BALASORE (ORISSA)
General Background:
Balasore (also known as Baleswar and Baleshwar) is a strategically located city in the state of Orissa in eastern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Balasore district. It is best known for Chandipur beach. It is also the site of the Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program's Integrated Test Range, located 18 km. south of Balasore. The Defence Research and Development Organization developed many different missiles such as Nag, Brahmos, and Agni missile among others here. The lingua franca is Oriya.
History:
The English settlement of Balasore, formed in 1642, was an early trading port for British, French and Dutch ships in the early age of Enlightenment and became a colonial part of first Danish India later British India.
In 1763 Balasore became a Danish possession, governed from Tranquebar, as part of Danish India Due to the shallowness of its bay, the trading post was abandoned, leaving behind only a small settlement in the area. On 7 November 1845, all Danish India was sold to the British, who made it part of British India. Since the beginning of the 20th century Balasore, as a strategic point, interested revolutionaries
Geography:
Balasore is a city in the North of Orissa. It is located at the south eastern part of the India. The city is surrounded by West Bengal in the north, and the Bay of Bengal to the East. Balasore is located at 21°30`N, 86°56`E. Balasore surrounds an area of 3076 km2.
Geographically, Balasore or Baleshwar comprises three distinct regions of North-Western Hill ranges, Coastal Area and inner alluvial belt.
Balasore is also known “The city of Land on Sea Shore" or” City of Sand"
Balasore is famous for its forests and mines. This district is noted for the Budhabalanga River and 3824 Feet high Mountain Mahagiri.
Balasore, the coastal district of Orissa is crisscrossed with perennial and estuarine rivers because of its proximity to the sea. Two important rivers of Orissa, namely: - Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha pass through this district from west to east before surging into the Bay of Bengal. The irrigation system in Balasore district is very much widespread.
GENERAL
Geographical area (Sq. Km) 3,706
Latitudes 20.48N 21.59N
Longitudes 86.16E 87.29E
No. of Subdivisions 2
No. of Tehsils 7
No. of Blocks 12 (Bahanaga, Balasore, Baliapal, Basta, Bhograi, Jaleswar, Khaira, Nilgiri, Oupada, Remuna, Simulia and Soro)
Towns & Urban bodies 4
Gram Panchayats 289(257 old+ 32new)
Villages 2971
Inhabited villages 2602
Population density (persons per Sq km)
546
Major Rivers (5) Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Jalaka, Kansabansa and Sono
Communication facilities Bus, Railway (BBSR to Howrah)
Interim Test range (I.T.R) Chandipur (Sadar block, Srikona G.P.)
Population and Other details:
Parameters DistrictPopulation (in Millions)
2.02
Population Growth (Decadal)
19.24%
Sex Ratio 9530-14 34.5%15-59 58.72%
60 and Above 6.78%
4.1.1. Workforce:
Main Workers No.Cultivators 220,235Agricultural labourers 212,608Household Industry, Servicing and Repairs
23,489
Other workers 188,801Main Workers 483,345(24%)
Marginal Workers 161,788(8%)Total Workers 645,133Non Workers 1,379,375 (68%)
*Total people who are employed or unemployed include Main workers, marginal workers and non workers. The percentage illustrates the same.
4.1.2 Religion and demographic behaviour
S.No. Parameters Dist. Details1 SCs 381,422 (19.12%)2 STs 228,454 (11.43%)
*The percentage shown is of total population. SCs and STs together form 30.55% of the total population in Balasore.
Habitation Pattern
Rural Population Urban Population180, 4140 (89.12%) 220,368 (10.88%)
Literacy:
Parameters DistrictLiteracy (%) 70.56%
Male Literacy 81.69%
Female Literacy 58.90%
Economic growth-
S No. Religious compositions Persons
1 All Religions 2,024,508
2 Hindus 1,937,765 (95.71%)
3 Muslims 76,270 (3.76%)
4 Christians 5,967 (0.29%)
5 Sikhs 162
6 Buddhists 40
7 Jains 182
8 Others 2,826(0.14%)
9 Religion not stated 1,296
5.1 Major economic activities: -
Balasore is the main town in the District of Balasore. The primary occupation of people in the district
of Balasore is cultivation. Balasore district is mostly known for cultivation of paddy, since rice is the
staple cereal of the local people. The district has four major revenue sources- Industries, Agriculture,
fishing and Tourism.
The main market of Balasore is Nua Bazar, Motiganj, FM Square, Vivekananda Marg, Station Square,
ITI Chakh, Kachehri Road and Nua Shahi.
5.2 Industrial hubs
District Industries Centre is the NODAL AGENCY for promotion and establishment of Small Scale,
Large and Medium Industries as well as Cottage & Handicraft Industries in the District. It provides
single window facilities to the entrepreneurs interested for setting up of Small Scale Industrial Units
in the district. Besides, being the Registering Authority of SSI units, DIC also assist the entrepreneurs
in getting all inputs like finance, IDCO / Govt. land and Shed, scarce raw- materials, power as well
as marketing assistance through various related organisations.The D.I.C.,Balasore is functioning
from August'1978. The undivided Balasore district was categorized as “No Industries District
“during 1983. Now the district has emerged as one of the industrially developed districts of
the State due to sincere efforts of the prospective entrepreneurs as well as active co-operation of
different Govt. Departments & other organizations associated with industrial development.
Balasore is well connected by National and State High- ways. The National Highways no.5 is being
widened into four lines. The National Highway-60 connecting Balasore to Jaleswar and to West
Bengal is also being widened into four lanes. There is vast coast line congenial for marine and
brackish water fisheries. The district is very much congenial for industrial growth.
Services Rendered By the District Industries Centre, Balasore
There are 13 Industries Promotion Officers (IPOs) engaged in different Blocks/Municipality of
Balasore district for promotion of industries in the District. The Main objectives of the DIC are listed
as below.
To identify prospective entrepreneurs to take up viable projects.
To identify viable projects and make demand survey on the available resources of the district and plan for promotion of viable industries in the area.
To grant Provisional Registration Certificate (PRC) and Permanent Registration Certificate (PMT) to the entrepreneurs.
To allot Govt. land /shed in Industrial Estates.
To recommend for power connection.
To monitor the implementation of Rural Employment Generation Program GRY(REGP)/Special Employment Program(SEP) through financial assistance of K.V.I.C.
To monitor the health of existing Handicraft & Cottage Industries established by Rural Artisans.
To uplift socio-economic condition of the rural artisans as well as downtrodden people, by way of rendering assistance through the different Societies.
Award Winning SSI Units of Balasore District:
S.No. Name of SSI Unit Nature Of Award Year
1 M/S Ori Plast Limited, OT Road, Balasore National Award For
Quality Product
1994 & 95
2 M/S Orissa Plastic Processing, At Alupur, OT Road,
Balasore
National Award 1993
3 M/S Jagannath Biscuits Pvt Limited, At PO
Khannanagar, Balasore
National Award 1994
4 M/S Orissa Rubber Industries, At Saraswatipur, OT
Road, Balasore
National Award 1997
QUALITY CERTIFIED INDUSTRIES
S.No Name Of the Industry Status Quality Certificate
1 M/S Oripol Industries Limited, Remuna, Balasore SSI ISO-9002
2 M/S ECP Industries Limited (Cylinder Divison), I/E, BALASORE. SSI ISO-9002
3 M/S Ori-Plast Ltd, O.T.Road,Balasore SSI ISO-9002
4 M/S Birla Tyres, Bampada,Balasore Large ISO-9001
5 M/S Ispat Alloys Ltd, I/A,Balgopalpur, Balasore Large ISO-9001
6 M/S Gampas Plastech Pvt.Ltd , Ganeswarpur Indl.Area, SSI ISO-9002
Balasore
7 M/S Raj Lubricants, Salabani, Ganeswarpur, Balasore. SSI ISO-9002
8 M/S Tara Tarini Rubber(India) Pvt.Ltd, Ganeswarpur
Indl.Estate, Balasore
SSI ISO-9002
9 M/S Utkal Polyweave Pvt.Ltd, Ganeswarpur Indl.Estate,
Balasore
SSI ISO-9002
10 M/S Orissa Rubber Products , O.T.Road,Balasore SSI ISO-9001
11 M/S Safa Marine Pvt.Ltd, Biruan,Sergarh,Balasore SSI ISO-9000
12 M/S Emami Paper Mill Ltd., Balgopalpur Indl.Estate, Balasore Large ISO-9002
13 M/S Polar Pharma India Ltd, Somanathpur
Indl.Estate, Balasore.
Large ISO-9002
14 M/S Anaar Pharmaceuticals , Pvt.Ltd, Ganeswarpur
Indl.Estate, Balasore
SSI ISO-9002
15 M/S Jaiswal Plastic Tubes Ltd, Ganeswarpur Indl.Estate,
Balasore
SSI ISO-9002
16 M/S Orissa Plastic Processing, Pvt. Ltd, Alupur,Balasore SSI ISO-9002
BPL status in district
No of BPL families in district
No of Cards issued to them
Benefits availed No of Self employment under different govt schemes
Income per month/ household
2, 88,000 (82.2%) (Rural BPL)
Infrastructural Snapshot:-
Education-
Education plays an important role in Balasore both before and after Independence. At present many
a primary & secondary schools both in English and Regional language medium are imparting School
Education. Many a Degree Colleges Law College, College of Education, Engineering School and
Colleges, Song & Music colleges, Art and Craft Colleges, Industrial Training Institutes, Management
Colleges & Computer Institutes are found at different parts of District. Fakir Mohan University of
Balasore is in a rapid progressive stage. Balasore is also highly reputed in the field of Drama, Theatre,
Music & Literature. The Radha Govinda Theatre ,Bharati Theatre ,Sunhat Theatre & Juvenile Theatre
were highly reputed before Independence and the institutions like Srashtha,Fakir Mohan Natya
Parishad, Fakir Mohan Sahitya Parishad, Chadrabhaga, Nrutya Sangeeta Kala Mandir,Sai Kala Mandir
etc. after Independence are highly repute in the field of Culture.
Schools:
Primary Schools 1507
Middle Schools 856
High Schools 439
Education DistrictSchools 1782(Primary), 1125(Middle),
Secondary/Senior Secondary (582)Colleges 52
Health-
HOSPITALS & HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS
ICDS Projects (Integrated Child Development Services) 12
Aanganwadi Centres (AWC) 1578
Hospitals (Dist Hqr & Sub-division) 2
CHC (Community Health Centre) & PHC (Primary Health Centre)
3 & 75
ANM Sub-centres (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) 264
Ayurvedic & Homeopathic Hospitals and Dispensaries 24 & 30
Transport Infrastructure DistrictNo of Highways (Major Roads)
2(NH-5,NH-60)
Agriculture-
Land use Data:-
Climate and Rainfall
Climate of the district is generally not with high humidity. May is usually the hottest month.
Occurrence of large number of fire accidents is a regular feature of the district during the summer
months i.e. April to May. December is the coolest month of the year. The highest maximum
temperature recorded at Balasore was 44˚ C on 8.6.98. Monsoon generally commences from
14th June every year. Average rainfall of the undivided district is 1568.4 mm. The rainfall during June
to December constitutes at least 75% of the annual rainfall of the district.
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 fertile 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. 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 alloys industries are mushrooming around Balasore town.
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.
There is average 62 rainy days in a year in the district. Normal and actual rainfall of Balasore district
for the last 18 years is as follows:
S.No Particulars Figures
1. Geographical Area 3634.0 Sq Kms2. Total Cultivable Area 2,69,630 ha3. Net Irrigated Area 78,164 ha4. Major Crops Rice, Jute,Coconut,Betel
Environmental Issues:
Rural Water & Sanitation
Rural Households having toilets < 2%
Number of Hand pumps (IMII, IMIII, Tara)
9640
Defunct (out of total above) 625
Population covered with drinking water
85%
Pipe water supply schemes 16 + 32 ongoing
Schools without water supply 1290
Year Normal
rainfall
(in mm.)
Actual
rainfall
( in mm.)
Deviation from
normal.
1995 1568.4 2203.0 (+) 634.6
1996 1568.4 1410.5 (-) 157.9
1997 1568.4 2232.4 (+) 664.0
1998 1568.4 1608.0 (+) 39.6
1999 1568.4 2186.6 (+) 618.2
2000 1568.4 1492.3 (-) 76.1
2001 1568.4 1828.85 (+) 260.45
Tourism
Places of Tourist Interest:
Bhujakhia Pir, situated at sunhat at the heart of the city is the tomb of Sufi saint Aasthana Sharif
Hazrat Pir named as Bhujakhia Pir. The shrine of Baba Bhujakhira Pir of Balasore stands as a symbol
of harmony between Muslim and Hindu. During the occasion of Urs, Crowd gathers at shrine
comprises both Hindu and Muslims. This is an age-old tradition here. The legend tells that Aasthana
Sharif Hazrat Pir, name afterwards as ‘Bhujakhia Pir’ had come to Orissa in the 16th century and
devoted himself to the service of mankind, especially to the service of Cholera victims. The Pir was
much fond of ‘Bhuja’ (Puffed rice), and he is remembered as Bhujakhia Pir. Since after his demise
also he is remembered with respect and the shrine remained as place of worship for both
communities since centuries.Kshirachora Gopinatha Temple, situated at Remuna, approximately
7 km from the main town of Balasore, was built by the Great King Langula Narasimha Dev who also
built the notable Temple at Konark. Khirochora Gopinath Temple is notable for its mythological story
about how it was built there. The Biranchinarayan Temple, Palia, "Asta Durga", "Bhudhar Chandi"
are some other temples located in that region.
Chandipur-on-sea is a sea resort famous for its mile long shallow beaches. It is a unique beach where
the tide comes to the shore only four times a day, at fixed intervals. At a distance of 30 kms. south-
west, there lies Panchalingeshwar, a scenic spot high on a mountain. The presiding Siva there can't
be seen, rather, one has to feel by touching the statue which is submerged under the flowing
fountain. About 33 km south-west of Balasore, there is 'Santaragadia' is a semi town where
'Biseswar temple' is situated in the hill, covered by hills on its sides. Near to this place, there is
'Khulia Village' which is a settlement of aboriginal peoples staying in a scenic village surrounded by
hills and fountains from all sides. Around 30 km south-east of Balasore, there is a port named
'Dhamra'.It was the birthplace of linguist and novelist Fakir Mohan Senapati, creator of Oriya script
and rebel against the British Raj, and poet Kabibar Radhanath Ray, noted for his poems on the
beauty of Chilika Lake and rebel against the British Raj. He is born in Kedarpur (soro) near to village
Budei. Recently Lord Jagannath Temple at Talakurunia village of about 23 km from Balasore city is
place of attraction. Earlier there was very old temple and now it has been renovated with 22
steps .In temple Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Sudhadra are being worship.
TEMPLES:
Remuna
Famous for Khirochora Gopinath temple Remuna has been a
seat of Vaishnawite Culture for centuries, Madhabendra Puri
the teacher of Shri Chaitanya and Shri
Chaitanya himself visited Remuna and offered their worship to
Khirochora Gopinath. Today hundreds of devotees gather daily
for the sacred Darshan of the Lord. Specially prepared milk is
the most delicious prasad of the temple. Remuna is a chunk of
Vrindaban in Orissa.
S A J A N A G A R H
Sajanagarh is a place which as serving as a military base during the period of ex-rulers of Nilgiri state. The main attraction of the place is the temple of goddess “Bhudharchandi “On the walls of both temple and boundary beautiful stone works have been made elegantly.
AYODHY A
Ayodhya is the place where assimilation of Jainism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Tantraism Saivism, and
Sakthism took place. The place was flourished once upon a time as a town or it was a Capital of a
Rail Nearest rail head is at
Balasore
Road Remuna is 9 Kms. From
Balasore connected with
good motorable road.
Rail Nearest rail head is at
Balasore 30 Kms.
Road
Sajanagarh is connected
with good motorable road
25 Kms. From Balasore
king the time is still not known. A large number of images (remains) have been unearthed from the
site. Among them Buddha, Jains,
Pareshnath, Shiva, Gonesh, Natraj, Bhairabi, Maricha, Baraha, Tara are famous. Goddess Marichi is
the most attractive.
LANGALESWAR
The place is famous for its location and mythology Lord Shiva used to plough the paddy field. In
memory of the same plough is there and hundreds of pilgrims use to gather there to worship the
Lord Langaleswar who has been named after that plough. Langaleswar is famous for Saivism. The
location of the temple by the side of river parvati too creates a scenic beauty and makes another
attraction of the place.
LAXMANNATH
It is situated at a distance of 50 Kms. from Balasore. The old palace, the gada of Raymahasay of
Laxmannath is the main attraction. The temple of Shyamakali, JagannathDwadasha Shiva are worth
seeing.
Rail : Nearest rail head is at Balasore on S.E.Rly. ( 30 Kms )
Road : Ayodhya is 30 Kms. Balasore. All weather pitch road is
available on Ayodhya.
Rail Nearest rail head is Basta
Road Langaleswar is connected with a good motorable road (46
Kms. From Balasore)
Rail Nearest rail head is Jaleswar (5 Kms.)
Road
Laxmannath is connected with a good motorable road (50
Kms. From Balasore)
CHANDANESWAR & TALSARI
The holy shrine of Lord Chandaneswar is a religious centre not only for the people of Balasore District but also places adjacent West Bengal. It is a unique sight to see the devotees flock together in hundreds everyday and in thousands on festive occasion like Chadak Mela for Darshan of the Lord which falls in April every week.
Rail Nearest rail head is Jaleswar (43 Kms.)
Road It is connected with a good motorable road from Balasore (93 Kms.) and
Digha (6 Kms.)
HOTELS in Balasore:
Education Level attained in the District:
Total 1,219,495Without Level 12,810Below Primary 352,280Primary 365,601Middle 177,018Matric/Higher Secondary/Diploma 235,371Graduate and Above 76,372
Hotel Torrento Phone : 263482
Hotel Swarnachuda Phone : 263440
Hotel Suraj Phone: 263630
Hotel Nishi Phone : 264895
Hotel Pacific Phone : 265303
Hotel Alakapuri Phone : 264330
Hotel Binayak Phone : 264550
Hotel Moonlight Phone : 264443
Hotel Trimurty Phone : 254075
Hotel Maharaja Phone : 264269
Hotel Kalinga Phone : 263152
D.K.Lodge Phone : 262603
City Lodge Phone : 262566
Hotel Panchajanya Phone : 266646
Amrit Lodge Phone : 266123
SHGs in Balasore:
Agnisikha Voluntary Organization, Children – Education
Sure Success Building,po-azimabad, At-padhuanpada Chhak, balasore,Orissa
*Regd with Ministry of Home Affairs
ALTERNATIVE FOR RURAL MOVEMENT (ARM)
Category 1 – Women, Category 2 - Rural Development, Category 3 - Children - Education
Mr.Rajendra Kumar Rana
Tel : 06781- 253424 (9 am -5 pm), 09040127260 (7 am-10 pm)
[email protected], [email protected]
Amar Bharati
P.o Mahudama Via Hatigarh Balasore
Category 1 – Social Welfare
*Regd with Ministry of Home Affairs
Anchalik Grama Vikas Parishad
Anchalik Grama Vikas Parishad, Nilgiri, Muktiniketan, Pundal
Balasore - 756020., Category 1 – Social Welfare
Balasore Social Service Society
At/ Vivekananda Marg, Near Convent School, Balasore Dt., Balasore P.O., 756001. Regd with Ministry of Home Affairs SRA Registration80 G certified12 A certified Category 1 - Social Welfare, Category 2 - Community Development, Category 3 - Disaster Management
Basti Area Development Council (BADC)
Sovarampur, Near Balasore college, Balasore - 756001.
Contact Person - Mr.Gopal Krushna Kar, Phone Work - 268744/324873 (7a.m. to 1)
Phone Cell - 09853468012 (7a.m. to 1)
[email protected], Category 1 – Social Welfare
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