PLACES

DEVLI

Devli is a municipal town in Wardha tahsil 11 miles distant from Wardha with which it is connected by a tarred road. The population in 1961 was 7,845. It was constituted a municipality in 1867 and in 1961 its jurisdiction extended over an area of five square miles. [From the Municipal Record. However the 1961 Wardha District Census Handbook gives it as one square mile.] Ten elected councillors form the municipal council which is presided over by a president. The president is elected by the councillors from among themselves and is responsible for the smooth functioning of the municipal administration.

In 1965-66 the income of the municipality accrued from various sources excluding an amount of Rs. 27,121.38 as being income due to extraordinary and debt heads, stood at Rs. 2,18,059 49. It comprised municipal rates and taxes contributing Rs. 85,247.76; revenue derived from municipal property and powers apart from taxation Rs. 3,043.32; grants and contributions Rs. 1,17,995 and miscellaneous sources Rs. 11,774.41. Expenditure during the same year, excluding Rs. 29,928.23 being expenditure due to extra-ordinary and debt heads amounted to Rs. 2,28,613.56. Expenditure heads were general administration and collection charges Rs. 31,296.88; public instructions Rs. 1,14,141.41; public works Rs. 22,013.20 and miscellaneous Rs. 20,688.97.

A medical dispensary conducted by the municipality meets the medical needs of the poor and the needy. Besides, vaccination and inoculation schemes are taken up from time to time. The town has also a veterinary dispensary. The drainage system is practically non-existent, there being only a few kutcha gutters. Wells are the only source of water supply. A water supply scheme is, however, awaiting implementation. Primary education is compulsory and is conducted by the municipality. The town has also a municipal high school and a library. Two more high schools are privately conducted.

The word ' Devli' means ' the Abode of God '. It contains nearly 25 temples and a mosque, none of which are of any significance. An annual fair attended by over 15,000 persons is held in December in honour of Marananath Maharaj, a local saint. It lasts for ten days. A copper plate grant of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was found here. The town was important for its cotton trade at the time when weaving of cloth on handlooms was an important industry. But now, it has been relegated to the background as a cotton mart, by the newer railway towns and its position does not lend itself to any concentration of trade. There are two cotton ginning factories located at Devli. Though the weaving industry still survives, it is on a negligible scale. It is now best known as one of the largest cattle markets in the district and the annual value of sales comes to about Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs. A large weekly market is held here on Fridays at which cattle-sales figure prominently. Devli has post and telegraph and telephone facilities, a police station, and a block development office. The town has also the offices of the Maha rashtra Electricity Board, a supervisory union, a branch of the district central co-operative bank and a sale and purchase society.

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