About ZiroZiro is a census town of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also one of the oldest towns of Arunachal Pradesh and the district headquarters of Lower Subansiri district, comprising the present districts of upper Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, lower Subansiri and Papum Pare. The town is a beautiful hill station in Arunachal Pradesh.
Geography of ZiroZiro is located at 27.63 degrees north and 93.83 degrees east. It is situated at an elevation of 5538-8000 feet. The valley around Ziro is filled with pine trees and rice fields. Orchids and bamboo plantation could be seen around the valley.
Climate of ZiroWeather remains mild throughout the year. The summer temperature ranges from 20-30 degrees Celsius. Winter starts from November and lasts till February. Winter is accompanied by mist and fog. The weather remains windy and cloudy during this time.
Demography of ZiroAccording to 2001 India census, Ziro had a population of 12,289. Male population is 52 % and female population is 48 %. The average literacy rate is 66 % of which male literacy is 72% and female literacy is 60 %. Ziro is predominantly occupied by the Apatani tribe. Indigenous and traditional customs are followed by the people of the town. The main tribe of Ziro, the Apatani, celebrates the Murung festival in January. The Myoko rituals are observed in March, and Dree festival is celebrated in July by the tribe with much pomp and gaiety.
Economy of ZiroAgriculture is the main mode of living of the people. The Apatani tribe practices a unique agricultural system called paddy-cum-fish culture.
Agricultural Practices in Ziro
Ziro, being a town where people are dependent primarily on agriculture for its economy, has its own ways to reap. The ways adopted by the people here are unique and fruitful. Given below are some ethnic practices followed till date by the Apatanis.
Paddy-cum-fish cultureThis is a unique agricultural practice followed by the people of Apatani tribe. In this system of agriculture fish is reared in the paddy field. For this practice of cultivation, Ziro is known all over the state. The Apatani tribe follows the traditional irrigation system that makes the paddy-cum-fish culture possible.
Paddy is first transplanted from the nursery in wet rice cultivation field, fingerlings are put in Pakho (channels in the paddy field for drainage of water) at knee-deep height that is kept for 2-3 months before harvesting of fish.
Rice Fish CultureThe Tarin Fish Farm is one of the sites in Ziro where the paddy-cum-fish cultivation is practiced. It is located 3.5 km from Hapoli town. The Tarin Fish Farm is situated at a high altitude which is covered with pine and bamboo trees. Rice-fish culture is the unique practice where two crops of rice and one crop of fish are raised together. This assures higher productivity and employment opportunities in the valley.
Culture of ZiroArunachal Pradesh is a land wherein resides as many as 26 different tribes. The tribes majorly inhabiting Ziro are the Apatanis. The Apatanis or the Tanii is a tribe which belongs to the Sino Tibetan family. The tribes here mainly worship the sun and the moon and the religion is called the Donyi-Polo religion. Arunachal Pradesh also has tribes which follow Buddhism and other ancient belief with animal being the deities.
The cultural lifestyle of the people here is very fascinating. Agriculture is the main mode of economy here and so the people here celebrate festivals in order to show their gratefulness to the Almighty for the good and fruitful harvest. The main Apatani agricultural festival of the people here is the Dree festival celebrated in the month of July every year. Myoko, Murung and Yapung are the other festivals celebrated by the people of Ziro.
Utilities and Services in ZiroZiro is still undergoing a lot of developments. Provided with different types of services from the government as well as private organizations, Ziro runs peacefully and efficiently with a proper administration. Services include emergency services, utility services, health services and other form of entertainment services as well.
Some of the important emergency phone numbers in Ziro are:
- Police Station: 224235
- Fire Station: 255080
- District Hospital: 224302
- Power House: 224220
- Power House inquiry: 255252
- BSNL 255298
Electricity in ZiroThe electricity services in Ziro are provided by the Department of Power Arunachal Pradesh, headquartered in Itanagar and supervises the electrical services throughout the state. The postal services are headed by the Indian Postal Services and there are a few banks in Ziro providing banking facilities.
Banks in ZiroThere are a few banks in Ziro which provide its services to the people here. Largest commercial banks in India, like the State Bank of India amongst others have branches in Ziro. These leading banks also have their ATMs for easy transaction facilities for the public.
Following are the locations of the banks across Ziro town.
State Bank Of India
Address: Dist Lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh - 781120
Contact: 03788-224221, 224615
IFSC Code: SBIN0001396
Branch Code: 001396
MICR Code: 791002503
Address: D P Complex, Opp. Itbp, P.O. & P.S. Ziro (Hipoli), Dist. Lower Subansiri - 791120, Arunachal Pradesh
IFSC Code: CNRB0004717
Branch Code: 004717
MICR Code: 791015501
Central Bank Of India
Address: City Commercial Complex, Opposite D.C. Office, Dist Lower Subarnsri - 791120, Arunachal Pradesh
IFSC Code: CBIN0284630
Branch Code: 284630
Yes Bank Ltd
Address: P.O.: Ziro, Lower Subansiri - 791120
IFSC Code: YESB0ARCB05
Branch Code: ARCB05
MICR Code: 791824502
Phone: 03788- 224221/ 224615