Banikhar - Sonakhan, Balodabazar-Bhatapara
Banikhar is a village situated in the Sonakhan tehsil of Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, Chhattisgarh. It is located approximately 52 km from Kasdol and around 142 km from Raipur. Nageda serves as the Gram Panchayat for Banikhar village.
As per Census 2011, the village code of Banikhar is 444100. The village covers a total geographical area of 192.48 hectares and falls under the 492112 pincode. Pithora is the nearest town, located about 40 km away.
Banikhar village is governed under the Panchayati Raj system, with a Sarpanch serving as the elected head. For political representation, the village falls under the Bilaigarh Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) constituency and the Janjgir Champa Lok Sabha (Parliamentary) constituency.
Population of Banikhar
According to the 2011 Census, Banikhar village had a total population of 301 people, including 141 males and 160 females, living in 51 households. The sex ratio was 1,135 females per 1,000 males. The overall literacy rate was 60.15%, with male literacy at 69.92% and female literacy at 51.45%. The Scheduled Caste (SC) population was 170.
The table below presents a detailed demographic breakdown of the village, including separate male and female figures for each population category.
| Category | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 301 | 141 | 160 |
| Child Population (0–6 yrs) | 40 | 18 | 22 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 170 | 76 | 94 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Literate Population | 157 | 86 | 71 |
| Illiterate Population | 144 | 55 | 89 |
Nearby Villages of Banikhar
Banikhar is surrounded by several neighbouring villages in various directions. The table below lists these nearby villages along with their approximate aerial (straight-line) distances and directions from the village:
| Nearby Village | Direction | Approx. Distance (Aerial) |
|---|---|---|
| Nageda | West | 1.65 km |
| Magardarha Kalan | South-East | 1.74 km |
| Kauha Junwani | East | 1.90 km |
| Chhata | South | 2.08 km |
| Kuramajhar | South-East | 2.61 km |
| Kalmidadar | South-East | 3.41 km |
| Nithora | South-West | 3.45 km |
| Nagedi | West | 3.58 km |
| Karmel | West | 4.33 km |
| Mandeep | South | 4.34 km |
Transport and Connectivity of Banikhar
Banikhar is connected by an all-weather road, and public transport is mainly available through bus services. The nearest railway station is Bagbahra, while the nearest airport is Nawapara Airport, situated at an approximate aerial distance of 52.3 km.
| Connectivity | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus Service | No | Available within NA |
| Private Bus Service | Yes | Available within village |
| Railway Station | No | - |
In addition to basic transport facilities, distances and travel times help define overall connectivity. The road distance from Pithora to Banikhar is about 40 km, with a usual travel time of around 1-1.25 hours. Similarly, the road distance from Raipur to Banikhar is about 142 km, with the usual travel time around ~4.1 hours. Actual travel time may vary depending on road conditions and mode of transport.
Banking and Postal Services in Banikhar
Banking and postal services are essential for daily financial transactions and communication. The availability of these facilities for Banikhar village is detailed below:
| Service Type | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | No | Available within 5-10 km |
| ATM | No | Available within >10 km |
| Post Office | No | Available within 5-10 km |
Health Facilities in Banikhar
Healthcare facilities play an important role in providing basic medical services to the residents. The details regarding the nearest health centres and hospitals serving Banikhar village are given below:
| Facility Type | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sub-Centre (HSC) | No | Available within 5-10 km |
| Primary Health Centre (PHC) | No | Available within 5-10 km |
| Community Health Centre (CHC) | No | Available within 2-5 km |
FAQs about Banikhar
Where is Banikhar located?
Banikhar village is located in Sonakhan Tehsil, Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, Chhattisgarh, India.
What is the Gram Panchayat of Banikhar?
The Gram Panchayat of Banikhar is Nageda.
What is the pincode of Banikhar?
The pincode of Banikhar is 492112.
What is the population of Banikhar?
Banikhar had a total population of 301, including 141 males and 160 females.
How many households are there in Banikhar?
Banikhar had 51 households.
What is the literacy rate in Banikhar?
As per Census 2011, the literacy rate of Banikhar was 60.15%. Male literacy was 69.92% and female literacy was 51.45%.