Khed (Ratnagiri)

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*For|the town in Satara district of Maharashtra|Khed (Satara district)
*For|the administrative division of Pune district of Maharashtra|Khed (taluka of Pune) Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Khed | type = city | latd = 17.72 | longd = 73.38
locator_position = right | state_name = Maharashtra
district = Ratnagiri
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altitude = 25
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 13,812| population_density =
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Khed is an industrial city and a municipal council in Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Khed is surrounded by a number of villages, including: Furus, Karji, Rajwel, Lote,kondivali,Shiv, Mani, Nandgaon, Shirgaon,Sakhroli, and Shirshi. Khed is a taluka place that connects Ratnagiri district to the Raigad district. The city attracts tourists and has several hotels and restaurants.

Geography

Khed is located at coord|17.72|N|73.38|E|type:city [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/16/Khed.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Khed] ] . It has an average elevation of 25 metres (82 feet). Alphonso mangos are grown in the area around the city.

Cultural

The people here are proud of their unity. Muslims and Hindus as well as people from other states like Baniya's and Marwari's live peacefully even when the coutry has gone through some tense moments in the past. Several festivals of all religions are celebrated. The Ram Navmi festival is celebrated in Laxmi Narayan Temple. It is celebrated for 10 days starting from Gudi Padva. Eid is also celebrated by the Muslims poputlation.

Demographics

The Indian census [GR|India] reports that, as of 2001, Khed had a population of 13,812. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Khed has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 77%. In Khed, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Industry

Khed has factories, mostly relating to the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, with major companies having an industrial outlet here. Pollution is a problem, and the acidic vapours often cause fog in this area.

The famous Chemical industry belt of MIDC Lote Parshuram comes in Khed taluka.

Transport

Khed lies on the main Mumbai-Goa National Highway NH-17 and also on the Konkan Railway line.

Politics

Shiv Sena has the stronghold for past several years. But the current ruling parties for the city are the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Maharashtra Nav-Nirman Sena, led by Raj Thakarey. The Bharatiya Janata Party also has presence in Khed. Shiv Sena still has strong support in the rural area around Khed.

Education

Khed has a number of educational institutions, including:
*Lions Tiny Tots English Medium School
*Shreeman Chandulal Sheth High School
*MIB - Madrasa Al Islahul Banat High School (For Girls Only)
*Al-Madina High School
*L. P. English School
*Haji SM Mukadam High School
*Dnyanadeep Vidyamandir
* Rotary English Medium SchoolR.G.Kate SchoolA junior college of commerce has also recently been started. A Dental medical college is all set to start.

References