Dhemaji District

District Overview: Dhemaji District

• • Location: Northeastern Assam, India.
  • Established: October 14, 1989.
  • Known For: Scenic beauty with rivers, hills, and lush greenery, and a rich cultural heritage.
  • Key Feature: Home to various indigenous communities and plays a significant role in agriculture.

Geography of Dhemaji District

• • Area: 3,237 square kilometers.
  • Topography: A mix of plains and hills, prone to flooding during monsoons.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Arunachal Pradesh.
    • South: Dibrugarh
    • East : Tinsukia District
    • West: Lakhimpur district.
  • Rivers: The Brahmaputra (through southern border) and tributaries like Dihingia, Jiadhal, and Moridhal and others
  • Climate: Moderate temperatures (8°C to 35°C), with an average rainfall of 3,000 mm mostly during the monsoon.

Socio-Economy of Dhemaji District

• • Economy: Mainly agrarian, with 59% of the population working in agriculture.
  • Major Crops: Paddy (main crop), mustard, potatoes, pulses, and fruits/vegetables.
  • Allied Activities:
    • Livestock farming (piggery, dairy, goats).
    • Sericulture: Muga and Eri silk production.
  • Other Employment: Government services and local businesses are expanding due to development.

Transport in Dhemaji District

• • Roadways: Well-connected with major towns and National Highways.
  • Railways: The nearest station is Silapathar, linking to broader railway networks.
  • Waterways: The Brahmaputra River is important for trade and transportation.

Demographics of Dhemaji District

• • Population Statistics

    • Total Population: 686,133

      • Male Population: 351,249 (51.2%)

      • Female Population: 334,884 (48.8%)

    • Sex Ratio: 953 females for every 1000 males

    Population Distribution

    • Rural Population: 637,848 (92.96%)

    • Urban Population: 48,285 (7.04%)

    Age Distribution

    • Child Population (0-6 years): 104,247 (15.19% of total population)

      • Male Children: 53,457

      • Female Children: 50,790

    • Child Sex Ratio: 950 females for every 1000 males

    Literacy Rates

    • Overall Literacy Rate: 72.70%

      • Male Literacy Rate: 79.84%

      • Female Literacy Rate: 65.21%

    Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

    • Scheduled Castes (SC): 6.45% of the population

    • Scheduled Tribes (ST): 47.45% of the population

    Religious Composition

    • Hindus: 95.47%

    • Muslims: 1.96%

    • Christians: 1.27%

Administrative Setup of Dhemaji District

• • Sub-Divisions: Dhemaji and Jonai.
  • Administrative Blocks:
    • Dhemaji
    • Sissiborgaon
    • Morkongselek (Tribal Development Block)
    • Bordoloni
    • Machkhowa
  • Local Governance: Approximately 1,150 revenue villages with Gram Panchayats.

Rainfall in Dhemaji District

• • Annual Rainfall: About 3,000 mm.
  • Monsoon: Most rain occurs between June and September.
  • Flooding: Common due to the overflow of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.

Tourist Places in Dhemaji

• • Malinithan: An archeological site with ancient temple ruins, located 25 km from the city center, known for its historical and cultural significance. Numerous ancient monuments and sculptures have been discovered in this region, making it a religiously significant site and a favorite for history buffs.
  • Gerukamukh: A natural spot where the Subansiri River, the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra, meets. It is about 30 kms from the city center. Surrounded by hills and forests, it’s a local favorite for picnics and angling.
  • Maa Manipuri Than: A temple built by the Ahom King, Gourinath Singha, located 1 km from the city center. It was built to honor the Manipuris for their help during the Mua-Muriah Renaissance. This ancient temple attracts many devotees and pilgrims.
  • Bardoibum-Beelmukh Wildlife Sanctuary: A bird sanctuary spanning 11.25 square kilometers in the Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts, established in 1996.  It serves as a haven for various bird species and is a tourist hotspot.
  • Ghuguha Dol: An important religious site with a legendary myth attached to it. It is believed that the Ahom King, Tyao Khamti’s son, Bamuni Konwar, had taken his first breath within the walls of this temple. 

Languages Spoken in Dhemaji District

• • Assamese: 39.21%
  • Miri/Mishing: 32.53%
  • Bodo: 6.96%
  • Bengali: 5.38%
  • Hindi: 5.38%