Departments of the Council
There are 34 (Thirty-Four) major heads of departments in this Council and through these heads the developmental schemes are implemented which are genuinely need base, like -
- Cottage Industry
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary
- Forests and other than Reserved Forest
- Agriculture
- Rural Roads and Bridges
- Sericulture
- Education
- Adult Education
- Primary Education
- Upto Higher Secondary including Vocational Training
- Cultural Affairs
- Soil Conservation
- Co-operation
- Fisheries
- Panchayat and Rural Development
- Handloom and Textiles
- Public Health Engineering - Drinking Water (PHE)
- Minor Irrigation
- Social Welfare
- Flood Control Schemes for protection of Villages
- Sports and Youth Welfare
- Weights and Measures
- Library Services
- Museum and Archaelogy
- Urban Development, Town and Country Planning
- Tribal Research
- Land and Land Revenue
- Publiity and Public Relation
- Tourism
- Transport
- Any Other Matter connected with development Health and Family Welfare
- Municipal Board, Improvement Trust, District of Boards and other local-self Government of Village Administration
- Tribal Welfare
- Market and Fair
- Lotteries and Theatres, Dramatic performances and Cinema
- Vital Statistics including registration of Birth and Deaths
- Food and Civil Supplies
Agriculture
The primary occupation of the people in the RHAC area is predominantly agriculture, with approximately 90% of the population engaged in farming activities. They cultivate various types of crops, including both Rabi crops (winter crops) and Kharif crops (summer crops) such as rice, jute, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, potatoes, tomatoes, and more. In addition to these staples, the region also yields a variety of other crops like bananas, sugarcane, brinjal, chili, sweet potatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and various vegetables.
Notably, banana production is particularly abundant in areas like Darangiri, Dhupdhara, Boko, and Chhaygaon, with significant quantities of bananas being transported to distant locations. Darangiri, in particular, is renowned as the largest "Banana Market" in Asia, and it regularly ships truckloads of bananas to various destinations.
However, challenges such as uncertain monsoon patterns and outdated cultivation practices have led to declining yields of staple crops like rice and others. To address this issue and harness the region's potential for increased crop production, various development schemes and projects are being initiated by RHAC. Despite limited financial support from the State Government, these efforts aim to bolster the agricultural sector year by year.
Forest
Approximately one-third of the RHAC area is covered by lush forests containing various types of medicinal plants, herbs, and valuable trees like Shal, Teak (Segun), Gamari, and Titachopa. These forests were once the habitat of elephants, tigers, and a diverse range of other animals and reptiles. However, due to human activities, the RHAC area's forests have suffered significant damage. Many valuable trees have been lost, but it is encouraging to see the growth of numerous Shal trees and valuable plant species.
To address this issue, the RHAC is implementing various protective measures to safeguard the growing plants, saplings, and medicinal herbs. Additionally, they are initiating projects to replant in areas that have been damaged. The Forest Department of RHAC is taking a leading role in restoring and rejuvenating the lost glory of the forest of RAHC area.
Industry
The RHAC area lags behind in terms of industrial development. It currently lacks notable large, major, and minor industries. The Council faces a substantial responsibility to establish new industries, which would not only contribute to the development of the Council area but also provide employment opportunities for the unemployed population. To enhance the traditional production systems, including cottage industries, handloom, and textiles, the RHAC is actively working to implement modern techniques and improve these practices.
Irrigation
Due to uncertainty of monsoon rain, in most of the time and due to practice of old system of cultivation, the production of crops like rice and other are declining. The RHAC has made it a top priority to plan and execute effective irrigation schemes and projects to boost the irrigation and agriculture sectors.
Transport
The majority of the southern region within the Council's jurisdiction, specifically the foothills adjacent to the Assam-Meghalaya border, lacks road access and any means of communication. Additionally, village roads in other areas are in a state of disrepair. Thus, there is a pressing need for the enhancement, repair, or reconstruction of these roads. The RHAC is proactively addressing this issue as it recognises that an efficient communication system is essential for accelerating development in these areas.
Tourism
There are numerous picturesque spots in the RHAC area, particularly in the foothills and forested regions. However, these places require development to attract tourists. The forests are teeming with diverse flora and fauna, many of which have medicinal and commercial value, as mentioned earlier. The hilly and forested areas hold great potential for tourism development, and the Council is actively focusing on this aspect.
Public Health Engineering (PHE)
Villages in the Council area face a shortage of drinking water facilities, often relying on unclean water from unprotected tanks, ponds, and rivers. This has led to health issues like cholera, diarrhea, and other infectious diseases. Although the Council has distributed numerous hand pumps, they have not been sufficient to meet the villagers' needs. To address this, the installation of piped water supply schemes is seen as an effective solution, providing clean drinking water to a larger population. Additionally, many hand tube wells need to be installed in remote villages to meet their water requirements.
Fisheries
The RHAC area offers substantial potential for modern fisheries in natural tanks, ponds, and low-lying areas. The aim is to develop fishery resources under the RHAC to increase fish production and provide livelihood opportunities for local farmers, particularly those in need. It is anticipated that various fishery schemes can engage educated unemployed youth, benefiting both employment and economic growth.
Sericulture
The local population in the RHAC area shows a keen interest in Muga and Eri cocoon production through rearing. There is potential for substantial cocoon production. Some are also interested in Mulberry Silk Worm rearing, spinning, reeling, and weaving. Providing assistance to these individuals, including rearers and weavers, could lead to improvements in silk worm rearing, food plant cultivation, and weaving activities. Consequently, necessary schemes are being implemented to support this.
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary
The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of rural communities in the Council area. In addition to agriculture, rural livelihoods depend on activities like pig farming, goat farming, duck rearing, poultry, and dairy. New projects and schemes are taken into consideration to increase the production of milk, meat, and eggs This is intended to create self-employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth and meet the demands of the people in the RHAC area. The Council is actively involved in these initiatives.