Gangadev Rural Municipality

Gangadev Rural Municipality is one of the ten local levels in Rolpa District under Lumbini Province, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Named after the martyrs Ganga and Dev, who sacrificed their lives for the nation and its people, this municipality is centrally located in Jinawang. It lies approximately 65 kilometers northwest of the Rolpa district headquarters.

Formed by merging four former Village Development Committees (VDCs)—Ot, Jinawang, Pakhapani, and Rangk—it spans an area of 124.38 square kilometers and is home to a population of 21,503. Madi and Parivartan Rural Municipalities border the municipality to the east, Bagchaur Municipality and Chhatreshwori in Salyan District to the west, Triveni Rural Municipality of Rukum to the north, and Triveni and Madi Rural Municipalities to the south.

Climate

Situated at an altitude between 900 and 2700 meters above sea level, Gangadev Rural Municipality experiences a temperate climate, ranging from warm to cold, with varying zones.

Geographic Overview

Gangadev lies in the northwestern part of Rolpa with a moderate population density. Geographically, it is a hilly area with temperate weather. The diverse natural features lend the municipality historical and tourism value, making it an attractive and picturesque destination.

In 2016 (2073 BS), the current structure of the municipality was established by merging the four VDCs mentioned above. Administratively, it is now divided into 7 wards.

Geographically, it lies between 900–2000 meters altitude, spreading across latitudes 28°41′03″N and longitudes 80°56′43″E. The average maximum temperature during Jestha–Ashar is between 31.2°C and 38.2°C, and in Poush–Magh, the minimum temperature is 2.2°C with a maximum of 26.4°C. The area receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1840 mm.

Political and Administrative Structure

The municipality comprises various government offices and is located in Electoral Constituency No. 2 of Rolpa District. Below is a ward-wise settlement list:

• Ward 1: Bharti, Thula Gaura, Auti, Marke, Meldanda, Ranjibang

• Ward 2: Ramai, Badamela, Ghoraneti, Ojhabang, Sukhawadhal

• Ward 3: Loribini, Badhadunga, Kukurgadhe, Nauli

• Ward 4: Basare

• Ward 5: Lokchaur, Phulkas, Manta, Udin Dhunga

• Ward 6: Jayachaur, Jayakhola, Upper Jaya, Lower Jaya

• Ward 7: Rangk, Tapla, Ratamata, Dhangtang

VDC Integration and Ward Mapping

• Ward 1: Ot (Wards 1, 2, 6, 7)

• Ward 2: Jinawang (Wards 1, 2, 7, 8)

• Ward 3: Ot (Wards 8, 9), Jinawang (Wards 3–6, 9)

• Ward 4: Pakhapani (Wards 1, 2, 7–9)

• Ward 5: Pakhapani (Wards 3–6)

• Ward 6: Rangk (Wards 1–3, 6, 7)

• Ward 7: Rangk (Wards 4, 5, 8, 9)

(Source: Gangadev Rural Municipality Office)

Land Use and Soil Fertility

Out of 124.38 sq. km area, approximately 90 sq. km is covered by forests, while settlements cover around 4.38 sq. km. Approximately 30 square kilometers of cultivable land is available, of which only 10% is irrigated. The rest depends on seasonal rainfall. Most farmlands lie along rivers and benefit from a favorable climate for crop productivity. However, due to the growing number of settlements, agricultural land is shrinking. Riverbank areas are vulnerable to flooding. A land classification and parcel listing is in progress and will be completed in future updates.

Climate Variation

The region exhibits varied climatic features—from hilly sub-tropical climate to mid-hill cool zones in the north.

Environmental Features

The area is enriched with surface and underground water resources, including the Gangadev River and several tributaries.

Rivers and Wetlands

The Bafu Khola is a major river and a key attraction of the municipality. Originating from Gangadev Fedi, it branches into around 13 smaller streams. The river is a pristine reservoir of freshwater, surrounded by over 450 species of plants. It is home to:

• 10 species of fish

• 48 species of migratory birds

• 5 butterfly species

• 2 reptile species

Dense forests, featuring endangered and medicinal plants such as Satisaal, Saaj, and Khayar, contribute to the ecological richness of the area.

Major Festivals

Residents celebrate around two dozen festivals. Highlights include:

• New Year: Celebrated in Baisakh for cultural and recreational significance.

• Buddha Jayanti: Commemorates Lord Buddha’s birth, usually in Jestha. Observed with large gatherings at Buddhist shrines.

• Raksha Bandhan: A Hindu festival observed in the months of Shrawan and Bhadra, where protective threads are tied.

• Bhadra Sakranti: Celebrated by the Doteli and Achhami communities, it is also observed by the Tharu, similar to Maghi.

• Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna; widely observed in the Tharu community too.

• Teej: A women-centered festival with fasting and worship of Shiva-Parvati. Celebrated in Shrawan.

• Dashain: Celebrated in Ashwin–Kartik with worship, family gatherings, and Tika blessings for 15 days.

• Tihar: A five-day festival in Kartik featuring Kaag Tihar, Kukur Tihar, Goru Tihar, Laxmi Puja, and Bhai Tika.

• Neman (Nwagi): Tharu celebration for harvesting new crops; also known as Nwagi Khane.

• Maghe Sakranti (Maghi): Tharu New Year, celebrated with food, baths, and family gatherings in the coldest part of the year.

• Shivaratri: Devotees fast and visit Shiva temples in Fagun.

• Phaguwa (Holi): Celebrated with singing, dancing, and color play in Fagun and known as Phaguwa among Tharus.

List of Schools in Gangadev Rural Municipality

• Pre-schools: 41

• Basic Schools: 40

• Secondary Schools: 11

• Plus-2 Schools: 5

• Public Schools: 39

• Private Schools: 2

• Model School: 1

• Total Schools: 41

Private Schools

• Modern Basic English Boarding School – Gangadev, Rolpa – (Nursery–3)

• Public Horizon English Boarding School – Gangadev, Rolpa – (Nursery–4)

Secondary and Plus-2 Public Schools

• Siddhartha Secondary School – Ghopte, Gangadev – (Nursery–12)

• Buddhi Bikash Secondary and Technical School – Gangadev – (Nursery–11)

• Prithvi Narayan Secondary School – Gangadev – (Nursery–10)

• Jivan Jyoti Secondary School – Gangadev – (Nursery–12)

• Rastriya Secondary School – Gangadev – (Nursery–12)

• Ganga Secondary School – Gangadev – (Nursery–10)

• Birendra Secondary School – Gangadev – (Nursery–12)

• Saraswati Secondary School – Gangadev – (Nursery–10)

• Nepal Rastriya Secondary School – Simkhola, Gangadev – (Nursery–10)

Basic Public Schools

• Janata Bikash Aadharbhut Vidyalaya – Gangadev – (Nursery–9)

• Siddha Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–8)

• Janaprem Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–8)

• Janata Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–8)

• Balbodh Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–8)

• Siddhartha Aadharbhut Vidyalaya – Gangadev – (Nursery–8)

• Dasarth Bindu Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Shree Nepal Rastriya Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–8)

• Janabikash Basic School Gangadev – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Nepal Rastriya Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Amar Satya Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Ganesh Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–8)

• Loktantra Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Bhagawati Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–8)

• Indrasewak Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Krishna Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–8)

• Barmasiddha Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–3)

• Janata Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–3)

• Janachetana Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Siddeshwori Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Siddha Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Bageshwori Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–5)

• Gurase Tara Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–3)

• Gyankunja Basic School, Guraise Danda – Gangadev – (Nursery–3)

• Balkalyan Basics School – Gangadev – (Nursery–4)

• Janachetana Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–3)

• Lok Kalyan Basics School – Gangadev – (Nursery–3)

• Sahid Khagendra Jan Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–Nursery)

• Pragatisil Basic School – Gangadev – (Nursery–1)