Dhamtari (धमतरी) is a district in Chhattisgarh, India, south of the state capital, Raipur. Its administrative headquarters is Dhamtari town. The district is known for rice cultivation, forests and the Sihawa hills, associated with the source of the Mahanadi River. The Gangrel reservoir, also called Ravishankar Sagar, is a major irrigation resource and visitor destination.
Rural communities, including Adivasi populations, shape the district’s social and cultural life. Chhattisgarhi and Hindi are widely used, alongside languages spoken by local communities. Farming, rice milling, trade and forest-based livelihoods support the economy. Local festivals, markets and religious sites bring residents together, while the district’s wooded landscapes and reservoirs attract visitors.
Common civic concerns include reliable irrigation, drinking water, road maintenance and access to healthcare and education, particularly in remote villages. Residents also care about agricultural prices, employment opportunities, forest rights and conservation. Managing water resources and improving sanitation are important priorities across rural and urban areas.