Part II.pdf - MTB-MLE Network

temperature is 33ºC in July and August; the minimum is 7ºC in January. The annual rainfall of the
district is 1,614 mm. About 80% of rainfall is from the southwest monsoon.
Topography: The topography of Goalpara is generally characterized by an almost flat plain, except
for a few low forested hills that break the monotony of the terrain. The main hills are Pancharatna,
Sri Surjya, Tukreswari, Nalanga and Paglartek, with elevations ranging from 100 to 500 m. A large
number of Char (riverine tracts and sandy river islands) can be found in the river Brahmaputra.
The Brahmaputra flows east to west on the northern boundary of the district, and the main tributaries
are the rivers Dudhnoi, Krishnai, Jinjiram and Jinary. Dudhnoi and Krishnai originate from the
Meghalaya Hills, then join each other on the western part of Matia and flow as the river Mornoi
up to its confluence with the Brahmaputra. The Jinjiram originates from Urpad Beel, flows parallel
to the Brahmaputra and ultimately joins near South Salmara of Dhubri District. The rivers are all
perennial in nature. There are a few other minor streams in the district, as well.
Economy: The district is industrially backward, and there is no major industry. Land-locked,
historically Goalpara has had poor transport and communication facilities. It has been observed
lately, however, that district avenues have somewhat opened up, and the problems of transport and
communication have lessened with the opening of a rail cum road bridge, the Naranarayan Setu
over the river Brahmaputra, and also with the completion of a railway tract from Jogighopa to
Kamakhya. It is also expected that the proposed industrial growth centre of Matia (near Sainik
School, Goalpara) will give a boost to industrial development in the district.
The district is primarily agrarian. Ninety percent of the population depend on agriculture for their
livelihood. The principal agricultural products are paddy, jute, green and black gram and potatoes.
The district is also known for its production of arecanut and bananas. A big banana producing
market has developed at Darangiri, which exports all over India.
Communication: Goalpara is located in the western part of Assam. The headquarters of Goalpara
district, Goalpara Town, is situated on the south bank of the river Brahmaputra. After construction
of the Naranarayan Setu (bridge) over the Brahmaputra, road communication from the north bank
has become easy and convenient.
Surface Communication: After reaching Guwahati, the capital city of the state, one can use either
government or private bus services to travel about 150 km to reach Goalpara. Similarly, bus services
connecting different places in the North Bank, like Dhubri and Bongaigaon in Assam, or Coch Behar
and Siliguri in the state of West Bengal, are also available.
Railway Communication: The nearest rail head is at New Bongaigaon, which is connected by
train service from all places in the country. Railway track has been laid down through Goalpara,
and connects New Bongaigaon and Guwahati. Passenger train services as well as goods train services
are available between the two stations through Goalpara.
Internal Communication: On reaching Goalpara Town, bus and taxi services can be used to visit
different places of interest spread over the whole of the district.
District Profile: The Goalpara district was created in 1983 with two sub-divisions, Goalpara (Sadar)
sub-division and North Salmara (Civil) sub-division. In 1989, Goalpara Sadar sub-division was
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