Detailed factual overview:
LOCATION & GEOGRAPHY
- Name: Resubelpara
- Region: Northeastern India
- State: Meghalaya
- District: North Garo Hills
- Coordinates: Approx. 25.90°N latitude, 90.60°E longitude
- Elevation: Around 570 meters (1,870 feet) above sea level
- Geographic Features:
- Lies in the foothills of the Garo Hills.
- Surrounded by hilly terrain, rivers, and dense forests.
- The Daring River flows nearby, contributing to agriculture and biodiversity.
ADMINISTRATION & CIVIC STATUS
- Town Type: Municipality and District Headquarters of North Garo Hills (created in 2012 after bifurcation from East Garo Hills).
- Sub-Division: Administrative sub-division and urban center for nearby villages.
- MLA Constituency: Resubelpara is a legislative assembly constituency in Meghalaya.
- Governing Body: Resubelpara Municipal Board and District Administration.
POPULATION & DEMOGRAPHICS
- Population: Around 18,000–20,000 (as per latest estimates).
- Major Ethnic Group: Garos, an indigenous hill tribe.
- Minorities: Include Assamese, Bengalis, Khasis, Hajongs, and others.
- Languages Spoken:
- Garo (A•chik) – main local language.
- English – widely used in schools and offices.
- Hindi, Assamese, Bengali – spoken by migrant groups.
- Religion:
- Predominantly Christian (mostly Baptist and Catholic).
- Presence of Animist (Songsarek) followers and some Hindus and Muslims.
CLIMATE
- Type: Humid subtropical climate.
- Rainfall: High annual rainfall due to monsoon (June to September).
- Temperature:
- Summer: 20°C – 30°C
- Winter: 10°C – 20°C
- Weather: Pleasant climate with cooler winters and frequent rain during monsoon.
EDUCATION
- Educational Institutions:
- Resubelpara College – affiliated with North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
- Several government and private high schools and primary schools.
- Efforts to expand English-medium and mission-based education in recent years.
- Literacy Rate: Estimated above 70%, improving steadily.
ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY
- Natural Setting: Surrounded by forested hills, rivers, and small waterfalls.
- Flora & Fauna: Rich in biodiversity; home to birds, elephants, and other wildlife.
- Conservation Areas Nearby:
- Close to the Kharkutta Reserved Forest and wild elephant corridors.
- Eco-Challenges: Deforestation and human-wildlife conflict in surrounding areas.
TRANSPORT & CONNECTIVITY
- Road Connectivity:
- Connected via State Highway from Tura (about 120 km) and Shillong (approx. 200 km).
- Daily buses, sumos, and private vehicles operate from Shillong, Tura, and Goalpara (Assam).
- Nearest Railway Station: Dudhnoi or Goalpara in Assam (~50–70 km away).
- Nearest Airport:
- Shillong Airport (Umroi) – around 180 km.
- Guwahati International Airport – ~100 km, most accessible major airport.
ECONOMY & LIVELIHOOD
- Primary Economy:
- Agriculture – rice, areca nut, ginger, turmeric, and vegetables.
- Small-scale trade – local markets are vibrant with indigenous produce.
- Livelihoods: Farming, animal rearing, forest produce, small businesses, and government jobs.
- Banking Services: Available through regional and national banks (e.g., SBI, Meghalaya Rural Bank).
SIGNIFICANCE & FEATURES
- Cultural Hub: Hosts local Garo festivals, especially Wangala (Harvest Festival) with traditional drums and dance.
- District Importance: As headquarters of North Garo Hills, it hosts all key government offices, police stations, and district courts.
- Language Preservation: Local NGOs and cultural groups promote A·chik language and folklore.
- Healthcare: Basic facilities available; primary health center and civil hospital exist, but for advanced treatment, residents travel to Tura or Shillong.
NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST
- Kharkutta & Mendipathar – neighboring towns with scenic beauty.
- Mendipathar Railway Station: The only railway station in Meghalaya lies nearby (~15 km), connecting to Assam.
- Dainadubi: Known for natural landscapes and the Garo culture.
- Bajengdoba – a fast-developing town between Resubelpara and Mendipathar.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Name Origin: “Resubelpara” is believed to derive from Garo words, loosely referring to a settlement near the Resu area.
- Unique Identity: It lies in the transition zone between Meghalaya and Assam, giving it a multicultural flavor.
- Mendipathar-Resubelpara Link: The first railway line in Meghalaya starts from Mendipathar, aiding economic and passenger transport.