Digha is a census town situated in the Barasat I community development (CD) block of the Barasat Sadar subdivision, within the North 24 Parganas district of the Indian state of West Bengal. The town lies at geographic coordinates 22°45′19″ N 88°31′29″ E and occupies an area of approximately 1.40 km² (1.3969 km²).
Administrative status
- Country: India
- State: West Bengal
- District: North 24 Parganas
- Subdivision: Barasat Sadar
- CD block: Barasat I
- Lok Sabha constituency: Barasat
- Official languages: Bengali, English
- Time zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)
- Telephone code: +91 33
- Vehicle registration: WB
Geography
Digha forms part of a densely populated cluster of census towns that includes Bamangachhi and Kulberia. The area lies on the north Bidyadhari Plain in the lower Ganges Delta, characterized by flat terrain that is modestly elevated above the floodplain, with the highest ground bordering local river channels.
Demographics (2011 Census)
- Total population: 8,159
- Male: 4,162
- Female: 3,997
- Population density: 5,830 persons per km²
- Literacy rate: 73.2 % (slightly below the national average of 74.04 %)
Infrastructure
According to the District Census Handbook (2011), Digha contains two primary schools. The nearest middle, secondary, and senior secondary schools are located approximately 0.5 km away in Sikdarpukuria, while the closest degree college is about 7 km distant in Barasat. A dispensary/health centre without inpatient beds is situated roughly 1 km from the town.
Transportation
The town is positioned on National Highway 112 (Jessore Road), providing road connectivity to the wider region. The Duttapukur railway station, on the Sealdah–Bangaon line of the Kolkata Suburban Railway network, serves as the nearest rail link.
Healthcare
A primary health centre is available at Duttapukur. The broader North 24 Parganas district, including Digha, has been identified as an area affected by groundwater arsenic contamination, a public‑health concern noted in regional health surveys.
Law enforcement
Duttapukur police station has jurisdiction over the Barasat I CD block, encompassing Digha.
Overall, Digha functions as a small but densely populated settlement within the rapidly urbanizing periphery of the Kolkata metropolitan area, with basic educational, health, and transport facilities serving its residents.