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
As per Census 2011, Banikhar village has a total population of 301 people, consisting of 141 males and 160 females. The village has 51 households and a sex ratio of 1,134 females per 1,000 males. There are 40 children in the 0–6 years age group. The village has 157 literate and 144 illiterate residents. Additionally, 170 people belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.
Detailed gender-wise population figures for Banikhar are given below:
| Category | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 301 | 141 | 160 |
| Child Population (0–6 yrs) | 40 | 18 | 22 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 170 | 76 | 94 |
| 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 has a total population of 301, including 141 males and 160 females.
How many households are there in Banikhar?
There are 51 households in Banikhar.
What is the literacy rate in Banikhar?
As per Census 2011, the literacy rate of Banikhar is 52.16%. Male literacy is 60.99% and female literacy is 44.38%.