Godda

Godda (Hindi: गोड्डा) is a city and district in the Indian state of Jharkhand. Godda came into existence as the 55th district of undivided Bihar on May 25, 1983. After the bifurcation of Bihar into Jharkhand state on November 15, 2000, it was one of 18 districts of Jharkhand.

Location

Godda is located at 24.83°N 87.22°E.

History

Godda was a part of undivided Santhal Pargana district until 1981 census. Later the old Godda sub-division of Santhal Pargana was separated and formed as a new district. As a consequence of the Santhal rebellion of 1845-55 the district of Santhal Paragna was created from portions of Bhagalpur and Birbhum.

Administrative Divisions

Godda district at present comprises eight Blocks: Meherma, Mahagama, Boarijor, Pathargama, Godda, Sundurpahari, Poraiyahat and Thakur Gangati. Godda is the only town in the district. There are 2311 villages in the district.

Economy

Godda district is devoid of any railway track. Many villages are still deprived of electricity and people suffer from lack of water for farming. Most of the inhabitants are farmers.

Communications

The nearest railway link is Panjwara Road on the Bhagalpur-Mandar Hill section. The nearest major railway station is Bhagalpur. The other common access point to the railway link is Jasidih (Deoghar) and Pirpainti. Another station Hansdiha, around 23 km towards Dumka has been constructed which connects Godda to Bhagalpur and Deoghar.

Road links exist to Bhagalpur, Deoghar, Dumka, Pakur, Sahebganj, Lalmatiya (Lalmatia Colliery) and other major towns in the region. The nearest airports are Patna, Ranchi and Kolkata. Godda has regular bus service to Ranchi, Jamsedpur and Kolkata via Dhanbad, Bokaro and Durgapur. National Highway 133 runs through the centre of the city, with markets at either end.