Rdxfbgrtj

Lakhimpur Kheri district
District of Uttar Pradesh
Location of Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh
Country	India
State	Uttar Pradesh
Administrative division	Lucknow
Headquarters	Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh
Government
• Lok Sabha constituencies	Kheri, Dhaurahra
Area
• Total	7,680 km2 (2,970 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• Total	4,021,243
• Density	520/km2 (1,400/sq mi)
• Urban	11.46%
Demographics
• Literacy	60.56%
• Sex ratio	894
Vehicle registration	UP-31
Coordinates	27°36′N 80°20′E / 27.6°N 80.34°E / 27.6; 80.34 - 28°36′N 81°18′E / 28.6°N 81.30°E / 28.6; 81.30
Website	Official website

Lakhimpur Kheri district is the largest district in Uttar Pradesh, India, on the border with Nepal. Its administrative capital is the city of Lakhimpur.^[1]

Lakhimpur Kheri district is a part of Lucknow division, with a total area of 7,680 square kilometres (2,970 sq mi).^[1] The national government designated Lakhimpur Kheri as a Minority Concentrated District on the basis of 2001 census data, which identifies it as requiring urgent aid to improve living standards and amenities.^[2][3]

Dudhwa National Park,^[1] is in Lakhimpur Kheri and is the only national park in Uttar Pradesh.^[4] It is home to a large number of rare and endangered species including tigers, leopards, swamp deer, hispid hares and Bengal florican

Etymology

Lakhimpur was formerly known as Luxmipur.^[1]

Kheri is a town 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Lakhimpur. It has the name derived from a tomb built over the remains of Saiyid Khurd, who died in 1563. Pre-independence the tomb was administered under Act XX of 1856, with an income of about ₹ 800.
^[5][6] Another theory suggests that the name derives from the khair trees that once covered large tracts in the area.

History

Prehistory

Traditions point to the inclusion of this place under the rule of the Lunar race of Hastinapur, and several places are associated with episodes in the Mahabharata.^[7][8] Many villages contain ancient mounds in which fragments of sculpture have been found, Balmiar-Barkhar and Khairlgarh being the most remarkable. A stone horse was found near Khairabad and bears the inscription of Samudra Gupta, dated in the 4th century.
Samudra Gupta, King of Magadha performed Ashvamedha yajna in which a horse is left to freely roam in the entire nation, so as to display the power of king and to underline the importance of his conquest. The stone replica of the horse, is now in the Lucknow Museum.

Medieval age

The northern part of Lakhimpur Kheri was held by Rajputs in the 10thcentury. Muslim rule spread slowly to this remote and inhospitable tract. In the 14th century several forts were constructed along the northern frontier, to prevent the incursions of attacks from Nepal.

Modern era

During the Mughal Empire in the 17th century, under the rule of Akbar the district formed part of the Sarkar of Khairabad in the Subah of Oudh. The later history of 17th century under the Nawabs of Awadh, is of the rise and decline of individual ruling families.

In the year 1801, when Rohilkhand was ceded to the British, part of this district was included in the cession, but after the Anglo–Nepalese War of 1814-1816 it was restored to Oudh. On the annexation of Oudh in 1856 the west of the present area was formed into a district called Mohammadi and the east into Mallanpur, which also included part of Sitapur. In the Indian Rebellion of 1857 Mohammadi became one of the chief centres of Indian independence movement in northern Oudh. The refugees from Shahjahanpur reached Mohammadi on 2 June 1857, and two days later Mohammadi was abandoned, most of the British party were shot down on the way to Sitapur, and the survivors died or were murdered later in Lucknow. The British officials in Mallanpur, with a few who had fled from Sitapur, escaped to Nepal, where later on most of them died. Till October 1858, British officials did not make any other attempt to regain control of the district. By the end of 1858 British officials regained the control and the headquarters of the single district then formed were moved to Lakhlmpur shortly afterwards.

Geography

The district is within the Terai lowlands at the base of the Himalayas, with several rivers and lush green vegetation. Situated between 27.6° and 28.6° north latitude and 80.34° and 81.30° east longitudes, and about 7,680 square kilometres (2,970 sq mi) in area, it is roughly triangular in shape, the flattened apex pointing north. The district is located at about the height of 147 meters above sea level.^[9] Lakhimpur Kheri is bounded on the north by the river Mohan, separating it from Nepal; on the east by the Kauriala river, separating it from Bahraich; on the south by Sitapur and Hardoi; and on the west by Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur.^[1][10][11]

Climate

The climate is hot throughout the year except the rainy seasons. During summer(March to June), the temperature can reach above 40 °C (104 °F) and in winters(October to February) it can drop to around 4 °C (39 °F). The nights are very cold during winter and fog is very common in this season.^[1] The annual average rainfall in Lakhimpur Kheri is 1,500.3 millimetres (59.07 in), mostly in the monsoon months (July to September).^[12]

Rivers

Several rivers flow across Lakhimpur. Some of these are Sharda, Ghagra, Koriyala, Ull, Sarayan, Chauka, Gomti, Kathana, Sarayu and Mohana.

Sharda Barrage

Sharda River near Sharda Barrage

The Lower Sharda Barrage^[13][14] is constructed on the Sharda River, about 163.5 kilometres (101.6 mi) downstream of the Upper Sharda Barrage, and nearly 28 kilometres (17 mi) from Lakhimpur city. This project is part of the Sharda Sahayak Pariyojana (SSP)^[15] and primarily depends on water diverted from the Karnali (Ghaghra) at Girjapur through the Sharda Sahayak link canal of 28.4 kilometres (17.6 mi) length for over eight months in the year during the lean season; but it indents on Sharda supplies during the monsoon between July and October when the Karnali carries a lot of silt.

The SSP aims at irrigating culturable command area (CCA) of 16,770 km² with 70 per cent irrigation intensity. The 258.80 kilometres (160.81 mi) long feeder channel of SSP takes off from the right bank of Sharda Barrage with discharge of 650 m³/s.^[16] Supplies are then fed into the different branches of the Sharda canal system, namely, the Daryabad branch, the Barabanki branch, the Haidergarh branch, the Rae Bareli branch and the Purva branch.

SSP provides protective canal irrigation for cultivable area of 2 m ha to lakhs of farmers in 150 development blocks of 16 districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The project was commissioned in 1974, and completed in 2000 with an estimated cost of 1300 crore rupees(₹13,00,00,00,000).

Economy

Bajaj Hindusthan Limited (BHL) sugar plant, Gola Gokarannath

^[17] It is one of the 34 districts in Uttar Pradesh currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).^[17]

Agriculture

Wheat, rice, maize, barley, and pulses are the major food crops. Recently farmers have started menthol mint farming in the district, as being the Terai region it is ideal for mint cultivation.^[18] Sugar-cane and oilseeds are the chief non-food crops. Sugar-cane is grown and processed in this district, forming the backbone of the local economy.

Industry

Some of India's second largest sugar mills are in the district.^[19]Bajaj Hindusthan Limited (BHL) sugar plant in Gola Gokarannath and Bajaj Hindusthan Limited (BHL) sugar plant in Palia Kalan^{[20][21][22][23]} are the a sugar mill unit of balrampur sugar mill in kumbhi there are three largest sugar mills in Asia.

In 2008 the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) announced it would construct a major steel processing plant in Behjam, Lakhimpur.^[24][25] The processing unit is intended to have a capacity of 100,000 tonnes per annum and produce TMT (thermo mechanically treated) bars from input material sourced from SAIL's integrated steel plants. Completion of the construction is scheduled for 2013.

Lakhimpur is also noted for manufacturing incense, largely as a cottage industry.

Divisions

Zafar Ali Naqvi as Chief Guest for the prize distribution ceremony of IT festival – Nerdz 2003, New Delhi

The district comprises -

• 2 Parliamentary Constituencies – Kheri, and Dhaurahra
  


• 8 Assembly Constituencies – Lakhimpur, Dhaurahara, Gola Gokarannath, Kasta, Mohammadi, Nighasan, Palia Kalan, Srinagar


• 6 Tehsils – Lakhimpur, Mohammdi, Gola Gokarannath, Nighasan, Dhaurahra, Mitauli Palia Kalan
  


• 15 blocks – Lakhimpur, Behjam, Mitauli, Pasgawan, Mohammdi, Gola Gokarannath, Bankeyganj, Bijuwa, Paliya, Nighasan, Ramiyabehar, Issanagar, Dhaurahara, Nakaha, Phoolbehar


• 4 Nagar Palikas – Lakhimpur, Gola Gokarannath, Mohammadi, Palia Kalan
  


• 6 Town Areas – Kheri, Oel, Mailani, Barbar, Singahi, Dhaurahara


• 2 Judicial Court Complexes - District and Sessions Courts at Lakhimpur and Sub-Divisional/Civil Courts at Mohammadi

Transport

Lakhimpur city is 124 kilometres (77 mi) from the state capital Lucknow. It can be easily reached by train (Broad gauge) or UPSRTC Bus services.

Air

Lakhimpur Kheri Airport known as Palia Airport is situated near Dudhwa National Park at Palia Kalan in Lakhimpur Kheri and is at a distance of 90 kilometres (56 mi) from Lakhimpur City. The nearest international airport is Amausi International Airport in Lucknow and is at a distance of 135 kilometres (84 mi) from the city.

Bus

UPSRTC operates bus station in Lakhimpur, and operates buses to Bareilly, Kaushambi, Anand Vihar Delhi, Gola Gokarannath, Sitapur, Lucknow, Faizabad and Gorakhpur. Shatabdi Buses and Volvo buses are available to Delhi, Rupaidiha and other cities. Online booking can be done at UPSRTC website.

Road

Lakhimpur Kheri can be reached from Delhi, following Delhi – Muradabad – Bareilly – Shahjahanpur – Gola Gokarannath – Lakhimpur route (Distance: 425 km approx). Lakhimpur can also be reached from state capital Lucknow following Lucknow – Sitapur – Lakhimpur route (Distance: 135 km approx). Several Uttar Pradesh State Highways pass through Lakhimpur.^[26]

Rail

• From Delhi
  

There are three ways to reach Lakhimpur by Tain ->

1. The best way to reach to Lakhimpur kheri from Delhi by train is to reach Sitapur and from Sitapur 1 hour journey by bus. Satyagrah express runs daily between Delhi and Raxaul, stops at Sitapur railway station.


2. Take the train from Delhi to Shahjahanpur ( 5–6 hours journey) and from there take a bus/taxi to lakhimpur kheri, 3 hours journey by road.


3. Take the train from Delhi to Lucknow (7–8 hours journey) and from there take a bus/taxi to lakhimpur kheri, 3-3.5 hours journey by road. By Train: Delhi – Muradabad – Bareilly and then Bareilly City – Pilibhit – Mailani – Gola Gokarannath – Lakhimpur

By Train: Delhi – Lucknow and Lucknow – Sitapur – Lakhimpur

By Train: Delhi – Muradabad – Bareilly – Shahjahanpur (NR) and then by road to Lakhimpur (via: Gola Gokarannath) 102 kilometres (63 mi)

Rail Gauge Conversion

Zafar Ali Naqvi and Jitin Prasada made a promise of getting the meter gauge^[27] railway track of the district converted to broad gauge during 2009 Parliamentary elections. Zafar Naqvi raised questions about "Lucknow Pilibhit gauge conversion" on 08-Dec-2011 in the parliament with Ministry of Railway^[28] and took this up. Later in the 2010–11 budget survey was proposed by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Parliament on 24 February 2010; survey^[29] was completed as per Railway Budget 2011-12 with a mention that work will be up done in the 12th Plan.

Foundation stone was laid in Kheri on 2 February 2013 for broad gauge conversion of the Aishbagh to Pilibhit via Sitapur and Lakhimpur Kheri track by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the then Minister of State for Railways along with Zafar Naqvi and Jitin Prasad.^[30] The centre government in 2013 allocated 927 crore rupees (₹9,27,00,00,000) for broad gauge conversion from Aishbagh to Pilibhit. Work on the 262 kilometres (163 mi) long railway track conversion is planned to be completed by 2018. The Railway Development Corporation Limited (RDCL) has been assigned to carry out the broad gauge conversion within the stipulated time frame.^[31] Once this is accomplished, it would make Lakhimpur easily accessible from Delhi and other major cities in India, the project is expected to boost economic growth in the region.^[30]

Railway Budget 2010-11^[32]

Snippet from Railway Budget 2010-11 presented by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Parliament on 24 February 2010 –

On the basis of requests received from the Hon'ble Members, State Government and others, the following surveys are proposed to be taken up:
Lucknow-Sitapur-Lakhimpur-Pilibhit

Railway Budget 2011-12^[33]

Snippet from Railway Budget 2011-12 presented by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Parliament on 25 February 2011 -

The following new gauge conversion works are proposed to be taken up next year:
Lucknow-Pilibhit via Sitapur, Mailani

In the last two budgets, I had announced 251 updating surveys/new surveys for new lines/gauge conversion/doubling. Of these, the following 190 surveys have been completed or will be completed by the end of this financial year. These lines will also be taken up in the 12th Plan:-
Lucknow-Lakhimpur-Pilibhit via Sitapur

Railway Budget 2012-13^[34]

Railway Budget 2011-12 presented by Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi in the Parliament on 14 March 2012 had no mention about gauge conversion for Lakhimpur Kheri.

Railway Budget 2013-14^[35]

Snippet from Railway Budget, 2013-14 presented by Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal in the Parliament on 26 February 2013 –

I propose to undertake following surveys during 2013-14:
New Lines: Dudhwa -Chandan Chouki abandoned rail line restoration

And
New line Gola gokaran nath to farrukhabad baya shahjahanpur
after gauge conversion
Gauge Conversion: Mailani – Bahraich^[36]

Demographics

According to the 2011 census Lakhimpur Kheri District has a population of 4,021,243^[37] roughly equal to the nation of Liberia^[38] or the US state of Oregon.^[39]

This gives it a ranking of 56th in India (out of a total of 640).^[37] The district has a population density of 523 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,350/sq mi).^[37] Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 25.38%.^[37] Kheri has a sex ratio of 894 females for every 1000 males,^[37] and a literacy rate of 60.56%.^[37]

Languages spoken here include Awadhi, a vernacular in the Hindi dialect continuum spoken by over 38 million people, mainly in the Awadh region.^[40]

Religion

In 2017, there was a religion-related video resulting in clashes and a curfew.
^[42] According to the district administration, this was the first incident of communal tension, however.
^[42]Gola Gokaran Nath Temple is in the district.

Culture

Eidgah, Kheri

Teerth-Kund at Shiv Temple, Gola Gokarannath

Frog temple

Historical places

Jagali Nath Mandir Shahpura Kothi

Naseeruddin (Willoughby) Memorial Hall

The local Talluqedars established a trust in the memory of R.W.D.Willoughby in 1921 who was assassinated on 26 August 1920.^[43] The colonial authorities apprehended KHILAFAT activists Naseeruddin Mauzi, Mashuq and Bashir on charges of killing the Deputy Commissioner, and sentenced them to death by hanging.^[44] In April 1936, Willoughby Memorial Library and a Ladies Club was also established. The Willoughby Memorial Hall was renamed the Naseeruddin Memorial Hall in 1997.

Eidgah, Kheri

The Eidgah is a beautiful mosque near the railway tracks between Lakhimpur and Kheri. It is a picturesque site and an architectural beauty.

Shiv Temple Gola Gokarannath

Shiv Temple of Gola Gokaran Nath is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.^[45] The Gola Gokarannath is also called Choti Kashi. It is the belief of the people that Lord Shiva was pleased with the penance (Tapasya) of Rawana (King of Lanka) and offered him a boon. Rawana requested the Lord Shiva to go to Lanka with him and leave Himalaya forever. The Lord Shiva agreed to go on condition that he should not be placed anywhere on the way to Lanka. If he were placed anywhere, he would settle at that place. Rawana agreed and started his journey to Lanka with the Lord on his head. When Rawana reached the Gola Gokarannath (then called Gollihara) he felt the need to urinate (a call of nature). Rawana offered some gold coins to a shepherd (who was none other than Lord Ganesha sent by deities) for placing the Lord Shiva on his head until he returned. The shepherd (Lord Ganesha) placed him on the land. Rawana failed to lift him up despite all his efforts. He pressed him on his head with his thumb in full anger. The impression of Rawana's thumb is still present on the Shivling. In the month of Chatra (April) a great fair is organised for one month known as Cheti-Mela.

Frog Temple

The unique Frog Temple lies at Oel town, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Lakhimpur on the route from Lakhimpur to Sitapur. It is the only one of its kind in India based on Manduk Tantra. It was built by the former king of Oel State^[46] (Lakhimpur Kheri district) between 1860 and 1870. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is built at the back of a large frog. The Temple is constructed within an octagonal lotus. The Shivling installed in the temple was brought from the Banasur Prati Narmdeshwar Narmada Kund. The main gate of the temple opens in the east and another gate is in the south. The architecture of this temple is based on Tantra Vidya.

Shiv Temple Devakali

It is said that Janmejayi son of king Prikshit organised famous Nag Yagya at this place. It is believed that snakes do not enter houses where the holy soil of this temple is present. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also believed that the Devakali, daughter of Lord Brahama (Founder of the world) did a hard penance (Tapsya) at this place. After the name of Lord Brahama's daughter this place is known as Devakali.

Sai Temple (Sikatiha Colony), Sharda Barrage and Deer Park are other major attractions of Lakhimpur.

Festivals and events

Several fairs and festivals take place in Lakhimpur. An annual Dussehra and Diwali funfair is organised at Mela Ground and is held over several days. An Eid fair is organised twice annually on the day of Eid in Kheri town.

Literature, film and television

Lakhimpur has been the setting for films Gaman (1978), Umrao Jaan (1981) and Swades (2004).^[47]

Notable residents

• 
  Billy Arjan Singh conservationist.^[48] Honoured with Padma Shri in 1995, world wildlife gold medal in 1976,^[49] Order of the Golden Ark a year later and the lifetime award for tiger conservation in March 1999, Padma Bhushan in 2006.^[50]
  


• 
  Zafar Ali Naqvi, former Member of Parliament(2009-2014), Chairman of Standing Committee of National Monitoring Committee for Minorities Education; Former Chairman of Minorities Commission, Delhi;^[51] Former Cabinet Minister.


• 
  Jitin Prasada, former Member Of Parliament (2009-2014), former Union Minister of State, Petroleum and Natural Gas (India).


• 
  Muzaffar Ali Indian film-maker.^[52]
  


• 
  Shanmughan Manjunath IIM Lucknow graduate and Indian Oil Corporation officer whose murder created a nationwide shock.^[53][54][55]
  


• 
  Mangal Dhillon, actor and film producer studied in Nighasan, Lakhimpur.


• 
  Parul Chauhan an Indian television model and Bollywood actress.

Flora and fauna

Swamp deer

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur Kheri has two core areas, Dudhwa National Park^[56] and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, which were merged in 1987. Dudhwa National Park is known as the first National Park of the state after the formation of Uttarakhand and is a national protected area. It is home to a large number of rare and endangered species including tigers, leopards, rhinoceros, hispid hare, elephants, black deer and swamp deer. Dudhwa has approximately 400 species of birds including egrets, cormorants, herons and several species of duck, goose and teal. Its swamps and lakes are particularly attractive to water birds, including varieties that migrate here from the Himalayas to spend the winter months. Bird watching is popular at the Banke Tal.

The visit of Sir D.B. Brandis in 1860 to the area culminated in a 303 kilometres (188 mi) forest area of the present day Dudhwa National Park being brought under the control of Government in 1861 for preservation.^[57] In Kheri District all the Sal and miscellaneous forests and grasslands in Kharigarh Pargana, between the Mohana and Suheli rivers, were included in the then North Kheri Forest Division. More areas were reserved for protection between 1867 and 1879 and added to the Division. The area of the Division was legally constituted as Reserved Forests in 1937.

The Sonaripur Sanctuary, comprising 15.7 square kilometres (6.1 sq mi), was created in 1958 to specifically protect swamp deer (Cervus duvaceli duvaceli). The area was too small and was later enlarged to 212 square kilometres (82 sq mi) and renamed as Dudhwa Sanctuary in 1968. Later, more area was added to the Sanctuary and in 1977, it was declared Dudhwa National Park. The total area of the Park was 616 square kilometres (238 sq mi) of which 490 square kilometres (190 sq mi) was the core zone and the balance of 124 square kilometres (48 sq mi) was a buffer zone.

The area was established in 1958 as a wildlife sanctuary. On 1 February 1977 wildlife sanctuary became a national park and after 11 years in 1988 it was established as a tiger reserve. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve lies on the India-Nepal border in the foothills of the Himalaya. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve was created in 1987–88 comprising Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Sanctuary (203.41 square kilometres (78.54 sq mi)). With an addition of 66 square kilometres (25 sq mi) to the buffer zone in 1997, the present area of the tiger reserve is 884 square kilometres (341 sq mi). Distance from Lakhimpur railway station to Dudhwa is about 100 kilometres (62 mi) by road.

Education

According to the 2011 census, Lakhimpur Kheri district had a literacy rate of 60.56% up from 48.39% in 2001, male and female literacy were 69.57% and 50.42% respectively.^[58] In the 2001 census, same figures stood at 59.50% and 35.38% in Kheri District. Total literate in the district were 2,034,044 of which male and female were 1,237,157 and 796,887 respectively.^[58] The growth of literacy in the last decade of the twentieth century was particularly remarkable with special emphasis on the eradication of illiteracy.

notable people

Ajay Mishra (Television actor)
Shivam Pathak

Health services

District Hospital has all the facilities and wards, including the residences of Doctors and Superintendent. Boundaries are shared with the District Jail, Main Road and Jail Road (across which is Women's Hospital). District Women's Hospital is opposite of the District Hospital, and has facilities for gynaecology including pregnancy and neo-natal care.

Media

Radio

Radio service available in Lakhimpur is FM Rainbow Kheri, it was inaugurated on 14 December 2013 by Zafar Ali Naqvi, Member of Parliament. FM Rainbow Lakhimpur, with the frequency of 102.3, has reach to the audience of around 70 kilometres (43 mi).

Communication networks

All prominent tele-communication network providers in India offer their services in Lakhimpur. The city of Lakhimpur falls under "Uttar Pradesh Central telecom Circle". Calls from the city of Lakhimpur to neighbouring districts including the rest of the area in the Uttar Pradesh and "Uttarakhand telecom circle" are considered to be local.

GSM, CDMA and 3G service providers in Lakhimpur include Aircel, Airtel, BSNL WLL, CellOne, Idea Cellular(Escotel), Uninor, Reliance India Mobile, Tata Indicom,^[59]Vodafone-IN and reliance jio 4g lte.

Broadband Services are provided by Airtel, BSNL and Sify iWay.

Sports

Lakhimpur's most popular sport is cricket and it has several League cricket clubs. Other sports being actively played include football, hockey, basketball and badminton. Schools and colleges organise the sports activities, teams play in inter-school and inter-city tournaments.

St. Don Bosco's College alumni's play in an annual Ex-Student's Cricket Tournament, Government Inter College organises an annual G.I.C Cricket Champions Trophy.

References

External links

• Government website


• Lakhimpur Kheri on Flickr


• Dudhwa National Park on Flickr


• Kheri on State Map