Hailakandi District, Assam
Hailakandi district is one of the 27 administrative districts in Assam. It is located at about 350 km away South from the state capital Guwahati. The district occupies an area of 1,327 square kilometres (512 sq mi) and shelters a population of 659,260 (2011 census). Hailakandi is one of the least populous districts in Assam.
More than 50% of the land in Hailakandi are reserve forests. There are two reserve forests: Inner Line Reserve Forest and Katakhal Reserve Forest covering an area of 741 Sq km. Once this district was rich in wildlife. But now it is limited to only a few rare species such as Hoolock gibbon, Phayre’s leaf monkey, Pig-tailed macaque, White-winged Wood Duck, Purple Wood Pigeon, etc. The district receives heavy rainfall with high humidity in summer. The average rainfall in Hailakandi is 2873 mm and humidity is 85 per cent. Maximum Temperature ranges from 30-34 Degree Celsius and Minimum Temperature is 6-12 Degree Celsius. In winter months climate is cold and dry.
History
Hailakandi is one of the oldest subdivision is the state of Assam. It was constituted as a civil subdivision on 1 June 1869. Later in 1989, it was upgraded to a district by splitting from Cachar district. The name "Hailakandi" has been derived from the Sylheti word "Hailakundi".
Till the invasion of British, waterway was the only means of connectivity in the district. The British rulers established many tea gardens and for transportation of raw and finished products, Hailakandi was linked with railway line. Later road communication developed in the district. Hailakandi’s role in India’s freedom struggle started right from the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857 when leaders from this part of the region had a valiant fight with the British soldiers at a place called ‘Ron Tila’ at Mohanpur.
People
As per 2011 India census, Hailakandi district has a population of 659,260 with a population density of 497 person per square km. The sex ratio in the district is 946 females per 1000 males and literacy rate is 75.26%. Muslims comprises majority of the population (57.62%), which is followed by Hindus (41.11%) and Christians (1.27%). Main spoken language in the district is Bengali. A large group of people also speaks Manipuri. Agriculture is the main occupation in the district.
Connectivity
Hailakandi district of Assam is well connected by Air, Road and Railways to the rest of the country. Nearest Rail Stations are Hailakandi and Badarpur. The nearest Airport is Kumbhirgram in Silchar. Moreover, regular buses ply between Hailakandi and other places.