Introduction

Under the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961, the Dharashiv Zilla Parishad came into existence on May 1, 1962. On September 26, 1980, the government dissolved the Dharashiv Zilla Parishad and the Panchayat Samitis under its jurisdiction, appointing administrators in their place. On August 15, 1982, Dharashiv district was divided into two districts, Dharashiv and Latur, with administrators appointed for both Zilla Parishads.Elected representatives have been managing the Zilla Parishad’s affairs since March 21, 1992. Apart from the Zilla Parishad, the administration was carried out through a total of 10 subject committees, including the Standing Committee. Currently, as the term of the Zilla Parishad ended on March 20, 2022, the Maharashtra Government, through a notification dated March 11, 2022, has appointed the Chief Executive Officer as the Administrator, effective from March 21, 2022.

As per the notification No. PSE-10-2000/CR-74 (31) to (35)-05 dated 12-11-2001 issued by the Rural Development and Water Conservation Department, Government of Maharashtra, the Dharashiv district was restructured by dividing the groups of Paranda, Bhoom, and Kalamb to form the new Vashi group, and the groups of Umarga and Tuljapur were divided to form the new Lohara group.Under the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961, the newly formed Panchayat Samitis of Lohara and Vashi came into existence on 11-12-2001. Dharashiv district comprises a total of eight talukas: Dharashiv, Tuljapur, Umarga, Lohara, Paranda, Kalamb, Bhoom, and Vashi. These fall under the jurisdiction of the Dharashiv Zilla Parishad, which oversees eight Panchayat Samitis corresponding to these talukas.Within the jurisdiction of this Zilla Parishad, there are a total of 622 Gram Panchayats.

Geographical Composition

As per the 2011 Census, Dharashiv district has a total population of 16,57,576 and covers an area of 7,569 sq. km. The rural area spans 7,439.99 sq. km., while the urban area covers 129.01 sq. km.

The district is predominantly occupied by the Balaghat mountain ranges, which include the talukas of Bhoom, Vashi, Kalamb, Dharashiv, and Tuljapur. The remaining talukas of Umarga, Lohara, and Paranda are situated on the plateau.

The district is home to major rivers like Manjara, Terna, and Sina. The average elevation of the district above sea level is 2,000 feet. Among the talukas, Bhoom is the highest at 2,500 feet above sea level, while Paranda is the lowest at 1,735 feet.

Climate and Rainfall

Dharashiv district has a dry climate. Generally, the monsoon season lasts from June to September. The average rainfall in the district is low. Except for Umarga taluka, the Ter region of Dharashiv taluka, and the Shiradhon region of Kalamb taluka, the rest of the district falls under drought-prone areas.

Historical Significance

The district is home to several renowned pilgrimage sites, including Tuljapur, Andur, Ter, Ramling, Sonari, and Kunthalgiri. It also features ancient and scenic forts at Paranda and Naldurg. Additionally, the district has significant irrigation projects, such as Terna, Bori, Khasapuri, Chandani, as well as the Ramganga and Banaganga projects.