Dibrugarh District

District Overview: Dibrugarh District

• • Location: Northeastern Assam, India.
  • Nickname: Often called the “Tea Capital of India” due to its famous tea gardens.
  • Key Features: Known for its extensive tea plantations, rich cultural heritage, and historical importance.

History of Dibrugarh District

Early History

• • Chutia Kingdom (Pre-1523 AD): Originally part of the Chutia Kingdom before being annexed by the Ahoms in 1523.
  • Ahom Rule: Ahoms defeated the Chutias at Dibrumukh; King Suhungmung appointed officials to govern the region.
  • Moamoria Rebellion (1787-1805): Significant uprising against Ahom rule during King Gaurinath Singha’s reign, shifting power dynamics in the region.

British Colonial Era

• • British Arrival (1826): Following the Treaty of Yandaboo, the British recognized Dibrugarh’s administrative and commercial potential.
  • Administrative Center (1842): Became headquarters of Lakhimpur District under British rule.
  • World War II Role: Functioned as a key military base and transit camp for evacuees from Burma.

Geography of Dibrugarh District

• • Area: 3,381 square kilometers.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Dhemaji , River Brahmaputra makes the Northern Border
    • South: Charaideo district , Arunachal Pradesh.
    • East: Tinsukia district.
    • West: Lakhimpur, Majuli and Sibsagar district.
  • Topography: A mix of flat plains and gentle hills, with the Brahmaputra River flowing along the southern boundary.
  • Rivers: The Brahmaputra (avg. width here =10 km)and its tributaries (Lohit, Burhidihing) contribute to the district’s fertile soil.
  • Climate: Humid subtropical with heavy monsoon rainfall. Temperatures range from 10°C in winter to 39°C in summer. Average annual rainfall is 2,518 mm.

Socio-Economy of Dibrugarh District

• • Economy: Primarily agrarian, with a major focus on tea. Also known for Oil.

  • The Assam gas cracker project (a.k.a. Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL)).

  • Dhuliajan, and important oil town – known for crude oil as well as Natural Gas reserve.

  • Namrup has countries first fertilizer factory and recently established thermal power plant.

  • Tea Industry: Dibrugarh is home to 178 tea gardens, contributing significantly to the economy.
  • Other Agriculture: Rice, jute, mustard, and various fruits are also cultivated.
  • Small-Scale Industries: Food processing, handicrafts, and bamboo products.
  • Tourism: The district’s natural beauty, tea estates, and cultural sites attract many tourists.

Transport in Dibrugarh District

• • Roadways: National Highway 15 connects Dibrugarh to other parts of Assam. It also has many state highways and rural roads.
  • The Bogibeel  rail cum road bridge which is the longest Railway Bridge in the country and 5th Bridge across the river Brahmaputra – connect Dibrugarh and dhemaji (through NH 15)
  • Railways: The Dibrugarh Railway Station connects the district to major cities like Guwahati and Kolkata.
  • Airways: Dibrugarh Airport (Mohanbari Airport) only.

Demographics of Dibrugarh District

Population Statistics (2011 Census)

• • Total Population: 1,326,335

    • Male Population: 676,434 (51.0%)

    • Female Population: 649,901 (49.0%)

  • Rural Population: 1,082,605 (81.62%)

  • Urban Population: 243,730 (18.38%)

Sex Ratio

• • Overall Sex Ratio: 961 females per 1000 males

  • Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years): 962 females per 1000 males

Literacy Rate

• • Average Literacy Rate: 76.05%

    • Male Literacy Rate: 82.82%

    • Female Literacy Rate: 68.99%

Languages Spoken

The linguistic demographics of Dibrugarh District are as follows:

• • Assamese: 76.01%

  • Bengali: 5.93%

  • Hindi: 5.80%

  • Sadri: 4.83%

  • Nepali: 1.72%

Child Population

• • Total Child Population (0-6 years): 163,210

    • Male Children: 83,168

    • Female Children: 80,042

  • Child Proportion (0-6 years): Approximately 12.31% of the total population

Administrative Setup of Dibrugarh District

• • Established: October 2, 1971 (carved out from Lakhimpur district).
  • Sub-Divisions: Two sub-divisions – Dibrugarh (Sadar) and Tinsukia.
  • Development Blocks: Seven blocks – Khowang, Borboruah, Lahowal, Tengakhat, Joypur, Tinkhong, and Panitola.
  • Towns: Major towns include Dibrugarh, Chabua, Naharkatia, and Namrup.

Rainfall in Dibrugarh District

• • Average Annual Rainfall: Around 2,518 mm, with the majority of rainfall occurring from June to September during the monsoon.
  • Avg. annual rainfall decreases from Dibrugarh(North) to Naharkatia (south)
  • Rainy Days: About 123 days per year, contributing to the district’s lush greenery.

Tourist Places in Dibrugarh

• • Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary This sanctuary is the only rainforest in Assam, with a diverse array of flora and fauna. It is home to over 293 bird species, 47 mammal species, and various reptiles and butterflies. 
  • Tea Gardens: Explore expansive tea estates with guided tours and tastings.
  • Brahmaputra Riverfront: Enjoy beautiful views and leisure activities like boating and picnicking.
  • Jeypore Rainforest: A biodiversity hotspot with rich flora and fauna.
  • Assam Medical College & Hospital: One of Asia’s oldest medical colleges, located in Dibrugarh town.
  • Jokai Botanical Garden cum Germplasm Center This garden features endangered plant species
  • Barbarua Maidam This site is a graveyard featuring the graves of high-ranking officials from the Ahom Dynasty.
  • Dinjoy Satra This Satra provides insights into Assamese history and culture. It has been relocated several times and is now a significant cultural site in Dibrugarh.
  • Shri Jagannath Temple A replica of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, this temple is known for its spiritual environment and distinctive architecture.
  • Namphake Village: Visit this village to see a gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha in the main temple

Languages Spoken in Dibrugarh District

• • Assamese: 76.01%
  • Bengali: 5.93%
  • Hindi: 4.79%
  • Bhojpuri: 0.42%
  • Nepali: 0.12%
  • Other languages: 13.73%