West Tripura District is one of four administrative districts of Tripura with its headquarters at Agartala. West Tripura District is surrounded by Bangladesh in the north and west by North Tripura District in the east and by South Tripura District in the south. Total area of West Tripura District is 3544 sq kms. Tripura became a full-fledged state in January 1972. For better attention of problems of land and tenancies, for accelerating the pace of development, Tripura was divided into three districts, namely, North Tripura District, West Tripura District and South Tripura District. Main languages spoken in the district are Bengali language, Kokborok language and Manipuri language.
Geography of West Tripura District
Geography of West Tripura District consists of hilly terrains with undulating surface. It also includes Baramura and Deotamura ranges, and Atharamura ranges. Gomti is the main river flowing through the district. Main minerals found in the district are Lignite, Plastic clay and Natural Gas. Geography of this district is also characterized by rich flora and fauna.
Administration of West Tripura District
West Tripura District has five sub-divisions namely Sadar, Bishalgarh, Sonamura, Khowai and Teliamura. Further, the administration of West Tripura District consists of 16 Blocks - Mohanpur, Hezamara, Jirania, Mandwi, Bishalgarh, Dukli, Jampuijala, Melaghar, Boxanagar, Kathalia, Khowai, Padmabhil, Tulashikar, Kalyanpur, Teliamura and Mungiakami. It has 10 towns and 274 inhabited villages.
Economy of West Tripura District
Economy of West Tripura District is predominantly agrarian in character. Agricultural situation of West Tripura District differs to some extent from the other districts in regard to topography, soil, extent of rainfall, variation in temperature and humidity which has resulted in difference in cropping pattern also from that of the other two districts. People mainly practice jhum cultivation. The plain land people also were satisfied to grow single crop preferably paddy without having any knowledge and experience of improved method of cultivation for growing multiple crops. Animal husbandry is another sector contributing to the economy of West Tripura District. Cattle and poultry are the main livestock wealth of the district. Due to topographical feature, the fisheries reserves in the district are limited to ponds, tanks, etc.
Tourism in West Tripura District
Tourism in West Tripura District offers several sightseeing options including museums, nature parks, temples and some historical sites. The main attractions in this district are Ujjayanta Palace, State Museum, Tribal Museum, Sukanta Academy, M.B.B. College, Laxminarayan Temple, Uma Maheswar Temple, Jagannath Temple, Benuban Bihar, Gedu Mian Mosque, Malanch Niwas, Rabindra Kanan, Purbasha, Handicrafts Designing Centre, Fourteen Goddess Temple, Portuguese Church, etc.
The literacy rate of the total urban area of West Tripura District is 74.70 percent.