Social, Environmental & Economic Sustainability
Our analysis of the rank of the district
Backwardness : 203
Sex Ratio Rank : 217
(Rank one is least sex ratio - Cenus 2001)
HIV Category District : A
(HIV Sentinel Surveillance 2004 - 2006)
Disability : 417 (Census 2001)
Literacy Ratio : 523 (Census 2001)
Minority : Does not figure in MCD
Water : Occurrence of High Arsenic in Ground Water

Challenges of the district : Our research with local communities

Brief About Lakhisarai District

Lakhisarai is a beautiful and important place in the state of Bihar. This district was established on the 3^rd of July 1994. Before coming into existence as a new district, Lakhisarai was a sub-division within Munger District. Historians established on the basis of analysis of evidences, that this place was a reputed religious center for the Hindus in the period of Pal. The ruler of that time was fond of making Temples and other religious spots. It is one of the reasons that there are so many temples and other religious places within this region. Some significant temples and religious spots within the district are Ashokdham, Bhagwati Mandir of Barahiya, Sringi Rishi, Jalappa Asthan, Abhainath Asthan on Abhaipur Mountains, Maharani Asthan of Abhaipur, Govindbaba Asthan (Mandap) Rampur and Durga Asthan Lakhisarai etc.

The district covers an area of about 129397 Hectares, Geographically, lies between 25^o to 25^o 20’ north Latitude and 85^o 55’ to 86^o 25’ east longitude . The district can be divided into three parts viz. (i) Hilly area (ii) Flood hit area and (ii) Plain area. The hilly area comprises of hill series and rocks like Kachhua hills, Kajra mountains up to Abhaipur and Jaynagar Mountains including forest area. Almost whole of Pipariya block and some part of Barahiya is considered as flood hit area. This area remains almost drowned in rainy season. But so far as cultivation and agriculture is concerned this area is called the stock of food Grains. Rest of the part except Hilly and flood hit area is plain area with full greenery and cultivable land.

Lakhisarai is bounded by Munger, Sheikhpura, Begusarai and Patna in the East, South, West and North respectively.

People of Lakhisarai were always in the limelight, either it be the struggle for freedom or movement for womens’ freedom including J.P. Movement or movement for womens’ education or fight against illiteracy. People of Lakhisarai always followed Gandhi Jee, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya, Pandit Nehru, Jayprakash Narayana, Indira Gandhi and such other leaders.

People like Pandit Karyanand Sharma, Rajeshwar Singh, Srikrishna Singh, Yadubansa Singh, Smt. Udya Devi, Dr. Kumar Vimal and many more have helped Lakhisarai carve out a niche in history in all walks of life.

People of Lakhisarai are indebted to the freedom fighters who martyred their lives for Motherland.

Railway main and loop line and NH 80 pass through the district headquarter, paving the way for its development. Railway main line and loop line cross each other at Kiul Junction.

History :
Lakhisarai was an established administrative and religious centre during the golden period of Pal bansh. This region of Lakhisarai was identified in old times as a place of rocks, mountains and statues of different Hindu and Bhuddhist gods and goddesses. Even in Buddha literature this place had been mentioned as "Anguttri" meaning thereby a district status. This beautiful place, naming Lakhisarai came into existence, as a new district from Munger . Hence this place in the ancient period also can be identified with the name of Munger or Ang Pradesh. Lakhisarai region during Pal administration was the capital of Pals for some period. Other evidences found in the district under the Pal Dharampal.

Noted Historian Dr. D.C. Sarkar during his visit, found some more evidences on the basis of which, he also confirmed that this place was very important "Krimila" Subject during Pal administration. Monument of Madan Pal of period 1161-1162 was found in Balgudar consist Narayana statue as Krimila Subject. Chinese traveler Huen Tsang described this place having 10 Buddha mathas and more than four hundred Buddhists resided here. Most of the Buddhists living here were Heenyanis. There were 10 temples also of Hindus and people lived here with peace and harmony. People of that time used to live in a very planned manner. Also, according to historian Sri Radha Krishna Chaudhary all the Buddha mathas were situated in southern side of Ganga and the king of Pal Bans was also a Buddhist. This region of Lakhisarai was ruled over in seventh century to eleventh century by the administrator of Pal Bans. Sen family also ruled this region for some period in 11^th century. Acharya Hawaldar Triapthi mentioned this region of Lakhisarai on the basis of "Mritika Mudra" kept in Nalanda. It means that Krimila was very important and Caval Gram was very important. The people believe that Krimila of that period is now Kiul Basti, which is situated in Southern side of Lakhisarai Railways station. Krimila was a center of Buddhist religion. Lord Buddha also stayed here for three years on Chaliya Mountain and Jantugram was nearby Chliya mountain and was situated on bank of river Krimikala, where Lord Buddha with his followers used to visit and deliver speech. It is convincing that Krimikala is now in Kiul river and Chaliya mountain is nothing but Jainagar mountain.

History indicates also that Md. Bin Bakhtiyar attacked this region in 11^th century. Shershah also ruled this region in the 15^th century. Surrajgarha witnessed great war of Shershah and Mugal emperor Humayu in 1534. Also in 1953 a fight occurred in Fatehpurnear Surajgarha between Miya Suleman and Adlshah in which Adilshah was killed.

In religious context, Surajgarha was also an important place for Shaiva sect. One beautiful Shiv Mandir was there and large number of people gathered there for worship of Lord Shiva with religious devotion.

There are some other places in this district, which are significant or were known for its significance in ancient period, either in Historical, archaeological or in religious context.

Climate :
The climate of the district is somewhat extreme in nature, i.e., quite hot during the summer and fairly cold during the winter. January is the coldest month when the mean minimum temperature comes down to approximately 4^oC. The temperature starts rising from March and reaches its peak in May when the mercury touches about 45^oC. Rain starts sometime in mid June and lasts till mid September. The district gets easterly winds from June to September, and from October to May wind direction reverses. Maximum rains occur during the months of July and August (289 mm). Sometimes winter rains occur in Jan-February.

River and Ponds :
The Ganges, Kiul and Harohar are the main three rivers flowing through the district. The Ganges fixes the north east border, while Harohar separates Diyara reigon from the other parts of the district and Kiul river almost bisects the whole district. Due to these rivers Lakhisarai district is good in cultivation and forest. These rivers impart prosperity to the people and play an important role in making this district significant and unique. River Kiul also, by depositing top quality of sand, plays an important role in the economy of the district and creates an opportunity of employment too.

Old Lakhisarai was also known for its fifty two ponds, few of them are still in frequent use. Some of them are Ashtaghatti, Sansar Pokher, Ojhba Pokher, Sonia Pokher etc. These ponds were used as a water container for the purpose of agriculture as well as for bathing. Other important historical and religious places are Surajgarha, Khetriyakund, Rajauna Balgudar, Nauma Barahiya etc.

Forest :
The alluvial plain extending up to the foothills of Lakhisarai ranges is extensively cultivated. Rice, wheat, pulses are the chief crops and the area is dotted with bamboo clumps and mango orchards. The Forests found in the Lakhisarai hills have suffered indiscriminate felling of trees in the recent past. The plateau is generally covered with long grasses, viz. Kush and khas. Sal trees of poor quality and vast stretches of bamboo are also found. Firewood, Tendu leaf and Chiraunji are the important forest products.

The number of fauna and game birds has gone down considerably with the increase in the area of cultivation due to increase in irrigation facilities.

Irrigation :
The main natural water resources are rivers, fountains, Canals and rain fall. Planned irrigational. facilities within the district are not sufficient. There are only two irrigation systems, Kiul minor irrigation and Shringi Rishi Dam which irrigate less than 10 percent of the total cultivable land area of district. Farmers depend either upon nature or private irrigational systems i.e Hand Pump, Boring, Local water storage or on Ponds for irrigation of their fields.

Crops :
The agroclimatic condition of the district favours the plantation of various crops. Paddy, Wheat, Maize are the main cereal crops of the district. Different cropping patterns are adopted by the cultivators in different areas. In Taal area pulses like Gram and Masoor occupy maximum area, while in Ganga region Wheat, Maize, Mustard, Pea, Green Vegetables are the main crops. In Hilly area and other parts of the district Paddy is the main crop. In few areas Potato and Onion are also cultivated. The yeild rate (Quintal/hect.) of different crops are as follows:- Wheat,(In irrigated area 30-35, in Non irrigated area 15-20) Paddy(35-40) Gram(20-22), Maize(Rabi 60-62, Khariff 40-45), Pea(15-20) Masoor (18-20) Arhar (20-25) Mustard(10-12) Flood affected Tall and Ganga regions mostly in rainy season and in this region Rabi is the main crop . The cropping pattern in the district is (a) Paddy- Wheat (b) Paddy- Potato-Onion (c) Maize-Wheat-Green vegetable (d) Gram- Sarso.There is a good scope for scientific and rotation of crops for higher yeild.

Mines and Minerals
Top quality of sands and stones are found in this district. Kiul River is a perennial source of sand. Hundreds of trucks carry sand daily. Sand carting labours and vehicles depend upon it for their livelihood. Stones are found mostly in Jungles of Abhaipur and Kajra. Stone crusher labours, small chips makers depend upon them . . There is a need of Dairy plants for better production of milk.

Industrialisation
The district is scantily industrialised. In Lakhisarai District town iron rod industry, private rice mills, Sindur factories, insecticide manfacture industry are developed on small scale. Near N.H. 80 and Ganga region, milk producing villages are found .

Transport Facilities
Basically the people of Lakhisarai district depend on Railway and Roadways for transportation and communication. N.H. 80 traverses about 75 km. in northern part of the district through Barahiya, Lakhisarai and Surajgarha. 60% villages have been linked with metallic Road. Railway main and loop line pass through the district headquarter. Railway main line and loop line cross each other at Kiul Junction

Commerce
Lakhisarai is one of the best trading center in Bihar. Lots of items being traded here. Banarasi Sari, Silk, Kaleen, Dari and Agricultural produces are the main articles, which are traded in and out of the district.

Electricity and Energy

No power plant is there in Lakhisarai. NTPC power station is being constructed at Barh which is at a distance of 50-60 Kms form Lakhisarai district. The possibility of tapping solar energy is also great in the district.

Sub Divisions	Lakhisarai.
Blocks	Halsi, Lakhisarai, Barahia, Suryagarha, Piparia, Raigarh Chowk.
Agriculture	Paddy, Wheat, Lentils.
Industry	..
Rivers	Ganga, Mohane, Harohar, Kiul.

Tourist places

RAJAUNA

Rajauna is a village within the municipal area of Lakhisarai and is about 4kms from Lakhisarai Headquarter. Huen Tsang described this place Rajauna as an important place for Buddhists and there were some Buddha Maths. This place was the capital of Indradaman, who was the last emperor of Pals . Rajauna had a glorious past, according to the ruins and evidences found there. Ashok dham is also situated nereby Rajauna village. Ashok Dham is known for unique Shivling made of black stone, which is huge in size.

KABAIYA

Kabaiya is a ward within Lakhisaai Municipality near Janagar Hills. Under General Kaningham, excavation was carried out on the site of Kabaiya in which ruins of buildings, stamps, gold coins etc. were found. Historians on the basis of materials found in Kabaiya, said that this place was significant in ancient time in period between ninth and tenth century.

NONGARH

Nongarh is about 10kms from Lakhisarai and is situated within Ramgarh Chowk Block. During excavation of Nongarh statue of god and goddesses made of sand stone and some stoops were found which indicate that this place was also important and a glorious centre of civilization and culture in ancient times.

BARAHIYA

Barahiya is a small town situated on the bank of the Uttar Vahini Ganga and is 15kms north to Lakhisarai . Important places like the Temple of Tripur Sundari Man Bagwati popularly known as Maharani Asthan, which is the highest temple of Bihar. Maharani Asthan of Barahiya is a very important temple of Hindu's. Hindus of the region believe Maharani to be the most powerful goddess and have great faith . Barahiya is also considered important for having north flowing Ganga and people take holy dip in it. According to Belief cremation on the bank of north flowing Gange brings Moksha to the people.

SHRINGIRISHI

Shringirishi is a beautiful natural place, having a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva on mountain near Jalappa Asthan. It is an important place for the Hindus as well as a place of natural interest. Sringi Rishi is a beautiful place with a soft water spring and full of greenery and rocks, making this place memorable. On Shivratri and Makar Sankranti large gathering is seen here. Shringi Rishi dam is near- by the temple with full of blue water. Boating in the dam is a good experience and makes visit to this place, memorable

ABHINATH ASTHAN

Abhainath Asthan is a beautiful place on the top of the mountain of Abhaipur. There is a temple of a Saint namely Abhainath Baba. Name of the Abhaipur village as well as Abhaipur Railway station is named after the name of Abhainath Baba. Abainath Baba was a cosmic saint and always protected the people of this region from all the dangers and diseases. People have great faith in Baba. Amrasani is a beautiful picnic spot, near this Abainath Asthan. At Amrasani there is a beautiful soft water spring, mountains and rocks and forest with full greenery. On Ist of January and 14^th Junuary large no. of people come and enjoy this place and take bath in spring . Famous slate rocks are found here, for making slates for children and plate for house construction. People can see the stream of water spring flowing for very short distance then it disappears magically.

BHAGWATI ASTHAN

Bhagwati Asthan of Abhaipur is an important temple of Maa Bhagwati situated at the foothill of Abhaipurvillage mountain. This goddess is also known as Bisharidevi i.e. goddess of snakes. Local people claim that no people having snakebite returns empty from the darbar of Mahari or Bhagwati. On the eve of Nag Panchami a large no of people come here to worship the goddess and have a look of Nagdevta and offer "doodh lava" to Nagdevta.