Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City (Upa Mahanagarpalika) is a local government located in Sunsari District of Koshi Province, Nepal. It is responsible for local administration, education, basic healthcare, infrastructure management, local revenue, and other public services under the Constitution of Nepal and applicable laws.
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City has 20 wards. According to its official online municipal profile, it covers an area of 192.61 square kilometers. The National Population and Housing Census 2021 (2078 BS) recorded a population of 166,531 and 42,396 households.
Dharan's administrative history includes its establishment as a municipality, subsequent territorial expansions, declaration as a sub-metropolitan city, and restructuring under Nepal's federal system. Its present local governance system operates through the Municipal Assembly, Municipal Executive, Judicial Committee, ward offices, and administrative bodies.
Official Name: Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City (धरान उप महानगरपालिका)
Local Government Type: Sub-Metropolitan City
Province: Koshi Province
District: Sunsari
Number of Wards: 20
Total Area: 192.61 square kilometers (according to the municipality's official online profile)
Total Population: 166,531 (National Census 2021)
Male Population: 78,410
Female Population: 88,121
Number of Households: 42,396
Municipal Executive Office: Dharan-12, Chatara Line, Sunsari
Official Website: dharan.gov.np
The population and household figures are based on the 2021 National Census. They do not reflect demographic changes that may have occurred since the census.
Dharan's present administrative structure developed through territorial expansions and local government restructuring at different stages of its history.
According to the official institutional profile published by Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, Dharan was declared a municipality in 2017 BS. Initially, the municipality consisted of 11 wards.
In 2035 BS, the municipal area was expanded by incorporating the former Banjhgara Village Panchayat and parts of Ghopa Village Panchayat. Following this expansion, the number of wards increased to 19.
Under a Council of Ministers decision dated Baisakh 25, 2071 BS, the former Panchakanya Village Development Committee was merged into Dharan Municipality. Following this adjustment, the municipality had 23 wards.
Later that year, under a Council of Ministers decision dated Mangsir 16, 2071 BS, the former Bishnupaduka Village Development Committee was incorporated into Dharan, and the municipality was declared a sub-metropolitan city. At that time, the number of wards increased to 27.
Following federal restructuring, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City was reorganized into 20 wards.
These details are based on the institutional history published by Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City. The original establishment of the municipality, its declaration as a sub-metropolitan city, and its subsequent restructuring under the federal system were separate administrative developments.
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City is situated in the northeastern part of Sunsari District. Its geographical landscape includes urban settlements, forest areas, and areas connected to the surrounding hills.
According to the municipality's official profile and records of neighboring local governments, Dharan shares its boundaries with the following local levels:
East: Kerabari Rural Municipality
West: Barahakshetra Municipality
North: Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality
South: Ramdhuni Municipality and Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City
Different public records provide slightly varying figures for Dharan's total area. This profile uses the figure of 192.61 square kilometers published in the municipality's official online profile, with attribution to that source.
For legal boundary determination or technical purposes, the official maps and approved records maintained by the relevant authorities should be consulted.
According to the National Population and Housing Census 2021, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City had a total population of 166,531, comprising 78,410 males and 88,121 females.
The census recorded 42,396 households, with an average household size of 3.93 persons and a sex ratio of 88.98 males per 100 females.
Total Population: 166,531
Male Population: 78,410
Female Population: 88,121
Number of Households: 42,396
Average Household Size: 3.93 persons
Sex Ratio: 88.98 males per 100 females
These figures correspond to the demographic results of the National Census 2021.
When census statistics are used for local planning or studies related to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, the reference year should be clearly identified.
Census figures should not be presented as a direct count of the current population or as an updated population estimate.
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City operates within the local governance system established by the Constitution of Nepal.
Its jurisdiction and administrative functions are governed by the Constitution, the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), and other applicable laws.
The Constitution of Nepal establishes the framework for local governance through several provisions.
Part 17: Local Executive
Part 18: Local Legislature
Part 19: Local Financial Procedures
Schedule 8: Exclusive powers of local levels
Schedule 9: Concurrent powers of the Federation, Provinces, and Local Levels
Under these constitutional provisions, local governments exercise executive and legislative powers within their respective jurisdictions.
The jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee is determined by the Constitution and relevant legislation.
The Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), regulates various aspects of local government responsibilities, powers, duties, and operations.
The Act contains provisions relating to local administration, planning, education, healthcare, local revenue, ward offices, Judicial Committees, and other public responsibilities.
When undertaking any activity, the sub-metropolitan city must comply with the applicable federal, provincial, and local laws governing that particular matter.
Article 226 of the Constitution authorizes Municipal Assemblies to enact necessary laws within their constitutional jurisdiction.
Accordingly, the Municipal Assembly may enact local legislation, rules, and other legal provisions as permitted by law.
Arrangements concerning local taxes, service charges, budgets, administrative procedures, and public service delivery are governed by the laws and approved decisions in force at the relevant time.
The governance system of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City is based on the distinct responsibilities of elected representatives and administrative employees.
Under the Constitution of Nepal and the Local Government Operation Act, the Municipal Assembly, Municipal Executive, Judicial Committee, and ward offices are among the principal institutions of local governance.
The Municipal Assembly serves as the legislative body of the local government.
Under Article 223 of the Constitution of Nepal, the Municipal Assembly consists of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Ward Chairpersons, four elected members from each ward, and other members elected in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Its principal responsibilities include enacting local laws, approving annual policies and programs, passing the municipal budget, and performing other legislative functions prescribed by law.
The Municipal Executive is the executive body of the local government. It is headed by the Mayor.
Under Article 216 of the Constitution, the Municipal Executive consists of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Ward Chairpersons, and other executive members elected by the Municipal Assembly.
The Municipal Executive is responsible for local administration, implementation of approved plans, and management of public services in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and programs.
Article 217 of the Constitution of Nepal provides for a three-member Judicial Committee in each municipality, coordinated by the Deputy Mayor.
The other two members are elected by the Municipal Assembly from among its members.
Section 47 of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS, determines the jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee.
The Committee performs functions relating to the settlement of disputes specified by law and facilitates resolution through mediation in certain categories of disputes.
Not all legal disputes fall within the jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee.
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City consists of 20 wards.
Under the constitutional framework, each ward has an elected Ward Chairperson and four elected Ward Members.
Ward Committees perform legally assigned functions relating to ward-level planning, local development, administrative recommendations, record management, and the delivery of services directly connected with residents.
Ward offices serve as administrative units that provide a direct point of contact between the local government and citizens.
The Chief Administrative Officer is the principal administrative official of the local government.
The position carries responsibilities relating to office administration, administrative coordination, staff management, and implementation of decisions made by the Municipal Assembly and Municipal Executive, as prescribed by law.
Employees working in the municipality's sectoral departments, other administrative units, and ward offices deliver public services according to their assigned responsibilities.
The Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS, and other applicable laws establish various responsibilities for local governments.
However, the powers granted by law and the actual range of services available from an office at a particular time may differ.
Residents should confirm service procedures, required documents, and applicable fees through updated official notices issued by the relevant offices.
Registration of births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and migration falls within the local vital registration system.
These services are administered through the relevant Local Registrar's Office in accordance with applicable laws.
Ward offices perform functions relating to citizenship recommendations, relationship verification, property-related recommendations, and other local administrative services within their jurisdiction.
A recommendation issued by a ward office and a final certificate or approval issued by another government authority may involve separate administrative procedures.
Schedule 8 of the Constitution of Nepal places basic and secondary education within the jurisdiction of local governments.
Under the Local Government Operation Act, local governments have responsibilities concerning school planning, authorization, management, regulation, and other specified educational administrative functions.
Administrative activities relating to community and institutional schools within the sub-metropolitan area are conducted in accordance with applicable education laws.
However, this does not mean that every campus, university, or technical educational institution located in Dharan falls under the direct administrative control of the sub-metropolitan city.
The operation, ownership, and affiliation of higher education and technical education institutions depend on their respective legal status.
Basic healthcare and sanitation are among the responsibilities associated with local governments.
Under applicable laws, the sub-metropolitan city has responsibilities relating to local health service management, public health promotion, sanitation, and waste management.
However, the ownership and administrative control of hospitals and other healthcare institutions operating within the municipal area may vary according to their legal structures.
The location of a healthcare institution within Dharan does not, by itself, establish that the institution is directly managed by the sub-metropolitan city.
The sub-metropolitan city administers local taxes, fees, and other revenue-related activities within the powers granted by law.
Property tax, house rent tax, business tax, and local service charges are governed by applicable legislation and the Finance Act for the relevant fiscal year.
Business registration, renewal, tax payments, and other administrative procedures may differ depending on the nature of the business and the applicable legal requirements.
Service users should confirm tax rates, required documents, fees, exemptions, and payment procedures through the official Revenue Section or published municipal notices.
The responsibilities of the sub-metropolitan city include matters relating to local roads, drainage, public spaces, settlement management, and other local infrastructure.
Building construction and building plan approval must comply with applicable building codes, construction standards, land-use regulations, and local legal procedures.
Where construction approval is required, applicants should obtain information about applicable standards, required documents, and procedures from the relevant technical section of the municipality.
Local governments play a role in collecting beneficiary information, updating records, and coordinating administrative activities related to the implementation of social security programs.
Eligibility, required documents, payment arrangements, and other conditions for social security allowances are determined by the relevant laws and programs.
The sub-metropolitan city and its ward offices also perform legally assigned responsibilities relating to the management of local statistics and other administrative records.
Dharan's institutional identity is also connected with its local history and cultural heritage.
The official profile published by Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City identifies the Bijayapur area, Dantakali Temple, and Pindeshwar Temple as important local historical and religious references.
The history, religious traditions, and cultural practices associated with the Bijayapur area form part of Dharan's local identity.
When examining these subjects, it is important to distinguish historical records from religious traditions and local oral accounts.
Traditional beliefs and legends should not automatically be presented as historically verified events.
The Municipal Executive Office, relevant ward offices, and the official website of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City are the primary sources of information about public services, administrative procedures, and official notices.
Residents may contact the relevant municipal departments or ward offices for information about vital registration, local recommendations, education administration, business registration, tax payments, building plan approval, and other services.
Before applying for a service, applicants should verify the required documents, applicable fees, responsible office, and procedures through the latest Citizen Charter or official notices.
Municipal Executive Office: Dharan-12, Chatara Line, Sunsari, Koshi Province, Nepal
Official Website: https://www.dharan.gov.np/ne
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City is a constitutionally recognized local government responsible for local governance, administrative services, and urban management in Sunsari District.
Originally declared a municipality in 2017 BS, Dharan developed into its present sub-metropolitan structure through successive territorial expansions and administrative restructuring.
The sub-metropolitan city currently consists of 20 wards. Its legal responsibilities include local administration, basic and secondary education, basic healthcare, local revenue, infrastructure management, and other public functions.
The National Census 2021 serves as a primary source for studying Dharan's population, while the municipality's official records are the primary sources for updated information about local administration and public services.
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City is located in Sunsari District of Koshi Province, Nepal.
Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City has 20 wards. This ward structure was established following Nepal's federal restructuring.
According to the National Census 2021, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City had a total population of 166,531, including 78,410 males and 88,121 females.
The National Census 2021 recorded 42,396 households in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City.
According to its official institutional profile, Dharan was declared a sub-metropolitan city under a Council of Ministers decision dated Mangsir 16, 2071 BS.
Under Article 217 of the Constitution of Nepal, the Deputy Mayor serves as the coordinator of the municipality's Judicial Committee.
Official information about municipal service fees and local taxes can be obtained from the applicable municipal Finance Act, Citizen Charter, Revenue Section, and relevant ward offices.
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