DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND GEOLOGY

Government of Andhra Pradesh

DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT- CHITTOOR DISTRICT

Prepared by

ANDHRA PRADESH SPACE APPLICATIONS CENTRE (APSAC)

ITE&C Department, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh

2018

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

APSAC wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Sri B.Sreedhar IAS, Secretary to
the Government (Mines) and the Director, Department of Mines and Geology, Govt. of
Andhra Pradesh for entrusting the work for preparation of District Survey Reports of
Andhra Pradesh. The team gratefully acknowledge the help of the Commissioner,
Horticulture Department, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and the Director, Directorate of
Economics and Statistics, Planning Department, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh for providing
valuable statistical data and literature. The Project team is also thankful to all Joint
Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and the staff of Mines and Geology
Department for their overall support and guidance during the execution of this work.
Also sincere thanks are due to the scientific staff of APSAC who has generated all the
thematic maps.

VICE CHAIRMAN
APSAC

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 S Contents Page
No
1 Salient Features of Chittoor District 1
1.1 Administrative Setup 1
1.2 Drainage & Physiography 3
1.2a Drainage 3
1.2b Physiography 3
1.3 Climate & Rainfall 5
1.3a Climate 5
1.3b Rainfall 5
1.3c Mean monthly rainfall distribution 6
1.4 Trasport & communication net work of chittoor district 12
1.5 Population and literacy 13
1.6 Important places of Tourism 15
2 2.1 Land Utilisation of Chittoor District 20
2.1a Land Use / Land Cover 20
2.1b 22
Analysis
2.1c Eco sensitive areas 31
2.2 Slope Map of the District 34
2.3 Forest Cover Distribution 37
3 Agriculture and Soil Resources 38
3.1 Kharif Rice Estimation using SAR data 38
3.2 Soils 39
3.2.A Salt-affected land 40
3.3 Horticulture 40
4 Water Resources in the Chittoor District 45
4.1 Surface Water And Irrigation Resorces of The District 45
4.1.a River Basins in Chittoor District 45
4.2.0. Major and Medium Irrigation Projects 47
4.2.1 Major Irrigation Project 47
4.2.2 Medium Irrigation Project 47
Minor Irrigation Tanks 48
4.2.3
4.3 Groundwater Resources 50
4.3.1 Geology And Mineral Resources 50
4.3.2 Metlogenic Provinces of Chittoor District: 52

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 4.3.3 Geomorphology 55
4.3.4 Land forms of fluvial origin 55
4.3.5 Denudational origin 57
4.3.6 Landform of structural origin: 58
4.3.7 Structural /Lineament Map of Chittor Disrict 60
4.4.0 61
Ground Water Scenario
61
4.4.1 Hydrogeology
4.4.2 65
Ground Water Quality Of Chittoor District
5 Details of Major and Minor Minerals Their Production and Revenue in the District 67
5.1 Administrative Set-Up of DMG in Chittoor District 74
Reference 82

List Of Figures

No Description Page

Fig.1 Administrative Boundaries of Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh 1

Fig.2 Drainage Network and Surface water bodies of the Chittoor District map 4

Fig:3 Satellite View of Chittoor District,Andhra Prdesh 5

Fig: 4 Location map of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) IN Chittoor District 11

Fig.5 Distribution of Rainfall in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh 11

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Fig.6 Transport Network of Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh
Mandal wise Distribution of Schedule Caste Population and Types of Hostels and 15
Fig. 7
Residential Schools in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh
Natural Rock arch at Thirumala,Chittoor District, Andhra pradesh
Fig.8
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17
Fig.9
Some important tourist Places in Chittoor District,A.P
Land use / land cover map of Chittoor District 2015-2016 20
Fig.10

Fig.11 Slope map of chittoor district,A.P 36

Digital Elevation Map Of Chittoor District,A.P 36
Fig.12

37
Fig.13
Forest cover map of Chittoor district,A.P
Fig:14(a) Ground truth data overlaid on multi-temporal RGB image, (b) Rice
Fig. 14
cropped area and (c) Transplantation date-wise rice cropped area over
Chittoor District 38
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Fig. 15. 39
Soil Resource Map of Chittoor Distrcit,A.P
Fig..16 40
Salt affected land of Chittoor District,A.P

Fig.17. 49
Drainage, surface water bodies, basin and sub basin boundaries

Fig.18. 50
Geology Map of Chittoor District, A.P

Fig. 19 51
Stratigarphic succssion of Chittoor District, A.P

Fig.20 53
Metalogenic province Map of chittoor district, A.P
Fig.21 56
Geomophological Map of Chittoor District,A.P
Fig:22 60
Structural Map of chittoor district, A.P
Fig.23 62
Groundwater prospects map of Chittoor District,A.P
Fig.24 63
Premonsoon Water levels of Chittoor Distrct.A.P
Fig.25 64
Post monsoon Water levels of Chittoor Distrct.A.P
Fig.26 Piezometric observation well Map of chittoor district, A.P
65

Fig.27 66
Water Quality Map of Chittoor District, A.P

List Of Tables

S .NO DESCRIPTION Page

1 Table:1.Administrative Divisions In The District 2

2 Table:2 Mandal Wise Average Annual Rainfall (Mm) 8

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 3 Table:3. Population Statistics Summary, 2001 & 2011 Census 13

4 Table 4. Actual area (Sq. Km) and percent of total area under different land use 21
categories in Chittoor District for 2011-2012 and 2015-2016 (in Level-III
classification).
5 Table 5. Land use / Land cover change 33

6 Table:6.Types of forest in Chittoor District. 37

7 Table: 7 Aerial Extent (Ha) of Fresh Fruits with Production (MT) in Chittoor 41
District(2017-18)

8 Table: 8 Aerial Extent (Ha) of Vegetables with Production (MT) in Chittoor 42

District(2017-18)
9 Table: 9 Aerial Extent (Ha) of Flowerswith Production (MT) in Chittoor 43
District(2017-18)
10 Table:10 Aerial Extent (Ha) of Plantation with Production (MT) in 44
Chittoor District(2017-18)
11 Table: 11. Aerial Extent (Ha) of Spices with Production (MT) in Chittoor 44
District(2017-18)
12 Table 12. Hydrological units of Chittoor district 45

13 Table:13.Drainage System with Description of main rivers 46

14 Table:14.Salient Features of Important Rivers and Streams 46

15 48
Table:15. Major and Medium Irrigation Projects

15 Table-16. Fracture Pattern & Yield of wells Constructed by CGWB 62

16 Table:17.Mineral resource of Chittoor District 68

17 Table:18. The details of present mining activity 71

18 Table:19. Mineral Resources Available In The District 71

20 Table: 20.Details of mineral revenue received in last six years 72

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 1. Salient Features of Chittoor District
Chittoor district is one of the chronically drought affected Rayalaseema districts of
Andhra Pradesh. It is the Southern most District covering a geographical area
of15152Sq.km situated between 12◦ 37” and 14◦ .00. North latitudes and 78◦ 03 and
79◦ 55 Eastern longitudes. This District is bounded by Tamilnadu State on the South and
Karnataka state on the West.On the North, it is bounded by Ananthapuramu, Kadapa, &
on the East by Nellore districts respectively from west to east. Famous TTD SRI

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VENKATESWARA TEMPLE is situated in the abode by name TIRUMALA in Seshachalam
ranges 70 kms north east of its district head quarters by name CHITTOOR Town.

1.1.Administrative Setup
Administratively the district is divided in to 3 Revenue divisions ,i.e .Chittoor ,
Madanapally, and Tirupathy ,which are further sub- divided in to 66 Revenue (Fig ,1 )
for which ChittoorTown acts as District Headquarter.

Fig.1 Administrative Boundaries of Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

C - ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS IN THE DISTRICT

Table:1.Administrative Divisions In The District

No Chittoor Division Madanapalle Division Tirupati Division

1 Bangarupalem B.Kothakota Buchinaidu khandriga

2 Chittoor Baireddipalle Chandragiri

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3 Gangadhara Nellore Chinnagottigallu KVB Puram

4 Gudipala Chowdepalle Nagalapuram

5 Irala Yerravaripalem Pakala

6 Karvetinagar Gangavaram Pitchatur

7 Nagari Gudupalle Pulicherla

8 Narayanavanam Gurramkonda Renigunta

9 Nindra Kalakada Sathyavedu

10 Palasamudram Kalikiri Srikalahasti

11 Penumuru Kambhamvaripalle Thottambedu

12 Puthalapattu Kuppam Tirupati (rural)

13 Puttur Kurabalakota Tirupati (urban)

14 Ramachandrapuram Madanapalle Varadaiahpalem

15 Srirangarajapuram Mulakalacheruvu Yerpedu

16 Thavanampalle Nimmanapalli

17 Vadamalapeta palamaner

18 Vedurukuppam Peddamandyam

19 Vijayapuram Peddapanjani

20 Yadamari Peddathippasamudram

21 Piler

22 Punganur

23 Ramakuppam

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 24 Ramasamudram

25 Rompicherla

26 Sadam

27 Santhipuram

28 Somala

29 Thamballapalle

30 Valmikipuram

Venkatagirikota
31

1.2.Drainage&Physiography

1.2.a. Drainage: There are no major rivers in the district. Most of the rivers are
ephemeral in nature carrying large quantities of water immediately after precipitation.
The drainage is generally sub- articulate to sub-parallel following straight courses. The
important drainage basins are Bahuda, Pincha, Swarnamukhi, Palar, Ponnai and Araniyar.
The Bahuda and Pincha are north flowing rivers, Swarnamikhi is east flowing, Palar is
southeast flowing, Ponnai towards south and Araniyar is southeast flowing.

1.2.b.Physiography
The District forms a part of the Mysore plateau. The western and southwestern parts
comprising Kuppam, Palamaneru, Punganur, Thamballapalle and Madanapalle areas
have an altitude between 600 m and 900 m amsl. The altitude of central region
comprising Bangarupalem, Chittoor, Piler, Vayalpad, Chandragiri areas has 300 m to 600
m amsl. The eastern/southern parts covering the parts of

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 Fig:2.Drainage Network and Surface water bodies of the Chittoor District map

Puttur, Karvetinagar, Satyavedu, Tottambedu and Srikalahasty areas have an altitude of

less than 300 m amsl. This indicates that the elevation in the district is highly variable
and having steep slopes.

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 Fig.3. Satellite View of Chittoor District,Andhra Prdesh

1.3.Climate & Rainfall:

1.3.a.Climate : The Climate of the district is dry. The upland mandals are
comparatively cooler than the eastern mandals except Chittoor where the climate is
moderate. Horsely Hills is a summer resort located near the town of Madanapalle. It is
known to some as the “Andhra Ooty”.

1.3.b.Rainfall: The average annual rainfall of the district is 976 mm, which
ranges from 1 mm rainfall in March to 166.4 mm in October. October is the
wettest month of the year. The mean seasonal rainfall distribution is 466.5 mm in
southwest monsoon (June-September), 392.2 mm in northeast monsoon (Oct-
Dec), 15.1 mm rainfall in winter (Jan-Feb) and 94.3 mm in summer (March – May).
The percentage distribution of rainfall, season-wise, is 46.9% in southwest

12
 monsoon, 40.8 % in northeast monsoon, 1.7 percentage in winter and 10.6 % in
summer. The mean monthly rainfall distribution is given in Fig.2.

1.3.c. Mean monthly rainfall distribution

Annual and seasonal rainfall distribution with its departure from mean along with
year-wise

percentage distribution is furnished in Table-2. The annual rainfall ranges from 657.2
mm in 2003 to 1544 mm in 2005. The annual rainfall departure ranges from -26 % in
2002 to 74 % in 2005. The southwest monsoon rainfall contributes about 47 % of annual
rainfall. It ranges from 259 mm in 1999 to 573.2 mm in 2005. The year 2002 experienced
drought conditions in the district, as the annual rainfall recorded is 26 % less than the
long period average (LPA). The cumulative departure of annual rainfall from LPA is
presented in Fig.3. It indicates that the rainfall departure, as in 2011 is positive i.e. 59%,
showing rainfall excess. Percentage distribution is furnished in Table-2. The annual
rainfall ranges from 657.2 mm in 2003 to 1544 mm in 2005. The annual rainfall
departure ranges from -26 % in 2002 to 74 % in 2005. The southwest monsoon rainfall
contributes about 47 % of annual rainfall. It ranges from 259 mm in 1999 to 573.2 mm in
2005. The year 2002 experienced drought conditions in the district, as the annual rainfall
recorded is 26 % less than the long period average (LPA) respectively(check). The
cumulative departure of annual rainfall from LPA is presented in Fig.3. It indicates that
the rainfall departure, as in 2011 is positive i.e. 59%, showing rainfall excess.
Sl No DEP
WINTE

WINTE
SUMM

SUMM
YEAR

ER(%)
ANNU

FROM
SWM(

NEM(
SWM

NEM

R(%)

LPA(%
AL

ER

%)

%)
R

)
1 1999 672.0 259.0 307.0 1.0 105.0 38.54% 45.68% 0.15% 15.63% -24%
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 2 2000 888.0 447.0 288.0 51.0 102.0 50.34% 32.43% 5.74% 11.49% 0%
3 2001 1014.7 400.0 484.7 5.0 125.0 39.42% 47.77% 0.49% 12.32% 14%
4 2002 657.2 301.1 275.1 17.0 64.0 45.82% 41.86% 2.59% 9.74% -26%
5 2003 775.5 540.1 191.0 0.0 44.4 69.65% 24.63% 0.00% 5.73% -13%
6 2004 810.2 352.8 230.3 6.3 220.8 43.54% 28.43% 0.78% 27.25% -9%
7 2005 1543.9 573.2 792.4 27.1 151.2 37.13% 51.32% 1.76% 9.79% 74%
8 2006 844.6 378.7 315.2 1.5 149.2 44.84% 37.32% 0.18% 17.67% -5%
9 2007 1092.2 559.1 437.3 2.9 92.9 51.19% 40.04% 0.27% 8.51% 23%
10 2008 953.3 366.5 434.2 19.3 133.3 38.45% 45.55% 2.02% 13.98% 7%
11 2009 754.4 398.1 294.8 1.3 60.2 52.77% 39.08% 0.17% 7.98% -15%
12 2010 1079.5 530.1 421.6 2.1 125.7 49.11% 39.06% 0.19% 11.64% 22%
13 2011 978.1 507.1 354.4 23.1 93.5 51.85% 36.23% 2.36% 9.56% 10%
888.0 416.5 362.2 15.1 94.3 46.90% 40.78% 1.70% 10.61%
Fig-3 Cumulative departure of annual rainfall from LPA

Source: Meteorological Department And Directorate of Economics And Statistics

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 District
Survey Report – 2018

Table:2 Mandal Wise Average Annual Rainfall (Mm)

S No Mandal Name Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
1 B Kothakota 0.19 8.35 11.99 20.73 66.62 71.09 83.88 105.27 158.27 152.70 80.61 33.63 793.33
2 Baireedipalle 2.55 6.27 14.69 32.14 79.78 84.50 99.91 106.49 158.60 138.66 101.45 37.91 862.94
3 Bangarupalem 3.58 7.03 14.01 22.84 63.79 65.18 92.78 118.17 151.71 159.03 128.98 48.52 875.63
4 B N Kandriga 17.04 8.60 8.48 15.23 47.41 64.55 106.23 97.04 108.67 243.53 332.46 150.89 1200.13
5 Chandragiri 6.77 7.55 8.68 19.88 66.47 69.92 113.07 128.47 123.70 163.85 164.17 77.65 950.18
6 Chinnagittigallu 1.54 3.06 8.54 21.68 56.20 73.37 92.64 126.76 120.06 120.76 109.99 46.39 780.99
7 Chittoor 4.01 6.28 14.69 38.55 74.56 86.70 131.39 152.77 163.75 166.58 154.06 57.90 1051.24
8 Chowdepalle 0.98 4.17 12.40 16.66 58.94 77.55 92.90 94.27 120.43 132.72 86.83 32.06 729.91
9 Gangavaram 1.88 7.28 16.07 42.82 116.33 129.80 147.14 165.67 213.68 219.99 158.72 54.92 1274.30
10 Gangadharanellore 1.67 6.69 11.83 31.33 74.72 78.76 102.01 126.24 154.28 150.14 135.38 50.32 923.37
11 Gudipalle 1.74 4.96 12.33 33.04 100.50 88.71 76.69 96.73 157.73 159.47 74.73 23.75 830.38
12 Gudipala 2.07 6.93 9.18 30.08 68.44 87.21 96.67 131.08 156.68 148.10 148.90 64.08 949.40
13 Gurramkonda 6.86 5.78 13.12 22.35 56.55 83.78 86.27 118.37 140.18 131.60 97.70 30.45 792.99
14 Irala 2.21 6.54 11.86 24.28 65.82 67.71 95.39 128.77 134.47 164.29 124.63 47.66 873.62
15 Kalakada 0.74 6.58 9.86 16.26 38.89 53.58 95.00 99.22 109.22 113.08 99.14 25.77 667.36
16 Kalikiri 0.29 5.87 4.75 15.19 53.31 79.38 73.37 106.26 132.65 128.17 99.31 42.93 741.46
17 Karvetinagar 4.79 9.24 9.20 28.16 64.91 74.90 120.97 122.71 145.12 171.43 187.51 82.61 1021.54
18 Ramachamdrpuram 4.24 10.97 10.40 26.11 56.43 77.74 90.20 97.05 140.46 185.24 158.04 89.83 946.71
19 Kuppam 1.21 5.22 16.29 32.05 109.23 77.97 69.74 102.80 164.40 144.21 77.89 28.98 829.99
20 Kurabalakota 4.59 3.69 10.88 26.52 56.91 74.08 85.14 99.12 142.30 151.09 94.85 27.98 777.14
21 Kvb Puram 7.68 6.91 9.74 12.10 46.18 63.78 96.49 115.50 92.21 181.07 276.30 122.89 1030.85
22 Kambhamvaripalle 0.00 5.90 9.18 15.99 43.81 64.03 75.10 86.04 108.62 137.13 97.81 37.61 681.22
23 Madanapalle 5.03 8.17 11.02 25.41 69.52 70.60 79.64 101.69 139.92 158.97 103.62 37.67 811.28

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 District
Survey Report – 2018

24 Mulakalacheruvu 6.02 4.85 10.66 19.62 46.54 50.94 65.68 71.45 123.46 133.03 71.87 23.68 627.79
25 Nagalapuram 7.35 9.21 8.09 23.84 62.51 64.24 102.60 148.07 137.85 200.33 233.13 101.60 1098.82
26 Nagari 2.65 12.82 13.23 28.15 58.84 94.13 127.65 151.61 153.20 173.40 200.89 84.64 1101.21
27 Narayanavanam 4.11 6.92 9.97 26.15 59.97 77.54 127.47 150.61 160.10 196.42 186.76 86.77 1092.80
28 Nimmanapalle 3.93 5.30 9.70 12.88 76.17 68.21 88.02 96.61 111.98 150.51 111.21 37.81 772.34
29 Nindra 7.51 6.72 10.16 22.79 60.70 72.92 115.45 129.03 142.79 182.71 213.16 92.38 1056.30
30 Pakala 5.27 9.52 10.80 29.87 53.46 69.15 117.37 141.07 152.28 143.87 148.02 44.01 924.68
31 Palamaner 2.18 6.74 10.79 24.95 86.18 81.23 94.53 99.76 152.07 162.37 119.62 39.97 880.40
32 Palasamudram 2.68 4.77 8.64 26.68 72.40 91.99 125.24 132.91 158.86 161.67 172.56 66.99 1025.38
33 Peddamanyam 8.29 2.87 8.98 29.20 36.45 63.43 72.46 94.45 99.73 130.30 77.25 29.46 652.89
34 Peddatippasamudram 4.16 4.31 14.21 14.82 56.69 59.79 66.05 74.59 131.42 126.69 76.18 24.49 653.39
35 Peddapanjani 1.82 8.78 9.52 23.68 56.86 76.29 77.99 88.82 127.34 134.32 90.75 32.11 728.27
36 Penumur 3.77 8.67 8.49 29.51 54.86 60.27 104.00 119.65 126.87 150.19 128.63 51.34 846.25
37 Pichatur 5.56 11.55 8.11 22.09 59.77 69.44 116.83 155.98 138.97 200.04 226.52 102.64 1117.51
38 Pileru 2.28 7.65 6.70 17.77 42.51 65.60 86.78 102.14 117.40 133.64 98.59 39.78 720.83
39 Puthalapattu 5.58 9.10 9.50 28.39 52.94 73.88 117.74 131.45 148.88 146.88 122.19 45.89 892.44
40 Pulicherla 4.50 4.97 11.85 31.14 51.37 77.89 110.47 128.16 129.17 132.90 122.45 57.50 862.36
41 Puttur 6.92 9.77 8.60 23.24 58.18 82.14 132.26 151.30 148.18 197.79 214.51 90.11 1123.00
42 Punganur 2.54 5.13 13.42 22.54 71.70 76.96 75.85 87.68 145.96 137.37 96.89 31.97 768.00
43 Ramakuppam 1.20 4.70 11.44 31.07 70.40 76.55 81.55 95.88 146.87 144.25 94.23 31.94 790.08
44 Ramasamudram 2.39 4.11 10.79 28.79 57.11 63.93 72.05 92.67 142.83 136.60 80.18 27.12 718.56
45 Renigunta 12.40 5.66 12.06 17.44 55.92 76.50 121.29 150.68 135.71 181.90 227.53 114.34 1111.43
46 Rompicherla 1.93 2.29 7.44 22.10 52.40 81.79 101.93 134.99 124.73 131.06 111.63 50.28 822.55
47 Satyavedu 10.30 19.77 7.82 28.11 48.81 63.78 112.78 136.25 145.20 248.23 306.81 156.35 1284.21
48 Santhipuram 1.17 4.45 14.63 33.22 83.40 75.36 67.98 103.74 159.55 145.66 77.48 26.76 793.41
49 Sodam 1.86 5.75 9.43 20.36 48.28 69.02 94.53 103.79 124.92 143.31 124.49 42.61 788.33
50 Somala 2.16 7.79 17.02 20.81 63.66 80.67 105.03 112.66 141.42 154.18 124.87 49.79 880.05

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 District
Survey Report – 2018

51 Sri Kalahasti 17.76 13.40 7.49 7.10 46.28 66.11 109.70 120.45 109.34 248.10 327.27 142.26 1215.27
52 Srirangarajapuram 1.18 11.67 8.16 22.57 42.81 67.60 99.33 108.91 129.87 161.18 151.75 68.80 873.81
53 Tavanampalle 2.46 7.44 11.76 25.28 65.59 69.62 103.46 118.06 152.32 151.68 125.42 52.56 885.64
54 Thamballapalle 2.83 2.85 8.04 21.36 50.07 65.70 89.17 108.88 144.03 133.22 78.86 23.59 728.60
55 Thottambedu 13.20 7.24 7.59 11.49 45.80 75.40 123.41 125.83 114.29 252.33 328.14 149.88 1254.60
56 Tirupati Urban 5.34 6.24 8.37 19.99 56.26 64.60 101.06 125.34 132.48 196.29 203.64 86.56 1006.17
57 Tirupati_Rural 3.20 2.64 12.41 26.58 54.46 73.49 89.99 110.57 139.48 169.33 207.41 91.98 981.51
58 Vadmalapeta 10.11 14.06 11.97 21.62 54.89 74.52 107.57 151.83 141.32 221.73 261.80 120.44 1191.86
59 Varadaiahpalem 15.97 31.21 7.59 16.81 35.17 64.97 96.78 105.08 128.13 229.95 310.54 163.41 1205.59
60 Vayalpad 6.05 11.76 10.46 20.90 60.23 68.24 85.79 98.70 122.24 133.72 95.85 39.41 753.34
61 Vedurukuppam 4.63 6.72 11.10 28.46 53.46 87.49 106.68 119.11 142.00 153.46 166.78 65.38 945.27
62 Venkatgiri Kota 1.34 6.82 14.91 41.67 92.30 85.03 100.67 105.93 155.85 158.86 96.75 39.21 899.33
63 Vijaya Puram 4.47 8.26 6.17 18.47 55.01 64.30 102.97 133.25 138.23 164.69 201.36 97.72 994.90
64 Yedamari 3.26 5.94 12.06 21.64 60.47 61.93 82.59 101.71 140.88 119.88 113.84 50.51 774.70
65 Yerpedu 2.91 9.54 16.00 24.89 55.12 74.10 99.13 135.61 137.50 195.51 198.81 94.57 1043.69
66 Yerravari Palem 0.60 2.56 9.39 21.96 56.76 77.84 86.02 115.32 119.11 133.51 112.54 48.02 783.63
Total 4.51 7.49 10.68 23.93 60.88 73.78 98.01 116.62 138.06 162.50 150.49 63.17 910.11

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 Fig.4.Location of AWS in Chittoor District, A.P

Source:AWS- APSDPS,Planning Department Govt.of A.P

Fig.5.Rainfall distribution Chittoor District, A.P

18
1.4.Trasport &communication network of chittoor district.
Chittoor district is the Southren most district with a total area of 15152 Sq.km. The district is
well connected with surrounding States such as Tamilnadu & Karnataka with Rail, Road net
works. The Transport & communication network in the district is as fallows.

Fig.6.Transport Network of Chittoor District,A.P

Rail Network : Broad Gauge double line network Connecting Mumbai- Chennai passes
through the Eastren part of the district connceting Renigunta Junction to Arakonam
junction from north to south.A Broad gauge single line connecting Chenni – Howrah
line from Gudur junction connecting Srikalahasthi-Renigunta-Tirupathi-Pakala-Chittoor-
Katpadi Junction passes through from East to South.One more Broad gauge Single line
connecting Pakala-Madanapalli Road-Dhrmavaram Junction passes through the district
from East -West.
Road Network: The following National Highways pass through district from North-
South & East -West .They are as fallows, NH-40-Connecting Chennai-Chittoor-
Hyderabad-Nagpur from South to North.NH-69-Connecting Gudur-Tirupathi-Chittoor-
Palamaneru-Mulabagala-Bengaluru, NH-71-Connecting Naidupet-Tirupathi-Vayalpadu-
Madanapalle-Kadiri, NH-716-Connecting- Renigunta-Nagari-Chennai and NH42-
Connecting-Kadiri- Angallu-Madanapally-Palamaneru-Kuppam-Krishnagiri. In addition
to this, R&B&Grampachayat roads connect all 66 Mandal headquarters with road
transport.
Air-Connectivity :A National Level/(check) Domestic AIRPORT is Situated at Renigunta
which is 10 km from Tirupati which is well connected with Delhi-Chennai,Bangaluru-

19
Tirupati,Vizag-Tirupaty,Hyderabad-Tirupaty,Mumbai-TIRUPATY,Kolkata-Tirupaty air
routes,

1.5.Population and literacy

Table:3 Population Statistics Summary, 2001 & 2011 Census

DECENNIAL

SL GROWTH RATE

NO ITEM UNIT 2001 2011 (2001-2011)

1 2 3 4 5 6

1 Population LAKHS 37.46 41.74 11.43

2 Males LAKHS 18.9 20.9 10.58

3 Females LAKHS 18.56 20.84 12.28

4 Geographical Area 000 S.KM 15.15 15.15 0.00

5 Density Of Population Sqr.KMs 247 275

6 Females For Thousand Males No 982 997

7 Rural Population LAKHS 29.35 29.43 0.27

8 Urban Population LAKHS 8.11 12.31 51.79

Urban Population As

9 Percentage To Total % 21.65 29.49

Population

10 Literates LAKHS 21.77 26.68 22.55

A. Males LAKHS 12.74 14.85 16.56

B. Females LAKHS 9.03 11.83 31.01

11 Literacy Rate % 66.77 71.53

12 Main Workers LAKHS 14.63 16.7 14.15

13 Marginal Workers LAKHS 2.9 2.64 -8.97

14 Non – Workers LAKHS 19.93 22.41 12.44

15 Cultivators (Main) LAKHS 4.88 4.05 -17.01

20
 Agricultural Labour
16 LAKHS 4.47 6.05 35.35
(Main)

Scheduled Caste
17 LAKHS 7.02 7.86 11.97
Population

Scheduled Caste

18 Population As Percentage % 18.74 18.83

To Total Population

Scheduled Tribe
19 LAKHS 1.28 1.59 24.22
Population

Scheduled Tribe

20 Population As Percentage % 3.42 3.81

To Total Population

Table:3. Population Statistics Summary, 2001 & 2011 Census

21
Fig.7.Mandal wise Distribution of schedule caste Population and types of Hostels
and residential schools in Chittoor District,Andhra Pradeh

1.6. Important places of Tourism

Historical Temples / Pilgrimage Centres:

Pre-historic sites, Megoliths, ancient cities, Forts and Temples placed the Chittoor
Distirct at high place in Indian History. A Large number of Temples were constructed in
the district during Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagar Periods. Among these, the most
important are Sri Venkateswara Temple,Tirumala, Sri Govindaraju Temple and Kodanda
Ramaswamy Temple, Tirupathi, Sri Padmavathi Temple – Tiruchanur,
Srikalahastheeswara Temple – Srikalahasthi, Vinayaka Temple – Kanipakam,
Parasurameswara Temple – Gudimallam, Mogileswara Temple – Mogili, Kolandeswara
Temple‐Kattamanchi, Adityeswara Temple – Bokkisampalem, Neelakanteswara Temple
– Laddigam, Anjaneya Temple – Arthagiri, Pallikondeswara Temple – Surutupalle,
Gangamma Temple – Boyakonda, Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple – Vepenjeri,
Kodanda Rama and Eswara Temples – Chittoor, Kalikamba, Venugopal and Virupaksha
Temples– Kangundi Fort, Chennakesava Temple – Sompalem etc.

The hero stones in the district are larger in number when compared to other districts in
Andhra Pradesh.

Tirumala:
Tirumala is the richest pilgrimage centre in the world. It is the abode of Lord
Venkateswara located atop Seshachalam Hills often called Seven Hills. The temple of
Lord Venkateswara was built by Thondaman King and reformed/ renovated periodically
by Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagar. The Temple rites were formalized by
Ramanujacharya in the 11th Century A.D. These hills are 980 meters above the sea level
and are about 10.33 square miles in area. Tirumala temple is next to Vatican city in
Rome in3.
2.terms of income.
Tirupathi
Tirupathi : located
is
Kodandarama Swamy,at the foot
Kapila hills of Tirumala.
Theertham, Thefamous
ISKON are templesinofthis
Govindaraja
city. Swamy,

22
 Fig .8. Natural Rock arch at Thirumala,Chittoor District, Andhra pradesh

Tirupathi: Tirupathi is located at the foot hills of Tirumala. The temples of Govindaraja
Swamy, Kodandarama Swamy, Kapila Theertham, ISKON are famous in this city
Tiruchanur :

Tiruchanur also known as Alamelu Mangapuram is home to the

temple of Sri Alimelu (Padmavathi), consort of Sri Venkateswara.

23
Fig.9 . Some important tourist Places in Chittoor District,A.P

Srikalahasthi :

Srikalahasthi is located on the banks of river Swarnamukhi. It is one of the important

Saiva Kshetras of South India. The name of the place Srikalahasthi comes from three
animals/creatures Sri (Spider), Kala (Snake) and Hasthi (Elephant) who worshipped shiva
and gained salvation here.

Kanipakam :

Kanipakam is situated at a distance of 15 Kms. away from Chittoor. There

are three temples in this village. Of these three, Varasiddhi Vinayakaswamy Temple is
attracting the people of different regions. The image of Asina (sitting) ganapathi in the
Garbhagriha is of peculiar disposition.

Gudimallam :

Gudimallam is seven miles away from Renigunta. Historically, this village is

very important because it has a beautiful siva (Parasurameswara) Temple. The Linga in

24
the temple is supposed to be the earliest Linga (3rd or 2nd Century B.C.) discovered so
far in India.
Nagalapuram:

Vijayanagara King Srikrishna Devaraya constructed the Vedanarayana

Temple at Nagalapuram. The sun rays enter the Garbhagriha on 25th, 26th, 27th of
March of every year.

Boyakonda :

Gangamma Temple was constructed at Boyakonda which is in the midst of

Madanapalle, Punganur and Chowdepalle mandals. The people from Tamilnadu,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh visit the temple in large numbers.
Thirthas & Waterfalls :

There are many Thirthas at the sacred place of Tirumala. Among these, the most
important are Gogarbham, Akasa Ganga, Papavinasanam, Jabali, Vaikuntam, Chakra,
Ramakrishna, Kumaradhara, Thumbura Theertham, Sri Narasimha Pushkarini etc.

The most attractive water falls in the district are Talakona, Sadasivakona,
Kailasakona, Nagari water, Veyilingala Kona, Saddhi Madugu, Kaigal, Zurikona,
Siddalaya Kandriga, Kalyani River, ngamma(check) Sirassu etc.,

Kailasa Kona:

Kailasa Kona Water fall is situated near Puttur and 8 Kms. from Narayanavanam.

The water fall is attracting not only the people of nearby districts but also from
Tamilnadu.

Talakona :

Talakona waterfall is situated near Bakarapeta in Nallamala Hill Range and

40 Km. away from Tirupathi. The height of the water fall here is 270 feet. The forest
department is developing the site. Eswara Temple is situated near the water falls.
Kaigal Water falls:
Kaigal Waterfalls are located 6 Kms. away from Baireddipalle. Thousands of
tourists from Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh visit this place.
Tourist Centres :
The important tourist centres in the district are Tirupathi,Tirumala,
Kailasakona, Nagari Nore, Talakona, Kapila Theertham, Kaigal, Horsely Hills,
Gurramkonda, Arthagiri, Kanipakam, Rushi Valley, Puligundram, Koundinya, Elephant

25
Project etc. Horsely Hills is known as the “Andhra Ooty” and Palamaner is regard as
“Poor man’s Ooty”.
Chandragiri :
This important and historic place was founded, according to tradition, by a
Yadava King named Immadi Narasimha in A.D. 1000, but epigraphical finds in it belong
only to the later periods. During the Vijayanagara period, it is the capital of Aravidu
rulers for some time. The most important monuments in the fort at present are Raja
Mahal and Rani Mahal.
Horsely Hills :
Horsely Hills is located at a distance of 20 Kms. from Madanapalle.
Originally known as “Enugu Mallamma Kondalu”, Horsely Hills is a summer resort. It is
known to some as the Andhra Ooty. The hills are 4326 feet above the sea level. During
the time of British, Horsely, District Collector, Kadapa visited the hill and selected the
site for summer residence.
Arogyavaram :
Arogyavaram near Madanapalle is famous for T.B. Centre. This centre was
founded by Christian Missionaries. Many patients of the country visit this place for
treatment.
Ashramams & Mattas :
The important spiritual centres of the district are Vyasasramam, Suka
Bramhasramam, Kalki, Sivagiri, Ramakkamma, Ramakrishna, Hathiramji Mutt,
Ramakrishna Mutt, Sankarayacharya, Brahmin Mutt and Iscon Temple

2. Land Utilisation of Chittoor District

2.1.a.Land Use / Land Cover: The comparative area distribution of different land
use categories and change are shown in the figure 17 &Table-31. The major land use /
land cover categories (2015 - 16) that have been identified in the district are Built-Up
land (416.05Sq.Km), Agricultural land (7810.94Sq.Km), Forest (4259.90Sq.Km),
Wastelands (1943.84Sq.Km) and Water Bodies (719.97Sq.Km) .

26
 Fig.9. land use / land cover map of Chittoor District 2015-2016

Table 4. Actual area (Sq. Km) and percent of total area under different land use

categories in Chittoor District for 2011-2012 and 2015-2016 (in Level-III classification).
(+/-)Change from
Year 2011-12 Year 2015-16
2011-12 to 2015-16
S. No Land Use Categories
% Increase /
Area % Area % Area
Decrease

1 Compact (Continuous) 56.74 0.37 56.85 0.38 0.11 0.00

2 Sparse (Discontinuous) 38.39 0.25 39.30 0.26 0.92 0.01

27
3 Vegetated / Open Area 1.65 0.01 4.00 0.03 2.35 0.02

4 Rural 171.53 1.13 172.93 1.14 1.40 0.01

5 Industrial 13.34 0.09 30.16 0.20 16.82 0.11

6 Industrial area-Ash / Cooling Pond 0.48 0.00 0.48 0.00 0.00 0.00

7 Mining - Abandoned 0.00 0.00 0.27 0.00 0.27 0.00

8 Quarry 88.86 0.59 112.05 0.74 23.19 0.15

Built Up 370.99 2.45 416.05 2.75 45.06 0.30

9 Kharif Crop 2629.34 17.35 1747.16 11.53 -882.18 -5.82

10 Rabi Crop 247.54 1.63 432.96 2.86 185.42 1.22

11 Zaid Crop 30.65 0.20 21.95 0.14 -8.70 -0.06

12 Cropped in 2 seasons 3143.63 20.75 3970.00 26.20 826.37 5.45

13 Cropped more in 2 seasons 43.77 0.29 28.03 0.18 -15.74 -0.10

14 Fallow 1485.63 9.81 1446.15 9.54 -39.49 -0.26

15 Plantation 211.51 1.40 164.68 1.09 -46.83 -0.31

16 Aquaculture 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00

Agricultural Land 7792.10 51.43 7810.94 51.55 18.84 0.12

17 Evergreen / Semi Evergreen-Dense 0.23 0.00 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.00

18 Deciduous (Dry/Moist/Thorn)-Dense 1416.23 9.35 1416.20 9.35 -0.03 0.00

19 Deciduous (Dry/Moist/Thorn)-Open 1390.92 9.18 1386.89 9.15 -4.03 -0.03

20 Forest Plantation 55.68 0.37 58.73 0.39 3.05 0.02

21 Scrub Forest 1324.83 8.74 1320.88 8.72 -3.94 -0.03

22 Tree Clad Area-Dense 62.14 0.41 61.99 0.41 -0.15 0.00

23 Tree Clad Area-Open 14.98 0.10 14.98 0.10 0.00 0.00

Forest 4265.00 28.15 4259.90 28.12 -5.10 -0.03

24 Salt affected land 89.38 0.59 77.36 0.51 -12.02 -0.08

25 Gullied land 24.07 0.16 23.32 0.15 -0.75 0.00

26 Dense scrub 876.61 5.79 855.02 5.64 -21.59 -0.14

27 Open scrub 767.91 5.07 743.67 4.91 -24.24 -0.16

28 Riverine 0.23 0.00 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.00

28
 29 Barren Rocky/Stony waste 250.39 1.65 244.24 1.61 -6.15 -0.04

Wastelands 2008.58 13.26 1943.84 12.83 -64.74 -0.43

30 River/Stream-Perennial 7.08 0.05 7.08 0.05 0.00 0.00

31 River/Stream-Non Perennial 104.36 0.69 104.27 0.69 -0.09 0.00

32 Canal/Drain 34.26 0.23 36.18 0.24 1.92 0.01

33 Lakes/Ponds-Seasonal 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.04 0.00

34 Reservoir/Tanks-Permanent 63.44 0.42 101.59 0.67 38.15 0.25

35 Reservoir/Tanks-Seasonal 505.57 3.34 470.81 3.11 -34.76 -0.23

Waterbodies 714.71 4.72 719.97 4.75 5.26 0.03

Total 15151.18 100.00 15151.18 100.00 0.00 0.00

2.1.b.Analysis
From the analysis, it is observed that there is a Major change in Built up,
Agriculture,Wasteland and Forest areas. Built - Up Land increased from 370.99Sq.Km in
the year 2011 to 416.05Sq.Km in 2015. With the growth of settlements, non-agricultural
activities and Industrial area has also increased (45.06Sq.Km). Agricultural land got
converted to built-up land (23.86Sq.Km). In the agricultural category, the kharif crop
decreased from (2629.34Sq.Km) in the year in 2011 to (1747.16Sq.Km) in 2015. kharif
crop converted roppedin 2 seasons
area(942.53Sq.Km),rabicrop(81.29Sq.Km),canal(1.36Sq.Km),fallow (285.54Sq.Km),built up
area(9.66Sq.Km).cropped in 2 seasons converted to built up (5.61Sq.Km),
kharif(92.99Sq.Km), rabi(120.33Sq.Km),Fallow(45.70Sq.Km).fallow converted to
Kharif(305.47Sq.Km) , cropped in 2 seasons (54.06Sq.Km), rabi crop
(30.76Sq.Km).Plantation converted to cropped in 2 seasons (26.19Sq.Km), fallow
(20.852q.Km). Forest area converted into agriculture land(4.55Sq.Km). Wastelands
converted to built up land (20.12Sq.Km). More changes Occurred in Agricultue
land(43.56Sq.Km) Major in Kharif(9.92Sq.Km) and rabi crop(25.28Sq.Km). Minor
changes were observed in Water bodies and remaining classes. The matrix table shows
the accurate change statistics for LULC analysis (Table 32)

Built-Up

These are the areas of human habitation that have a cover of buildings, transport and
communication, utilities in association with water, vegetation and vacant lands. It
consists of built-up (Compact & Sparse), Vegetated / Open Area, Rural, Industrial and

29
Mining/Quarry. It occupies an area of 416.05 sq. km, which is about 2.75% of the total
geographical area of the district. Of which, rural area contributes 3.65% which is more
than 50% of the built-up category.

Built up - Compact (Continuous)

Most of the land is covered by buildings, roads, and artificially surfaced area and cover
almost all the ground. The built-up - compact class is assigned when the urban
structures and transport network (i.e. impermeable surfaces) occupies more than 80 %
of the surface area. This category occupied 56.85 sq. km, which are found in urban
areas.

Built up - Sparse (Discontinuous)

Most of the land is covered by the structures like buildings, roads and artificially
surfaced areas associated with vegetated areas and bare soil, which occupy
discontinuous but significant surfaces. Between 30 and 80 % of the total surface should
be impermeable. Scattered blocks of residential flats, hamlets and small villages are
delineated under this category. It contributes an area of 39.30 sq. km, which are found
in peri-urban areas.

Vegetated / Open Area

These are vegetated areas within urban agglomeration (situated within or in contact
with urban areas). Vegetation cover of trees, shrubs, and herbs covers at least 5% of the
total surface area which has been delineated. Parks, sport and leisure facilities, camping
grounds, sports grounds, leisure parks, golf courses, race courses, including formal
parks, etc are considered in this category. This category occupies an area of 4.0 sq. km.

Built-Up – Rural

These are the lands used for the human settlement of size comparatively less than the
urban settlements of which more than 80% of the people are involved in the primary
activity of agriculture and associated with non-commercial and with allied classes are
identified as built up (rural) category. The rural area contributed is about 172.96 sq. km.

Industrial

Non-linear impervious surfaces are included in this class which is related to trade,
manufacturing, distribution and commerce. These are areas where the human activity is
observed in the form of manufacturing along with other supporting establishments for
maintenance. The industrial area occupies an area of 28.63 sq. km, which is observed in
and around towns.

30
Industrial area-Ash / Cooling Pond

These are the portions of industry which are used for temporary storage of ash,
contaminated soil, rubble, cooling of hot water or tailing pond associated with the
industry. The areas where industrial waste is permanently kept, categorized as other
waste which is delineated under this category. A stockpile of storage dump of industrial
raw material or slag/effluents or waste material or quarried/mixed debris from earth’s
surface is considered under this category. It is observed that this category is found
around the industrial areas with an area of 0.48 sq. Km

Mining – Abandoned

These are the areas where large-scale surface operations of removal of economically
important ores are carried out in the past, but presently kept abandoned due to various
reasons like economical, operational, viability, disturbances etc. Only 1.27 sq. km has
been contributed under this category.

Quarry

These are manifestations of surface mining operations wherein small-scale excavation

of land surface for sand, gravel, clay-phosphate mines, limestone quarries, etc. are
taking place. They are mostly characterized by their nearness to urban areas. It
contributes an area of about 112.85 sq.km.

Agricultural Land

The land use category primarily used for the production of food, fiber, and other
commercial and horticultural crops. It includes land under crops namely cropland,
fallow land, agricultural plantation and aquaculture. The agricultural category is found
as the major category covering 7810.94 sq. km (51.75%) during 2015-16. It is also found
that double-cropped area is about 32% of the district total.

Kharif Crop

Agricultural area cultivated between June/July to September/ October coinciding with

SW monsoon season is considered Kharif crop. It is associated with rain-fed crops
under dryland farming with limited or no irrigation and areas of rain-fed paddy and
other dry crops. Kharif is found to be the second major agricultural category with an
extension of 1747.16 sq. km (11.53%).

Rabi Crop

31
These areas are cultivated between November/December to February/March. It is
associated with areas under assured irrigation irrespective of the source of irrigation.
However, rabi cropped areas also occur in rain-fed regions, under residual soil moisture
conditions especially in black soil areas with high rainfall during Kharif season. The
extent of rabi cropped area is about 432.96 sq. km (2.86%).

Zaid Crop

These are the areas that are cropped during summer (April – May) which are mostly
associated with irrigated areas with fertile soils, confined to plains/delta areas. The
areas are found in 85.57 sq. km during 2015-16.

Cropped in two seasons

These are the areas that are cropped during two cropping seasons that are often seen
associated with irrigated areas. Three combinations are possible in this category viz., -
Kharif + Rabi, Kharif + Zaid and Rabi + Zaid. It is found that this is the major agricultural
category with an extent of 3970 sq. km (26.20%)

Cropped in more than two seasons

These are the areas which are cropped in more than two cropping seasons. It includes
triple cropped areas (Kharif, Rabi and Zaid), areas under multiple cropping. Long
duration crops like sugarcane, cotton, banana, pineapple etc., are considered under this
category. It contributes an area of 28.03 sq. km (0.18%).

Fallow land

The agricultural land which is being used for cultivation but is temporarily allowed to
rest or un-cropped for one or more seasons, but not less than a year and for not more
than five years is referred to as fallow land. The fallow land occupies an area of 1446.15
sq. km.

Agricultural Plantation

These are the areas under agricultural tree crops planted adopting agricultural
management techniques. These also include the areas of land use systems and
practices wherein cultivation of herbs, shrubs, and vegetable crops are deliberately
integrated with agricultural crops mostly in irrigated conditions for ecological and
economic reasons. These areas are separable from cropland, especially with the data
acquired during rabi/zaid season. Plantations appear in dark-red to red tone of
different sizes with regular and sharp edges indicating the presence of a fence around it.
With 164.68 sqkm under this category, it is found that 1.09% of the land is under
plantation crops during 2015-16.

Forest

32
The term forest is used to refer to land with a tree canopy cover of more than 10
percent and area of more than 0.5 ha. Forest is determined both by the presence of
trees and the absence of other predominant land uses within the notified forest
boundaries. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m within the
notified forest boundaries. The forest cover is occupied about 4259.90 sq. km (28.12%).
ever green / semi ever green is 0.23 sqkm

Deciduous (Dry/Moist/Thorn)-Dense

This category is predominantly composed of species, which shed their leaves once a
year, especially during summer. These are mostly broad-leaved tropical forests with a
tendency to shed their leaves annually. This category includes all the areas where the
canopy cover/density is more than 40 % and contributed 1416.20 sq. km.

Deciduous (Dry/Moist/Thorn)-Open

This category is predominantly composed of species, which shed their leaves once a
year, especially during summer. These are mostly broad-leaved tropical forests with a
tendency to shed their leaves annually. This category includes all the forest areas where
the canopy cover/density ranges between 10 and 40 percent. An area of 1386.89 sq. km
is attributed to this category.

Forest Plantation

These are the areas of tree species of forestry importance, raised and managed
especially in the notified forest areas. Most of these are located in uplands, coastal
areas within notified areas. Many of these can be identified based on the sharp
boundary exhibited by them. The distribution of forest plantation is 58.73 sq. km.

Scrub Forest

These are the forest areas which are generally seen at the fringes of dense forest cover
and settlements, where there is biotic and abiotic interference. Most times they are
located closer to habitations. Forest blanks which are the openings amidst forest areas,
devoid of tree cover, observed as openings of assorted size and shapes as manifested
on the imagery are also included in this category. It is attributed

33
 an area of 1320.88 sq. km .

Tree Clad Area-Dense

Areas with tree cover lying outside the notified forest area with a woody perennial plant
with a single, well-defined stem carrying a more-or-less-defined crown and being at
least 3 m tall. Plants essentially herbaceous but with a woody appearance (e.g.
bamboos and ferns) are also classified as trees if the height is more than 5 m and as
shrubs, if the height is less than 5 m. This category includes all the areas where the
canopy cover/density is more than 40%. It occupied an area of 61.99 sq. km.

Tree Clad Area-Open

Areas with tree cover lying outside the notified forest area with a woody perennial plant
with a single, well-defined stem carrying a more-or-less-defined crown and being at
least 3 m tall. Plants essentially herbaceous but with a woody appearance (e.g.
bamboos and ferns) are also classified as trees if the height is more than 5 m and as
shrubs, if the height is less than 5 m. This category includes all the forest areas where
the canopy cover/density ranges between 10 and 40 percent. It is attributed to an area
of 14.98 sq. km.

Wastelands:

Wasteland is described as degraded land which can be brought under vegetative cover
with reasonable effort and which is currently underutilized and land which is
deteriorating for lack of appropriate water and soil management or on account of
natural causes. Wastelands can result from inherent/imposed disabilities such as by
location, environment, chemical and physical properties of the soil or financial or
management constraints. The area under this category is 1943.89 sq. km (12.88%).

Salt-affected land

These lands are containing an excessive concentration of salts (soluble salts or

exchangeable saline or both). Salinization can result from improper management of
canal irrigation water resulting in the rise of the water table and consequent
accumulation of salts in the root zone in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid (dry) conditions
and they also become saline when soils have developed on salt containing parent
materials or have saline ground water. These lands are accounted for 77.36sq. km only.

Gullied land

Gullies are formed as a result of localized surface run-off affecting the unconsolidated
material resulting in the formation of perceptible channels causing undulating terrain.
Gullies develop from rills which are tiny water channels with a few centimeters deep,
formed as a resultant impact of heavy rainfall and wearing action of run-off generated

34
there from. They are commonly found in sloping lands, developed as a result of
concentrated run-off. Further classification of this category is possible based on the
depth, width, bed slope, frequency and morphology of bed material of the ravines. They
appear in light yellow to bluish green in color depending on the surface moisture and
depth of erosion. They vary in size, shape with irregular broken network pattern. These
lands accounted to 23.32 sq.km(0.15%)

Dense scrub

The scrub is usually confined to topographically elevated areas, on the hill slopes
generally surrounded by agricultural lands. These areas possess shallow and skeletal
soils, at times chemically degraded, extremes of slopes, severely eroded and lands
subjected to excessive aridity with scrubs dominating the landscape. It is found with
varying sizes of small to large areas having a contiguous or dispersed pattern. The
dense scrub is mostly identified on the hills and occupied an area of 855.02 sq. km.

Open scrub

This category has a similar description as mentioned in the dense scrub excepting that
they possess sparse vegetation or devoid of scrub and have a thin soil cover. The open
scrub is found at foothills surrounded by agricultural lands with an account of 743.67
sq.km
Ravinous land

Gullies are formed as a result of localized surface run-off affecting the unconsolidated
materialresulting in the formation of perceptible channels causing undulating terrain.
Gullies develop from rills which are tiny water channels with a few centimeters deep,
formed as a resultant impact of heavy rainfall and wearing action of run-off generated
there from. They are commonly found in sloping lands, developed as a result of
concentrated run-off. Further classification of this category is possible based on the
depth, width, bed slope, frequency and morphology of bed material of the ravines. They
appear in light yellow to bluish green in color depending on the surface moisture and
depth of erosion. They vary in size, shape with irregular broken network pattern. These
lands amounted to 0.23 sq.km.

Barren Rocky/Stony waste

The barren rock exposures are especially confined to hilly terrain with down slope with
rock outcrops, stony waste and fragments. The area under this category is 244.24 sq.km

Water Bodies:

This category comprises areas with surface water, either impounded in the form of
ponds, lakes and reservoirs or flowing as streams, rivers, canals, etc. These are seen
clearly on the satellite image in blue to dark blue or cyan color depending on the depth

35
of water. Waterbody category occupies an area about 719.97 sq. km with 4.75% of the
district.

River/Stream-Perennial

Rivers/streams are the natural course of water flowing on the land surface along a
definite channel/slope regularly or intermittently towards a sea in most cases or a lake
or an inland basin in desert areas or a marsh or another river. The rivers/streams that
flow continuously throughout the year are considered perennial. It contributes an area
of 7.08 sq. km.

River/Stream-Non Perennial

When the water covers the surface for less than nine months in each year, it is
considered non perennial. This also includes the dry part of river generally
characterized by the presence of sand or exposed rocks. It is found that most of the
streams are under non perennial category and contribute an area of 104.27 sq. km.

Canal/Drain

Canals and drains are artificial watercourse constructed for irrigation, navigation or to
drain out excess water from agricultural lands. It is found mostly in coastal plains with
an area of 16.18 sq. km.

Reservoir/Tanks-Permanent

The reservoir is an artificial lake created by the construction of a dam across the river
specifically for hydel power generation, irrigation, and water supply for domestic/
industrial needs, flood control, either singly or in combination. Tanks are small lakes of
impounded waterways constructed on land surface for irrigation. They are associated
with croplands, low lands and reservoirs surrounded by hills without vegetation. This
includes all reservoirs/tanks with water spread seen at least during one season in a year
is considered under the permanent category. This category occupies an area of 101.59
sq. km.

Reservoir/Tanks-Seasonal

Dry reservoirs/tanks are those which do not have water spread throughout the year and
such are considered seasonal. It is found that many of the tanks fall under seasonal
category with an area of 470.81 sq. km.

Lake/ Pond : Lakes / ponds are those that retain water in them either for one season or
throughout the year and usually not subject to extreme fluctuation in water level. Ponds
are body of water limited in size, either natural or artificial, regular in shape, smaller in

36
size than a lake, generally located near settlements. These accounted for an area of 0.04
sq.km

2.1c.Eco sensitive areas : Three eco sensitive areas were identified in the district
which are
1.Sri venkateswara national Park
2. Sri venkateswara wild life sanctuary
3. Koundinya wild life sanctuary

1.Sri venkateswara national Park(SVNP): Its situated at the foothills of Tirumala in

between Alipiri and Srinivasa mangapuram which covers an area of 353 .62 2 km
and consist of various wildlife animal species which are natural habitants of the terrain.
It is maintained by TTD and locally called zoological park
2. 2. Sri venkateswara wildlife sanctuary : It is situated at the foothills of the Tirumala
covering bakarapeta , Talkona reserved forest and it is on the way to Tirupati to
madanapalli, it covers on area 172.35 sq km and consists of various rare botanical
species like red sandERS and sandle wood species, even animal species like
panthers and leopard . It is a place of scenic beauty
3. Koundinya wildlife sanctuary": It is situated in Palamaneru , Kuppam and Santhipuram
Mandal hill tracks and it has wild Elephants . It Comprises an area of 355sq km .
Bangalore highway passes throw this sanctuary .This is a totally protected reserved
forest for wild elephants. It covers 3 -4 mandals of erstwhile Kuppam revenue
Division.

37
 District
Survey Report – 2018

ping areas are observed in parts

Table 5. Land use / Land cover change
Land Use Land Cover Change Matrix of Chittoor District 2011-12 to 2015-16
Land 2015-2016
Grand Total
Use 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
1 56.74 56.74
2 38.39 38.39
3 1.65 1.65
4 171.53 171.53
5 13.34 13.34
6 0.48 0.48
7 0.00 0.00
8 0.06 88.80 88.86
9 0.08 0.10 0.51 0.11 7.47 1.39 1303.26 81.29 5.03 942.53 285.54 0.68 1.33 0.02 2629.34
10 0.07 18.39 159.48 0.66 60.29 8.38 0.22 0.05 247.54
11 0.05 8.17 1.01 5.48 13.25 1.89 0.81 30.65
12 0.03 0.64 0.83 0.42 2.85 0.84 92.99 120.33 6.58 2866.00 45.70 3.97 0.27 0.04 2.15 3115.13
13 0.09 1.73 10.60 2.70 28.03 0.62 43.77
14 0.70 3.13 3.66 305.47 30.76 1.85 54.06 1083.50 2.32 0.19 1485.63
15 0.24 0.06 0.41 0.18 6.00 3.44 1.98 26.19 20.52 152.49 211.51
16 0.01 0.01
2011-2012

17 0.23 0.23
18 0.03 1416.20 1400.23
19 0.08 0.15 0.04 0.07 1386.89 1.93 1.73 0.02 1435.23
20 0.26 46.84 8.58 55.68
21 0.11 0.58 1.20 0.46 1.73 9.96 1310.57 0.02 0.19 1324.83
22 0.12 0.03 61.99 62.14
23 14.98 14.98
24 0.13 0.33 0.09 0.75 0.21 0.92 0.93 7.64 0.03 0.86 77.36 0.11 89.38
25 0.07 0.41 0.05 23.32 0.22 24.07
26 0.44 0.75 4.38 2.18 7.66 0.17 1.76 3.60 855.02 0.03 0.61 876.61
27 1.07 4.81 6.40 9.98 0.17 1.20 0.52 743.67 0.01 0.09 767.91
28 0.23 0.23
29 6.15 244.24 250.39
30 7.08 7.08
31 104.27 0.09 104.36
32 34.26 34.26
33 0.00 0.00
34 49.61 13.83 63.44
35 0.01 0.08 0.04 51.98 453.46 505.57
Grand
56.85 39.30 4.00 172.93 30.16 0.48 0.27 112.05 1747.16 432.96 21.95 3970.69 28.03 1446.15 164.68 0.01 0.23 1416.20 1519.89 58.73 1320.88 61.99 14.98 77.36 23.32 855.02 743.67 0.23 244.24 7.08 104.27 36.18 0.04 101.59 470.81 15151.18
Total

38
2.2.Slope Map of the District
The concept of measuring slope from a topographic map is a familiar one for most
professionals in the natural resources and landscape planning / management and
surveying professions. Slope is a measurement of how steep the ground surface is.
Steeper the ground surface is, greater the slope. Slope is measured by calculating the
tangent of the surface. The tangent is calculated by dividing the vertical change in
elevation by the horizontal distance. Slope is normally expressed in planning as a
percent slope which is the tangent (slope) multiplied by 100. Percent Slope = Height /
Base * 100

Reliable estimation of the stability of slopes and foundations is very demanding

because it is important for terrain analysis to understand the natural process in the
disciplines of topography, geology, soils, hydro-geology, infrastructure planning,
hazard management both at surface and subsurface. In view of this, slope plays an
important role while doing decentralized planning at grassroots level. Traditionally
information about contours from 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 topographic maps are used for
preparation of slope by manual procedures based contour value difference for unit
horizontal distance. The emergence of remote sensing & GIS systems and the
availability of topographic data in DEM or TIN formats, slope maps can be generated
using image processing and GIS methods. Representation of slope in percentage is
understandable rationale for the resource mapping and planning. Slope information as
one of the GIS layers plays an important role in natural resources and district planning
process. It is proposed to generate the necessary slope layer from the available digital
topographic data such as Carto DEM and open source Digital Elevation Model data
(NRSC, 2009).

From Fig. 12, it is observed that majority of the District is covered with level to nearly
level slope. It is observed in North eastern part and in southern westren part also. it is

undulating in the following categories (Please check)

39
matrix from 2011-12 to 2015-16 in Chittoor District.(Area in Sq.Km)

40
 Fig:11.Slope map of chittoor district,A.P

Fig.12 Digital Elevation Map Of Chittoor District,A.P

2.3 Forest Cover Distribution

41
 The term forest is used to refer to land with a tree canopy cover of more than 10
percent and area of more than 0.5 ha. Forest is determined both by the presence of
trees and the absence of other predominant land uses within the notified forest
boundaries. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 m within the
notified forest boundaries. The forest cover occupied about 4259.90 sq. km (28.12%).
ever green / semi ever green is 0.23 sqkm
.

Fig:13
Forest
cover map of Chittoor district,A.P

Table:6.Types of forest in Chittoor District.

Evergreen / Semi Evergreen-Dense 0.23 0.00 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.00

Deciduous (Dry/Moist/Thorn)-Dense 1416.23 9.35 1416.20 9.35 -0.03 0.00

Deciduous (Dry/Moist/Thorn)-Open 1390.92 9.18 1386.89 9.15 -4.03 -0.03

Forest Plantation 55.68 0.37 58.73 0.39 3.05 0.02

Scrub Forest 1324.83 8.74 1320.88 8.72 -3.94 -0.03

Tree Clad Area-Dense 62.14 0.41 61.99 0.41 -0.15 0.00

Tree Clad Area-Open 14.98 0.10 14.98 0.10 0.00 0.00

Forest 4265.00 28.15 4259.90 28.12 -5.10 -0.03

42
 3. Agriculture and Soil Resources in the Chittoor District
Remote sensing technology has been successfully used by APSAC during the last two
decades in the areas of agriculture both in spatial and temporal domains under various
projects. APSAC carried out in-season forecasting of acreage for major crops i.e. Kharif
rice, Rabi rice, cotton, groundnut etc, at state/ district level for the last two decades in
Andhra Pradesh to enable the administrators and planners to take strategic decisions
on import-export policy matters and trade negotiations. Rice and Cotton are the most
dominant crops in Andhra Pradesh in both Kharif seasons. In this connection,
Department of Agriculture and Directorate of Economics & Statistics are generating
data on conventional methods for estimation of crop area and production. In this
regard, satellite remote sensing plays a pivotal role with limited field visits for timely
estimation and monitoring the crops.

3.1. Kharif Rice Estimation using SAR data

Andhra Pradesh Space Applications Centre (APSAC) has carried out Kharif rice crop
acreage estimation over Chittoor district using Microwave Remote Sensing (Sentinel-1A)
data under FASAL project. Sentinel-1A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) VV polarization
data (Spatial Resolution 20m) is used for the analysis. The rice acreage using sentinel-1
microwave remote sensing data for Chittoor district was estimated as 8,928 ha.

(a) (b) (c)

43
Fig:14(a) Ground truth data overlaid on multi-temporal RGB image, (b) Rice cropped area and (c)
Transplantation date-wise rice cropped area over Chittoor District

3.2.Soils

The major portion of the district is covered by red soils with portions of Alluvial soil in
Chittoor and Bangarupalem erstwhile taluks. According to an assessment made on the
basis of village records, 57% of the soils of the district are red loamy and 34% red sandy.
The remaining 9% is covered by Black Clay (3%), Black Loamy (2%), Black Sandy (1%)
and Red Clay(3%)C and Red Clay (3%)

Fig.15 Soil Resource Map of Chittoor Distrcit,A.P

3.2.a. Salt-affected land:

These lands are containing an excessive concentration of salts (soluble salts or
exchangeable saline or both). Salinization can result from improper management of
canal irrigation water resulting in the rise of the water table and consequent
accumulation of salts in the root zone in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid (dry) conditions
and ingress of sea water in coastal regions and/or use of high-salt containing ground
water. They also become saline when soils have developed on salt containing parent
materials or have saline ground water. Coastal saline soils may be with or without
ingress or inundation by sea water. These lands are accounted for 0.26 sq. km only.

44
 Fig.16, Salt affected land of Chittoor District,A.P

3.3.Horticulture : Apart from Agriculture, Land utility in Chittoor district is taken by Horticulture.
A Total of 1, 96, 815.745 Ha is cultivated under horticultrure specices/ species and the above said
area consists of (Please have uniform notation Ha/ha)
1. Fresh fruits 115017.245 ha,

Vegetables 595 577 ha

Plantations 3399 ha

species 8875 ha

Flowriculture 9396.5 Ha

aromatic and Medicinal plants 1155 ha

The details of each crop vaiety is attached herewith in the excel table form

Fresh fruits: In this category, a total of 11507 .25 ha is irrigated with an annual prodction of
2090216.64 MT in which Mango plantations rank high with a cultivable area of 990291 ha, and total
yield of 1390077 MT, as on 2017-18

Table: 7: Aerial Extent (Ha) of Fresh Fruits with Production (MT) in Chittoor District(2017-18)

45
Sl.No Name of The Fresh Fruit Statistics
1 Amla Area 212
Production 4240
2 Banana Area 2323
Production 127765
3 Ber Area 0
Production 0

3 Lemon (Lime & Other Citrus Fruits) Area 133

Production 2128
4 Orange & Batavia Area 0
Production 0
5 Custered Apple Area 536
Production 4366
6 Grapes Area 49
Production 980
7 Guava Area 571
Production 21698
8 Jack Fruit Area 4
Production 136
9 Mango Area 99291
Production 1390077
10 Papaya Area 2900
Production 285650
11 Pineapple Area 0
Production 0
12 Pomegranate Area 1613
Production 25808
13 Sapota Area 390
Production 5308
14 Muskmelon Area 3877
Production 130445.51
15 Watermelon Area 2585
Production 77756.8
16 Other Fruits Area 533
Production 13858
Total Fresh Fruits Area 115017.245
Production 2090216.64

Papaya is cultivated in a vast area of 2900 ha with an yield of 285650 mt. Musk mellon occupies an
area of 3877 ha with a production of 130445 Mt and banana occupied an area of 2323 ha in the
eastern Chittoor with a production of 127765 MT.

Vegetables : In this category, a total of 59577 ha area is cultivated with a production of 2699768.4 mt.
In the westran Chittoor especially madanapsalli , Tomato is cultivated in 30518 ha with an yield of
2058 mt followed by Beans with an area of 34889 ha and an yiled of 54777.3 mt, cauliflower is also
culitivated in the westan part of the district in an area of 900 ha with an yield of 13500Mt, Brinjal

46
cultivation occupies the next position with an area 4343 ha and an yiled of 1389 Mt. Green chillies ,
Bendi and Potato are also culitivated in the district.(Kindly check the paragraph)

Table: 8 Aerial Extent (Ha) of Vegetables with Production (MT) in Chittoor District(2017-18)
Sl.No Name of The Vegetables Statistics
1 Beans Area 3489
Production 54777.3
2 Bitter Guard Area 997
Production 17946
3 Bottle Gourd Area 200
Production 4200
4 Brinjal Area 4343
Production 128987
5 Cabbage & Knol-Khol Area 1843
Production 35017
6 Capsicum Area 5
Production 165
7 Carrot Area 271
Production 5420
8 Cauliflower Area 900
Production 13500
9 Cucumber Area 37
Production 925
10 Chillies Green Area 2158
Production 60424
11 Garlic Area 0
Production 0

Elephant Foot Yam Area 42

12
Production 252
13 Bhendi Area 2062
Production 35054
14 Onion Area 588
Production 14700
15 Parwal / Ponted Gourd Area 0
Production 0
16 Peas Area 0
Production 0
17 Potato Area 2640
Production 44880
18 Radish Area 254
Production 4572
19 Pumpkin Area 0
Production 0
20 Sweet Potato Area 197

47
 Production 3915
21 Tapioca Area 0
Production 0
22 Tomato Area 30518
Production 2058272
23 Other Vegetables Area 9033
Production 216792
Total Vegetables Area 59577
Production 2699798.4
Floriculture: Under this category, total area of 9396.5 ha is cultivated with a production of 112840.9 mt.
Chrysanthemum Occupies the top position with an area of 2624 ha, and an annual production of 52470
mt, Marrygold is cultivated in an area of 3866 ha, with an yield of 39306 mt

Table: 9 Aerial Extent (Ha) of Flowerswith Production (MT) in Chittoor District(2017-18)

Sl.No Name of The Flowers Statistics
1 Chrysanthemum Area 2624
Production 52470
2 Jasmine Area 736
Production 4637
3 Marigold Area 3686
Production 39306
4 Rose (Lakhs. Of Flowers) Area 373
Production 1935
5 Tuberose Area 390
Production 4680
6 Crossandra Area 507
Production 1673
7 Other Flowers Area 1081
Production 10075
8 Total Flowers Area 9396.5
Production 112840.9

Table:10 Aerial Extent (Ha) of Plantation with Production (MT) in Chittoor District(2017-18)
Sl.No Name of The Plantation Statistics
1 Arecanut Area 0
Production 0
2 Cashew Area 175
Production 191
3 Cocoa Area 0
Production 0
4 Coconut Area 3224
Production 486
5 Oilpalm Area 0
Production 0
6 Coffee Area 0
Production 0

48
 Total Plantations Area 3399
Production 190.75
SPICES : Under this category, an area of 8875 ha is grown with production of 70260 .4 Mt . In the
easten Chittoor Perticularly Nagari and puttoor mandals, Betel has been is cultivated under 174 ha,
with production of 2967048 mt. Tamarind also is grown as shadow plant along with yield of 31686 MT.

Table: 11 Aerial Extent (Ha) of Spices with Production (MT) in Chittoor District(2017-18)
Sl.No Name of The Spices Statistics
1 Ajwan Area 0
Production 0
2 Betelvine Area 174
Production 2967048
3 Pepper Area 0
Production 0
4 Chillies (Dried) Area 2139
Production 12836.4
5 Coriander Area 334
Production 668
6 Ginger Area 0
Production 0
7 Tamarind Area 2876
Production 31636
8 Turmeric Area 402
Production 4422
9 Others Spices Area 2950
Production 20698
Total (Spices) Area 8875
Production 70260.4

4. Water Resources in the Chittoor District

Water resources in chittoor districts can be classified into following categories

1.Surface Water resources
2.Ground water resources

4.1.Surface Water And Irrigation Resorces of The District:

The annual average rainfall of the district is 934 mm, of which 440 mm falls as South
West (June-September) and 395 mm as North East (October-December) monsoon. The
mean minimum and maximum temperature recorded in the district are 17.5° C in
January and 41.5°C in May, respectively.

49
4.1.a. River Basins in Chittoor District
Chittoor district is partially covered with 08 major basins and 10 minor basins.
The basins are Papagni, Cheyyeru, Palar, Swarnamukhi, Minor drainages between
Araniar & Kalangi, Aranair, Kusasthali, Upputeru, Kalangi and Ponnair. These 10 minor
basins are further divided into 126 sub basins subsequently divided into 3,229 cascades.
The catchment area of each basin is delineated using the boundaries from master plan
records and updated by super imposing on Survey of India toposheet (1:50K). The sub
basins are suitably subdivided into cascades based on local drainage conditions. The
number of sub basins, cascades and tanks within the minor basin is given in the table 1
and depicted in Fig. 17
Table 12. Hydrological units of Chittoor district
Hydrological unit, Nos.
Sr. Area,
Minor basin Major basin Sub
No. km2 Cascades Tanks
basins
1 Papagni 1,510 12 358 1,129
Pennar
2 Cheyyeru 3,506 25 1,052 3,704
3 Palar Palar 4,874 34 1,138 3,870
4 Swarnamukhi Swarnamukhi 2,160 16 264 1,043
5 Kalangi Kalangi 944 12 142 506
6 Aranair 911 9 114 738
Minor drainages
Aranair
7 between Araniar 203 4 21 114
and Kalangi
8 Kusasthali Kusasthali 870 8 112 621
9 Upputeru Upputeru 69 2 14 42
10 Ponnair Ponnair 104 4 14 89
Total 15151 126 3,229 11,856

Table:13.Drainage System with Description of main rivers

S.No Name of the River Area Drained (Sq.KM) % of Area Drained

in the District
1 Papagni 1510 9.973

2 Cheyyeru 8192.5724 54.51

3 Palar 4832.23 31.95
4 Swarnamukhi 3133.22 20.69
5 Kalangi 1236.5 8.16
6 Aranair 901.78 5.96
7 Kusasthali 855.98 5.65
8 Upputeru 72.13 0.46

Table:14.Salient Features of Important Rivers and Streams

S.No Name of the River Total Length in Place of Origin Altitude at
or Stream the District (in Origin

50
 Kms)
1 Papagni 56.54 Nandi Hills, 914 mts
Chikballapur
district,
Karnataka
2 Cheyyeru 292.99 Horsely hills, 700 mts
Chittoor District
3 Palar 50 Nandi Hills, 195.75m
Chikballapur
district,
Karnataka
4 Swarnamukhi 101.17 Shakumpalli 360m
Village,Pakala
mandal,Chittoor
district
5 Kalangi 37 Varadayapalem 1200m
6 Aranair Sadasivanikonda 1040
7 Kusasthali 47 Vedurukuppam 1011m
8 Upputeru 20 Kasikonagutta 620m
9 Ponnir 56 musman

4.2.0. Major and Medium Irrigation Projects

Irrigation has assumed an increasing significance in agriculture in the context of
new technology, where high yielding varieties and multiple cropping are being

practiced. The main reasons for low yields are inadequate rainfall, uneven and uncertain

rains during the period of crop growth. It is generally found that the introduction of
irrigation is associated with changes in the cropping pattern. The shift from traditional

cropping pattern to the most advantageous cropping pattern is possible only in the
presence of irrigation facilities. The new agricultural technology is highly based on

sufficient moisture conditions. Thus, the development of irrigation is crucial for

increasing agricultural production. The irrigation projects are classified as major,

medium and minor irrigation projects

4.2.1. Major Irrigation Project: The ongoing major irrigation projects in Chittoor
district are (1) NTR Telugu Ganga Project (TGP) which covered an ayacut of 38,938 ac
falling in two assembly constituencies namely as Satyavedu and Srikalahasti (2) Handri
Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) covered an ayacut of 1,40,000 ac falling in two(Check)

51
assembly constituencies namely as Chandragiri, Chittoor, G.D.Nellore, Kuppam, Pileru,
Madanapalle, Punganur, Puthalapattu and Thambalapalle (3) Galeru Nagari Sujala
Sravanthi (GNSS) covered an ayacut of 1,03,500 ac falling in three assembly
constituencies namely Nagari, Satyavedu and Srikalahasti and depicted in Fig. 2

4.2.2. Medium Irrigation Project: The completed medium irrigation projects are (1)
Swarnamukhi Anicut covering 10,200 ac (2) Kalangi Reservoir Project covering 4,650 ac
(3) Mallimadugu Reservoir Project covering 3,950 ac (4) Araniar Project covering 5,550
ac (5) Krishnapuram Reservoir Project which covers 6,125 ac, (6) Bahuda Reservoir
Project covering 2,884 ac (7) Pedderu Reservoir Project covering 4,300 ac, (8)
Siddalagandi Project covering 225 ac and depicted in Fig. 2

Fig. 15 Major and Medium Irrigation Projects

52
53
4.2.3 Minor Irrigation Tanks
In Chittoor district according to the Irrigation Master Plan records (1993) 9,418
tanks and hydrological clearance data (2011), there are 10,566 tanks including 1,575
kalvas. NIRD study report on irrigation tanks in Andhra Pradesh (2007) lists 8,066 tanks
including 676 minor irrigation tanks, while the Survey of India toposheet (1988-89)
shows 8,889 tanks.
The tanks were updated with high resolution satellite data of 2009-10 which shows that
there are 11,856 tanks including 170 check dams, 08 medium irrigation projects. Andhra
Pradesh Space Application centre developed a Web Portal GIS for Tank Information
System (TIS) in Andhra Pradesh. In the said web portal, minor irrigation tanks are
classified as more than 40 ha, 10 to 40 ha and less than 10 ha command. Information
related to nearly 15,000 tanks in Andhra Pradesh has been published in APSAC website
and information regarding 1312 tanks (10 to 40 ha) existing in Chittoor district has so
far been published in the website.

Fig.17. Drainage and surface water bodies, basin boundaries

54
4.3.Groundwater Resources:
Grondwater resoureces are estmited using spatial technologies. In this process, IRS-P6-
2012 was analysed based on the land forms developed...... denudational(check) origin
and hydrogeomorphology and structural maps are generated, using GIS both the
above maps will be integrated so that ground water resourcemap is generated

4.3.1.Geology and Mineral Resources of Chittoor District

The district is underlain by formations of Archaean, Proterozoic, Jurassic Cretaceous

Tertiary and Quaternary ages. The oldest rocks in the area belong to Migmatite
Complex, represented by migmatised quartzo-felspathic gneiss and are exposed in the
northeastern part of the district. Older metamorphics comprise amphibolites,
hornblende-talc-mica-schist, fuchsite quartzite, calc-sillicate rock, marble and banded
ferruginous quartzite. These older metamorphics occur as enclaves within Peninsular
Gneissic Complex (PGC). The PGC comprises a complex assemblage of gneissic variants
and granitic rocks, which occupy almost major part of the district. PGC in the area is
represented by biottte-homblende gneiss, biotite granite and migmatite. The Dharwar
Super group of rocks represented by

Fig 18: Geology Map of Chittoor District, A.P

55
 Fig 19: Stratigarphic succssion of Chittoor District, A.P

quartz-mica schist, amphibolite schist, quartzo-flespathic mica schist (Champion gneiss,

metabasalt, matadacite and banded ferruginous quartzite, belonging to various schist
belts and occur as long linear N-S trending belts and overlie PGC non-conformably.
(Please check the Bracket end)Acid intrusives of Proterozoic Age comprises granite
and quartz veins. The granite plutons are exposed as patches and linear bodies in

56
southwestern and northwestern parts of the district, respectively. The basic dykes
include dolerites. Three sets of dolerite dykes trends E-W, N-S, and NW-SE, traverse the
southern tip of the well-known Cuddapah Basin falls in the northeastern part of the
district. Shale and quartzite of Bairenkonda Formation, shales/phyllite and limestone of
Cumbum Formation are exposed in the district. The rocks of Gondwana Super group
occur non- conformably over the PGC in southeastern part of the district, represented
by Satyavedu Formation (Upper Gondwana) and comprise motled, ferruginous
quartzite and conglomerate with plant fossils. Laterite cappings occur over Gondwana
formations. Large tracts of Alluvium occur along the major streams, which belong to
Recent Age.

4.3.2.Metlogenic Provinces of Chittoor District:

Mineral provinces:
Chittoor District does not have good mineral resources. The mineral product based
industries existing in the district are stone crushing units, and granite polishing units
that utilize the pink, black and grey granite deposits found in the District.
Granite Cutting and polishing: Granite deposits are available in Chandragiri, Tirupati
and Western parts of the District. Granite metal is used for building construction and
polishing purposes. There are units, both in the large or medium and small scale
engaged in this line of activity. All the units are working well as there is no marketing
problem. Keeping this view, the availability of raw material and assured market of 8 to
10 units can be encouraged in the District.

57
 Fig 20: Metalogenic province Map of chittoor district, A.P

Barytes : Barytes veins of 1- 3 cm thickness occur in coarse grained gneiss in

gundlamadugu stream near bairaghi kandriga . The barytes is yellowish in color and is
associated with quartz& hematite .It is of no economic importance.
Dimensional stones : The granite gneisses , migamatite bairenkonda quartzites and
gondwana sand stones of the districts are extensively quarried for building materials.
There is flourishing polished stone industry in the district around kuppam where the
quarrying for granite was taken up on commercial scale.Chittoor district has been
supplying granite monuments to the world market. The commercial varieties are
kuppam green (granite gneiss), English teak ( multi coloured granite ) and black granite
(dolerite ).Apart from this, the basic dykes and quartzite veins also are used as road
metal and railway ballast in the district.

corundum: corundum in the form of crystal of 1 - 3 cm long occurs near

yerracheruvupalli and north of polisettipalli in association with mica schist. These
deposits are locally quarried and the mineral is used for abrasive wheels.

Corundum is a precious gem that finds some use as an abrasive, owing to the extreme
hardness of the material (9 on the Moh’s hardness scale). It is used for grinding optical
glass and for polishing metals and has also been made into sandpapers and grinding
wheels. The extreme hardness of corundum makes it especially useful as an abrasive.
Crushed corundum is processed to remove impurities and then screened to produce
uniformly sized granules and powders. These are used for grinding media, polishing
compounds, sand papers, grinding wheels, and other cutting applications. Corundum
has many other uses. It is chemically inert and resistant to heat. These properties make
it a perfect material for making refractory products such as fire brick, kiln liners, and kiln
furniture. Today, these products are usually made with synthetic corundum. Pure
corundum is colourless, transparent, durable, and scratch resistant. Large crystals of
clear synthetic corundum are grown, sawn into thin sheets, and then used as the
windows of grocery store scanners, watch crystals, aircraft windows and protective
covers for electronic devices.
Gold: Gold occurrences are recored from bisantham, Thalachintpalli and
Mallappakonda Chigaragunta of Kuppam revenue division. These occurrences form a
part of southern extension of kolar gold belt. In Mallappakonda Chigaragunta, G.S.I
established sizeble reserves of Gold (check) Minor occurrences of gold associated with
ferruginous quartzite are also reported from palechuru of Srikalasthi revenue division.

Uses of Gold

58
Of all the minerals mined from the Earth, none is more useful than gold. Its usefulness
is derived from a diversity of special properties. Gold conducts electricity and does not
tarnish. It is very easy to work and can be drawn into wire, hammered into thin sheets,
alloys with many other metals, can be melted and cast into highly detailed shapes. It
has a wonderful colour and a brilliant lustre. Gold has been used to make ornamental
objects and jewellery for thousands of years. Gold nuggets found in a stream are very
easy to work and were probably one of the foremost metals used by the humans.
Today, most of the gold that is newly mined or recycled is used in the manufacture of
jewellery. About 78% of the gold consumed each year is used in the manufacture of
jewellery.

Special properties of gold make it perfect for manufacturing jewellery. These include
very high lustre, desirable yellow colour, and tarnish resistance. It has the ability to be
drawn into wires, hammered into sheets, or cast into shapes. These are all properties of
an attractive metal that is easily worked into beautiful objects. Another extremely
important factor that demands the use of gold as a jewellery metal is tradition. Pure
gold is too soft to stand up to the stresses applied to many jewellery items. Craftsmen
learned that alloying gold with other metals such as copper, silver, and platinum would
increase its durability. Since then, most gold used to make jewellery is an alloy of gold
with one or more other metals.

Hematite: Hematite( Iron ore) occurs in quartzite associated with hornblende schist
near sersambedu Konur, Suramala of Srikalasthi revenue division. Hematite occur in the
form of lences of about 6 - 7m thickness.

Ochar: Ochar bands of cream brown or pink color occur with in the scale west of
karakambadi.These Occar(check) find its use in distempers and paints.

Steatite: Small steatite deposits are useful in ceramic and painting industry that occur at
Bakranarasingarayanipet,Anugallu of chittoor revenue division and in keramanda,
Bandakindapalli and Thalupalalli.

Talc: Talc occurs in talc tremolite schist of ellampalli and worked locally.

Clays: Inferior quality clays occur as pockets within cumbum shales to the west of
karkambadi and near toidavaru

4.3.3Geomorphology:

4.3.4. Land forms of fluvial origin:

The word fluvial is used in Earth science to refer to processes and landforms produced
by running water. As with other surficial processes, running water can either erode

59
material from the earth’s landscape, or deposit layers of sediment. The resulting
landforms can thus be classified as either erosional landforms or depositional
landforms. The incredible power of running water in carving various erosional and
depositional landforms is well known. Although the quantity of water in stream is small
at one time during the course of the year, very large volumes of water move through
the channel and they form an important component in the hydrological cycle. The
fluvial dissection of the landscape consists of valleys and their included channel ways
organized into a system of connection known as a drainage network. Drainage
networks display many types of quantitative regularity that are useful in analyzing both
the fluvial systems and the terrains that they dissect (NRSA,2007).

Fig 21:Geomophological Map of Chittoor District,A.P

Flood plain:

The surface or strip of relatively smooth land adjacent to a river channel constructed (or
in the process of being constructed) by the present river in its existing regimen and
covered with water when the river overflows its banks at times of high water. It is built

60
of alluvium carried by the river during floods and deposited in the sluggish water
beyond the influence of the swiftest current.

4.3.5.Denudational origin
Landform of denudational origin is formed where the denudation process dominates
over the other process. Most of the landform resulting due to this process is the
combined effect of mechanical and chemical weathering. Denudation is the process of
removal of material by erosion and weathering. This has direct influence on the relief of
the area especially in the reduction of relief to the base level. The agents are mostly
water, ice and wind. The major factors affecting denudation are geology, climate,
tectonics and anthropogenic effects. All rocks and minerals at or near surface are
attacked by physical and chemical process. The effect of this process is not the same
everywhere because of rocks’ varying resistance to change. As a result, weathering and
erosion yield a number of landforms, which have typical shape and forms. Weathering
is an essential part of the rock cycle. The parent material, or rock weathered material is
disaggregated to form smaller fragments and some of the minerals are dissolved and
removed by the agent of water. This removal of material is erosion and is accomplished
by running water, wind, glacier, etc. The weathering provides a raw material for the
sedimentary rock and soil. Important denudational landforms to be mapped are
explained below. (NRSA,2016).

Denudational Hill: It is a highly dissected hill which has obliterated the structures.

Inselberg:
A prominent, isolated, steep sided, usually smoothed and rounded, residual knob, hill or
small mountain of circumdenudation rising abruptly from and surrounded by an
extensive and nearly level, lowland erosion surface in a hot, dry region (as in the deserts
of southern Africa or Arabia), generally bare and rocky although partly buried by the
debris derived from and overlapping its slopes; it is characteristic of an arid or semiarid
landscape in a late stage of the erosion cycle.

Pediment:
A broad, flat or gently sloping, rock floored erosion surface or plain of low relief,
typically developed by sub aerial agents (including running water) in an arid or semiarid
region at the base of an abrupt and receding mountain front or plateau escarpment,
and underlain by bedrock (occasionally by older alluvial deposits) that may be bare but
more often partly mantled with a and discontinuous veneer of alluvium derived from
the upland masses and in transit across the surface

Pediment-Inselberg Complex:
The pediments dotted by numerous inselberg of small sizes, which make it difficult to
distinguish from the pediments. Hence, it is called a complex of pediment and inselberg.

Pediplain:

61
An extensive, multi-concave, rock cut erosion surface formed by the coalescence of two
or more adjacent pediments and occasional desert domes, and representing the end
result (the “peneplain”) of the mature stage of the erosion cycle. Based on the thickness
of weathering, they are further classified as shallow, moderate and deep pediplains.
Residual Hill: A small remnant hill, which has witnessed all forms of denudation.

4.3.6. Landform of structural origin:

Landform of structural origin is related to structural aspect of the area. Most of the
landforms under this class have genesis related to underlying structure. Structure plays
an important role for reducing the resistance of rock which manifests itself in different
geomorphic forms. Some of the variation is minor and some are in mega scale. The
mega scale forms have a dramatic effect on the genesis of landforms and hence
mapping of such forms indirectly indicates the structural set up of the area. The mega
scale structural features like fault and fold depending on its type plays an important
role in genesis of structural landform. The influence of geologic structures on the
development and appearance of landscapes is prominent. The influence of geologic
structures ranges from large features, which exert a dominant influence on the form of
an entire landscape, to small features, which affect an individual landform and the
geomorphic processes operating on it. The structural control could be active structures
whose form is directly impressed on the modern landscape or ancient structural
features whose influence on a modern landscape is due primarily to differential erosion.
Important structural landforms to be mapped are explained below.

Antiformal Hills / Valley: A breached/ unbreached uplift, where the structure is shown
directly in the topography and perhaps by drainage pattern. In case of the presence of
older rock in the core of the uplift the ..........

Basin: It is a general term for a depressed, sediment filled area. It may be an elongated,
fault-bordered intermontane basin within an orogenic belt.
Cuesta:
A hill or ridge with a gentle slope on one side and a steep slope on the other;
specifically an asymmetric ridge with one face (dip slope) long and gentle and
conforming with the dip of the resistant bed or beds that form it, and the opposite face
(scarp slope) steep or even cliff-like and formed by the out crop of the resistant rocks,
the formation of the ridge being controlled by the differential erosion of the gently
inclined.
Dome:
A general term for any dome shaped landform or rock mass, such as a smoothly
rounded rock-capped mountain summit, roughly resembling the dome of a building

Dissected Structural Hills and Valleys:

62
Hills and valleys, which are originated due to tectonic process and are highly dissected
by the drainage lines which can be further classified as highly, moderately and low
dissection depending on the density of joints and drainage. Mostly this will be
interpreted from a planimetric satellite data and the classification is highly subjective.

Dyke and Sill Ridge: Intrusive features that are emplaced within the pre-existing
fractures or where the fluid pressure is great enough for them to form their own
fracture during emplacements. They are discordant bodies. The concordant equivalents
are sill and mostly form sheet like plutons.

Hogback: It is a long narrow ridge or series of hills, structurally controlled by the

presence of homoclinal sedimentary strata that dip steeply (> 500). Hogbacks develop
best in sediments that are in hard and soft layers of marked contrast. Because of their
steep dips, hogbacks remain more or less fixed in the landscape, and do not retreat as
that of a Cuesta

4.3.7.Structural /Lineament Map of Chittor Disrict

All linear features are to be interpreted from the image. The cultural features like road,
railway line, high tension lines etc. are to be excluded. The lineament may not be a
single continuous line; rather it has to be shown as discontinuous line segments.
Lineaments from remote sensing data can be identified mainly based on their linear
nature, presence of moisture, alignment of vegetation, alignment of ponds, straight
stream segments, etc. However, interpretation of lineaments is to be done in
conjunction with other diagnostic criteria such as channel offset, bank erosion and
down-cutting of channel along lineament, warping and displacement of sediment layer,
anabranching of river course, abrupt change of river course, presence of dry channel in
an active river course, channel rejuvenation and land subsidence, linear ridges, scarp
surface, linear alignment of water bodies and straight channel segments.

63
Fig
22:

Structural Map of chittoor district, A.P

64
4.4.0.Ground Water Scenario
4.4.1.Hydrogeology: More than 90% of the district is underlain by crystalline
formations and the remaining area by semi-consolidated formations. The degree and
depth of weathering vary from place to place in crystalline formations and hence the
potentiality of shallow aquifers also varies. Ground water occurs under unconfined
conditions in weathered portion and semi-confined to confined condition occurs in
fractures, joints at deeper depths. Ground water in weathered formations is developed
by dug wells. For irrigation purposes, the dug wells are circular or rectangular in shape
with 30 to 60 sq.m. The domestic wells are mostly circular in shape and smaller in size.
The depth of the wells is upto 10m. The average discharge of energized wells ranges
from 18 to 30 cu.m/day. However, during monsoon period, the discharge varies from
80 to 200 cu.m/day and during summer 10 to 50 cu.m/day.

To increase the yield of the dug wells inclined/horizontal bores of 25 mm dia were
drilled to a length of around 10m. The deeper aquifers are developed through
construction of shallow/deep bore wells. The bore wells are drilled down to 120 m
depth with 162 m dia in. However, the encountering of fractures beyond 70 m is very
less and at few places, the potential aquifers were encountered beyond 130 at Mogili
and Malreddikandriga. This was noticed under the exploration programme by CGWB.
The bore well yields generally vary from 0.1 to 5.0 lps. Analysis of fracture pattern and
yield of exploratory wells are given in the Table-3.
The Nagari Quartzites are mostly confined to uplands and hilly areas, which are covered
by forest. These formations are massive and compact, and possess meagre ground
water potential. The ground water development is very less and there is not much
habitation in these formations. The alluvium is confined mostly to riverbanks and
stream courses with varying width and depth. Ground water development in this
formation is mostly by filter points and dug wells. The well yields vary from 3 to 10 lps.
with drawdown of 2 to 6 m. They can sustain pumping for 6 to 8 hours/day with fast
recovery of water levels. The Hydrogeology of Chittoor district is shown in Fig.21.

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 Fig:23.Groundwater prospects map of Chittoor District,A.P
Table-16. Fracture Pattern & Yield of wells Constructed by CGWB

Depth Discharge
S. Fracture zones encountered
Mandal drilled Range
No. (m bgl)
(m bgl) (lps)

Nagari Shallow 16 Traces

1
13°39' 30" 120
78°53' 10"
Deeper 115-116 4.9
16
Traces
35-36
Shallow 41-42
Srikalahast 1.3
2 200 64-65
i 81-82 2.2
Deeper ---- --
Deeper ---- --

Aquifer parameters

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In hard rocks, the specific capacity of the bore wells is in the range of 0.13 to 11.38
cu.m/hr/m drawdown. The transmissivity is in the range of 30 to 150 sq.m/d with a
maximum value of 824 sq.m/day. The specific capacity of wells in alluvium varies from
0.14 to 1.0 lpm/mdd.

Water Levels
Pre-monsoon, (May 2012)
Depth to water level data of monitoring wells of CGWB and piezometers of APSGWD
has been considered for the purpose of analysis. Depth to water levels during pre-
monsoon season (2012) is presented in Fig.5. Water levels of 2-5mbgl is observed in the
central and eastern parts of the district. 5-10mbgl range of water levels zone is noticed
in the central part. More than 10m depth to water levels has been seen in western and
as isolated patches in northern and south central regions.

Fig.24. Premonsoon Water levels of Chittoor Distrct.A.P

Post monsoon (November, 2012)

Most of the area in the district has water levels between 5-10 m bgl. However, water
levels between 10 and 20mbgl were observed in the extreme western part of the district
in and around Madanapalle, Peddamanyam, Ramasamudrum, Pedda Thippasamudrum

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and Gudipala areas (Fig23). Shallow Water levels less than 2mbgl were observed in the
eastern part.

Fig.25. Post monsoon Water levels of Chittoor Distrct.A.P

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 Fig 26: Piezometric observation well Map of chittoor district, A.P

4.4.2. Ground Water Quality Of Chittoor District

Ground water samples were collected from 8003 habitations out of 11349 habitations
representing for two seasons i.e., post monsoon and pre monsoon in December 2012
and June 2014 for the entire District. The water samples were collected from Rural
Water Supply and Sanitation Department (RWS & S) and analyzed for physico-chemical
parameters like TDS, TH, Cl, NO3, pH, F, Fe, TA and SO4 using standard techniques in
the laboratory and compared with the BIS (10500-2015) standards in terms of desirable,
permissible and non potable classes. Blue, yellow and red colours indicate pre monsoon
quality and + , - , . symbols indicate post monsoon quality for desirable, permissible
and non-potable classes, respectively. From the analysis, it has been observed that the
ground water is polluted in pre monsoon and post monsoon about 10% of the area is
under non potable category due to high concentration of Nitrate and Total Hardness.
About 50% of the area is potable category and the remaining 40% of the area is
covered in hills and waterbodies of the entire District. The occurrence and movement of
groundwater in an area are governed by several factors such as topography, lithology,
geological structure, depth of weathering, extent of factures, drainage pattern, climate
conditions and interrelationship between these factors.

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 Fig 27: Water Quality Map of Chittoor District, A.P

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 District Survey Report – 2018

5. Major And Minor Minerals: Their Production And Revinue

5.1. Administrative set up : The production and revenue of the Major and minor minerals
of the state are supervised by the Department of mines and geology under the supervision of
Principal Secretary and DG at the state level

At the district level, there are two Assistant Directors, one at the district headquarters (Chittoor)
another at Palamaneru. Both of them report to Zonal Joint Direcotor, Department Mines and
Geology,Kadapa, A.P

5.2. Overview of Mining Activity in the District

Geologically the rocks of Archaean, Proterozoic, Jurassic-Cretaceous, and Tertiary –
Quaternary ages are exposed in the district. The oldest rocks in the area belong to
migmatite complex, represented by migmatised quartzo felspathic gneiss and are
exposed in the Northeastern part of the district. Older metamorphics comprise
amphibolite, hornblende – talc –mica – schist, fuchsite quartzite, cola silicate rock, marble
and banded ferruginous quartzite. These older metamorphics occur as enclaves within
peninsular Gneissic Complex (PGC).

The PGC comprises a complex assemblage of gneissic variants and granitic rocks
which occupy almost the entire area of the district. PGC in the area is represented mostly
by biotite – hornblende gneiss, biotite granite and migmatite.

The Dharwarsupergroup of rocks represented by quartz – mica schist, amphibolite

schist, quartzo – felspathic mica schist (Champion gneiss), metabasalt, metadacite and
banded ferruginous quartizite, belonging to various schist belts and occur as long, linear
N – S trending belts and overlie PGC non-conformably.

Acid intrusives of Proterozoic age comprise granite and quartz veins. The granite
plutons are exposed as patches and linear bodies in southwestern and northwestern parts
of the district, respectively. A small syenite body occurs to the southeast of Palamaner.
The basic dykes include dolerities. Three sets of dolerite dykes trending E – W, N – S and

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 District Survey Report – 2018

NW – SE, traverse the PGC. The E-W trending dykes form swarms in the southcentral part
of the district.

The southern tip of the well known Cuddapah Basin falls in the North-eastern part
of this district. Shale and Quartzite of Balrenkonda Formation. Shales / phylite and
limestone of Cumbhum formation are exposed in the Disrrict. The rocks of gondwana
Super Group occur non-conformably over the PGC in south-eastern part of the District
represented by Satyavedu Formation (under Gondwana) and comprise mottled,
ferruginous quartzite, and conglomerate with plan fossils. Laterite cappings occur over
Gondwana formations. Large tracts of Alluvium occur along the major streams which
belong to Recent Age.

Mineral Resources in Chittoor District:-

The following table reflects the availability of mineral reserves and resources in the
District
Mineral Resources of Chittoor District
Table:17.Mineral resource of Chittoor District

Total
Sl. Mineral Remaining
Mineral unit Mineral
No. reserves resources
resources
1. Gold ore (primary tons 3011532 3011532
Gold metal tons 14
2.
(primary) 14
3. Quartzite 000tons 1166 415 1581
4. Quartz 000tons 84 196 281
5. Granite 000cu.m 504075 504075
* Source: Nation Mineral Inventory – An Overview as on 01-04-2010 by Indian
Bureau of Mines.

Gold occurrences are known from Bisanatham, Chiurugunta, Gudupalli,

Nandimadugu, Mallappakonda, Kuddittanapalle and Gollapally of Kuppam area with an
average grade ranging from 4 to 6 gm for gold per tonne or Ore. The possible reserves
are aound 3million tonnes of gold ore.

Chittoor District has become world famous because of the Granite Polishing
Industry which was established at Kuppam four decades back. The latter has been

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 District Survey Report – 2018

supplying monuments to the world market for a long time. Chittoor was also the first
district in the State where the quarrying for granite was taken up on commercial scale.

Geologically, this district is covered by peninsular Gneissic Complex consisting of

grey granitic gneisses, traversed by the basic and ultra basic intrusives. The basic
intrusives are mostly dolerites, though some dykes of gabbroic nature are also
encountered.

The dolerite dykes are extensively seen in Gudipala, Chittoor, Yadamari,

Bangarupalem, Vayalpadu, Sodum, Somala, Vedurukuppam, Santhipuram, Ramakuppam
and Madanapalli areas. These dykes range in width varying from 3 to 100 metres and run
discontinuously even up to a few kilometres. The prominent dykes of Gudipala and
Basavapalli are extensively quarried near Gudipala, Kuppiganipalli, Basavapalli,
Pasumanda, Naragallu and Paradarami, Veerasettipalli, Chittapara and Ragimanupenta
R.F etc., The other areas where black granite is exploited are Varathuru, Devalampeta,
Mandanapalli, etc.,

Apart from black granite, grey granites are also being quarried in the district. In the
areas around Kuppam, the granitic gneisses are greenish in Colour and are being
marketed under the trade name of “Kuppam Green” . They are extensively quarried near
Yamaganaipalli, Nagaram, Yanadipalli, Bajanam etc., Apart from this, other varieties in
District are being marketed under the trade name of “English- teak, Silver Waves, Iscon
White, Meera White, Chetah Brown and Multi Colour”.

BUILDING MATERIALS

The Arcaean gneisses and granites, Gondwana sandstones and Nagari quartzites found in
different parts of the district are utilised as building stones. The Dolerites and Diabase
rocks are best suited in cutting and polishing Industry.

Occurrence of Minerals in the District:

Gold – Bisantham, Chigaragunta, Gudupalli, Nandimadugu, Mallappakonda,

Kudditanapalle, Golapalle.
Iron & Manganese – Vuddalacheruvu (Yerpedu), Naraharipeta (Gudipala),

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 District Survey Report – 2018

Kammachinnapalli, Boyakonda, Ethalakonda.

Quartz / Quartzite – Karvertinagar, Thalupalapalli, Chittiboyanipalli
(Puthalapattu Mandal).
Chittoor District is well known for Granite and minor occurrences of other minerals
like Iron Ore, Gold, Barytes and Steatite etc. At present, there are 714 Quarry leases for
Granite, Dimensional Stones, Quartz, Road Metal and Building Stone and Gravel. The
mineral deposits are surface and sub-surface, and open cast mining is taking place in
Chittoor District. The details of present mining activity is as follows:Table:17.

Table:18. The details of present mining activity

No. of No. of
Name of the Type of
Sl.No. Working workers Remarks
Mineral Quarrying
Quarries involved
1. Granite 466 9320
Dimensional
2. 19 380
Stones
Open Cast
3. Quartz 6 120
4. Road Metal 218 2180
5. Gravel 5 20

Based on the mineral resources available in the District, the following mineral based
industries have been established in Chittoor District. The details are as follows:

Table:19. Mineral Resources Available In The District

Name of the Mineral No.of Existing No. of Workers

SI.No. Remakrs
Based Industries units involved
Granite Cutting &
1. 356 4272
Polishing Unit
2. Crushers 156 2340
3. Ferro-Alloys Units 1 15
4. Silicon Carbide 1 15

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 District Survey Report – 2018

5. Ready-mix concrete 6 20
Essential Utility Services
6. (Pipes for water 1 20
conveying)

Details of mineral revenue received in last six years:

The Department of Mines and Geology is entrusted with both promotional and regulatory
functions for the overall development of mineral sector and also collection of mineral revenue to
the State chequer. The Government has set the target to achieve Rs.118 crores on mining of
minerals in Chittoor district during the year 2017-18 and achieved 108 crores with 92% of
achievement.

Mineral revenue for the last (6) years

Table: 20.Details of mineral revenue received in last six years

Sl.No. Year Target Achievement %

1 2012-13 4218.44 4848.88 114.94

2 2013-14 5290.19 5366.72 101.45

3 2014-15 5923.15 6264.35 105.76

4 2015-16 8055.27 7699.77 95.59

5 2016-17 11647.00 10221.00 87.76

6 2017-18 11800.00 10887.50 92.27

2. Note on District-wise availability of Sand / Gravel or aggregate resources:-

There are no major rivers in the district and all are of 3rd and below 3rd order
streams. Most of the rivers are ephemeral in nature carrying large quantities of water

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 District Survey Report – 2018

immediately after precipitation. The drainage is generally subarticulate to sub-parallel

following straight courses. The important drainage basins are Bahuda, Pincha,
Swarnamukhi, Palar Ponnai and Araniyar. The Bahuda and Pincha are north flowing rivers,
Swarnamikhi is east flowing, Palar is southeast flowing, Ponnai towards south and
Araniyar is southeast flowing.
According to the assessment made on the basis of village records, 57% of the area is
covered by Red loamy soils, 34% by red sandy soils. The remaining 9% is covered by black
clay (3%), black loamy (2%), black sandy (1%) and red clay (3%).

MANDAL-WISE MINERAL RESOURCES

Mineral available
S.No. Mandal Major Minerals Minor Minerals

1 Mulakalacheruvu - Color & Black Granite

Black Granite, Colour Granite,
2 Thamballapalle Gold And Associated Minerals
Quartz
3 Peddamandyam Feldspar And Quartz Black Granite, Colour Granite

Colour Granite, Road Metal And

4 Gurramkonda Phyrophillite
Building Stone
5 Kalakada - Colour & Black Granite

Colour & Black Granite, Road

6 Kambhamvaripalle -
Metal And Building Stone
Black Granite, Colour Granite,
7 Rompicherla - Road Metal And Building
Stone.
Pyrophilite Road Metal & Building Stone &
8 Yerravaripalem
Black Granite
Road Metal & Building Stone,
9 Tirupati (rural) -
Black Granite
Quartz
10 Renigunta Road Metal & Building Stone

Quartz
11 Yerpedu Road Metal & Building Stone

12 Srikalahasti Quartz, Steatite & Feldspar Road Metal & Building Stone

13 Thottambedu - Road Metal & Building Stone

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 District Survey Report – 2018

14 Buchinaidu Kandriga - Road Metal & Building Stone

Road Metal & Building Stone,

15 Varadaiahpalem -
Gravel
Road Metal & Building Stone &
16 K.v.b.puram -
Colour Granite
17 Tirupati (urban) -

18 Chandragiri - Road Metal & Building Stone

Quartz, Phyrophillite
19 Chinnagottigallu Road Metal & Building Stone

Black Granite, Colour Granite,

Quartz
20 Pileru Road Metal And Building
Stone

Mineral available
S.No. Mandal Major Minerals Minor Minerals

21 Kalikiri - Colour & Black Granite

Black Granite, Colour Granite,

22 Vayalpad - Road Metal And Building
Stone
Black Granite, Colour Granite,
23 Kurabalakota - Road Metal And Building
Stone
Colour Granite, Road Metal And
24 Pedda Thippasamudram -
Building Stone
Black Granite, Colour Granite,
25 B.kothakota - Road Metal And Building
Stone
Colour Granite, Road Metal And
26 Madanapalle - Building Stone, Dimensional
Stone
Black Granite, Colour Granite,
Quartz
27 Nimmanapalle Road Metal And Building
Stone
Quartz
28 Sodam Colour And Black Granite

Road Metal & Building Stone,

29 Pulicherla -
Black Granite
Road Metal & Building Stone &
30 Pakala -
Black Granite
Road Metal & Building Stone,
31 Vedurukuppam -
Black & Colour Granite

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 District Survey Report – 2018

Road Metal & Building Stone,

32 Ramachandrapuram -
Black & Colour Granite
33 Vadamalapeta - Road Metal & Building Stone

34 Narayanavanam - Road Metal & Building Stone

35 Pichatur - Road Metal & Building Stone

Road Metal & Building Stone,

36 Satyavedu -
Gravel
37 Nagalapuram - Road Metal & Building Stone

38 Nindra - Road Metal & Building Stone

Road Metal & Building Stone &

39 Vijayapuram -
Gravel

Mineral available
S.No. Mandal Major Minerals Minor Minerals

Road Metal & Building Stone,

40 Nagari -
Black & Colour Granite
Road Metal & Building Stone,
41 Puttur -
Black Granite
Road Metal & Building Stone &
42 Karvetinagar -
Black Granite
Road Metal & Building Stone,
43 Penumuru -
Black & Colour Granite
Road Metal & Building Stone,
44 Puthalapattu -
Black Granite
Black Granite & Road Metal &
45 Irala -
Building Stone
46 Somala - Colour And Black Granite

47 Chowdepalle - Colour And Black Granite

Colour Granite, Road Metal And

48 Ramasamudram -
Building Stone
Colour & Black Granite, Road
49 Punganur -
Metal And Building Stone
White Clay
50 Peddapanjani Colour And Black Granite

Road Metal And Building

51 Gangavaram -
Stone
52 Thavanampalle - Road Metal & Building Stone,

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 District Survey Report – 2018

Black & Colour Granite

Road Metal & Building Stone,
53 Srirangarajapuram -
Black & Colour Granite
Road Metal & Building Stone,
54 Gangadharanellore -
Black & Colour Granite
Road Metal & Building Stone,
55 Chittoor -
Black & Colour Granite
Black Granite, Road Metal And
56 Palamaner -
Building Stone
Black & Colour Granite, Road
57 Baireddipalle -
Metal And Building Stone
Colour And Black Granite, Road
58 Venkatagirikota -
Metal And Building Stone

Mineral available

S.No. Mandal Major Minerals Minor Minerals

Colour Granite, Dimensional

59 Santhipuram - Stones, Road Metal And
Building Stone.

Black & Colour Granite,

Gold And Associated Minerals
60 Gudupalle Dimensional Stones, Road
Metal And Building Stone.

Black Granite, Colour Granite,

White Clay
61 Kuppam Road Metal And Building
Stone

Colour And Black Granite, Road

62 Ramakuppam -
Metal And Building Stone

Road Metal & Building Stone,

63 Bangarupalem -
Black Granite

Road Metal & Building Stone &

64 Yadamarri -
Black Granite

Road Metal & Building Stone,

65 Gudipala -
Black & Colour Granite

Road Metal & Building Stone,

66 Palasamudram - Black & Colour Granite

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 District Survey Report – 2018

SOURCE:AD OF MINES AND GEOLOGY,CHITTOOR & PALAMANER

MINERAL RESORUCES OF CHITTOOR DISTRICT

Location Accessiblity Geological Setting Grade Reserves Uses

1 2 3 4 5 6

BARYTES

10 Kms. South
of Kalahasthi Associated with
Bairagi Kandriga NE Barium Chemicals
Road leading to heamatite Quartzite
Middikhandriga

CORUNDUM

Yerracheru Palli Associated with Mica Small Crystals

NE Grinding Purpose
Polichettipalli Schists measuring one inch

CHINA CLAY &

WHITE CLAY

Karakambadi 1.6 Kms to 2.4 Formed due to alteration China Clay – Pinkish, 0.1 Ceramics
Kms west of of Pullampet Shales of Grity 25% plasticity Refractories
Karakambadi Cuddapah Super Group. very poor fire shrink.
The clay occurs in the Age 1260 Deg. 4%
form of bands varying in prosity – fire dirty pink
Colour, White to green semi-sintering.
with a thickness ranging
from 0.3 to 4 Mts

COLOURED CLAY

Mamandur NE

CALCAREOUS
CONCRETIONS

Singasamudram NE Kilned for white

washing

GOLD

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 District Survey Report – 2018

Bisinatham 12 Kms. From Occurs as thin stingers, Block I 6.22 g/T Chigargunta Block I For extraction of
Gudupalli R.S. on in quartz associated with 0.266 Block II 0.795 Gold.
Chigargunta Bangalore – mafic schists of Archean Block III 4.2 g/T Total (Possible +
Madras Broad Green Stone Belt. Probable) 1 Mil. T with
Gudipalli Block IV & V 4.71 g/T
Gauge Section. 4.2 to 6.2 gms.
Kuddittanapalle Pertone upto 300
Nandimadugu
is one Km. SE of Meters. Blocks IV &
Mallappakonda Bisnatham V3 Mil. T with 4.71
gms. per
Kudditanapalle

Golapalle

IRON &
MANGANESE

Vaddualacheruvu 1.6 Km. North of Small band of Iron Ore is Haematite Fe 22.27 to
Renigunta – associated with Archean 22.41%
Kalahasthi Road, and the lower and upper
Yerpedu R.S is 4 Cuddapah Super Group
Km. form the at the contact of NE
area Quartizite and Varigated
shale.

North of Krishna Associated Banded Haematie Fe 15 to

Puram Ferrugenous quartzite of 59.75%
Precambrian

Naraharipeta
Navallagundapally

Sirasanambedu 13 Km. SW of Fe 60% Spong Iron Pig

(Srikalahasthi Naidupet Iron
Mandal)

Kamachinnapalli Small occurance of Iron

Boyankonda Ore associated with
quartizite
Ethalakonda
Not economic
Dadi

East of Ramapuram

WSW of

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 District Survey Report – 2018

Gollakandrika

LEAD

Vaddavaripalli

QUARTZ /
QUARTZITE

SE of Karvetinagar Crystals Decorative

NE Electronics
SW of Talupulapalli Sio2 – 99.9

Chittiboyanapalli Crystals
NE
Sio2 – 99.9

Kuraviyerpedu Occurs as younger Sio2 – 99.9 Glass, Fibre glass,

intrusives in Peninsular Ceramics, Re-
Pullur, Tenepalli, Gneissic complex fractories
Boppepalli, Fe203 - 0.06
Poosalathithippa
(Kambakur R.F) NE

Sivanathapalem

Karkambadi

Gundlapalli

STEATITE

Pullur, G.D.Nellore, Accessible from Palegreen Paper, Pesticides

Mukkalathur, Tirupathi
Cosmatics
Fairly by good
B.N.R.Peta,
Ceramics
Puthalapatu R.F,
NE
Nagari, Chittipirla,

Yellamanda,
NE
Kothapalli,

Narasingarayanipeta,

Tallupulapalli

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 District Survey Report – 2018

SCHEELITE

Bisnatham area 12 Kms from Scheelite mineralisation White in Colour with

Gudupalli is associated with the shades of dirty
Chigaragunta reefs throughout the brown or orange.
schist belt. Occurs
Mallapakonda Traces
mostly as parallerl veins
close to the contact of WO3 - Traces to
the quartz lode with the
0.18% are found in
amphibolite as
Gold Mine Tailings /
dissemination, streeks,
blebs lenses pockets. Dumps.
Veinlets of scheelite is
seen in the gold quartz
lodes.
Dumps

WO3 0.5 to 1%

Sio2 59.97%

Mgo 0.71%

R2 O3 4.35%

CaO 8.95%

H2 O 0.85%

CO2 1.15%

DOLERITE

(Black Granite)

Konerukuppam, Accessible from Occuring as narrow Dolerite dykes (Black Useful for cutting
Chittoor crested ridges and granite) are fine to and polishing
Ramakuppam Chandragiri weathered spheroidal NE industry, flooring,
coarsed grained,
boulders. EW trending panelling,
Krishnapuram, Puttur
dark green to
dykes are younger to NS mounments,
greenish black in
dykes. EW, ENE – WSW, decorative

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Mollur, Bangarupalem WNW-ESE, NS, NW-SE, Colour prupose.

NE-SW trending dykes
Gudipala, Vyalpadu & are found in the area.
Madanapally
Basavapalli, Mandals.

Kuppiganipalli,

Pasumanda,

Naragallu,

Varathuru,

Devalampeta,

Madanapalli

GREY GRANITE /
GRANITE

GNEISSES

Yamaganipalli Accessible from Associated with Fine to coarse Useful in Cutting

Kuppam Peninsular gneissic grained Grey, Pink & & Polishing
Nagarm complex. Industry. Flooring
Multi Coloured
Penneling
Yanadipalli NE
Monuments kerb
stone &
Bajanam
decorative
Purposes.

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References:
 DMG ( ) District Survey Report, Krishna District, 8p.

 Geological Survey of India (GSI) (2000) District Resource Map, Krishna District,
Andhra Pradesh

 NRSA (2006) Manual of National Land Use Land Cover Mapping Using Multi-
Temporal Satellite Data. National Remote Sensing Centre, Department of Space,
Government of India, Hyderabad.

 NRSA (2007) Ground Water Prospects Mapping Using Remote Sensing

Techniques and Geographic Information System, Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking
Water Mission Project, Phase-III, Manual, 222p.

 NRSC (2009) Space Based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SIS-
DP), Manual, 214p.

 NRSC (2011) Ground Water Quality Mapping (RGNDWM), Methodology Manual,

75p.

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