MONITORING SPATIAL VARIATION IN TRIBAL POPULATION AT TAHSILS OF AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA USING GIS TECHNIQUE

Abstract. The tribal population represents a heterogeneous group scattered in different regions of India. The differences are noticed in language, cultural practices, socio-economic status and pattern of livelihood. The tribal population in India rapidly increased from 30.1 million in 1961 to 104.3 million in 2011. For same period tribal residing in rural area have increased by three times from 29.4 million to 93.8 million respectively. The tribal population resides in urban area is very less in number due to these people like to live in the remote areas of the proximity of natural environment. In Maharashtra, more than 47 indigenous tribes were dwelling at Sahyadri and Satpuda mountainous ranges. According to 2011 census, there are about 1, 05, 10,213 tribal populations living in Maharashtra, which constitutes 10.05% population of state. In Maharashtra, there is regional disparity in tribal population such as Nandurbar District has the highest tribal concentration while Dhule, Gadchiroli, Nasik, and Ahmednagar District have moderate tribal concentration. Therefore, present research work is an attempt to understand the Spatio-temporal variation in tribal population of Ahmednagar district using GIS technique during the period of 2001–2011. This study is to examine the tahsil-wise tribal population and identifying pattern of tribal population density in Ahmednagar District. The result shows that more than 80% of tribal population concentrated in Akole, Sangamner, and Rahuri tahsil due to hilly region, roughed terrain, river basin, and forest area. It is also demonstrated that the planning control, researchers and decision-makers should be focused on these areas for implementing policies and large numbers of tribal can be benefited.