List of districts of Odisha
Districts of Indian state of Odisha
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Odisha, a state on the eastern coast of India, is divided into 30 administrative geographical units called districts.[1][2][3] These 30 districts have been placed under three different revenue divisions to streamline their governance. The divisions are Central, North and South with their headquarters at Kataka (Central Division), Sambalpur (Northern Division), Brahmapur (Southern Division) respectively. Odisha has 03 Divisions, 30 Districts, 58 Sub-Divisions, 317 Tahasils and 314 Blocks.
| Districts of Odisha | |
|---|---|
Administrative Map of Odisha | |
| Category | Districts |
| Location | Odisha |
| Number | 30 districts |
| Populations | Debagada – 3,12,520 (lowest) Ganjam – 35,29,031 (highest) |
| Areas | Mayurbhanj –
10,418 km2 (4,022 sq mi) (largest) Jagatsinghpur – 1,759 km2 (679 sq mi) (smallest) |
| Government | |
| Subdivisions | |
History
The administrative geography of Odisha was established through three major historical milestones: the creation of a linguistically separate British province on 1 April 1936 under the Government of India Act 1935, the integration of 25 tributary princely states (Garhjats) between 1948 and 1949, and a state-wide administrative decentralization initiative executed between October 1992 and January 1994.
Chronology
The table below tracks the precise timeline, territorial origin, and individual princely state inclusions for every district established in Odisha since 1936.
| Year | Date | Action Type | Resulting District | Parent Territory and Specific Garhjat Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | 1 April | Provincial Founding | Cuttack | Coastal Cuttack Division detached from the Bihar and Orissa Province. |
| Puri | Coastal Puri Division detached from the Bihar and Orissa Province. | |||
| Balasore | Coastal Balasore Division detached from the Bihar and Orissa Province. | |||
| Sambalpur | Sambalpur Division, previously transferred from the Central Provinces in 1905. | |||
| Ganjam | Northern taluks detached from the Madras Presidency. | |||
| Koraput | Jeypore Zamindari and hill agency tracts detached from the Vizagapatam district of the Madras Presidency. | |||
| 1949 | 1 January | Princely Integration | Mayurbhanj | Integrated as an intact, standalone district from the single large Bhanja princely state of Mayurbhanj.[4] |
| 1 November | Balangir | Consolidated via the merger of Patna State and Sonepur State.[5] | ||
| Dhenkanal | Consolidated from the merger of six distinct Gadajata princely states: Dhenkanal, Talcher, Hindol, Athmallik, Athgarh, and Tigiria.[5] | |||
| Kalahandi | Established by merging Kalahandi State (Karond) with the Nuapada subdivision.[5] | |||
| Keonjhar | Established directly within the territorial boundaries of the former Keonjhar princely state.[5] | |||
| Phulbani | Formed by integrating Baudh State with the legacy British-administered Khondmals and Baliguda agency tracts.[5] | |||
| Sundargarh | Consolidated from the merger of two major western Garhjat princely states: Gangpur State and Bonai State.[5] | |||
| 1992 | 2 October | Decentralization Split | Gajapati | Paralakhemundi subdivision was partitioned from Ganjam district.[6] |
| Malkangiri | Malkangiri subdivision partitioned from the southern limits of Koraput district.[7] | |||
| Nabarangpur | Nabarangpur subdivision partitioned from the northern high-plateau plains of Koraput district.[8] | |||
| Rayagada | Rayagada and Gunupur subdivisions partitioned from the eastern tribal hill tracts of Koraput district.[9] | |||
| 1993 | 1 April | Angul | Angul, Talcher, and Pallahara subdivisions partitioned from Dhenkanal district.[10] | |
| Bargarh | Bargarh and Padampur subdivisions partitioned from Sambalpur district.[11] | |||
| Bhadrak | Bhadrak subdivision partitioned from the northern coastal plains of Balasore district.[12] | |||
| Boudh | Boudh subdivision partitioned from Phulbani district, severing the historic 1949 integration tract.[13] | |||
| Jagatsinghpur | Jagatsinghpur subdivision partitioned from the Mahanadi delta zone of Cuttack district.[14] | |||
| Jajpur | Jajpur subdivision partitioned from the northern administrative limits of Cuttack district.[15] | |||
| Kendrapara | Kendrapara subdivision partitioned from the maritime delta limits of Cuttack district.[16] | |||
| Khordha | Khurda and Bhubaneswar subdivisions partitioned from Puri district.[17] | |||
| Nayagarh | Nayagarh, Khandpara, Daspalla, and Ranpur subdivisions partitioned from Puri district.[18] | |||
| Nuapada | Nuapada subdivision partitioned from the western plateau boundaries of Kalahandi district.[19] | |||
| Subarnapur | Sonepur subdivision partitioned from the northeastern administrative lines of Balangir district.[20] | |||
| 1994 | 1 January | Jharsuguda | Jharsuguda subdivision partitioned from the northern industrial belt of Sambalpur district.[21] | |
| Deogarh | Deogarh subdivision partitioned from the northeastern forest belts of Sambalpur district.[22] |
Divisions
Northern Division
Central Division
Southern Division
The districts of Odisha have been placed under three different revenue divisions to streamline their governance. The divisions are Central, North and South with their headquarters at Kataka (Central Division), Sambalpur (Northern Division), Brahmapur (Southern Division) respectively. Each division consists of 10 districts, and has as its administrative head a Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), a senior rank officer of Indian Administrative Service. The position of the RDC in the administrative hierarchy is that between that of the district administration and the state secretariat. The list of districts, organized by divisions:
| Northern Division (HQ – Sambalpur) |
Central Division (HQ – Kataka) |
Southern Division (HQ – Brahmapur) |
|---|---|---|
Administration
The Collector and District Magistrate, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), is in charge of revenue collection and the general administration of a district. The Superintendent of Police (SP), an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS), is responsible for maintaining law and order and managing related policing issues within the district. The 30 districts of Odisha are divided into 58 sub-divisions. These sub-divisions are governed by a Sub-Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate. For local governance, the sub-divisions are decentralized into Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for urban areas and Blocks (Panchayat Samitis) for rural areas. The following table lists the administrative sub-divisions, along with the specific urban local bodies and community development blocks mapped hierarchically inside each sub-division, fully totaling 58 sub-divisions, 143 urban local bodies, and 314 blocks statewide:
| District | Sub-divisions | Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) Mapped under Sub-division |
Blocks (Panchayat Samitis) Mapped under Sub-division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anugola | Anugola | Anugola (M) | Anugola, Banarpal |
| Athmallik | Athmallik (NAC) | Athmallik, Kishorenagar | |
| Palalahada | Palalahada (NAC) | Palalahada | |
| Talacher | Talacher (M) | Talacher, Kaniha, Chhendipada | |
| Balangir | Balangir | Balangir (M) | Balangir, Deogaon, Loisingha, Puintala |
| Patnagad | Patnagad (NAC), Kantabanji (NAC) | Patnagad, Belpada, Khaprakhol, Turekela, Bangomunda, Muribahal | |
| Titilagad | Titilagad (M) | Titilagad, Gudvella, Saintala | |
| Baleshwar | Baleshwar | Baleshwar (M), Jaleswar (M), Sora (M), Remuna (NAC), Simulia (NAC), Basta (NAC) | Baleshwar Sadar, Basta, Bhogarai, Jaleswar, Baliapal, Remuna, Sora, Simulia, Bahanaga, Khaira |
| Nilagiri | Nilagiri (NAC) | Nilagiri, Oupada | |
| Baragada | Baragada | Baragada (M), Attabira (NAC), Barpali (NAC) | Baragada, Attabira, Barpali, Bheden, Bhatli, Ambabhona |
| Padmapur | Padmapur (NAC), Bijepur (NAC), Sohela (NAC) | Rajbodasambar, Bijepur, Sohela, Gaisilet, Paikamal, Jharbandh | |
| Bhadrak | Bhadrak | Bhadrak (M), Basudevpur (M), Chandabali (NAC), Dhamanagar (NAC), Tihidi (NAC), Dhusuri (NAC) | Bhadrak Sadar, Basudevpur, Banta, Bhandaripokhari, Dhamanagar, Tihidi, Chandabali |
| Baudh | Baudh | Boudhagada (M) | Baudh, Harbhanga, Kantamal |
| Kataka | Kataka | Kataka (MC), Choudwar (M), Salepur (NAC) | Kataka Sadar, Barang, Tangi-Choudwar, Mahanga, Nischintakoili, Salepur, Niali, Kantapada |
| Athagada | Athagada (NAC), Badamba (NAC), Narasinghpur (NAC) | Athagada, Badamba, Narasinghpur, Tigiria | |
| Banki | Banki (NAC) | Banki, Banki-Dampada | |
| Debagada | Debagada | Debagada (M) | Tileibani, Riamal, Barkote |
| Dhenkanal | Dhenkanal | Dhenkanal (M), Gondia (NAC) | Dhenkanal Sadar, Gondia, Odapada |
| Hindol | Hindol (NAC) | Hindol | |
| Kamakshyanagar | Kamakhyanagar (NAC), Bhuban (NAC) | Kamakhyanagar, Bhuban, Parjang, Kankadahad | |
| Gajapati | Paralakhemundi | Paralakhemundi (M), Kashinagara (NAC) | Goshani, Gumma, Kashinagara, Mohana, Nuagada, R. Udayagiri, Rayagad |
| Ganjam | Brahmapur | Brahmapur (MC), Hinjilikatu (M), Digapahandi (NAC), Chikiti (NAC), Gopalpur (NAC) | Rangeilunda, Kukudakhandi, Hinjilikatu, Sanakhemundi, Digapahandi, Chikiti, Patrapur |
| Chhatrapur | Chhatrapur (M), Asika (M), Polasara (M), Kabisuryanagar (M), Ganjam (NAC), Khallikote (NAC), Kodala (NAC), Purushottampur (NAC), Rambha (NAC), Patrapur (NAC) | Chhatrapur, Ganjam, Khallikot, Purushottampur, Beguniapada, Asika, Kabisuryanagar, Kodala, Polasara | |
| Bhanjanagar | Bhanjanagar (M), Buguda (NAC), Sorada (NAC), Jagannathprasad (NAC) | Bhanjanagar, Belaguntha, Buguda, Sorada, Dharakot, Sheragada, Jagannathprasad | |
| Jagatsinghpur | Jagatsinghpur | Jagatsinghpur (M), Paradeep (M) | Jagatsinghpur, Balikuda, Biridi, Erasama, Kujang, Naugaon, Raghunathpur, Tirtol |
| Jajpur | Jajpur | Jajpur (M), Vyasanagar (M), Panikoili (NAC) | Jajpur, Badachana, Bari, Binjharpur, Danagadi, Dasharathpur, Dharmashala, Korei, Rasulpur, Sukinda |
| Jharsuguda | Jharsuguda | Jharsuguda (M), Brajrajnagar (M), Belpahad (M) | Jharsuguda Sadar, Lakhanpur, Laikera, Kirmira, Kolabira |
| Kalahandi | Bhabanipatana | Bhabanipatana (M), Kesinga (NAC), Narla (NAC) | Bhabanipatana, Kesinga, Lanjigada, Narla, Karlamunda, Madanpur Rampur, Thuamul Rampur |
| Dharmagada | Dharmagada (NAC), Junagada (NAC), Jayapatana (NAC) | Dharmagada, Junagada, Jayapatana, Koksara, Golamunda, Kalampur | |
| Kandhamala | Phulbani | Phulbani (M), G. Udayagiri (NAC) | Phulbani, Khajuripada, Phiringia, Chakapad, G. Udayagiri, Raikia, Tikabali |
| Baliguda | Baliguda (NAC) | Baliguda, Daringbadi, K. Nuagam, Kotagada, Tumudibandha | |
| Kendrapada | Kendrapada | Kendrapada (M), Pattamundai (M) | Kendrapada Sadar, Derabish, Garadapur, Marshaghai, Mahakalapada, Pattamundai, Aali, Rajkanika, Rajnagar |
| Kendujhar | Kendujhar | Kendujhargada (M) | Kendujhar Sadar, Bansapal, Telkoi, Patna, Saharapada, Ghatgaon |
| Anandapur | Anandapur (M) | Anandapur, Ghasipura, Hatadihi | |
| Champua | Badabil (M), Joda (M), Champua (NAC) | Champua, Jhumpura, Joda | |
| Khordha | Bhubaneswar | Bhubaneswar (MC), Jatani (M) | Bhubaneswar, Balianta, Balipatna, Jatani |
| Khordha | Khordha (M), Balugaon (NAC), Banapur (NAC), Tangi (NAC) | Khordha Sadar, Begunia, Bolagada, Tangi, Chilika, Banapur | |
| Koraput | Koraput | Koraput (M), Sunabeda (M) | Koraput Sadar, Semiliguda, Pottangi, Nandapur, Lamataput, Dasamantapur, Lakshmipur, Narayanapatna, Bandhugaon |
| Jayapur | Jayapur (M), Kotpad (NAC), Borigumma (NAC) | Jayapur, Borigumma, Kotpad, Kundra, Boipariguda | |
| Malkangiri | Malkangiri | Malkangiri (M), Balimela (NAC) | Malkangiri Sadar, Kalimela, Padia, Mathili, Khairput, Korkunda, Kudumulugumma |
| Mayurbhanj | Baripada | Baripada (M), Betanati (NAC), Bangiriposi (NAC), Chitrada (NAC), Rasagobindapur (NAC) | Baripada Sadar, Badasahi, Betanati, Shamakhunta, Morada, Rasagobindapur, Saraskana, Suliapada, Gopabandhu Nagar |
| Bamanghati | Rairangpur (M) | Rairangpur, Bahalda, Badampahar, Jamda, Tiring, Kusumi, Bisoi | |
| Panchapidha | Karanjia (M), Jashipur (NAC) | Karanjia, Jashipur, Sukruli, Raruan, Thakurmunda | |
| Kaptipada | Udala (NAC), Kaptipada (NAC) | Udala, Khunta, Kaptipada | |
| Nabarangpur | Nabarangpur | Nabarangpur (M), Umarkot (M) | Nabarangpur Sadar, Kosagumuda, Papadahandi, Tentulikhunti, Nandahandi, Dabugam, Jharigam, Raighar, Umarkot, Chandahandi |
| Nayagada | Nayagada | Nayagada (M), Dashapalla (NAC), Khandapada (NAC), Ranpur (NAC) | Bhapur, Dashapalla, Gania, Khandapada, Nuagaon, Nayagada Sadar, Odagaon, Ranpur |
| Nuapada | Nuapada | Nuapada (NAC), Khadial Road (NAC), Khadial (NAC) | Nuapada, Komna, Khadial, Boden, Sinapali |
| Puri | Puri | Puri (MC), Konark (NAC), Nimapada (NAC), Pipli (NAC) | Puri Sadar, Satyabadi, Brahmagiri, Kanas, Delanga, Nimapada, Kakatpur, Astaranga, Pipli, Gop, Krushnaprasad |
| Rayagada | Rayagada | Rayagada (M) | Rayagada, Kashipur, Kolnara, Kalyansinghpur |
| Gunupur | Gunupur (M), Gudari (NAC) | Gunupur, Gudari, Padmapur, Ramanaguda, Bissam Cuttack, Muniguda | |
| Sambalpur | Sambalpur | Sambalpur (MC), Burla (NAC), Hirakud (NAC) | Dhankauda, Maneswar, Jujomura, Rengali |
| Kuchinda | Kuchinda (NAC) | Kuchinda, Bamra, Jamankira | |
| Redhakhol | Redhakhol (NAC) | Redhakhol, Naktideul | |
| Subarnapur | Sonpur | Sonpur (M), Binika (NAC) | Sonpur, Tarbha, Dunguripali, Binika |
| Birmaharajpur | None | Birmaharajpur, Ullunda | |
| Sundaragada | Sundaragada | Sundaragada (M) | Sundaragada, Tangarpali, Hemgir, Lephripada, Badagan, Balisankara, Sabdega |
| Panposh | Raurkela (MC) | Lathikata, Bisra, Kuarmunda, Nuagaon | |
| Banaigada | None | Banaigada, Lahunipada, Gurundia, Koida |
Districts
There are 30 districts in Odisha. Mayurbhanj is the largest district and Jagatsinghpur is the smallest district by area. Ganjam is the largest district and Debagada is the smallest district by population in Odisha. Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha is located in Khordha district. The area and population of the 30 districts are given below:[23][24]
| Districts | Headquarters | Formation Day[1] | Population (2011 Census[25]) |
Area (km2) | Density in 2011 (/km2) |
Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anugola | Anugola | 01-April-1993 | 1,273,821 | 6,375 | 200 | .svg) |
| Balangir | Balangir | 01-November-1949 | 1,648,997 | 6,575 | 251 |  |
| Baleshwar | Baleshwar | 23-October-1828 | 2,320,529 | 3,634 | 638 |  |
| Baragada | Baragada | 01-April-1993 | 1,481,255 | 5,837 | 254 |  |
| Bhadrak | Bhadrak | 01-April-1993 | 1,506,337 | 2,505 | 601 |  |
| Boudh | Boudh | 02-January-1994 | 441,162 | 3444.8 | 128 |  |
| Debagada | Debagada | 01-January-1994 | 312,520 | 2,782 | 112 |  |
| Dhenkanal | Dhenkanal | 01-January-1948 | 1,192,811 | 4,452 | 268 | .svg) |
| Gajapati | Paralakhemundi | 02-October-1992 | 577,817 | 3,850 | 150 |  |
| Ganjam | Chhatrapur | 01-April-1936 | 3,529,031 | 8,206 | 430 |  |
| Jagatsinghapur | Jagatsinghapur | 01-April-1993 | 1,136,971 | 1,759 | 646 |  |
| Jajpur | Jajpur | 01-April-1993 | 1,827,192 | 2887.69 | 633 |  |
| Jharsuguda | Jharsuguda | 01-January-1994 | 579,505 | 2,081 | 278 | .svg) |
| Kalahandi | Bhabanipatana | 01-January-1948 | 1,576,869 | 7,920 | 199 | .svg) |
| Kandhamala | Kandhamala | 01-January-1994 | 733,110 | 7,654 | 96 |  |
| Kataka | Kataka | 23-October-1828 | 2,624,470 | 3,932 | 667 |  |
| Kendrapada | Kendrapada | 01-April-1993 | 1,440,361 | 2,644 | 545 |  |
| Kendujhar | Kendujhar | 01-January-1948 | 1,801,733 | 8,303 | 217 |  |
| Khordha | Khordha | 01-April-1993 | 2,251,673 | 2,813 | 800 | .svg) |
| Koraput | Koraput | 01-April-1936 | 1,379,647 | 8,807 | 157 | .svg) |
| Malkangiri | Malkangiri | 02-October-1992 | 613,192 | 5,791 | 106 |  |
| Mayurbhanj | Baripada | 01-January-1949 | 2,519,738 | 10,418 | 242 |  |
| Nabarangpur | Nabarangapur | 02-October-1992 | 1,220,946 | 5,294 | 231 |  |
| Nayagada | Nayagada | 01-April-1993 | 962,789 | 3,890 | 247 |  |
| Nuapada | Nuapada | 01-April-1993 | 610,382 | 3,852 | 158 |  |
| Puri | Puri | 23-October-1828 | 1,698,730 | 3,051 | 557 |  |
| Rayagada | Rayagada | 02-October-1992 | 967,911 | 7,073 | 137 |  |
| Sambalpur | Sambalpur | 16-October-1905 | 1,041,099 | 6,702 | 155 |  |
| Sonpur | Sonpur | 01-April-1993 | 610,183 | 2,337 | 261 |  |
| Sundaragada | Sundaragada | 01-January-1948 | 2,093,437 | 9,712 | 215 |  |
| Odisha | Bhubaneshwar | Apr 1, 1936 | 41,974,218 | 154,468.98 | 272 |  |
Proposed districts
There are demands for at least 31 new districts listed below (north to south, west to east).[26][27][28]
| Proposed District | Expected Area of Jurisdiction | Rationale for Creation |
|---|---|---|
| Proposed from Baragada | ||
| Padampur | Comprises the Padampur sub-division, including Padampur, Paikmal, Jharbandh, Rajbodasambar, Bijepur, and Sohela blocks. | Proposed due to the geographical distance from the Baragada headquarters, a high concentration of tribal communities, and stated administrative decentralisation goals. |
| Proposed from Koraput | ||
| Jayapur | Centred around Jeypur municipality and surrounding high-density commercial blocks, including Jeypore, Borigumma, Kotpad, and Kundura. | Sought to streamline municipal governance for the commercial and educational hub of undivided Koraput, separating it from the hilly terrain of the Koraput block. |
| Proposed from Balangir | ||
| Kantabanji | Kantabanji sub-divisional jurisdiction including Kantabanji municipality, Turekela, Bangomunda, and Muribahal blocks. | Aimed at addressing seasonal migrant labour issues, economic challenges, and the need for targeted development in the remote western region. |
| Patanagad | Patanagad sub-division including Patanagad, Khaprakhol, and Belpada blocks. | Promoted to address developmental requirements in western Balangir, improve administrative access for local tribal communities, and reduce travel times. |
| Titilagad | Titilagad sub-division including Titilagad municipality, Titilagad, Saintala, and Gudvella blocks. | Demanded due to its prominence as a South Eastern Railway junction and an industrial outpost with high administrative and trading volume. |
| Proposed from Kandhamal | ||
| Baliguda | Expected to cover the Baliguda sub-division in western Kandhamal, spanning Baliguda, Tumudibandh, Kotagarh, and K.Nuagam blocks. | Proposed to tackle infrastructural challenges in the interior highlands and LWE-affected areas, aiming to improve government outreach. |
| Proposed from Rayagada | ||
| Gunupur | Corresponds to the Gunupur sub-division, encompassing Gunupur municipality, Gudari, Ramanaguda, Padampur, and Chandrapur blocks. | Justified by its proximity to the state border with Andhra Pradesh, aiming to enhance healthcare access and border area management. |
| Proposed from Kalahandi | ||
| Dharmagada | Will encompass the southwestern blocks under the Dharamgarh sub-division, including Dharmagada, Junagada, Jayapatana, Koksara, Kalampur, and Golamunda. | Proposed to provide dedicated public services for the highly irrigated agricultural hub of the district, specifically for water distribution and crop logistics. |
| Proposed from Sambalpur | ||
| Kuchinda | Proposed to cover the northern belt of Sambalpur under the Kuchinda sub-division, including Kuchinda, Bamra, and Jamankira blocks. | Motivated by the geographical distance and dense forest cover separating northern Sambalpur from the main district collectorate. |
| Proposed from Sundaragada | ||
| Banaigada | Banaigada sub-division including Banaigada, Gurundia, Lahunipada, and Koida blocks. | Required to optimize local administration over a large, eco-sensitive mining belt and ensure direct reinvestment into tribal pockets. |
| Raurkela (Vedvyas) | Panposh sub-division including Raurkela Municipal Corporation, Lathikata, and Bisra blocks. | Demanded to separate the specialized urban administration and industrialized zone of Raurkela from the rural segments of Sundaragada. |
| Proposed from Anugola | ||
| Athamallik | Athamallik sub-division (Athamallik and Kishorenagar Blocks) and parts of Chhendipada Blocks.[29] | Pushed due to the historical, geographical and cultural differences of the region from the rest of the District. |
| Palalahada | Palalahada sub-division and surrounding northern blocks bordering Kendujhar. | Aimed at improving connectivity and development in a remote mining fringe region. |
| Talacher | Talacher sub-division encompassing the coal-mining belt, Talacher municipality, and adjacent thermal power blocks. | Driven by the administrative requirements of environmental management, industrial displacement, and large-scale coal logistics. |
| Proposed from Ganjam | ||
| Bhanjanagar | Bhanjanagar sub-division including Bhanjanagar, Belaguntha, and Jagannath Prasad blocks. | Designed to relieve administrative strain from Ganjam (which holds the highest state population) by establishing a distinct northern headquarters. |
| Kabisurjyanagar | Kabisurjyanagar assembly constituency limits and neighbouring rural pockets like Polasara and Kodala. | Sought to address the high population density of central Ganjam and improve administrative accessibility for local farming networks. |
| Ghumusar | Ghumusar historical tract, overlapping parts of northern Ganjam and regional forest frontiers. | Rooted in regional identity, historical claims, and the administrative requirement of policing border forests. |
| Rushikulya
(Asika) |
Asika sub-division, including Asika, Dharakot, and Sheragada blocks. | Promoted due to its central geographic location along the Rushikulya River basin, acting as a hub for agrarian trade. |
| Brahmapur | Chhatrapur sub-division's southern urban zone, including Brahmapur Municipal Corporation and Gopalpur area. | Demanded to provide focused administrative resources for southern Odisha's significant urban, educational, and commercial hub. |
| Proposed from Kendujhar | ||
| Anandpur | Envisions covering the eastern pocket of the district under the Anandpur sub-division, including Anandpur, Ghasipura, and Hatadihi blocks. | Sought due to the geographical separation from the mineral-rich hills of northern Keonjhar, establishing a plains-based administrative focus. |
| Proposed from Kataka | ||
| Athagada | Athagada sub-division including Athagada, Tigiria, Badamba, and Narasinghpur blocks. | Required to manage a continuous strip of rural blocks separated from Kataka city by the Mahanadi river network. |
| Chandikhol | Border blocks between Kataka and Jajpur, focusing on Tangi-Choudwar and Mahanga fringes. | Proposed to create an integrated industrial-logistics district at the intersection of major national highways. |
| Proposed from Khordha | ||
| Bhubaneswar | Will cover the capital city urban municipal corporation area and immediate peri-urban blocks like Jatani and Balianta. | Sought to separate the state capital's urban governance and IT infrastructure from rural Khordha block operations. |
| Proposed from Puri | ||
| Nimapada | Expected to govern the northern agrarian and coastal-fringe blocks of the Puri sub-division, including Nimapada, Gopa, Kakatpur, and Astaranga. | Aimed at managing specialized coastal ecology, regional tourism, and vulnerability to cyclonic storms. |
| Proposed from Baleshwar | ||
| Sora | Southern coastal and industrial blocks including Soro and Simulia. | Proposed to create a dedicated administrative buffer zone between the urban boundaries of Baleshwar city and Bhadrak district. |
| Nilagiri | Nilagiri sub-division including Nilagiri block, Oupada, and the surrounding hilly terrains. | Driven by the distinct developmental requirements of its tribal populations, separated from the coastal plains. |
| Jaleshwar | Northern border blocks including Jaleshwar and Bhogarai, bounded by West Bengal. | Required to address inter-state border policing, cross-border trade, and specific flood-rescue operations along the Subarnarekha river basin. |
| Proposed from Mayurbhanj | ||
| West Mayurbhanj | Western tribal tracts bordering Kendujhar, spanning parts of Karanjia and Jashipur. | Demanded to carve a separate administrative path for the western highlands, addressing the geographical distance imposed by the Similipal hills. |
| Karanjia | Panchapidha (Karanjia) sub-division including Karanjia, Jashipur, Raruan, Sukruli, and Thakurmunda blocks. | Motivated by its isolation from the district headquarters at Baripada due to the Similipal Biosphere Reserve. |
| Khiching | Historical Khiching shrine zone and surrounding tribal blocks within the Sukruli and Raruan areas. | Proposed to develop the heritage and tourism potential of the ancient Bhanja dynasty capital while creating a localized administrative hub. |
| Rairangpur | Bamanaghati (Rairangpur) sub-division including Rairangpur, Kusumi, Bahalada, Badampahad, Tiring, and Bijatala blocks. | Driven by significant iron-ore mining assets and the physical barrier of the Similipal mountain ranges separating it from Baripada. |
- Additional demands for new districts
- From time to time, several ministers and elected representatives, such as MLAs and MPs, have proposed the following new districts:
| Proposed District | Proposed Headquarters | Current District |
|---|---|---|
| Banki district | Banki | Kataka district |
| Champua district | Champua | Kendujhar district |
| Hindol district | Hindol | Dhenkanal district |
| Kaptipada district | Udala | Mayurbhanj district |
| Kamakshyanagar district | Kamakshyanagar | Dhenkanal district |
| Redhakhol district | Redhakhol | Sambalpur district |
