Barbil is a town and a Municipal Council in the Kendujhar district (also known as Iron Town) of the state of Odisha, India. The region around Barbil has one of the largest deposits of iron ore and manganese ore in the world. It is a major source of revenue generation for both the central and the state governments.
According to sources, 45% to 48% ST and SCs are living here.[1] It is a fifth scheduled area under the constitution of India.[2][3]
Geography
Barbil is located at 22°07′N85°24′E / 22.12°N 85.40°E / 22.12; 85.40.[4] It has an average elevation of 477 m (1,565 ft). Barbil is fully surrounded by hills. The Kiriburu range runs parallel to it. The surrounding hills are densely forested with predominantly Sal trees. The close proximity to forest has led to several incidents of wild elephants being spotted in the town.[5]
Climate
Barbil has lower average temperature compared to the state because of higher elevation. The summers are hot and the winters can be extremely cold, the monsoon is mild.
According to the 2011 India census, Barbil had a population of 66,540.[6] Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Barbil has an average literacy rate of 72.18%. 16% of the population is under 6 years of age. An additional 50,000 people come to Barbil for work. According to sources, 45% to 48% ST and SCs are living here.[1]
The economy of Barbil is reliant on iron ore mining industry and steel manufacturing industry. The iron ore mines in the Barbil - Joda region caters to some of the largest steel plants of India like Tata Steel Jamshedpur, SAIL Bokaro and Rourkela.[8]
Barbil is also connected to Bhubaneshwar & Puri by a daily-running Barbil-Puri Intercity Express train. Rourkela - Barbil Intercity Express (Daily) via Chakradharpur, Rajkharswan, Chaibasa Dongoaposi, Jhinkpani at one can extend the journey to Rourkela or even Sambalpur Vizag Chennai Alleppy, etc. towards the south and Bilaspur Nagpur Mumbai towards West and also via Keonjhar Kendujhar. Jajpur Road, Cuttack Bhubaneshwar for connecting trains.[9] (Puri-Barbil).
Social activities
Organizations in Barbil include Barbil Haalchal,[10] Native Voice,[11] Barbil Bikash Parisad,[12] and N.D.C.C.[13]
Places of interest
Murga Mahadev is a temple beside a picturesque waterfall, dedicated to lord Shiva.[14]
