Reasi

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Reasi | type = city | latd =33.08 | longd =74.83
state_name = Jammu and Kashmir
district = Reasi
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 466
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 6981| population_density =
area_magnitude= km²
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
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website = | [http://jk-reasi.nic.in/ jk-reasi.nic.in] footnotes =

Reasi is a town and a notified area committee, tehsil and now a district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at the bank of River Chenab

Geography

Reasi is located at coord|33.08|N|74.83|E. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/12/Riasi.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Reasi] ] It has an average elevation of 466 metres (1,529 feet).

Reasi area

Reasi is a District, located 64 km from Jammu. The population of 10,000 is predominantly Hindu. Majority of the population ekes out its livelihood from small business ventures, govt jobs and agriculture. Of the 12293 hectares of agricultural land in the area, 1011 hectares is irrigated. Important crops are Maize, Wheat, Paddy and Bajra. Vegetables are also grown. Climatically, most parts of the area falls in the sub tropical zone and the rest in the temperate zone. Summers are generally warm and winters are cold with snowfall on the higher reaches.

Brief history

The erstwhile Bhimgarh State now called Reasi was established by Bhim Dev in the eighth century. Brief account of the successive rulers is known from 1652, when Hari Dev was the king of Jammu. In 1810, during the rule of Diwan Singh, Jammu was under turmoil. Palace intrigues and mutinies shook the administration. It was at this time that Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent Gulab Singh to take control. Gulab Singh came down heavily on the rebels and established the rule of law. After defeating the rebels in the Reasi area he handed over the administration to his trusted commander, General Zorawar Singh, when he became the King of Jammu in 1822.In 2005, the first municipal election was held and Mr.Kuldeep Mengi elected as a first chairman of municipal corporation REASI.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Reasi had a population of 7973 but now it is more than 10,000. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Reasi has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 70%. In Reasi, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.Reasi has 177 villages with total area of 74932 square km and toal population of 71501 individuals [http://udhampur.nic.in/vill/niabet.asp?tname=REASI] . Main spoken languages are Dogri, Urdu, Gojri and Kashmiri

Historical places

Mata Vaishnodevi [http://www.maavaishnodevi.org] , Bhumika Temple, Deva Mai, Nau Pindian, Baba Dhansar, Siar Baba, Bhimgarh Fort, Kalika Temple, Sula Park & Shivkhori are few of the attractions of Reasi besides its picturesque locale and surroundings.

Approaches

Reasi is 64 km from Jammu and can be reached by Road, Rail or Air. Nearest Airport is 80 km and railway station 26 km. In 2010 rail link is expected to reach Reasi.

Geology and mining

Reasi has rich ores of bauxite, iron and precious stones.

Current times

Being far away from the Jammu - Udhampur highway and somewhat inaccessible due to the hilly area, economic progress in Reasi has been rather slow. However, the economic activity picked up since the 1980s with the construction of the Salal Hydroelectric Project. The militancy in the 1990s came as a setback to prosperity but induction of Army in the area has given a sense of security to the people. But what may change the face of Reasi in the not so distant a future, is the Jammu - Srinagar Railway Line which will pass through Reasi and is likely to bring development and prosperity to this area, after providing district status development of Reasi would be tremendous.

World's First in Reasi

Reasi is looking forward to have the World's tallest bridge by December 2009. Chenab Bridge (359 meters) being built by Konkan Railways will overtake The Millau Viaduct (323 meters) in southern France. [cite news |title=J&K to have world's tallest bridge|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/JK_to_have_worlds_tallest_bridge/articleshow/2518694.cms|publisher=TOI News |date=2007-11-05 |accessdate=2007-11-14]

References

External links

* [http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/06july07/news.htm Daily Excelsior]
* [http://jammukashmir.nic.in Official Website of J&K Government]