The state of Chhattisgarh was formed by integrated 16 districts of Madhya Pradesh that held together by a strong linguistic barrier. The state came into being in the new millennium on 1st November 2000. The area of Chattisgarh is estimated to be 1,35,000 sq. km. Chhattisgarh stretches across the latitudinal expanse of 17°46' North to 24°05'North on one hand to the longitudinal meridian of 80°15' East to 84°20' East on the other.
Dense forests that cover 44% of the state's area mark the divergent topography of the state. Chattisgarh claims nearly 12% of India's total forest area that accounts for tremendous biodiversity as well as a rich collection of timber and variegated species of wildlife.
Popularly known as the "rice bowl" of India, Chhattisgarh is responsible for more than 70% of the country's production of rice. Apart from rice kodo-kutki, maize, pulses, millets, oilseeds and sunflower are also grown aplenty. A majority of Madhya Pradesh's crop production comes from Chhattisgarh itself. In fact, prior to Chhattisgarh's recognition as an autonomous state, nearly 5800 to 6000 acres fell under its agricultural area and that contributed to 23% of undivided Madhya Pradesh's cultivation area.
In the year 2004, Chhattisgarh reached a remarkable Gross State Domestic Product of over 12 billion US Dollars. The strategic location, abundant power supply and rich storehouse of minerals augment the state's industrial and economic potential. The industrial area is centered on the cities of Borai, Anjani, Sirgitti, Urla and Siltara in the districts of Bilaspur, Raigarh, Raipur and Durg/Rajnandgaon.
Some of the significant industries housed within the territorial area of Chhattisgarh include:
- NTPC Korba (National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd)
- S.E.C.L. (South Eastern Coalfields Limited)
- Bhilai Steel Plant
- S.E.C.Railway Zone
- BALCO Aluminium Plant (Korba)
Last Updated on: 29th March 2013
