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| KNOWLEDGE BANK AT VAL |
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| Welcome to Lanjigarh |
| History |
Lanjigarh is a village situated to the south-east of Bhawanipatna near the Kalahandi-Koraput border. Since time immemorial, this region has been predominantly inhabited by native tribes- “dongaria”.
Deriving their name from the Niyamgiri hills, Dongaria literally means the “hill people”. This is a diminishing race of people belonging to the Kondh community that populated the hilly forests of East India for thousand years. They worship supreme God King- Niyam Raja, their chief mythological figure and consider themselves the direct or indirect descendants of Niyam Raja.
Kalahandi district, of which Lanjigarh is a part, assumed independence after the collapse of the Kalinga-Utkala Empire of the Gajapatis of Orissa in 1568 A.D. For long afterwards, it was chiefly ruled by The Marhattas of Nagpur till their capitulation to British hegemony after the 3rd Anglo-Marhatta War in 1818. Kalahandi, though seized by the British, continued to be under Marhatta rule till 1853, when the ruler Raghujee III died without an heir, allowing British administration to take over. In 1905, Sambalpur and some feudatory states including Kalahandi were consolidated. On the 1st January 1948, the new District of Kalahandi was formed with the ex-states of Kalahandi, Patna and Sonepur, post integration with Orissa.
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| Demographics |
The sex ratio of Lanjigarh is commendable. Out of a total population of 75042, there are 37037 males and 38005 females. |
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| Resources |
Lanjigarh abounds in dense natural forests that grow on very fertile soil and cover 27636 hectares. Vast stretches of sandy loam promotes the growth of sal woods, bamboo trees and agricultural crops. Maize is grown extensively. Mustard seeds and pulses (Kandul), guava, orange and sugarcane are grown aplenty near Lanjigarh. Water is obtained from the river Banadhara, which originates in the Niyamgiri hills.
The Lanjigarh district is gifted with large reserves of bauxite, graphite, manganeese, iron and quartz. Of these, only bauxite and graphite have been extracted for commercial purposes. Bauxite is found in Lanjigarh Block in the hilly zone of Niyamgiri. While manganese deposits are found mostly in Khariar Plateau of Nawapara District, iron ore is available in places adjoining Koraput district. However, being of inferior grade, these are unfit for industrial use.
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| Unique Culture |
Kalahandi district under which Lanjigarh falls, boasts of numerous rural dance forms. The Ghumra, Dalkhai, Kandha, Parja, Badikhel and Ushkuusha dance forms are typical to this region. A popular dance called Singlia is performed with a musical instrument called the Nishan. Other dance forms include dance-dramas called Nat Ramlila and tribal musical composition on Krishna-Radha romance called Dannat. |
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| Recent Developments |
The Orissa government has eagerly supported developmental initiatives in the Lanjigarh district.
Provisions for Mid-day meal for 18000 school going children were arranged in partnership with Vedanta Limited Limited (VAL). Nutritious food has not only ensured better health but has also given an impetus to school enrolments and minimized drop outs. The centralized kitchen was inaugurated by Prof. P.K. Jena, Ex-DG, CSIR; Mr. A B Tripathy, Former DGP, Orissa; Mr. Bijay Mohanty, noted Oriya Cine Star and Ms. Rita Ray, Head of Department of Sociology, Utkal University.
Pre-schools or Anganwadi centres for children were set up in several places in Lanjigarh
The District Tuberculosis Control Cell and Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in association with VAL has taken active measure to control TB, which is a major problem in Lanjigarh.
In the infrastructural segment, village roads have been revamped and important roadways are being constructed. A new rail track is under construction from Lanjigarh, a burgeoning industrial hub, to Junagarh passing through the district headquarters at Bhawanipatna.
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| Important Industries |
Lanjigarh’s large scale industries include Western Sugar & Chemical Industries Ltd, Konark Growers Cooperative Spinning Mills Ltd, Orissa Regional Cooperative Oil Seed Growers Union Ltd and the 1.4 mtpa alumina refinery set up by VAL and the associated 90 MW captive power plant. Being a home to rich bauxite reserves, Lanjigarh supports bauxite mining, which has been undertaken by VAL. VAL has also entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to promote the food processing industry in Lanjigarh.
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| Tourist Attractions |
Lanjigarh is surrounded by fortifications and is flanked by a large moat. The temples of Gopinath and a female Deity called "Dokari" are worshipped here. In honour of the Gods, the local Jhami Yatra or Jhamu Yatra takes place in the month of Chaitra (March - April). Thousands of people throng the place to witness devotees walking on burning charcoal.
Lanjigarh is a home to several ancient temples like the Bhawanipatna or the Maa Manikeswari Temple, Lankeshwari temple, Paradeswar temple, Bhimkhoj and Ampani Budharaja Temple,
A special tourist attraction of immense scenic beauty is the waterfall or Phurlijharan. Within the radius of a few kilometres, the Karlapat Wild Life Sanctuary and the tea park of Thuamul Rampur are located.
The Indravati Lake, on which a huge dam has been constructed, is also a favourite tourist spot for visitors and locals alike.
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