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)

arm100@rediffmail.com, armorissa@gmail.com

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)

badcgkk@rediffmail.com

basti_council@yahoo.co.in, Category 1 – Social Welfare