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| Coordinates | 26°28′N 90°34′E / 26.47°N 90.57°ECoordinates: 26°28′N 90°34′E / 26.47°N 90.57°E |
| District(s) | Bongaigaon |
| Population • Density |
732,639 (2011[update]) • 425 /km2 (1,101 /sq mi) |
| Sex ratio | 961 per 1000 male (Census 2011) ♂/♀ |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
| Area |
1,724 square kilometres (666 sq mi) • 54 metres (177 ft) |
| Website | bongaigaon.nic.in |
Bongaigaon (Assamese: বঙাইগাঁও [bɔŋaiɡão]) is a city and the administrative headquarters and municipal board of Bongaigaon District, Assam, India. The city, divided into two parts - Old Bongaigaon and New Bongaigaon, is situated 180 kilometres (112 mi) north west of Guwahati. To meet the demands of Bodos of Assam, Bongaigaon was recently carved up to give way for Chirang district. Bongaigaon has a major petrochemical industry, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL BGR).
[edit] History
[edit] Creation of Bongaigaon
The decision of the Government of Assam in 1989, to create a new District of Bongaigaon curving out some areas of the Goalpara and Kokrajhar District with its headquarter located at Bongaigaon. On 29 September 1989, the creation of Bongaigaon District was declared by the Government of Assam with its headquarter at Bongaigaon.
[edit] Background
The original Goalpara district was first created in 1822 A.D. by David Scott- an employee of East India Company, who was the first Commissioner of newly created North East Rangpur district Hd. Qr. at Rangpur town (now in Bangla Desh) and newly created Goalpara district was also tagged with North-East Rangpur district for administration. The erstwhile Bijni Kingdom's area which included the undivided Garo Hills district area also constituted the original Goalpara district area in 1822. In 1866 Garo Hills was separated from Goalpara district area and in the same year a new district named "Greater Koch Behar" was created and the residual portion of Goalpara district was withdrawn from Rangpur and tagged with Koch Behar. In 1874 a new province named Assam Valley Province was created by British Govt. (Successor of East India Company) and Goalpara district area was withdrawn from Koch Behar and tagged with Assam Province which continues till today unless petty political gambling disturbs. Now the original Goalpara district has given birth of five districts namely (i) Goalpara (ii) Dhubri (iii) Kokrajhar (iv) Bongaigaon and (v) Chirang.
Hitherto referred, Bijni Kingdom was first establishment by Koch Rajbongshi people|Koch Rajbongshi King Maharaj Bijit Narayan alias Chandra Narayan in 1671 comprising the area of undivided Goalpara district. Maharaj Chandra Narayan was the son of Parikshit Narayan who was the grandson of Yuvaraj Sukladhwaj alias Prince Chilarai, the world hero (1510-1571 AD). He was the younger brother of Maharaj Naranarayan, the great emperor of Kamrup Rajya alias Kamata Empire alias Koch Empire of 16th century. The first capital of Bijni Kingdom was at modern "Bijni" town from 1671 to 1864 and thereafter shifted to Dumuria (now known as Dalan Bhanga) due to attack by Jhawlia Mech - a local chief under Bhutan Kingdom. The big and dreaded earthquake occurred at 5 PM, on 12 June/1897 badly damaged the royal palaces of Dumuriya caused the shifting of the Capital temporarily to Jogighopa and thereafter permanently shifted to Deohati forest area now known as Abhayapuri named after Rani Abhayeswari in 1901, which continued up to 1956 when Govt. of India took over this Rajbongshi Kingdom. At present Bongaigaon district is having three Civil Sub-Divisions, namely (1) Bongaigaon with Hd. Qr. at Bongaigaon (2) North Salmara with Hd. Qr. at Abhayapuri town and (3) Bijni with Hd. Qr. at Bijni town.90% area of Bongaigaon district belonged to erstwhile Bijni Kingdom and 10% area from Sidli Kingdom and it is ruled by KochRajbongshi Kings, Raja Bhairabendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur and Raja Ajit Narayan Dev were the last kings of Bijni and Sidli Kingdoms respectively.Joy Narayan, Shiv Narayan, Bijoy Narayan, Mukunda Narayan, Haridev Narayan,Indra Narayan,Amrit Narayan. Kumud Narayan and Rani Abhayeswari were the Kings and queen in between the founder king Chandra Narayan and the last king Bhairabendra Narayan of Bijni Kingdom.
[edit] Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bongaigaon
The Bongaigaon Refinery is the eighth largest refinery of IndianOil. Formed upon the amalgamation of Bongaigaon Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited (BRPL) with IndianOil on March 25. 2009, Bongaigaon refinery is situated at Dhaligaon in Chirang district of Assam, 200 km west of Guwahati.
It two Crude Distillation Units (CDU), two Delayed Coker Units (DCU) and a Coke Calcination Unit (CCU) with a processing capacity of 2.35 MMTPA of crude oil. The first CDU with a capacity of 1 MMTPA was commissioned in the year 1979. The capacity was further increased to 1.35 MMTPA in 1986. An LPG Bottling Plant with a capacity of 44,000 MTPA was also commissioned in the year 2003.
Presently the refinery produces a wide range of petroleum products namely LPG, Naphtha, MS, SKO, HSD, LDO, LSHS, LVFO, RPC, CPC, Needle coke and solvents (Petrosol and Bonmex-II) by processing Assam Crude and Ravva Crude (from the Ravva oil fields of Krishna Godavari Basin). Bongaigaon refinery has also undertaken special endeavours towards environment protection and conservation. The refinery has developed an ecological park and a pond surrounding it containing 65,000 cubic meter of water, through which the storm water drains of the plant are routed for final discharge. Another natural pond with a capacity of 30,000 cubic meter of water has developed into an environment-friendly park-cum-pond for migratory birds. In addition, a rain water harvesting system has been installed in the Bongaigaon township complex and the installation of solar water heating systems (SWHS) and solar photovoltaic systems (streetlights) is underway.
In recognition of its green initiatives, Bongaigaon refinery has been a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, the latest being the National Award for "Prevention of Pollution" from the Ministry of Environment and Forests on September 16, 2010. The award acknowledges the Refinery’s outstanding contribution in environmental conservation and creating environmental awareness in the Bodo Territorial Autonomous District region of Assam, which is predominantly a tribal dominated area. Bongaigoan Refinery is the country’s first oil Refinery to have won this coveted honour. Last year the Refinery was honoured with the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puruskar by the Ministry of Environment, as well as the ‘Greentech Environment Excellence Gold Award 2008’ and the ‘Indira Gandhi Paryavarn Puraskar 2006’ for its outstanding environment performance.
[edit] The People
From the chequered historical background of this district, it can easily be surmised that the entire area was ruled by Kings/Zaminders/Feudal Lords hailing from the Koch-Rajbongshies belonging to Indo-Mongoloid ethnic group of peoples right from 15th century to the end of princely states in 1956 A.D. The kings of this area had their hoary past and can be traced back to the "Kiratees" of epic age (Mahabharata fame) that is pre-vedic age. These Kiratees of dimpast are also mentioned in Kalika Puran and Jogingi Tantra and also in histories written both by native and foreign schoolers.
[edit] Socio-cultural spectrum
Apart from prevalent common environment in the erstwhile Bijni Kingdom and undivided Goalpara district of 1822, the most striking factors of Bongaigaon district are the Hilly Caves (Gumphas) and stone carvings of Jogighopa hill-rocks demonstrating the existence of Buddhist culture. The hills and the hilly rocks, the rivers, natural and man made ponds, the deep forest, the trees, plants and the bushes.
[edit] Geography
Bongaigaon is located at 26°28′N 90°34′E / 26.47°N 90.57°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 54 metres (177 feet).
[edit] Demography
As of 2011 India census,[2] Bongaigaon district had a population of 732639 with 373590 males and 359049 females. Bongaigaon has an average literacy rate of 70.44%.with male literacy of 75.48% and female literacy of 65.18%.
The majority of the population of Bongaigaon is dominated by Bodos and Assamese followed by Bengalis, Marwaris. Recently, immigration from Bangladesh has increased the population by substantial number.
Most of the residents are dominated farmers. Others are mostly in service. There are very few private firms and industries.
[edit] Natural resource base
The district falls under Brahmaputra river basin.[3] The district has large reservoir of water resources with the river Brahmaputra and its two tributaries of Ai and Manas. The soil type is generally sandy to sandy loam with alluvial deposits. Among the 15 agro-climatic regions of the country, categorized/identified on the basis of homogeneity in agro-characteristics, Bongaigaon falls in the Lower Brahmaputra Valley zone. The agro climatic conditions of the district are conducive for various agricultural activities. The topography of the district represents mostly plain lands except a small portion of isolated hills in Bijni sub-division, bordering Bhutan. The district is drained by the Brahmaputra on the south and two of its major tributaries viz. Ai & Manas flowing from the north to south. About 72 percent of normal rainfall is received during May to August. Agriculture in the district is characterized by over dependence on rainfall, predominance of seasonal crops and traditional methods of cultivation. The forest cover in the district is estimated to be 56598 hectares i.e. 22.6 percent of its total geographical area as per the estimates of Forest Statistics of Assam 2005. The Manas National Park is a wildlife forest reserve which lies in the northern part of the district.
[edit] Climate
| Climate data for Bongaigaon | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 30 (86) |
33 (91) |
38 (100) |
40 (104) |
38 (100) |
40 (104) |
37 (99) |
37 (99) |
37 (99) |
35 (95) |
32 (90) |
28 (82) |
40 (104) |
| Average high °C (°F) | 23 (73) |
25 (77) |
30 (86) |
31 (88) |
31 (88) |
31 (88) |
32 (90) |
32 (90) |
31 (88) |
30 (86) |
27 (81) |
24 (75) |
29 (84) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 10 (50) |
12 (54) |
15 (59) |
20 (68) |
22 (72) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
24 (75) |
21 (70) |
16 (61) |
11 (52) |
19 (66) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 5 (41) |
6 (43) |
6 (43) |
11 (52) |
16 (61) |
18 (64) |
20 (68) |
21 (70) |
20 (68) |
15 (59) |
10 (50) |
5 (41) |
5 (41) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 11.4 (0.449) |
12.8 (0.504) |
57.7 (2.272) |
142.3 (5.602) |
248.0 (9.764) |
350.1 (13.783) |
353.6 (13.921) |
269.9 (10.626) |
166.2 (6.543) |
79.2 (3.118) |
19.4 (0.764) |
5.1 (0.201) |
1,717.7 (67.626) |
| Source: wunderground.com [4] | |||||||||||||
[edit] Transport
Air The nearest domestic and international airports is Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati.It is about 165 km from Bongaigaon.
Railways Bongaigaon falls under the Northeast Frontier Railway zone of the Indian Railways.There are two stations in Bongaigaon - New Bongaigaon Jn and Bongaigaon (old) station. Major trains serving Bongaigaon with major cities are Guwahati Rajdhani Express, Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express, Saraighat Express, North-East Express, Guwahati Bangalore Express, Guwahati Ernakulam Express, Kamrup Express.It is the largest station in Lower Assam after Guwahati.
Roadways National Highway 31 connects Bongaigaon with the states Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. National Highway 37 from Goalpara in Assam to Dimapur in Nagaland traverses the entire length of Assam and connects Bongaigaon with almost all the major cities of Assam including the cities of Jorhat and Dibrugarh. National Highway 31C connects Bongaigaon To Guwahati and National Highway 37 also connects Bongaigaon with Guwahati. There are many Bus Terminal like -ASTC Bongaigaon, Barpara Private, Chapaguri Bus Stand. There are many buses which connects Bongaigaon with Barpeta, Tezpur, Goalpara, Siliguri, Cooch Behar etc.
[edit] Sports
Bongaigaon has considerably good sporting facilities. It has got a new indoor stadium in barpara namely Chilaray Indoor Stadium, Bongaigaon and a mini stadium near Chapaguri Road.
[edit] Hotels
Bongaigaon has a number of Hotels in the city.They are-
- Kanishka Hotel (T.R. Phukan Road)
- Hotel Jahnabi-3 Star (Chapaguri Road)
- Hotel Bajwi (Under Construction)
- Hotel Maharaja (Station Road)
- Hotel Brahmaputra Valley (Chapaguri) and many more.
[edit] NTPC Bongaigaon
The NTPC project at Bongaigaon is slated for commissioning. Assam gets 240MW from Palatana project, and will receive 300MW from Bongaigaon project. The total land requirement is 964 acres which is already available. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 40600 million.
[edit] Tourism
The scenic beauty of Bongaigaon is well preserved. Although, the city is being developed, the natural habitat remains largely untouched. The town park is open for residents as well as tourists and is well located in the heart of the city. Bagheswari Temple and Bageswari Hill are also two attractions for the visitors.
'KAYAKUJIYA BILL' ,a project undertaken by Assam Tourisim Development Corporation, is a popular tourist attraction situated near Abhayapuri about 25 kilometers from Bongaigaon. It attracts thousands of local and foreign tourists every season. The vast waterland consisting of small islands flourish with myriad flora & fauna. Many migratory birds migrate to this place during the winter.
[edit] Education
Schools: The number of schools kept rising after the refinery started functioning. Although, there are a good number of schools, but those providing higher secondary education are few. Renowned among them are-
- Birjhora Higher Secondary School
- Bongaigaon Railway Higher Secondary School
- DPS Dhaligaon
- KV New Bongaigaon
- BRPL VIDYALAYA
- Bongaigaon English Medium High School (Menon's)
- Santi Dham Kalibari High school
- Hindi Higher Secondary School, Vivekananda Vidhya Pith
But seeing the impressive results for quite a few years, the number of schools are on rise.
Colleges:
- Bongaigaon college
- Bongaigaon Polytechnic
- Bijhora Mahavidyalaya (Degree Science College)
- Birjhora Kanya Mahavidyalaya
- Bongaigaon Law College
- Bongaigaon B.Ed College
Many students venture out to other colleges throughout the country for higher studies. It has provision for M.A. (English) from Bongaigaon College and one IGNOU Study Centre in Birjhora Mahavidyalaya. From there also correspondence M.A. (English), BCA, can be completed.
[edit] 3G services in Bongaigaon
3G services are a recent addition to the city.
| Sl No. | Mobile Operator |
|---|---|
| 1 | BSNL[5] |
| 2 | Aircel[6] |
| 3 | Reliance[7] |
| 4 | Airtel[8] |
| 5 | Idea Cellular[9] |
Other mobile operators will soon launch their 3G services in the city.
[edit] Important Places
- IOCL Bongaigaon, Bongaigaon Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited
- Bageswari Mandir and Mountain
- Eco Park, near Bongaigaon College
- Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station
- Birjhora Tea Estate
- Koya Kujia
- Coconut Plant Project
- Kakoijana Reserve Forest (project for preservation of Golden Langur)
- New Bongaigaon Railway Station
- Jogighopa Caves
[edit] Politics
Bongaigaon is part of Barpeta (Lok Sabha constituency).[10]
[edit] References
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Bongaigaon
- ^ "Census 2011". census2011.co.in. http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/143-bongaigaon.html. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "District Report Bongaigaon". commissioned by Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. http://www.icssr.org/Bongaigaon.pdf. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "Historical Weather for Delhi, India". Weather Underground. http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/DisplayIntlNORMS.asp?CityCode=42182&Units=both. Retrieved November 27, 2008.
- ^ www.assam.bsnl.co.in
- ^ www.aircel.com
- ^ www.rcom.co.in
- ^ www.airtel.in
- ^ www.ideacellular.com
- ^ "List of Parliamentary & Assembly Constituencies" (PDF). Assam. Election Commission of India. http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S03/AS_ACPC.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
