How Districts Were Formed in Uttarakhand

The formation of districts in Uttarakhand reflects the region’s complex political and administrative history. From the British period to the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state, districts were reorganised several times to ensure better governance and regional development.

Early Administrative Divisions

In 1891 AD, the Kumaon region was divided into two districts—Almora and Nainital. These districts continued to function under British administration and later became part of independent India.

Post-Independence Changes (1947–1960)

When India gained independence in 1947, the districts of Pauri Garhwal, Almora, and Nainital were integrated into the Indian Union. However, the Tehri princely state initially decided not to merge with India. Due to strong public movements, the ruler was compelled to change this decision. As a result, on 1 August 1949, Tehri officially joined India and became part of Uttar Pradesh as Tehri Garhwal district.

Later, administrative restructuring took place:

• Uttarkashi was separated from Tehri in 1960

• Chamoli was carved out of Pauri in 1960

• Pithoragarh was separated from Almora in 1960

By 1970, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Chamoli, and Pauri were merged to form the official Garhwal Division.

Expansion of Districts (1975–1997)

In 1975, Dehradun was included in the Garhwal division, followed by Haridwar in 1988. Further district formations took place in the 1990s:

• Udham Singh Nagar was created from Nainital on 26 December 1995

• Champawat was formed from Pithoragarh on 15 September 1997

• Bageshwar was carved out of Almora on 18 September 1997

• Rudraprayag was separated from Chamoli on the same day

With these changes, 13 districts were completed while the region was still part of Uttar Pradesh.

Formation of Uttarakhand State (2000–2007)

The Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 1 August 2000 and by the Rajya Sabha on 10 August 2000. After receiving Presidential assent on 28 August 2000, Uttarakhand officially became the 27th state of India on 9 November 2000.

Later, on 1 January 2007, during the tenure of the first elected Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari, the state’s name was changed from Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand.

List of Districts in Uttarakhand with Formation Years

Famous Titles and Nicknames from Uttarakhand

Council Speakers & Leaders

• Gandhi of Uttarakhand – Indramani Badoni

• Gandhi of Kumaon – Devki Nandan Pandey

• Son of the Himalayas – Govind Ballabh Pant

• Himputra (Son of the Earth) – Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna

• Encyclopedia of Uttarakhand – Shiv Prasad Dabral

• Kumaon Kesari – Badridutt Pandey

• Garh Kesari – Anasuya Prasad Bahuguna

• Chanakya of Kumaon – Harsh Dev Oli

• King of Kumaon – Henry Ramsay

Freedom Fighters & Social Icons

• First Freedom Fighter of Champawat – Kalu Singh Mehra

• Chipko Movement Woman – Gaura Devi

• Tree Man of Uttarakhand – Vishveshwar Dutt Saklani

Famous Women of Uttarakhand

• Rani of Jhansi of Uttarakhand – Tilu Rauteli

• Lakshmibai of Kumaon – Jiya Rani

• Teacher Mai (Thuguli Devi) – Deepa Devi

• Miss Katherine Heilemann – Sister Sarla

Further Reading

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How were districts formed in Uttarakhand?
Districts were formed through administrative reforms from the British era to post-independence.

Q. Which were the first districts of Uttarakhand?
Almora and Nainital were formed in 1891.

Q. When was Uttarakhand formed as a state?
Uttarakhand was formed on 9 November 2000.

Other posts are given below

History of Uttarakhand (Modern Period)

Medieval Period of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Historical Period (Ancient Times)