khanapara hills create a regional variation of this region. Besides, locally valley winds and forests play important role in micro climatic condition of region. MINIMUM TEMPERATURE GUWAHAT1 O O I O TEMPERATURE (IN DEG. CELCIUS; N> T I I I I I I I FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC. MONTHS INDEX * 2007 Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.5: Minimum temperature of Guwahati, (Nearest Data Acquisition Centre)

17 42 MINIMUM TEMPERATURE GUWAHATI TEMPERATURE (IN DEG. CELCIUS) MONTHS INDEX 2005 D 2006 D2007 Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.6 Minimum Temperature of Guwahati, (Nearest Data Acquisition Centre). Table: 2.3 Average monthly rainy days of the selected stations from Months Stations Total Guwahati Dharamtul January February March April May June July August September October November December Annual Source: Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati and Indian Meteorological Department, Government of India.

18 43 The number of rainy days in Guwahati station is 269 and 290 in Dharamtal station (Table-2.3) Table-2.4:Average monthly rainfall of selected stations from (in millimetre) Months Stations Average Guwahati Dharamtul January February March April May June July August September October November December Annual Source: Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati and Indian Meteorological Department, Government of India.

19 44 RAINFALL (IN MILLIMETER) o o o o o o O CO CO CM 'H X X MONTHLY RAINFALL GUWAHATI / /' / ^ 4' * 4>~ MONTHS INDEX Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.7: Monthly average rainfall of Guwahati, (Nearest Data Acquisition Centre). MONTHLY RAINFALL GUWAHATI RAINFALL IN MILLIMETER (7 5 S C O C O * N O o 8 8 jlmm FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC. MONTHS INDEX Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.8 Comparison of monthly rainfall of Guwahati, (Nearest Data Acquisition Centre).

20 45 MONTHLY RAINFALL DHARAMTUL g o o o o o to m tj- co cn «- (ININ Nl) TlVdNIVy FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC. MONTHS INDEX * Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.9 Monthly Rainfall of Dharamtul, (Nearest Data Acquisition Centre). MONTHLY RAINFALL DHARAMTUL RAINFALL (IN MM) o at o o o o o o _ lo Q COo r}- t* CO CO CN CN MONTHS INDEX 2005 B 2006 D2007 Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.10: Comparison of monthly Rainfall of Dhramtul.

21 46 NO OF RAINY DAYS GUWAHATI NO OF DAYS FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUN JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC. MONTHS INDEX Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.11: Number of rainy days of Guwahati ( ) NO OF RAINY DAYS GUWAHATI NO OF DAYS O H J l I J i a O H i f f l S o MAR. MAY MONTHS INDEX 2005 B 2006 P2007 Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.12: Comparison of number of rainy days of Guwahati ( )

22 47 NO OF RAINY DAYS DHARAMTUL Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.13: Number of rainy days of Dharamtul ( ) NO OF RAINY DAYS DHARAMTUL NO OF DAYS NO OF DAYS ^ * * * * JVJ 0 b j ^ 0 > r 0 4 i. 0 ) MONTHS INDEX D2007 Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.14: Comparison of number of rainy days of Dharamtul ( )

23 48 In 2005 highest monthly rainfall of region was recorded in Gugahati the month of August (803mm.). December was so dry that no rainfall occured in this month. In the same year highest monthly average rainfall was recorded in the month of July (295mm.). In case of Dharamtul also in the month of December there was no rainfall. In 2006 highest monthly rainfall of Guwahati was recorded in the month of July (247.2mm.) and lowest in the month of December (6.7mm.). On the otherhand, in the same year highest rainfall was recorded in the month of June (312.0mm.) and no rain was occur in the month of January in Dharamtul station. Further, in 2007 highest monthly rainfall was recorded in the month of June (294.2mm) and no rainfall in the month of January and December in Guwahati station. Similarly, highest rainfall was recorded in the month of June (262.6mm.) but no rain was occurred in the month of January, October and December in Dharamtul station. From this it is clear that the rainfall variation is there within the same region. Number of rainy days in the study area during the three years brought under the study was very significant. In Guwahati station highest number of rainy days was recorded in the month of May (20 Days) while no rainfall occurred in the month of November and December in the year Similarly, number of highest rainy days was recorded in the month of June and July (14 days) and no rainfall recorded in the month of January, during the year In July 2007 highest number of rainy days (18 days) was recorded in Guwahati station and no rainfall recorded in the months of January and December. On the otherhand, in Dharamtul the highest number of rainy days was recorded in the month of July and August (19 days) and no rainy day was found in the month of December, Similarly, highest number of rainy days was recorded in the month of June and July and rainfall was nil in the month of January in the year There was no rainfall in the month of January and December while highest amount of rainfall was recorded in the months of June and July, 2007 in Dahramtul station.

24 49 RELATIVE HUMIDITY, GUWAHATI (AT 0830 HRS 1ST) 100 MONTHS INDEX 2005 B2006 D2007 Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.15: Relative humidity of Guwahati ( ) RELATIVE HUMIDITY, GUWAHATI (AT 0830 HRS 1ST) HUMIDITY (IN PERCENTAGE) o o - o N W o o A ton O o N o O o O c t f HUMIDITY (IN PERCENTAGE) FEB MAR. APR. MAY. JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT NOV. DEC MONTHS INDEX A 2007 Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Figure: 2.16: Relative humidity of Guwahati ( ).

25 50 Relative humidity in 2005 is range from 64.5 percent to 84 percent, while in 2006 it is 53 percent to 82.5 per cent and in 2007 it ranges from 56 per cent to 84 per cent. Mean monthly relative humidity values show temporal variation for the period of record (2.4). On an average it is found to be lowest in the month of March (59.16%) and highest in July (81.66%). Table: Relative humidity (in Percentage) of Guwahati for the period of Year Jan Feb Mar Apri May June July Au Sep Oct Nov Dec Aveg Source: Regional Meteorological Centre, LGBI Airport, Guwahati and Indian Meteorological Department, Government of India. In 2005 highest relative humidity recorded in Guawahati in the month of January (90%) and lowest in the month of February, March and April (76%). Again in 2006 the highest relative humidity in Guwahati was recorded in the month of January (92%) and lowest in the month of March (63%). Almost same condition was observed in 2007 also. In that year highest figure was recorded in the month of January (89%) and lowest in the month of March (67%) : Natural Vegetation: The land use / land cover condition of Dimoria region has been studied on the basis of satellite data. In this regard IRS P6 LISS III data of 2006 has been taken into consideration. The land class pattern in Dimoria region can broadly be categorized as dense forest, open forest, grassland, cropland and waterbody. The area occupied by each category is given in table-2.6.

26 51 Table:2.6-Land use in Dimoria region,2006 Sl.No Land Class Land in hectare 1 Dense forest Open forest Grassland Cropland Waterbody Total Source: IRS P6 LISS III, 2006 Further, on the basis of climatic condition, the forest cover in the study area has been broadly categorised as evergreen, decidious, riverine and grassland. The heavy rainfall, varying soil characteristics and monsoon climate have contributed to the growth of diverse flora in Dimoria. The lofty woody and tall trees are commonly seen in the hills and hill slopes. Evergreen forest is found in Pobitora wildlife sanctuary (38.83 hectare.), Amsong wild life sanctuary (78.64sq.km.), Sonaikuchi reserve forest and northern slope of the Meghalaya plateau. Including some riverine species these forests have valuable tree species like Ajhar (Lagerstroamia, flos reginea), Sida (Lagertroamia Parvi flora), Ameri (Amoors SPP) etc. Besides, some other important tree species have been found in such forest area include Holong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), Guijan (D. tibinatus), Mekai (Shonea assamica), Kurta (Palaquium polyanthun), Nahar (Mesa ferra) and Sisa Nahar (Keyea assamica). Decidous forest comprising the reserved forest of the study area are found in Rajamayong, Pobitora wild life sanctuary, Sonaikuchi reserved forest, Amsong wild life sanctuary, Digaru hills, Morogdola reserved forest, Jorabat hills, Mota Pahar, Garuani pahar,chamata pahar, Dhaumara pahar and northern foot hills of Meghalaya plateau. Sal (Shorea Robusta), Gamari (Gmedina Arborea), Sam (Artocarpus chaplasha), kumbi (Careya Arborea), Sonaru (Cassia Fistula), Bola (Molus leavigatta),

27 52 Ganasarai (Cinnamomum Glandili ferum), Simul (Bombax Malabaricum), Teak (Testona grandisa), Khoir (Acacia catechu)etc. are the valuable species found in these forest. The riverine type of forests usually found near the alluvial valleys of the Brhmaputra, Kalong and Digaru rivers. Principal species are Urium (Bischoffia Javanica), Ajhar (Lagerstroemia), Bogori (Ziziphus Spp.) Koroi (Albizzia Procera), Simul (Bombax Malabaricum), Dimoru (Ficus glomerata) etc. The grassland type of natural vegetation are also found in the surrounding areas of wetlands and the bank of the rivers in the region. Khagori or Khag (Phragmites ravannea), Ulu Kher (Imperata Cylindriea), Nal (Arunde donox), Ekra or Ikora (Erianthes ravannea), Kohuwa or Kash (S. Spontaneum) etc. are the important species of grassland found in the study area. Grassland covers hectares of total geographical area in the region. 2.3: SOCIO-CULTURAL SETTING: 2.3.1: Population (Demographic setting): The Dimoria region constitutes 1.23 per cent of total population of Assam according to 2001 census. The total number of population of the study area is 3, 27,684; while male population accounts 1, 68,906 and female population accounts I, 58,778 according to 2001 Census. On the otherhand total number of households in the region is 57,801, of which 54, 097 numbers of households located in rural areas and 3,704 in urban areas. The estimated density of population in the region is about 405 person per square kilometer, which is higher than the state figure (340 person per sq. km.). The rural population constitutes per cent and urban population constitutes 5.24 per cent. The scheduled tribe and scheduled caste population accounting in the region are per cent and per cent respectively. A survey was conducted among 148 families covering a total population is 897 only. It has been found that the

28 53 population is higher (51.62 %) than female population (48.38%). Similarly, male marital status is higher (55.30 %) than the female (44.70 %). In the study area extended type of family pattern has been observe, which is per cent; highest in the region. The following table shows the family pattern, sex and marital status of the population (in %). The working population of the region constitutes per cent of the total population of which 3.44 per cent are being engaged in agricultural activities. The distribution of rural population and the distribution of beel villages in the study area have been greatly influenced by the economic and physical conditions of the region. The influence of the hill slopes particularly at the foot hills zone is worth mentioning in this regard. Table -2.7: Family pattern, sex and marital status in the region. Source : Data collected and analysed by author. Figure : Family pattern of population in sample villages in Dimoria region.

29 54 FEMALES PER 1000 MALES E m < 5 LUMSUM SEX RATIO VILLAGE WISE JARIKUCHI JIANGPAR AMARAPATHER NAMES OF THE VILLAGES INDEX FEMALE Source : Data collected and analysed by author. Figure : Sex ratio of the selected villages in Dimoria region. MARITAL STATUS NO OF PERSON CHAKURIPARA LAFLONGKHALABARI o o o o o o o o o o O O C O T j - C N J O O O C O ^ r C M MALE CATEGORY INDEX MALE FEMALE FEMALE Source : Data collected and analysed by author. Figure : Average marital status of population in the Dimoria region.

30 : Social Composition Different ethno-linguistic groups, coming from different socio-cultura! and economic background, occupy the study area. Different groups of people have been living under different ecological conditions like- foothill, plain and some in the active flood plain. These people exhibit social differences bearing the religious, caste and tribal culture, which have not merged properly till today. Based on this the population of the region has been divided into three main social groups, viz- general castes, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Almost all the people living in the Dimoria region belong to Tibeto-Burman ethno-linguistic sub family. The major communities, inhabitants in Dimoria region are the Assamese caste Hindus, Assamese Muslims, Bengali Hindus, Bodos, Karbis, Nepalies, Koch, Rabha, Tiwa, Garo, Tea Garden community etc. Besides, Bihari, Maruwari and other community population belong to different parts of India are found here. The major part of Dimoria region is dominated by Karbi and Tiwa community people. According to 2001 census, percentage of * scheduled caste and scheduled tribe population in the study area is per cent and per cent respectively. It may be mentioned here that a large proportion of tea garden and ex-tea garden labourers and a considerable proportion of scheduled tribe population, particularly hill tribes, profess Christianity. Now, a days, many scheduled caste and scheduled tribe population in the plains follow' Hindus way of life and social practices. Seven numbers of selected villages surrounding the wetlands surveyed and found per cent scheduled tribe population, per cent scheduled caste population, and per cent of OBC (other backward classes) and 4.05 per cent of general caste population. Although, there are many Islamic, Christian and other religious groups of people but these groups of population was not found in this region. Similarly, although Tiwa and Karbi population is more in the region as a whole there is no Tiwa population observed while carried out the survey. From the above data one point become worth noticing that the highest number of population is inhabited around the beels in Dimoria region. The following (Table- 2.8) shows the religion, caste and mother tongue composition of the villages surrounding the beels.

31 56 Table: 2.8 Religion, Caste and Mother tongue of the People (In %) Religion Caste Mother tongue H I c o S.T. s.c. O.B.C. G As K T B Note: H= Hindu, 1= Islam, C= Christian, 0= Other, SC= Schedule caste, ST= Schedule Tribe, OBC=Other Backward Classes. G= General caste, As= Assamese, K= Karbi, T= Tiwa, B= Boro, 0= Other Source : Data collected and analysed by author. CASTE PATTERN 100 LLI _l 0. O Lil CL U_ O o o -L ST SC OBC GENERAL CASTE INDEX CASTE Source : Data collected and analysed by author. Figure-2.20: Caste wise of population in surrounding villages of beels.

32 57 Table: Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population in Kamrup and Morigaon district, 2001 District Population Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe Person M F % Person M F % Kamrup Morigaon Source: Statistical Handbook, Assam, 2007 Table: 2.10 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population in the Study area, 2001 Region Population Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe Person M F %, Person M F % Dimoria Source: Statistical Handbook, Assam, (a): Language: Language is one of the important social phenomena of social composition. It is the more important medium of human interaction. The language data of any area reflect the socio-cultural diversity of population. So far the linguistic composition is concerned, India s population is broadly composed of five linguistic families like- (i) Indo-European (75.30 %), (ii) Dravidian (22.53 %), (iii) Austro-Asiatic, (1.13 %), (iv) Tibeto-Burmese (0.97 %) and (v) Semito- Hamitic (0.01%) form the major languistic families in the state of Assam ( Bhagabati, A.K.et. al.,2007)[6]. Assamese language is the major language in the study area. The region has a significant high proportion of non-scheduled language speakers. In Assam it is per cent of non scheduled language speakers. Among the non scheduled languages Bodo, Karbi, Santali, Garo, Rabha, Tiwa are important. The tribal language speakers like Karbi, Bodo and Tiwa are the major linguistic groups in the region. Bengali, Nepali and Hindi speaking

33 58 population also found in good number in the region. When conducted a sample survey in the study area it was found the 47 per cent Assamese speaking, 8.78 per cent Karbi speaking, per cent Boro speaking and per cent is other language speaking population are there. Source: Data collected and analysed by author. Figure: 2.21 Mother tongue in Dimoria region (b): Literacy: Literacy and education are considered as the indicator of socio-economic development of a society. The quality of human population of the society can be judged through its education and literacy rate. According to 1991 census, the literacy rate in Assam was per cent, which has increased to per cent in In study area of Dimoria region it was recorded per cent only, which is much less than that of the state percentage. While male literacy rate was per cent the female literacy rate found to be per cent in the study area. As a whole the illiteracy rate was found to be per cent in the said area. The following table shows the rural and urban literate percentage according to 2001 census in the study area.

34 59 Table : 2.11 Rural and Urban literate person in Dimoria region,2001 Person Total population Literate(M) Literate(F) Population Rural Urban Source: Statistical Handbook, Assam,2007 Seven villages adjacent to different beels in the region like- Malaibari (W), Lumsum, Jarikuchi, Jiangpar, Amarapathar, Chakuripara and Loflongkhalabari were surveyed to find out the educational status of the population. The following table shows the educational status of the populations. Significantly it was observed that there are no Post graduates, Technical and Diploma holders in the surveyed villages. Note: PP= Pre-primary, P=Primary, ME= Middle English School, HSLC= High School Leaving Certificate, HS=Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate, G= Graduate. Source: Data collected and analysed by author Figure- 2.22: Educational status of population in Dimoria region.

35 60 Table: 2.12 Educational status of the population in Dimoria region,2007 Ed. Status PP P M.E. HSLC HS G Percentage Note: PP= Pre primary, P= Primary, M.E.= Middle English School, HSLC= High School Leaving Certificate, HS= Higher Secondary, G= Graduate. Source: Data collected and analysed by author (c): Occupation: Occupation composition is one of the indicators of socio-economic development of a region. In economically advanced countries the dependency ratio is much less than the developing countries. Being fall in a developing country the study area Dimoria region accounts per cent of total marginal workers of which 5.50 per cent males and 4.64 per cent female. In the study area altogether per cent population engage in agricultural crop raising, per cent in service sector, per cent in business activities, per cent in daily wage earner, 0.44 per cent in fishery and 2.65 per cent depend on horticulture works. From above discussion a conclusion may be made that a higher proportion of population in the area depends on agriculture and secondly wage earner.

36 61 Note: A= Agriculture, S= Service, DWE= Daily Wage Earner, F=Fishing, HC=Horticulture Source: Data collected and analysed by author. Figure- 2.23: Occupational status of population in Dimoria region. 2.4: SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTING: The socio-economic condition of the society indicate the development of a region. The socio-economic settings of the study area is mainly constituted by the agriculture, industry and transport and communication. The study area is agriculturally, industrially and transport and communication point of view backward. From the past, the region is dominating by agriculture but most agricultural field now occupied by industries : Transport and Communication: Transport and communication system is one of the indispensable parts for alround socio-economic development of a region. In the study area, surface transport

37 62 i.e, roadways and railways have play a vital role. Almost all the heels in the region are touched by motorable roads, while 4 beels are by railways lines. The broad gauge railway line from Guwahati to Lumding and Dibrugarh has been crossing through the study area. Jagiroad and Digaru are the two most important railway stations in the area. From industrial and commercial point of view these two railway stations are most important in the area. Though the railway network is well connected the region, the density of railway is very less. The only railway line passes nearby the Chong beel of Digaru, Bomani and Duani beels of Tetelia and Taranga beel of Jagiroad. It is worth mentioning here that railway lines have obstructed most of the feeder channels of the wetlands at several locations. Further, National Highway No 37 is crossed through the middle part of the study area There are 8 beels that are dissected by some motorable roads at different points in the region. For example- Baralimara beel (Samaikuria beel) is crossed by a RCC bridge connecting the Phatgaon village and Barkhat- Bymihat road. Bomani beel is dissected by the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardalai memorial road connecting the No 37 National Highway with the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary and Duani beel is dissected by the Tetelia- Maloibari road which connected the interior areas of Maloibari village and No. 37 National Highway. Similarly, RCC bridge over Jalikhara beel connecting the Maloibari village with Khetri, bridge over Garanga beel connecting the Kalongpar with Mayong area, bridge over Taranga beel connecting the Jagiroad town with Morigaon town through Jagibhakat gaon and bridge over Bormonoha beel connected the Jagibhakat gaon with Mayong and Chandrapur area. Motorable roads and bridges constructed near and over beels obstruct the feeder channels as well as obstruct free flowing of water. Besides, these roads and railways, together with innumerable bridges and culverts, directly or indirectly affect the various geo-environmental and geoecological aspects of the beels in the study area. There is a good network of rivers particularly Kalong and Digaru. An important feature of the rivers in the region is that almost all of them are interconnected. Kalong

38 63 river is comparatively more important navigable river than Digaru river. But water transport is not yet developed although it has more prospects. Only country boats are used for the transport and communication in some particular areas. Similarly, Digaru river has also some prospects for development of water transport but it is not yet achieved. Country boats are used by the local people for carrying sand and other items. Although the river remains dry during winter, during the summer season river Digaru can be used for transport and communication purposes from Kajalimukh (meeting place of Kalong and Digaru) to Bymihat of Assam and Meghalaya boarder : Industry: The population of the study area is mainly depend in agricultural activitites. Industries of the area have not yet assumed a dominant role for development of socioeconomic condition of the society. Sonapur Tea Estate is one of the private sector industries play a dominant role in the area. At present newly growing brick industries play a vital role in socio-economic development of the region. Altogether 26 numbers of brick industries are there in the area and seasonally (500x26)13000 labourers employed in these industries. Besides, Coke, Lime and Cement industries also developed in the regions. Nowgaon Paper mill of Jagiroad is another employment generating industry in the study area, which plays a vital role. The following table shows the list of industries and respective of units in the area. These industries are mainly located along the G.S. road No 40 and National Highway No 37. The Brick industries are located along the northern bank of Digaru river. Through samse people have already been engaged these industries have more opportunities to employ more people in the Area.