Champhai

Champhai (Pron:/tʃamˈpʰaɪ/) is a border town in Mizoram state, in far eastern India. It is the headquarters of Champhai district, one of the eleven districts in the state. It is located on the Indo-Myanmar border and is situated in a strategically important location. Because of this, it is the main business corridor for India and Myanmar in the area.

This article is about the municipality in Mizoram, India. For its namesake district, see Champhai district.
Champhai
Town
Champhai town
Champhai
Champhai
Coordinates: 23.456°N 93.329°E / 23.456; 93.329
CountryIndia
StateMizoram
DistrictChamphai
Area
 • Total3,185.3 km2 (1,229.9 sq mi)
Elevation
1,678 m (5,505 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total32,734
 • Density10/km2 (27/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialMizo
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
796321
Telephone code03831
Vehicle registrationMZ-04
ClimateCwb
Websitechamphai.nic.in

The area of Champhai is 3,185.83 square kilometres (1,230 sq mi). The average annual rainfall is 1,814 millimetres (71.4 in).

History

Champhai was the headquarters of Lalbura Sailo, son of Vanhnuailiana, a Mizo Chief against whom the British Expedition of 1871–72 was directed. It was accorded the status of a fort during the British period.[1] The Champhai Valley was once a lake and was gradually silted to obliterate the lake. The soil of the plain was still uncultivated during the Lushai Expedition of 1872.[2] Irrigated rice cultivation started in Champhai in the year 1898 encouraged by the British Colonial Authorities to supply rice for their soldiers and laborers. As of 1922, there was only 1 shop in Champhai.[3] On 1 March 1966, the MNF declared unilateral Mizo Independence and attacked Assam Rifles post at Champhai.[4]

Economy

The economy of Champhai is mainly agriculture and border trade. Champhai is also the main trading centre of Mizoram with goods like clothes, silverware and electronics imported from Myanmar[5] through the trading post in Zokhawthar.[6]It has a flatland measuring 113 kilometres long and 48 kilometres in width for wet rice cultivation which can produce 19,200 quintals of rice per year. 10,000 quintals of grape were cultivated in 2011 alone churning 20,000 bottles a year. These are the two main agricultural products.

Climate

Champhai has a moderate climate. In winter, the temperature varies from 10 °C to 20 °C and between 15 °C and 30 °C in summer.

Education

Champhai College is the only institution for higher education in the town. However, there are many government owned and privately run schools operating here.

Media

The Major Media in Champhai are:[7]

  • Lenrual
  • Pasaltha
  • Rihlipui
  • CCN (Digital TV Operator)
  • LCN (Digital TV Operator)

Transport

A helicopter service by Pawan Hans[8] has been started which connects the Aizawl with Champhai.[9] The distance between Champhai and Aizawl is 194 km and is connected with regular service of bus and maxi cab.[10]

References
  1. K. C. Kabra (2008). Economic Growth of Mizoram: Role of Business & Industry. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 9788180695186.
  2. Woodthorpe, RG. The Lushai Expedition. Hardpress. pp. 277–278. ISBN 9781290939966.
  3. The Camera as Witness. Cambridge University Press. 13 April 2015. p. 173. ISBN 9781107073395.
  4. Sharma, Sushil Kumar. Lessons from Mizoram Insurgency and Peace Accord 1986. Vivekananda Foundation. p. 4.
  5. "TRADE AND COMMERCE". CIC. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  6. "Miz poised for border trade boom". The Sangai Express. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  7. "Accredited Journalists". DIPR Mizoram. Archived from the original on 19 June 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  8. "MIZORAMA HELICOPTER SERVICE TUR CHIEF MINISTER IN HAWNG". Mizoram DIPR. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  9. "Nilaini atangin 'Helicopter Service". The Zozam Times. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  10. "Aizawl to Champhai". Mizoram NIC. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
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