Chapter 2

Description of Study Area

CHAPTER2

DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA

Bihar, with its rich mineral resources and the valuable legacy that history has

bequeathed to its people, is almost certainly one of the most fascinating and

interesting states of India. It was the main scene of activities of the lifework of the

founders of two great religions of the world, Gautam Budha and Mahavira. It is one of

the major states of the Indian Union which occupies an important position on the

national map of India.

2.1 Physical Features:

The state of Bihar situated in the eastern region of our sub-continent, lies

between 21 °58'1 0" N to 27°31'15" N latitude and 83°19'50" E to 88°17'40" E

longitude. It is bounded on the north by Nepal, on the east by West Bengal, on the

west by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and on the south by Orissa. The state

extends 605 kms from north to south and 483 kms from west to east. It has an area

1,73,877 sq.kms; 5.3% of the total area of the Indian Union. It is quadrilateral in

shape.

It consists of two distinct physical units - the Gangetic plain and the

Chotanagpur plateau. The Ganga divides the plains into two; the North-Gangetic plain

and the South-Gangetic plain. Thus Bihar is clearly divided into three natural regions,

VIZ.

(i) The North Gangetic Plain

(ii) The South Gangetic Plain

(iii) The South Bihar (Chotanagpur) Plateau.

The North Gangetic plain extends from the base of the Tarai in the north to the

Ganges in the south, comprising an area of about 36,661 sq. kms. It spreads over the

whole of the Tirhut, Saran, Darbhanga and Kosi divisions. The North Gangetic plain

is the playground of rivers - the Gogra, Gandak, Bagmati, Kosi, Mahananda and a

host of minor streams - which descend from the Himalayas and make their way to the

Ganges in frequently changing channels. The Kosi particularly has earned the bad

34

name of being the most changeable river in India, shifting its bed all the time.

The South Gangetic plain occupies the greater part of what is popularly known

as South Bihar. It covers an area of about 33,632 sq. kms. The shape of the plain is

triangular. It is wide towards the west and the middle, and extremely narrows towards

the east. The Barabar Hills, the Rajgir-Jethian Hills, and the Kharakpur Hills lie in the

South Gangetic plain which are in the districts of Gaya, Patna & Manghyr.

The South Gangetic plain differs in many respects from the North Gangetic

plain. It is higher in the South and slopes towards the Ganges, but the shape is not so

gradual as in the north Gangetic plain. While the North is liable to flood and change,

the south Gangetic plain is stable and not subject to floods except in limited areas.

The regions of the North Gangetic plain and South Gangetic plain are

collectively called Bihar plains. It is the part of Middle Gangetic plain which lies in

the state of Bihar. This region is extremely fertile with a moderate temperature and

adequate rainfall. It extends from 23°12' to 27°22' North latitudes and from 83°22' to

88°20' East longitudes. It has an area of 74,200 sq.km and is inhabited by 6,44,89,993

persons according to the 1991 census.

The Chotanagpur plateau forms the north-eastern part of the Peninsular

plateau of India and covers the Southern half of Bihar. It is a region of hills, plateaus,

ridges, valleys and basins. It has enormous mineral wealth and industrial

potentialities. The plateau region extends from 21 °58' N to 25°18' N latitudes and

83°22' E to 87°57' E longitudes. The plateaus have an elevation ranging from 308 to

924 metres above mean sea level. It embraces the districts of Palamu (Daltonganj),

Hazaribag, Giridih, · Deoghar, Dumka, Godda, Sahibganj, Dhanbad, Ranchi,

Lohardaga, Gumla, Paschim Singhbum and Purbi Singhbum and covers an area of

about 79,700 sq. kms with a total population of2,18,48,860. It is bordered by Madhya

Pradesh in the west, West Bengal in the east, Orissa in the south and Bihar plains in

the north. The heart of the main plateau consists of two large plateaus-Hazaribagh and

Ranchi separated by the structural basin of the Damodar. It is partly covered by lower

Gondwana rocks, including coal-bearing strata.

35

2.1.1 Relief

The Gangetic plain is bounded by 150 m contour line in the south and Indo­

Nepal international boundary except Tarai region in the north. The topography of the

northern part is smooth but southern plain is characterized by the existence of outliers

in the form of hills of Gaya, Rajgir, and Kharagpur etc. The average height of the

North Bihar plain region is less than 50 meters. The Tarai region is a part of Siwalik

range of Himalayan Mountains which is located in the northern part of Paschim

Champaran district and is distinguished from Bihar plains by the 150 m contour line.

This region runs parallel to Indo-Nepal border from N-W to S-W. This small region

consists two mountain ranges Sumeshwar Hills and Dun Hills. The 150m contour line

separates South Bihar plains from Chotanagpur plateau. There are several peaks

having an elevation of 300 m among south Bihar plain hills. The highest peak of

Rajgir is 453 m high.

The Chotanagjmr plateau begins with the contour line of 150m just south of

Bihar plains. Most of the higher Ranchi plateau (Pat region) area is higher than 900 m

above sea level. The Ranchi plateau is higher than 600 m above the sea level. Upper

Hazaribagh plateau, separated by the Damodar river is also part of the Ran chi plateau

having higher than 600 m above the sea level. The Kodarma plateau is about 325 m

above sea level which includes the Subamarekha Basin and Ghatsila area. The height

ofthe lower part of outer plateau is between 150-300m. The region includes Rajmahal

hill region, Kaimur plateau and plateau of Deoghar etc. The physiography (Relief and

Drainage) of Bihar is given in Fig 2.1 and also the physiographical feature of Bihar is

given in Table 2.1.

36

01.

02. 03.

04. 05.

06.

07. 08. 09.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16. 17.

18.

Table 2.1

Physiographical Feature of Bihar

Latitude Longitude Area Maximum Length Maximum Width No. of Districts (1991)

No. of Community Development Block (1991) No. of Villages (1991)

No. of Towns (1991) No. of Urban Agglomeration (1991) Population (1991)

Decennial Population Growth (1981-91)

Proportion of Urban Population (1991) to Total Population Density of Population (1991)

Literacy rate (1991)

Sex Ratio (Females per 1000 Males)

Proportion of Main Worker Proportion of Marginal Worker Proportion of Non-Workers to Total Population (1991) Total Forest Area Main Rivers:

Industries (Large & Medium) Private Sector Public Sector Joint Sector Total

between 21°58'10" and 27°31'15" N between 83°19'50" and 88°17'40" E 1, 73,877 Sq. Kms. 605 Kms (North to South) 483 Kms (West to East) 42 591

Inhabited 67,513 Uninhabited 10, 184 271 21 Total 8,63,38,853 Males 4,51,47,280 Females 4, 11,91,573 Highest Patna 36,18,211 Lowest Lohardaga 2,88,886 Absolute 1,64,24,119 Percentage 23.49% Highest Deoghar 31.64% Lowest Gumla 13.44% 13.14% Highest Purbi Singhbhumi 52.69% Lowest Godda 2.74% 497 per km2

Highest Patna 1130 per km2

Lowest Gumla 127 per km2

38.54% Males 52.63% Females 23.10% 912 Highest Siwan 1017 Lowest Dhanbad 826 29.66% 2.50% 67.84%

16.86% of the Total Land Ganga, Ghagra, Gandak, Bagmati, Kamla, Kosi, Mahananda, North Koel, Punpun, Kiul, Phalgu, South Koel Sankh, Subarnarekha, Damodar, Ajay etc. No of Units 179 56 12 247

Except this large number of small scale registered factories are existing in the state. 19. Mining Activities Coal, Mica, Kyanite, Bauxite, Copper, Uranium,

Iron Ore, Fire clay, and China clay etc. in the Chotanagpur Plateau Region.

37

International Boundary

State Boundary

- River /Streams

PHYSIOGRAPHY

100

BIHAR Relief and Drainage System

E p

SCALE

Kilometers 0 100

Fig. 2 .1

GENERAUSED REUEF (in Meters) - >900

~ 600 - 900 - 300 -600

150 - 300 - 75 -150 - 0 - 75

2.1.2 Drainage (River) System:

A striking feature of the river system of Bihar is the dominant role of the

Ganga. River Ganga is the main river which enters Bihar near Chausa. The width of

its flood plain is from 5 km to 30 km and the average slope is about 6 em per km. All

rivers of Bihar plains join this river from north & south.

The drainage system in any region is influenced by rocks, structure and relief

of the area. The type of confluence with the parent river is also determined by the

drainage pattern of the area. Dendritic, trellis, radial and annular patterns of drainage

are common in Bihar. In North Bihar the drainage pattern is trellis and dendritic while

in South Bihar, the pattern is trellis, radial and annular. This is due to the differences

in physical conditions, amount of slope and types of rocks.

North Bihar plains have been formed by alluvial deposits. It is the playground

of many rivers and a host of small streams. All rivers in this region arise from the

Himalayas. Kosi, Gandak, Ghagra and Kamla Balan are important rivers. The rivers

of South Bihar are wet-season rivers which originate in the Chotanagpur plateau and

are not snow fed. The rivers of North Bihar form meandering shallow channels,

levees, diara, oxbow-lakes etc. in their courses while the rivers of South Bihar form

steep sided narrow valleys, rapids and waterfalls when they descend into the plains.

Rivers of North Bihar flow through alluvial deposits where the slope is very

small, forming wide flood plains. The catchment area of the river is larger. They are

shifting their courses. Rivers of South Bihar flow through hard rocks where the slope

is almost five times more than in the North Bihar plain.

On the basis of flow and origin, the rivers of Bihar can be divided into three

groups:

(1) The rivers which originate from the Himalayas fall into river Ganga from

north-west. In this category Ghaghara (Saryu), Gandak, Burhi Gandak,

Baghmati, Kamla, Kosi and Mahananda are important.

(2) The rivers originating from Chotanagpur fall into the river Ganga from the

south. River Sone with its tributaries, the North Koel, Amanat and Auranga,

39

Punpun, Kiul, Phalgu, Sakari, and Mohanae etc. are important in this group.

The water of these rivers ultimately flows into the Ganga via river Kiul but

not directly. The united stream is known as Harohar.

(3) The rivers which rise in Chotanagpur flow towards east and south to fall into

the Bay of Bengal. Some of the streams of this group are rejuvenated due to

upliftment of the Chotanagpur plateau. These rivers include South · Koel,

Sankh, Subarnarekha, Damodar and Ajay etc.

2.2 Climate of Bihar:

The climate of Bihar IS a part of the climatic pattern of the Indian

subcontinent. It enjoys a continental monsoon type of climate owing to its great

distance from the sea. The main geographical factors that affect the climate of Bihar

are as follows:

(1) It extends from 21 °58' N to 27°30' N latitudes. Hence its location is tropical to

subtropical.

(2) The Himalayan Mountains in the north have a significant bearing on the

distribution of monsoon rainfall in North Bihar.

(3) Low plains mostly below 250ft. (76m) above m.s.l. are in the north and the

plateau in the south generally has an elevation of 1000-2000 ft (305-610m.).'

Thus plateau is cooler than plain. This is why Chotanagpur gets higher

rainfall.

( 4) South-eastern comer of Bihar is only some 90 km from the sea-coast. This

nearness to the Bay of Bengal is significant for the frequency of the tropical

cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal.

(5) Bihar adjoins the Ganga delta and Assam, the source region of Nor'westers,

the storms which bring rain in pre-monsoon period.

(6) Bihar's climate is characterized as 'tropical monsoon,', clearly indicating the

dominant influence of its tropical location and the monsoon winds. Changes in

the upper air conditions during the year and the Himalayas in the north and

40

Chotanagpur Plateau in the south are the other important factors affecting it.

Seasons and their duration:

The year may be conveniently divided into the following four principal

seasons.

(1) Cold Weather Season-December to February

(2) Hot Weather Season- March to May

(3) South-West Monsoon- June to September

(4) Retreating South-West Monsoon Season- October to November.

(1) Cold Weather Season:

Cold weather season is generally characterized by low temperature, light

northerly winds, clear skies and low humidity. The temperatures are relatively higher

in the plains than in the plateau. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the south of the

state near Ranchi. Thus the temperatures should be higher in the south, but are lower

on account of higher elevation.

In December, the mean temperature drops down to 6°C to 8°C. Days are less

warm and nights definitely cold. January is the coldest month in the plain, but

December is colder in Chotanagpur. The normal January temperature of Patna &

Ranchi are 16.8°C and 17.7°C. The cold-weather season, in the whole of Bihar is

characterized by clear, cloudless and sunny weather. The month of February records

slightly higher rain than in January everywhere in Bihar.

(2) Hot Weather Season:

The period from March to May is characterized by great heat and dryness. In

March, the mean minimum temperature varies between 24°C and 26.6°C and the

mean maximum is about 32.2°C during the day. The hottest month is May when the

mean temperature exceeds 32.2°C except in extreme north and on the plateau of

Ranchi. This season is marked by a continuously rising temperature and decrease of

barometric pressure in Bihar due to northward march of the sun. The surface wind is

from north-west in the plains and westerly in the plateau. With the rise of temperature,

humidity decreases. In April and May the solar rays become more vertical and the

41

temperature is high. The hot scorching "loo" winds blow in the plains during late

April and May having an average velocity of 8km-16km per hour. They are a type of

local wind and greatly affect human comfort during this season.

The rainfall during March-May ranges from about 75mm on the western

border of the state to about 170 mm in the east particularly in the north-east where

summer rainfall is one of the main assets for jute cultivation.

(3) South-West Monsoon (Season of General Rains):

Bihar receives nearly 85% of its annual rainfall during south-west monsoon

season. The pre-monsoon winds are of local origin blowing as intensified sea breezes

from adjoining seas. The unbearable heat continues over most of Bihar, particularly in

the west, till the advent of south-west monsoon. The normal date of the onset of

monsoon in Bihar is from 7 June in the north-east and east to about 15 June in the

western end of the state. Thus, the burst of the monsoon is generally associated in

Bihar with the sudden arrival of an intense monsoonal storms with thunder, lightning

and torrential rain.

The distribution of rainy days in Bihar is not uniform. The highest number of

rainy days are recorded as 80 days over Ranchi Plateau whereas lowest as 50-60 days

in Patna and Muzaffarpur. The rainy days are generally concentrated in the rainy

season because the remaining period of the year is practically rainless. Bihar receives . . 800-1300 mm of rainfall from June to September. Chotanagpur plateau receives

higher rainfall than other parts of the state i.e. Bihar plains. The orography and the

proximity of the tracks of monsoon depressions over the plateau causes more rain

over the area.

Prasad S.K. et a!., (1991) studied rainfall features in the district of Bihar

plateau during south-west monsoon (June to September) for the period of 1901-70.

The plateau as a whole, receives about 1 050mm of rain during south -west monsoon

season. The rainfall in general decreases towards the north and to the extreme

southern areas of Bihar plateau. The central belt of the plateau i.e. Ranchi, records

high rainfall comparatively and highest in the month of July.

(4) The season of Retreating Monsoon:

42

The South-West monsoon normally withdraws from Bihar in the first week of

October. By retreat is meant a gradual decrease in the intensity of monsoon winds and

associated depressions. Bihar is throughout characterized by a humid post monsoon

p~riod. By October the seasonal low pressure disappears and the north-westerly winds

begin to blow over the plains. A striking feature about temperature in October is that

it is generally high. This is due to intense insolation under clear skies. Diurnal range

of temperature by the same reason is also high. An important feature of this season is

the tropical cyclones which originate in the Bay of Bengal.

North-eastern Bihar, receives less than 100 mm of rain, whereas north-western

Bihar receives less than 25 mm of rainfall. Large parts of Bihar receive rain between

25-100 mm. Eastern Bihar receives rain of over 100 mm out of the total rain in this

period, the major portion is received during the month of October. November is

almost dry but some rain is registered in December.

2.3. Rainfall:

The rains start in mid-June and continue practically up to mid-October. The

normal rainfall varies from 1000 mm in the west-central parts to more than 1500 mm

in submontane region in the north, and the extreme south west. Over the greater part

of the plains, however the rainfall is less than 1250 mm, while most of the plateau

enjoys a rainfall of more than 1250 increasing towards the south-west by more than

,1500 mm. The rainfall in the plateau is thus greater than,in the plains.

Long term variations of rainfall for the period of 1901-89 for three stations

viz. Bhagalpur, Gaya and Ranchi have been studied (Prasad and Jaiswal, 1992). The

stations of Bihar plains namely, Bhagalpur and Gaya have less seasonal and annual

rainfall in comparisop. to plateau, Ranchi. Climatologically, annual and seasonal

rainfall decreased at both the stations viz. Bhagalpur and Gaya during 1931-61 but

increased during 1961-89. In contrast, plateau Ranchi recorded slow and steady fall of

climatological annual rainfall from the period 1901-30 to 1961-89.

Rainfall for monsoon months from 15th June to 15th October for the period of

1977 to 1989 (totaling 1574 days) have been analyzed for the river catchment area of

Bihar (Prasad and Prasad, 1993). The analysis shows on an average, 41.4% days are

dry and 58.6% days are rainy days. 33.0% days have rainfall between 2.5 to 10 mm.

43

Rainy days with 11 mm or more rainfall constitute only 25.6% days.

The period from June to October is the season of heavy rain throughout Bihar. It

is during this period that 85 to 90% of the annual rain occurs. The higher rain in the

submontane Bihar is partly due to the condensation resulting from ascending winds over

the Himalayas. The Chotanagpur uplands has higher rainfall than the adjoining northern

and north-western plains because of several reasons. It is nearer the source of the

monsoon depressions i.e. to Bay of Bengal. It is benefited by rainfall both from the Bay

of Bengal and the Arabian sea branches. The rainfall during cold weather season hardly

exceeds 51 mm but is considerably important for rabi crops. Bihar has a monsoon climate

with an average annual rainfall of 1200 mm.

2.4 Geology:

Geologically the state of Bihar presents a balanced picture. On the one hand, in

the north it has one of the most recent and simplest formations in the form of Bihar plains

composed of thick and soft alluvium, on the other in the South is the Chotanagpur plateau

made up of hard crystalline rocks representing one of the oldest and most complex

geological formations.

2.5 Soil

Soil is one of the most important resources of a nation. Almost all the economic

activities are directly or indirectly dependant on soil. It is the backbone of agricultural

and industrial development.

In order to study soil types of Bihar the physical, chemical and morphological

characteristics along with geographical location and distributional patterns of ;oils must

be taken into account. There are two major spheres of soil i.e. Bihar plains in the north

and Chotanagpur plateau in the south in the state.

The plains cons_ist of a thick alluvial mantle of drift origin overlying in most part

of the Siwalik. The soil is mainly young loam rejuvenated every year by constant

deposition of silt, clay and sand brought by different rivers.

On the other hand the soils of Chotanagpur plateau are known as Red Archaean soils.

They are composed mainly of ancient crystalline gneisses, Schists, and granites. The soils

of this region are deep red, brown or black in colour due to high content of iron in the

rocks.

44

There are three major types of soils in Bihar plains:

(i) Piedmont Swamp Soil

(ii) Terai Soil

(iii) The Gangetic Alluvium.

There are five major types of soil in Chotanagpur plateau:

(i) Sandy Soils ofF oot Hill.

(ii) Sandy Soils .

(iii) Black Clay Soil.

(iv) Laterite Soil

(v) Red & Yellow Soils.

It can therefore, be concluded that the soils of the plains are more fertile than

those of the plateau region. Fertility in the former is largely related to chemical

composition, whereas in the latter it is related to bed rocks and the local topography

which control the texture and moisture content of soils.

2.6 Forest (Vegetation):

Bihar is the eighth most forested state in India. It has currently 16.8% of its

total area under forest and wood lands. The ideal area under forest cover in a country

is estimated to be 25%. The term vegetation indicates natural vegetation. The natural

vegetation is mostly forest which lies in plateau region whereas grasslands can be

seen in the plains. The hilly regions of Bihar are full of tropical forests. Two broad

types of forests are found in Bihar.

(1) Tropical moist deciduous forests, and

(2) Tropical dry deciduous forests.

The moist deciduous forests occur in the areas where annual rainfall is more

than 1200 mm. 90% of forest produce of Bihar is of this type which include the most

important tree i.e. sal and Gamhar, Anjan, Pipal, Gular, Bargad, Palas, Khajur, Mahua

and Bomboo etc. The evergreen vegetation is mostly found as under growth but the

tall trees of Mangoes, Jamun, and Jackfruit are also found along with sal.

45

The dry deciduous forests are found where rainfall is below 1200 mm. The

forest is a mixture of sal, Bamboo, Amaltas, Semal, Harra, Khair, Palas and Mahua.

Forests make the environment pleasant, and also increase the moisture and

humidity in the atmosphere and decrease run off, erosion and soil evaporation and

reduce wind velocity. Thus, sincere efforts should be made to take proper care and

development of ancient heritage - i.e. the forest and it is our national demand to

preserve and develop the forests for ecological balance of the environment.

2.7. Minerals:

Bihar is renowned for its rich mineral resources. The mineral products are

coal, iron-ore, bauxite, lime stone, mica, pyrite, graphite, copper ore, Kyanite etc. It is

the privilege of Bihar to have monopoly in the production of Uranium and Pyrite.

Chotanagpur has the most important mineral belts of India. Bihar produces

nearly 60% of copper, 52.6% of Kyanite, more than 41.4% of coal, 50.4% of mica,

17% of iron ore and more than 99% of cooking coal. Other minerals having

significant production in Bihar are manganese, quartzite, chromite, asbestos, barytes,

dolomite, columbite, saltpetre, glass sands, slate, lead, silver, building stones,

radioactive minerals like samarskite, annerodite, pitchblende, tantalite etc. Bihar's

share is 33.8% of the total coal reserves and is of Gondawana category only.

According .to Geological survey of India, Bihar has 61.16 billion tonnes of coal

reserves in 1989. Coal reserves in India and Bihar is given in Table 2.2 and Table 2.3

shows different categories of coal in India.

Table 2.2

Coal reserves (in billion tonnes) in India and Bihar

Year India Bihar % of national total

1986 159.30 56.61 35.16

1987 170.46 57.57 33.80

1988 176.33 59.13 33.46

1989 186.04 61.16 33.80

(Source: The New Sketch, Dhanbad, 17 Nov. 1986.)

46

Coal has been "classified into coking, semi-coking and non-coking according to their uses.

Table 2.3 below shows these categories of coal in India.

Table 2.3

Composition of Gondawana Coal Reserves, 1985 (in billion tonnes ).

State Coking Semi-coking Non-coking Total Bihar 19.36 2.63 36.07 58.06 Orissa -- -- 31.32 31.32

W.Bengal 0.29 1.94 25.51 27.74 M.Pradesh -- 0.07 25.14 25.21 A. Pradesh -- -- 9.00 9.00

Maharashtra -- '-- 3.18 9.18 Total 19.65 4.64 130.22 154.52

12.6% 3.00% 84.4% 100.0%

(Source: Current Energy Scene of India, May 1988, Centre of Monitoring Indian Economy).

Bihar accounts for more than 99 percent of the total coking coal, 50 percent of

semi-coking and 27.82 percent of non-coking coal of India. Bihar continues to be

the leading producer of various types of minerals. The state, therefore, offers

ample scope for the establishment of mineral -based industries.

2.8 Industries:

Bihar's industrial backwardness exists in the midst of richness in the reserves

of minerals and agricultural resources. This dark scenario may be the contribution of a

lack of power development, inadequate transport development, mass illiteracy, lack of

social equilibrium and above all weak political will.

The state is poor in industry but at present there are about 1 79 large and

medium units in the private sector, 56 industries in the public sector and 12 others in

the joint sector (Ministry of Industry, Bihar, 1992). There are also many registered

small scale factories in the state of Bihar. The state ranks 2nd in the production of

sugarcane among the states of the country. There are 28 sugar factories which employ

over 50,000 workers. The maximum concentration of sugarcane industry is in the

North Bihar. It is the seventh largest rice producer. It also produces coal, mica,

kyanite, bauxite, copper, uranium, rock phosphate, iron ore, fire clay and china clay

47

etc in the country.

On the industrial map of India, Bihar is known for the iron and steel, petro­

chemical and agro-based industries. The district headquarters and l~ger cities like

Patna, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Monghyr, some with industrial

status in their own right have a host of textile, food processing, light engineering and

foundary units, chemical, electrical and various other consumer goods printing and

publishing units etc.

Bihar is the home of many basic and heavy industries which have come up as

a result of rich mineral treasures which the state possesses. Major industries are: two

integrated steel plants, namely, Bokaro Steel and Tata Iron and Steel and a number of

secondary steel making units with total established annual capacity of around 7.20

million tonnes, largest coal-based sponge iron plant at Chandil; area's largest rope

making complex of U sha Matin Industries at Ran chi; India's largest heavy vehicles

plant of Tata Engineering and Locomotives Company, Jamshedpur; heavy plant

building complex of Heavy Engineering Corporation at Ranchi; taper bearing plant of

Tata Tenkin at Jamsheput; India's largest diesel engine manufacturing plant at Tata

Comins at Jamshedpur; Alumina plant of India Aluminum Company at Muri; railway

wagons plants at Bharat Wagon Limited at Muzaffarpur and Mokama; copper smelter

complex at Hindustan Copper Corporation, Chatshila, uranium complex of Uranium

Corporation of India at Jadugora; zinc smelter of Hindustan Zinc Limited, Dhanbad;

oil refinery of Indian Oil Corpora~ion at Barauni; three fertilizer plants of HFCL at

Barauni, FCI at Sindri and PPCL at Anjhore; cement plants at Banjari, Jamshedpur,

Sindri and Chaibasa with installed capacity of around three million tonnes annually;

communication cables unit of U sha Belton at Ranchi, and power cables unit of India

Cable Company at Jamshedpur; largest steel glass unit of Indo-Asahi Pataratu and

five large cotton spinning mills at Siwan, Pandaul, Bhagalpur, Mokama and Gaya.

Besides, there are 13 sugar mills in private sector and 15 in public sector located in

North Central Bihar with a total crushing capacity of 46,000 TPD, and a number of

distilleries, tanning and leather finishing industries in north and central region of the

State and three large jute mills at Katihar and Samastipur.

2.9 Population:

The state of Bihar with a geographical area of 1,73,877 sq km and a

population of 8,63,38, 853 as against 84,39,30,861 of the country in 1991 ranks third

48

after U.P. and M.P. in size and second after U.P. in population. It contains 10.23% of

the national population (1991) over 5.29% of the country's area and is thus densely

populated. Its population density at 497 persons per sq.km as against 267 of the

country, is one of the highest among other states. Bihar ranks 3rd in density of

population and comes after West Bengal and Kerala which have a density of

population 766 and 747 respectively. Among the districts, Patna is the most densely

populated (1132) followed by Darbhanga (1101) and Vaishali (1053).

Table 2.4 shows the trend of population growth and total, rural, urban

population of Bihar between 1901-1991.

The total rural, urban percent decadal variation of population 1901-11 to 1981-

91 of Bihar is given in Table 2.5

Table 2.4

Trend of population Growth in Bihar 1901-91

Census Population Net Decadal Rural Urban Year Variation (Total) Variation

1901 2,73,11,865 --- 2,62,14,880 10,96,985

1911 2,83,14,281 + 10,02,416 2, 72,36,395 10,77,886

1921 2,81 ,26,67 5 - 1,87,606 1,69,60,750 11,65,925

1931 3,13,47,108 + 32,20,433 . 2,99,24,737 14,22,371

1941 3,51,70,840 +38,23,732 3,32,69,738 19,01,102

1951 3,87,82,271 + 36,11,431 3,61,56,010 26,26,261

1961 4,64,47,457 + 76,65,186 4,25,33,537 39,13,920

1971 5,63,53,369 + 99,05,912 5,07,19,403 56,33,966

1981 6,99,14,734 + 1,35,61,365 6,11,95,744 87,18,990

1991 8,63,38,853 + 1,64,24,119 7,49,85,841 1,13,53,012

(Source: The Encyclopaenic District Gazetteers of India, Eastern zone vol. 8, 1998, page 18.)

49

Table 2.5

Percent decadal variation of population 1901-11 to 1981-91

Total/ Census Decades Rural/

Urban

1901-11 1911-21 1921-31 1931-41 1941-51 1951-61 1961-71 1971-81 1981-91

Rural +3.90 - 1.01 + 10.99 + 11.18 + 8.68 + 17.64 + 19.25 + 20.66 + 22.59

Urban -1.74 + 8.17 + 22.00 + 33.66 + 38.14 + 49.03 + 43.95 + 54.76 + 30.21 ~

Total +3.67 -0.66 + 11.45 + 12.20 + 10.27 + 19.76 + 21.33 + 24.06 + 23.49

(Source: The Encyclopaenic District Gazetteers of India, Eastern Zone vol.8, 1998, page 18).

The population of Bihar has increased by 216.12% during 1901 to 1991.

A town having a population of one lakh or more is called a city. The number

of cities has gone up from 14 in 1981 to 16 in 1991. The population of 16 cities have

been presented in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6

Population of Cities in Bihar, 1991.

S. Cities Population S. Cities Population No. No. ..

1 Patna (M.C.) 9,55,889 9. Bihar Sharif (M) 2,00,976 2. Ranchi (M.C.) 5,98,498 10. Arrah (M) 1,56,871 3. Jamshedpur (N) 4,79,653 11. Katihar (M) 1,54,101 4. Bokaro Steel City 3,50,540 12. Dhanbad (M) 1,51,334 5. Gaya (M.C.) 2,91,220 13. Munger(M) 1,50,042 6. Bhagalpur (M.C.) 2,54,993 14. Chapra(M) 1,36,824 7. Muzaffarpur (M.C.) 2,40,450 15. Purnia (M) 1,14,189 8. Darbhanga (M.C.) 2,18,274 16. Mango (N) 1,10,024

(Source: Census oflndia, 1991. Series 5 Bihar "Provisional Population Totals". Paper I of 1991. p.39.)

MC Municipal Corporation M Municipality N Notified Area.

50

2.10 Study Area:

For the purpose of the present study, eight important stations with different

levels of industrialization and urbanization have been selected. Of these eight stations

four are from the plateau and the remaining four from the plains. The locator map of -the study area is given in fig. 2.2. The different stations are:

Bihar Plain region:

(1) Patna (3) Bhagalpur

Latitude 25°36' N Latitude 25°14' N

Longitude 85°06' E Longitude 86°57' E

Altitude 53 m amsl. Altitude 49 m amsl.

(2) Gay a (4) Muzaffarpur

Latitude 24°45' N Latitude 26°07' N

Longitude 84 °57' E Longitude 85°24' E

Altitude 116 m amsl. Altitude 53 m amsl.

Bihar Plateau Region

(5) Dhanbad Latitude 23°47' N Longitude 86°26' E Altitude 257m amsl.

(6) .Jamshedpur

Latitude 22°49' N Longi_tude 86°11' E Altitude 142m amsl.

(amsl. -7 above mean sea level)

(7)

(8)

Ran chi

Latitude 23 ° 19' N Longitude 85° 19' E Altitude 652 m amsl.

Dalt.;mganj

Latitude 24°03' N Longitude 84°04' E Altitude 221 m amsl.

The places considered for study are briefly described below:

51

LOCATION MAP

8<1' 00' E 8& 00' E

ORISSA

OO' E OO'E

Administrative Boundary

N International Boundary 20 o 20 40 ·A·/ 60 80 100 Km. / , v , State Bounday ~ 1 , \,' District Boundary Scale

Fig. 2.2

800 00' E

THE STUDY AREA

s

8 00' E

LEGEND

Plateau Region

2ff OO' N

2ff OO' N

2'P OO' N

• Surface & Upper Air Observations

• Surface Observations

Plain Region

e Surface & Upper Air Observations

A Surface Observations

Patna

It is the historical capital of the state. Patna, the ancient Patliputra was the

imperial capital of Magadh. It was a city of monasteries during the Buddhist period

from where Asoka propagated Buddhism. Mediaeval Patna was built by Sher Shah in

the 16th century. It is the largest town and headquarters of Patna district and Patna

division also. It is a very long city, indeed a linear city between the fangs of two

rivers, namely, the Ganga on the north and the Poonpoon on the south. Total area of

the district is 3202 sq. kms.

Patna has an extreme type of climate. It is very hot in summer and cold in

winter. The high temp and low humidity make the summer really oppressive. The

average rainfall is highest generally in the month of August.

Gaya:

The district lies virtually in the heart of Bihar. Gaya is one of the holiest spots

for the Hindus and there is a regular flow of pilgrims into the town to offer pindas in

the Gaya kshetra or dham as it is called. Bodh Gaya, which is situated 11 km south of

Gaya town is also the holiest place for the Buddhists. It is at Bodh Gaya where Lord

Budha achieved Nirvan or enlightenment. Gaya is situated on the bank of Phalgu river

which flows from south to north passing through the eastern part of the district

headquarters. Total area of the district is 4976 sq. kms.

Gaya suffers from extremes of climate. It becomes very hot during the

summer and quite cold during the winter. The mercury shoots up to 46°C in shade in

May. Gaya city is known for its dry and intense heat and is supposed to be one of the

hottest places in India. This is mainly attributed to the barren rocky hills surrounding

the city and vast sandy bed of the river Phalgu. The average rainfall in the district is

1150 mm. The district receives more than 90% of its total annual rainfall from the

monsoon and receives some winter rain also.

Bhagalpur:

Bhagalpur is the administrative headquarters of the district and the division

bearing the same name and has the importance for its silk weaving industry and cloth

53

trade. The climate of this district is characterized by hot summers and pleasant

winters. The average annual rainfall is 1174 mm almost uniformly throughout the

district. Among the minerals in the district, deposits of china-clay, fire clay and mica,

garnet, quartz, and galena are important. Tassar silk, dyeing, salt, indigo, glass-ware

are the chief industries.

Muzaffarpur:

This town is the administrative headquarters of both Muzaffarpur district and

Tirhut division. It is famous for lichis. Total area of the district is 3172 sq. kms. The

Prabhat Zarda factory, IDPL, Bharat Wagon and Engineering Ltd. etc. are important

industries. Muzaffarpur has a dry and healthy climate with three seasons, the cold, the

hot and the rainy. The cold weather begins in early November and lasts till March.

January is the coldest month. The temperature begins to rise and the maximum is

attained in May. The heat is intense until the rains come sometime in the middle of

June. The normal annual rainfall of the district is approximately 1180 mm. More than

75% of the total annual rainfall is recorded during the monsoon period.

Dhanbad:

Dhanbad is considered as the coal capital of India and is surrounded by the

biggest coal belt. It is one of the largest industrial cities in India. In an around it are

situated the Indian School of Mines and Applied Geology, the Central Mining

Research Institute, the Fuel Research Institute, the Sindri Fertilizer Factory and the

extensive coalfields of Jharia. A number of allied industries such as cement, coal

washeries etc. are also located in this region. The climate of the district is

characterized by general dryness. It is very pleasant during the cold weather from

November to February. Thereafter, the climate becomes warm. The average annual

rainfall in the district ·is approximately 1300 mm. There is hardly any rain during

December to February and the average for the three months from March to May is

well below 76 mm. The dominant industry of the district are coal mining, fertilizers,

chemicals and ceramic industry, etc.

54

Jamshedpur:

It is the headquarter of purbi Si:p.ghbhum district. The city is known all over

the world as one of the largest steel producing centres in Asia. Established in 1907 by

sir Jamshedji Nusserwan Tata, the city has grown very rapidly and is continuing to

expand with more industrialization. Besides the works of the TISCO, there are several

important industries in the city such as TELCO, the Indian Tube Co. Ltd., Tin plate

Co. Ltd. Tata Yadogawas Ltd. etc. It is the largest cosmopolitan city in Bihar and all

modem amenities are available here. The cold season is delightful while it IS

unpleasantly hot in the summer season with hot westerly winds. The climate IS

generally dry due to barriers of hills in the south east. The annual average rainfall is

approximately 1422 mm.

Ran chi:

Ranchi is one of the important cities of Bihar state. It has a municipal

corporation. It is located in central plateau. It is the headquarters of Ranchi district as

also of newly created south Chotanagpur division. It used to be the summer capital of

the state. The location of headquarters of the Central Coalfields Ltd. (CCL), the

Heavy Engineering Corporation and the Hindustan steel Ltd. has considerably

changed the face of the city. It is known for its cool and dry climate and beautiful

scenic spots. It has a moderate summer and bracing winter.

• Daltonganj:

Daltonganj town is the headquarters and the main town of Palamu district

situated on the bank of Koel river.

The. town was founded in 1861 by Colonel Dalton, the commissioner of

Chotanagpur, after whom it was named. The climate is on the whole dry and bracing.

The average annual rainfall is about 1335 mm.

Materials and methods of analysis adopted for this study have been described

in the following Chapter 3.

55