Alipurduar subdivision
Encyclopedia
Alipurduar subdivision is a subdivision of the Jalpaiguri district
in the state of West Bengal
, India
. It consists of Alipurduar
municipality and six community development blocks: Madarihat–Birpara, Alipurduar–I, Alipurduar–II, Falakata, Kalchini and Kumargram. The six blocks contain 66 gram panchayat
s and nine census town
s. The subdivision has its headquarters at Alipurduar.
municipality, the subdivision contains nine census town
s and rural areas of 66 gram panchayat
s under six community development blocks
: Madarihat–Birpara, Alipurduar–I, Alipurduar–II, Falakata, Kalchini and Kumargram. The nine census towns are: Paschim Jitpur
, Chechakhata
, Alipurduar Railway Junction
, Bholar Dabri
, Sobhaganj
, Falakata
, Jaygaon and Uttar Latabari
and Uttar Kamakhyaguri
.
block consists of ten gram panchayats, viz. Bandapani, Hantapara, Madarihat, Totopara Ballalguri, Birpara–I, Khayarbari, Rangalibajna, Birpara–II, Lankapara and Shishujhumra. There is no urban area under this block. Madarihat and Birpara police stations serve this block. Headquarters of this block is in Madarihat
.
block consists of 11 gram panchayats, viz. Banchukamari, Parorpar, Shalkumar–I, Vivekananda–I, Chakowakheti, Patlakhawa, Shalkumar–II, Vivekananda–II, Mathura, Purba Kanthalbari and Tapsikhata. (Banchukamari G.P. is a G.P of multi race. The people of Santhali, Oraon, Madesia, Garo can be found here in large number. Besides Rajbanshi and people migrated from Bangladesh live in this G.P. There are five 1st prize owners in the field of Bhaoia Sangeet State Competition in the G.P.) Urban area under this block consists of four census towns: Paschim Jitpur
, Chechakhata
, Alipurduar Railway Junction
and Bholar Dabri
. Alipurduar police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is in Panchkalguri.
block consists of 11 gram panchayats, viz. Chaporer Par–I, Mahakalguri, Shamuktala, Turturi, Chaporer Par–II, Majherdabri, Tatpara–I, Bhatibari, Kohinoor, Parokata and Tatpara–II. Urban area under this block consists of one census town: Sobhaganj
. Alipurduar police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is in Josodanga.
block consists of 12 gram panchayats, viz. Dalgaon, Dhanirampur–II, Guabarnagar, Mairadanga, Deogaon, Falakata–I, Jateswar–I, Parangerpar, Dhanirampur–I, Falakata–II, Jateswar–II and Shalkumar. Urban area under this block consists of one census town: Falakata
. Falakata police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is in Falakata.
block consists of 11 gram panchayats, viz. Chuapara, Jaigaon–I, Latabari, Rajabhatkawa, Dalshing Para, Jaigaon–II, Malangi, Satali, Garopara, Kalchini and Mendabari. Urban area under this block consists of two census towns: Jaigaon
and Uttar Latabari
. Jaigaon and Kalchini police stations serve this block. Headquarters of this block is in Hamiltanganj.
block consists of 11 gram panchayats, viz. Chengamari, Khoardanga–I, Newland Kumargram Sankos, Turturikhanda, Kamakhyaguri–I, Khoardanga–II, Valka Barabisa–I, Kamakhyaguri–II, Kumargram, Raidak, Valka Barabisa–II. Urban area under this block consists of one census town: Uttar Kamakhyaguri
. Kumargram police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is in Kumargram.
s under Alipurduar–II block, viz. Bhatibari, Kohinoor, Parokata, Mahakalguri, Shamuktala, Turturi and Tatpara–I will constitute the Kumargram assembly constituency of West Bengal. The Majherdabri gram panchayat under Alipurduar–II block and the area under Kalchini block will constitute the Kalchini assembly constituency. The Alipurduar municipality, the Alipurduar Railway Junction census town, and the gram panchayats of Chaporer Par–I, Chaporer Par–II and Tatpara–II under Alipurduar–II block and ten gram panchayats of Alipurduar–I block, viz. Banchukamari, Parorpar, Shalkumar–I, Vivekananda–I, Chakowakheti, Patlakhawa, Shalkumar–II, Vivekananda–II, Mathura and Tapsikhata will form the Alipurduars assembly constituency. The other gram panchayat of Alipurduar–I block, viz. Purba Kanthalbari will be form the Falakata assembly constituency along with the area under Falakata block. Madarihat block will be part of Madarihat assembly constituency. Kumargram, Kalchini and Madarihat constituencies will be reserved for Scheduled tribes (ST) candidates. Falakata constituency will be reserved for Scheduled castes (SC) candidates. All these five assembly constituencies will be part of Alipurduars (Lok Sabha constituency)
, which will be reserved for ST candidates.
THE SUB-DIVISION OF ALIPURDUAR
AN OVERVIEW
Alipurduar is considered to be the biggest Sub-Division having an area measuring 2,788 Sq. Kilometer with 13,30,797 (as per Census '01) population. This Sub-Division is situated at the farthest corner of the State of West Bengal bordering with Assam, Bhutan, Cooch-Behar and Sadar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District. Alipurduar is divided into six blocks namely Alipurduar – I , Alipurduar – II, Kalchini, Kumargram, Falakata, Madarihat-Birpara with total 66 (sixty-six) Gram Panchayats. There are eight Police Stations in this Sub-Division, namely Kumargram, Samuktala, Alipurduar, Kalchini, Jaigaon, Madarihat, Birpara, Falakata. Only one Municipality i.e. Alipurduar (having 20 Wards) is there.
HISTORY : The Western Duars area with four tehsils, namely Mainaguri, Alipur, Falakata and Bhalka annexed to British India after Sinchula Pact between Government of Bhutan and East India Company on 12th November, 1864. In 1867-1868 a regular Sub-Division with its headquarters at Buxa had been created but the Sub-Divisional Officer worked at Alipurduar. After creation of separate District with headquarters at Jalpaiguri in January 1869, Sub-Divisional headquarters Buxa also shifted to Falakata. In 1874-1875 it was again shifted from Falakata to Buxa. On the 6th July, 1876 vide Order No. 1265-T of Government of Bengal, Sub-Divisional headquarter was permanently shifted to Alipurduar.
PHYSIOGRAPHY : Altitude of hilly area is ranging from 90 m. to 1750m. Average annual rainfall is about 350 cms. Temperature ranges from 6 degree C to 36 degree C. Monsoon generally starts from the middle of May and continues upto the end of September. The entire area is divided into four main watershed areas centered with Torsha, Kaljani, Rydak and Sankosh River. A large numbers of rivers and rivulets are originate from the hilly areas of adjacent Bhutan and carry the excess water of heavy downpour of monsoon of a big catchments area to the Bay of Bengal through the Brahmaputra. Heavy downpour occasionally causes flash-flood during monsoon that is unique in North Bengal.
A fairly large portion of this Sub-Division is under forest cover, managed by Cooch Behar Division and Buxa Tiger Reserve. These Moist Mixed Tropical Forests are constituted with 8(eight) district types of forests with a rich diversity of Trees 352 species, climbers 108 species, Canes 6(six) species, Shrubs 133 species, Bamboos 144 species including rare plants about 25 varieties. The forests are abode of a spectacular range of faunal variety with mammal 69 species, reptile's 41 species, bird's 249 species, amphibian 4 species, fishes 33 species and entomofauna 353 species.
CULTURE & LANGUAGE: In the later part of 1870's establishment of tea gardens reclaiming the forests and marshy swamps was initiated. Till date tea plantation is continuing converting the agricultural land. There are 62 tea gardens, which add, more green to the greeneries. A fairly large portion of population depends on these tea gardens for their livelihood directly or indirectly. Most of the plantation labourers were migrated from different parts of Chhotonagpur, Western Orisa, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. These plantation workers were from different ethno-cultural and linguistic groups. With the advent of time they created a different kind of culture than in the non-plantation area. They usually speak in their own tribal language within the tribe. 'Sadri' a language practiced by their ancestors in Chhotonagpur area is used as link-language among the different tribes. Now-a-days Hindi is also used for this purpose.
The area was originally inhabitated by aborigin tribes and castes like Ravas, Garos, Meches, totos, Dhimals, Koches and Rajbanchis etc. the exodus of Hindus from the erstwhile East Bengal at the time of partition in 1947 and their settlement in these areas reduced land-man ratio in a great extent. The culture of these migrated Hindu people, mingled with rich folk culture of the aboriginals, enriched over all culture life of these area. With the advent of time people had come and settle in this area from almost all corners of India. These people speak about 141 languages including some distinct dialect. However, Bengali is largely spoken language. Intermingling of heterogeneous ethno cultural groups helped evolve a strong eco-friendly material culture in this area since prehistoric period. Admixture of traditional knowledge of different ethnic groups with advanced technology, easy avail-ability of indigenous materials and climatic condition of this area augmented this process to gain a different shape than other parts of Bengal.
AGRICULTURE: Now from culture to agriculture. In respect of texture and structure, there are mainly two types of soils, viz. "Rupit" i.e. low-lying land chiefly clay with a small admixture of sand and "Faringati" i.e. highland composed of sandy and clayey particles. Both these soils are very retentive of moisture and highly fertile. Heavy rainfall, temperate climate, down ward slope from the
North to South and fertile land at the Southern part of the N.H. – 31 C make Falakata and Alipurduar – I Development Block fully and the part of the rest Block as granary of the District. Traditional system of agriculture has been changing since the partition in 1947. The main crops are paddy, Jute, wheat, potato, pulses, different types of vegetables, betel nuts, rapeseed, corn etc.
MARKET & ECONOMY: There are twenty big hats in this Sub-division under Western Durars Market Fund managed by the Jalpaiguri Zilla Parishad and at least equal number of hats managed by Panchayat Samities and Gram Panchayats. Apart from these, there are a good number of daily markets. Alipurduar is the second largest business place in North Bengal and it has direct business relation with Bhutan and different states of North Eastern region including Assam. Alipurduar is well connected with this country and states by road and railway, which augments its business activities. Other main business places are Falakata, Birpara, Madarihat, Hasimara, Jaigaon, Hamiltonganj, Samuktala, Bhatibari, Shilbarihat, Kamakhyaguri, Barobisha and Kumargram. In this Sector there are two major impediments found so far.
URBANIZATION: Since the early 1990's the semi-urban areas are speedily changing their character. Now there is only one Municipality in Alipurduar Sub-Division. Urbanized characteristic of Falakata, Birpara, Madarihat, Hasimara, Jaigaon, Hamiltonganj-Kalchini, Kamakhyaguri and Barobisha require conversion into Municipality. A proposal for Jaigaon Municipality is in the offing.
Law and Order Scenario in Eastern Dooars :
In recent past areas under Alipurduar Sub-Division experience of insurgency
activities and sectarian movement.
KLO movement : During the first half of this decade some parts of this Sub-Division particularly the whole Kumargram block and parts of Alipurduar – II block were affected by Kamtapur Liberation Organization Movement. KLO was supported by some other organization of adjacent states. But that movement was broken (operation all clear) by consorted efforts of Para Military Force, Local Police and the people of this area. Now the KLO is not much active in this area but very recently this three bomb blasts [two in Barobisha (2008) and one in Alipurduar town (2009)] are indicating that this insurgent organization is still active in this area.
GJMM and Adivasi Vikash Parisad : In some blocks of this Sub-Division like Kalchini, Madarihat and parts of Kumargram, tea industry is the backbone of economy. Most of the labours in this industry belong to adivasi community and hill communities. When the Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha started movement for separate state and tried to spread the movement in eastern Dooars also, there occurred repeated clashes between the GJMM supporters and Adivasi Vikas Parisad. Repeated clashes occurred at Birpara where in one occasion one person died. Clashes occurred in Kalchini and Madarihat also. Tension still prevails among these two sections. Adivasi Vikash Parisad has called for vote boycott, which may cause some law and order problem in Madarihat, Kalchini and Kumargram block.
Greater Cooch Behar Movement : One organization namely Greater Cooch Behar People Association is demanding a separate state comprising areas which were under Cooch Behar State before 1950. This movement is mostly confined in Cooch Behar and adjacent areas; but in recent times the activity of this organization has been increased substantially. This organization organized a number of open meetings in Barobisha, Samuktala, Bhatibari areas. They called for a number of strikes also in recent past. There were occasional road blockades also by this group. This movement is gaining strength particularly after they joined hand with GJMM movement.
Infiltration : Infiltration from the boundary of Assam State as well as from the bordering country Bhutan is a major law and order problem. Though this Sub-Division has no boundary with neighboring country Bangladesh; but this area is also experiencing infiltration from Bangladesh crossing Cooch Behar District.
Closed Tea Garden : The growing concern is the closure of number of Tea Gardens particularly in Kalchini and Madarihat Block. Some of them are declared as closed; but in a number of cases the Managements have left the gardens and the gardens are effectively closed. This economic phenomenon may not affect the Election process; but frequent law and order problems are occurring in those gardens.
SWOT analysis of Election Preparedness
Strength:
Responsive Administration
Very good team work.
Unlike Panchayat Election no. of Sectors have been increased just to minimise the response time.
Vulnerability exercise has been done carefully and jointly by civil and Police Administration. More extensive analysis has been made this time compared to previous election.
All type of data have been collected and updated. This time we are working with extended and extensive data base.
Communication Plan has been prepared after repeated trial.
Weakness:
o Manpower shortage at every level of Administrative unit.
o Vast area of the Sub-Division.
o A substantial number of booths are in very remote area.
o Tension between GJMM and Advasi Vikas Parisad.
o Economically backward region. Closure of Tea Gardens has aggravated the condition.
o Growing sectarian movements in this region.
Opportunities:
o No major political clash in recent past.
o Political crime is minimum.
Threat:
Though dormant at present, but Law and Order situation may arise at any time due to some sectarian movements organised by some organisation.
Terrorist organisation like KLO may create some problem any time.
Jalpaiguri District
Jalpaiguri district is the largest district of North Bengal, covering an area 6,245 km2. It is situated between 26° 16' and 27° 0' North latitudes and 88° 4' and 89° 53' East longitudes...
in the state of West Bengal
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous. It is also the seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants. A major agricultural producer, West Bengal is the sixth-largest contributor to India's GDP...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It consists of Alipurduar
Alipurduar
Alipurduar is a sub-divisional municipal city of Jalpaiguri district, and is located at the eastern end of the district. Situated on the east bank of Kaljani River on the foothills of the Himalayas, the town is a gateway to Bhutan and North Eastern states of India...
municipality and six community development blocks: Madarihat–Birpara, Alipurduar–I, Alipurduar–II, Falakata, Kalchini and Kumargram. The six blocks contain 66 gram panchayat
Gram panchayat
Gram panchayats are local self-governments at the village or small town level in India. As of 2002 there were about 265,000 gram panchayats in India. The gram panchayat is the foundation of the Panchayat System. A gram panchayat can be set up in villages with minimum population of 300...
s and nine census town
Census town
In India, a census town is one which has:# A minimum population of 5,000# At least 75% of male working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits# A density of population of at least 400 persons per km2.In Ireland, a census town is;...
s. The subdivision has its headquarters at Alipurduar.
Area
Apart from the AlipurduarAlipurduar
Alipurduar is a sub-divisional municipal city of Jalpaiguri district, and is located at the eastern end of the district. Situated on the east bank of Kaljani River on the foothills of the Himalayas, the town is a gateway to Bhutan and North Eastern states of India...
municipality, the subdivision contains nine census town
Census town
In India, a census town is one which has:# A minimum population of 5,000# At least 75% of male working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits# A density of population of at least 400 persons per km2.In Ireland, a census town is;...
s and rural areas of 66 gram panchayat
Gram panchayat
Gram panchayats are local self-governments at the village or small town level in India. As of 2002 there were about 265,000 gram panchayats in India. The gram panchayat is the foundation of the Panchayat System. A gram panchayat can be set up in villages with minimum population of 300...
s under six community development blocks
Community Development Block in India
The Community development block is a rural area earmarked for administration and development in India. The area is administered by a Block Development Officer...
: Madarihat–Birpara, Alipurduar–I, Alipurduar–II, Falakata, Kalchini and Kumargram. The nine census towns are: Paschim Jitpur
Paschim Jitpur
Paschim Jitpur is a census town under the Alipurduar police station of the Alipurduar subdivision in the Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Demographics:...
, Chechakhata
Chechakhata
Chechakhata is a census town under Alipurduar police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics:...
, Alipurduar Railway Junction
Alipurduar Railway Junction
Alipurduar Railway Junction is a census town under Alipurduar police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics:...
, Bholar Dabri
Bholar Dabri
Bholar Dabri is a census town under Alipurduar police station of Alipurduar subdivision, in Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics:...
, Sobhaganj
Sobhaganj
Sobhaganj is a census town under Alipurduar police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Demographics:...
, Falakata
Falakata
Falakata is a census town and police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Geography:...
, Jaygaon and Uttar Latabari
Uttar Latabari
Uttar Latabari is a census town under Kalchini police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Demographics:...
and Uttar Kamakhyaguri
Uttar Kamakhyaguri
Uttar Kamakhyaguri is a census town under Kumargram police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Demographics:...
.
Madarihat–Birpara block
Rural area under Madarihat–BirparaMadarihat-Birpara (Community development block)
Madarihat-Birpara is an administrative division in Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Madarihat and Birpara police stations serve this block...
block consists of ten gram panchayats, viz. Bandapani, Hantapara, Madarihat, Totopara Ballalguri, Birpara–I, Khayarbari, Rangalibajna, Birpara–II, Lankapara and Shishujhumra. There is no urban area under this block. Madarihat and Birpara police stations serve this block. Headquarters of this block is in Madarihat
Madarihat
Madarihat is a small village located in the Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, India. This village is situated on the outskirts of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary which is famous for Indian rhinoceros...
.
Alipurduar–I block
Rural area under Alipurduar–IAlipurduar I (Community development block)
Alipurduar I is an administrative division in Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Alipurduar police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is at Panchkalguri...
block consists of 11 gram panchayats, viz. Banchukamari, Parorpar, Shalkumar–I, Vivekananda–I, Chakowakheti, Patlakhawa, Shalkumar–II, Vivekananda–II, Mathura, Purba Kanthalbari and Tapsikhata. (Banchukamari G.P. is a G.P of multi race. The people of Santhali, Oraon, Madesia, Garo can be found here in large number. Besides Rajbanshi and people migrated from Bangladesh live in this G.P. There are five 1st prize owners in the field of Bhaoia Sangeet State Competition in the G.P.) Urban area under this block consists of four census towns: Paschim Jitpur
Paschim Jitpur
Paschim Jitpur is a census town under the Alipurduar police station of the Alipurduar subdivision in the Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Demographics:...
, Chechakhata
Chechakhata
Chechakhata is a census town under Alipurduar police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics:...
, Alipurduar Railway Junction
Alipurduar Railway Junction
Alipurduar Railway Junction is a census town under Alipurduar police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics:...
and Bholar Dabri
Bholar Dabri
Bholar Dabri is a census town under Alipurduar police station of Alipurduar subdivision, in Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics:...
. Alipurduar police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is in Panchkalguri.
Alipurduar–II block
Rural area under Alipurduar–IIAlipurduar II (Community development block)
Alipurduar II is an administrative division in Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Alipurduar police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is at Josodanga. There is one census towns in this block: Sobhaganj.-Geography:Sobhaganj is...
block consists of 11 gram panchayats, viz. Chaporer Par–I, Mahakalguri, Shamuktala, Turturi, Chaporer Par–II, Majherdabri, Tatpara–I, Bhatibari, Kohinoor, Parokata and Tatpara–II. Urban area under this block consists of one census town: Sobhaganj
Sobhaganj
Sobhaganj is a census town under Alipurduar police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Demographics:...
. Alipurduar police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is in Josodanga.
Falakata block
Rural area under FalakataFalakata (Community development block)
Falakata is an administrative division in Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Falakata police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is at Falakata. There is one census town in this block: Falakata.-Geography:Falakata is located at...
block consists of 12 gram panchayats, viz. Dalgaon, Dhanirampur–II, Guabarnagar, Mairadanga, Deogaon, Falakata–I, Jateswar–I, Parangerpar, Dhanirampur–I, Falakata–II, Jateswar–II and Shalkumar. Urban area under this block consists of one census town: Falakata
Falakata
Falakata is a census town and police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Geography:...
. Falakata police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is in Falakata.
Kalchini block
Rural area under KalchiniKalchini (Community development block)
Kalchini is an administrative division in Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Kalchini and Jaygaon police stations serve this block. Headquarters of this block is at Hamiltanganj. There are two census towns in this block: Jaygaon and Uttar...
block consists of 11 gram panchayats, viz. Chuapara, Jaigaon–I, Latabari, Rajabhatkawa, Dalshing Para, Jaigaon–II, Malangi, Satali, Garopara, Kalchini and Mendabari. Urban area under this block consists of two census towns: Jaigaon
Jaigaon
Jaigaon is a small town in Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal, near the Bhutan border. The town lies at the gateway to Bhutan - Phuentsholing, and is thus a very thriving place of trade...
and Uttar Latabari
Uttar Latabari
Uttar Latabari is a census town under Kalchini police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Demographics:...
. Jaigaon and Kalchini police stations serve this block. Headquarters of this block is in Hamiltanganj.
Kumargram block
Rural area under KumargramKumargram (Community development block)
Kumargram is an administrative division in Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Kumargram police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is at Kumargram. There is one census town in this block: Uttar Kamakhyaguri.-Geography:Kumargram is...
block consists of 11 gram panchayats, viz. Chengamari, Khoardanga–I, Newland Kumargram Sankos, Turturikhanda, Kamakhyaguri–I, Khoardanga–II, Valka Barabisa–I, Kamakhyaguri–II, Kumargram, Raidak, Valka Barabisa–II. Urban area under this block consists of one census town: Uttar Kamakhyaguri
Uttar Kamakhyaguri
Uttar Kamakhyaguri is a census town under Kumargram police station of Alipurduar subdivision in Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Demographics:...
. Kumargram police station serves this block. Headquarters of this block is in Kumargram.
Legislative segments
As per order of the Delimitation Commission in respect of the delimitation of constituencies in the West Bengal, the area under Kumargram block and seven gram panchayatGram panchayat
Gram panchayats are local self-governments at the village or small town level in India. As of 2002 there were about 265,000 gram panchayats in India. The gram panchayat is the foundation of the Panchayat System. A gram panchayat can be set up in villages with minimum population of 300...
s under Alipurduar–II block, viz. Bhatibari, Kohinoor, Parokata, Mahakalguri, Shamuktala, Turturi and Tatpara–I will constitute the Kumargram assembly constituency of West Bengal. The Majherdabri gram panchayat under Alipurduar–II block and the area under Kalchini block will constitute the Kalchini assembly constituency. The Alipurduar municipality, the Alipurduar Railway Junction census town, and the gram panchayats of Chaporer Par–I, Chaporer Par–II and Tatpara–II under Alipurduar–II block and ten gram panchayats of Alipurduar–I block, viz. Banchukamari, Parorpar, Shalkumar–I, Vivekananda–I, Chakowakheti, Patlakhawa, Shalkumar–II, Vivekananda–II, Mathura and Tapsikhata will form the Alipurduars assembly constituency. The other gram panchayat of Alipurduar–I block, viz. Purba Kanthalbari will be form the Falakata assembly constituency along with the area under Falakata block. Madarihat block will be part of Madarihat assembly constituency. Kumargram, Kalchini and Madarihat constituencies will be reserved for Scheduled tribes (ST) candidates. Falakata constituency will be reserved for Scheduled castes (SC) candidates. All these five assembly constituencies will be part of Alipurduars (Lok Sabha constituency)
Alipurduars (Lok Sabha constituency)
Alipurduars Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 543 parliamentary constituencies in India. The constituency centres on Alipurduar in West Bengal. The seat is reserved for scheduled tribes.-Assembly segments:...
, which will be reserved for ST candidates.
THE SUB-DIVISION OF ALIPURDUAR
AN OVERVIEW
Alipurduar is considered to be the biggest Sub-Division having an area measuring 2,788 Sq. Kilometer with 13,30,797 (as per Census '01) population. This Sub-Division is situated at the farthest corner of the State of West Bengal bordering with Assam, Bhutan, Cooch-Behar and Sadar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District. Alipurduar is divided into six blocks namely Alipurduar – I , Alipurduar – II, Kalchini, Kumargram, Falakata, Madarihat-Birpara with total 66 (sixty-six) Gram Panchayats. There are eight Police Stations in this Sub-Division, namely Kumargram, Samuktala, Alipurduar, Kalchini, Jaigaon, Madarihat, Birpara, Falakata. Only one Municipality i.e. Alipurduar (having 20 Wards) is there.
HISTORY : The Western Duars area with four tehsils, namely Mainaguri, Alipur, Falakata and Bhalka annexed to British India after Sinchula Pact between Government of Bhutan and East India Company on 12th November, 1864. In 1867-1868 a regular Sub-Division with its headquarters at Buxa had been created but the Sub-Divisional Officer worked at Alipurduar. After creation of separate District with headquarters at Jalpaiguri in January 1869, Sub-Divisional headquarters Buxa also shifted to Falakata. In 1874-1875 it was again shifted from Falakata to Buxa. On the 6th July, 1876 vide Order No. 1265-T of Government of Bengal, Sub-Divisional headquarter was permanently shifted to Alipurduar.
PHYSIOGRAPHY : Altitude of hilly area is ranging from 90 m. to 1750m. Average annual rainfall is about 350 cms. Temperature ranges from 6 degree C to 36 degree C. Monsoon generally starts from the middle of May and continues upto the end of September. The entire area is divided into four main watershed areas centered with Torsha, Kaljani, Rydak and Sankosh River. A large numbers of rivers and rivulets are originate from the hilly areas of adjacent Bhutan and carry the excess water of heavy downpour of monsoon of a big catchments area to the Bay of Bengal through the Brahmaputra. Heavy downpour occasionally causes flash-flood during monsoon that is unique in North Bengal.
A fairly large portion of this Sub-Division is under forest cover, managed by Cooch Behar Division and Buxa Tiger Reserve. These Moist Mixed Tropical Forests are constituted with 8(eight) district types of forests with a rich diversity of Trees 352 species, climbers 108 species, Canes 6(six) species, Shrubs 133 species, Bamboos 144 species including rare plants about 25 varieties. The forests are abode of a spectacular range of faunal variety with mammal 69 species, reptile's 41 species, bird's 249 species, amphibian 4 species, fishes 33 species and entomofauna 353 species.
CULTURE & LANGUAGE: In the later part of 1870's establishment of tea gardens reclaiming the forests and marshy swamps was initiated. Till date tea plantation is continuing converting the agricultural land. There are 62 tea gardens, which add, more green to the greeneries. A fairly large portion of population depends on these tea gardens for their livelihood directly or indirectly. Most of the plantation labourers were migrated from different parts of Chhotonagpur, Western Orisa, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. These plantation workers were from different ethno-cultural and linguistic groups. With the advent of time they created a different kind of culture than in the non-plantation area. They usually speak in their own tribal language within the tribe. 'Sadri' a language practiced by their ancestors in Chhotonagpur area is used as link-language among the different tribes. Now-a-days Hindi is also used for this purpose.
The area was originally inhabitated by aborigin tribes and castes like Ravas, Garos, Meches, totos, Dhimals, Koches and Rajbanchis etc. the exodus of Hindus from the erstwhile East Bengal at the time of partition in 1947 and their settlement in these areas reduced land-man ratio in a great extent. The culture of these migrated Hindu people, mingled with rich folk culture of the aboriginals, enriched over all culture life of these area. With the advent of time people had come and settle in this area from almost all corners of India. These people speak about 141 languages including some distinct dialect. However, Bengali is largely spoken language. Intermingling of heterogeneous ethno cultural groups helped evolve a strong eco-friendly material culture in this area since prehistoric period. Admixture of traditional knowledge of different ethnic groups with advanced technology, easy avail-ability of indigenous materials and climatic condition of this area augmented this process to gain a different shape than other parts of Bengal.
AGRICULTURE: Now from culture to agriculture. In respect of texture and structure, there are mainly two types of soils, viz. "Rupit" i.e. low-lying land chiefly clay with a small admixture of sand and "Faringati" i.e. highland composed of sandy and clayey particles. Both these soils are very retentive of moisture and highly fertile. Heavy rainfall, temperate climate, down ward slope from the
North to South and fertile land at the Southern part of the N.H. – 31 C make Falakata and Alipurduar – I Development Block fully and the part of the rest Block as granary of the District. Traditional system of agriculture has been changing since the partition in 1947. The main crops are paddy, Jute, wheat, potato, pulses, different types of vegetables, betel nuts, rapeseed, corn etc.
MARKET & ECONOMY: There are twenty big hats in this Sub-division under Western Durars Market Fund managed by the Jalpaiguri Zilla Parishad and at least equal number of hats managed by Panchayat Samities and Gram Panchayats. Apart from these, there are a good number of daily markets. Alipurduar is the second largest business place in North Bengal and it has direct business relation with Bhutan and different states of North Eastern region including Assam. Alipurduar is well connected with this country and states by road and railway, which augments its business activities. Other main business places are Falakata, Birpara, Madarihat, Hasimara, Jaigaon, Hamiltonganj, Samuktala, Bhatibari, Shilbarihat, Kamakhyaguri, Barobisha and Kumargram. In this Sector there are two major impediments found so far.
URBANIZATION: Since the early 1990's the semi-urban areas are speedily changing their character. Now there is only one Municipality in Alipurduar Sub-Division. Urbanized characteristic of Falakata, Birpara, Madarihat, Hasimara, Jaigaon, Hamiltonganj-Kalchini, Kamakhyaguri and Barobisha require conversion into Municipality. A proposal for Jaigaon Municipality is in the offing.
Law and Order Scenario in Eastern Dooars :
In recent past areas under Alipurduar Sub-Division experience of insurgency
activities and sectarian movement.
KLO movement : During the first half of this decade some parts of this Sub-Division particularly the whole Kumargram block and parts of Alipurduar – II block were affected by Kamtapur Liberation Organization Movement. KLO was supported by some other organization of adjacent states. But that movement was broken (operation all clear) by consorted efforts of Para Military Force, Local Police and the people of this area. Now the KLO is not much active in this area but very recently this three bomb blasts [two in Barobisha (2008) and one in Alipurduar town (2009)] are indicating that this insurgent organization is still active in this area.
GJMM and Adivasi Vikash Parisad : In some blocks of this Sub-Division like Kalchini, Madarihat and parts of Kumargram, tea industry is the backbone of economy. Most of the labours in this industry belong to adivasi community and hill communities. When the Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha started movement for separate state and tried to spread the movement in eastern Dooars also, there occurred repeated clashes between the GJMM supporters and Adivasi Vikas Parisad. Repeated clashes occurred at Birpara where in one occasion one person died. Clashes occurred in Kalchini and Madarihat also. Tension still prevails among these two sections. Adivasi Vikash Parisad has called for vote boycott, which may cause some law and order problem in Madarihat, Kalchini and Kumargram block.
Greater Cooch Behar Movement : One organization namely Greater Cooch Behar People Association is demanding a separate state comprising areas which were under Cooch Behar State before 1950. This movement is mostly confined in Cooch Behar and adjacent areas; but in recent times the activity of this organization has been increased substantially. This organization organized a number of open meetings in Barobisha, Samuktala, Bhatibari areas. They called for a number of strikes also in recent past. There were occasional road blockades also by this group. This movement is gaining strength particularly after they joined hand with GJMM movement.
Infiltration : Infiltration from the boundary of Assam State as well as from the bordering country Bhutan is a major law and order problem. Though this Sub-Division has no boundary with neighboring country Bangladesh; but this area is also experiencing infiltration from Bangladesh crossing Cooch Behar District.
Closed Tea Garden : The growing concern is the closure of number of Tea Gardens particularly in Kalchini and Madarihat Block. Some of them are declared as closed; but in a number of cases the Managements have left the gardens and the gardens are effectively closed. This economic phenomenon may not affect the Election process; but frequent law and order problems are occurring in those gardens.
SWOT analysis of Election Preparedness
Strength:
Responsive Administration
Very good team work.
Unlike Panchayat Election no. of Sectors have been increased just to minimise the response time.
Vulnerability exercise has been done carefully and jointly by civil and Police Administration. More extensive analysis has been made this time compared to previous election.
All type of data have been collected and updated. This time we are working with extended and extensive data base.
Communication Plan has been prepared after repeated trial.
Weakness:
o Manpower shortage at every level of Administrative unit.
o Vast area of the Sub-Division.
o A substantial number of booths are in very remote area.
o Tension between GJMM and Advasi Vikas Parisad.
o Economically backward region. Closure of Tea Gardens has aggravated the condition.
o Growing sectarian movements in this region.
Opportunities:
o No major political clash in recent past.
o Political crime is minimum.
Threat:
Though dormant at present, but Law and Order situation may arise at any time due to some sectarian movements organised by some organisation.
Terrorist organisation like KLO may create some problem any time.