Betul (बैतूल) is a district in southern Madhya Pradesh, India, bordering Maharashtra. Its administrative headquarters is Betul town. Set in the Satpura hills, the district is known for its forests, agricultural landscapes and Adivasi heritage. Its location links central India with the Deccan through important road and rail routes.
Gond and Korku communities are an important part of Betul’s population and cultural life. Hindi and local and tribal languages are spoken, while festivals, village markets and traditional practices reflect the district’s diversity. Farming, forest-based livelihoods, trade and coal mining support the economy. Notable places include the Balajipuram temple complex near Betul and Multai, associated with the source of the Tapti River.
Common civic concerns include reliable drinking water, irrigation, healthcare, school access and rural road maintenance. Employment opportunities, forest rights and access to public services matter especially in remote communities. Residents also face questions around mining impacts, forest conservation and sustainable local development.