Hamirpur, situated in the outer Himalayas amidst thickly populated region of Himachal Pradesh is an important regional centre. Name of the town is believed to be after ruler Hamir Chand who ruled during the last years of 17th Century. It has been functioning as Tehsil Headquarter since pre-independence period. After reorganisation of Himachal Pradesh during 1971, town was upgraded as Headquarter of Hamirpur District. The town spreading over terraces of Hathli Khad and slopes of Jhaniara-Hiranagar Dhar has bewitching view of snow clad Dhauladhar. Besides its beautiful setting, town has fascinating and variable scenery throughout the year. Situated on junction of Kangra-Shimla National Highway-88, Jalandhar-Mandi National Highway-70, Hamirpur-Palampur State Highway-39 and major district roads connecting, Una, Dhaneta, Sarkaghat, Bilaspur and Mandi towns, it retains character of commercial trade centre and education centre of the region.
Location : Situated at an altitude of about 765 metres, Hamirpur town has 30o-41' 00” North latitude and 76o-31' 00” East Longitude. The town is spread in an area of 5.24 sq kms having population of 12,544 as per 1991 census and revised Planning Area has been spreaded in an area of 33.20 sq. km. having population of 28,966 as per 1991 census and 36,619 as per Housing and Demography Survey 1999. It is well connected by roads from all the districts Headquarter towns of the State as well as neighboring States.
Evolution:
During the year 1888, Hamirpur was made Tehsil Headquarter of Kangra District. The Tehsil complex, Boys School Building, Old Hospital building were built during British period. The name of town was named after the name of Raja Hamir Chand of Kangra. Hamirpur town was made district headquarter of Hamirpur District on September 1, 1972 as a result of trifurcation of Kangra District as Kangra, Hamirpur and Una. Construction activity grew fast. Increase in the employment led to investment in the area, whereby multifarious developments including roads took place. Many offices of
District level as well as regional and State level were located pertaining to Health, Public Works, Public Health, Electricity Board, District Welfare, Employment, Agriculture & Industries etc. Tourist accommodations like Hotel Hamir, Hotel Puri, Hotel Gautam, Hotel Pratap, Shiva Guest House etc. were also constructed.
Nagar Parishad: After re-organisation of Himachal Pradesh during 1971, town was upgraded as Headquarter of Hamirpur District. Town recorded highest growth rate of 139.63% during 1971-81 decade in the State. Notified Area Committee which was Managing the civic functions of town was helpless to meet the growing demand due to its limited resources, accordingly the Govt. raised the status of Notified Area Committee to Municipal Council during the year 1968 to provide better civic facilities. Since then, Municipal Council is functioning in the town. It is divided into 11 wards, represented by 11 elected Municipal Councilors and 3 nominated councilors. The institutional,residential and commercial areas have, however, been developed outside the Nagar Parishad area in the rural Panchayats. Due to a fear of taxation and intervention by Municipality the people of rural area don't want to be included in the Nagar Parishad.
As per 1991 census population of the area was 28966.
DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTER
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General Profile: Hamirpur town is serving mainly as administrative,
educational and shopping centre for the surrounding areas. Moreover, it has a regional
technical educational facility, such as National Institute of technology, Govt. Polytechnic,
Girls I.T.I. and College of Education. Number of important district level as well as the
State level offices such as H.P. Subordinate Services Selection Board, Chief Engineer,
Transmission, Chief Conservator Wildlife, HP Ex-Serviceman Corporation etc. are also
located in the town.
The town is surrounded by the various small towns growth centers which are
situated in the close vicinity of this town such as Bhota, Barsar, Nadaun, Tikker, Dhaneta,
Sujanpur-Tihra etc. The town is also easily approachable from well known religious
places such as Baba-Balak Nath Temple and Jawala Ji Temple. The town is having
central location to all these small towns and religious places.
Population Growth
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As per the 1971 census of Hamirpur town it has reported 3671 souls. Prior
to 1971 Hamirpur was Tehsil head-quarter. After re-organisation of Himachal Pradesh
during 1971, the town was upgraded as headquarter of newly created Hamirpur District.
Population of Hamirpur town has been recorded 8797, 12544 and 17219 persons as per
1981 , 1991 and 2001 census respectively. The growth rate of population of Hamirpur
town during the decade of 1971-81 was 139.63% against the average urban population
growth rate of 35.20% in the State. Whereas the growth rate of population during the
decade of 1981- 1991 and 1991-2001 was recorded as 42.59% and 37.27% respectively.
Among the major towns of Himachal Pradesh, Hamirpur town has recorded highest
growth rate during 1971-1981 decade.
The National Institute of Technology, H.P. Subordinate Services Selection Board, Govt. Polytechnic College, Subhash Chand Bose Govt. PGD College, Education Colleges and Zonal Hospital make it destination of Students, Job Seekers, Academicians and Experts. The town is vibrating with multifarious activities including trade, commerce, tourism, education institutions and transport.
Bus Stand:
The Inter State Bus Terminal is presently located on the National Highway-88 in the heart of town. The complex was constructed during the year 1980 and occupying an area of 4762 sqm. providing space for parking of 45 buses. Five buses depart in every two minutes from Bus Terminal during peak hours to different places and overall 1600 buses are plying from the bus stand in a day. The fleet strength of Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses in local depart has increased to about 100 buses. Besides, there are about 120 buses in the private sector.
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