Upper Subansiri District

📍 Location and Area

The district headquarters is strategically situated in Daporijo. Upper Subansiri district encompasses a substantial geographical area of 7,032 square kilometers (2,715 square miles). For comparative context, this area is roughly equivalent to that of East Falkland Island in the United Kingdom.

🏘️ Key Settlements

The district comprises several important towns and administrative centers, each serving as the headquarters for its respective circle. These key settlements include Chetamm, Giba, Taksing, Limeking, Nacho, Siyum, Payeng, Taliha, Gite Ripa, Gussar, Dumporijo, Daporijo, Maro, Baririjo, and Puchigeku. These centers are crucial for local governance and community services.

📉 Developmental Challenges

From an economic perspective, Upper Subansiri district faces considerable developmental challenges. In 2006, the Government of India identified it as one of the 250 most backward districts nationwide, highlighting areas requiring focused development. Notably, it remains the sole district within Arunachal Pradesh to receive financial support through the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF), underscoring its status as a priority area for targeted governmental intervention and resource allocation.

📊 Population Statistics

According to the 2011 Census of India, Upper Subansiri district recorded a population of 83,448 individuals. This figure places it in a similar population bracket to the nation of Andorra. The district's population density is relatively low, standing at 12 inhabitants per square kilometer (31 per square mile). The decadal population growth rate between 2001 and 2011 was notably high at 50.34%, indicating significant population increase during that period.

⚖️ Sex Ratio and Literacy

The sex ratio in Upper Subansiri district is recorded at 982 females for every 1,000 males, indicating a near-balanced gender distribution. The literacy rate for the district, as per the 2011 census, stands at 63.96%. A significant demographic characteristic is the high proportion of Scheduled Tribes, who constitute 93.86% of the district's population, reflecting the indigenous cultural heritage of the area.

🗣️ Linguistic Diversity

The linguistic landscape of Upper Subansiri is diverse, reflecting its tribal composition. At the time of the 2011 census, Tagin was the predominant language, spoken by 69.17% of the population as their first language. Other significant languages include Galo (14.30%), Nyishi (9.30%), Bhojpuri (1.14%), and Nepali (1.05%). This linguistic variety underscores the cultural richness of the district.

🌟 Points of Interest

Upper Subansiri district presents a rich tapestry of cultural and historical sites, offering unique opportunities for exploration. Notable attractions include the Aato Topo statue in Dumporijo, a significant cultural landmark. The Menga Mandir, a cave temple housing a large Shiva Linga, and the scenic Jalang waterfall in Timba village are also key destinations. The district holds historical resonance with sites like Achin Muri, linked to a notable Indian Army engagement in 1953, and the Sher-e-Thappa statue, commemorating a pivotal battle during the 1962 Indo-China war.

🚶 Trekking and Trade Routes

For the adventurous, Upper Subansiri offers trekking opportunities, such as the route from Siyum to Mechuka traversing the snow-laden Tikuk pass. This path follows historical trade routes that facilitated barter between Tibet and the local tribes during the 20th century, providing a glimpse into the region's past economic and cultural exchanges.

📜 References

🌐 External Databases

For additional academic and archival information, consult the following authoritative resources:

• Virtual International Authority File (VIAF)
• Library of Congress Authorities
• Yale University Library - LUX Collections