Baksa

Introduction

Baksa district was formed on February 1, 2003, as part of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam, India. Authorities carved it out of parts of Barpeta, Nalbari, and Chirang districts. The government established the district under the provisions of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Accord, aiming to create autonomous governance in areas with a significant Bodo population. Baksa forms one of the four districts under the BTR, along with Kokrajhar, Chirang, and Udalguri.

Geography

Geographically, it is bordered by Bhutan to the north, and neighboring districts such as Nalbari and Barpeta to the south, Udalguri to the east, and Chirang to the west. The district is characterized by its plains and foothills of the Himalayan range, with numerous rivers like the Puthimari, Pagladiya, and Beki flowing through it. Baksa experiences a subtropical climate, with hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters.

Present Day Baksa

The district boasts picturesque landscapes, with forests, rivers, and a rich biodiversity, including parts of the Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bodos, Assamese, and Bengali-speaking communities predominantly inhabit Baksa, reflecting a diverse cultural heritage. Farmers primarily engage in agriculture, cultivating rice, mustard, and vegetables as major crops. The district prioritizes rural development through its 15 development blocks. Local authorities actively work to boost education and infrastructure while preserving Baksa’s natural and cultural heritage, balancing tradition and modernity.