Burla, India

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Burla | type = city | latd = 21.5 | longd = 83.87
locator_position = right | state_name = Orissa
district = Sambalpur
leader_title =
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altitude = 173
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 39,188| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
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sex_ratio =
unlocode =
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Burla is a town and a notified area committee in Sambalpur District in the state of Orissa, India. It is a small town at the bank of Mahanadi, and is about 15 km from Sambalpur Orissa, India.

Geography

Burla is located at coord|21.5|N|83.87|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/21/Burla.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Burla] ] . It has an average elevation of 173 metres (567 feet). The town lies at one end of Hirakud Dam which is located around 2km west of the town. The Jawahar Minar offers picturesque views of the dam, the lake and the surrounding forests of Barapahad (12 hills). At the otherside of the dam is the township of Hirakud.

Overview

The town centre is small and is divided into 'Kaccha Market' and 'Pukka Market' and hosts numerous small stores and stalls, which are mostly family based small business enterprises. The famous grocery stores are the 'Choudhry's' the 'Sindhi's', the 'Acharya's' and the old world charm of 'Rambharose' snack joint serving hot samosas and jalebis underneath the banyan tree in the 'Kaccha Market' typically evokes the images of R K Narayan fictitious Malgudi.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Burla had a population of 39,188. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Burla has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 81% and female literacy of 66%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy

The town's economy is mainly in retail, driven by the students, employees (their families) of the numerous educational institutions, local government employees (their families) and the incoming patient population for treatment at VSS Medical College. The town is also headquarters of Mahanadi Coal Fields Ltd., a subsdiary of Coal India Ltd.

Education

The town is piquant and truly a university town as it hosts the Sambalpur University, the [http://www.vssmedical.com VSS Medical College] and the University College of Engineering(UCE Burla) , besides numerous schools and colleges, thus the student population at the height of academic year is sizable.

University College of Engineering is one of the oldest & finest Engineering College in India. Recently it had celerated its golden jubilee in the Year 2006. Notably this college has been vast source for intellectual capital in Engineering Sector both Public & Private.

Culture

The town organises several festivals through the year most notably the Durga Puja, the Viswakarma Puja and the Ravan Poda, the Rathayatra.

Nature

Nature wise, Burla is very beautiful with lots of greenery around, Mahanadi river flowing through and hills by the side. It is a treat to anyone's eyes. In summer, temperatures reach 50 degrees celsius and in winter they can go as low as 5 degrees celsius.

Places of interest

Hirakud dam is about 2 km from the main town. The Right Dyke stretches for more than 11 km along Mahanadi. All throughout the dyke it is a place to see. Nature lovers don't find themselves alone in that environment

References