Junnar

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Junnar | type = city | latd = 19.2 | longd = 73.88
locator_position = right | state_name = Maharashtra
district = Pune
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altitude = 689
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 24,740| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
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sex_ratio =
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Junnar (जुन्नर) is a city with thousands of years of history in the Pune district of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a taluka headquarter. Situated at the base of the Sahyadri mountains, it is situated around 100 km east of Mumbai and 94 km north of Pune. Also located near this city are Shivneri Fort, birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje, the famous Maratha king, Lenyadri (girijatmak) and Ozar (vighnaher) both are from Ashtavinayakas. The land surrounding Junnar is very fertile and the main crops harvested are rice, wheat, and sugarcane. The town also holds a weekly market for fruit and vegetables on Sundays. Junnar is also famous for its Ganesh decorations during the Ganesh festival, being sometimes compared with the decorations in Pune and Mumbai during the festival. Junnar taluka in Maharahtra has the largest density of leopard population within a 500 km² area. It also holds the record for the largest number of leopards trapped within that range ever. Junnar is also surrounded by much greenery and dams, such as Vadaj and Manikdoh, common picnicking locations. Also present are the ancient Naneghat caves.

State Transport buses run between Pune and Junnar from Shivajinagar ST stand. from 0630 every hour.

Geography

Junnar is located at coord|19.2|N|73.88|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/16/Junnar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Junnar] ] . It has an average elevation of 689 metres (2260 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Junnar had a population of 24,740. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Junnar has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 72%. In Junnar, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

chools and colleges

Junnar has excellent schools with top class facilities for studies [cite web|url=http://pune.clickindia.com/areas/junnar.html|title=Junnar - Junnar Area - Junnar Region - Junnar Locality - Pune|accessdate=7 August|accessyear=2008] as well as extra curricular activities.

Considering the need of the huge population of about 55 thousand, need was felt to start a school for the Hearing and Speech Impaired. In 1985 due to the combined efforts of J.E.S., Rotary Club of Junnar, and Surud Mandal (Pune) an effort was made and the school for the hearing and speech impaired children was started.

Shiv Chhatrapati College (श्रि शिव छञपति महाविधालय) and Jaihind technical college provide facilities for further studies in non-technical and technical areas respectively.

Shankararao Butte Patil Vidyalaya (शंकरराव बुटे पाटिल विधालय) previously known as New School Junnar.This is a well known school, which has students got placed in merit list of state board merit list. And has active alumni named Back2School to guide new students for their career.

Ganesh Co-operative Milk Dairy

This is a milk collecting center located at village Rajuri. For contributing to large extent to the progress of the village, this dairy was named "Shakarita Gaurav Puraskat" by the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. [cite web|url=http://www.punepages.com/junnar-in-pune|title=Junnar in Pune|Punepages.com - Social Networking Pune|accessdate= 7 August|accessyear=2008]

Political background

The area is a stronghold of the Nationalist Congress party (NCP) and its leader, Sharad Pawar. Mr. Vallabh Benke of NCP is the member of the Maharashtra legislative Assembly for Junnar.

Famous Personalities

Mr. Mahesh Mitkari [MVP] is awardee of Microsoft's Most Valuable Professional is a co-founder of TEKNOTIKA SOLUTIONS

References

External links

*http://www.punediary.com/html/Junnar.html