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Bhimalpur Forest

2026-10-15T15:59:29Z

2409:40E5:340E:243B:1CFD:99FF:FEC7:FCF3: Submitting draft for review

{{AfC submission||ts=20261015155927|u=2409:40E5:340E:243B:1CFD:99FF:FEC7:FCF3|ns=118}} 

{{Short description|Forest and proposed biodiversity park near Mehsi, East Champaran, Bihar, India}} {{Use Indian English|date=October 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2026}}
{{Infobox protected area | name = Bhimalpur Forest | image =Forest, Bhimalpur.jpg| image_caption = Bhimalpur Forest near Mehsi | map = | map_caption = Location of Bhimalpur' Forest in Mehsi, East Champaran, Bihar | location = '''Bhimalpur, Katahan''' in [[Mehsi, Bihar]], [[India]] | nearest_city = [[Mehsi]] | coordinates = {{Coord|26.362904|85.172999|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | area_acre = 302 | area_ha = 122.2 | established = Afforestation project | governing_body = [[Bihar Forest Department]] }}
'''Bhimalpur Forest''' ({{langx|hi|भीमलपुर जंगल}}) is a forest area at '''Bhimalpur, Katahan''' in the [[Mehsi, Bihar|Mehsi]] area of [[East Champaran district]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]. The forest covers approximately {{convert|302|acre|ha|0}} and lies along the [[Burhi Gandak River]]. It is one of the important forest and ecological sites of the Mehsi area and has been proposed for development as a biodiversity park and eco-tourism destination.{{cite news |title=Man-made forest takes shape of tourist site in East Champaran |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/man-made-forest-takes-shape-of-tourist-site-in-east-champaran/articleshow/106819922.cms |work=The Times of India |date=14 January 2024 |access-date=4 October 2026 }}{{cite report |title=Building Climate Resilience of East Champaran |url=https://asar.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/East-C-Report_12Sept23.pdf |publisher=Asar Social Impact Advisors |access-date=4 October 2026 }}

==Geography==

'''Bhimalpur Forest''' is located at '''Bhimalpur''' in the [[Mehsi, Bihar|Mehsi]] area of [[East Champaran district]], [[Bihar]], India. The forest forms part of the geographical landscape surrounding [[Mehsi]], an urban local body and administrative centre of the Mehsi area. The [[East Champaran district]] administration lists Mehsi Nagar Panchayat/Nagar Parishad among the district's urban local bodies and Mehsi as one of the district's administrative blocks.<ref name="MehsiULB">{{cite web
|title=Mehsi Nagar Panchayat
|url=https://eastchamparan.nic.in/public-utility/mehsi-nagar-panchayat/
|publisher=Government of Bihar
|access-date=4 October 2026
}}</ref><ref name="Blocks">{{cite web
|title=Sub-division & Block
|url=https://eastchamparan.nic.in/subdivision-blocks/
|publisher=Government of Bihar
|access-date=4 October 2026
}}</ref>

The forest is situated along the [[Burhi Gandak River]], locally known in the East Champaran region as the Sikrahana River. The river passes through the forest and forms an important geographical feature of the site, with forest land occurring on both sides of the river.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news
|title=Man-made forest takes shape of tourist site in East Champaran
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/man-made-forest-takes-shape-of-tourist-site-in-east-champaran/articleshow/106819922.cms
|work=The Times of India
|date=14 January 2024
|access-date=4 October 2026
}}</ref>

Bhimalpur Forest is approximately 7 km from Mehsi town. The proposed development plan includes improved road connectivity between Mehsi, the headquarters of Mehsi block, and the forest, together with a proposed hanging bridge across the Burhi Gandak and river-based tourism facilities.<ref name="TOI2024">{{cite news
|title=Man-made forest takes shape of tourist site in East Champaran
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/man-made-forest-takes-shape-of-tourist-site-in-east-champaran/articleshow/106819922.cms
|work=The Times of India
|date=14 January 2024
|access-date=4 October 2026
}}</ref>

This places Bhimalpur Forest within the wider geographic and urban sphere of Mehsi while connecting the forest landscape with the Burhi Gandak river corridor and the surrounding settlements of the Mehsi area.

== Afforestation ==
The present forest developed through large-scale plantation and afforestation activities. In 2019, Jeevika women associated with the '''Didi Ki Paudhshala''' initiative began planting trees on previously barren land at Bhimalpur. Around 30,000 saplings were initially planted, followed by approximately 50,000 additional trees planted by the district forest department.<ref name="man_made_forest">{{cite news
|title=Man-made forest takes shape of tourist site in East Champaran
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/man-made-forest-takes-shape-of-tourist-site-in-east-champaran/articleshow/106819922.cms
|work=The Times of India
|date=14 January 2024
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

The plantation programme has contributed to the development of a substantial green area in the Mehsi region. The forest department has reported wildlife including wild boar, nilgai and jackals in the forest area.<ref name="man_made_forest" />

The Bihar State Knowledge Management Center on Climate Change, under the Government of Bihar, has documented Bhimalpur Forest, East Champaran, including field visits and land-erosion observations.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Bhimalpur Forest, East Champaran
|url=https://forestonline.bihar.gov.in/SKMCCC/Gallery.aspx
|publisher=Government of Bihar
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

== Proposed biodiversity park ==
The Bihar Forest Department has proposed developing Bhimalpur Forest as a biodiversity park. The proposal has been described as a river-based biodiversity park because the Burhi Gandak flows through the forest.<ref name="livehindustan_com">{{cite news
|title=बायोडायवर्सिटी पार्क के रूप में विकसित होगा भीमलपुर जंगल
|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/motihari/story-bhimalpur-forest-will-be-developed-as-a-biodiversity-park-6494970.amp.html
|work=Hindustan
|language=hi
|date=15 May 2022
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

According to reports on the proposal, the project was planned on the model of the [[Yamuna Biodiversity Park]] in [[Delhi]]. Proposed facilities included walking paths, visitor amenities, eco-friendly infrastructure and measures for improving access to the forest.<ref name="man_made_forest" />

A 2022 report stated that a proposal had been prepared for the development of the 302-acre forest as a biodiversity park and tourist site. Proposed facilities included pathways, boundary infrastructure and other visitor amenities.<ref name="livehindustan_com" />

== Eco-tourism ==
The proposed development includes nature-based tourism facilities. Plans reported by the forest department included a hanging bridge across the Burhi Gandak, boating or boat-safari facilities, nature-oriented visitor infrastructure and medicinal-plant areas.<ref name="man_made_forest" />

A separate report in 2022 stated that the proposed biodiversity park would include facilities such as seating areas, water features, eco-huts, an observation tower and visitor amenities.<ref>{{cite news
|title=बायोडायवर्सिटी पार्क के निर्माण पर खर्च होंगे 22.34 करोड़
|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/motihari/story-22-34-crore-will-be-spent-on-the-construction-of-biodiversity-park-7458468.html
|work=Hindustan
|language=hi
|date=7 December 2022
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

The proposed tourism development has received attention as a potential major nature-tourism attraction in North Bihar. Dainik Jagran described the proposed biodiversity park at Bhimalpur as a prospective tourist destination of North Bihar.<ref>{{cite news
|title=Biodiversity park Bhimalpur jungle will become the first tourist destination of North Bihar
|url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/east-champaran-biodiversity-park-bhimalpur-jungle-will-become-the-first-tourist-destination-of-north-bihar-22904150.html
|work=Dainik Jagran
|language=hi
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

== Tourism and regional significance ==
Bhimalpur Forest is one of the emerging natural attractions associated with [[Mehsi]] and the wider East Champaran region. Its combination of forest vegetation, afforestation areas, the Burhi Gandak River and proposed biodiversity-park facilities gives the site potential for eco-tourism and nature-based recreation.

The close proximity of the forest to Mehsi, together with proposed road connectivity and tourism infrastructure, has strengthened its association with Mehsi as a regional nature-tourism destination.<ref name="man_made_forest" />

== See also ==
* [[Mehsi]]
* [[East Champaran district]]
* [[Burhi Gandak River]]
* [[Biodiversity park]]
* [[Eco-tourism in Bihar]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:East Champaran district]]

Bhimalpur Forest

2026-10-15T15:59:09Z

2409:40E5:340E:243B:1CFD:99FF:FEC7:FCF3: Create bhimalpur Forest in Mehsi, East Champaran, Bihar

{{Short description|Forest and proposed biodiversity park near Mehsi, East Champaran, Bihar, India}} {{Use Indian English|date=October 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2026}}
{{Infobox protected area | name = Bhimalpur Forest | image =Forest, Bhimalpur.jpg| image_caption = Bhimalpur Forest near Mehsi | map = | map_caption = Location of Bhimalpur' Forest in Mehsi, East Champaran, Bihar | location = '''Bhimalpur, Katahan''' in [[Mehsi, Bihar]], [[India]] | nearest_city = [[Mehsi]] | coordinates = {{Coord|26.362904|85.172999|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | area_acre = 302 | area_ha = 122.2 | established = Afforestation project | governing_body = [[Bihar Forest Department]] }}
'''Bhimalpur Forest''' ({{langx|hi|भीमलपुर जंगल}}) is a forest area at '''Bhimalpur, Katahan''' in the [[Mehsi, Bihar|Mehsi]] area of [[East Champaran district]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]. The forest covers approximately {{convert|302|acre|ha|0}} and lies along the [[Burhi Gandak River]]. It is one of the important forest and ecological sites of the Mehsi area and has been proposed for development as a biodiversity park and eco-tourism destination.{{cite news |title=Man-made forest takes shape of tourist site in East Champaran |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/man-made-forest-takes-shape-of-tourist-site-in-east-champaran/articleshow/106819922.cms |work=The Times of India |date=14 January 2024 |access-date=4 October 2026 }}{{cite report |title=Building Climate Resilience of East Champaran |url=https://asar.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/East-C-Report_12Sept23.pdf |publisher=Asar Social Impact Advisors |access-date=4 October 2026 }}

==Geography==

'''Bhimalpur Forest''' is located at '''Bhimalpur''' in the [[Mehsi, Bihar|Mehsi]] area of [[East Champaran district]], [[Bihar]], India. The forest forms part of the geographical landscape surrounding [[Mehsi]], an urban local body and administrative centre of the Mehsi area. The [[East Champaran district]] administration lists Mehsi Nagar Panchayat/Nagar Parishad among the district's urban local bodies and Mehsi as one of the district's administrative blocks.<ref name="MehsiULB">{{cite web
|title=Mehsi Nagar Panchayat
|url=https://eastchamparan.nic.in/public-utility/mehsi-nagar-panchayat/
|publisher=Government of Bihar
|access-date=4 October 2026
}}</ref><ref name="Blocks">{{cite web
|title=Sub-division & Block
|url=https://eastchamparan.nic.in/subdivision-blocks/
|publisher=Government of Bihar
|access-date=4 October 2026
}}</ref>

The forest is situated along the [[Burhi Gandak River]], locally known in the East Champaran region as the Sikrahana River. The river passes through the forest and forms an important geographical feature of the site, with forest land occurring on both sides of the river.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news
|title=Man-made forest takes shape of tourist site in East Champaran
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/man-made-forest-takes-shape-of-tourist-site-in-east-champaran/articleshow/106819922.cms
|work=The Times of India
|date=14 January 2024
|access-date=4 October 2026
}}</ref>

Bhimalpur Forest is approximately 7 km from Mehsi town. The proposed development plan includes improved road connectivity between Mehsi, the headquarters of Mehsi block, and the forest, together with a proposed hanging bridge across the Burhi Gandak and river-based tourism facilities.<ref name="TOI2024">{{cite news
|title=Man-made forest takes shape of tourist site in East Champaran
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/man-made-forest-takes-shape-of-tourist-site-in-east-champaran/articleshow/106819922.cms
|work=The Times of India
|date=14 January 2024
|access-date=4 October 2026
}}</ref>

This places Bhimalpur Forest within the wider geographic and urban sphere of Mehsi while connecting the forest landscape with the Burhi Gandak river corridor and the surrounding settlements of the Mehsi area.

== Afforestation ==
The present forest developed through large-scale plantation and afforestation activities. In 2019, Jeevika women associated with the '''Didi Ki Paudhshala''' initiative began planting trees on previously barren land at Bhimalpur. Around 30,000 saplings were initially planted, followed by approximately 50,000 additional trees planted by the district forest department.<ref name="man_made_forest">{{cite news
|title=Man-made forest takes shape of tourist site in East Champaran
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/man-made-forest-takes-shape-of-tourist-site-in-east-champaran/articleshow/106819922.cms
|work=The Times of India
|date=14 January 2024
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

The plantation programme has contributed to the development of a substantial green area in the Mehsi region. The forest department has reported wildlife including wild boar, nilgai and jackals in the forest area.<ref name="man_made_forest" />

The Bihar State Knowledge Management Center on Climate Change, under the Government of Bihar, has documented Bhimalpur Forest, East Champaran, including field visits and land-erosion observations.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Bhimalpur Forest, East Champaran
|url=https://forestonline.bihar.gov.in/SKMCCC/Gallery.aspx
|publisher=Government of Bihar
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

== Proposed biodiversity park ==
The Bihar Forest Department has proposed developing Bhimalpur Forest as a biodiversity park. The proposal has been described as a river-based biodiversity park because the Burhi Gandak flows through the forest.<ref name="livehindustan_com">{{cite news
|title=बायोडायवर्सिटी पार्क के रूप में विकसित होगा भीमलपुर जंगल
|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/motihari/story-bhimalpur-forest-will-be-developed-as-a-biodiversity-park-6494970.amp.html
|work=Hindustan
|language=hi
|date=15 May 2022
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

According to reports on the proposal, the project was planned on the model of the [[Yamuna Biodiversity Park]] in [[Delhi]]. Proposed facilities included walking paths, visitor amenities, eco-friendly infrastructure and measures for improving access to the forest.<ref name="man_made_forest" />

A 2022 report stated that a proposal had been prepared for the development of the 302-acre forest as a biodiversity park and tourist site. Proposed facilities included pathways, boundary infrastructure and other visitor amenities.<ref name="livehindustan_com" />

== Eco-tourism ==
The proposed development includes nature-based tourism facilities. Plans reported by the forest department included a hanging bridge across the Burhi Gandak, boating or boat-safari facilities, nature-oriented visitor infrastructure and medicinal-plant areas.<ref name="man_made_forest" />

A separate report in 2022 stated that the proposed biodiversity park would include facilities such as seating areas, water features, eco-huts, an observation tower and visitor amenities.<ref>{{cite news
|title=बायोडायवर्सिटी पार्क के निर्माण पर खर्च होंगे 22.34 करोड़
|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/motihari/story-22-34-crore-will-be-spent-on-the-construction-of-biodiversity-park-7458468.html
|work=Hindustan
|language=hi
|date=7 December 2022
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

The proposed tourism development has received attention as a potential major nature-tourism attraction in North Bihar. Dainik Jagran described the proposed biodiversity park at Bhimalpur as a prospective tourist destination of North Bihar.<ref>{{cite news
|title=Biodiversity park Bhimalpur jungle will become the first tourist destination of North Bihar
|url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/east-champaran-biodiversity-park-bhimalpur-jungle-will-become-the-first-tourist-destination-of-north-bihar-22904150.html
|work=Dainik Jagran
|language=hi
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

== Tourism and regional significance ==
Bhimalpur Forest is one of the emerging natural attractions associated with [[Mehsi]] and the wider East Champaran region. Its combination of forest vegetation, afforestation areas, the Burhi Gandak River and proposed biodiversity-park facilities gives the site potential for eco-tourism and nature-based recreation.

The close proximity of the forest to Mehsi, together with proposed road connectivity and tourism infrastructure, has strengthened its association with Mehsi as a regional nature-tourism destination.<ref name="man_made_forest" />

== See also ==
* [[Mehsi]]
* [[East Champaran district]]
* [[Burhi Gandak River]]
* [[Biodiversity park]]
* [[Eco-tourism in Bihar]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:East Champaran district]]

Bhimalpur Forest

2026-10-15T15:57:37Z

2409:40E5:340E:243B:1CFD:99FF:FEC7:FCF3: Article created via ArticleWizard

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

Chakia, Bihar

2026-10-15T15:42:32Z

2409:40E5:340E:243B:1CFD:99FF:FEC7:FCF3: Historically Mehsi of Champarn chief Sadar

{{More citations needed|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Chakia
| other_name = shekhi Chakia
| settlement_type = city
| pushpin_map = India Bihar
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Bihar, India
| coordinates = {{coord|26.42|N|85.05|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Bihar]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[East Champaran district]]
| government_type = Nagar Panchayat
| governing_body = Chakia Nagar Panchayat
| unit_pref = Metric
| elevation_m = 52
| population_total = 20,686
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[English language|English]], [[Maithili language|Maithili]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 845412
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 06257
| registration_plate = BR05
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Purvi Champaran (Lok Sabha constituency)|Purvi Champaran]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Pipra, Purvi Champaran (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Pipra]]
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-BR]]
}}

'''Chakia''' (also known as '''Bara Chakia''') is a [[Nagar Panchayat]] in [[East Champaran district]] in the state of [[Bihar]], [[India]].

==History==
Historically, the region encompassing modern '''Chakia''' was deeply tied to the older civil and administrative center of [[Mehsi]]. According to the 1938 ''Bihar and Orissa District Gazetteers: Champaran'', [[Mehsi]] was originally established as the "sadar or chief civil station" of the Champaran region when the [[East India Company]] initially acquired the territory.<ref name="OMalley1938">{{cite book |last=O'Malley |first=L. S. S. |title=Bihar and Orissa District Gazetteers: Champaran |publisher=Superintendent, Government Printing |year=1938 |page=168}}</ref> The legal and judicial administrations of the surrounding territories, including Chakia, were historically managed under the jurisdiction of the prominent Munsif's court and the historical [[Mehsi|Mehsi Pargana]].<ref name="OMalley1938" />

While Chakia developed as a separate commercial and sugar-processing hub in later decades, its administrative roots remained linked to the historical footprint of '''[[Mehsi]]'''. Following the decentralization of the district infrastructure, Chakia was later bifurcated to form its own distinct community development block, separate from the parent '''[[Mehsi]]''' block.<ref name="ECSubdivision">{{cite web |title=Sub-division & Block |url=https://eastchamparan.nic.in |website=East Champaran District Administration |publisher=Government of Bihar |access-date=15 October 2026}}</ref> Today, both towns function as separate blocks within the [[East Champaran district]], with the historical legacy of the region heavily anchored in '''[[Mehsi]]'s''' early status as the principal civil station of East Champaran.<ref name="OMalley1938" /><ref name="ECAbout">{{cite web |title=About District |url=https://eastchamparan.nic.in |website=East Champaran District Administration |publisher=Government of Bihar |access-date=15 October 2026}}</ref>

==Transportation==

Chakia is served by [[Chakia railway station]], situated on the [[Muzaffarpur–Gorakhpur main line]] under the [[Samastipur railway division]].<ref>{{cite web
|title=Chakia Railway Station Map/Atlas ECR/East Central Zone
|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/station/map/chakia-caa/561
|access-date=4 September 2026
|website=India Rail Info
}}</ref>

The town is connected by road with other parts of [[East Champaran district]] and northern Bihar. The regional highway network connects Chakia with [[Motihari]], [[Mehsi]] and [[Muzaffarpur]]. The [[National Highways Authority of India]] identifies the [[National Highway 27 (India)|NH 27]] section between [[Kotwa (Motihari)]], [[Mehsi]] and [[Muzaffarpur]] as an 80-kilometre highway section, from km 440.000 to km 520.000.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Completed Projects
|url=https://nhai.gov.in/nhai/sites/default/files/mix_file/Completed_PCC_MIS_01-06-2024.pdf
|publisher=[[National Highways Authority of India]]
|access-date=4 September 2026
}}</ref>

[[Kesaria Stupa]] is located near Chakia and is an important Buddhist archaeological site in [[East Champaran district]]. The nearest major airport is [[Jay Prakash Narayan Airport]] in [[Patna]].

==Geography==

Chakia is located in [[East Champaran district]] of [[Bihar]]. The town forms part of the regional urban and transport network connecting [[Motihari]], [[Mehsi]] and [[Muzaffarpur]]. The [[Burhi Gandak River]] flows through the wider region.

==River==

The [[Burhi Gandak River]] flows through the region around Chakia. The river originates in the [[Someshwar Range]] of [[West Champaran district]] and flows through northern Bihar.

==Demographics==

{{As of|2011}} India [[census]], Chakia had a population of 20,686. Males constituted about 53% of the population and females about 47%.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Census of India 2011: Data from the 2011 Census, including cities, villages and towns
|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/subdistrict/1051-chakia(pipra)-purbi-champaran-bihar.html
|access-date=4 September 2026
|website=Census of India 2011
}}</ref>

==Buddhist tourism==

[[Kesaria Stupa]] is located near Chakia in [[East Champaran district]]. The stupa is an important archaeological and Buddhist heritage site of Bihar.

==See also==

* [[East Champaran district]]
* [[Mehsi]]
* [[Motihari]]
* [[Muzaffarpur]]
* [[Kesaria Stupa]]
* [[Chakia railway station]]

==References==

<references/>

==External links==

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200319114547/https://www.barachakia.com/ Chakia Town Website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929153637/http://eastchamparan.bih.nic.in/chakia.html District Administration Website]

{{Tirhut Division}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in East Champaran district]]
[[Category:Nagar Panchayats in Bihar]]

{{Bihar-geo-stub}}