Kapsi

Kapsi is situated in the western part of the Kanker district in the Paralkot region, bordering the state of Maharashtra. It is also called the gateway of Paralkot. Geographically, it lies in the northern lowlands of the Bastar plateau and is a part of historical Dandakaranya region.[2][3] The elevation of the village ranges from 310 to 330 m above sea level.

Location of Kapsi in Pakhanjur tehsil of Kanker district

A local water body known as the Devda ravine meanders through the village and serves as its lifeline.[4][5] The region primarily features fertile lateritic soil, which is well-suited to agriculture due to its fine texture and darker hues.[3]

Devda ravine flowing through Kapsi

With its dense green cover, undulating terrain, hillocks, and stream courses, the region harbours habitats for diverse flora and fauna. The Kapsi Forest Range headquarters under the West Bhanupratappur Division is responsible for the safeguard of forests and conservation of biodiversity in the area.[6][7]

Signboard on Chhattisgarh State Highway 25 indicating the eastern threshold of Kapsi Forest Range

From the administrative perspective, the village has a unique and rather complex setup. For planning and development under the Panchayati Raj system of local self-governance, Kapsi is divided into two distinct gram panchayats (village councils) namely, Chhote Kapsi (Devanagari: छोटे कापसी) and Bade Kapsi (Devanagari: बड़े कापसी). The portion that lies to the west of the Devda ravine is known as Chhote (smaller) Kapsi while that to the east is known as Bade (larger) Kapsi. Ironically, Chhote Kapsi is the larger of the two, both in terms of area and population, and is the commercial centre.

It is also noteworthy that, while the Chhote Kapsi gram panchayat falls under the direct jurisdiction of Pakhanjur tehsil, the Bade Kapsi gram panchayat forms a part of the newly established (in June, 2021) Badgaon up-tehsil.[8] Both Pakhanjur and Badgaon in-turn fall within the purview of the Kapsi forest range. At the block level, both the gram panchayats are placed under the administrative jurisdiction of the Koyalibeda Janapad Panchayat.

Tree-lined avenue in front of Forest Colony, Bade Kapsi

According to 2011 Census of India, the Kapsi rural agglomeration had a population of 4,179.

• Chhote Kapsi had a population of 3050. The village had a sex ratio of 992 females per 1,000 males and 11.54% of the population were under six years of age. Effective literacy rate was 83.91% i.e., higher than Chhattisgarh state average of 70.28%. Male literacy was 88.54% and female literacy was 79.27%.
• Bade Kapsi had a population of 1129. The village had a sex ratio of 1034 females per 1,000 males and 14.70% of the population were under six years of age. Effective literacy rate was 58.05% i.e., lower than Chhattisgarh state average of 70.28%. Male literacy was 64.63% and female literacy was 51.64%.

The economy of Kapsi is chiefly agrarian. Large scale cultivation of paddy and maize are undertaken throughout Rabi and Kharif crop seasons. Fish farming and dairy farming are other major primary sector activities practised by the populace. Under the aegis of Department of Fisheries, Govt. Of Chhattisgarh, the Bade Kapsi Rurban Cluster has become an important centre for pisciculture in the state, even exporting to the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Odisha.[9] Sericulture and horticulture are also gradually gaining ground, albeit practised by a few.

Other forms of livelihood include peasantry, trade, small scale businesses, and local government jobs. The Netaji Market along with the adjacent smaller Atal Market in Chhote Kapsi is the center of all commercial activities for the village. A new market in Bade Kapsi, also known as the Gandhi Market, is quickly taking shape to cater to the growing demand of commercial spaces.

Banking services are provided by the following public-sector banks:

For primary and secondary education, Kapsi has a number of Hindi as well as English medium schools, run by the government and private institutions. The quality of education in these schools is generally good with a fair emphasis on extracurricular activities, though the infrastructure is just about satisfactory given the rural setting. The colleges in the district impart basic post-secondary higher education. For good quality and specialized higher education, people are entirely dependent on larger cities such as Bhilai, Durg and Raipur.

As a result of insufficient healthcare facilities, majority of the residents rely on home-made remedies and quackery as first aid. Apart from this, a government run Primary Health Centre (PHC) and a handful of privately run health facilities provide primary healthcare. Higher healthcare needs are referred to cities such as Dhamtari, Bhilai and Raipur.

Kherkatta Dam, officially known as Paralkot Reservoir (Devanagari: परलकोट जलाशय) near Kapsi is the largest dam of the Kanker district. It is a popular local tourist spot and sees a large influx of visitors especially during the monsoon rains when water overflows from the 12 m (39 ft) high spillway.[26]

Impoundment of Kherkatta Dam during dry spell

Spillway of Kherkatta Dam during dry spell (view from the eastern bank)

Spillway of Kherkatta Dam during monsoon (view from the western bank)