Gujarat Announces New Vav-Tharad District, Splits Banaskantha

Gandhinagar : In a landmark decision on the first day of 2025, the Gujarat government announced the creation of the new Vav-Tharad district, bifurcating the existing Banaskantha district. This long-awaited move was approved during a State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, fulfilling an age-old demand of the residents and office bearers of Banaskantha.

Banaskantha, Gujarat’s second-largest district by area and the largest by the number of talukas (14), has faced challenges in governance due to its size. The creation of the Vav-Tharad district aims to ease administrative burdens, improve governance, and enhance access to government services for the people.

The newly formed Vav-Tharad district will encompass eight talukas—Vav, Bhabhar, Tharad, Dhanera, Suigam, Lakhni, Deodar, and Kankrej—and include four municipalities: Bhabhar, Tharad, Thara, and Dhanera. Its total area will span 6,257 sq. km, with around 600 villages. The district headquarters will be located in Tharad.

The remaining Banaskantha district will now consist of six talukas: Palanpur, Danta, Amirgarh, Dantiwada, Vadgam, and Deesa, along with two municipalities: Palanpur and Deesa. This reduced district will cover 4,486 sq. km, also housing approximately 600 villages, with Palanpur as its headquarters.

The division brings practical benefits, reducing travel distances for Vav-Tharad residents by 35 to 85 km on average to reach administrative offices. Additionally, the reorganization is expected to boost funding and grants from the government, enhancing infrastructure and human development across both districts.

With this move, Gujarat now has 34 districts, reflecting Chief Minister Patel’s commitment to decentralized governance and improved public service delivery.