Chandrakot Rural Municipality

Shantipur, Gulmi

Estd. 2017

government

+977-79-420004

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Overview

Chandrakot Rural Municipality (Gaupalika - चन्द्रकोट गाउँपालिका, गुल्मी) is located at 28°06'36.4'' North latitude and 83°24'51.3'' East longitude. It is situated in Gulmi District with the following borders:

East: Kaligandaki Rural Municipality (Gulmi)
West: Musikot Municipality and Gulmidarwar Rural Municipality (Gulmi)
North: Bareng Rural Municipality and Galkot Municipality (Baglung)
South: Satyawati and Chhatrakot Rural Municipalities (Gulmi)

The total area of the rural municipality is 105.73 square kilometers. According to the 2021 census, the population is 18,662. Formed by merging eight former Village Development Committees (VDCs) — Divrung, Bishukharka, Harachaur, Shantipur, Gwaha, Harewa, Rupakot, and Turang — the rural municipality is divided into 8 wards. The municipal office is located at the former Shantipur VDC, now Chandrakot-4, inside the building of Chandrakot Campus.

Chandrakot Rural Municipality, Gulmi, Map

Historical and Cultural Significance

Chandrakot Rural Municipality is named after the renowned Chandrakot Temple. The region hosts several culturally and religiously important sites:

Chandrakot Temple
Divrung Temple
Chakreshwar Temple
Siddhababa Temple
Timure Lake, Dah Lake
Arjewa Waterfall
Picnic spots such as Patechaur and Rumale Danda
Hugdi Khola Hydropower Project

The area holds immense potential for tourism development due to its scenic natural resources, rivers, forests, and heritage sites. Ethnic groups residing here include Brahmin, Chhetri, Magar, Newar, Gurung, Bishwakarma, Muslim, and Kumal communities. Major income sources include agriculture, livestock, foreign employment, and trade.

Formation and Administrative Structure

As per the notice published in the Nepal Gazette dated 2073 Falgun 27 by the Government of Nepal, Chandrakot Rural Municipality was officially formed by merging the eight VDCs. It is one of the 753 local levels in Nepal. Positioned in northeastern Gulmi, its geographical setting significantly influences its development planning. The region experiences diverse climates due to its varying altitudes: colder in the north, warmer in the south.

Demographic Overview

According to the 2068 census, the total population was 21,827. The rural municipality comprises 4,596 households. The major ethnic groups include Brahmin, Chhetri, Magar, Kami, and Damai. Agriculture is the primary occupation, with high production of vegetables and oranges.

Household Distribution by Ward:

Ward 1: 450 households
Ward 2: 505 households
Ward 3: 406 households
Ward 4: 790 households
Ward 5: 455 households
Ward 6: 430 households
Ward 7: 720 households
Ward 8: 840 households

Geographical Characteristics

Geography plays a vital role in shaping the economic, social, physical, and environmental development of the region. With diverse topographical features including hills and valleys, Chandrakot has varying climates across different zones. Northern parts experience cold weather due to Himalayan influence, while southern areas are warmer.

Economic Development

Economic development is seen as a positive transformation driven by local needs and resources. It is influenced by culture, time, and place. Development planning is thus contextual to each locality.

Agriculture and Livestock

Agriculture and livestock are key pillars of Nepal's economic development. In Chandrakot, rice is the staple crop, followed by maize, wheat, and millet. The municipality is working to commercialize farming and has provided 50% subsidized mechanization support to farmers, about 89% of households rear animals.

Cattle: High interest in cow farming
Buffalo: Widely reared
Goat: Popular for meat production
Pig: Preferred due to efficient feed use and fast growth
Poultry: Increasing market demand for meat has attracted locals to poultry farming

Areas like Sota Faat, Majuwa, Gekhung, Shantipur, and Harewa are ideal for paddy farming, while Rupakot, Turang, Bishukharka, Gwaha, and Harachaur are suitable for commercial goat farming.

Industry and Trade

Economic activities include small-scale industries such as furniture, grills, bakeries, and noodle factories. Banking institutions, including commercial banks, are active in providing credit and accepting deposits. Stone quarrying in Bishukharka holds potential for economic contribution if properly managed.

Tourism

Tourism plays a key role in driving Nepal's economy. Chandrakot offers vast potential for tourism development with its natural lakes, rivers, forests, cultural sites, and biodiversity. Famous festivals celebrated here include:

Dashain, Tihar
Matatirtha Aunsi
Buddha Jayanti
Guru Purnima
Saune Sankranti
Nag Panchami
Janai Purnima
Krishna Ashtami
Teej
Chhath, Lhosar
Shivaratri, Holi

Social Development

Social development covers education, health, and community mobilization. Community-based groups such as mothers' groups, youth clubs, and savings groups play an active role. Investments in education and health are crucial for improving human capital.

Education and Health

Education is central to human development. The municipality has approved the establishment of 15 new Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers and manages KG classes in 38 community schools. Schools with low teacher quotas and those operating English-medium classes are supported with grants.

ICT and Laboratory Support:

Science labs in 4 secondary schools
Libraries in 4 secondary schools
ICT labs funded in 4 secondary schools
Toilet facilities built in 6 schools

Infrastructure:

Federally funded 4-room building: 1 unit
NRA-funded 4-room buildings: 7 units
Truss buildings: 4 (3-room), 2 (2-room)
Toilets: 2 units
Lumbini Province-funded buildings: 2 (4-room), 1 (2-room), 1 (2-room toilet)

Salary support has been provided to low-wage ECD facilitators, KG teachers, school assistants, and helpers. Legal and procedural frameworks have been established to organize educational operations systematically.

The municipality fully manages final exams for Grades 5 and 8. Question papers for other grades' terms and final exams are also centrally prepared and distributed.

Healthcare System

The rural municipality has been prioritizing community health and preventive care. Key aspects include:

Regular health camps in remote wards
Maternal and child health initiatives
Immunization programs covering key age groups
Health posts equipped with basic diagnostic tools
Coordination with provincial health departments for the medicine supply
Public awareness campaigns on sanitation, nutrition, and hygiene

Efforts have been made to recruit skilled health personnel and to improve service delivery. Focus is placed on reducing maternal and infant mortality, ensuring regular antenatal care, and promoting institutional deliveries to improve outcomes.