District Overview
Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District is one of the prominent coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. The district is known for its rich cultural heritage, fertile agricultural lands, aquaculture, temples, beautiful beaches, and historical importance. The district headquarters is located at Nellore City on the banks of the Pennar River.
The district shares boundaries with:
- East – Bay of Bengal
- West – Veligonda Hills
- North – Prakasam District
- South – Tirupati District
Major highlights:
- Coastal District
- Famous for Paddy cultivation
- Aquaculture Capital
- Shrimp Exports
- Mypadu Beach
- Pulicat Lake
- Ranganatha Temple
Administrative Divisions
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| District Name | Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District |
| Headquarters | Nellore |
| Revenue Divisions | 4 |
| Revenue Mandals | 38 |
| Gram Panchayats | 722 |
| Municipal Corporation | 1 |
| Municipalities | 3 |
| Nagar Panchayats | 2 |
Population
Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District is one of the prominent districts of Andhra Pradesh, known for its balanced urban growth, agricultural economy, and expanding industrial sector. The district has witnessed steady population growth over the years while maintaining a strong rural character. Its diverse population contributes significantly to the district’s cultural heritage, economic development, and social progress.
According to the 2011 Census of India, the district has a population of approximately 2.97 million (29.7 lakh) people, making it one of the major districts in the state. The population is spread across urban municipalities, towns, and hundreds of villages, creating a vibrant mix of traditions, occupations, and lifestyles.
District Statistics
Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District is one of the major agricultural and aquaculture districts of Andhra Pradesh. The district’s economy is driven by farming, fisheries, livestock, and industries. Its long coastline, fertile plains, and the Pennar River contribute significantly to its development.
General Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Headquarters | Nellore |
| Total Area | 10,439.75 km² |
| Population (2011 Census) | 24.69 Lakhs |
| Population Density | 236 persons/km² |
| Sex Ratio | 983 Females per 1000 Males |
| Literacy Rate | Approximately 69.15% |
| Elevation | Approximately 18 metres above sea level |
| Official Language | Telugu |
| Coastline | Approximately 169 km |
| Time Zone | IST (UTC +5:30) |
Land Use
| Category | Area/Details |
|---|---|
| Total Geographical Area | 10,439.75 km² |
| Agricultural Land | Major portion of the district |
| Forest Area | Approximately 2.16 Lakh Hectares |
| Water Bodies | Pennar River, Pulicat Lake, Kandaleru Reservoir |
| Coastal Area | Bay of Bengal coastline |
Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District, providing livelihoods to a large section of the population. Blessed with fertile alluvial soils, abundant water resources from the Pennar River, tanks, canals, and irrigation projects, the district supports diverse agricultural activities throughout the year.
The district is widely known for its extensive cultivation of paddy, making it one of the major rice-producing districts in Andhra Pradesh. In addition to paddy, farmers cultivate pulses, groundnut, sugarcane, maize, cotton, black gram, green gram, and a variety of horticultural crops. Modern farming techniques, mechanization, and government-supported agricultural schemes continue to enhance productivity and promote sustainable farming practices.
Major Crops
Paddy
Pulses
Groundnut
Maize
Sugarcane
Horticulture
Climate
Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot summers, moderate monsoons, and pleasant winters. Owing to its location along the Bay of Bengal, the district benefits from coastal influences that help moderate temperatures while supporting agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity.
The district receives rainfall from both the Southwest Monsoon (June–September) and the Northeast Monsoon (October–December), with the latter contributing the majority of annual rainfall. These climatic conditions play a vital role in sustaining agriculture, water resources, and the overall economy of the district.
Climate Features
| Season | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Summer | 30°C – 45°C |
| Monsoon | 25°C – 35°C |
| Winter | 20°C – 30°C |
Rainfall
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Annual Rainfall | Approximately 1,000–1,100 mm |
| Southwest Monsoon | June – September |
| Northeast Monsoon | October – December (major rainfall season) |
Water Resources
Major rivers and reservoirs include:
- Pennar River
- Kandaleru Reservoir
- Somasila Reservoir
- Pulicat Lake
- Numerous irrigation canals and tanks
These resources support irrigation, drinking water, fisheries, and aquaculture.
Fisheries & Aquaculture
Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District is one of India’s leading aquaculture regions.
Major Products
- Shrimp (Vannamei)
- Tiger Prawns
- Freshwater Fish
- Marine Fish
- Crab Farming
The district contributes significantly to seafood exports and supports thousands of livelihoods.
Forest & Wildlife
Forest Area
Approximately 2.16 lakh hectares of forest cover.
Important Wildlife Areas
- Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary – Famous for Spot-billed Pelicans and migratory birds.
- Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary – Home to flamingos and many migratory bird species.
- Sri Penusila Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary – Forest ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna.
Common Wildlife
- Spotted Deer
- Wild Boar
- Jackal
- Monitor Lizard
- Indian Hare
- Peafowl
- Spot-billed Pelican
- Flamingo
- Painted Stork
- Openbill Stork
Industries
Major industries include:
- Aquaculture Processing
- Rice Mills
- Food Processing
- Dairy Industry
- Granite Processing
- Fisheries
- Poultry
- Cold Storage Facilities