Balagarh (community development block)

Balagarh
বলাগড়
Community development block
সমষ্টি উন্নয়ন ব্লক
Balagarh

Location in West Bengal, India

Coordinates: 23°06′34″N 88°27′37″E / 23.109444°N 88.460278°E / 23.109444; 88.460278Coordinates: 23°06′34″N 88°27′37″E / 23.109444°N 88.460278°E / 23.109444; 88.460278
Country  India
State West Bengal
District Hooghly
Government
 • Type Community development block
Area
 • Total 204.34 km2 (78.90 sq mi)
Elevation 17 m (56 ft)
Population (2011)
 • Total 228,998
 • Density 1,100/km2 (2,900/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official Bengali, English
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 712512 (Guptipara)
712501 (Balagarh)
Area code(s) 03454
Vehicle registration WB-15, WB-16, WB-18
Literacy 76.94%
Lok Sabha constituency Hooghly
Vidhan Sabha constituency Balagarh
Website hooghly.gov.in

Balagarh is a community development block that forms an administrative division in Chinsurah subdivision of Hooghly district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Geography

Overview

Hooghly district forms a part of the flat alluvial plains of the lower Gangetic delta. It lies on the western bank of the Hooghly, a distributary of the Ganges. The river bank of the Hooghly is heavily industrialised. The Dwarakeswar, in the western part of the district, forms the dividing line between the uplands and the plains. It is subsequently joined by the Shilabati to form the Rupnarayan, flowing along the western boundary of the district. The Damodar intersects the district. Human intervention in the form of construction of roads and railways and flood control measures have affected the topography. Urbanisation and industrialisation has altered land use pattern of the district. With a very high density of population (1,601 per km2), about 66% of the population live in the rural areas. In 2001, Hindus formed 83.63% of the population followed by Muslims, who formed 15.14% of the population. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes together constituted 43% of the population.[1]

Location

Balagarh is located at 23°06′34″N 88°27′37″E / 23.109444°N 88.460278°E / 23.109444; 88.460278.

Balagarh CD Block is bounded by Santipur and Ranaghat I CD Blocks, in Nadia districts across the Hooghly, in the north, Chakdaha CD Block, in Nadia district across the Hooghly the east, Chinsurah Mogra CD Block in the south and Pandua and Kalna II CD Blocks, in Bardhaman district, in the west.[2][3]

It is located 30 km from Chinsurah, the district headquarters.[2]

Area and administration

Balagarh CD Block has an area of 204.34  km2.[4] Balagarh police station serves this CD Block. Balagarh panchayat samity has 13 gram panchayats. The block has 132 inhabited villages.[5] Headquarters of this block is at Patuligram.

Gram panchayats

Gram panchayats of Balagarh block/ panchayat samiti are: Jirat (Sadar), Charkrishnabati, Dumrdaha-Nityanandapur I, Dumurdaha-Nityanandapur II, Ektarpur, Guptipara I, Guptipara II, Bakulia-Dhobapara, Mohipalpur, Siza-Kamalpur, Somra I, Somra II and Sripur-Balagarh.[6]

Demographics

Population

As per 2011 Census of India Balagarh CD Block had a total population of 228,998, of which 200,810 were rural and 28,188 were urban. There were 116,828 (51%) males and 112,870 (49%) females. Population below 6 years was 21,396. Scheduled Castes numbered 93,402 and Scheduled Tribes numbered 21,129.[7]

As per 2001 census, Balagarh block had a total population of 214,710, out of which 110,121 were males and 104,589 were females. Balagarh block registered a population growth of 15.40 per cent during the 1991-2001 decade. Decadal growth for Hooghly district was 15.72 per cent.[4] Decadal growth in West Bengal was 17.84 per cent.[8]

Census Towns, large and other villages

Census Towns in Balagarh CD Block (2011 census figures in brackets): Badhagachhi (5,052), Mirdhanga (8,482), Sripur (7,224) and Jirat (7,430).[7]

Large villages (with 4,000+ population) in Balagarh CD Block (2011 census figures in brackets): Aida Kismat (4,843), Krishnabati (6,070), Nutan Char Krishnabati (4,715), Dumurdahadham (4,187), Dakshin Gopalpur (7,581) and Serpur (5,983).[7]

Other villages (2011 census figures in brackets): Guptipara (2,169), Patuli (1,475).[7]

Literacy

As per 2011 census the total number of literates in Balagarh CD Block was 159,735 (76.94% of the population over 6 years) out of which 87,232 (55%) were males and 72,503 (45%) were females.[7]

As per 2011 census, literacy in Hooghly district was 81.80%.[9] Literacy in West Bengal was 77.08% in 2011.[10] Literacy in India in 2011 was 74.04%.[10]

As per the 2001 census, Balagarh block had a total literacy of 50.07 per cent. While male literacy was 68.38 per cent, female literacy was 49.98 per cent.[11]

See also – List of West Bengal districts ranked by literacy rate

Language

Bengali is the local language in these areas.[2]

Religion

Religion in Balagarh CD Block
Hindu
  
 89.24%
Muslim
  
 8.81%
Others
  
 1.95%

In 2011 census Hindus numbered 204,353 and formed 89.24% of the population in Balagarh CD Block. Muslims numbered 20,185 and formed 8.81% of the population. Others numbered 4,460 and formed 1.95% of the population.[12]

In 2011, Hindus numbered 4,574,569 and formed 82.89% of the population in Hooghly district. Muslims numbered 870,204 and formed 15.77% of the population. In West Bengal Hindus numbered 64,385,546 and formed 70.53% of the population. Muslims numbered 24,654,825 and formed 27.01% of the population.[12]

Human Development Report

Important Handicrafts of Hooghly District
  • Zari Work on Sari - Pandua, Pursurah, Jangipara, Tarakeswar and other blocks - 3,000 families involved
  • Chikon Embroidery – Babnan, Pandua, Singur - 2,500 families
  • Silk and Cotton Printing – Serampore (Chanditala) - 300 families
  • Brass and Bell Metal – Manikpat, Goghat, Arambagh - 150 families
  • Conch Shell – Pandua, Khanakul, Makla, Chandannagar
  • Jute Diversified Product – Baidyabati, Mogra
  • Terracota – Chinsurah, Chandannagar, Baidyabati, Mogra

Source:District Human Development Report 2010: Hooghly P. 67

The first wave of industrialisation (in Hooghly district, as well as the region) came with the establishment of jute mills along the banks of the Hooghly River long back in the British era. The district has moved from an overwhelmingly rural society with a mere 14.92% of the population living in urban areas in 1901 to a more urban society with 33.47% of the population living in urban areas in 2001. Increasing urbanisation has opened up a broader range of livelihood opportunities. However, in 12 out of the 18 community development blocks in the district the entire population continued to live in the rural areas in 2001. The district presents a unique picture of 12 municipalities surrounded by rural areas.[13]

In the rural areas of the district while 14.95% of the total workers were cultivators, agricultural labourers were 24.31%, thereby indicating the huge pressure on land that outstrips its ownership. In Balagarh CD Block, while cultivators were 19.41% of the total workers, agricultural labourers formed 37.39%. Household workers formed 4.69% and other workers 38.51%. Up to 30.11.2006 a total of 5,260 hectares of vested agricultural land was distributed amongst 71,643 persons in Hooghly district. Amongst different categories of workers engaged in agriculture in Balagarh CD Block 10.27% were bargadars, 14.91% patta (ownership document) holders, 5.25% small farmers, 9.89% marginal farmers and 59.68% agricultural workers in 2001.[13]

Agricultural activities or cultivation is divided into two categories: crop cultivation and plantation (orchards). There is a general belief that plantations are more remunerative. In Balagarh CD Block 79.15% of the land is used for crop cultivation and 6.43% for orchards. In Balagarh CD Block 93.46% of the land is sown more than once. Balagarh CD Block produced 32,530 tonnes of Aman paddy from 10,347 hectares, 15,830 tonnes of Boro paddy from 5,903 hectares, 90,380 tonnes of jute from 5,842 hectares and 73,470 tonnes of potatoes from 3,740 hectares in 2005-06. In Balagarh CD Block out of the total cultivated area of 15,982 hectares 1,100 hectares is drought prone and 3,050 hectares is flood prone. The irrigation system in Hooghly district is based on five rivers: Bhagirathi, Damodar, Mundeswari, Darakeswar and Sankari. Erosion of the river banks of these rivers pose a problem in many areas, particularly the Khanakul area.[13]

Hooghly district has the distinction of all mouzas (villages) being electrified by 2005. In Balagarh CD Block all 135 mouzas were electrified. However, in Balagarh CD Block 32.85% of households owned houses with electricity and 43.72% households owned houses with toilets in 2001.[13]

In the rural areas of Hooghly district there are wide variations amongst the CD Blocks regarding families living below poverty line (BPL). The data provided in the table given below is based on a household survey for BPL list carried out by the state government in 2005.[13]

Economy

Infrastructure

Balagarh CD Block had 1,300 hectares of canals. In Balagarh CD Block 604.36 hectares was the nett area under effective pisiculture and 6,184 persons were engaged in the profession. Approximate annual production in 2003-04 was 21,123.4 qtl. In 2003-04 Balagarh had 79.32 km of surfaced roads under PWD, 96.60 km surfaced roads under Zilla Parishad and 215.75 km unsurfaced roads under Zilla Parishad.[14]

Industry

Balagarh was selected the site for power station by Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation but the project was shelved. According to C.E.S.C.Web Journal of 16 April 2010 it will be revived by them.[15][16] Balagarh's economy specially depends on building of country boats and manufacture of tiles which is famous all over India.

Transport

Balagarh is 25 km from Bandel on the Bandel-Katwa Branch Line.[17]

Balagarh CD Block has 8 ferry services and 5 originating/ terminating bus routes.[14]

Education

In 2003-04, Balagarh CD Block had 155 primary schools with 21,000 students, 3 middle schools with 2,382 students, 19 high schools with 15,117 students and 5 higher secondary schools with 7,716 students. Balagarh CD Block had 1 general college with 1,027 students, 2 professional and technical institute with 383 students and 186 institutions with 7,154 students for special and non-formal education.[14]

Culture

Library

In Balagarh there is a 115 year's old public library named as Chandra Saraswati Pathagar. There is another big library of Sripur kalyan Samiti(125 year's) in Sripur Bazar Area which have wide collection of books according to the need and Jirat Ashutosh Smritimandir Rural Library is 88 year's old.

Music

Balagarh Dishari Cultural Association is carrying forward the musical tradition for more than 50 years.

Jirat

Jirat is a town under Balagarh Block, the main Administrative center (Sadar) of the block. The BDO and the Gramin Hospital are in Jirat Patuligram Area.Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya are Jirat Hashimpur area. Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, Poet Charuchandra Banerjee, and Artiste Anil Chaterjee's houses are in Jirat Smritrimandir. Sri Sri Gapinath Jeu (Smritrimandir), Sidheswari Kali, Mahakal Bhairav (Kaliagarh), Darmaraj (Mundukhola) and Bura Siva Temple (Panchpara) are some of the oldest temples of Jirat Town. The Lions Club of Balagarh is in Jirat Bus Stand area.Balagarh book fair in jirat high school math.

Guptipara

Guptipara is a village under Balagarh police station.

The first publicly organised Jagadhatri Puja was held at Guptipara, when some men were stopped from taking part in a household Jagadhatri puja. Twelve of them formed a committee and organised a barowari (baro means twelve and yar means friend) puja (worshipping). There is a difference of opinion about the year of worship – 1761 or 1790.[18][19]

There are some old temples in the village - Brindabanchandra Temple, Chaitanyadev Temple, Krishna Chandra Temple and Ramachandra Temple.[20]

Healthcare

Balagarh CD Block had 7 health centres, 34 clinics and 2 dispensaries with 59 beds and 8 doctors in 2003.[14]

References

  1. ↑ "District Human Development Report: Hooghly". Chapter I / Page 1, 3 - Published 2011. Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "Balagarh Block". onefivenine. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  3. ↑ "Map of Hooghly district". District Profile. Hooghly district administration. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  4. 1 2 "Provisional Population Totals, West Bengal. Table 4". Census of India 2001 – Hooghly district. Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved 2011-01-20.
  5. ↑ "District Statistical Handbook – 2008 – Hooghly" (PDF). Table 2.1. Bureau of Applied Economics and Statistics, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  6. ↑ "Directory of District, Subdivision, Panchayat Samiti/ Block and Gram Panchayats in West Bengal". Hooghly – Revised in March 2008. Panchayats and Rural Development Department, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "C.D. Block Wise Primary Census Abstract Data(PCA)". 2011 census: West Bengal – District-wise CD Blocks. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
  8. ↑ "Provisional Population Totals, West Bengal. Table 4". Census of India 2001. Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved 2011-01-20.
  9. ↑ "Hughli (Hooghly) Dustrict: Census 2011 data". 2016 Digital Trends. Census Population 2015 Data. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  10. 1 2 "Provisional population tables and annexures" (PDF). Census 2011:Table 2(3) Literates and Literacy rates by sex. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  11. ↑ "Balagarh". Local Self-government. Hooghly Zilla Parishad. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  12. 1 2 "C1 Population by Religious Community". West Bengal. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 "District Human Development Report: Hooghly". Pages - 31-40, 57, 60, 62-65, 73, 82, 225, 226-227. Published 2011. Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  14. 1 2 3 4 "District Statistical Handbook – 2004 – Hooghly" (PDF). Tables 3.1, 4.4, 4.5, 8.2, 18.2, 18.4, 21.1, 21.2. Bureau of Applied Economics and Statistics, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  15. ↑ The Hindu Business Line 22 April 2004
  16. ↑ "CESC terms for Balagarh". The Telegraph. Calcutta, India. 2012-05-09. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  17. ↑ Railway local time table
  18. ↑ Calcutta Web
  19. ↑ Festivals – Durga Puja
  20. ↑ India 9. com
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