Barbardiya Municipality

Barbardiya Municipality (Nagarpalika - बारबर्दिया नगरपालिका, बर्दिया), located in Bardiya District of Lumbini Province, Nepal, was officially formed on 27 Falgun 2073 B.S. (March 10, 2017 A.D.) by the Government of Nepal. It was created by merging the former Village Development Committees (VDCs): Baniyabhar, Padanaha, Magaragadi, and Dhadhawar. The municipality consists of 11 administrative wards.

Geographically, it lies between 28°26′ to 28°36′ North Latitude and 81°30′ to 81°50′ East Longitude. The municipality is bordered by:

• East: Bansgadhi Municipality

• West: Madhuwan Municipality

• North: Bardiya National Park and Thakurbaba Municipality

• South: Gulariya Municipality

According to the 2021 national census, the municipality has:

• Total population: 72,533

  • Male: 34,126

  • Female: 38,407

• Total households: 16,897

• Total area: 226.09 sq. km

• Elevation: Approximately 175 meters above sea level

Ward Division and Population

1. Ward 1

   • Former VDC: Baniyabhar (Wards 1, 2)

   • Population: 6,171

2. Ward 2

   • Baniyabhar (Wards 3, 4, 5)

   • Population: 5,577

3. Ward 3

   • Baniyabhar (Wards 6, 7, 8, 9)

   • Population: 7,107

4. Ward 4

   • Padanaha (Wards 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

   • Population: 6,903

5. Ward 5

   • Padanaha (Wards 3, 4)

   • Magaragadi (Wards 1, 3)

   • Population: 5,754

6. Ward 6

   • Magaragadi (Wards 2, 4)

   • Population: 6,460

7. Ward 7

   • Magaragadi (Wards 5, 6, 7, 8)

   • Population: 6,513

8. Ward 8

   • Magaragadi (Ward 9)

   • Dhadhawar (Wards 2, 7)

   • Population: 6,303

9. Ward 9

   • Dhadhawar (Wards 3, 6)

   • Population: 7,667

10. Ward 10

    • Dhadhawar (Wards 1, 4, 9)

    • Population: 8,062

11. Ward 11

    • Dhadhawar (Wards 5, 8)

    • Population: 6,016

Geographical and Physical Features

• Location: Mid-region of Bardiya District

• Coordinates: 28°26′ – 28°36′ N, 81°30′ – 81°50′ E

• Elevation: 175 meters

• Topography: Includes Chure Hills to the north and the plains (Terai) to the south

• Major Rivers: Babai River, Bhadakhola, Dudhara, Jharaniya, Pathariya

• Wetlands and Ponds: Jaruwa Pond, Satkhalwa Wetland, Kalapani Source

The Babai River is a major irrigation source and also contributes to local revenue through the extraction of natural resources, including gravel, sand, and stones.

Historical Background and Name Origin

The name “Barbardiya” is believed to originate from the history of the Tharu community. According to folklore, twelve Tharu herders (locally called Bardibas) once went into the forest. While performing a ritual play involving offerings to deities, ten of them mysteriously disappeared. The remaining two, fearing for their lives, ended their own. In memory of this event, a worship platform named “Barho Bardiya Mandap” was established in Ward 5. The municipality was later named after this site at the request of the local community.

Climate

Barbardiya lies in a subtropical monsoon climate zone:

• Average annual rainfall: 1130 mm

• Maximum temperature: 43°C

• Minimum temperature: Around 7.5°C

Political and Administrative Division

Barbardiya falls under Province No. 5 (Lumbini Province), in the former Bheri Zone. It comprises parts of Electoral Areas 1 and 2 of Bardiya District and is divided into 11 wards.

Land Use and Agriculture

Due to its fertile plains, the area primarily practices agriculture and forestry. Key land uses include:

• Grain, pulses, and oilseed farming

• Vegetable and fruit cultivation

• Animal husbandry (traditional and modern)

• Dense coverage of community and buffer zone forests

• Settlements, market centers, canals, and road networks

Soil and Terrain

The area consists mostly of flat terrain, but scattered rivers, canals, and rivulets interrupt uniformity. Due to its low elevation, the municipality frequently faces flood hazards during the monsoon.

Tourism, Culture, and Attractions

The municipality is rich in natural and cultural heritage. Notable sites include:

• Bardiya National Park (buffer zone)

• Satkhalwa Lake

• Sadashiv Temple (Ward 5)

• Barho Bardiya Mandap

• Various temples (Shiv, Radhakrishna, Ban Baba, Fennapati, Ban Devi, Kumura Ghat, Mahadev, etc.)

• Khairani wetland

• Annual traditional fair “Kutimela” in Kumragau during the Maghi festival

Ethnic diversity includes Brahmin, Chhetri, Tharu, Madhesi, Dalit, Magar, Gurung, and Rajhi communities. Major festivals celebrated:

• Dashain

• Tihar

• Krishna Janmashtami

• Nag Panchami

• Maghi

• Teej

• Holi

• Buddha Jayanti

• Lhosar

Educational Institutions

Schools

The municipality includes schools at all levels, from pre-primary to secondary (Grades 1–12). It consists of:

• Community ECD Centers: 93

• Primary (Grades 1–5)

• Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8)

• Secondary (Grades 9–10)

• Higher Secondary (Grades 11–12)

(Detailed school-wise breakdown maintained in official records.)

Higher Education (Campuses)

WardCampus NameLocationPrograms Offered6Sadashiv Multiple CampusJaynagarHumanities, Education (Bachelor)10Janasewa Multiple CampusDhadhawarManagement, Humanities (Bachelor)

ECD Student Overview

ECD enrollment details across wards are maintained, covering:

• School names

• Ward numbers

• Student count

• Village or settlement name

Ethnic and Caste Classification

The municipality includes a wide range of ethnic and caste groups. Major categories include:

Hill Dalits

• Gandharva (Gaine)

• Pariyar (Damai, Tailor, Musician)

• Badi

• Bishwakarma (Kami, Blacksmith, Goldsmith)

• Sarki (Tanner, Leatherworker)

Madhesi Dalits

• Dusadh (Paswan, Hajra)

• Dhobi (Rajak)

• Chamar (Mochi, Ravidash)

• Dom, Tatma, Pasi, Khattwe, Musahar

Indigenous Groups (Hill and Terai)

• Tharu, Rajbanshi, Danuwar, Majhi, Gurung, Magar, Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Chepang, Newar, Sherpa, etc.

Others

• Hill Brahmin and Chhetri

• Madhesi Brahmin and Chhetri

• Muslims

• Others: Yadav, Teli, Kalwar, Kurmi, Barai, Kumhar, Rajbhar, Mallah, etc.

Ward-Wise Settlements in Barbardiya Municipality

The following is a list of major settlements in each ward of Barbardiya Municipality:

Ward 1

• Jamuniya

• Sailahi

• Launghuwa

• Chhotkipur

• Dashdharuwa

• Rajipur

• Jamunaphanta

• Madarhawa

• Jodhipur

• Murgihawa

• Pahadipur

• Phoolbari

• Dangpur

• Kusumdanda

• Bhangaha

Ward 2

• Kumaragaun

• Pachgharuwa

• Chawanipur

• Narayanpur

• Dangpur

• Jhundi Pur

• Gauripara

• Dungrahi

• Kusumdanda

• Pahadipur

• Jogigaun

• Lamidamar

• Jeetpur

• Shantipur

• Latthawa

• Badkapur

• Gidaripur

• Ghongipur

• Bepattapur

• Hasnapur

Ward 3

• Beluwabajja

• Banagai

• Mundagauri

• Khurkhure

• Rampur

• Laxmanpur

• Baniyabhar

• Banahawa

• Jabarpur

• Muraha

• Bhaisakhani

• Jhakkipur

• Lalpur

• Thagpur

Ward 4

• Nepalgunj Padanaha

• Soharvigha

• Bairiya

• Jagatiya

• Jwalahiri

• Guruwagaun

• Barwata

• Ranipur

• Ghorpitta

• Fattepur

Ward 5

• Banghusri

• Bantariya

• Gidaripur

• Hariyali

• Chhotki Puruwa

• Sitibareli

• Soharvigha

• Barbardiya

• Bhuthiya

• Magaragadi

• Pattharpur

• Tarkapur

• Sadashiv

• Jabdahawa

• Kandra Tol

• Dhobiya

Ward 6

• Jaynagar Gaun Tol

• Kotharpur

• Pragati Pur

• Jaynagar

• Patthardanda

• Jaypur

• Bhimsen Tol

• Gulra

• Manikapur

• Manpur

• Dhamapur

• Shaktinagar

• Dullipakariya

• Bhotpur

• Datafanta

• Samjhana Phanta

Ward 7

• Sonpur

• Tighra

• Dhaulagiri Chowk

• Siuniya

• Simalkhari

• Masuriya Phanta

• Harnahawa

• Banthada

• Rammapur

• Arairpur

• Rajitol

• Dangpur

• Shivnagar

• Schoolpur

• Bauddhanagar

• Jakhar Tol

Ward 8

• Chauki Tol

• Bhagatpur

• Beech Tol

• Shivnagar

• Simalkhari

• Ramnagar

• Mahtan Tol

• Jakar Tol

• Sukumbasi Tol

• Raj Kulo Tol

• Bakalbhar

• Duddha

• Thanphena

• Sanjhna Tol

• Nakkiphanta

• Bargadi

• School Tol

• Dakshin Tol

• Pathariya Tol

Ward 9

• Katarnia

• Sausahawa

• Prasahawa

• Banagai

• Khairi

• Dhakela

Ward 10

• Dhadhawar

• Hausalpura

• Damara

• Vaidi

• Vaididanda

• Gumasta

• Vaida

• Simrahawa

• Meraiya

• Dafaiya

Ward 11

• Uttar Lamki

• Shobhanagar

• Jabdi

• Khuntipur

• Akalgharwa

• Fachkaha

• Belbhar

• Lamkiphanta

• Bijayanagar

Educational Infrastructure in Barbardiya Municipality

Schools

Schools in Barbadiya provide education from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12. The types of schools and classes offered include:

• ECD Centers

• Primary (Grades 1–5)

• Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8)

• Secondary (Grades 9–10)

• Higher Secondary (Grades 11–12)

ECD Student Enrollment

The following are Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers and pre-primary schools with student enrollment:

• Simrahawa ECD, Ward 10

• Bhagwati Primary School, Dhakela, Ward 9

• Amar Shaheed School, Khaireni, Ward 9

• Vijay Primary, Bijayanagar, Ward 11

• Dharmabhakta School, Katarnia, Ward 9

• Phaguna Primary, Bakalbhar, Ward 8

• Janachetana Primary, Dhadhawar, Ward 10

• Janajyoti Secondary, Banagai, Ward 9

• Janasewa Secondary, Vaidi, Ward 10

• Karuna Primary, Banagai, Ward 9

• Kisan Secondary, Pachkhaluwa, Ward 11

• Kisnasar Primary, Thanphena, Ward 8

• Majdoor Primary, Lamkiphanta, Ward 10

• Nepal Pragya ECD, Jabdi, Ward 11

• Shaheed Primary, Gaumasta, Ward 10

• Singh ECD, Belbhar, Ward 11

• Yuwa ECD, Thanphena, Ward 8

• Gautam Buddha Primary, Jawarpur, Ward 3

• Hamal Kabila Primary, Launghuwa, Ward 1

• Jaljala Deepjyoti Primary, Baniyabhar, Ward 3

• Janachetana Primary, Narayanpur, Ward 2

• Janata Primary, Bantariya, Ward 1

• Nepal National Secondary, Sarawati, Ward 3

• Sarawati ECD, Jamuniya, Ward 1

• Shanti ECD, Kumaragaun, Ward 2

• Yuwa Secondary, Jogigaun, Ward 2

• Gurujan Shakti Primary, Banghusri, Ward 4

• Janashakti ECD, Chainpur, Ward 5

• Jwala Janajagriti Primary, Ghorpitta, Ward 4

• Kushmadevi ECD, Padanaha, Ward 4

• Panchajanya Secondary, Padanaha, Ward 4

• Shiv Primary, Padanaha, Ward 4

• Anshu Varma Secondary, Jaynagar, Ward 6

• Bal Kalyan Primary, Sonpur, Ward 7

• Bhagwati Primary, Harnawa, Ward 7

• Bhanubhakta Secondary, Siuniya, Ward 7

• Janachetana Primary, Dhobiya, Ward 5

• Janajagriti Primary, Gulra, Ward 6

• Janapriya Primary, Jabdahawa, Ward 5

• Janajyoti ECD, Auri, Ward 8

• Janata Secondary, Rammapur, Ward 7

• Navjyoti Primary, Shaktinagar, Ward 6

• Nepal National ECD, Tarkapur, Ward 5

• Sarawati Primary, Bhagatpur, Ward 8