About Gandhinagar District (Gujarat)
Gandhinagar district is the capital and an administrative division of Gujarat state with its headquarters located at Gandhinagar city. The district was established in the year 1964. Gandhinagar district is also popularly known as the heart of Gujarat. Since it is the capital of the Gujarat hence it comprises all the vital department’s head offices, secretariats of all departments, minister’s offices, minister’s residences, legislature house, residence of Governor, office of Governor, etc. These all are divided into 30 sectors. People from all castes and creeds are found in the district.
Geographically, the district lies at 23°23'N latitude, 72°65'E longitude and 81 m altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 4.68% forest area of total geographical area. The district encompasses a geographical area of 2,140 sq km. and in terms of geographical area it occupies the ranks of 25th in the state and 485th in India. It is bounded by Sabarkantha district n the north east, Kheda district on the south east, Ahmedabad district on the south west and Mehsana district on the north west. The district has multi seasonal climate. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 606.4 mm in the year of 2021-22.
Administration wise, the district is divided into 4 talukas namely Kalol, Mansa, Dehgam and Gandhinagar. There are 1 Lok Sabha seat and 5 Assembly constituencies in the district. Moreover, the district comprises 15 towns and 252 villages. The administrative language in the district is Gujarati.
According to 2011 census the district has a population of 13,91,753 out of which 7,23,864 are males and 6,67,889 are females. The district has a sex ratio of 923 females for every 1000 males. During the year 2001-2011 the population growth rate in the district was 4.29% including 3.71% were males and 4.94% females. The population density in the district is 650 persons per sq. km. In the year 2020 the number of live births in the district was 25,524 out of which 13,399 were males and 12,124 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 13,311 out of which 7,936 were males and 5,375 were females. As per 2011 census the major religion in the district is Hindu with 94.81% of the total population. According to 2011 census the principal language in the district is Gujarati with 93.94%.
The district has several large industries of Electrical and Electronics, Textiles, Ceramics, Food Processing, and Office Stationery which contributes in its economy to a great extent. Since the district is surrounded by some other agricultural districts like Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Kheda, Anand, etc hence its Food Processing industry is well developed. Gandhinagar has many IT companies so it is known as info-city. Even some more IT companies are planning set up in the info-city. Agriculture is also an unavoidable sector of the economy of the district. Some of its chief agricultural products are rice, wheat, castor, rape, mustard, citrus fruits, guava, pomegranate, papaya, etc. The adoption of the new agricultural technologies amongst the famers of the district helps to increase the production of various agricultural items. Every year a huge chunk of revenue comes from the agricultural sector help in its economy to a large extent.
The district has numerous reputed educational institutions. It provides platform for higher education. Some of its recognised educational institutions are Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, M.B. Commerce College, G.M.N. Arts College, S.D. Arts College, B.R. Commerce College, Dhirubhai Ambani IICT, K.B. Raval College of Pharmacy, Karnavati School of Dentistry, Saraswati Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, etc. As per 2011 census the literacy rate in the district is 84.16% out of which 92.01% are males and 75.76% are females.
Shankersinh Vaghela, an eminent Indian politician and the 12th Chief Minister of Gujarat was born on 21st July, 1940 at Vasan in the Gandhinagar district. He has also been served as a member of 6th, 9th, 10th, 13th and 14th Lok Sabhas. He has joined different political parties during different periods of time.
The district has numerous centres of attraction with religious and historical significance which allures many travellers from different parts of the country as well as world. Akshardham Temple, popularly known as Swaminarayan temple is the most admired temple in the city. Visitors can enjoy timeless experiences of Lord Swaminarayan and moreover it provides knowledge about ancient Indian cultures. Adalaj ni Vav, a five-storey step-well is situated at a distance of few km from the main city. This place is well known for its elaborate cravings by using some beautiful Islamic floral patterns. In the year 1499 it was constructed by Queen Rudabai. Gujarat Science Centre in the district is full of several advanced scientific technologies. It has an IMAX 3D theatre, a Planet Earth pavilion, a hall of science, an amphitheatre, a Life Science Park, an energy park, a thrill ride and a number of dancing musical fountains. Sabarmati Ashram, once a residence of Mahatma Gandhi is located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad. It has a museum named Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, which is constructed in order to preserve the memories of Mahatma Gandhi and also presents the vivid historic events of Gandhiji's life. Some other notable places of interest in the district are Trimandir-Simandhar City, Roman Catholic Archdiocese Church, Indroda Nature Park, Velavadar National Park, Sarita Udhyan, Craftsmen's Village, Rani Roopmati’s Mosque, Vithalbhai Patel Bhawan, Hathee Singh Jain Temple, etc.