DISTRICT SURVEY

REPORT OF CHITTOOR
 PREFACE
In Compliance to the Notification Issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
change Dated 15.01.2016, the preparation of District survey report of minor minerals is in
accordance appendix 10 of the notification. It is also mentioned here that the procedure of
preparation of District Survey Report is as per notification guidelines. Every effort have been
made to cover mining locations, areas & overview of Mining activity in the district with all
its relevant features pertaining to geology & mineral wealth in replenishable and non-
replenishable areas. This report will be a model and guiding document which is a
compendium of available mineral resources, geographical set up, environmental and
ecological set up of the District and is based on data of various departments, published
reports and websites. The data may vary due to flood, heavy rains and other natural
cliamities. Therefore, it is recommended that Sub Divisional Level Committee may take into
consideration all its relevant aspects / data while scrutinizing and recommending the
application for EC to the concerned Authority.
 SURVEY REPORT
OF
CHITTOOR DISTRICT

As per Gazette notification of 15th January 2016 of Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change a Survey shall be carried out by the District Environment Impact Assessment
Authority (DEIAA) with assistance of irrigation department, Drainage department, Forest
department, Mining department and Revenue department in the district for preparation of
District Survey Report as per the sustainable Miner mineral mining guidelines to ensure
identification of areas of aggradations or deposition where mining can be allowed; and
identification of areas of erosion and proximity to infrastructural structures and installations
where mining should be prohibited and calculation of annual rate of replenishment and
allowing time for replenishment after mining in that area.

Every effort have been made to cover mining locations, areas & overview of Mining activity
in the district with all its relevant features pertaining to geology & mineral wealth in
replenish-able and non-replenish-able of particular areas. The mineral potential is calculated
based on field investigation & geology of the catchment area. Also as per the site conditions
and locations, depth of minable mineral is defined. The area for mining of mineral in a
particular area is decided depending on geo-morphology & other factors, it can be 10% to
40% of the area. Other constituents like clay soil and silt are excluded as waste while
calculating the mineral potential of particular mining area. This District Survey Report shall
form the basis for application for environment clearance, preparation of reports and appraisal
of projects. The report shall be updated once every five years.
1.0 INDRODUCTION:

Location and Size: Chittoor district is a part of the Rayalaseama Region and is located at the
extreme South of the State and lies approximately between 12 o37’ to 14o 08’ North latitudes
and 78o 03’ to 79o 55’ East longitudes. The district is bounded by YSR in the North, North-
east by Nellore, North-west by Anantapur districts, South-West by Karnataka and South by
Tamilnadu States. The total area of the district is 15,151 Sq. Km and ranks 8th position
contributing 5.51 % area of the state. The shape of the district is like a triangle with one
corner positioned toward the South and projecting into the Tamilnadu State in the South-west
direction with Kuppam, Gudupalle, Santhipuram, Ramakuppam, Venkatagirikota and
Baireddipalle Mandals.

Fig.No.1: CHITTOOR DISTRICT AND MANDAL MAP

Out of the total geographical area of 15,15,100 ha, the forests cover is 4,52,018 ha i.e., 30%
of the total area. The barren and uncultivable land covers1,63,650 ha (11%) whereas the land
put to non-agricultural use is 1,48,529 ha(9%). The current fallows and other fallow lands
cover 1,34,536 ha. (8%) and1,14,920 ha (8%) respectively. The net area sown is 3,90,487 ha
i.e., 27% of the total area. The area sown more than once is 40,899 ha (3%) making the total
cropped area is 4,31,386 ha i.e., 30% of total.

2.0 PHYSICAL FEATURES & GEOGRAPHICAL AREA:

a) BRIEF DETAIL OF CHITTOOR DISTRICT
S.NO ITEMS STATISTICS
GENERAL INFERMATION
a) Head quarters Chittoor
b) Geographical area(S.q.km) 15152 Sq.Km
i)
c) Number of revenue Mandals 66
d) Number of Block 3
e) Number of villages 1540
Population
(as on 2011Censes)
Total- 41,70,468
ii) a) Total population Male =2086963, Female=2083505
Urben-1228887
Rural-2941581
b) Population density 275 per Sq.Km
Average annual rainfall (mm) 934mm

iii) Southwest monsoon

Northeast monsoon 438 mm 47%
Cumulative departure from 396 mm 42%
Normal rainfall for the last 5 years -61%
i) Major Physiographic units hilly
region and Plains of Nimmanapalli
iv) Geomorphology & Madanapalli regions
ii) Major drainages are Pincha,
Palar,Bahuda, Swanamukhi,
Ponnai
 Landuse (Sq.km)
a) Forest 4,52,018 Sq.km
b) Barren and uncultivated 1,52,918 Sq.km
v) c) Cultivable waste 45,431 Sq.km
d) Current fallows 1,68,907 Sq.km

e) Net area sown 3,54,812 Sq.km

Red Loamy-57%,
vi) Major soil types
Red Sandy-34%

Irrigation channals
(Source of irrigation)
a) Canals 5685
b) Tanks 16,531
c) Dug wells 16,690
d) Bore / Tube wells 1,07,185
e) Others 106
vii) f) Net area irrigated 1,46,197
g) Gross area irrigated 1,92,797
h) Major irrigation projects Nil
(completed)

8 Swarnamukhi, Kalangi,
i) Medium irrigation projects Mallimadugu, Araniyar,
(completed) Krishna Puram, Bahuda,
Pedderu, Siddala Gandi

GROUND WATER
Exploration by CGWB
No. of wells drilled 112
Major aquifer zones 30 - 100 m
Aquifer parameters
Transmissivity (m².m/day) Hard 20 – 300
rock
Storage Co-efficient
viii) 1x 10 -2 to 1x 10 -4
Hard rock
Monitoring
No. of observation wells 41
Dug wells
Range of water levels
Pre-monsoon( May 2012,)
Minimum ( m bgl) 1.35
Maximum ( m bgl) 19.00
 Post-monsoon (Nov 2012)
Minimum ( m bgl) 0.03
Maximum ( m bgl) 18.75
GROUND WATER RESOURCES
(MCM)
a) Net annual ground water 153857
b) Availability
ix) 116097
Net annual draft
c) Balance resource 37760
d) Stage of ground water
75%
development
Area under principal crops

a) Paddy 70996Ha-94%

b) Groundnut 4537Ha-3%
x)
c) Pulses 9589Ha-6%
d) Oil seeds 20073Ha-12%
e) Non-food crops 37047Ha-23%
f) Vegetables 13174Ha-8%
xi) Predominant Geological formations Gneisss, Shales, quartzites, Laterites,
Conglomerates
Ground water quality
a) Electrical Conductivity (micro) 750 to 3000 micro
xii) b) Siemens / cm at 25 deg. C) Siemens/cm at 25 deg. C
c) Chloride (mg/l) 43 - 600
d) Fluoride (mg/l) 0.12 - 1.50
e) Nitrate (mg/l) 0 - 160

b) DETAILS OF LAND UTILIZATION ARE GIVEN

Table No.1: DETAILS OF LAND USE FOR THE CHITTOOR DISTRICT
Sl.No Category 2004-05 2005-06 2011-12
1. Forests 4,52,018 4,52,01 4,52,018
2. Barren and Uncultivable Land 164265 164220 1,63,650
3. Land put to Non-Agricultural Use 142254 142254 1,48,529
4. Cultivable Waste 39512 43537 41,691
Permanent Pastures and Other Grazing
5. 36527 36502 33,769
Lands

6. Land Under Miscellaneous Tree Crops 25173 25165 35,496

and Groves not Included in the Net Area
 Sown
7. Current Fallows 161759 114254 1,34,536
8. Other Fallow Lands 126276 117707 1,14,920
9. Net Area Sown 351674 403774 3,90,487
10. Total Geographical Area 15,15,100 15,15,10 15,15,100
11. Total Cropped Area 390336 443005 4,31,386
12. Area Sown more than once 36283 39229 40,899

c) REVENUE DIVISION
Table No.2: THE BLOCK WISE AND REVENUE DEVISIONS

No. of Revenue
Name of U.A Constituent Units
Divisions Divisions Name
Chittoor (M),
Mangasamudram,
Chittoor Division Murakambattu(CTs),
Chittoor U.A
Doddipalle (fully new OG),
Tenebanda and Anupalle
(Partly OGs)
Tirupati (M. Corp),
Cherlopalle, Perur, Avilala,
Mangalam(new 4 CTs),
Tiruchanur, Tirupati(NMA),
Tirupathi Division
Tiruppathi U.A Akkarampalle(3 earlier CTs),
Settipalle and
Timminaidupalle(fully
4
OGs) and Thummala Gunta
(partly OG).
Madanapalle (M),
Ankisettipalle,Chippili,
Papireddipalle,
Pamaiahgaripalle,
Madanapalle Madanapalle U.A
Venkappakota (fully new
Division
OGs),Kollabylu,Ponnetipalem,
Madanapalle (R),
Basinikonda(Partly OGs)
Palamaner (M), Gangavaram
Palamaner U.A
Palamaner Division and Moram (Partly OGs)
3.0 PHYSIOGRAPHY:

a) Topography:
Physiographically, the district is composed of hills, plains and uplands, normally the height
increases from East to West ranging from 75 meters to 1,200 meters. Relief and structure of
the district have generated a centrifugal drainage contributed by seasonal streams.
Geologically, the district is composed of Archaean rocks which are noticed to have been
patched with Upper Pre-Cambrian, middle Triassic-lower cretaceous and recent rocks in the
Eastern part. The spatial pattern of the soils is related to Ustalfs group (with micro-level
variations) which predominates in most part of the district towards the West. In the East and
South-eastern parts, groups of Fluvents, Psamments, Tropepts and Orthents are seen from
East to West. In view of vegetal cover, the district has isolated forests all over which include
dry tropical deciduous and thorny forests. Considering the spatial variations in the gamut of
the physio-geographic phenomenon the district is bifurcated into seven regions:
PeddaEru – Bahuda – Punchu Region (Area – 4,576 Sq. Km): Occupying the North-
western portion of the district, the region includes complete Thamballapalle, Madanapalle
and Vayalpad areas and parts of Chinagattugallu, Punganur and Chandragiri areas. It is
characterized with hills and associated forests with a slope towards the North. Geologically, it
is composed of Archaean rocks uniformly excepting for a very little patch of the lower
Precambrian period in the West. Soils are Ustalfs in the South-west which turn to Ustalfs-
Tropepts in the rest part of the region.
Palakonda – Velikonda Range: (Area – 1,160.60 Sq. Km): The region extends over
the parts of Chandragiri, Chinagattigallu and Srikalahasti areas. The region is almost entirely
forested and hilly area with sporadic settlements. Showing the Archaean geology in the
Southern part and Upper Precambrian in the Northern part, this region bears a ubiquitous
spread of Ustalfs- Tropepts.
Swarnamukhi – Kalangi Plain: (Area – 1,754.60 Sq. Km): The region extends over
parts of Srikalahasti, Thottambedu, Satyavedu, Putlur and Chandragiri areas in the North-
eastern part of the district. In its physical character, it is a plain region with vegetal cover and
is drained by the Swarnamukhi and Kalangi Rivers with other seasonal channels.
Geologically, it is composed of Archaean and Upper Precambrian rocks. Soils are Ustalfs-
Tropepts in the North-west and Fluvents-Tropepts in the major South-eastern part.
Nagari – Nagalapuram Hills: (Area – 2,720.60 Sq. Km): This region lies in the South-
eastern part of the district and includes complete Nagari area and parts of Thottambedu,
Satyavedu and Puttur areas. With a general slope towards the South-east, it is drained by
River Arani that flows through the central part of the region. It is characterized by numerous
small hills, dense scrubs, waste lands, dry channels and a few forest patches. Its Geology is
complex relating to Archaean, middle Triassic–Lower Cretaceous and Recent Periods.
Likewise, soil distribution is also varied; that is, there is a spread of Psamments-Fuvents,
Fluvents-Tropepts and Tropepts.
Chittoor Upland: (Area – 1,515.00 Sq. Km): The region extends over parts of
Chandragiri, Bangarupalem and Chittoor areas. The slope is towards the South-east. In
general, the region has isolated hills and has dry channels, ponds and small areas of forests.
Geologically, it has a Ubiquitous spread of Archaean rocks. Soils are Ustalfs-Tropepts in the
North and Orthents- Tropepts in the South.
Ayirala – Puddur Forested Region (Mahendragiri Forested Regions) (Area –
1,309.00 Sq. Km): Extending in a zigzag shape from North to South in the Southern part of
the district, the region covers the parts of Bangarupalem, Punganur, Chittoor, Palamaner and
Kuppam areas. Physiographically, it is almost hilly and is covered mainly with dense forests.
The surface is rugged and shows the Archaean geology. The soils are Ustalfs-Rock outcrops
in the southern part; Orthents-Tropepts in the middle and Ustalfs. Tropepts in the Northern
part of the region.
Punganur – Kuppam Upland (Area – 2,115.20 Sq. Km): This region stretches along
the Southwestern margin of the district covering parts of Punganur, Palamaner and Kuppam
areas. The slope is towards the South-west with a rugged topography. The region has a few
areas of Open scrubs and forests. Geologically, it is composed of Archaean rocks and a few
tiny patches of lower Pre-Cambrian formations in the South. Soils are Ustalfs-Tropepts in the
major part (North) while Ustalfs-Rock outcrops are seen in the remaining southern part.

b) Drainage:
All the Rivers flowing in the district are non-perennial in nature and for major part of the year
remain dry. The important River in the district is ponnai which is a tributary of River Palar
and Swarnamukhi which rises in the Eastern Ghats and finally enters into the neighbouring
Nellore district. Other important Rivers of the district are the Kusasthali, the Beema, the
Bahuda, the Pincha, the Kalyani, the Araniyar and the Pedderu which flow in different
Mandals of the district. Besides the above Rivers, there are a number of small hilly streams
flowing in the district. Some of the important minor Rivers flowing in the district are the
Papaghni, Pincha, Koundinya and Palar. Papagni River rises in the nandi hills of Karnataka
and after flowing through Madanapalle and Thambalapalle areas enters Anantapur district.
The Pincha River, a tributary of Bahuda River rises in the forests of Avalapalle in Punganur
and flows through vayalpad before entering YSR district where it joins Bahuda River. The
Bahuda rises in the Horsely hills in Madanapalle and enters YSR district through Vayalpad
and thereby joins Penneru. The pala River origins in Nandidurg of Karnataka and after
flowing across Kuppam from North to South, enters North Arcot district of Tamilnadu. The
Swarnamukhi River rises in the Chandragiri hills and after passing through the broad valley
in which the town Tirupathi is situated enters Nellore after flowing through Srikalahasti.

4.0 CLIMATE AND RAINFALL DATA

a) CLIMATE CONDITIONS OF CHITTOOR DISTRICT:

The climate of the district is dry and healthy. The 31 Upland Mandals in Madanapalle
Revenue Division are comparatively cooler than the eastern Mandals except Chittoor Mandal,
where the climate is moderate. The district has the benefit of receiving rainfall during both
the South-west and North-east monsoon periods and the normal rainfall received during these
periods is 439 and 396 Mm respectively. The rainfall received from the South-west monsoons
is more copious compared to North-east monsoons in the western Mandals and in the central
part of the district, where as the rainfall received from North-east monsoons is comparatively
copious in the eastern Mandals of the district. Chittoor district has a tropical wet, partially dry
and cool climate characterized by year round average temperatures and has a record of
reaching not more than 46 degree Celsius. Summers are comfortable with pleasant climate.
b) RAIN FALL:
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 months 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
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.

Fig.No.2 MEAN MONTHLY RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION

C) HUMIDITY:

Humidity is around 60% during the summer months. Monsoon season brings substantial rain
to the area. Chittoor gets rainfall from both the Southwest monsoon as well as the North-east
Monsoon. June to October is usually the monsoon. Winters are comparatively cooler and the
temperatures are lower after the onset of the monsoons.

D) WINDS:
Chittoor being a hinterland, the wind blows from high pressure area to the low pressure areas
within the land surface. The land gets headed differently at different places because of the
inclination of the land towards the sun. The afternoon sun is scorching than the morning sun
and thereby the insolation of the sun varies from place to place. Hills, plateaus and valleys
also play a vital role in the direction and flow of winds from different areas.

E) TEMPERATURE:
At hinterland, temperature variations throughout the year can be very high and the diurnal
range of temperature varies from place to place. Inland areas warm up greatly during the
afternoon while the sun is shining down, but they also cool down quickly at night after
sunset. During this time temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C and can rise up to a
maximum of 40+ °C. During this time the temperatures range from a maximum of 12 °C and
can rise up to a maximum of 18 °C. Humidity is much lower during the winter season. Winter
season is the best time to visit the place. In general, low sunshine prevails in the month of
October which coincides with the flowering period of rice crop grown in the district. The low
sunshine with cloudy atmosphere usually depletes rice grain yields.

5.0 GEOMORPHYLOGY AND SOIL TYPES

a) Geomorphology:

The prominent geomorphic units in the district are structural and denudated land forms such
as structural and denudational hills, residual wells, linear ridges, uplands and barried
pediments.

b) Soils:
The major portion of the district is covered by red soils, with portions of alluvial soil in
Chittoor and Bangarupalem areas. The soil in the district constitutes red Loamy 57% red
sandy 34% and the remaining 9% is covered by the remaining black clay, black loamy, black
sandy and red clay soils.

c) Irrigation:

During South-west monsoon period, under kharif season the important crops like groundnut,
paddy, minor millets, jowar, red gram, sunflower etc., are being cultivated. During rabi
season, paddy, groundnut, sunflower, Bengal gram, coriander are being cultivated. The total
area of Ayacut from various irrigation projects is 246,464.98 hectares. These irrigation
projects are divided into three types viz; major irrigation projects with an area of 114,301.09
hectares, medium irrigation projects with an area of 15,331.44 hectares while an area of
116,832.45 hectares is under minor irrigation projects. Further details of these irrigation
projects are given below.
Sl. Ayacut in Remarks
Type Name of project
No Hectares
NTR Telugu Ganga Project 15,757.99
Galeru Nagari Sujala Sravanthi Project 41,885.88 ongoing
1 Major
Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanthi Scheme 56,657.22
Total 114,301.09
 Swarnamukhi Anicut 4,127.88
Medium
Kalangi Reservoir 1,881.83
Mallimadugu Reservoir 1,598.54
Araniar Project 2,246.05
completed
2 Krishnapuram Reservoir 2,478.75
Bahuda Reservoir 1,167.14
Pedderu Reservoir 1,740.19
Siddalagandi Project 91.06
Total 15,331.44
Minor Irrigation Tanks(694 No’s) 54,588.83
Small Tanks (7887 No’s) 49,890.73 Completed
Lift Irrigation Schemes (4 No’s) 561.31
3 Minor
Minor Irrigation Works (439 No’s) 11,791.58
ongoing
Lift Irrigation Scheme ----
Total 116,832.45
Grand total 246,464.98

Table No.3: The block wise and source wise net area irrigated in Ha

6.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

a) 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 varies
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.

Fig.No.2: HYDROGEOLOGY OF CHITTOOR DISTRICT

Analysis of fracture pattern and yield of exploratory wells are given in the Table-4.
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 to mostly 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.2.
 TABLE NO: 4 FRACTURE PATTERN & YIELD OF WELLS CONSTRUCTED
BY CGWB
Discharge
Depth in Fractured zones
Sl.No Mandal range
drilled (m bgl) encountered (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 1.3
64-65
2 Srikalahasti 200 2.2
81-82
Deeper --- ---
Deeper --- ---

b) Aquifer parameters

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 824sq.m/day. The specific capacity of wells in alluvium varies
from 0.14 to 1.0 lpm/mdd.

c) Water levels
i) Pre-monsoon, (May 2012)

Depth to water level data of monitoring wells of CGWB and piezometers of

APSGWD has been considered for analysis purpose. Depth to water levels during pre-
monsoon season (2012) is presented in Fig.3. 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 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.No.3: DEPTH OF WATER LEVEL IN PRE-MONSOON CHITTOOR
DISTRICT
ii) 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 and Gudipala areas (Fig.4). Shallow Water levels less than 2mbgl
were observed in the eastern part.
 Fig.No.4: DEPTH OF WATER LEVEL IN POST-MONSOON CHITTOOR
DISTRICT
b) Long Term Fluctuation:
Map depicting water level fluctuation is presented in Fig.5. Fluctuation of + 0 to 4 m
in water levels has been observed in most of the district. Fall in water levels in the
range of 0 to 4 m has been noticed in the extreme western parts of the district around
Madanapalle, Peddamanyam, Ramasamudrum and Pedda Thippasamudrum areas.

Fig.No.5: WATER LEVEL FLUCTUATION CHITTOOR DISTRICT

c) Ground Water Resources
Based on the Ground Water Estimation Committee (GEC 97) norms, ground water
assessment was done in 2008-09. The net annual Ground water resource available is
153857 ha.m.(Fig.6). There is no command and poor quality area in the district. The
gross annual ground water draft for all the uses is 116097 ha.m and net annual ground
water availability for future use is 37478 ha.m. The stage of development is 75%.

Fig.No.6: GROUND WATER RESOURCES IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT

d) Ground Water Quality
The ground water in the district is in general suitable for both domestic and irrigation
purposes. The Electrical Conductivity ranges from 750 to 3000 micro Siemens/cm at 25 deg.
C. Distribution of EC is shown in Fig.11. Fluoride concentration in ground water is within the
permissible limit. The assessment of deep ground water is done based on water samples
collected from the bore wells during the exploratory drilling programme. The deep ground
water is generally alkaline. The deep waters are generally suitable for agricultural and
irrigation purposes.

7.0 GROUND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT

Ground water development is through deep bore wells, dug cum bore wells crystalline
formations and filter points in alluvial aquifers. 15% area is irrigated by surface water under
tanks. 84% of the irrigated area is by ground water, out which 70% is through bore wells and
demand for ground water is constantly increasing and leads to over exploitation and depletion
of water levels. This problem has been compounded by the availability of cheap/subsidized or
even free supply of power to the farmers. Power subsidy has undoubtedly encouraged the
greater use of ground water. It is imperative that an effective ground water management
strategy shall be evolved in such a way that there is an optimal utilization of ground water on
the basis of more crops per drop of water. The ground water development in the safe mandals
should be through bore wells of 70 to 100 m depth. The occurrence of potential fracture
zones beyond this depth is rare and its success rate is one in ten or fifteen. The places where
the depth of weathering is more than 10m, dug-cum-bore wells are feasible to a depth of 10 to
15m. Sites for bore wells should be selected scientifically by conducting hydrogeological and
geophysical studies. Ground water development can be taken up only in safe mandals. Well
space norms should be followed strictly as shown in the Table-5.
TABLE NO.5 WELL SPACING NORMS IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT
Description Spacing between two wells (m)
Situation Dug wells Filter point Bore wells
Non-ayacut area 160 260 200-500
Ayacut area 100 160 200-300
Near perennial source within 200 m 100 160 200-300
Near perennial steams within 100 m 150 180 300-500
 Fig.No: 7 DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN GROUND WATER
IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT

e) Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge:

In view of the increasing thrust on development of ground water resources, there is an urgent
need to augment these depleting resources in the active recharge zone. This can be
augmented through natural or artificial recharge. Rainfall is the main source of both types of
recharge. The rainfall occurrence in different parts of India is limited to a period ranging from
about10 to 100 days. The natural recharge to groundwater reservoir is restricted to this period
only and is not enough to keep pace with the excessive continued exploitation. Since large
volumes of rain fall flows out into the sea or get evaporated, artificial recharge has been
advocated to supplement the natural recharge.
Under Neeru-Meeru (Water and You) programme, rainwater conservation and artificial
recharge to ground water works have been taken up on large scale in the district under DPAP,
EAS, NWDP and other programmes. Various structures like check dams, percolation tanks,
continuous contour trenches, contour bunding, dug out ponds, farm ponds, and other
structures were constructed by various Departments like District Water Management Agency
(DWMA), Forest Department and Panchayati Raj Departments. The district is drained by
large number of rivers and the elevation difference between maximum and minimum is
around 800 m and the area is with steep slopes. Hence, artificial recharge structures should be
taken up at appropriate places after studying the availability of surface run-off in the area. All
the works should be taken up on watershed basis and all stakeholders be involved in the
programme. Each watershed should be developed by gully plugs and check dams in upper
reaches and percolation tanks and contour bunds etc. in the plains. However, all structures
should be constructed for 50% of available run off potential, leaving the requirement of
existing structures in a watershed.

8.0 LAND USE/LAND COVER MAPPING USING SATELLITE DATA

The IRS P6, FCC on 1:50,000 scales, generated from Green, Red and NIR bands were
visually interpreted to delineate various land use/ land cover categories. A field survey was
carried out to check the validity of various land use classes and sub classes. Necessary
corrections were incorporated after ground truth verification. Final land use/land cover map
for the district was prepared. Land use/ land cover classes were digitized using Arc-Info GIS
package and area under various land use classes computed. The detailed discussion of each
category is as follows:
a) Forestry:
The total forest area is 4,514 Sq. Km which is about 30% of the total area of the
district The forests of Bhakarapet and Tirupathi ranges mainly confined to the imposing
Sheshachalam hills which are believed to be part of the ancient Dandakaranya as expounded
in the famous epic of Ramayana. Among the forest products, red sandal is the richest and
valuable forest product and its revenue per Sq. Km. is about Rs. 18,550.
b) Building:
A 'Building' is generally a single structure on the ground. Usually a structure will have four
walls and a roof. Sometimes it is made up of more than one component unit which are used
or likely to be used as dwellings (residences) or establishments such as shops, business
houses, offices, factories, workshops, work sheds, Schools, places of entertainment, places of
worship, godowns, stores etc. It is also possible that building which have component units
may be used for a combination of purposes such as shop-cum- residence, workshop –cum -
residence, office-cum-residence etc. But in some areas the very nature of construction of
houses is such that there may not be any wall. Such is the case of conical structures where
entrance is also provided but they may not have any walls. Therefore, such of the conical
structures are also treated as separate buildings.
c) Pucca houses:
Houses, the walls and roof of which are made of permanent materials. The material of walls
can be anyone from the following, namely, Stones (duly packed with lime or cement mortar),
G.I/metal / asbestos sheets, Burnt bricks, Cement bricks, Concrete. Roof may be made 'of
from anyone of the following materials, namely, Machine-made tiles, Cement tiles, Burnt
bricks, Cement bricks, Stone, Slate, G.I/Metal/Asbestos sheets, Concrete. Such houses are
treated as Pucca house.
d) Kutcha houses:
Houses in which both walls and roof are made of materials, which have to be replaced
frequently. Walls may be made from anyone of the following temporary materials, namely,
grass, Un-burnt bricks, bamboos, mud, grass, reeds, thatch, plastic /polythene, loosed packed
stone, etc. Such houses are treated as Kutcha house.
e) Dwelling Room:
A room is treated as a dwelling room if it has walls with a doorway and a roof and should be
wide and long enough for a person to sleep in, i.e. it should have a length
of not less than 2 meters and a breadth of at least 1.5 meters and a height of 2 meters. A
dwelling room would include living room, bedroom, dining room, drawing room, study
room, servant's room and other habitable rooms. Kitchen, bathroom, latrine, store room,
passageway and verandah which are not normally usable for living are not considered as
dwelling rooms. A room, used for multipurpose such as sleeping, sitting, dining, storing,
cooking, etc., is regarded as a dwelling room. In a situation where a census house is used as a
shop or office, etc., and the household also stays in it then the room is not considered as a
dwelling room. But if a garage or servant quarter is used by a servant and if she/ he also lives
in it as a separate household then this has been considered as a dwelling room available to the
servant's household. Tent or conical shaped hut if used for living by any household is also
considered as dwelling room. A dwelling room, which is shared by more than one household,
has not been counted for any of them. If two households have a dwelling room each but in
addition also share a common dwelling room, then the common room has not been counted
for either of the households.
f) Census House:
A 'census house' is a building or part of a building used or recognized as a separate unit
because of having a separate main entrance from the road or common courtyard or staircase,
etc. It may be occupied or vacant. It may be used for residential or nonresidential purpose or
both. If a building has a number of Flats or Blocks/Wings, which are independent of one
another having separate entrances of their own from the road or a common staircase or a
common courtyard leading to a main gate, these are considered as a separate Census house.
g) Village:
The basic unit for rural areas is the revenue village, which has definite surveyed boundaries.
The revenue village may comprise of one or more hamlets but the entire village is treated as
one unit for presentation of data. In un surveyed areas, like villages within forest areas, each
habitation area with locally recognized boundaries is treated as one village.
h) Rural-Urban area:
The data in the census are presented separately for rural and urban areas. The unit of
classification in this regard is 'town' for urban areas and 'village' for rural areas. The urban
area comprises two types of towns viz; Statutory towns and Census towns. In the Census of
India 2011, the definition of urban area adopted is as follows:
a) Statutory Towns: All places with a municipality, corporation, cantonment board or
notified town area committee, etc are known as statutory towns.
b) Census Towns: All other places satisfying the following three criteria
simultaneously are treated as Census Towns.
i) A minimum population of 5,000;
ii) At least 75 per cent of male working population engaged in nonagricultural
pursuits; and
iii) A density of population of at least 400 per sq. krn. (1,000 per sq. mile)
For identification of places which would qualify to be classified as 'urban' all villages, which,
as per the 2001 Census had a population of 4,000 and above, a population density of 400
persons per sq. km. and having at least 75 per cent of male working population engaged in
non-agricultural activity were considered. To work out the proportion of male working
population referred to above against b) (ii), the data relating to main workers were taken into
account. In addition the above stated towns, urban areas also constitutes of OGs which are the
parts of UAs.
i) Urban Agglomeration:

An Urban Agglomeration is a continuous urban spread constituting a town and its adjoining
urban outgrowths (OGs) or two or more physically contiguous towns together with or without
urban outgrowths of such towns. In some cases, railway colonies, university campuses, port
areas, military camps etc; may come up near a statutory town outside its statutory limits but
within the revenue limits of a village or villages contiguous to the town. Each such individual
area by itself may not satisfy the minimum population limit to qualify it to be treated as an
independent urban unit but may qualify to be clubbed with the existing town as their
continuous urban spread (i.e., an Out Growth). Each such town together with its outgrowth(s)
is treated as an integrated urban area and is designated as an 'urban agglomeration'. For the
purpose of delineation of Urban Agglomerations during Census of India 2011, following
criteria has been adopted:
(a) The core town or at least one of the constituent towns of an urban agglomeration
should necessarily be a statutory town; and
(b) The total population of an Urban Agglomeration (i.e. all the constituents put
together) should not be less than 20,000 as per the 2001 Census. In varying local
conditions, there were similar other combinations which have been treated as urban
agglomerations satisfying the basic condition of contiguity.

j) Out Growth (OG):

The outgrowth is a viable unit such as a village or a hamlet or an enumeration block and
clearly identifiable in terms of its boundaries and location. While determining the outgrowth
of a town, it has been ensured that it possesses the urban features in terms of infrastructure
and amenities such as pucca roads, electricity, taps, drainage system for disposal of waste
water etc., educational institutions, post offices, medical facilities, banks etc. and physically
contiguous with the core town of the UA.

k) City: Towns with population of 100,000 and above are called cities.

l) Household:
A 'household' is usually a group of persons who normally live together and take their meals
from a common kitchen unless the exigencies of work prevent any of them from doing so.
Persons in a household may be related or unrelated or a mix of both. However, if a group of
unrelated persons live in a census house but do not take their meals from the common
kitchen, then they are not constituent of a common household. Each such person was to be
treated as a separate household. The important link in finding out whether it was a household
or not was a common kitchen/common cooking. There may be one member households, two
member households or multi-member households.
m) Institutional Household:
A group of unrelated persons who live in an institution and take their meals from a common
kitchen is called an Institutional Household. Examples of Institutional Households are
boarding houses, messes, hostels, hotels, rescue homes, observation homes, beggars homes,
jails, ashrams, old age homes, children homes, orphanages, etc. To make the definition more
clearly perceptible to the enumerators at the Census 2011, it was specifically mentioned that
this category or households would cover only those households where a group of unrelated
persons live in an institution and share a common kitchen.
n) Houseless household:
Households who do not live in buildings or census houses but live in the open or roadside,
pavements, in hume pipes, under flyovers and staircases, or in the open in places of worship,
mandaps, railway platforms, etc., are treated as Houseless Households.

9.0 GEOLOGY AND QUATERNARY GEOLOGY

Systematic geomorphological and quaternary geological mapping carried out in this area, has
brought out an interesting sequence of Quaternary Formations which was originally mapped
as calcareous mud and clay and soil, with complex evolutionary history. The distinct surfaces
with their own characteristic lithological attributes are being dealt with individually and
presented in the table form.
a) Archaeans and Lower Pre-Cambrians
Peninsular gneisses of Archaean age are dominant rock types in Rayalseema region of the
state. Dharwars, comprising amphibolites, gneisses, schists, and quartzites occur as narrow
isolated bands within granites in Chittoor, Anantapuramu, Kurnool, Kadapa, Nellore and
Prakasam districts. The Charnockites and Khondalites occur in an extensive belt in
Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts and in upland areas of East Godavari
and West Godavari districts.
b) Upper Pre-Cambrian to Early Pre-Cambrian
The group includes Cuddapahs, Pakhals, Pengangas, Kurnools and Sullavais comprising
shales, limestones, dolomites, sandstones and conglomerates. The crescent shaped Cuddapah
Super Group covering ~42,100 Km2 occur in parts of Krishna, Kurnool, Prakasam, Guntur,
Nellore, Kadapa, Chittoor and Anantapuramu districts. The Gondwana formations, of alluvial
and lacustrine sediments, are exposed in lower reaches of Godavari valley. Gondwanas also
occur as disconnected outcrops along the coast from Tuni in East Godavari district to
Satyavedu in Chittoor district.

c) Deccan Traps (Basalt) and Associated Rocks

Deccan traps, the horizontally disposed lava flows are confined to Minor outcrops near
Rajahmundry on either banks of the river Godavari. The thickness of individual flow varies
between few metres to as much as 30 m. Inter-trappean beds comprising limestones, cherts
and sandstones occur between trap flows near Rajahmundry. Infra-trappean beds, comprising
deposits of limestones and sandstones, underlie the trap flows.

d) Tertiary Formations (Miocene-Pliocene)

Sandstones of equivalent age occur along the southern coast in Chittoor, Prakasam and
Nellore districts. They are highly potential from ground water point of view.

10.0 GROUND WATER RESOURCES (2012-2013)

The dynamic ground water resource potential of the state has been estimated as per the
methodology given by the Ground Water Estimation Committee 1997 (GEC 1997). As per
the latest estimates (March 2013), the annual replenishable ground water resources are 20387
MCM, natural discharge during non-monsoon period is 1913 MCM, net ground water
availability is 18474 MCM, annual gross ground water draft is 8104 MCM, allocation for
future domestic and industrial use is 1644 MCM and net ground water availability for future
irrigation use is 10192 MCM. The average stage of ground water development is 44 %. Out
of 670 mandals, 61 fall under over-exploited category, 17 falls under critical, 54 under semi-
critical and remaining 538 under safe category (this includes 73 poor quality mandsls (41
Fully and 32 partly). More mandals from Rayalseema regions falls under OE, Critical and
Semi Critical category than coastal region mandals.
11.0 TOTAL MINERAL POTENTIAL FOR THE DISTRICT:

a) MINERAL POTENTIAL FOR REPLENISHABLE AREA:

S.No Name of Portion of the area Recommended for Mineable mineral

Mineral Recommended for mineral concession potentional in %
mineral (in Ha) (in Ha) m3

1 Black 3.99.7 1.89.28 30145 m3

Granite

b) MINERAL POTENTIAL FOR NON- REPLENISHABLE AREA:

Quantity for non- replenishable area could not be ascertained due to non- willingness of land
owners for excavation of minor minerals from their own lands. However, it is recommended
that on reciept of request of land owner, a Sub Divisional Level Committee may visit the site
quarry to ascertain the viability of mineral potential i.e. Area and mineral quantity for
recommending the case to the concerned Authority for approval.

12.0 FLORA AND FAUNA:

Flora and Fauna: The climate, topography and geology have played an important
role impressing the flora and fauna of the district. The district has hills and plateau and
elevation ranges up to 1.318 metres. The floristic compositions in the forests vary
from dry mixed deciduous to thorny scrub with occasional patches of dry, evergreen
growth. The forests of this region can be broadly classified into the following three
principal types. 1. Dry tropical South Indian dry mixed deciduous forests. 2. Southern
Cutch thorn forest groups and 3. Tropical dry evergreen forests. The mesophytic type
of flora like syzygium cumini (Neredu), pongania gharia (Kanuga) and large trees of
terminalia Arjuna (Erramaddi and Tellamaddi) are found. Large trees of mango,
phoenix, sylvestris and different types of grass along water courses are also found. In
the forests of this district, wild animals like tiger and panther (Panthera pardus) are
present in small numbers. Sloth-bear (Melursus ursinus) is found still in good numbers
in all classes of reserve forests of the district. Wild dog (Euonalpinus),wild pig
(Suscristatus), porcupine(Hystri indica), Hyaena (Hyaena striata) Jungle cat (Felis
chaus), Jackal (Canis aureus), fox (Velpes bengaleusis), wolf (canis lugus) etc., are the
other carnivores present in the district. The commonly found herbivore present in the
district are Sambur (Rusa unicolor), Black buck (Antelope cervicapse), Chital (Axis),
Wild sheep (civis cycloceros), Mouse deer (Memina indica), Hare (lapium finidus),
Rabbit etc. A number of bird species also exist in this district. Among the birds, the
birds of large grey babbler (Turdiodes Malcolmi), the large grey shrike (Lanius
Excubitor), King Crows, Mynas and Crows, Bee-eaters, Hoopoes, Swifts, Vultures,
Eagles, Kites, Owls, Sand grouse, Quails, Partridges, Green Pigeons, Pigeons,
Peacocks etc., are found in this district.

13.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Integrated studies i.e. geology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, hydro geomorphology,
structure and drainage in preparing the groundwater prospects map of chittoor district. The
categorization of groundwater potential zones in the study area is satisfactory level with the
field checks also. The interpretation of this kind of information is much useful in improving
the groundwater conditions of the area i.e. like in demarcating the drainage watersheds and
planning for the construction of the structures like check dams, percolation tanks etc.