Bilaspur district General information
Bilaspur district is not only famous in Chhattisgarh but in India due to its unique characteristics like rice quality, Kosa industry and its cultural background. Bilaspur district has a major contribution in the naming "Dhan Ka Katora" for the entire Chhattisgarh region .
The Bilaspur city is approximately 400 years old and the name "Bilaspur" has been originated from the Fisher-woman named "Bilasa". Over the years Bilaspur has developed a lot, despite several natural calamities.
Bilaspur district is located in eastern part of Chhattisgarh and fall within latitude 21'47" to 23'8" and longitude 81'14" to 83'15" . Bilaspur district is surrounded by Koriya district in north, Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh in South, Raipur district in East and Korba ,Janjgir -Champa district in West. The total area of Bilaspur is approximately 6,377 Sq.Km,after the bifurcation of old Bilaspur district in three districts (New Bilaspur, Korba and Janjgir-Champa District).
The New Bilaspur district is hilly towards North and plane in South. Secondly, the northern part of Bilaspur is quite cold and hot as we move towards Southern part. The maximum temperature of Bilaspur district is 45 Deg. Cen. and average rain fall is 1,220 mm approximately. Major rivers which surrounds Bilaspur district are Agaar, Maniyaar and Arpa .
Total population of Bilaspur district is 16,948,83 out of which 8,59,027 is male and 8,35,856 is female. The SC and ST population out of total population according to census'91 is 3,23,474 and 3,47,216 respectively. Out of the total population, 79% people live in Village area and the density of the population is 266 people per sq.Km.
Origin of name:
The name of the district derived from the city of Bilaspur, the administrative headquarters of the district. The name 'Bilaspur' originated from Bilasa, a fisherwoman who founded it according to a legend.
History
The area which comprises present-day Bilaspur District was under the control of the Bhonsla Rajas of Nagpur until 1818 and was governed by a Maratha ‘Subah’ (district officer). In 1818, the British started administering the area on behalf of the Raghuji III who was minor. The area was administered by a commissioner. In 1853, after the death of Raghuji III, British annexed the Nagpur Kingdom to British India as Nagpur Province, and in 1861 when the new Central Provinces was born, Bilaspur was organized into a separate district [1]. In October 1903, a new province ‘The Central Provinces and Berar’ was constituted and Bilaspur District became a part of the Chattisgarh Division of the province. In October 1905, on transfer of Sambalpur District to Bengal Province, Chandrapur-Padampur and Malkhurda estates were transferred to Bilaspur District. In 1906, when the Drug district (presently Durg District) was formed, a part of the Mungeli Tahsil was transferred to the new district. Also, another part of the district was transferred to the Raipur District [2]. On 25 May 1998, the original Bilaspur District was split into 3 smaller districts, present Bilaspur, Korba and Janjgir-Champa.
Geography
Bilaspur district is situated between 21º47' and 23º8' north latitudes and 81º14' and 83º15' east latitudes. The district is bounded by Korea on the north, Anuppur District and Dindori District of Madhya Pradesh state on the west, Kawardha on the southwest, Durg and Raipur on the south and Korba and Janjgir-Champa on the east. The area of the district is 6377 km². Bilaspur is also known as the cultuaral capital of the state and also boosts various cultural and social events. The district is also the medical hub of chhattisgarh due to several world class hospitals ex Apollo Hospital. Education at the primary and higher level has considerably improved in the past decade due to opening of several international standard schools(Jain International School, DPS, St. Xaviers). The city is also witnessing high rate of infrastructural growth due to the several initiatives taken by the state government to improve the basic infrastructure of the city. The city has a mixed population basically comprising of Bengalies who migrated due to the partition or due to their job transfer in the Indian Railway and the South Eastern Coal Fields Ltd., the similar are the tamils. The native population is of chhattisgaries who speak the chhattisgari language comprise the maximum, living either as the urbun as well as the rural population. The cities most posh colony is Vasant Vihar which is the head quarter of SECL.
Divisions
Bilaspur district consists of 8 tehsils. These tehsils are Bilaspur, Pendra Road, Lormi, Kota, Mungeli, Takhatpur, Bilha and Masturi. The total number of villages in the district is 1635.
The headquarters of the district is Bilaspur. It is the second largest city in the state and the seat of the High Court of Chhattisgarh. It is called Nyaydhani (legal capital) of Chhattisgarh. Bilaspur is famous for Kanan Pendari Zoo Park. Arpa is a river passing through the district, it very shallow in depth but creates havoc during rains.
Economy
Bilaspur is the headquarters of South Eastern Coalfields Ltd. the largest and most profitable subsidiary of Coal India. The district of Bilspur also has the largest number of cement factories in the state comprising of manufacturers such as Lafarge, Century, ACC. etc. The bilaspur railway zone has been fifth time in a row awarded as the most profitable railway zone by the ministry of Indian railways this year. The district is also well connected to the rest of the country by means of rail and road network hence improving the economy of the city. The city's main commercial hub is Vyapar Vihar, Telipara, Link Road, Bus Stand Road, Rajiv Plaza and Goal Bazar. Bilaspur is also the Regional Headquarter of Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board, headed by Chief Engineer(BR). The Chief Engineer(BR)has the jurisdiction of Bilaspur, Korba, Janjgir-Champa and Raigarh Districts for supply of electricity to all LT and HT consumers. After Regional Headquarter of Raipur of CSEB, the Bilaspur is the second largest jurisdiction for supply of electricity in Chhattisgarh State.
Transport
Bilaspur has the zonal office of South East Central Railway, the 16th zone of Indian Railway which is recognized to have the maximum loading. The city is very well connected to rest of the country through good road and rail network. The city falls in the Mumbai Koklata rail network. The Bilaspur railway station is the most important railway station in the state from where several trains for different parts of the country originate. Important trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Originate from here. The District Administration and Municipal Corporation of Bilaspur City are forming a joint venture, to operate world class City Bus services in Bilaspur City by the end of 2007.
General Information
Geographical Area 6376.76 Sq. Kilo Meter
Latitude of Bilaspur 21deg.37" to North 23 deg.07"
Longitude of Bilaspur 81.12" to East 83.40 "
Mean Sea Level (MSL) 262 Meter
No. of Tehsils 8
Populated Villages 1626
No. of Gram Panchayats 826
No. of Janpad Panchayats 10
Revenue Inspector Board 16
Patwari Halka 219
Total Poulation (According to 2001 Census) 1,993,042
Total Male Population 1,009,007
Total Female Population 984,035
Total Population (0-6 age group) 336,791
Total Litterates 1,054,658
Total Male Litterates 660,239
Total Female Litterates 394,419
Education
Guru Ghasi Das University
The Guru Ghasidas University , Bilaspur was established by the the Govt.of Madhya Pradesh in response to the growing needs and long standing expectations of the people of Bilaspur region. It was formally inaugurated on June 16, 1983 by the then State Chief Minister , Shri Arjun Singh Ji , The University has been named to perpetuate the memory of the great Satnami Saint Guru Ghasidas.It is a residential cum affiliating University , having Jurisdiction spread over the Bilaspur Revenue division comprising seven districts Raigarh , Surguja , Korba , Korea, Jashpur Ngr.Janjgir-Champa and Bilaspur districts. The university covers almost total spectrum of higher education with university teaching departments and sixty eight affiliated colleges, which include four autonomous colleges , one college of engineering , one college of education and one college of physical education for girls . The academic programmes and administrative functioning of the university have been facilitated by the calm and peaceful atmosphere prevailing in green and attractive campus of about 875 acres. The university campus is about five kms . away from the main town on Bilaspur- Ratanpur-Korba road.The University has started several professional job/career oriented courses in the year 1997-98. The courses will give an opportunity to each student for quality education and professional experience that will test his/her creativity at all levels, to nourish human values and concern for mankind . It is a Chapter of progress , holding within it a vision of excellence and charter for the triumph of human spirit. The university is committed for promoting educational interest of the members of SC ,ST and OBC of the society, in particular and of others , in general.
Some Professional & Job Oriented Courses
Courses Duration Minimum Qualification
BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application) 3 Yrs. (10+2) with Maths .
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) 3 Yrs. (10+2)
BJMC( Bachelor of Journ . & Mass. Comm ) 1 Yr. Graduation
B.Lib.I.Sc .( Bach. Of Lob and Infor . Sc.) 1 Yr. Graduation
P.G.Diploma in Computer Sc. & Appl .) 1 Yr. Graduation
P.G.Diploma in Business Management) 1 Yr. Graduation
P.G.Diploma in Marketing Management 1 Yr. Graduation
P.G.Diploma in Ind. Rel . L.W. & Per.Mgt 1 Yr. Graduation
M.Lib.I.Sc . (Master of Lib. And Info. Sc.)
1 Yr. B.Lib.I.Sc .
Tourist Places
RATANPUR - The old capital of the Chatisgarh state - the Ratanpur, is situated Approxmetly 25 km away from Bilaspur hq. in the way of Katghora Road . According to the voice of local people , it was the important place in all four Youg. (Satyug,Dwaper,Treta,Kalyoug).
As per the tourism importantance, there is an old fort which is to day In scraped condition. There is very good attractive old sculpture On stone over the frame of Ganesh gate. In this Gate frame Idols of River Ganga-Jamuna are found to see. On entrence there looks Of the Tandav Dance of God Shivji and statue of Bramha and Vishnu
MALLHAR - (Saravpur) Once open a time the Saravpur was the State of Capital of ancient Chatishgarh. It is approximately 14 Km. away from masturi block on the way of frtom Bialspur to Raigarh. At this place remaining found of the period from appx. 1000 BC to Culturi regime. The temples of 10 th and 11 th century old are seen here. Among those Pataleswar kedar temple is one of them where Gomukhi sihv ling is the main point of attraction. The Didneswari temple of Culturi regime is also found. Artisitc idols are found in Deor temple. At this place, there is mesuem having good collection of old sculpture being managed by Central Govt
TALAGRAM - Talagram is famous for "Deorani-Jethani" temple and is situated appx. 25 Kms. from Bilaspur on Bhojpur-Dagori road. The another name of Talagram is ameri-kapa gram. There is a wondeful statue present in the temple which is approximately 7 ft. height , 4 ft. width and weighed 8 tons. People from all corners of the world come to see the statue. There is no any name has been given to that statue even after several years.
KUTHAGHAT : It is basically a dam located appx. 10 Kms. from Ratanpur. It is surrounded with forest and hills. There is a rest house near to that dam. It is a natural tourist point.
BELPAN : It is situated appx. 11 Kms. from Takhatpur. It is famous for a big pond (kund) and samadhi.
KHADIA DAM : It is situtated in Lormi Block which is appx. 85 Kms. from Bilaspur. It is famous for natural resources.
KABIR : Chobutara - It is situated in Gourella Block and appx. 41 Kms. from Bilaspur. It is a place of saints and mahatma.