Seoni district is one of the districts of Madhya Pradesh state in central India. The Seoni town is headquarters of the district of Seoni. According to the 2001 Census, the district had a population of 1,166,608, out of which 1045921 is rural population and 120687 is urban population. The scheduled tribe population is 429104. The Seoni district forms a part of the Satpura tableland, containing the headwaters of the Wainganga and is largely covered with forest. This district is primarily a tribal dominated district formed on the first of November 1956. The name of the district has its origin from the word `Seona` or gudina arborea, a species of tree which belongs to the verbanaleal family which was commonly found in this area. The wood of this tree is used in the manufacture of `Dholak`, a musical instrument.
Geography of Seoni District
The district of Seoni is situated between 21 degrees 36 minutes and 22 degrees 57 minutes North Latitudes and 79 degrees 19 minutes and 80 degrees 17 minutes East Longitudes. The headquarters of this district is situated on the Nagpur-Varanasi National Highway number twenty seven and is in between Jabalpur and Nagpur. The total geographical area of the district of Seoni is 8758 square kilometres. The district has an average elevation of 111 meters. This district lies 2043 feet above sea-level. The total forest area in this district is 30881.01 square kilometres. There are two territorial divisions, two production divisions, one social forestry division and one forest development corporation division in the district of Seoni. In addition to these, there is also one National park called `Pench National Park`.
Administration of Seoni District
The district administration includes the Collector as the head of the district. The district collector is aided by several subordinate officers in the general work of administration. For administrative convenience, the district of Seoni has been divided into five revenue sub divisions namely Seoni, Barghat, Lakhnadon, Keolari and Ghansore and seven tahsils.
Agriculture is the primary occupation of local populace. There are one thousand six hundred and twelve villages in the district of Seoni out which one thousand three hundred and seventy five villages are either in forest areas or within a distance of five kilometres from the forest boundary. The district is located on a narrow, North-South section of Satpura plateau in the South of Jabalpur Division. Seoni district is rich in timber resources. Teak is the most important tree growing in and around this district. Wainganga River is the lifeline of the district of Seoni. It originates at Mundara village in Seoni district. The largest mud dam in Asia has been constructed on this river at Bhimgarh village in Chhapara block of the district.
Tourism in Seoni District
At a distance of thirty kilometers on Nagpur side is situated the bison retreat, a motel run by MPTDC (Madhya Pradesh Tourist Development Corporation) and the specialty of the restaurant is that it is constructed with dry teak trees itself. Another major tourist attraction is Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve which is situated at a distance of one hundred and ninety five kilometers from Jabalpur and ninety two kilometers from Nagpur. It is a place worth visiting during the month of March to June. Other attractions in this district include Amodagarh, Bhimgarh Sanjay Sarovar Dam, etc.
