Imphal West District is located in Manipur valley region. It is a tiny plain at the centre of Manipur surrounded by plains of other districts. Lamphelpat is the nodal functional centre or the administrative headquarter of Imphal West District. Imphal West District is positioned at 24.30 degree north to 25 degree latitudes and 93.45 degree east to 94.15 degree east longitude. Its altitude is 790 metres above the mean sea level. It is surrounded by Senapati District in the north, in the east by Imphal East and Thoubal districts, in the south by Thoubal and Bishnupur Districts, and in the west by Senapati and Bishnupur Districts. Imphal West District occupies a total area of 558 sq kms. As per 2001 census, total population of Imphal West District is 4, 39,532. Male population is 2, 18,947 and female population is 2, 20,585.
Geography of Imphal West District
Imphal West District enjoys moderate temperature throughout the year; not very hot in summer and not very cold in winter. The climatic condition of the district is monsoon tropical.
The district gets rainfall from the South-West monsoon. The valley area of Imphal West District is fertile land and is mainly composed of alluvial soil. Main rivers of Imphal West District are Imphal River, Nambul River and their tributaries. The district is endowed with a rich variety of vegetation. The prevailing climatic conditions are favourable for growing a wide range of herbs and shrubs. In addition, a variety of medicinal plants are also grown in the district.
Culture of Imphal West District
Imphal West District has its own art-forms and cultural expressions. Each ethnic group has its own distinct culture and tradition deeply embedded in its dances, music, customary practices and pastimes. Culture of Imphal West District is characterized by several popular dance forms like Ras Lila, Pung Cholom, Nupa Pala and Maibi Jagoi.
Imphal West District has two Municipalities namely Imphal and Nambol, eight Notified Area Committees namely Lamsang, Lilong (Imphal West), Lilong (Thoubal part), Mayang Imphal, Samurou, Sekmai Bazar, Thongkhong Laxmi Bazar and Wangoi. Handloom, handicrafts and other traditional cottage and small scale industries constitute the bulk of the industrial units of Imphal West District. Jewellery, cane and bamboo crafts, etc. are other important cottage industries.
