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Area |
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491 sq km |
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Union Territory Portal |
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Population |
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220,490 |
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Capital |
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Silvassa |
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Principal Languages |
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Gujarati, Hindi |
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History and Geography
After prolonged skirmishes between the Portuguese and the Marathas, on 17 December, 1779, the Maratha Government assigned the aggregated revenue of Rs 12,000 in a few villages of this territory to the Protuguese as compensation to ensure their friendship. The Portuguese ruled this territory until its liberation by the people on 2 August, 1954. From 1954 till 1961, the territory functioned almost independently by what was known as Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli Administration''. However, the territory was merged with the Indian Union on 11 August, 1961, and since then, is being administered by the Government of India as a Union Territory. After liberation of the territory from Portuguese rule, a Varishtha Panchayat was working as an advisory body of the Administration. This was dissolved in August 1989, and a Pradesh Council for Dadra and Nagar Haveli District Panchayat and 11 Village Panchayats were constituted as per constitutional amendments at All India level. The U.T. of Dadra and Nagar Haveli has an area of 491 sq km, and it is surrounded by Gujarat and Maharashtra. It consists of two pockets namely, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The nearest railway station is at Vapi, which is 18 km from Silvassa.
Agriculture
Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a predominantly rural area with about 79 per cent tribal population. It has about 21,115 hectares under cultivation. Major crop is paddy ( Kharif ), while Nagli and other hill millets are crops of the area. Among fruits, Mango, Chiku, and Banana, etc., are also produced. Forests cover 40 per cent of the total geographical area.
Industry
Prior to 1965-66, there was no industry in the Union Territory. There were a few traditional craftsmen who used to make pots, leather items, viz., chappals, shoes and some other items of bamboo. Industrial development started on a low-key with the establishment of an industrial estate under the cooperative sector by Dan Udyog Sahakari Sangh Ltd. Thereafter, three Government Industrial Estates have been developed at Silvassa, Masat and Khadoli in the U.T. There are more than 1,600 S.S.I. units, which include Cottage, Village Industries and 430 Medium Scale/Large Scale Industries in Textiles, Engineering, Plastics, Electronics, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, etc., employing more than 43,100 persons.
Irrigation and Power
Prior to liberation of the territory, there was no irrigation facility, and cultivators had to fully depend upon rainfall. After the merger of the territory with the Indian Union, adequate steps were taken under minor irrigation sector.
There was no rural electrification prior to liberation of this territory. The electricity was provided with only one DG Set, which was installed and operated in Silvassa Town for VIPs at Circuit House.
After liberation, the UT Administration commenced rural electrification work with the co-operation of the neighbouring State of Gujarat, and completed electrification work in 25 villages by 1976. The power demand of the UT is met by Gujarat Electricity Board through a single Circuit from Vapi-Silvasa, and distributed amongst limited number of consumers. With the commissioning of the said Sub-Station, the electricity department is in a position to provide electricity to all villages.
The Power requirement of the territory is being met from Central Sector Power Generating Stations located in the western region. The power demand has increased tremendously due to rapid industrialisation with the extension of Tax Holiday benefit to this UT by the Government of India.
Transport
The Union Territory depends heavily on Maharashtra and Gujarat road network, as the territory can be accessed only after crossing these two States from Mumbai. The road length is about 629 km, out of which around 560 km is surfaced. Almost all villages are connected with all weather roads. The rail route from Mumbai to Ahmedabad links Vapi also. Mumbai is the nearest airport.
Festivals
Normally, all festivals of Hindus, Muslims and Christians are celebrated in the territory, while tribals celebrate their own festivals. Diwaso is celebrated by Dhodia and Varli tribes, and Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by Dhodia tribe. Other festivals include Bhawada amongst Varlist, Koli tribes and Khali Puja by all tribes after harvesting of crops and Gram Devi before harvesting of crops.
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Tarpa Dance |
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Tourism
Tourism sector has been assigned high priority, keeping in view the dense forest area and favourable climate. The prominent places of tourist interest are Tadekeshwar Shiva Mandir, Bindrabin, Deer Park at Khanvel, Vanganga Lake and Island Garden, Dadra, Vanvihar Udhyan Mini Zoo, Bal Udhyan, Tribal Museum, and Hirvavan Garden at Silvassa. To encourage tourism activities, some traditional and modern cultural activities like celebration of Tarpa Festival, Kite festival, World Tourism day, etc., are organised every year.
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