Gariaband district

The district covers an area of 5,822 square kilometres [2,248 sq mi][2] and is full of natural resources. "Pairy"[3] and "Sodhur" river flows north from here and makes "Triveni Sangam" Rajim together. By building Orissa state border flows "Tel River". Rajim is a famous pilgrimage center of the district, which is also called robert. Every year a "Kumbh Mela" is held from Magh Purnima to Maha Shivaratri. The district is divided into geographical area of the five talukas Gariaband (726 square kilometres [280 sq mi]), Chhura (715 square kilometres [276 sq mi]), Mainpur (671 square kilometres [259 sq mi]), Devbhog (302 square kilometres [117 sq mi]) and Rajim (474 square kilometres [183 sq mi]), respectively. The Gariaband, Chhura and Mainpur blocks are Multiplicity of Tribals. There is four urban bodies in the district in which one Municipality(Gariaband) and three Nagar Panchayat (Rajim, Chhura and Fingeshwar). The area of "Gariaband Forest" is 1,952 square kilometres [754 sq mi] and "Udanti Sita Nadi Tiger Reserve" covers 983.94 km² (379.90 sq mi). The Gariaband district starts at the ancient temples of Rajim. Being a plan area Figenshwar development block is irrigated and equipped with modern agriculture methods. Chhura block has created his name as famous tourist places such as "Jatmayi" and "Ghatarani. Baruka Aniket, Tonhidabri, Ramaipot including Rasela near to Malaygiri mountain of Odisha border are forest and plain area. Gariaband block has rich in resources such as Saal and Teak including forest areas from the confluence of the Parry and Sodhur river making Dhamtari border. The major languages spoken here are Chhattisgarhi, Hindi and Odia.

The present Collector and District Magistrate of Gariaband is Chhattar Singh Dehre (IAS).[4] Shri Bhojram Patel is Superintendent of Police of Gariaband District. The Pairy River originates from the hillocks of SIHAVA which meets Mahanadi at "Rajim", also religiously called Sontirth Ghat.

According to the 2011 census 69.48% of the population speaks Chhattisgarhi, 22.95% Odia, 5.1% Hindi and 1.19% Marathi as their first language.

Gariaband district is a Forest Landscape area. Farming is wide across the district, 49.56% area of farms in the district is irrigated. 50.41% area of the district is covered by forest. The Following type of forests are in Gariaband district Teak Forest(Sagon Van) - 0.37% Saal Forest(Saal Van) - 22.66% Mixed forest - 54.51% Other forest - 22.46%

Jatmayi Temple - Located in Gariaband, 85 km (53 mi) from Raipur. "Jatmayi Temple" is dedicated to the "Mata Jatmayi" located between a small forest. Temple is carved out of granite with a huge tower and many small peak/ towers. On top of the main entrance, can see one murals depicting mythological characters.

Ghatarani Temple - It is a big waterfall located 25 km (16 mi) from Jatmai Temple. The Navratri festival is celebrated in this temple. After the Monsoon it is the best time for visit. A waterfall flows near the temple. The more adventurous can take a hike in the woods. Easily vehicles are available from Raipur to Ghatarani Temple.

Bhooteshwarnath - Marauda village situated at nestled among thick forests 3 km (1.9 mi) away from Gariaband. The world's largest Shivalinga given by the nature sparkling in the region surrounded by forests and hills. The news comes where the size of Mahakal and other Shivlings decrease while there's a Shivling whose size does not shrink but increases every year. This Shivling is produced naturally. Every year on Mahashivratri and Monday of Sawan people (Kawariya) arrives here. This Shivling located in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh is called here "Bhooteshwarnath", which also called "Bhakurra". In Chhattisgarh like "Dwadas Jyotirling," it is recognized as "Ardhnarishwar Shivling". The size of the Shivling is continuously increasing every year. Probably because the number of devotees who come here is rising every year.

Sikaser Dam - Sikaser Dam is an artificial dam[5] located 50 km (31 mi) from the district headquarters. It is accessible in all seasons. Sikaser Dam was built in 1977. The Sikaser Dam is 1,540 m (5,050 ft) long and 9.32 m (30.6 ft) high. In the Sikaser dam capacity of the 2X35 MW Water Hydropower Plant is installed which is producing electricity as well as irrigation.

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve - The notification of Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve of Chhattisgarh Government Raipur came into existence letter in year 2009. Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve efforts for pure breed Wild Buffaloes.[6] Presently there is a female buffalo, a female child, and nine male buffaloes. To increase their number the rescue center has been created in approximately 25 ha (62 acres). Where breeding females buffalo to increase its numbers but now there are more male buffaloes and there is an urgent need for female buffalo to save their dynasty. Therefore, a clone female buffalo is being prepared at Karnal, institute in Haryana. Which will be brought as soon as in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve to increase female buffaloes dynasty.

• Official website
• Districts of Chhattisgarh
• List of Chhattisgarh District Centres at Chhattisgarh Official Portal.