About Ilam
Ilam district lies in Mechi zone and covers an area of 1,703 Sq. km and has a population (2009) of 332,806. It is situated at a distance of 600 km (approximately) from Kathmandu. The name Ilam is derived from a Limbu language meaning "Ii" means Twisted and "Lam" means Road. The Limbus (a Janajati group) are indigenous residents of the district.
Ilam is situated between 26 degrees 40 inch to 27 degrees 08 inch North latitude and 87 degrees 40 inch to 88 degrees 10 inch East longitude, and extends from east to west having more or less circular shape in the Mahabharat Range. Panchthar lies in the North, Jhapa in the south, West Bengal (India) is in the east, and Morang (along with Tehrathum and Dhankuta) lie in the west. Ilam lies to the south of the Mahabharat range in the lap of Shinghalila Range. There are 48 VDCs and 1 Municipality in the district.
Geographically it is hilly district, with the elevation ranging from 140 meters at Shanishare Peltimari (Banjho VDC) to 3,636 meters at Sandakpur (Mabu and Maimajhuwa VDCs) above the sea level. Ilam has four main rivers (Jogmai, Puwamai, Mai & Deaumai) and it is sometimes referred to as Charkhola (district of four rivers). Most of the rivers flow north to south. The climatic condition of the district as a whole is dry and cold in winter and hot and rainy in summer.
Ilam is a district of diverse languages and cultures. The population in Ilam comprises of Dalits (Damai, Kami, Sarki, Gaine, Mushahar) and ethnic Janajatis (Rai, Lepcha, Limbu, Tamang, Magar, Gurung, Sherpa and Sunuwar). The status of women, as with the rest of the country, is worse of compared to the males.
Though, Ilam is considered as a developed district, there are many settlement clusters inhabited by communities of socially excluded castes and economically deprived people such as Dalit and Janajatis.
In Ilam, much of the former forest area has been converted to agricultural land (tea and cardamom plantations), built up area, roads and other infrastructure-related uses. Increasing level of deforestation is having a significant impact on flora and fauna.