Far West Province Capital Remains Limited to Declaration Eight Years On

Dhangadhi: The permanent capital of Far West Province, decided by the previous provincial assembly with a two-thirds majority, has yet to be implemented even after eight years. Construction of the permanent capital has failed to progress due to the Nepal government's failure to grant land ownership rights.

The provincial assembly meeting on Asoj 15, 2075, decided to establish the province's permanent capital in the forest area of Godavari Municipality-2 and 4 in Kailali. As the second-term provincial assembly is also nearing a longer period in office, concerns have grown that the decision could remain limited to a declaration.

According to Chief Minister Khagraj Bhatta, there is both moral and legal pressure to establish the capital in the designated location, Godavari. If an alternative location is to be adopted, the provincial assembly would once again require a two-thirds majority.

On Shrawan 24, 2075, a special suggestion committee formed under the coordination of Tara Lama Tamang had recommended the name of the province as ‘Sudur Paschim’ and the capital as ‘Godavari’.

Due to delays in acquiring land in the forest area designated for the permanent capital, all functions of the provincial government are currently being conducted from the temporary capital, Dhangadhi.