Losar Khas Explained

Losar Khas
Settlement Type:village
Pushpin Map:India Himachal Pradesh
Pushpin Label Position:right
Coordinates:32.4375°N 77.7506°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: India
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Himachal Pradesh
Government Type:Panchayati raj
Governing Body:Losar Gram Panchayat
Unit Pref:Metric
Area Total Km2:3.60
Elevation M:4,090
Population Total:320
Population As Of:2011
Population Density Km2:auto
Demographics Type1:Languages
Demographics1 Title1:Official
Demographics1 Info1:Bhoti, Hindi
Timezone1:IST
Utc Offset1:+5:30
Postal Code:172114
Registration Plate:HP-

Losar Khas or Losar is a village on the right bank of the Spiti River in District Lahaul Spiti in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Losar Gram Panchayat located in Losar is a local government body for the village of Losar Khas and 12 nearby villages in Development Block Spiti.[1] Losar is located on NH-505 between Kaza in Spiti and Gramphoo in Lahaul.

History

In 1868, Capt. A.F.P. Harcourt, Assistant Commissioner, Kooloo (Kullu) Sub-Division, reported that Losur (Losar) village was the first human habitation on the Spiti River. The valley was destitute of timber except for a few stunted willow trees.[2]

Geography

Losar Khas is a small village on the right bank of the Spiti River. Located on NH-505, 58km (36miles) from Kaza, Himachal Pradesh[3] and 78km (48miles) from Gramphoo.[4] It covers an area of 360ha and is at an elevation of 4090m (13,420feet).[5] [6] The forested area in the village is .

Climate

During his expedition in 1868, Harcourt observed the climate of Spiti was drier and colder than Lahaul, rainfall was very infrequent, beyond the influence of the monsoons. Days were hot in summer but nights cold. The strong winds abraded the exposed skin. [2]

Demographics

The population of Losar Khas as of the 2011 Census was 320 in 65 households. Of these, 166 persons or 51.95% are female, and 57 persons or 17.8% are in the age group 0-6.[7] Scheduled Tribes comprise about 99.1% of the population. The main religions are Buddhism and Hinduism. The main language is Bhoti. The literacy rate in 2011 was 71.9%, with male literacy higher at 77.9% and female literacy lower at 66.3%.

Transport

Losar is served by public and private bus services along NH-505. Taxis and vans are available for hire.

Agriculture

In 1868, Harcourt observed that the soil in Spiti yielded only one crop a year. Sowing took place in May and the harvest in September with mainly Yak used for ploughing. The main crops of the region were a fine hexagonal wheat, peas, mustard and two kinds of barley. There was no fruit.Irrigation was done using long channels winding along the terrain, often for many miles, from streams.[2]

Amenities

Losar has a Branch Post Office (Delivery Office) with pincode 172114.[8] As of the 2011 Census, Losar has a primary school. For higher classes, children have to commute to schools in nearby villages.There is a Primary Health Centre (PHC) and a Veterinary Hospital.

Governance (Gram Panchayat)

The Gram Panchayat of Losar or Losar Gram Panchayat is a government office and local self-government body that governs the village of Losar Khas and 12 nearby villages in Development Block Spiti of District Lahaul Spiti.

Villages

The Gram Panchayat governs 13 villages.

Village namePolling Station No.Type
Chichong1Rural
Dhar Chho Chho Dain2Rural
Dhar Dindi3Rural
Dhar Fagdansa4Rural
Dhar Kilung5Rural
Dhar Latothanmo6Rural
Dhar Pindo7Rural
Dhar Soksa8Rural
Dumley9Rural
Hansa10Rural
Kaito11Rural
Kyamo12Rural
Losar Khas13Rural

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: List of PRIs . 12 Dec 2022 . Panchayati Raj Department, HP Govt.
  2. Book: Harcourt, A.F.P.. The Himalayan Districts of Kooloo, Lahoul and Spiti. W.H. Allen & Sons. 1871. London.
  3. Web site: Kaza to Losar. 30 Dec 2022. OpenStreetMap.org.
  4. Web site: Gramphoo to Losar. 30 Dec 2022. OpenStreetMap.org.
  5. Web site: Losar village. 13 Feb 2021. OpenStreetMap.org.
  6. Book: District Census Handbook: Lahul & Spiti, Himachal -- Village and Town Directory. Directorate of Census Operations, Himachal Pradesh, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India. 2011. 3 Part XII A.
  7. Book: District Census Handbook: Lahul & Spiti, Himachal -- Village and Town Wise Primary Census Abstract (PCA). Directorate of Census Operations, Himachal Pradesh, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India. 2011. 3 Part XII B.
  8. Web site: Locate Post Office, pincode 172114. 19 Feb 2021. India Post, Dept. of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Govt of India.