Kalam - Matigara, Darjeeling
Kalam is a village situated in the Matigara subdivision of Darjeeling district, West Bengal. It is located approximately 9.1 km from Kadamtala. Matigara-i serves as the Gram Panchayat for Kalam village.
As per Census 2011, the village code of Kalam is 306553. The village covers a total geographical area of 195.06 hectares and falls under the 734012 pincode. Siliguri is the nearest town, located about 10 km away.
Kalam village is governed under the Panchayati Raj system, with a Pradhan serving as the elected head. For political representation, the village falls under the Matigara-naxalbari Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) constituency and the Darjeeling Lok Sabha (Parliamentary) constituency.
Population of Kalam
According to the 2011 Census, Kalam village had a total population of 5,664 people, including 3,280 males and 2,384 females, living in 1,237 households. The sex ratio was 727 females per 1,000 males. The overall literacy rate was 84.80%, with male literacy at 90.82% and female literacy at 76.36%. The Scheduled Caste (SC) population was 911, while the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population was 432.
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 | 5,664 | 3,280 | 2,384 |
| Child Population (0–6 yrs) | 610 | 328 | 282 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 911 | 479 | 432 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 432 | 224 | 208 |
| Literate Population | 4,286 | 2,681 | 1,605 |
| Illiterate Population | 1,378 | 599 | 779 |
Nearby Villages of Kalam
Kalam 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Kauakhali | South-East | 1.00 km |
| Thiknikata | South | 1.48 km |
| Patiram | East | 1.48 km |
| Kawakhari | South-West | 1.84 km |
| Tomba | North-East | 2.08 km |
| Pelku | South | 2.22 km |
| Bharatsing | South-West | 2.88 km |
| Chhota Pathuram | South | 2.96 km |
| Gaurcharan | North | 2.97 km |
| Baniakhari | North | 3.64 km |
Transport and Connectivity of Kalam
Kalam is connected by an all-weather road, and public transport is mainly available through shared auto-rickshaws. The nearest railway station is Matigara, while the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, situated at an approximate aerial distance of 5.0 km.
| Connectivity | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus Service | Yes | Available within village |
| Private Bus Service | Yes | Available within village |
| Railway Station | No | Available within 5-10 km |
In addition to basic transport facilities, distances and travel times help define overall connectivity. The road distance from Siliguri to Kalam is about 10 km, with a usual travel time of around 15-30 minutes. Actual travel time may vary depending on road conditions and mode of transport.
Banking and Postal Services in Kalam
Banking and postal services are essential for daily financial transactions and communication. The availability of these facilities for Kalam village is detailed below:
| Service Type | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | No | Available within 1-2 km |
| ATM | No | Available within 1-2 km |
| Post Office | No | Available within 1-2 km |
Health Facilities in Kalam
Healthcare facilities play an important role in providing basic medical services to the residents. The details regarding the nearest health centres and hospitals serving Kalam village are given below:
| Facility Type | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sub-Centre (HSC) | No | Available within 1-2 km |
| Primary Health Centre (PHC) | No | Available within 5-10 km |
| Community Health Centre (CHC) | No | Available within >10 km |
FAQs about Kalam
Where is Kalam located?
Kalam village is located in Matigara Subdivision, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India.
What is the Gram Panchayat of Kalam?
The Gram Panchayat of Kalam is Matigara-i.
What is the pincode of Kalam?
The pincode of Kalam is 734012.
What is the population of Kalam?
Kalam had a total population of 5,664, including 3,280 males and 2,384 females.
How many households are there in Kalam?
Kalam had 1,237 households.
What is the literacy rate in Kalam?
As per Census 2011, the literacy rate of Kalam was 84.80%. Male literacy was 90.82% and female literacy was 76.36%.