Dadra and Nagar Haveli district General information
History
In order to keep the English at bay and to enlist their support against the Moghals, the Marathas made friends with the Portuguese and signed with them a treaty in 1779. According to this historic treaty of friendship, the Maratha-Peshwa agreed that the Portuguese will be allowed to collect revenues from Dadra and Nagar Haveli which consisted of 72 villages, then known as parganas. These territories were earlier ruled by the Koli chiefs who were defeated by the Hindu kings of Jawhar and Ramnagar. The Marathas conquered and annexed these territories to their kingdom.
By and large, this treaty was signed only to the extent that the Portuguese will only collect the revenue in compensation for their loss of a warship called ‘Santana’ which had earlier been captured by the Marathas but not surrendered to the Portuguese inspite of their many entreaties.
The area of Dadra &Nagar Haveli spread over 491.00 sq.kms. land locked between Gujarat in North and Maharashtra in South was liberated from Portuguese Rulers by people themselves on 2nd August 1954 . The people of the U.T. established free Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, which was finally merged in to Union of India in the year 1961.
LAND, PEOPLE & CULTURE
The U.T. of Dadra & Nagar Haveli is located on the western side of the foot hills of western Ghat and has undulating terrain 40% of the total geographical area is covered with forests and thus offers it a look of woodland. The major river Damanganga and its tributaries criss-cross the U.T. and drain into Arabian sea at Daman . The U.T. has population of 2.20 lakhs as per the 2001 census which has predominance of tribals forming a major chunk of 62% of the total population.
The major tribes are Varlies, Kokana, Dhodia and Dublas. The tribals have their distinct culture of their own consisting of curious rituals and colorful folk-lore. No occasion in tribal life is complete, be it a marriage or harvest without a folk dance. The major dances are Tarpa, Dhol, Bhavada and Gherria. The performers of these foot-tapping dances are equally good in other arts and art forms and are almost independent for most of their daily requirements.
Demography
As per census 2001, the tribals constitute 62.24 % of the total population of the territory . the main tribes are Dhodia, Kokna and Varli with small groups of Koli, Kathodi, Naika and dubla scattered over the territory. The Dhodias and Dublas are mainly confined to the Northern part of the territory whereas the Koknas and Varlis and found all over. From the total population of Tribals, the Varlis consitute 62.94 % and the Koknas and Dhodias comprise 16.85 and 16.90 % respectively of the tribal population., 2.29 % Dublas, 0.08% Kathodis, 0.84% Kolghas and 0.08% Nayakas being the smallest groups represents 3.31% of the population together situated between the foothills of Western Ghats on one side, and the Arabian Sea on the other, this land of colorful tribals is known as Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
This area of 491 sq.kms. is the home land of nearly one lakh people of various tribes. It has seen many rulers, ranging from the mighty Marathas to the fiery Portuguese. Yet, the essence of tribal life, its richness and variety, its art, myth, song and folklore, have all remained unchanged.
Industry
Dadra & Nagar Haveli is a predominantly a backward area in both the way economically as well industrially. It has an area of 491 sq.kms. and surrounded by State of Gujarat and Maharashtra , which are having a very healthy position, economical and industrial. Further the U.T. is located at almost equal distance from Mumbai, an Business/Economic capital of the country and Surat a Business/economic capital of Gujarat State . West sea coast is just 30 kms. Away and nearest railway station is Vapi on Western railway which is 15 kms. from Silvassa, the Head Quarter of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Thus U.T. has a locational advantage. U.T. has very thin/less population but 88% of them are adivasis/backward who do not possess industrial skill and discipline and as a result has a problem of unemployment.
After liberation from Portuguese regime in 1954 and merger with the Union of India in 1962 the Administrator has started taking effective steps for the up liftment of the area. The industrial development has started on a very low key bases during the year 1965 by establishing a industrial estate under co-operative sector namely Dan Udyog Sahakari Sangh Ltd., which was having nearly 130 plots. Since this is Union Territory without legislature there was no Sales Tax and it was a huge benefit, attraction for the entrepreneurs. Since the Administration was having an environment friendly attitude not allowed any polluting Unit and lacking in industrial infrastructure. Even though the industrial pace was good and upto 1970, good number of Units has been established in the territory, say 30 Units, namely Engineering, Fabrics weaving Units and a dyeing and printing Unit, providing good employment to local tribes.
In 1971, Government of India has declared U.T. as industrially backward area/district and extended the Scheme of 10% cash subsidy to the industrial units on their capital investment. The quantum of subsidy was increased gradually to 15% and 25% subsequently which resulted in speedy industrial development of the territory. This Scheme was closed/terminated from 30th September 1988 and during this period the Government has disbursed subsidy to the tune of Rs.12,33,66,142/- say Rs. 12.5 crores to the Units established.
Meanwhile from January 1984 the Sales Tax Act was implemented and the Industrial Units who so ever establishes were eligible for sales tax exemption for the period of 15 years. This Scheme was in force upto 1998. At present the new established Units are getting the benefit of Central Sales Tax exemption which is available upto the year 2017.
Further the territory has establish a very good net work of electricity which is being made available from Central grid and hence the electricity which is a main source of energy for the industry was very cheap compared to the adjoining area and being a comparatively small area network easy maintenance results is very less interruption say no interruption. The territory has one 220 KVA Sub station and a network of 66 KVA all over the territory. Hence the industry in any corner of the territory gets the power without delay. Due to availability of power from central grid and less maintenance cost the ultimate power tariff is very less in comparison to adjoining states and other areas. The rate is at present Rs.2.75 per Unit. This has attracted many industries which has continuous process or required uninterrupted power.
Since 1st April 1993, 100% deduction is available to the Industrial establishments in their profit and gains, for the 1st five years and the same was available up to March 2002. This implies that those Units which begin to manufacture or produce articles on or before 30th March 2002 were entitled for 100% income tax holiday for the 1st five assessment years.
Also after the initial five years benefit such industrial undertaking are entitled to the deduction at the rate of 25% for their profits and gains for the next five assessment years.
Over and above these facilities the Government/Administration has developed three Industrial Estates at villages Masat, Silvassa Phase-I, Silvassa Phase II at Amli and Khadoli, having total 290 plots admeasuring 700 sq.mtrs. to 4000 sq.mtrs. with good road network. Two Co-Operative Industrial Estates are also functioning in Amli village with necessary infrastructure. Over and above the Administration is considering the applications of individuals for converting the Agriculture land into non Agriculture. Till date Administration has considered N.A. for 1700 hectares of land and still 1300 hectares is available under Regional Plan 2000-2020 for Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
The Value Added Tax has been enforce since 1st April 2005, but the tax benefits/exemption available to the Industrial Units has been made available to them for the balance period.
Access
By Rail
The nearest Railway station is Vapi on Western Railway.All major Mail/Express trains are available at Vapi including August Kranti Rajdhani, Satabdi, Ahinsa, Karnavati etc.
By Road
The UT of Dadra & Nagar Haveli is almost touching Mumbai – Baroda – Delhi National Highway No8 (Western Express Highway). Silvassa is about 14 Kms from Bhilad & 18 Kms from Vapi. Mumbai 180 Kms, Surat 140 Kms, Nasik 140 Kms and Daman 30 Kms.
Tourist Place
Vanganga LakeGarden, Dadra
A beautiful lake Garden Vanganga is located at the entrance of the U.T. of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and this beautiful garden at Dadra (6km from Silvassa ) is spread over an area of 7.58 hects. The garden created with central island is connected with bridges in Japanese style. The major attraction are its water spread framed with tree line, boats, fountains, restaurants and jogging track on an average 4.00 lakhs tourists visits the garden annually. The garden is very popular with filmmakers and more than 40 Hindi film hit songs have been picturised here.
Hirwavan garden, Piparia
Another beautiful garden at the entry point at Silvassa is named after a tribal deity ‘Hirwa’ the green godess. The water play is a theme here and can be seen in the form at roaring waterfall, cascading rivulet, gurgling springs streams all merging in a waterbody.
The visitors are fascinated with the sight of colourful shrubs, criss crossing footpaths and kiosks for the sitout . The children play section offers variety of play equipments. The centrally located garden is popular with the visiting.
Tribal Museum , Silvassa
The U.T., of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is predominantly inhabited by the tribals. The museum has displayed their ornaments, musical instruments, fishing and hunting gadgets, agricultural and house hold articles, and several other artefacts. The tribals way of life is displayed through life size models, wedding dresses and photographs of eventful ceremonies. The museum is popular with the tourists as it offers the glimpse of the native tribals and their culture at one place.
Vanvihar Tourist Complex, Chauda
Since there was no accommodation available for the people, the department has created 36 bedded luxury and Economic class Accommodation at Chauda (20 Kms. From Silvassa ) The surrounding area has been landscaped and tourists throng in thousands to see and enjoy the location apart from the tourists staying in the complex. The Department has built a small check dam on the adjoining river Sakartod to operate boating facilities.
Tapovan Tourist Complex, Bindrabin
The famous historic temple of Lord Siva is located (18 Kms. From Silvassa and 2 Kms. From Khanvel) at Bindrabin and devotees make a bee line to seek blessing of the diety. Since there were no facilities for accommodation, the Department has provided 3 Cottages, Restaurant and amusement park with fountains and well laid garden.
Water Sports Centre, Dudhani
With the commissioning of Madhuban Dam on the downstream side of river Damanganga, a large water front has formed near Dudhani (40 Kms from Silvassa). For adventure loving tourists, the department provide water scooters, acquabikes, bumper boats, speed boats, kayaks, canoes and passenger boats at the Water Sports Centre, Dudhani.
Himaivan Health Resort, Kauncha
A twenty bedded super luxuries health resort has been completed near the water front at Kauncha – Dudhani which will provide a new concept of Health tourism in the tranquil woodlands of Kauncha village.
Yatri Niwas, Silvassa
A budget tourist accommodation with multi purpose facilities at Silvassa is being provided with 40 bedded accommodation to begin with.
In addition to the above major tourist attractions, there are several other places of tourist importance like Vandhara Garden, Historic church, Madhuban dam all around Silvassa to fill in the gaps of tourists itinerary.
Besides all this tourist places, Tourism Department also celebrate various festivals during the year.