Baleshwar district General information
Balasore District, also known as Baleswar District or Baleshwar District, is an administrative district of Orissa state in eastern India. The lingua franca is Oriya. The coastal district is known for its beautiful mountains and famous temples. Balasore is a place of scenic beauty and a major tourist attraction, also because of its historical monuments and temples. There are a few hill ranges in the region too.
Geography
Balasore is one of the coastal district of Orissa,lies on the northern most part of the state having 21 degree 03’ to 21 degree 59’ North Latitude & 86 degree 20’ to 87 degree 29’ East Longitude. Geographical area of the district is 36, 34 Sqr. KM. Midnapore district of West Bengal is in its North, the Bay of Bengal is on the east and Bhadrak district lies on the South whereas Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar districts are on its western side.
Broadly this district can be divided into three geographical regions, namely, the Coastal belt, the inner alluvial plain and the North-Western hills. The coastal belt is about 26 Kms wide and shapes like a strip. In this region, sand dunes are noticed along the coast with some ridges. This region is mostly flooded with brackish water of estuarine rivers which is unsuitable for cultivation. But, presently this area is utilized for coconut and betel cultivation. Shrimp culture and salt manufacturing units are also developing in this area recently. The second contiguous geographical region is deltaic alluvial plain. It is a wide stretch of highly fertiled and irrigated land. This area is highly populous and devoid of any jungle. The third region, north-western hilly region covers most of Nilgiri Sub-division. It is mostly hilly terrain and vegetated with tropical semi-ever green forest. The hills of Nilgiri has highest peak of 1783 ft. above the sea level. The Scheduled Tribe persons of the district are mostly seen in this region of valuable forest resources and stone quarries.
Demography
As per the 2001 Census, the population is 20,23,000 comprising 10,38,000 males and 9,85,000 females.
River
Balasore, the coastal district of Orissa is crisscrossed with perennial and estuarine rivers because of its proximity to sea. Two important rivers of Orissa , namely :- Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha have passed through this district from west to east before surging into the Bay of Bengal.The irrigation system in Balasore district is very much widespread. Industrialization is also gaining ground as the rubber, plastic,Paper and alloyes industries are mushrooming around Balasore town.
Soil
The soil of Balasore district is mostly alluvial laterite. The soil of Central region is mostly clay, clay loam and sandy loam which is very fertile for paddy and other farm produces. Nilgiri Sub-division is mostly gravelly and lateritic soil, which is less fertile.
A small strip of saline soil is also seen along the extreme coastal part of the district.
Climate
The climate of Balasore district is mostly hot and humid. The hot season starts from March till May and followed by rainy season from June to September. During this period, south-west monsoon causes maximum rain. But the district experiences highest rain fall during July and August. Because of its strategic location, this district faces most of the cyclonic storm and depression which is raised from the Bay of Bengal. The cold season from December to February is very pleasant. The average temperature of the district varies between 22*C to 32*C and the average rain fall is 1583 mm.
Division
Balasore district is divided into two sub-divisions namely Balasore, and Nilagiri having 19 Police Stations,07 Tahasils for revenue and administrative purposes.Only the sub-division Nilagiri is of hilly region with hillocks and forest.For undertaking developmental works in the rural areas, the district is also divided in to 12 Blocks.Besides,there are four statutory towns consisting of 1 municipality and 3 NACs. These local bodies look into civic aspects of urban areas.
Access
The South Eastern Railway covers a distance 102 Kms within Balasore District connecting it with Kolkata , Bhubaneswar & Chennai. Besides, National highways pass through the district and runs from Kolkata to Chennai .The National highway No.5 covers a distance 66 Kms. and National highway No.60 covers a distance 53 Kms.within Balasore is about 220 kms (by road) & 232 kms (by rail) from Kolkata and about 215 kms by road & 206 kms by rail from Bhubaneswar. The Kolkata International air port & Bhubaneswar National air port are only about four hour journey by road/rail from Balasore .
Economy
The district has four major revenue sources. Industries, Agriculture, fishing and Tourism.
Tourist Place
A Coastal district on the North Eastern Sea board Balasore has destination of having been called the " scenarios of Orissa " with heritages of green paddy fields, a network of rivers, blue hills, extensive meadows and extraordinary beach.
The religious centers at Remuna, Chandaneswar, Panchalingeswar, Sajanagarh, Ayodya, Maninageswar Temple at Bardhanpur are popular among the devotees and form major attraction for the tourists. The district also hosts as a paradise for nature lovers to explore the rich diversity availed by the hills, sea and forests. The beaches of Chandipur, Kashapal, Chaumukh, Kharasahapur and Talsari are some of the most peaceful beaches which provide quite a distinct experience from the spoils of civilization. The Similapal Forest reserve and Nilgiri reserves provide nature lovers a natural abode for vacations.
The fort of Raibania and the deshuan pokhari are among locations which are historically significant.