West Khasi Hills District is the largest district of Meghalaya with its administrative headquarters located at Nongstoin. West Khasi Hills District was formerly a part of Khasi Hills District and it came into existence in the year 1976. West Khasi Hills District is one of the 7 administrative districts of Meghalaya. West Khasi Hills District lies in the central part of the state. West Khasi Hills District is bounded on the north-west by Kamrup District of Assam, on the north-east by Ri Bhoi District, on the east by East Khasi Hills District, on the south by Bangladesh, on the west by East Garo and South Garo Hills Districts. The district comprises an area of about 5,247 sqkm which is 23 % of the total area of Meghalaya. Nongstoin, covering an area of about 76 sqkm, is the district headquarters of West Khasi Hills District.
History of West Khasi Hills District
West Khasi Hills District was carved out of the erstwhile Khasi Hills District on 28th October, 1976. In the same year, on 10th of November, Moirang Civil Sub-division was inaugurated, whereas the Mawkyrwat Block was converted into an administrative unit. With the upgradation of Mawkyrwat into a full-fledged sub-division on June 26th, 1982, West Khasi Hills District now comprises 3 Sub-Divisions (including the Sadar Sub-Division), one administrative unit namely Mawshynrut which came into being on 9th of February, 1996. It also comprises 6 Community and Rural Development Blocks namely Nongstoin, Moirang, Mawkyrwat, Mawshynrut, Ranikor including Mawthadraishan Block, which was created under the notification of state government.
Geography of West Khasi Hills District
Geography of West Khasi Hills District is characterized with moderate climate, dense forests, hill ranges and river systems. The district is under the influence of south-west monsoon. Annual average rainfall of the district varies from 1200 mm to 3000 mm. Mawthadraishan range is the most important hill range of West Khasi Hills District. Kynshi and Khri are the two significant rivers flowing through the region. West Khasi Hills District is, at present, having no hydro electric project. However, there is good hydro electric potential from Khri River and the Kynshi River. West Khasi Hills District is also rich in flora and fauna. Important mineral resources found in the district are limestone, coal and uranium.
Demography of West Khasi Hills District
Total population of West Khasi Hills District according 2011 Census is 385,601, roughly equal to the nation of Maldives. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 30.25%. West Khasi Hills has a sex ratio of 981 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 79.3%.
Culture of West Khasi Hills District
Culture of West Khasi Hills District is of tribal nature. It is characterized by the festivals, songs, dance forms, lifestyle and religious beliefs of the people. "Lyngngam Dance" is one of the most popular dance forms of West Khasi Hills District. Culture of this district is almost similar to the culture and traditions of East Khasi Hills District.
Tourism in West Khasi Hills District
West Khasi Hills District offers several sightseeing options to its travellers. It includes waterfalls, peaks and attractive mountain ranges. Ranikor, Green Deserts, Mawthadraishan peak, Nongkhnum River Island, Thum Falls, Weinia Falls, Langshiang Falls etc. are some of the popular attractions of West Khasi Hills District. People from all parts of the country visit this district and explore the charming beauty of the nature. Tourism in West Khasi Hills District also includes some adventurous options like rock climbing, angling and trekking.
