Chatra district, a part of Hazaribagh district, was established as a separate entity in 1991. This district is divided into two subdivisions, with 12 development blocks, 154 Panchayats, and 1474 Revenue Villages. Chatra boasts one municipality located at the district headquarters.

The area has 15 thanas (Police Stations) and has faced challenges with extremist violence from organizations like the M. C. C.

Chatra Police have made significant progress in curbing these threats by making crucial arrests and confiscating weapons and explosives. The district also houses a judgeship, a District Consumer Forum, and a wildlife sanctuary called the Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary, established in 1978, is home to a variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, bears, and various bird species.

The forest in Chatra is rich in medicinal plants, timber species, and diverse wildlife, making it a significant ecological asset