Birendranagar
| Birendranagar वीरेन्द्रनगर dovanchaur |
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|---|---|
| Municipality | |
 Birendranagar
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| Coordinates: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | |
| Country | Nepal |
| Zone | Bheri Zone |
| District | Surkhet District |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 52,137 |
| Time zone | NST (UTC+5:45) |
| Postal code | 21700 |
| Area code(s) | 083 |
| Website | birendranagarmun.gov.np |
Birendranagar (Nepali: वीरेन्द्रनगर) is a city in mid-western Nepal, located in the Surkhet District of Bheri Zone. At the 2011 census the city's population was 52,137 in 12,045 households. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 22,937 people residing in 4773 individual households.[1]
This city is located in the Surkhet Valley, and is a principal township in the western hills region of Nepal. Birendranagar is so named in honour of the late King Birendra, who planned and established it as the first planned town in Nepal.
Contents
Demography
Historically, Birendranagar and the surrounding area of Surkhet were the lands of the Tharu and Local Rajhi; however the region has seen increased migration from the surrounding mountain regions as well as other parts of the country, although unstable political conditions have affected Birendranagar. The population of the city is approximately 55,000. Villagers from smaller surrounding communities migrate there in search of increased security and opportunity.
Climate
The highest temperature ever recorded in Birendranagar was 41.8 °C (107.2 °F) on the 5th May of 1999, while the lowest temperature ever recorded was −0.7 °C (30.7 °F) on the 9th January of 2013 .[2]
| Climate data for Birendranagar (Surkhet) 720m (1981-2010) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 19.9 (67.8) |
22.5 (72.5) |
27.6 (81.7) |
32.8 (91) |
33.9 (93) |
33.1 (91.6) |
30.7 (87.3) |
30.6 (87.1) |
29.9 (85.8) |
28.4 (83.1) |
24.9 (76.8) |
21.2 (70.2) |
28.0 (82.4) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 12.6 (54.7) |
15.2 (59.4) |
19.7 (67.5) |
24.7 (76.5) |
27.2 (81) |
28.0 (82.4) |
27.1 (80.8) |
26.9 (80.4) |
25.8 (78.4) |
22.1 (71.8) |
17.7 (63.9) |
13.8 (56.8) |
21.7 (71.1) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 5.4 (41.7) |
7.9 (46.2) |
11.8 (53.2) |
16.6 (61.9) |
20.4 (68.7) |
22.9 (73.2) |
23.5 (74.3) |
23.3 (73.9) |
21.6 (70.9) |
15.8 (60.4) |
10.4 (50.7) |
6.4 (43.5) |
15.5 (59.9) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 34.4 (1.354) |
42.5 (1.673) |
26.0 (1.024) |
29.2 (1.15) |
91.3 (3.594) |
252.3 (9.933) |
471.9 (18.579) |
422.6 (16.638) |
190.9 (7.516) |
42.4 (1.669) |
9.7 (0.382) |
18.5 (0.728) |
1,631.7 (64.24) |
| Source: Department Of Hydrology and Meteorology[3] | |||||||||||||
Infrastructure
Birendranagar is the main food supplier of the rural Karnali Zone, which can be reached by the Karnali Highway. It is also the main shopping destination of the Dailekh Jajrkot Acham district. There is also a domestic airport (with the code SKH) east of the city. There are direct flights from Kathmandu to Birendranagar and from Birendranagar to Jumla, Humla, Kalikot, Dolpa, Mugu, and other districts. The main road connecting Birendranagar to the rest of the country is the Ratna Highway. There is regular bus and taxi service to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bharatpur, Dharan and other parts of the county.
Tourist areas
Birendranagar has a very beautiful clock tower, which was made with help from Japan. Bulbul Tal, a park with a small lake and springs, is another major attraction. One can also go rafting in Bheri Babai, Karnali River. Recently Gothikada (a hill station) has developed itself as local tourist place. A lot of people go there in weekend. Other major towns and villages near Birendranagar are Chinchu and Babiyachour.
Religious areas
Deuti Bajai
Deauti Bajai (देउती वज्यै) is the most famous Hindu temple in Birendranagar, if not in the entire midwestern region of Nepal. This temple's history is closely associated with the people of Raji society; historically, only the people belonging to the Raji society used to pray in this temple. Nowadays, people from near and far come everyday to pray in this temple. It is a national heritage site, and the government and municipality are trying to develop and renovate this temple so as to attract more visitors. The shrine of Deuti Bajai was constructed by king Yash Malla
Kakre Bihar
Kakre Bihar is a small hillock in the middle of the Surkhet Valley. On top of this hillock is a ruin of a 12th-century stone temple, which shows that the people of the region practiced Hinduism along with Buddhism. The carved stones and bronze statues reflect the images of Buddha, and many Hindu gods and goddesses including Saraswati and Ganesh. This Hindu-Buddhist temple is protected by the government and there is a plan in place to re-erect the structure to its original shape. Architects are working hard to put all the pieces together so as to come up with a model of the temple. Boasting an amazing view of Birendranagar, this beautiful place continuously ranks as one of the most important tourist destinations. Thousands of people come to the area for religious purposes as well as to experience the rejuvenating atmosphere of nature. Important archaeological, cultural and religious exhibits can be found in the city museum, which preserves facts about the place.
Mangalgadhi
The pond and religious Hindu site as the bade of battalion of Nepal military is located in this area just to the south of city.
Recreational sites
Bulbule Tal
Bulbule is a pride of Surkhet as it carries the legendary identity of this place in the one of the most popular folk songs "Surkheta bulbul taal maya maisaano hunaale chhutyo mayajaal". Located in the south of Surkhet bazaar, this beautiful lake has a recreation park. Peoples of nearby cities and countries are greatly attracted by the beauty of the bulbule tal. Having natural and scenic peculiarity, the pond area covers the land with recreational picnic spot serving great water source to valley. Bubbles of water rise up to form big pond, that's what it name means—bulbule. Because this is one of the constant source of fresh water, a pipe system is installed to pump-supply drinking water to the village of Latikoili, that lies in the south of the lake. Park transforms the city into natural feel with various flower and plants. Boating,fishing, swimming to cultural rituals are organized inside the park area.
Bheri rafting
Bheri is one of the most famous rivers of Western Nepal. This river flows around Surkhet beginning from the east, south and then north before it reaches the confluence where it meets her big sister Karnali. Rafting in the Bheri river is becoming a popular pastime recently after the advent of a newly established company. Rafting City has the fast flowing river half an hour drive to the east to start adventurous rafting that leads to Ranight, the western river bank site to the south west of city. Accessible by bus services to the site adds touristic important to the city.
Paragliding
Another recreational activity gaining popularity in Birendranagar is paragliding. Starting from the northern hilltop of Gothikanda, one can enjoy the majestic beauty of lush vegetation and mountainous terrain going down toward the city of Birendranagar. The hilltop viewpoint area offers a view of the city, and its scenery during summertime makes it an excellent tourist attraction.
City museum
Regional museum named after the region situated at the heart of city has the cultural and religious facts of valley preserved. Ethnic group Raji has its own importance that is depicted from the collection of stuff from past inside the block. Different artistic sculptures from the Kankrevihar – the cucumber-shaped mountain part in the valley signifies the religious importance of the city.The museum is under construction.
Colleges and university
Mid-Western University, Birendranagar
Nepal Government appointed Dr. Padam Lal Devkota, a sociology professor, as the Vice-Chancellor (the chief executive) of the Midwestern University on August 8, 2011. This appointment can be regarded as the official beginning of the university in the Midwestern region of Nepal. Prior to this, a team of self-motivated and active educationists in Surkhet had been working hard for more than seventeen years to establish this university. This university has come into existence after a long and untiring efforts of the team. Collaborating with the existing political parties, building partnerships with adjacent districts, lobbying with the government, and fundraising campaigns had been a norm for this team built up by the people's bottom-up initiation and known in the region as the Preparation Committee of the Mid-Western University.
Since an independent institution of higher education was a cherished dream of the people of this area, the team was able to garner a tremendous political support from the existing parties as well as a wide enthusiastic participation of the people of this region. People of Surkhet particularly showed an amazing example of contribution to the fundraising program geared to the establishment of this university.
Mid-Western University is still in the making and has much to do before coming fully into function. The land, property, human resource, and the students of the existing TU-affiliated campuses in the region are likely to come under this university to give it a life to begin with. There is strong support to this university from the existing campuses throughout the region.
Supposed to be catering for the regional higher education need of the youth, this university is also expected to serve as a partner and a vehicle of the development of the whole Midwestern Development Region of the country. The headquarters of the university is in the process of opening soon in Birendranagar. It is also hoped that this university will bring about a significant change of strategy over the education system of this geographically largest region of the country. One of the most educationally backward regions, the area was also a major sufferer and also an instigator of the 10-year civil war (1996–2006), which brought about major political changes nationwide.
Surkhetcampus (Education)
Officially known as "Surkhet Campus (Education)", this very old campus began operation in Nepalgunj. Later, when the campus was moved to Surkhet, Birendranagar Multiple Campus (BMC) was already in operation. For several years, the campus did not have its own buildings. Therefore, it would run its programs in the rented rooms of BMC during the day times and evenings. This was possible because BMC, attended mostly by office-goers, ran programs in the mornings only. It is one of the constituent campuses of Tribhuvan University, which has headquarters in Kathmandu.
Birendranagar Multiple campus
One of the most important colleges, it offers multiple streams of education up to masters level. Famous countrywide in business administration, it is a popular campus because of its close proximity to main market. This campus is also affiliated to Tribhuvan University, the oldest and the largest university in Nepal.
Bidyapur Janata Campus
This campus is situated in Bidyapur VDC of Surkhet District which lies in western part of Surkhet. This VDC is the pioneer in education. The High School is one of the oldest schools in Surkhet and run by the support and participation of local people. The college, established in 2008 offers Bachelors program in Humanities and Education. The Campus is in initial phase and needs support from different national and international individuals interested in education. The economic condition of the people conducting the campus is not high enough to manage the college and there is nominal support from the government.
Apart from these major campuses, there are several other colleges and vocational schools run in the town. Now it runs program in its 5th year of establishment where new courses are adding continuously.
Hospitals
Birendranagar is the main educational and health center in West Hilly Region of Nepal; various colleges and schools are there and a regional hospital and a district hospital are the major ones but other private hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics are also running.
Mid-western Regional Hospital Birendranagar Nepal
This newly constructed hospital is now running with a capacity of 100 beds but it is expected to be more than 300 beds soon. This hospital will provide all advanced lab services not only for the people of Birendranagar but also for the people of the entire Mid Western Region of Nepal.
The 300-bed hospital will be built in five phases. Some 22 bighas of land has been allocated for the construction of the hospital at ward No.3 Tarigau in Birendranagar. Although plans were made three years ago for the construction, it could not be built for various reasons
District Hospital
Oldest hospital in Birendranagar running with 35 beds and providing medical facilities to the locals. Also there is an American diplomat made Eye care center in the compound District hospital, This Eye care center has 15 bed services with operation room.
Midwestern Region Veterinary Hospital Birendranagar Nepal
This hospital is providing all the treatment to the cattle of the local farmers in the Midwestern region of Nepal.
One eye treatment center and other private hospital and nursing homes are also serving the people of Birendranagar.
Media
Radio Nepal has a regional station in Birendranagar which transmits various programs of mass interest. Several local FM stations and TV channels are run in local level to speed up the communication level of this area. Among them, Radio Surkhet 90.2 MHZ, Jagaran F.M. 90.8 MHz and Bulbule F.M. 103.4 MHz fall under Community radio Station.
Social organizations
Birendranagar Jaycees
Birendranagar has many social organizations working for the community. The Birendranagar Jaycees, an active chapter of Nepal Jaycees and the JCI International, are one of the oldest social organizations in Birendranagar, established in 1979. The Jaycees continuously engage the young men and women of Surkhet and many adjacent areas in the mid-western region. The Jaycees provide leadership opportunities for young men and women to grow in leadership and integrity so that they can become successful, regardless of what professional careers they consider.
