REPORT ON SLOPE, ASPECT AND ALTITUDE

OF SARAIKELA-KHARSAWAN DISTRICT JHARKHAND STATE

Submitted to

JHARKHAND SPACE APPLICATIONS CENTER Department of Information Technology, Govt. of Jharkhand

RANCHI

By

M/s INDIAN RESOURCES INFORMATION & MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES LTD. (IN-RIMT)

Plot No. 39, Ananth Info Park, Phase – II, Hi-Tech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad-500 081

Ph. No.040-6615 6615 Website: www.inrimt.com

 

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

1  Document Control Number  JSAC/TECH‐REP/DoIT‐GoJ/NRIS/10‐11/ 2  Title  Slope Map of Saraikela‐Kharsawan District 3  Report / Document Type  Technical Report 4  Author (s)  Ravish Kumar (Principal Investigator) 5  Affiliation of  

Author (s) Jharkhand Space Applications Center  

6  Project Coordinator  Dr. A.T.Jeyaseelan, Director,  Jharkhand Space Applications Center  

7  Beneficiary Department  Department  of  Agriculture  &  Sugarcane  development, Rural Development, Revenue & Land Reforms, GoJ 

8  Project Sponsor  Department of Information Technology, GoJ 9  Date of Project Completion  2008 10  Date of Project Initiation  2007 11  Date of Publication  2010 12  Contents of Report  31 pages, 4 figures and 8 tables 13  Abstract  Slope  is  a  measurement  of  gradient  of  steepness 

between two places or points on land surface. Slope has been  classified  into  seven  categories  based  on  the percent  of  slope.  Aspect  is  directly  derived  from  the toposheet  and  marked  on  the  slope  map  for  the categories  having  more  than  15  percent  of  slope.  Aspect is marked in arrow symbol facing four directions. Contour  lines  with  100m  interval  have  been  derived from  the  toposheet and marked on  the  slope map,  for generating altitudinal zones. 

14  Reproduction Rights  This  final  report  and  its  content  are  the  property  of JSAC,  Ranchi  and  shall  not  be  reproduced  in  part  or whole without the written permission from above. 

15  Mapping Agency  M/s INRIMT, Hyderabad  

PROJECT TEAM

1. Dr. K.R. Jayaraj Project Director

2. Dr. G.V.A. Rama Krishna Project Co-ordinator

3. Dr. D.B. Nadagouda Sr. Resource Scientist

4. Dr. S.G. Vastrad Sr. Resource Scientist

5. Smt. K. Jayasri GIS Support

6. Mr. P. Bhishma Rao GIS Support

7. Mr. K. Subba Rao CAD Support

8. Mr. K. Laxman CAD Support

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CONTENTS

HOW TO USE THIS REPORT i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii PROJECT TEAM iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iv

1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING 3 2.1 Location and Extent 3

2.2 Physiography and Relief 3

2.3 Geology 5

2.4 Drainage 6

2.5 Climate 7

2.6 Natural Vegetation 8 3. PREPARATION OF SLOPE MAPS - METHODOLOGY 12

3.1 Slope Categorization System 12

3.2 Topographical Maps 12

3.3 Slope Mapping 12

4. THE SLOPE, ASPECT & ALTITUDE 16 4.1 Concept 16

4.2 Slope Variations in Saraikela-Kharsawan District 16

4.3 Slope Aspect in Saraikela-Kharsawan District 20

4.4 Altitudinal Variations in Saraikela-Kharsawan District 21

5. IMPACT OF SLOPE ON LAND USE AND 22 SOCIO- ECONOMIC STATUS

5.1 Slope as a Terrain Factor 22

5.2 Slope and Land Use in the District 22

5.3 Slope and Socio-Economic Conditions 26

REFERENCES 31

LIST OF TABLES

2.1 Monthly rainfall (in mm) of Saraikela-Kharsawan district 9 during the period 1998-2007 2.2 Meteorological data for Saraikela-Kharsawan district 10 3.1 Slope Categories 12 3.2 Contour Spacing and Categories of Slopes 13 4.1 Details of Slope Classes in Saraikela-Kharsawan District 18 5.1 Block-wise Land Use Statistics of Saraikela-Kharsawan District 23

5.2 Farmers classification according to land holding size 27

5.3 Demographic information of the Saraikela-Kharsawan district 28

LIST OF FIGURES

2.1 Index map of Saraikela-Kharsawan District 4

3.1 Flow Chart Illustrating Slope Mapping 15

4.1 Slope Map of Saraikela-Kharsawan District 17

4.2 Distribution of Slope in the District 19

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to Dr. A. T. Jeyaseelan, Director and Dr. A. P. Subudhi, Director

(formerly), Jharkhand Space Applications Center (JSAC), Ranchi for entrusting

this project work to Indian Resources Information and Management Technologies

Ltd. (IN-RIMT) and continued support during the execution of the project work.

We extend our thanks to Sh. Ravish Kumar and Sh. Vinod Kumar, Scientist,

JSAC, Ranchi for the quality assessment of the maps and their useful

suggestions.

The help and cooperation of the support staff of the IN-RIMT, Bangalore,

IN-RIMT, Headquarters, Hyderabad and Director (Applns.) and support staff of

IN-RIMT, Nagpur deserve special appreciation and thanks.

ii

i

REPORT ON SLOPE, ASPECT AND ALTITUDE OF SARAIKELA-KHARSAWAN DISTRICT

HOW TO USE THIS REPORT

This report and the accompanying slope map of Saraikela-Kharsawan district provide information on slope gradient and aspect as also spatial data on altitude. Although slope mapping is primarily generated for Digital Database of the Jharkhand State and to serve National Resources Information System (NRIS), this document and the map would serve a multitude of land based planning and research activities. The slope, aspect and altitude map shows locations, extent and distribution of the different slope classes as defined in the legend. Aspect is indicated by arrows and altitudes by spot heights. In order to use the slope map, first locate the area of interest on ‘Index to Map Sheets’ and then specific area on the relevant map sheet by reference to geographic coordinates, locations of major towns and cities, roads, railways and rivers. Mapping units are differentiated by colour shades and hachure as explained in the map legend. Details of methodology and system of slope categorization followed for mapping are provided in Chapter 3. Chapter 2 provides information on geographic setting of the area, comprising geology, physiography, relief and climate which have direct bearing on variations of slope gradient and aspect in the area. The spatial distribution of the various slope classes and the information on aspects and altitudinal variations are discussed in Chapter 4. Details of slope classes mapped and the extent of area under each of the seven standard slope categories are provided in Table 4.1. The probable impact of slope on land use and socio-economic status is discussed block wise and summarized for the whole district in Chapter 5. For any clarification or additional information in regard to contents of this report and the accompanying maps, contact may be made with: Director, Jharkhand Space Applications Centre, Department of Information Technology, Govt. of Jharkhand, 2nd Floor, ATI Main Building, Meur’s Road, RANCHI - 834 008

iv

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Slope mapping on 1:50,000 scale was carried out in Saraikela-Kharsawan district of Kolhan Commissionaire, Jharkhand State under the Indian Resources Information and Management Technologies, Ltd. (IN-RIMT) Hyderabad for the Jharkhand Space Applications Centre (JSAC), Government of Jharkhand, Ranchi. Besides slope gradient and aspect, data on altitudinal variations was recorded under this project. The objective has been to support natural resources database with an indispensable input of spatial data on slope and its attributes to serve a variety of area developmental programmes. The spatial data on slope would also serve as an important input for the National (Natural) Resources Information System (NRIS). Survey of India (SOI) topographical maps on 1:50,000 scale with contour interval of either 20 m or 10 m, as available, were used. Vertical drop denoted by the contour interval (VI) divided by the horizontal distance in between the contours measured on the map with scale factor (HD) and multiplied by 100 gives slope percentage (% slope = VI / HD x 100). Slope classification system of the All India Soil and Land Use Survey was followed. Seven slope classes were thus recognized. They are : (1) Level to nearly level (0-1%), (2) Very gently sloping (1-3%), (3) Gently sloping (3-5%), (4) Moderately sloping (5-10%), (5) Strongly sloping (10-15%), (6) Moderately steep to steeply sloping (15-35%), and (7) Very steeply sloping (>35%). For mapping each of these slope classes was correlated with horizontal distance between the contours since vertical interval of 20 m or 10 m was constant. For example, more than 4 cm spacing between the two contours of 20 m vertical interval implies 0-1 per cent slope or 0.4 – 0.8 cm spacing implies 5-10 per cent slope. Based on this relationship, templates were prepared separately for 20 m and 10 m contour intervals for ready measurement. Using these templates slope classes were delineated toposheet wise on tracing sheets. Limited ground truth was carried out to verify the accuracy of slope categories. Slope aspects were shown by arrows. Altitudes drawn from SOI toposheets were recorded. Slope maps were then quality checked, edge matched and finally scanned. Relevant features were digitized in different layers. Manual digitization was carried out and quality checked for digitization errors, missing lines / polygons and attribute IDs. The slope categories were numbered, coloured in accordance with standard colour scheme, and final maps were generated. Area statistics of the different slope classes mapped in the district were tabulated. Saraikela-Kharsawan district covers an area of 2719.83 sq. km. It has 8 blocks. It forms a part of Chhotanagpur plateau characterized by hilly upland terrain with hills, pediments, plateaus, valleys and plains. Major geological formations of the district are : (i) Granites and gneisses of Archaean group, (ii) Iron ore series, (iii) Dharwar series-older metamorphics, (iv) Volcanic lava flows of Dalma and Dhanjori hills, and (v) Neodolerites.

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The mean annual rainfall of the district is 995 mm with average annual temperature of 26.10C. The annual rainfall covers about 80 per cent of annual potential evaporative (PET) demands of crops, which range between 1400 and 1700 mm. The wet period favorable for agricultural crops normally extends from June to September, whereas crop stress starts from November with onset of dry conditions. River Subarnarekha with its principal tributary Kharkai drains the district area. Drainage pattern is dendritic to subdendritic on the plains and trellis in the folded structures of hill ranges. According to land use statistics, nearly 29 per cent of the district area is under forests and about 42 per cent area under agriculture, which comprises net sown area, current fallows and fallows other than current fallows. About 8 per cent of the district area is stony, barren and unculturable waste. Natural vegetation comprising chasmophytic species predominate on rocky hill slopes, whereas dry deciduous forests occur on ridges and exposed spurs with southern aspect. The granitic hillocks on plateaus have sal or mixed forest with bamboo. Major part of the Saraikela-Kharsawan district is characterized by nearly level terrain with slopes of 0-1 per cent covering an area of 1192 sq. km or nearly 48 per cent of the district area. Nearly level lands are mapped in the southern, northern and south-central portions of the district on either sides of the drainage system of the tributaries of Subarnarekha river. Very gently sloping lands with 1-3 per cent slope occupy 714 sq. km area which comes to nearly 29 per cent of the mapped area. The two slope categories representing nearly level to very gently sloping area with slope range of 0-3 per cent occupy 77 per cent of this district. They are encountered in alluvial plain, flat bottomed valley lands and are located in northern, western and south-eastern parts of the district. Gently sloping areas (3-5% slope) cover 91 sq. km. representing 3.67 per cent of the district area and are usually associated with foot-hills as seen in around Kendudih, Kaudra, Hathnada and East of Kharsawan. Moderately sloping lands with 5-10 per cent slope are few and limited in extent. They occupy cover 35 sq. km or 1.41 per cent of the district area and occur as isolated patches adjoining foot hills, north of Jilingda, south of Kaudra, around Kuddadih and north of Govindpur. Strongly sloping area (10-15% slope) are spread over 61 sq. km covering about 2.5 per cent of the district area in isolated patches in the fringe areas of the hilly tract. Such slopes are mapped around Damadri, Dumra and towards south of Kuruktopa.

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Moderately steep to steeply sloping lands (15-35 % slope) occupying 123 sq. km or nearly 5 per cent of the district area are mapped as isolated patches in the south-east part of the district and also around Jambro, Kalajar and Dinol. Very steeply sloping areas with more than 35 per cent slope cover 265 sq. km representing 10.68 per cent of the district area. They are mapped in the EW trending hill ranges in the central portion of the district Slope aspect is particularly significant for slopes with over 15 per cent gradient. The hill ranges in the district have both northern and southern aspects. The altitudinal variations in Saraikela-Kharsawan district varies from 130 M near Subernarekha river to 920 M above msl at the highest peak of Dalma hill range. Impact of slope on land use is discerned in predominance of agriculture upto 3 per cent slope, as expected. Major crops include rice, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables. However, even on very gently and gently sloping lands sal forests are found to have been raised in patches. Predominant land use of moderately sloping areas (5-10% slope) of this district is cashewnut and eucalyptus plantations. Some of these areas with very shallow or otherwise poor and impoverished soils are lying waste. Some of the mines are also encountered on moderately sloping areas. Strongly to very steeply sloping lands are mostly under forests, patches of stony and rocky wastelands and confined areas of mines. Impact of slope on socio-economic conditions is difficult to gauge as reliable data on many of the indicators of the socio-economic milieu are not readily available. However, it can broadly be said that socio-economic conditions are better in the plains with gentle slopes compared to hilly lands with stronger and steep slopes as reflected by population density (indicative of better living conditions expressed in better employment opportunities, infrastructure, health care facilities, etc.) and literacy rate. However, mining and industries irrespective of slope have overwhelming impact on socio-economic status of the inhabitants.

CHAPTER - 1

INTRODUCTION

Slope refers to the ground surface configuration. Slope has gradient, complexity, length

and aspect. Slope gradient is an integral part of many environmental studies and

several prediction models relating to soil loss, runoff, flood, soil suitability, land

capability, land irrigability and others.

Slope gradient is the inclination of the land surface from the horizontal. It is measured

in the field with the help of theodolite, Abney level or other sophisticated instruments.

The difference in elevation between two points is measured as angle of inclination and

expressed as a percentage of the distance between these two points. The field methods

of slope mapping are tedious, cumbersome and often subjective.

With the advent of aero-space remote sensing, slope mapping has been more efficient

and accurate with photogrammetric techniques and with DEM using suitable algorithms,

such as quadratic surface (ARC / INFO), IDRISI’S neighborhood, best fit plane, etc.

Another simple and efficient procedure of slope mapping, however, is computation of

slopes from a plannimetrically controlled appropriate contour map or Survey of India

topographical map. The abstraction level of slope mapping in this case, however, is

controlled by scale of map and the contour interval.

Based on the above approach, the Indian Resources Information and Management

Technologies, Limited (IN-RIMT), Hyderabad undertook and completed the project on

slope mapping, in consultancy mode, for the Jharkhand Space Applications Centre

(JSAC), Department of Information Technology, Government of Jharkhand, Ranchi.

The project area comprises the three districts of East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and

Saraikela-Kharsawan of the Kolhan Commissionaire.

In accordance with the Terms of Reference, the scope of the work is as follows.

• Visual interpretation of Survey of India topographical maps for preparation of

slope, aspect and altitude maps on 1:50,000 scale

1

• Field validation by limited field checks

• Boundary matching of individual sheets

• Creation of GIS database on slope, aspect and altitude

• Preparation of district wise brief reports

This report embodies the results of slope mapping in Saraikela-Kharsawan district,

Kolhan Commissionaire, Jharkhand State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

CHAPTER 2

GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING

2.1 Location and Extent

Saraikela-Kharsawan is a newly created district in 2001, subsequent to the formation of

Jharkhand State. It is formed of eight blocks separated from the West Singhbhum

district. They are : (1) Gobindpur, (2) Adityapur, (3) Saraikela, (4) Kharsawan, (5)

Kuchai, (6) Echogram, (7) Chandil, and (8) Nimdih. Administratively the first five blocks

are placed under Saraikela subdivision and the last three under Chandil subdivision.

The district is located between 22029’ – 2309’45” NL and 85030’50” – 86014’10” EL and

is bounded by East Singhbhum in the east, Ranchi and Purulia (W. Bengal) in the north,

Ranchi and West Singhbhum in the west and Mayurbhanj (Orissa) in south (Fig. 2.1).

The geographical area of the district, according to 2001 Census is 2719.83 sq. km

2.2 Physiography and Relief

Physiographically, the district is a continuum of the terrain of East and West Singhbhum

districts as a part of the southern fringe of Chhotanagpur plateau characterized by hill

ranges, upland plains, narrow valleys and plateaus. The elevation ranges from 130 M

above msl near Subarnarekha river adjoining Saharbera to 920 M msl at Dalma Pahar.

The following six major physiographic units are recognized for the district

1. Hill ranges and hills.

2. Dykes

3. Pediments

4. Undulating plateaus

5. Pedeplain

6. Narrow valleys

In the north, below the isolated hills of Dharwar series and Dalma lava lies the great

range of Dalma Pahar which extends over to East Singhbhum district, below which are

hills of Dharwar series. Southern part contagious to West Singhbhum district is

3

dominated by the hills of granite and granitic gneiss. In the north-western part of the

district the hill ranges of Dhanjori and Dalma series extending from Ranchi district are

prominent.

Dykes are abundant in granitic formations as intrusives of the neo-dolerite. They have a

major direction of NNE-SSW and a subsidiary one of NNW-SSE. They vary in width

and at places stand out clearly traversing over several kilometres.

Pediments are interspersed throughout the area between hills and plateaus and at

places are completely barren or covered with rocks and boulders. Plateaus, both

dissected and non-dissected occur at different levels with a mean elevation of 250 M

above msl. More or less at the same level and slightly below are pedeplains, which

together with some plateaus form the major agricultural land of the area. Valleys are

predominantly V shaped and mostly intermountain in nature except for a few localized

and inextensive U shaped valleys along the streams.

2.3 Geology

The geological formations which occur in the district mainly comprise : (1) Granites and

gneisses, (2) Iron-ore series, (3) Dharwar series - Older metamorphics, (4) Dhanjori and

Dalma lava / basic rocks, and (5) Neo-dolerites.

The granites and gneisses of Archaean age are intrusive into the oldest sedimentary

rocks, now highly metamorphosed, and known as Singhbhum granite and gneiss and

the Chhotanagpur granite gneiss. Singhbhum granite varies in composition from

potash granite to granodiorite and contains orthoclase, microcline, acid plagioclase,

biotite & hornblende. Chhotanagpur granite-gneiss is generally coarse and porphyritic.

It is composed of quartz, microcline, orthoclase, oligoclase, biotite and a little apatite.

Iron ore series in this district are represented by shales, purple and grey limestones,

conglomerates and purple sandstone. The shales contain some deposits of manganese

ores. They are practically unmetamorphosed but subjected to folding. The

conglomerates contain pebbles derived from Singhbhum granite. The limestone rests

conformably on the basal sandstone, but is not extensive being lenticular.

5

Older metamorphics comprise Gondites associated with phyllites. They are succeeded

by carbonaceous quartzites and phyllites, dolomitic and calcitic marbles and

carbonaceous phyllites and are being intercalated by phyllites and mica-schists.

Volcanic lava flows are younger than iron ore series and are known as Dalma traps.

They are fine grained but are reported to have been almost entirely recrystallised to a

hornblende rock. The original amygdules have been preserved, even to the radiating

structure of the original zeolites now altered to epidote. They correlate with Dhanjori

lava to a certain extent. The Palaeoproterozoic Dhanjori formation overlies the

Singhbhum granite and is in turn overlain by the Chaibasa formation constituting the

Singhbhum group. In the upper part basalt and andesite basalt flows are intercalated.

The Neo-dolerite is the latest intrusive appearing as dykes in the Singhbhum granite.

The dykes have a major direction of NNE-SSW and a subsidiary one NNW-SSE. They

vary in width from a few metres to as much as 500-600 metres. They are composed of

dolerites or quartz-dolerite with granophysic structure. The thicker dykes are

gabbroid or noritic in the central portion. Besides, laterites are found as cappings on

plateaus or mounds in extreme south-eastern part of the district. Alluvium of both older

and recent formations occurs in flood plains and valleys.

2.4 Drainage

The river Subarnarekha is the main river, forming entire district as its catchment.

However, the district can be clearly subdivided into two unique subcatchments, viz., (i)

Main Subarnarekha, and (2) Kharkai up to its confluence with Subarnarekha. The river

Subarnarekha rises near Ranchi and enters the district from north-west near Saharbera.

It then flows south-east for nearly 6.6 km and leaves the district near Gamhariya after it

meets Kharkai river.

The principal tributary of Subarnarekha is the river Kharkai, which is formed by the

junction of two mountain streams rising from the eastern Kolhan range of hills. The river

takes a north-westerly course and forms a boundary between the Mayurbhanj and

6

Saraikela-Kharsawan districts for a short distance. It then takes a northern course and

radiates eastwards and then northwards till it drains into Subarnarekha. Kharkai along

with its tributaries Sanjai and Sono drains western and southern half of the district.

Other tributaries of Kharkai coming from southern part of the district are Sona nadi,

Garra nadi and Bhangbon nadi. Sono nadi is fed by Suru nala and Ragra nala.

The other left bank tributaries of Subarnarekha in the north-east subcatchment are

Sobha nadi, Jarum Jhor, Sanka river, Chingra Jhor, Bani river and Kapila Ghat Nadi. Its

right bank tributaries are Kharkai river, Sita nala, Khuntijurla nadi, Jhomjhariya nadi and

Konki Jhor. Most of the feeders are highly fluctuating with continuous flow only during

the monsoon season and either completely dry or carry disconnected pools of water

during the rest of the year.

Overall, the drainage pattern on the plains is subdendritic to dendritic, but trellis pattern

is observable in the folded structures of hill ranges. Drainage density, in general, is

moderate to high except in high lands where it is comparatively low.

2.5 Climate

The district broadly comes under the subtropical, subhumid monsoon climatic belt. The

climate is characterized by winter season from November to February, summer season

from March to May and monsoon season from mid-June to October. The relevant

meteorological data are shown in tables 2.1 and 2.2.

The mean annual rainfall of the district, based on 10 years rainfall data (1998-2007)

collected from the Directorate of Agriculture, Jharkhand State, Ranchi (Table 2.1) is

nearly 995 mm. Nearly 90 per cent of the annual rainfall is received during the five

months of June to October; the rainiest months being July and August. The year-to-year

rainfall variability is high.

The mean annual air temperature is 26.10C with maximum summer and minimum winter

air temperatures of 40°C and 10.9°C, respectively (Table 2.2). Humidity, as expected,

is very high; being nearly 85 per cent during the monsoon season. During summer

months it drops to around 50 per cent.

7

During the period January-June, violent storms from north-west called Nor’wester

accompanied by thunder, lightening and rain occur occasionally. During this period

wind speed exceed 150 km per hour at places in the district.

According to water balance studies (conducted under the National Bureau of Soil

Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur), the annual precipitation covers about 80 per

cent of the annual potential evapo-transpirative (PET) demand, which ranges between

1400 and 1700 mm, resulting in gross annual water deficit of 500-700 mm. The soil

moisture availability period which determines the LGP or length of growing period (of

plants) ranges from 150 to 180 days in a year.

2.6 Natural Vegetation

Natural vegetation of the district is found to be largely influenced by the terrain with

elements like physiography, slope, geology and soil. The dykes and hillocks on the

plateaus with exposed rocks are mostly barren or have chasmophytic shrubs and

bushes. The granitic hillocks on plateaus have sal (Shorea robusta) or mixed forest of

deciduous species and bamboo. Most of the hill ranges have dense forests; the

predominant species of which are :

● Shorea robusta ● Delbergia sisoo

● Diospyros sps. ● Azadirachta indica

● Bassia latifolia ● Bombax mori

● Schleichera trijuga ● Phylanthus emblica

● Butea monosperma ● Anogeissus latifolia

Along the fringes the following species are found to form under-shrubs

● Vitex negundo ● Acacia arabica

● Gymnosporia montana ● Zyzyphus jujuba

● Anona squamosa ● Holarrhena antidysenterica

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Table 2.1

Monthly rainfall (in mm) variability in Saraikela-Kharsawan district, during the period 1998-2007

(Source: Directorate of Agriculture, Ranchi)

9

Year

Month 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Mean

January 32.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.5 0.0 0.0 7.0 0.0 12.0 5.8

February 22.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 17.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.0

March 0.0 0.0 0.0 17.1 0.0 38.6 0.0 40.0 8.1 35.8 14.0

April 47.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.0 6.5 0.0 1.5 0.0 20.1 9.0

May 5.0 59.4 110.2 29.2 0.0 22.2 21.0 28.0 99.1 57.2 43.1

June 74.8 131.2 215.0 133.8 267.0 152.9 178.4 201.6 172.1 143.6 167.0

July 173.6 195.9 201.1 266.5 129.0 164.4 280.9 234.8 497.1 530.3 267.4

August 162.0 206.2 43.7 188.1 237.7 181.1 455.0 173.4 369.2 354.1 237.1

September 150.0 459.0 199.2 55.3 116.7 155.7 142.1 136.5 276.7 NA 187.9

October 166.8 139.2 1.2 48.1 18.9 133.7 78.7 127.0 12.0 NA 80.6

November 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NA 0.0

December 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.0 42.6 0.0 NA 4.9

Total 834.4 1190.9 770.4 738.1 790.8 873.5 1156.1 992.4 1434.3 1153.1 993.4

Table 2.2 Meteorological Data for Saraikela-Kharsawan District

Month Temperature (C0) Rainfall

(mm) Maximum Minimum Average

January 26.2 11.3 18.8 5.8

February 28.8 14.1 21.4 4.0

March 34.6 18.8 26.7 14.0

April 38.9 23.7 31.3 9.0

May 40.0 26.2 33.1 43.1

June 36.1 26.2 31.1 167.0

July 31.9 25.3 28.6 267.4

August 31.3 24.9 28.1 237.1

September 31.8 24.4 28.1 187.9

October 31.2 21.2 26.2 80.6

November 28.3 15.4 21.8 0.0

December 25.7 10.9 18.3 4.9

Mean Annual 32.1 20.2 26.1 1020.8

(Source: Directorate of Agriculture, Ranchi)

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Winter fallows are found covered with Spnaeranthus indica and Asteracantha latifolia.

Along the railway lines and roadside the following vegetation species are encountered :

● Croton sparsiflorus ● Cassia occidentalis

● Lantana camera ● Argemone mexicana

On the exposed faces of rocks, xerophytic species predominate on the southern face,

whereas on others Iseilma laxum, Themeda quadrivatvis and Pennisetum pedicillatum

are found to thrive.

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CHAPTER - 3

PREPARATION OF SLOPE MAPS - METHODOLOGY

3.1 Slope Categorization System

Slope categorization system of All India Soil & Land Use Survey (now Soil & Land Use

Survey of India) as shown in the following table was followed for slope mapping.

Table 3.1

Slope categories

Slope Class Slope in % Slope Category

1 0 - 1 Nearly level

2 1 - 3 Very gently sloping

3 3 - 5 Gently sloping

4 5 - 10 Moderately sloping

5 10 - 15 Strongly sloping

6 15 - 35 Moderately steep to steeply sloping

7 >35 Very steeply sloping

3.2 Topographical Maps

The Survey of India toposheets on 1: 50,000 scale (73 E/16; 73 F/ 9, 10, 13, 14, 15;

73I/ 4, 73J/1, 2) with contour interval of 20 m. and 10 m. were used to derive the slope

information in terms of gradient in percentages and its aspect (the general direction of

the slope face). The slope aspect is shown, with arrow marks on the maps. Prominent

altitudinal zones based on height information derived from SOI topographical maps are

depicted on the slope map, wherever found necessary. The other base map features

transferred on slope map comprise major settlements, major roads, railway line and

water bodies comprising rivers, tanks and reservoirs.

12

3.3 Slope Mapping

Using the SOI toposheets, the vertical drop is measured from the contour intervals and

the horizontal distance in between the contours is calculated by multiplying the map

distance with the scale factor. Contours were classified into facets of equal distance

between two consecutive contours. The slope of each facet is estimated by the

formula:

Slope = VI / HD x 100

Where,

VI – Vertical interval

HD – Horizontal distance

Close spaced contours on the map imply higher percentage of slope when compared to

sparse contours. The density of contours was used to prepare slope maps showing

various groups/ categories of slopes. The relationship between the standard slope

categories and the corresponding contour spacings on SOI topographical map of

1:50,000 scale were worked out both for 10 and 20 M contour intervals as shown in

Table 3.2 for 20 m contour interval.

Table 3.2

Contour spacing and categories of slope

Slope Category

Lower & upper limit of slope percentage

Lower & upper limit of contour spacing

1 0-1% More than 4 cm.

2 More than 1% upto 3% More than 1.33 cm. and upto 4 cm.

3 More than 3% upto 5% More than 0.8 cm. and upto 1.33 cm.

4 More than 5% upto 10% More than 0.4 cm. and upto 0.8 cm.

5 More than 10% upto 15% More than 0.26 cm. and upto 0.4 cm.

6 More than 15% upto 35% More than 0.11 cm. and upto 0.26 cm.

7 More than 35% 0.11 cm. and less

13

Based on the above relationship, templates were prepared separately for 20 m. and 10

m. contour intervals for ready measurement. Using the templates, slope values were

measured to delineate the above 7 categories of slope. Limited ground truth was

collected out to verify the accuracy of slope categories. The slope maps were thus

prepared separately on tracing sheets, toposheet-wise. They were then quality checked

and edge / boundary matched and corrected wherever necessary. Finally, they were

scanned and the required features were digitized in different layers. Manual digitization

was carried out and quality checked for digitization errors, missing lines/ polygons and

attribute ID’s. The slope categories were numbered and coloured as per the accepted

colour scheme to prepare the final slope maps. The methodology followed for slope

mapping is presented in Figure 3.1.

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 3.1 Flow chart illustrating slope mapping

15

ANALYSIS OF TOPOSHEETS

DELINEATION OF SLOPE

DEMARCATION OF ASPECT

INTERNAL QC

MODIFICATIONS FINAL QAS

DIGITISATION OF SLOPE MAPS & GIS

DEVELOPMENT

PREPARATION OF DISTRICT WISE SLOPE MAPS

CHAPTER – 4

THE SLOPE, ASPECT AND ALTITUDE

4.1 Concept

Slope, Aspect and Altitude are important terrain parameters from the land utilization

point of view. As stated earlier, slope is very important for land irrigability and capability

assessment whereas Aspect and Altitude of an area have important bearing on the

vegetation type.

Slope is defined as the ratio of altitude change to the horizontal distance between two

points of a line. The Slope or gradient of a land surface describes its steepness or

incline of a landscape element. Higher slope values indicates steeper incline. Slope can

be expressed by ‘angle in degrees’ of by ‘slope in percentage’. Generally, slopes of

terrain features are expressed in percentages.

Aspect generally refers to the direction to which the mountain / hill slope faces and can

be shown by an arrow mark. Altitude is the term commonly used to mean the height

above mean sea level of a location and is generally expressed in meters.

4.2 Slope Variations in Saraikela-Kharsawan District

The slope map of Saraikela-Kharswan district is shown in Figure 4.1. Toposheet-wise

slope maps on 1:50,000 scale are submitted in a separate folder.

The details of slope classes mapped in the district and their corresponding areas are

shown in Table 4.1. The relative distribution of the slope classes in the district is

illustrated in Figure 4.2.

The Saraikela-Kharsawan district is characterized by a terrain with distinct

geomorphological set-up. A prominent east-west trending hill range virtually cuts across

the district dividing the district into two halves; the northern part and the southern part.

In the northern part, another smaller hill range runs parallel to the main range north of

Chandil town. Similarly, in the southern part, two smaller hill ranges running parallel to

16

Table 4.1

Details of Slope in Saraikela-Kharswan district

Slope Class

Slope in %

Slope Category Area in sq. km.

% to total mapping area

1 0-1 Nearly level 1192 48.04

2 1-3 Very gently sloping 714 28.78

3 3-5 Gently sloping 91 3.67

4 5-10 Moderately sloping 35 1.41

5 10-15 Strongly sloping 61 2.46

6 15-35 Moderately steep to steeply sloping

123 4.96

7 >35 Very steeply sloping 265 10.68

Total 2481 100.00

each other appear and are trending in NW-SE direction, south of Raghunathpur. The

Subarnarekha river cuts across the main hill range north-west of Jamshedpur city

situated in the East Singhbhum district.

In general, the terrain of Saraikela-Kharsawan district varies from nearly level in the

plains to very steep in the hilly areas and dissected slopes. Major portion of the district

is characterized by the presence of nearly level to very gentle slopes in the range of 0–3

per cent. An area of 1192 sq. km representing 48.04 per cent of the Saraikela-

Kharsawan district is a plain with 0–1 per cent slope, and 714 sq. km. representing

28.78 per cent of the total area is very gently sloping (1–3 per cent). These two

categories of slope together represent about 77 per cent of the Saraikela-Kharsawan

district, indicating that the terrain is mostly a plain country.

Nearly level plain lands with slopes of 0-1 per cent are seen mostly in the northern,

southern and south-central portions of the district on either sides of the drainage system

comprising tributaries of Subernarekha river, such as Sanjal, Kharkai, Sona, Domra,

etc. The larger habitations, such as Saraikela, Gobindpur, Kuchal, Dugni,

Raghunathpur, Ichagarh, Kukru are located in this category of slope.

18

Fig. 4.2: Distribution of slope classes in the district

19

Areas having 1-3 per cent slope occur as isolated patches in the northern and southern

river plains. Slopes of this category are seen around Bisudih and Rora in the south

eastern corner of the district. Similarly, such slopes are also seen around Bara and

Gamhariya in the western part of the district. In the northern part, 1-3 per cent slope

occurs around Pilid and Chauka-Dinol areas.

Gently sloping and moderately sloping areas (3-10% slope) generally occur between

the plains and strongly sloping hills, and together represent only 5.08 per cent (126 sq.

km) of the Saraikela-Kharsawan district. Gentle slopes (3-5%) are more common in the

foot hill areas of the major hill ranges and represent 3.67 per cent of the total area (91

sq. km). Since the hill ranges are confined to the central portion of the district, such

categories of slope are common in the central part around Kendudih, Kaudra,

Hathnada, east of Kharsawan, etc. Moderately sloping areas (5-10% slope) are few

and limited in extent (35 sq. km) representing only about 1.5 per cent of the district area.

They occur as isolated patches north of Jilingda, south of Kaudra, around Kuddadih and

north of Govindapur.

Strongly sloping areas (10-15%) cover 2.46 per cent (61 sq.km.) of the district occurring

as isolated patches in the fringe areas of the hilly tract. Such slopes are seen around

Damadri, Dumra and towards south of Kuruktopa.

Moderately steep to steeply sloping areas (15 -35%) are seen all along the hill range

running from east to west in the central portion of the district. Isolated patches of steeply

sloping areas are also encountered in the south-east part of the district. Such steeply

sloping lands occupy 123 sq. km (4.96%) of the Saraikela-Kharswan district and are

concentrated mostly around Jambro, Kalajar and Dinoi.

4.3 Slope Aspect in Saraikela-Kharsawan District

Very steep sloping lands with more than 35 per cent slope represent 10.68 per cent

area (265 sq. km.) of the district. Very steep slopes are again seen all along the E-W

trending hill ranges in the central portion of the district. In areas of steep and very steep

slopes, most of the rainfall forms run-off giving only little scope for infiltration.

20

Aspect is shown by an arrow marks indicating slope face. Aspect of slope of more than

15 per cent gradient is important as they have limitations on the land use and the

vegetation they can support. In the Saraikela-Kharsawan district, slopes of more than

15 per cent are confined to the hill ranges in the central portion running all along the

district in an east-west direction. The prominent slope aspect is towards north and

south directions.

4.4 Altitudinal Variations in the Saraikela-Kharsawan District

Altitude or height is the distance measured usually in the vertical direction between a

reference datum and the point or object. The reference datum in case of geographical

heights / altitudes is the Mean Sea Level (MSL), which is usually measured in meters.

The elevation in the Saraikela-Kharsawan district ranges from 130 M above msl near

Subarnarekha river to 920 m above msl over the Dalma Pahar. Some of the major hill

peaks are Dalma Pahar: 920 M, Marang Buru: 887 M, Pandu Buru: 865 M, Khanda

Buru: 690 M, Jerang Buru: 683 M, Patra Buru: 865 M, Baman Buru: 663 M, Kunda

Buru: 655 M, Bid Buru: 639 M, Karanti Buru: 630 M, Badul Buru: 538 M, Chatamkocha

Pahar: 531 M, Gobra Buru: 530 M, Soparum Buru: 423 M, Gidi Pahar: 370 M, Choka

Pahar: 374 M, Barathakur Pahar: 351 M and Chandil Pahar: 307 M.

 

21

CHAPTER - 5

IMPACT OF SLOPE ON LAND USE AND SOCIO – ECONOMIC STATUS

5.1 Slope As A Terrain Factor

Slope is an important terrain element that exerts a strong influence on hydrologic cycle.

Rainfall infiltration and runoff are controlled by slope when soil, climate and vegetation

factors are constant. Slope, therefore, not only controls moisture in the soil profile, but

also influences soil erosion, agricultural land use and sustainable productivity.

Under the favorable conditions of soil and climatic factors, lands with slopes upto 3 per

cent are considered good agricultural land with good agricultural productivity by

adopting simple soil conservation measures. Lands with 3-5 per cent slopes are fairly

good agricultural lands with moderate agricultural productivity under moderately intense

soil conservation measures, and lands with 5-8 per cent slopes are very poor

agricultural lands with poor agricultural productivity under intense soil conservation

measures. Unless slopes are modified by mechanical measures, such lands are

usually not recommended for cultivation. They can be cultivated once in three to four

years, but under intensive soil conservation measures. Lands with slopes between 8

and 15 per cent are considered unsuitable for agriculture unless terracing is practiced

where soil depth and rainfall are favorable.

Slope gradient together with aspect is also known to influence forest production,

especially the quality and yield of timber. Also, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of

engineering structures, roads, railways, buildings, etc. are governed by the degree and

length of the slope.

5.2 Slope and Land Use in the District

Table 5.1 shows land use statistics for the district and each of the blocks. Figure 4.1

shows the location, extent and distribution of the different slope classes in the district.

As may be seen from Figure 4.1, Rajnagar and Ichagarh blocks are mostly nearly level

to gently sloping plain lands covering over 90 per cent area under slopes of 0-5 per

22

cent. Predominant land use in both the blocks is agriculture. Total area under

agriculture is considered to be net cultivated area during the year of statistics plus the

areas cultivated in past years, which are recorded as current fallows and fallows other

than current fallows in the table on land use statistics. Rajnagar has 72.73 per cent of its

area under agriculture and Ichagarh 51.63 per cent. About 49 per cent land holdings in

Rajnagar block are upto 1 ha, whereas nearly 41 per cent land holdings of Ichagarh

block are in the size range of 1-2 ha (Table 5.2). The area under forest in Rajnagar

block is 6.37 per cent of its total area. Forests are confined mostly to narrow NE-SW

strips and small patches in north eastern part of the block. In Ichagarh block forest

cover 11.52 per cent of the total area in small patches along the southern boundary of

the block and a small patch in the western half of the district with stronger slopes.

On the other hand, Chandil block is predominantly hilly and undulating with limited

areas under slopes of 0-3 and 3-5 per cent. As expected, the predominant land use in

this blocks is forest, covering almost half of the block area. Here area under agriculture

is about 22 per cent, and net sown area during the year (2005-2006) was merely 3 per

cent of the total block area. Agricultural land is highly fragmented with nearly 70 per

cent of its holdings of upto 1 ha.

Kuchai is yet another block having nearly half of its area under strong, steep and very

steep slopes. Slopes upto 3 per cent cover less than 50 per cent of the block area (Fig.

4.1). Agriculture covers nearly 41 per cent and forests about 40 per cent area in this

block (Table 5.1). Nearly 70 per cent of the land holdings in the block come under upto

1 ha class (Table 5.2).

Kharsawan and Nimdih are the other two blocks having appreciable areas with plain

lands of 0-1 and 1-3 per cent slopes compared to total area under strongly, steeply and

very steeply sloping lands. In Kharsawan block, strongly to very steeply sloping areas

occupy northern and north-eastern parts of the block. In Nimdih block, they occur

mainly along the southern boundary of the block. Tiny patches of steeply sloping areas

also occur in the central, northern and north-eastern parts of this block (Fig. 4.1). Land

use of the Kharsawan district, among others, comprise nearly 50 per cent agriculture

24

and about 27 per cent forest. Nimdih block has about 42 and 25 per cent areas under

agriculture and forests, respectively. Over 60 per cent of the land holdings in both the

blocks do not exceed 1 ha.

Gamharia block has small areas of steep and very steep slopes in the northern part, but

over 90 per cent of the block area is a plain land with nearly level to very gentle slopes.

Agriculture covers nearly 34 per cent of its area, whereas forests occupy about 37 per

cent. Barren and unculturable wasteland covers 14 per cent of its area, which is highest

in the district. Another notable feature of the block is the large span of Adityapur

Industrial Area (AIA) which is the largest industrial in the state. The controlled area of

AIA comprising industrial, commercial, institutional and residential facilities is 138 sq.

km., spread over 83 villages. This is roughly 24 per cent of the block area.

Saraikela block is predominantly a plain land area with over 80 per cent of its area

under nearly level and very gentle slopes. Small areas of hilly lands with moderate and

very steep slopes are encountered in its northern part. Nearly 38 per cent of the block

area is under forests. Although appreciably larger areas may qualify as suitable for

agriculture on consideration of slope alone, it covers merely 21 per cent of the block

area which is the lowest in the district. Interestingly about 13 per cent block area is

under non-agricultural uses.

In general, the overall relationship between slope and land use in the district can be summarized as under.

Slope class Predominant – Land Use

0-3 Agriculture - predominantly rice, but also pulses, oilseeds, vegetables; Sal forest in small patches together accounting for slightly less than 2 per cent of the district area.

3-5 Agriculture with coarser rice, pulses and vegetables on favorable

soils; mixed forests on lateritic / moderately deep / eroded soils

with patches of wasteland on very severely eroded stream banks;

mining in a few confined sites.

25

5-10 Cashewnut plantations; Eucalyptus plantation; waste and grazing

lands; mining at confined sites.

10-15 Forests; stony, rocky and barren waste lands; mining at confined

sites.

15-35 Mainly mixed forests; patches of rocky and stony wasteland.

Overall, nearly 42 per cent of the district area is under agriculture against 77 per cent

nearly level to very gently sloping land, considered suitable for agriculture so far as

slope is concerned. Forests cover about 30 per cent of the district area which is

strikingly higher than the State average of 29.13 per cent. Barren and unculturable

waste cover another 8 per cent area. Although most of the forests and unculturable

wastelands are found to occupy lands with moderate to steep and very steep slopes,

forests in this district are also encountered in plain lands.

5.3 Slope and Socio-Economic Conditions

Available data on some of the indicators of the socio-economic conditions of each of the

blocks and the district as a whole are shown in table 5.2 – 5.3, derived from the website:

www.atmaseraikella.org.

As may be seen from data in Table 5.3, Gamharia which is a relatively small block in the

district, ranking seventh in area, has the highest density of population (822.80 / sq. km)

which is 2.73 times that of the district average. The 57.69 per cent literacy of this block

is also highest in the district; the district average being 50.70 per cent. The block is

predominated by plain land with slopes of 0-1 and 1-3 per cent (Fig. 4.1). In spite of

slope compatibility, agriculture occupies only 34.16 per cent of the block area. As

stated earlier, approx. 138 sq. km comprising 83 revenue villages of the area of the

block forms controlled area of Adityapur Industrial Development Authority. Prosperity

and social development as implied by density of population and percentage literacy of

the block and also of the district is entirely related to the industries in the Adityapur

Industrial belt.

26

In contrast to the above, Rajnagar and Ichagarh which also are plain land block with

preponderance of nearly level land rank sixth and seventh, respectively in the district in

percentage literacy and seventh and fifth, respectively in density of population. Almost

half of the total population of Rajnagar block belongs to ST category (Table 5.3). With

its 50.43 per cent ST population, Rajnagar ranks second in the district in tribal

population.

Kuchai block is closer to Ichagarh in percentage of literacy (28.0) being eighth in rank

and also in density of population which is least in the district (Table 5.3), but strikingly

different in topography and slopes. Whereas Kuchai block has almost half of its area

with strong and very steep slopes, Ichagarh is predominantly a nearly level plain land

block. From the available indices described above, Kuchai block appears to be most

backward in the district. It has also the highest percentage of tribal population in the

district.

Kharsawan block with over 80 per cent of its area of nearly level and very gentle slopes

(0-3%) stands 4th in population density (297.8 / sq. km) and third in percentage literacy

in the district (Table 5.3).

Chandil block, on the other hand, has appreciable area under hilly land with steeper

slopes of 15-35 and >35 per cent. In spite of its having large areas under steeper

slopes, Chandil block stands second in the district on consideration of population

density (311.50 / sq. km) and fourth on consideration of percentage literacy (Table 5.3).

Nimdih block with large proportion of plain land with slopes upto 3 per cent ranks fifth in

the district on consideration of literacy (41.65%) and third in density of population.

Saraikela block, excepting for northern hilly lands with strong and steep to very steep

slopes has preponderance of very gently sloping plains although area under agriculture

is the lowest in the district. It ranks second in the district in literacy (53.26%), next only

to Gamharia. This is attributed to a number of district and block level offices on account

of Saraikela city being the block and district headquarters, besides having better health

care facilities, educational institutes, NGOA and other private sector establishment in

29

the city having high employment potential. Surprisingly, contrary to expectation,

population density of the block is 220.40 / sq. km.

From the above, it appears that although better socio-economic conditions appear in

plain land blocks with gentler slopes compared to those with stronger and steeper

slopes, yet in absence of precise data on all the indicators of socio-economic milieu,

definite conclusion about impact of slope on socio-economic conditions in the block is

difficult to arrive at. Impact of industry, however, is distinct and overwhelming.

30

 

Table 5.1

Block-wise land use statistics of Saraikela-Kharsawan district (Area in ha)

(Source : District statistical officer, West Singhbhum, Chaibasa)

23

Sr. No. Block Name Geographical Area

Area under forest

Area under non-

agricultural uses

Barren and unculturable

wastes-1

Permanent pastures and grazing land

Miscellaneous tree crops and

groves Culturable

waste

Fallows other than

current fallows

Current fallows

Net sown area

Agricultural

Land (10+11+12)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13)

1

Saraikela

28630.13

10940.95 (38.21)

3781.07 (13.21)

2094.98 (7.32)

2308.45 (8.06)

280.41 (0.98)

3079.89 (10.76)

2482.81 (8.67)

2363.53 (8.26)

1084.14(3.79)

5930.48 (20.72)

2

Rajnagar

36728.26

2524.96 (6.87)

1348.23 (3.67)

2428.71 (6.61)

370.33 (1.01)

228.84 (0.62)

2476.29 (6.74)

4551.07 (12.39)

4378.91 (11.92)

17784.49(48.42)

26714.47 (72.73)

3

Kuchai

36674.92

14580.39 (39.76)

2876.86 (7.84)

1536.17 (4.19)

117.58 (0.32)

475.81 (1.30)

1544.05 (4.21)

3764.57 (10.26)

3872.96 (10.56)

7278.37(19.85)

14915.9 (40.67)

4

Kharsawan

19062.17

4968.03 (26.06)

1389.84 (7.29)

1293.36 (6.78)

289.72 (1.52)

12.20 (0.06)

1276.47 (6.70)

1206.18 (6.33)

1946.34 (10.21)

6269.25(32.89)

9421.77 (49.43)

5

Gamharia

22784.03

8467.46 (37.16)

1925.58 (8.45)

3188.69 (14.00)

2.49 (0.01)

18.69 (0.08)

947.10 (4.16)

1289.44 (5.66)

1270.97 (5.58)

5221.44(22.92)

7781.85 (34.16)

6

Eichgarh

28953.87

3336.11 (11.52)

3242.57 (11.20)

2439.53 (8.43)

638.90 (2.21)

734.59 (2.54)

1018.04 (3.52)

2323.14 (8.02)

2298.82 (7.94)

10326.41(35.67)

14948.37 (51.63)

7

Chandil

32979.42

16417.63 (49.78)

2579.92 (7.82)

3533.26 (10.71)

376.53 (1.14)

278.35 (0.84)

1756.68 (5.33)

2566.34 (7.78)

3658.76 (11.09)

912.97 (2.77)

7138.07 (21.64)

8

Nimdih

31414.60

7782.69 (24.77)

3582.59 (11.40)

1853.63 (5.90)

516.51 (1.64)

602.12 (1.92)

2290.06 (7.29)

4089.76 (13.02)

7098.75 (22.60)

2040.06(6.49)

13228.57 (42.11)

Total 237227.39

69018.22 (29.09)

20726.66 (8.74)

18368.34 (7.74)

4620.50 (1.95)

2631.02 (1.11)

14388.59(6.07)

22273.32(9.39)

26889.05(11.33)

50917.13(21.46)

100079.5 (42.18)

Table 5.2

Farmers classification according to land holding size Sr. No.

Land holding size Saraikela Rajnagar Kuchai Kharsawan Gamharia Eichgarh Chandil Nimdih

1.

Upto 1 ha. 12954

(61.80%) 11686

(48.73%) 14989

(69.84%) 9008

(63.02%) 8113

(63.24%) 3942

(28.02%) 9241

(70.15%)10187

(62.64%)

2.

More than 1 ha. & below 2 ha..

3379 (16.11%)

4573 (19.07%)

1995 (9.30%)

2347 (16.42%)

1824 (14.22%)

5690 (40.45%)

1717 (13.03%)

2682 (16.49%)

3.

More than 2 ha. & below 4 ha.

2961 (14.12%)

4915 (20.49%)

2232 (10.40%)

1838 (12.86%)

1818 (14.17%)

4388 (31.19%)

1240 (9.41%)

2248 (13.82%)

4.

More than 4 ha. & below 10 ha.

1441 (6.87%)

2545 (10.61%)

1846 (8.60%)

976 (6.83%)

974 (7.59%)

40 (0.28%)

830 (6.30%)

1070 (6.58%)

5.

More than 10 ha. 229

(1.09%) 259

(1.08%) 397

(1.85%) 125

(0.87%) 100

(0.78%) 7

(0.05%) 145

(1.10%) 75

(0.50%)

Total

20964

23978 21459 14294 12829 14067 13173 16262

Figures in parenthesis are the percentages of the total

27

Table 5.3

Demographic information of the Saraikela-Kharsawan district

Sr. No.

Name of the Blocks

Total Household

Population (As per 2001 census total)

Density of population (No/sq. km)

Male Female Sex Ratio

(F/1000 male)

CategoriesOthers % of

Literacy SC ST

1 Saraikela 14916 79604

220.40 40680 38924 981 4806 (6.04)

32658 (41.03)

42140

(52.94) 53.26

2 Rajnagar 21781 116935

216.80 58522 58413 998 2582 (2.21)

58971 (50.43)

55382

(47.36) 41.20

3 Kuchai 10496 50938

132.60 25676 25262 983 891

(1.75) 39789 (78.11)

10258

(20.14) 28.00

4 Kharsawan 13801 69888

297.80 35410 34478 980 4930

(7.05) 26523 (37.95)

38435

(55.00) 44.60

5 Gamharia 43688 231464

822.80 121396 110068 954 13369

(5.78) 49414 (21.35)

168681 (72.88)

57.69

6 Eichgarh 19107 93830

268.30 47989 45841 955 6669

(7.11) 27488 (29.30)

59673

(63.60) 38.13

7 Chandil 22506 116403

311.50 59693 56710 951 5913

(5.08) 41104 (35.31)

69386

(59.61) 43.95

8 Nimdih 17739 89788 308.00 45973 43815 953 3738 (4.16)

28903 (32.19)

57147

(63.65) 41.65

Total District Average 164034 848850

301.50 435339 413511 949 42898

(5.05) 304850 (35.91)

501102 (59.03)

50.70

Figures in parenthesis indicate percentages

28

REFERENCES 1. Anon. (1970) Soil Survey Manual, All India Soil and Land Use Survey Organization,

I. A.R.I., New Delhi. 2. Anon. (2010) Report on Soil Resources Map of Saraikela-Kharsawan district,

Jharkhand State submitted to JSAC; Indian Resources Information and Management Technologies, Ltd. Hyderabad / Nagpur.

3. Bhatt, S. C. (2002) The district Gazetteer of Jharkhand, Gyan Publn. House, New

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