Lakhimpur Kheri District

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Lakhimpur Kheri
other_name = لحیم پور خیری · लखीमपुर खीरी
state_name = Uttar Pradesh
nickname = Sugar Bowl of India
motto =
type = District
locator_position = centre
skyline =
skyline_caption =


image_

latd=27.57 |longd=80.46
ut_name =
district = Kheri
leader_title =
leader_name = gyanendra pratap singh
altitude = 147
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 3200137
population_density =
area_magnitude =
area_total = 7680
climate = Cfa
precip =
temp_summer = 43
temp_winter = 4
distance_1 = 356
direction_1 = ES
destination_1 = Delhi
distance_2 = 124
direction_2 = SE
mode_2 = land
destination_2 = Lucknow
website = http://kheri.nic.in/
area_telephone = 91.5872
postal_code = 262 70x
unlocode = INLMP
vehicle_code_range = UP-31
footnotes = Sugar Bowl of India

Lakhimpur Kheri (Hindi: लखीमपुर खीरी, Urdu: لحیم پور خیری) is a district of Uttar Pradesh in the Lucknow division. It is located in India along the border with Nepal. The headquarters of the Lakhimpur Kheri District are situated in the city of Lakhimpur. Lakhimpur Kheri district is a part of Lucknow division and is the largest district in terms of area in the state (Total Area = 7680 sqr km). According to Government of India, the district Lakhimpur Kheri is one of the Minority Concentrated District in India on the basis of the 2001 census data on population, socio-economic indicators and basic amenities indicators [http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=28770] .

It houses Dudhwa National Park, the only national park in Uttar Pradesh. It is home to a large number of rare and endangered species including Tiger, Leopard, Swamp deer, Hispid hare, Bengal Florican, etc.

Being a Terai district it is rich in natural resources with lush green scenery and many rivers.

Origin of Name

Etymologically Lakhimpur is the transformed version of its original name Luxmipur. In ancient days the district was covered by the Khair trees (Acacia catechu Willd). Kheri is a town near Lakhimpur (approx 1.24 miles). The name Kheri represents the Khair trees.

Geography

* Latitude : 27.6 to 28.6 (North)
* Longitude : 80.34 to 81.30 (East)

It shares its boundaries with -
* North – Nepal
* West – Pilibhit & Shahjahanpur districts
* South – Hardoi & Sitapur district
* East – Bahraich district.

Its main rivers are Sharda, Ghagra, Koriyala, Ull, Sarayan, Chauka, Gomti, Kathana, Saryu and Mohana.

Government and Politics

* 2 Parliamentary Constituencies - Kheri and Shahbad (partially)
* 7 Assembly Constituencies - Mohammadi, Haidrabad, Paila, Lakhimpur, Srinagar, Nighasan, Dhaurahara.
* 6 Tehsils - Lakhimpur, Mohammdi, Gola, Nighasan, Dhaurahra, Palia
* 15 blocks - Lakhimpur, Behjam, Mitauli, Pasgawan, Mohammdi, Gola, Bankeyganj, Bijuwa, Paliya, Nighasan, Ramiyabehar, Issanagar, Dhaurahara, Nakaha, Phoolbehar.
* 4 Nagar Palikas - Lakhimpur, Gola, Mohammadi, Palia
* 6 Town Areas - Kheri, Oel, Mailani, Barbar, Singahi, Dhaurahara.

Industry

Known for its sugar cane industry, it satisfies a huge part of the world's sugar demands. Some of the biggest sugar mills are in the district. Bajaj sugar mill in Gola gokarnath is the largest sugar mill in Asia and BAJAJ mill in Palia kalan is the second largest in Asia.

Lakhimpur is also famous for cottage industries of incense sticks.

Education

Education is available at the Junior and Senior Basic Schools, Senior Secondary Schools and college level.
St. Don Bosco's College is a prominent missionary institute for learning. The alumni of the school are the flag-bearers of Lakhimpur across the nation. Other prominent schools and colleges are St. John's School in Gola Gokarannath, [http://ydpgcollege.org/ Yuvraj Dutt College] , Greenfield Academy, Children's Academy, Kunwar Khuswaqt Rai, Adarsh vidya Mandir, Saraswati vidya Mandir, DS Inter College, Government Inter College, City Montessori Kheri and Lucknow Public School,Paul International School

Statistics
* Junior Basic School 1775
* Senior Basic School 325
* Senior Secondary School 63
* Degree College 4
* I.T.I. 1
* Polytechnic 1

Lakhimpur has also produced many professionals like Chartered Accountants, Engineers, Doctors etc.

Climate

The climate is hot throughout the year except the rainy seasons. In winter, nights are very cold. Fog is very common in this season.

* Winter October to February 30°C to 4°C
* Summer March to June 43°C to 20°C
* Rainy Season July to September 35°C to 20°C
* Rainfall 1093 mm (Normal)

Tourism

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) has two core areas, Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, which were merged in 1987. Dudwa National Park is known as the first National Park of the state after the formation of Uttarakhand. It is home to a large number of rare and endangered species including Tiger, Leopard cat, Rhinoceros (one-horned), Hispid hare, Elephants, Black deer, Swamp deer, etc.

A bird watchers' haven, Dudhwa is noted for its avian variety - about 400 species. Its swamps and several lakes attract varieties of waterfowl. Being close to the Himalayan foothills, Dudhwa also gets its regular winter visitors - the migratory water birds. The Banke Tal is perhaps the most popular spot for bird watchers. There are egrets, cormorants, herons and several species of duck, geese and teal.

Conservation History The visit of Sir D.B. Brandis in 1860 to the area culminated in a 303 sq. mile forest area of the present day Dudhwa National Park being brought under the control of Government in 1861 for preservation. 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 km², was created in 1958 to specifically protect swamp deer (Cervus duvaceli duvaceli). The area was too small and was later enlarged to 212 km² 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 km² of which 490 km² was the core zone and the balance of 124 km² was a buffer zone.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve was created in the year 1987-88 comprising Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Sanctuary (203.41 km²). With an addition of 66 km² to the buffer zone in 1997, the present area of the Tiger Reserve is 884 km².

Sharda Dam and Deer Park are other major attractions of Lakhimpur.

Historical Places

hiv Temple Gola Gokaran Nath

Shiv Temple Gola Gokaran Nath is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Gola Gokaran Nath 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 Himalya 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 Gokaran Nath (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 send 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".

Jama Masjid, Kheri

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

Frog Temple

The unique Frog Temple lies at Oel town, 12 km 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 (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.

hiv Temple

It is believed that the holy Shivling of this place was founded by the Asvasthama son of Guru Dronacharya in the Mahabharata period. The temple was reconstructed by the former kings of Mehwa State (Lakhimpur Kheri district). This temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivling installed here is rare of its kind. It changes several colors in a day. It is said that every morning when the door of the temple is opened the Shivling is found in a worshipped position with the flowers and other worship items. It is the belief of the people that Asvasthama is immortal and worships here every day before opening the door. A great fair is organized in the Shrawan month (July) every day and each Amawasya of every month.

hiv Temple Devkali

According to Bhagwat Geeta Janmejayi son of king Prikshit organized 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".

Transport

Lakhimpur city is 124 km. from the state capital Lucknow. It can be easily reached by train (meter gauge) or UPSRTC bus services.

* From DelhiBy Road: Delhi - Muradabad - Bareilly - Shahjahanpur - Lakhimpur (425 km approx)
By Train: Delhi - Muradabad - Bareilly and then Bareilly City - Lakhimpur
By Train: Delhi - Lucknow and Lucknow - Lakhimpur
By Train: Delhi - Muradabad - Bareilly - Shahjahanpur (NR) and then by road to Lakhimpur 102 km

* From LucknowBy Road: Lucknow - Sitapur - Lakhimpur 135km
By Train: Lucknow - Sitapur - Lakhimpur (NER)

* Nearest Airport: Amausi International Airport, Lucknow (135 km) and Palia (not operational - 90 km)

Notable Residents

Many famous people in the past and present have been born in Lakhimpur, resident in the city or connected to it in some way. The following is a list of the more notable ones:

*Billy Arjan Singh a hunter of reputed fame. Honoured with Padma Shri in 1995, world wildlife gold medal in 1976, Order of the Golden Ark a year later and the lifetime award for tiger conservation in March 1999, Padma Bhushan in 2006.

*Muzaffar Ali Indian film-maker, a fashion designer, a poet, an artist, a music-lover, a revivalist, a social worker; awarded Padma Shri

*Shanmughan Manjunath IIM Lucknow graduate and IndianOil officer whose murder created a nationwide shock.

ee also

* Dudhwa National Park

External links

* [http://kheri.nic.in Official district web site]
* [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=Lakhimpur+Kheri,+Uttar+Pradesh,+India&ie=UTF8&ll=27.415662,80.018921&spn=2.121022,5.097656&z=8&om=1 Lakhimpur Kheri on Google Maps]
* [http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/uttarpradesh/districts/kheri.htm Kheri District Map]
* [http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/uttarpradesh/uttar-pradesh-district.htm Kheri on State Map]
* [http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/uttarpradesh/roads/kheri.htm Kheri Road Network Map]
* [http://muzaffarali.com Muzaffar Ali]
* [http://www.indianwildlifetour.com/dudhwa-national-park.html Dudhwa National Park]
* [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/36/Lakhimpur.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Lakhimpur]

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