Phek District

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This article is about the district. For its eponymous headquarters, see Phek.

Phek District
District
Kapamodzu situated in Phek district of Nagaland
Kapamodzu Valley in Phek district
Phek district in Nagaland
Phek district in Nagaland
Coordinates: Coordinates: 25°40′N 94°28′E / 25.667°N 94.467°E / 25.667; 94.467
Country India
State Nagaland
HeadquartersPhek
Government
 • Lok Sabha ConstituencyNagaland
 • MP[1]Tokheho Yepthomi, NDPP
 • Vidhan Sabha constituencies5 constituences
 • Deputy Commissioner[2]Sh. Razouvolie Dozo
Area
 • Total2,026 km2 (782 sq mi)
Elevation
1,524 m (5,000 ft)
Population
 (2011)[3]
 • Total163,418
 • Density81/km2 (210/sq mi)
Demographics
 • Literacy[3]78.05%
 • Sex ratio[3]951 ♀/ 1000 ♂
Languages
 • OfficialEnglish
 • SpokenChokri, Kheza, English, Nagamese Creole, Pochuri
Time zoneUTC+05:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationNL-08
Major highways NH 702A
Websitephek.nic.in

Phek District (pron:/ˈfɛk/) is a district of Nagaland state, India. At 2,026 square kilometres (782 sq mi), the district is the seventh-most populous district in Nagaland and 596th most populous district in India with 163,418 inhabitants.[3] The district is home to 8.26% population of Nagaland. The district headquarters are in the town of Phek, located 120 kilometres from the state-capital Kohima.[4]

History[]

Phek district was established in 1973 when it was carved out of the erstwhile Kohima District. The name Phek comes from the word Phekrekedze, meaning watchtower. The Government of Nagaland approved Phek as a full-fledged district on 19 December 1973.[4] The district has 14 subdivisions, namely, Pfütsero, Phek Sadar, Chetheba, Chozuba, Meluri, Chizami, Sekruzu, Razieba, Sakraba, Zuketsa, Phor, Khuza, Khezhakeno and Phokhungri.[5][3]

Geography[]

Phek district is a mountainous region rich in flora and fauna with 70% of its land covered in evergreen forest. The highest mountain is Zanibu, with the summit over 2,400 m (7,900 ft) above mean sea level (AMSL).[3] The district HQ town of Phek lies at the lowest altitude of the district at 1,524m above sea level, with the town of Pfütsero at the highest point 2,136m above.[6][7]

The largest rivers of the district are the Tizu, Lanyi, Arachu, and the three most important lakes are the Shilloi, Chida and Dzudu.[4] As of 2002, of its 89 recognized villages, twelve were not accessible by road at all, and of the rest, only 24 were accessible by "all-weather roads". Only 9 of the 89 villages were still to be connected to the water supply.[6]

Avakhung International Border Checkpost, also known as Avankhu in Phek district of Nagaland, is an International Border Checkpost on India–Myanmar barrier and a highway is being developed as part of the Bharatmala project (2017-2022).[8]

Climate[]

The summers are moderately warm with the average temperature being 27 °C without exceeding 32 °C. Monsoon starts towards the end of May and is over by the end of September. Winters are cold, in comparison to the nearby plains of Assam, with the temperature dropping to 0 °C in the coldest months of January and February.[9]

The average annual rainfall is 1,527 mm.[9]

Administration[]

The Deputy Commissioner's office is located in Phek. The district is split into 14 administrative circles, which are Pfütsero, Phek Sadar, Chetheba, Chozuba, Meluri, Sekruzu, Chizami, Sakraba, Razieba, Zuketsa, Phor, Khuza, Khezhakeno, and Phokhungri.[3] The current Deputy Commissioner of the district is Razouvolie Dozo.[2]

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) offices are located in Pfütsero, Meluri and Chozuba. A Sub-Divisional Officer is located in Chizami, and Extra Assistant Commissioner EAC headquarters are located in Sakraba, Sekruzu, Phokhungri, Khezhakeno, Chetheba, Khuza, Zuketsa, and Phor.[7]

Demographics[]

Religion in Phek district (2011)[5]

  Christianity (96.82%)
  Hinduism (2.18%)
  Islam (0.58%)
  Buddhism (0.21%)
  Jainism (0.01%)
  Sikhism (0.02%)
  Other (0.12%)
  Not stated (0.05%)
Historical population
YearPop.±%
1901 17,826—    
1911 26,577+49.1%
1921 27,425+3.2%
1931 30,661+11.8%
1941 30,511−0.5%
1951 30,299−0.7%
1961 33,656+11.1%
1971 44,594+32.5%
1981 70,618+58.4%
1991 102,156+44.7%
2001 148,195+45.1%
2011 163,418+10.3%
Source: [10]
A man of the Pochury Tribe of Nagaland

As of 2011 the 2011 census Phek district has a population of 163,418, roughly equal to the nation of Saint Lucia.[11] This gives it a ranking of 596th in India (out of a total of 640). Phek has a sex ratio of 951 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 78.05%.

The district is the home of the Chakhesang and Pochury tribes.[4]

Religion[]

Christianity is the religion of 97% of the inhabitants. Other religions followed are Hinduism by 2% of the population, Islam by 0.6%, Buddhism by 0.2%, and a few Jains and Sikhs.

Languages[]

The following Angami–Pochuri languages are spoken in Phek district.

Culture[]

The festivals of Shükhrünyie, Yemshe, Tsükhrünyie, and Nazhü are celebrated in Phek district.[7]

Towns and villages[]

As of 2011 the 2011 census, the district holds two towns, Phek and Pfutsero, and 117 villages, divided into fourteen admin circles as follows:

Circle Towns Villages
Chetheba Chesezumi (3,470), Thenyizumi (3,275), Thipuzu (3,249), Chetheba Hq (1,915), Khulazu Basa (1,839), Khulazu Bawe (1,669), Rihuba (949), Chesezu Nasa (275), Phuyoba (240).
Chizami Thetsumi (2,840), Chizami Vill. (2,592), Mesulumi (2,037), Chizami Hq (1,283), Enhulumi (1,014), Sumi (508).
Chozuba Chozuba Hq (3,543), Chozuba Vill. (3,419), Yoruba (3,353), Thevopisu (2,624), Runguzumi Nawe (1,193), Runguzumi Nasa (335), Khesomi (265), Chozubasa (104).
Khezhakeno Khezakeno Village (3,281), Khezakeno Hq (529).
Khuza Chiepoketa (1,007), Khuza Village (743), Metsale (663), Tehephu (534), Khutsokhuno (501), Suthotsu (402), Khuza Hq (157).
Meluri Meluri Hq (5,191), Meluri Village (2,723), Lephori (1,355), Akhegwo (1,196), Matikhru (623), Reguri (592), Kanjang (539), Mollen (430), Khumiasu (407), New Akhegwo (305), Kukhegwo (288), Akhen (128), Akhegwo Junction (113).
Pfutsero Pfutsero Town Committee (10,371) Kikruma (7,298), Phusachodu (7,275), Pfutseromi (3,378), Kami (1,239), Lekromi (950), R.D Block Kikruma (571), Kade (147).
Phek Sadar Phek Town Committee (14,204) Phek Village (2,744), Losami (2,246), Lozaphuhu (2,077), Ketsapo (2,050), Phek Old Town (924), Sohomi (558), Kizari (490), Kotisu (455), Phek Basa (434), Lanyezho (319), Tezatse (252), Chosaba (210), Satheri (194), Losami Junction (132), Surhoba (118).
Phokhungri Phokhungri Vill. (629), Sutsu (485), Laruri (472), New Thewati (457), Zipu (387), Phokhungri Hq (259), Mokie (214), Washelo (200), Old Thewati (187), Avankhu (186), Letsam (135).
Phor Hutsu (1,007), Weziho Town (783), Phor (732), Weziho (699), Satuza (431), Yesisotha Centre (331), Wuzu (314), Kuzatu (195), Yesi (102), New (Phor 523).
Razieba Zhavame (3,208), Zelume (1,076), Tsupfume (1,070), Razieba Hq (780), Zavachu (371).
Sakraba Porba (2,764), Middle Khomi (1,206), Pholami (1,159), Pholami (873), Sakraba (754), Sakraba Hq (735), Upper Khomi (730), Wibo (538), Gidemi (246), Lower Khomi (236).
Sekruzu Ruzazho (2,848), Dzulhami (2,823), Phugwi (1,527), Suthazu Nawe (1,478), Therhutsesemi (1,010), Khutsami (621), Suthazu Nasa (462), Sekrezu (394), New Ruzazho (203).
Zuketsa Leshemi (1,877), Zapami (1,308), Lasumi (1,048), Zuketsa (555), Lowuza (456).

Government and Politics[]

The district has five vidhan sabha constituences, namely, Pfutsero, Chizami, Chazouba, Phek and Meluri. The last elections were held in 2018. The next legislative assembly election will be held in 2023.

As part of Lok Sabha, Phek district is part of the Nagaland Lok Sabha constituency. In the 2019 Indian general election, Tokheho Yepthomi of the NDPP won by 16,000 votes over his rival K.L. Chishi of the Indian National Congress.[1] The next general election is in 2024.

Economy[]

Terrace Cultivation in Pfutsero
Cotton Processing by a woman of Pochury Tribe

Agriculture is the main occupation with Terrace Rice Cultivation (TRC) as the most predominant throughout Phek district. Shifting cultivation or Jhum Cultivation is a common practice.[4] Important crops produced in the district include rice, maize and millet.[7]

Manufacturing here includes production of salt in Meluri, fruit juice production, weaving, bamboo and wood carving.[4]

Health[]

The healthcare sector comprises one hospital, two community health centres and eight primary health centres.[6]

Education[]

The education sector comprises 116 primary schools, 46 middle schools, 18 high schools plus one higher secondary school, and three colleges.[6] The literacy rate of the district is 78.05%.[3]

Colleges[]

Tourism[]

Kupamodzu Valley
Shilloi Lake

Phek district has numerous tourist attractions to visit and explore. Below are few of the tourist attractions in the district:[4][12]

  • Shilloi Lake, also referred to as The Lake of Spirits[13]
  • Kapamodzu Peak, peak 2,620 metres (8,600 ft)[14]
  • Terapimithu Peak, peak 2,232 metres (7,323 ft)
  • Khezhakeno, village[15]
  • Glory Peak, peak in Pfütsero 2,600 metres (8,500 ft)[16]

Transportation[]

Air[]

The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport in Assam located 193 kilometres from district headquarters Phek. There is a helipad in Phek as well.

Rail[]

The nearest railway station is Dimapur railway station located 200 kilometres from district headquarters Phek.

Road[]

The district is well-connected with roads. The NH 702A passes through the district alongside other intra-district roads.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "Lok Sabha Members". Lok Sabha. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "Phek DC". Phek district website. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i "Phek district 2011" (PDF). Govt of India Census. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g "District Census Handbook" (PDF). Government of India.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b "Phek district religion". Census India 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Phek profile". phek.nic.in.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "District Profile". Department of Information & Public Relations. Government of Nagaland. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  8. ^ "Bharatmala presentation" (PDF). pp. 21, 22.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b Ministry of Water Resources (September 2013). "Ground Water Information Booklet Phek District, Nagaland" (PDF). Central Ground Water Board, North Eastern Region. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  10. ^ "Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901" (PDF). Govt of India. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  11. ^ US Directorate of Intelligence. "Country Comparison:Population". Retrieved 1 October 2011. Saint Lucia 161,557 July 2011 est.
  12. ^ "Tourist places in Phek district". Phek district website. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  13. ^ "Shilloi Lake, Phek". Phek district website. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  14. ^ "Peaks of Nagaland". Nagaland GK. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  15. ^ "Tso Tawo, Khezhakeno, Phek". Phek district website. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  16. ^ "Glory Peak, Phek district". Phek district website. Retrieved 20 July 2021.

External links[]

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