Phulabani

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Phulabani | type = city | latd = 20.47 | longd = 84.23
locator_position = right | state_name = Orissa
district = Kandhamal
leader_title =
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altitude = 485
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 33,887| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
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Phulabani (also known as Phulbani) is a town and a notified area committee in Kandhamal district in the Indian state of Orissa. It is the administrative headquarters of Kandhamal district.

Geography

Phulabani is located at coord|20.47|N|84.23|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/21/Phulabani.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Phulabani] ] It has an average elevation of 485 metres (1591 feet).

It is located 211 km from Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa. The region around Phulbani has a variety of flora and fauna. It is a place surrounded by hills and has a lot of small and big waterfalls around it. Phulbani is surrounded by river Salunki.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Phulabani had a population of 33,887. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Phulabani has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 68%. In Phulabani, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Overview

Phulbani once associated with its virgin forests and peaceful tribal people.

Major landmarks in Phulbani are Lord Jagarnth Temple, Collecterate office and Bada Padia field for hosting annual events. Phulbani also has a Barrack for Orissa Reserve Police near river salunki.

Economy

Phulbani also has a Farm for research activities of Orissa Horticulture and research on silk moths. The farm host a varied collection of Guava Plants found rarely elsewhere. It is famous for the production of good quality turmeric.

River salunki is heart of this regions agriculture, but due to lack of water this region has never been a success with agriculture. Mostly the economy is centered around wild plants and herbs. Salunki river has been associated with lot of ghost stories, in tribal folks as it killed a lot of people and cattle in floods in the past. In the last major flood was in 1981. The dam a pilasalunki has been successful in arresting sudden gauss of rain water in rainy season. The dam at pilasalunki is also a great place for picnics.

Education

The town has a Government college. It has a Police High School, from where many illustrious students have passed out and have archived important positions in society. Phulbani also has two very old schools. AJO (Alfred James Olson) High school in phulbani was a Jail for central Orissa region in the British rule. This building was soon converted to AJO High School after India got independent.

Politics

Current MLA from Phulbani (SC) Assembly Constituency is Padmanabha Behera of BJD, who won the seat in State elections in 2004. He also won this seat earlier in 1990 representing JD. Other previous MLAs from this seat were Bishnu Priya Behera who won this seat representing BJD in 2000, independent candidate Dasarathi Behera in 1995, Abhimanyu Behera of INC in 1985, Chandra Sekhar Behera of INC(I) in 1980 and Prahallad Behera of JNP in 1977. [cite web
url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/March2004/pollupd/ac/states/s18/Partycomp104.htm
title = State Elections 2004 - Partywise Comparision for 104-Phulbani Constituency of ORISSA
publisher = Election Commission of India
accessdate = 2008-09-17]

Phulbani is part of Phulbani (Lok Sabha constituency). [cite web
url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2000/background/S18/Orissa_AC_Dist_PC.pdf
title = Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies of Orissa
publisher = Election Commission of India
accessdate = 2008-09-17]

References