Faridabad district General information
Faridabad district is one of the districts of the state of Haryana with its headquarters at Faridabad city. Faridabad is about 25 Kilometers from Delhi in 28o 25' 16" North Latitude and 77o 18' 28" East Longitude.It is bounded by Union Territory of Delhi (National Capital) on its north, Gurgaon District on the west and State of Utter Pradesh on its east & south. Delhi-Mathura National Highway No.2 (Shershah Suri Marg) passes thru centre of District. It has a railway station on the Delhi-Mathura double track broad-gauge line of the Central Railway.
Faridabad is founded in 1607 AD by Sheikh Farid, Emperor Jehangir's treasurer. Sheikh Farid built a Fort and a mosque and slowly the town grew with refugees from Pakistan at partition. Now Faridabad is the most populated and industrialized city in the whole of Haryana. Faridabad alone is generating about 60% of the revenues of Haryana with its large number of industrial units. There is a belief that it was Baba Farid, an eminent Sufi saint, who founded Faridabad. District Faridabad after being carved out from erstwhile Gurgaon district came on the map of Haryana on 15th August, 1979 as district.
ORIGIN & DEVELOPMENT
Faridabad was founded in A.D. 1607 by Shaikh Farid, treasurer of Jahangir, with the object of protecting the highway which passed through the town. Shaikh Farid built a fort, a tank and a mosque which are in runins. Later, it becomes the headquaters of a pargana which was held in jagir by the Ballabgarh ruler. The District Faridabad came on the map of Haryana on 15th August, 1979 as the 12th District of the state. The new District was carved out from erstwhile Gurgoan District.
LOCATION & BOUNDRIES
Faridabad is about 25 Kilometers from Delhi in 28o 25' 16" North Latitude and 77o 18' 28" East Longitude. It is bounded by Union Territory of Delhi (National Capital) on its north, Gurgaon District on the west and State of Utter Pradesh on its east & south. The river Yamuna separate the District Boundary on eastern side with UP State. Delhi-Agra National Highway No.2 (Shershah Suri Marg) passes through centre of District. It has a railway station on the Delhi-Mathura double track broad-gauge line of the Indian Railway.
AREA & POPULATION
The district having an area of 2151.00 K.m. District having a share of 4.86% of the total state land accommodates a population of 21,93,276 (2001 Population census figures) 10.40 percent of the state population. Only 55 Sq. Km. is area under forest, which is about 2.61% of the total geographical area of the District. The district has almost flat plains. The river Yamuna flow on its entire eastern boundary. Its density according to 2001 population census is 1020 persons per Sq. km. against 372 in the state. It is the most densely populated district in the state.
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
Faridabad comes under the Gurgaon Division of Haryana. Haryana is divided in four Divisions. Each Division is headed by Divisional commissioner. The Deputy Commissioner is the administrative head of District. The Faridabad is divided into four Sub Divisions and each Sub Division is headed by Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM). The district has 5 Community Development Blocks located in 4 tehsils. It has 388 revenue villages of which 25 are uninhabited and 40 villages have been urbanised.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Faridabad has well connected network of road and Electricity. All the villages of the District are connected by metalled roads as well as all villages having electricity since 1970. Faridabad is well connected with other parts of the country by Rail and Road. The broad gauge railway line of Northern and North-Central Railways passes through the District and most of the trains going to South and West of India passes through the District. Also Delhi-Mathura-Agra road NH-2 passes through the middle of the District and Faridabad, Ballabgarh, Palwal & Hodal are the mains towns of the District on the National Highway. District has six telephone exchanges and about 126 post offices.
INDUSTRY
There are now about 15,000 small, medium and large industries in this complex providing direct and indirect employment to nearly half a million people and ranks 9th largest industrial estate in Asia. The combined turnover is estimated to be about Rs. 1500 billion. Many international/ multinational companies like Whirlpool, Goodyear, Larsen & Toubro, Asia Brown Boveri, GKN Invel, Woodward Governor, Castrol besides Escorts, Eicher, Cutler Hammer, Hyderabad Asbestos, Nuchem are operating in this belt.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Badkhal lake: Badkhal Lake, fringed by hills is a man-made embankment, which holds back the waters of the lake making it a perfect spot for water-sports. Next to Badkhal village, its name probably comes from the Persian word 'bedakhal', which means 'free from interference'. Formed in a scooped natural depression in the Aravalli hills, the lake is fed by rainwater and a small rivulet. On one inlet in the surrounding hill there are rest huts, which are small, cozy and compact.
Baba Farid's Tomb:: The city of Faridabad is believed to have been named after Baba Farid. His 'mazar' (grave) in the town is a popular pilgrimage spot for the local population.
Suraj Kund Tourist Complex And The Crafts Fair:: Situated at a distance of around 8 Kms from South Delhi, the Suraj Kund Lake provides the perfect getaway for both Delhiites and local residents alike. An ideal picnic spot, a Crafts Mela is held here every year in February. Tourists from all around the world flock to Suraj Kund to buy the best in Indian handicrafts. Close to Badhkal lake is the Peacock Lake, which is another picturesque spot..