Arpan1314: Improved wording and formatting

2026-02-12T20:54:01Z

Improved wording and formatting

imported>Lancepark: icon state, link

2021-04-25T21:55:08Z

icon state, link

New page

{{Use British English|date=September 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = West Kameng district
| settlement_type = [[Districts of Arunachal Pradesh|District]] of [[Arunachal Pradesh]]
| total_type = Total
| native_name =
| image_map = Arunachal Pradesh West Kameng district locator map.svg
| map_caption = Location of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh
| coordinates =
| coor_pinpoint = Bomdila
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|..Arunachal Pradesh Flag(INDIA).png}} [[Arunachal Pradesh]]
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_name2 =
| established_title = Established
| established_date =
| seat_type = Headquarters
| seat = [[Bomdila]]
| parts_type = [[Tehsils of India|Tehsils]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 =
| area_total_km2 = 7422
| area_footnotes =
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_total = 83,947<ref name=districtcensus>{{cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php |title= District Census 2011 |publisher=Census2011.co.in |access-date=2014-01-07 }}</ref>
| population_footnotes =
| population_urban =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Demographics
| demographics1_title1 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]]
| demographics1_info1 = 69.4%<ref name=districtcensus />
| demographics1_title2 = Sex ratio
| demographics1_info2 = 755<ref name=districtcensus />
| leader_title =
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 =
| leader_name1 =
| leader_title2 =
| leader_name2 =
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| registration_plate =
| blank_name_sec1 =
| blank_info_sec1 =
| blank_name_sec2 =
| blank_info_sec2 =
| website = {{URL|http://westkameng.nic.in/}}
| official_name =
| image_skyline = 13,700 feet Sela Lake,in west Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh.jpg
| image_caption = Sela lake near the [[Sela Pass]]
}}

'''West Kameng''' (pronounced {{IPA|ˈkæmɛŋ}}) is a district of [[Arunachal Pradesh]] in northeastern India. It accounts for 8.86% of the total area of the state. The name is derived from the [[Kameng river]], a tributary of the [[Brahmaputra]], that flows through the district.

== History ==

The area around the Kameng river has traditionally come under the control of the [[Monpa people|Mon]] kingdom, Bhutan, Tibet and the [[Ahom kingdom]]. [[Tibetan Buddhism]] got a strong foothold among the tribal groups as early as in the 7th century, where the [[Kachen Lama]] constructed the [[Lhagyala Gompa]] in [[Morshing]].

Whenever loose control was exerted over the area, small, feudal chiefdoms ruled by the [[Miji people|Miji]] and the [[Aka (tribe)|Aka]] chiefs dominated control over the area. This can be evidenced in the fact that ruined fortresses like those in [[Bhalukpong]] constructed in the 10th to 12th century and the [[Dirang]] fort, which was constructed in the 17th century to defend against invasions from neighbouring chiefdoms.

Upon the arrival of the [[Kingdom of Great Britain|British]], the entire area became what was known as the [[North-East Frontier Agency]]. It was renamed as the Balipara Frontier tract in 1919, with its headquarters at Charduar in Assam. In 1946, the district area was carved out of the Balipara, with the name Sela Sub-Agency and its headquarters continued to be Charduar of Assam.

Following the independence of India, the Sela Sub-Agency was renamed as the Kameng Frontier Division. Its headquarters were later transferred to [[Bomdila]] in 1954. However, with the invasion of Tibet in 1950, Tibetan refugees started populating the area. Furthermore, with the invasion of the Chinese troops into this area, many historical monuments were either destroyed or defaced.

The Kameng Frontier Division was renamed as the ''Kameng District''. The ''Political Officer'' was also redesignated as the ''[[Deputy Commissioner of Kameng]]''. However, due to political reasons, the Kameng district was bifurcated between East Kameng and West Kameng on 1 June 1980.<ref name="Statoids">{{cite web | url = http://www.statoids.com/yin.html | title = Districts of India | last = Law | first = Gwillim | date = 25 September 2011 | work = Statoids | access-date = 2014-01-07}}</ref> [[Tawang]] district, which initially belonged to part of the district, was separated on 6 October 1984.<ref name="Statoids"/>

==Geography==
West Kameng district occupies an area of {{convert|7442|km2|sqmi}},<ref name="Reference Annual">{{cite book | last1 = Srivastava, Dayawanti et al. (ed.) | title = India 2010: A Reference Annual | chapter = States and Union Territories: Arunachal Pradesh: Government | edition = 54th | publisher = Additional Director General, Publications Division, [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)]], [[Government of India]] | year = 2010 | location = New Delhi, India | page = 1113 | isbn = 978-81-230-1617-7}}</ref> comparatively equivalent to [[Papua New Guinea]]'s [[New Ireland (island)|New Ireland]].<ref name="Islands">{{cite web | url = http://islands.unep.ch/Tiarea.htm | title = Island Directory Tables: Islands by Land Area | date = 18 February 1998 | publisher = [[United Nations Environment Program]] | quote = New Ireland 7,404km2 | access-date = 2014-01-07}}</ref> It lies approximately between 91° 30' to 92° 40' East longitudes and 26° 54' to 28° 01' North latitudes. The district shares an international border with [[Tibet]] in the north, [[Bhutan]] in the west, [[Tawang District]] in the northwest, and [[East Kameng]] district in the east. The southern border is shared with [[Sonitpur]] district and [[Udalguri]] district of [[Assam]]. The [[Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary]] is located in West Kameng.
[[File:Bhalukpong scenery.jpg|thumb|The scenic beauty of Bhalukpong in West Kameng district]]

===Topography===
The topography is mostly mountainous. Much of the West Kameng area is covered with the [[Himalayas]]. The highest peak in the district and state is [[Kangte]].

===Climate===

Like [[East Kameng]], the West Kameng district experiences an arid [[tundra]] or a cool temperate climate in the north. Snow fall occurs from mid-November to February. Snow can be also seen in Khupi, Bomdilla, Nechiphu. Nechiphu is the highest place in the district, situated at 5690 feet above sea level.

==Transport==
The {{convert|2000|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} proposed Mago-[[Thingbu]] to [[Vijaynagar, Changlang|Vijaynagar]] [[Mago-Thingbu to Vijaynagar Border Road|Arunachal Pradesh Frontier Highway]] along the [[McMahon Line]],<ref name=BR1>{{cite web|title=Top officials to meet to expedite road building along China border|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Top-officials-to-meet-to-expedite-road-building-along-China-border/articleshow/44831871.cms|author=Dipak Kumar Dash|work=The Times of India|access-date=27 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=BR2>{{cite web|title=Narendra Modi government to provide funds for restoration of damaged highways
|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-narendra-modi-government-to-provide-funds-for-restoration-of-damaged-highways-2020106|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=27 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=BR3>{{cite web|title=Indian Government Plans Highway Along Disputed China Border|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/10/indian-government-plans-highway-along-disputed-china-border/|work=Ankit Panda|publisher=thediplomat.com|access-date=27 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=BR4>{{cite web |url= http://www.livemint.com/Politics/nqEwdXxkIgrSHPpTSzsFRN/Govt-planning-road-along-McMohan-line-in-Arunachal-Pradesh.html |title= Govt planning road along McMohan line in Arunachal Pradesh: Kiren Rijiju |publisher= Live Mint |access-date= 2014-10-26}}</ref> (will intersect with the proposed [[East-West Industrial Corridor Highway, Arunachal Pradesh|East-West Industrial Corridor Highway]]) and will pass through this district, alignment map of which can be seen [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20141016/nat7.jpg here] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20160306112247/http://arunachalpradesh.nic.in/images/state_map.jpg here].<ref name=BR5>{{cite web |url= http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20141016/nation.htm|title=China warns India against paving road in Arunachal|work=Ajay Banerjee|publisher=tribuneindia.com|access-date= 2014-10-26}}</ref>

==Economy==

Like most of [[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Jhum]], or [[shifting cultivation]], is practised among the tribes who live in lower elevations where there is a temperate or subtropical climate. Horticulture is practised as well.

Small industries such as textile and handicraft factories can be found.

==Divisions==

The district is divided into three subdivisions, [[Thrizino]], [[Rupa, Arunachal Pradesh|Rupa]] and [[Bomdila]], which are further divided into twelve administrative circles, namely, [[Dirang]], Bomdila, [[Kalaktang]], Balemu, Bhalukpong, Jameri, Singchung, Nafra, Thrizino, Rupa, Thembang and Shergaon. The four development blocks in this district are Dirang, Kalaktang, Nafra-Buragaon, and Thrizino.

There are 4 [[Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] constituencies located in this district: [[Dirang]], [[Kalaktang]], [[Thrizino-Buragaon]] and [[Bomdila]]. All of these are part of [[Arunachal West (Lok Sabha constituency)|Arunachal West Lok Sabha constituency]].<ref name="ceo1">{{cite web|url=http://ceoarunachal.nic.in/Information/ACwiseDistrictwisePCwise.htm|title=Assembly Constituencies allocation w.r.t District and Parliamentary Constituencies|publisher=Chief Electoral Officer, Arunachal Pradesh website|access-date=21 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813085549/http://ceoarunachal.nic.in/Information/ACwiseDistrictwisePCwise.htm|archive-date=13 August 2011}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{historical populations|23=1961|24=26,872|25=1971|26=32,113|27=1981|28=41,567|29=1991|30=56,421|31=2001|32=74,599|33=2011|34=83,947|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901]</ref>|align=right}}

===Population===
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] West Kameng district has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 83,947,<ref name=district_census>{{cite web | url = http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | title = District Census 2011 | access-date = 2011-09-30 | year = 2011 | publisher = Census2011.co.in}}</ref> roughly equal to the nation of [[Antigua and Barbuda]].<ref name="cia">{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison:Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | access-date = 2011-10-01 | quote =Antigua and Barbuda 87,884 July 2011 est.
}}</ref> This gives it a ranking of 618th in India (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]).<ref name=district_census/> The district has a population density of {{convert| 12 |PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}} .<ref name=district_census/> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001–2011 was 16.64%.<ref name=district_census/> West Kameng has a [[sex ratio]] of 755 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,<ref name=district_census/> and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 69.4%.<ref name=district_census/>

===Language===
West Kameng comprises five major tribes: [[Monpa people|Monpa]] (which includes Dirang, Bhut, Lish, and Kalaktang Monpa), [[Miji people|Miji]] (Sajolang), [[Sherdukpen]], [[Aka (tribe)|Aka]] (Hrusso), and [[Bugun]] (Khowa). Minority tribes include [[Takpa]], [[Lishipa]], [[Chugpa]], and Butpa. All of these indigenous communities use [[Nefamese]] (an Assamese pidgin) to communicate with each other.

Languages spoken in West Kameng include the following.
*[[Puroik language]]
*[[Hruso language]] (Aka)
*[[Miji language]]
*[[Kho-Bwa languages]]
**[[Khowa language]] (Bugun)
**[[Sherdukpen language]]
**[[Sartang language]]
**[[Lish language]] (and Chug)
*[[Bodish languages]]
**[[Brokpa language]]
**[[Tshangla language]]

===Religion===
Most of the inhabitants are [[Buddhist]], though the Aka, Bugun (Khowa), and Miji have indigenous religions and those tribe members follow a mix of Buddhism, [[Hinduism]], and [[Donyi-Polo]] (a form of [[Animism]]).

==Flora and fauna==
In 1989 West Kameng district became home to the [[Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary]], which has an area of {{convert|217|km2|mi2|abbr=on|1}}.<ref name=parks>{{cite web|author=Indian Ministry of Forests and Environment|title=Protected areas: Arunachal Pradesh|url=http://oldwww.wii.gov.in/envis/envis_pa_network/index.htm|access-date=25 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823163836/http://oldwww.wii.gov.in/envis/envis_pa_network/index.htm|archive-date=23 August 2011}}</ref> It is also home to the Sessa Orchid [[Wildlife Sanctuaries in India|Wildlife Sanctuary]], which was established in 1989 and has an area of {{convert|100|km2|mi2|abbr=on|1}}.<ref name=parks/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
*[http://westkameng.nic.in/ Official website of the West Kameng district]

{{Geographic location
| Centre = West Kameng district
| North = [[Tawang district]]
| Northeast =
| East = [[East Kameng district]]
| Southeast = [[Sonitpur district]], Assam
| South =
| Southwest = [[Udalguri district]], Assam
| West = {{flag|Bhutan}}
| Northwest =
}}

{{Arunachal Pradesh}}
{{Minority Concentrated Districts in India}}

[[Category:West Kameng district| ]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1946]]
[[Category:Districts of Arunachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Minority Concentrated Districts in India]]
[[Category:1980 establishments in Arunachal Pradesh]]

West Kameng district - Revision history

Arpan1314: Improved wording and formatting

imported>Lancepark: icon state, link