Dadra & Nagar Haveli (दादरा और नगर हवेली) is a district in the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, western India. It lies between Gujarat and Maharashtra, with Silvassa as its administrative headquarters. The district is known for its wooded hills, the Daman Ganga River and its history under Portuguese rule.
Adivasi communities, including Warli, Dhodia and Kokna people, shape local culture through languages, festivals, crafts and traditions. Warli painting is a distinctive cultural expression. Manufacturing, agriculture, trade and tourism support livelihoods, while industrial areas attract workers from elsewhere in India. Silvassa’s Tribal Cultural Museum and nearby gardens and riverfront spaces are notable attractions.
Common civic concerns include reliable drinking water, sanitation, road maintenance, public transport and access to healthcare and education. Residents also have a stake in industrial pollution control, waste management, secure employment and housing. Protecting forests, tribal land rights and cultural heritage remains important alongside urban and industrial growth.