Naugachhia
Naugachhia | |
|---|---|
  Naugachhia Location in Bihar, India  Naugachhia Naugachhia (India) | |
| Coordinates: 25°24′N 87°06′E / 25.4°N 87.1°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Bihar |
| Region | Anga[1] |
| Government | |
| • Type | Nagar Parishad |
| • Body | Naugachhia Nagar Parishad |
| Area | |
• Total | 113 km2 (44 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 25 m (82 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 49,069 |
| • Density | 1,370/km2 (3,500/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Regional language | Angika |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 853204 |
| Telephone code | 06421 |
| Vehicle registration | BR10 |
Naugachhia is a town in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, situated within the Anga region of India.[2][3][4] In the 2011 census of India, its population was recorded as 49,069. Naugachhia has an average literacy rate of 62%, lower than the national average of 74%: male literacy is 69%, and female literacy is 55%. 18% of the population is under 9 years of age.[2]
Naugachhia may meet the criteria to be a separate district from Bhagalpur. In 2018, a rally was held supporting creating a new district for the town.[5]
Transport
The town is connected via rail through the Naugachhia railway station which is on the Barauni–Katihar section of the Sonpur railway division.
Vikramshila Setu is 6th longest bridge over water in India. The 4.7 km long two lane bridge serves as a link between NH 33 and NH 31 running on the opposite sides of the Ganges, connecting Bhagalpur side on the south bank of the Ganges to Naugachhia on the north bank.
Geography and connectivity
Naugachhia is located in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, on the northern bank of the Ganges River within the Kosi basin, at coordinates approximately 25.4°N, 87.1°E and an elevation of 25 meters. The town is prone to flooding due to the Kosi River, often called the "Sorrow of Bihar." Naugachhia is a key transportation hub, served by the Naugachhia railway station (station code: NNA) on the Barauni–Katihar section, with connectivity to major trains like the New Delhi–Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express. The Vikramshila Setu, a 4.7 km bridge, connects Naugachhia to Bhagalpur across the Ganges, linking National Highways 31 and 33.[6] The town’s strategic location, 15.6 miles from Bhagalpur, supports its role as a regional commercial center.
Demographics
As per the 2011 Census, Naugachhia had a population of 49,069, with a literacy rate of 62% (male: 69%, female: 55%), below the national average of 74%. Approximately 18% of the population is under 9 years old. The primary language is Angika, a regional language of the Ang Pradesh region.
Economy and Infrastructure
Naugachhia serves as a commercial hub in Bhagalpur district, with markets, shopping centers, and several educational institutions. The town hosts a 132/33KV BSPTCL Grid Substation, ensuring reliable power supply. Agriculture and fisheries, supported by the Ganges, are key economic drivers, alongside small businesses and trade. Naugachhia’s connectivity via rail and the Vikramshila Setu bolsters its economic activity. The town is also famous for its high quality banana cultivation. Maize is the most important crop in Naugachia Sub-Division, covering 41% of the cultivated area, followed by wheat at 29%.[7]
Tourism
Eco-Tourism
Jagatpur Lake
Jagatpur Lake ,a freshwater wetland located in Jagatpur village, Naugachhia block, approximately 12 km north-east of Bhagalpur city, is a significant ecological and emerging tourist site within the Anga region.[8] Recognized for its rich biodiversity, the lake supports over 170 bird species, including migratory birds from the trans-Himalayan ranges, Central Asia, and Siberia, as well as endangered species like the Greater and Lesser Adjutants.[9] Its aquatic and terrestrial flora, including dominant species like Eichhornia crassipes and Hydrilla verticillata, contribute to its role as a vital ecosystem in the Ganges plain.[10]
The lake’s ecological significance is underscored by its role as a breeding ground for protected bird species and its contribution to the region’s biodiversity, aligning with Bihar’s Jal Jeevan Hariyali conservation program.[9] However, challenges such as eutrophication, invasive species, and urbanization threaten its ecosystem conservation efforts.[11]As a tourist destination, Jagatpur Lake is being developed into an ecotourism hub to attract bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts. In 2025, Bhagalpur’s District Development Commissioner announced plans to enhance infrastructure, including bird-watching centers, rest houses, and road connectivity, while preserving the wetland’s biodiversity.[9] Initiatives like boating and guided birding tours are planned to boost local employment and promote the lake as a global ecotourism spot.[12] Events such as World Wetlands Day celebrations at the lake highlight its growing recognition.[13]
Kadwa Diyara
Kadwa Diyara region is situated in north of Kosi river located in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, India, is a globally recognized breeding ground for the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork, locally known as the "Garuda". It is one of the most critical habitats for this species, holding a significant portion of the world's remaining population. It is 12 Km away from Naugachia Town. Kadwa Diara and Khairpur Kadwa are the main villages in this region.[14][15][16]
Pilgrimage
Tetri Durga Sthan, Tetri
The Tetri Durga Sthan, a historic Shakti Peeth in Tetari village, Naugachhia, is a prominent religious site in the Anga region, 20 km north of Bhagalpur. Established circa 1600 CE, the temple’s origin stems from a divine vision guiding villagers to a sacred mound.[17] Revered for its 425-year-old legacy, it draws thousands during Navratri for its vibrant fair and rituals, including kalash fasting. Known as Bihar’s tallest Durga temple, it attracts devotees year-round, enhancing Naugachhia’s religious tourism alongside nearby Vikramshila Ruins and Jagatpur Lake.[18]
Venkateshwar Devsthanam, Nagrah
The Venkateswara Devsthanam Temple in Nagrah, Naugachia (Bhagalpur), Bihar, is a rare shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, often referred to as the only one of its kind in the state.It was established in year 1903 by Zamindar Nandkishor Singh of Nagrah and therefore it is the oldest Venkateshwar Temple in Bihar. It is known for its 80-man (approx. ) statue of the deity, this temple is a significant site for devotees seeking blessings in North Bihar, though it has required restoration. It is 5 Km away from Naugachia Town near the bank of Kosi. [19]
Jagatpati Nath Mahadev Mandir
The Jagatpati Nath Mahadev Mandir (Gaushala Mandir) is a highly revered Hindu temple located in Naugachia Town of Bihar. It serves as a central spiritual hub for the local community, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Annapurna.[20]
Transport
The town is connected via rail through the Naugachhia railway station which is on the Barauni–Katihar section of the Sonpur railway division.
Vikramshila Setu is 6th longest bridge over water in India. The 4.7 km long two lane bridge serves as a link between NH 33 and NH 31 running on the opposite sides of the Ganges, connecting Bhagalpur side on the south bank of the Ganges to Naugachhia on the north bank.
References
- ^ https://books.google.co.in/books?id=Pq2iCwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ a b "Population finder | Government of India". censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
- ^ Jha, M. (1997). "Hindu Kingdoms at contextual level". Anthropology of Ancient Hindu Kingdoms: A Study in Civilizational Perspective. New Delhi: M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. pp. 27–42. ISBN 9788175330344.
- ^ Jha, Pankaj Kumar (2010). Sushasan Ke Aaine Mein Naya Bihar. Bihar (India): Prabhat Prakashan. ISBN 9789380186283.
- ^ "Demand of Naugachhia District=www.timesofindia.com". Retrieved 14 March 2018.
- ^ "Naugachhia to Bhāgalpur". Rome2Rio.
- ^ Yadav, Ranvir Kumar (November 2016). "A View on Agriculture of Naugachia Sub-Division of Bhagalpur District" (PDF). International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews. 3 (4). eISSN 2348-1269. ISSN 2348-1269. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ "Jagatpur Wetland: A Hidden Gem of Wilderness from Bhagalpur". 12 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Jagatpur wetland in Bhagalpur to be developed as a tourist hub, says DDC". The Times of India. 10 January 2025.
- ^ "Avifauna of Jagatpur wetland near Bhagalpur". Academia.edu. 31 December 2009.
- ^ Rabl, A.; Spadaro, J. V.; Zoughaib, A. (13 June 2008). "Limnology of Jagatpur wetland, Bhagalpur (Bihar), India". Waste Management & Research. 26 (2). PubMed: 147–162. doi:10.1177/0734242X07080755. PMID 18578154.
- ^ "नवगछिया की जगतपुर झील पर्यटकों से होगा गुलजार". Jagran. 2 January 2022.
- ^ "World Wetlands Day celebrated in Jagatpur Lake". Hindustan. 2 February 2023.
- ^ "Bihar village dumps overhead electric lines, diverts road route for the sake of garudas". 101Reporters - Compelling stories from grassroots. 29 December 2022. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ^ Shankar, Priyanka (24 May 2024). "Population rise a bittersweet win for greater adjutant storks, as poison enters their diet". Mongabay-India. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ^ Large, Katie (12 January 2021). "Bihar farmers save the Greater Adjutant Stork". Dialogue Earth. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ^ "423 वर्ष पुराना है तेतरी शक्तिपीठ दुर्गा मंदिर". Jagran. 11 October 2018.
- ^ "तetri durga mandir video of naugachia bhagalpur news". Prabhat Khabar. 16 October 2023.
- ^ "नगरह : जीर्णोद्धार की बाट जोह रहा राज्य का इकलौता वेंकटेश्वर मंदिर". www.livehindustan.com (in Hindi). 20 November 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ DESK2025 (2 March 2025). "जगपति नाथ महादेव मंदिर में महाशिवरात्रि पर शिव विवाह से लेकर भंडारे तक का उल्लास ||GS NEWS". GS NEWS. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
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