Latur City

Latur

लातूर
—  city  —
Latur
Location of Latur
in Maharashtra and India
Coordinates
Country India
Region Aurangabad Division
State Maharashtra
District(s) Latur
Settled Possibly 13th century CE
Mayor of Latur Municipal Corporation
Population

• Density

 2,99,985 (295th) (2001)

• 1,997 /km2 (5,172 /sq mi)
Sex ratio 923.54 ♂/♀
Literacy 74.26%% 
Official languages Marathi
Time zone IST (UTC+05:30)
Area

• Elevation

 200 km2 (77 sq mi)[1]

• 515 metres (1,690 ft)
Climate

• Precipitation
Temperature
• Summer
• Winter

 BSh (Köppen)

•      666 mm (26.2 in)

•      41 °C (106 °F)
•      13 °C (55 °F)
Website latur.nic.in

Latur (लातूर) (Marathi: लातूर ) is a major city and district in Maharashtra state of India. It is well known for its quality of education, administration, food-grain trade and oil mills.

Contents

History

Latur has an ancient history, which probably dates to the Rashtrakuta period. It was home to a branch of Rashtrakutas which ruled the Deccan from year 753-973AD. The first Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga was from Lattalur (Kannada: ಲಟ್ಟಲೂರು), probably the ancient name for Latur. Anecdotally, Ratnapur is also mentioned as a name for Latur.

The King Amoghavarsha of Rashtrakutas developed the Latur city, originally the native place of the Rashtrakutas. The Rashtrakutas who succeeded the Chalukyas of Badami in 753 AD called themselves the residents of Lattalut.

It was, over the centuries, variously ruled by the Satavahanas, the Sakas, the Chalukyas, the Yadavas of Deogiri, the Delhi Sultans, the Bahamani rulers of South India, Adilshahi, and the Mughals.

Later in the 19th century it became part of the independent princely state of Hyderabad. In 1905 it was merged with surrounding areas and renamed Latur tehsil, and became part of Osmanabad district. Before 1948, Latur was a part of Hyderabad state under Nizam. The chief of Nizam's Razakar army Qasim Rizwi was from Latur.

After independence and the merger of Hyderabad with the Indian Union, Osmanabad became part of Bombay Province. In 1960, with the creation of Maharashtra, it became one of its districts. On August 16, 1982, a separate Latur district was carved out of Osmanabad district.

The city is a tourist hub, surrounded with many historical monuments including the Kharosa Caves, as well as Sri Satya Sai Baba Temple. The administrative headquarters of the Aurangabad Division.

Education and research

Latur has developed as a good educational center in Maharashtra over the years.

From past several years, Latur has emerged as a strong educational hub for Secondary School, Higher Secondary School and University education. Students from Latur are always in top spot when it comes to results.[2] During last two decades almost all of the Maharashtra toppers come from Latur. Latur has more colleges than any other city in Nanded University.

Basic and higher education

Main article: Schools in Latur

Public schools (known locally as municipality schools) are run by the LMC, and are affiliated with the MSBSHSE. Private schools are run by educational trusts or individuals. They are usually affiliated to either the state board or to national education boards, such as the ICSE or CBSE boards.

Latur has several education institutes; to name a few:

University Education

Main article: List of educational institutions in Latur

Most colleges in Latur are affiliated to the Nanded University. With the emerging talent in Latur, the then Chief Minister Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh approved a University Sub-Center in Latur, which is being developed in Rameshwar, 12 km from Latur.

The M.S.Bidve Engineering College, Latur, founded in 1983, is one of the oldest engineering colleges in Marathwada. The Maharashtra Institute of Medical Science & Research Latur was founded in 1988 by, social activist Vishwanath Karad. This trust currently maintains and operates 63 institutes in and around Latur.

The Border Security Force Training Center Chakur and Disaster Management Training Institute were established in Latur in 2005 and 2008 respectively.

Dayanand Law College was established by the Dayanand Education Society. Established medical schools such as the Government Medical College and Manjara Ayurvedic College train students from all over Latur and Maharashtra. Latur is one of the fast growning educational hub. Gnext Infotech MS-CIT,Tally DTP

Geography and climate

Latur
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D
 
 
2.8
 
29
12
 
 
2.1
 
32
14
 
 
3.3
 
36
19
 
 
3.5
 
38
22
 
 
24
 
38
25
 
 
114
 
34
24
 
 
116
 
30
22
 
 
120
 
29
21
 
 
122
 
30
21
 
 
61
 
32
19
 
 
11
 
30
15
 
 
6.5
 
28
12
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm
Source: MSN Weather

Latur is situated 636 metres above mean sea level. The district is situated on Maharashtra-Karnataka boundary. On the eastern side of the Latur is Bidar district of Karnataka, whereas Nanded is on the northeast, Parbhani on the northern side, Beed on the Northwest and Osmanabad on the western and southern side. The entire district of Latur is situated on the Balaghat plateau, 540 to 638 metres from the mean sea level.

Temperature : Annual temperatures in Latur range from 13 to 41 °C (55 to 106 °F), with the most comfortable time to visit in the winter - October to February. The highest maximum temperature ever recorded was 45.8 °C (114.4 °F). The lowest recorded temperature was 6.9 °C (44.4 °F). In the cold season the district is sometimes affected by cold waves in association with the eastward passage of western disturbances across north India, when the minimum temperature may drop down to about 2 to 4 °C (36 to 39 °F).[14]

Rainfall : Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season from June to September. Rainfall varies from 9.0 to 693 mm/month. Average annual rainfall is 725 mm.

Latur Earthquake of 1993

Main article: 1993 Latur earthquake

Latur had a devastating earthquake on 30 September 1993 resulting in a huge loss of life. The earthquake measured only 6.3 on the Richter scale but more than 30,000 people were estimated to have died mainly due to poor construction of houses and village huts made of stones which just collapsed on people who were fast asleep in early morning hours. It struck southern Marathwada region of Maharashtra state in central-western part of India and affected Latur, Beed, Osmanabad and adjoining districts about 400 km south-east of Mumbai (Bombay). It was an intra-plate earthquake. Latur was almost completely destroyed and life came to a standstill. The earthquake's focus was around 12 km deep - relatively shallow causing shock waves to cause more damage. The number of lives lost was high as the earthquake occurred at 03.53 a.m. local time when people were fast asleep.

After the earthquake, seismic zones were reclassified and building codes and standards were revised all over India.

Economy

There is evidence to believe that Latur was developed as a trading hub nine decades ago. It lies on a major trade route that used to connect north-west India's sea and land ports to the Deccan region.

Industry

The city is a major sugarcane and edible oils, soyabean, grapes and mango production center. A fine blend of mango with locally grown mangoes was developed as Keshar Amba.

Till 1990, Latur languished as a city, remaining an industrially backward. In 1960, region of Marathwada was merged with Maharashtra. This was the time when the industrial development of the Marathwada region began, propelled through designated backward area benefits. And it was only when the MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) began acquiring land and setting up industrial estates that it began to grow. Latur is now classic example of efforts of state government towards balanced industrialization of state.

City is now home to some best known brands. There are Tinna Oils, Kirti Gold, Videocon, and Kalantry Group's Agro Processing and dal manufacturing units to name a few. Many players have their manufacturing bases in Latur, in the sectors of Agro Processing and Edible Oils and consumer durables, plastic processing, aluminium processing, agriculture and biotech. Among Agro Processing Ramkee Infrastructure along with IL&FS would be starting their plant in Latur, which is Largest Agro Based SEZ in Maharashtra.

The Latur, Additional Latur and Khandapur MIDC Industrial Areas are prominent industrial zones on the outskirts of the city, with various major multinational groups having set up manufacturing or processing plants in and around the city. There is one Special Economic Zone (SEZ) have been approved by central government for this city and these are, in Agro Processing SEZ. An electronic goods major Videocon will soon establish plant for manufacturing of CFL's & Remote Controls.

Edible Oils

Latur is famous for processing of Edible Oils.

Tinna Oils & Chemicals Ltd. operates:

Trade and Industries

Latur has the largest trading centre for soyabean in India. The green city is inside what is called 'Sugar Belt' of Maharashtra. The district has more than eleven sugar factories, which makes it among the highest sugar-producing districts of India. It also has oil seeds, commodities and fruit market.

Latur is also known for high quality grapes and houses many state and privately owned cold storage facilities. A grape wine park spread over 1.42 square kilometres (350 acres) has been established near Ausa, 18 km from Latur city. A brand new Latur Food Park, spread across 1.2 square kilometres (300 acres) is under construction at Additional MIDC Latur.

Latur is major transport junction to south India.

Industrial Houses & Corporates

Latur Sugar Belt

The Latur region is known as the "Sugar Belt of India". This region houses over eleven large sugar factories. Vilasrao Deshmukh, who served as chief minister of Maharashtra for two terms, Shri Keshavrao Sonawane (Ex Cabinet min. Mah.State)started the co-operative movement which helped Latur become the most developed District in the region. Most of the sugar factories of the Latur sugar belt work on the co-operative basis.

Manjara Sugar Factory in Latur city is the largest sugar plant in the region.

Latur Food Park

The park is being planned on a 50-acre (200,000 m2) plot at Harangul near Latur city. Ramky(India) is the consultant for the project.

The location is best suited for processing grapes, turmeric, mangoes, pomegranates, citrus fruits and custard apple.

Common facilities planned are cold-storage, effluent treatment and social infrastructure.

Information Technology: Latur IT Park

The city now has an Infotech Park with state-of-the-art facilities waiting for Infotech companies to start operations. Latur Infotech Park has state-of-the-art modern facilities for software companies. The park is located in an attractive locality surrounded by greenery in Old MIDC. The IT park has total build-up area of 24,866 sq ft (2,310.1 m2) with 32 units.

MIDC industrial areas in Latur

Specialised Industrial Parks and Export Zones in Latur

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Associations

Banking And Financial Services

In the first decade of the 21st century, Latur has seen a spurt in financial activities, with almost all public sector and private banks have opened up branches including the State Bank of India, State Bank of Hyderabad, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of India, HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of Baroda, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Allahabad Bank etc. Latur District Central Co-Operative Bank Ltd came into existence on 15 August 1984. Also other Urban Banks viz. Latur Urban Bank was established in 1990, Vikas Co-Operative Bank Ltd was established in 2001. Bank Of Maharashtra is having their Regional Office in Latur.Also Maharashtra Gramin Bank with their 3 branches and a regional office is at latur.

Administration and Politics

Local administration

Main article: Latur Municipal Corporation

Latur Municipal Corporation (LMC) is the local civil body. It is divided into five zones. The Municipal Council was established in 1952, the Municipal Corporation area is about 96.5 km2s. It was elevated to the status of Municipal Corporation by the State Government in 2011.

The Urban Development Dept., Govt. of Maharashtra expressed its desire vide letter dated 30/10/2006 to notify fringe area of Latur and appoint CIDCO as its Special Planning Authority. CIDCO has submitted its proposal to notify the fringe area measuring approx. 26541.00 ha. inclusive of urbanizable zone of about 16696 ha. Govt. has appointed CIDCO as Special Planning Authority. The notified area covers 40 villages on the fringe of Latur Municipal Corporation. it is envisaged in the project not to acquire 100% land but to adopt minimum land acquisition model for development of infrastructure and growth corridors.

The city is divided in 67 electoral wards called as Prabhag and each ward is represented by a Corporator (called as Nagarsevak) elected by the people from each ward. LMC is responsible for providing basic amenities like drinking water, drainage facility,road,street lights, healthcare facilities, primary schools,etc. LMC collects its revenue from the urban taxes which are imposed on citizens. The administration is headed by the Commissioner of Municipal Corporation; a I.A.S. Officer, assisted by the other officers of different departments.

State and central administration

Latur contributes one seat to the Lok Sabha. The seat is currently held by Jaywantrao Awale, MP of the Indian National Congress party. It also holds one seat for the Assembly - Latur Indian National Congress. In latest constituency arrangements made by Election Commission of India, Latur will contribute one Loksabha seat, and two state assembly seats, i.e. Latur City and Latur Rural.

Media and Communication

Newspapers: Marathwada Neta is the first Maharashtra District news paper daily having an internet edition along with an epaper. Ekmat- is the leading newspaper of the region, while Yeshwant, Lokmat, Bhukamp,- Sakaal, Punyanagri and Lokman and are other daily newspapers published in the regional language.

Radio: The city has been sanctioned a FM radio station - All India Radio. But Laturkars are still waiting for the same, as AIR have not yet started functioning in the City.

Internet: Internet facilities are provided by several suppliers, with BSNL, Media:Broadband Infosystems (provides Sify Broadband), METAMAX, Tata Indicom, Reliance & Hathway [MCN] providing a broadband service.

Transport

Road

Latur is well connected by roads with various major cities of Maharashtra and other states. Road connectivity is excellent and road connecting to Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad are being upgraded into four lane highway.

Inter-city

The scheme of nationalization of passenger transport services was started as early as 1932 by the State of Hyderabad, which was one of the pioneers in the field of public road transport, first in collaboration with the railways and then as a separate Government Department. After the reorganization of States and with effect from 1 July 1961, the Marathwada State Transport was amalgamated with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.[16] The "Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation" (MSRTC) and numerous other private bus operators provide a bus service to all parts of the state.

The "Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation" (MSRTC) and numerous other private bus operators provide a bus service to all parts of the state. Private buses have well established network to connect the city with all the major cities in Maharashtra and other states.

Intra city Transport

Main article: Latur Municipal Transport

"Latur Municipal Transport" (LMT) is an intra-city bus service which covers almost all parts of the city and also connects to the more distant industrial suburbs. LMT (Latur Municipal Transport) intra-city buses ply throughout the city including the outskirts and connect different parts of the city and adjoining suburbs together. The LMT bus service is affordable, efficient and safe. The LMT buses are quite crowded during morning and evening rush hours. There are also number of taxis available to commuters to travel to nearby suburbs.

Air

Main article: Latur Airport

Latur has an airport situated outside the city.It does not have any flights though.

Rail

Main article: Latur Railway Station

History

The Latur-Miraj Railway was establisted by the British.

The Latur-Miraj Railway (metre gauge) runs for 391 miles (629 km) north-west from Latur city to Miraj on the south-western section of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway and was built between 1929 and 1931.

Present

Latur (Station Code: LUR) is a station located on the Latur-Miraj section of Solapur (SLP) Division of Central Railway (CR). The Manmad-Kacheguda Broad gauge railway line which emanates from the Vikarabad-Latur Road-Parli trunk route at Latur Road is an important artery of traffic in Latur district. The importance of this line lies in the fact that it has opened for traffic the Coal tract in Marathwada region. It also serves as a link between Aurangabad and Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh. As a matter of fact this line was formerly the only route of traffic as there were no good roads in the Marathwada region.

Latur comes under the Solapur (SLP) Division of CR. Latur has rail connectivity with Manmad, Aurangabad, Nanded, Parbhani, Parli Vaijnath, Osmanabad, Gangakhed, Mudkhed, Adilabad, Nagpur, Basar, Nizamabad, Nasik, Mumbai, Pune, Daund, and Kachiguda (HYB).

Central Railway have also started a Train from Osmanabad- Hyderabad which passes from Latur. Latur — Pandharpur is another train.

Tourist attractions

Chintu

Gallery

Personalities from Latur

Geographical Location

Mumbai, Aurangabad, Beed Ambajogai, Parbhani Ahmedpur, Nanded
Pune, Barsi Udgir, Nizamabad
   Latur    
Solapur, Osmanabad Ausa, Gulbarga Omerga, Bidar

Sites

References

  1. ^ "Gazetteers Department - lATUR". maharashtra.gov.in (Government of Maharashtra). http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Latur_Site/index.html. Retrieved 2007-02-27. 
  2. ^ What is Latur Pattern?
  3. ^ http://msbecl.ac.in/
  4. ^ http://vdf.ac.in/
  5. ^ http://www.plgpl.org/
  6. ^ http://www.grwpl.org/
  7. ^ http://vdf.co.in/
  8. ^ http://www.cocsit.org.in/
  9. ^ http://www.shahucollegelatur.org.in/
  10. ^ http://www.dsjcl.com/
  11. ^ http://ssmvl.org.in/
  12. ^ http://www.vivekanandschoollatur.com/
  13. ^ http://cocsit.org.in
  14. ^ Maharashtra government web site
  15. ^ "Mahapopulation" (in Marathi) (PDF). Census of India. www.maharashtra.gov.in. http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/ecoSurvey/ataglanc.pdf. Retrieved 2008-06-04. 
  16. ^ Maharashtra government web site Public transport Latur
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