Economy of District Bilaspur | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Bilaspur is a district with diverse resources and activities. Here is a detailed overview of the district, highlighting its soil, crops, fishing activities, minerals, infrastructure, fairs, temples, food habits, and demographic details.

Soil and Agriculture

• Soil Type: The predominant soil type in Bilaspur district is sandy, which affects agricultural practices.
• Major Crops: The primary crops grown in the region include maize, wheat, paddy, ginger, sugarcane, and various oilseeds. These crops are well-suited to the sandy soil conditions.

Fishing Industry

• Fishing Grounds: Bilaspur is home to significant fishing areas along the Satluj River, Sheer Khad, and Govind Sagar Lake. These locations provide vital resources for the local fishing industry.
• Fish Hatchery: Deoli, situated on the bank of Ali Khad, houses a prominent fish hatchery. Established in 1961-62, it is the largest fish breeding farm in Asia, contributing extensively to the local and regional fish supply.

Mineral Resources

• Limestone Deposits: The district is rich in limestone, which is a key raw material for the cement industry. This resource is crucial for various construction projects.
• Cement Production: The Barmana cement plant in Bilaspur is known for producing high-quality cement, leveraging the district's limestone resources.

Bridges and Infrastructure

• Kandror Bridge: This bridge spans the Satluj River and is recognized as one of the highest bridges in Asia due to its impressive height.
• RCC Bridges: There are reinforced concrete bridges over Ali Khad and Gambhar Khad located on National Highway 21, enhancing connectivity in the region.

Fairs and Festivals

• Naina Devi Fair: An important cultural event attracting numerous visitors.
• Gugga Fair: Celebrated with much enthusiasm in the district.
• Nalwari Fair: Initiated by W. Goldstein in 1889, this fair has gained significant importance and is now recognized as a state fair.

Temples

• Shri Gopal Temple: Located in Bilaspur, this temple is a prominent religious site.
• Narsingh Temple: Situated in Dhaulra, it is a significant place of worship.
• Murli Manohar Temple: Found in Bilaspur, it holds religious importance for locals.
• Gugga Temple and Markhanday Temple: Both located at Makdi, these temples are important pilgrimage sites.
• Naina Devi Temple: This temple has embraced modern technology by offering online Puja services and accepting online offerings through a partnership with HDFC Bank.

Food Habits

• Staple Foods: The primary foods in Bilaspur include maize and rice, which are central to the local diet.
• Special Dishes: During Diwali, a special dish called Ankaloos, made from rice flour, is prepared. Another traditional dish is Khichari, enjoyed during the festival of Lohri.

Additional Highlights

• Naval National Cadet Corps: Bilaspur district is notable for hosting a Naval National Cadet Corps unit since March 1963.
• Population and Literacy: As per the 2011 Census, the district experienced a 12% increase in population from 2001-2011. It ranks 10th in the state by population, holds the 4th position in literacy with a rate slightly above the state average of 82.8%, and ranks 5th in sex ratio with 981 females per 1000 males, compared to the state average of 972.
• Pilgrimage Sites: Naina Devi and Shah Talai are prominent pilgrimage centers, drawing large numbers of visitors from neighboring states.
• Bhakra Dam: Located in Naina Devi tehsil, this dam is the highest straight gravity dam in the world.
• Tourist Attractions: Govind Sagar Lake is a key tourist destination in the district.
• Infrastructure: All villages in Bilaspur are electrified and have access to bus routes, reflecting well-developed infrastructure.
• Economy: The district's economy is largely based on agriculture, with most residents engaged in farming activities.