In India, one district stands out for its sheer size, it is so vast that it exceeds the area of several states. Administered by a Collector, unlike smaller states which are managed by a Chief Minister
and several Collectors, this district also holds strategic importance due to its coastal proximity.
This district is located not in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, or Rajasthan, but in the state of Gujarat. The district in question is Kutch.
Kutch district, covering an area of 45,674 square kilometres, is larger than several states including Haryana, Kerala, and Goa, as well as union territories such as Delhi, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Which States Or Union Territories Is This District Bigger Than?
- Kutch District: 45,674 sq km
- Haryana: 44,212 sq km
- Kerala: 38,863 sq km
- Delhi: 1,484 sq km
- Goa: 3,702 sq km
- Puducherry: 479 sq km
- Chandigarh: 114 sq km
31 Times Delhi, 12 Times Goa
Kutch district spans an area larger than the combined size of nearly all of India’s Union Territories. It is about 31 times bigger than Delhi and over 12 times the size of Goa, covering around 23.27% of Gujarat’s total area.
According to the 2011 Census, Kutch had a population of 2,092,371. Its population density is relatively low, as much of the region comprises marshy or desert land, including the Rann of Kutch.
Administrative Challenges
Due to its immense size, there have been discussions and demands to divide Kutch into new districts to streamline administration. The district’s challenging terrain, characterised by desert and salt plains, poses transportation and communication issues.
Opinions are divided among local leaders, communities, and political parties regarding the division. Some advocate for it, while others believe it would compromise Kutch’s cultural unity and identity.
Cultural And Economic Significance
The vast salt desert is a defining feature of Kutch. It floods during the monsoon and transforms into a white salt field in winter. Known globally for its crafts, Kutch excels in embroidery, jewellery, woodwork, and handmade textiles. It also houses India’s only wild ass sanctuary.
Land Of Windmills And Solar Parks
Kutch is also home to Dholavira, a significant archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district’s economy is diverse and rapidly expanding. It has emerged as a major renewable energy hub, housing extensive wind farms and solar parks. Located nearby, Mundra Port, one of India’s largest private ports, serves as a key center for trade and logistics and hosts numerous industries.
Comparison To Smaller Districts
In stark contrast, Mahe in the Union Territory of Puducherry is India’s smallest district, with an area of only 9 square kilometres, entirely surrounded by Kerala and hosting a population of approximately 40,000.
Puducherry’s Yanam district, with an area of about 30 square kilometres, and Lakshadweep’s Kavaratti district, are also among the smallest in the country. Additionally, all districts in the National Capital Territory of Delhi are relatively small in area.
Which Is India’s Largest City By Population?
Mumbai, with an estimated population exceeding 20 million, is larger than several states in India. Based on the 2011 Census, Mumbai’s population was higher than that of each of the states of Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
