History:
The Kakinada District was formed on April 4th, 2022, by altering the boundaries of the existing East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh, India. The formation was executed by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, in the exercise of the powers conferred by the Andhra Pradesh Districts (Formation) Act, 1974. The decision to form the district was taken in the interest of better administration and development of the area concerned.
1. Natural Background & Boundaries
Kakinada is a newly-formed district in Andhra Pradesh, India, located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is bounded by Anakapalli district and Alluri Sitaramaraju district to the north, East Godavari district to the south, and Konaseema district to the west. The district spans a geographical area of 3,020 sq. km and has a total population of 2,092,000 people, with a population density of 693 per sq. km.
2. Demographics & Population
Kakinada district is divided into 2 revenue divisions, with headquarters in Kakinada and Peddapuram. The district consists of 21 revenue mandals and 21 mandal parishads, with 385 gram panchayats. In terms of municipal governance, Kakinada is the only municipal corporation in the district, while there are 4 municipalities and 2 nagar panchayats. The district has 395 inhabited villages and 20 uninhabited villages. According to the 2011 census, the Total population is about 20.92 lakhs and the Geographical area is 3020 Square KMs. It is one of the most populous districts in Andhra Pradesh with a population of 693 per Square Km.
3. Water Resources & Climate
The major rivers in the district include Godavari and Pushkara, and there are other rivers such as Yeleru, Thandava, and Pampa river channels that provide water to a specific area in the district. The climate is generally moderate, with temperatures ranging from 19.9 °C in January to a maximum of 38.9 °C in May. The district receives annual precipitation of 1,008 mm, with most of the rainfall (615.1 mm) happening in the South West Monsoon period (June-September), and the remaining (258.4 mm) in the North East Monsoon period (October-December).
4. Industrial & Economic Hub
Kakinada district has witnessed remarkable advancement in various developmental sectors, including agriculture, education, industry, and irrigation. To cater to the irrigation needs of the district, the proposed Polavaram Project on the Godavari River is going to play a crucial role in the district’s agriculture and other needs.
Education:
Kakinada District has earned a reputation as an education hub due to the presence of several prominent educational institutions. The district boasts of prestigious universities, engineering and medical colleges, polytechnic and industrial training institutes, and research centers. The quality of education in these institutions is highly appreciated, and the graduates are highly sought after by top companies. Some of the prestigious institutions are Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Kakinada, Rangaraya Medical College Kakinada, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Kakinada, Adikavi Nannaya University MSN Campus, Kakinada and several other private colleges in the district.
Industries:
The Kakinada district is known as an industrial hub due to the presence of a diverse range of large and medium-scale industries. The district has major industries such as Rice, Sugar, Fertilizers, Paper, and Textiles, along with small-scale industries like agro-based industries, chemical, ceramic, light engineering, Non-Ferrous metals, and leather. The private sector has Textile manufacturing, Sugar Factories, and Paper and Paper products manufacturing units. The district is also home to two large-scale fertilizers and chemicals factories – Nagarjuna and Coromandel Fertilizers. Industrial Estates at Samalkota and Kakinada cater to the needs of several industries. Additionally, Kakinada has emerged as a hub for edible oil manufacturing industries.
Special Economic Zone
The Kakinada Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) is situated in the district, spanning over an extensive 5,880 acres of land, and accommodates various industries. The KSEZ has been a significant contributor to the economic growth of the region and Andhra Pradesh, luring substantial investments in recent times in Pharma, Port, and Chemical industries, etc. The KSEZ is anticipated to become a major export hub with the forthcoming deepwater port, which is projected to enable the import and export of a diverse range of goods, further augmenting the economic prospects of the district.
Tourism Potential
Kakinada District boasts of a beautiful coastline along the Bay of Bengal that houses many breathtaking beaches and picturesque places. The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the district, is one of the popular tourist destinations that are home to an array of rare and endangered birds, reptiles, and mammals. The district is also famous for its ancient temples and heritage sites, which hold immense historical and cultural value.
Information Technology
Kakinada is one of the four tier-2 cities in Andhra Pradesh that houses the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) since 2007. Currently, 12 software companies are operating in Kakinada. Cyient is one of the largest MNCs currently established at the IT SEZ in Sarpavaram, Kakinada.
5. Important Places
Annavaram, Peddapuram, Pithapuram, Samalkota, Tuni and Tallupulamma Lova are some of the important places in the Kakinada District.
6. Medical & Health
Kakinada is renowned for its exceptional healthcare facilities even in the combined Godavari Districts. The district boasts over 60 Govt. hospitals, primary health centers, mobile medical units, and dispensaries. These healthcare centers offer a wide range of medical services, from general medicine to specialized treatments. The Govt General Hospital (GGH) in Kakinada has a combined bed capacity of over 1,800 beds with oxygen facility and is staffed by a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, there are 9 Ayurvedic, 6 Homeopathy hospitals, and 2 Unani dispensaries in the district, catering to those who prefer alternative forms of medicine. With such comprehensive healthcare facilities, Kakinada is undoubtedly one of the best places to receive quality medical care in the state.
7. Medical & Health
The Kakinada District boasts a 144-kilometer coastline along the Bay of Bengal and has a natural harbor in Kakinada. There are approximately 571 cooperative societies for fishermen In the district. A fishing harbor was constructed in Kakinada in 1979, which provides boating facilities for 4201 mechanized fish boats.
Information Source: Kakinada District
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