Land dealers enhance infrastructure in Dhangadhi, reducing financial burden on municipality

Dhangadhi – In a significant development over the past two years, land dealers in Dhangadhi, Kailali, have expanded gravel roads, constructed unpaved drains, and installed electricity lines, investing over NPR 21.7 million.

This initiative follows a new regulation set by the Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city mandating that land dealers improve infrastructure as part of their plotting activities. The regulation, which took effect in the financial year 2079/80, requires land dealers to extend gravel roads with a thickness of 15 cm, along with drainage systems and electricity lines spaced 50 meters apart. This policy shift has alleviated the financial burden on the municipality, which previously bore the costs for such infrastructure. Dijraj Bhatta, divisional engineer of Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city, noted that earlier, land plotting often resulted in minimal infrastructure, leaving the municipality responsible for the expenses. “Initially, land dealers did not meet standards, and all costs fell on the sub-metropolitan city. Now, we have made infrastructure improvements mandatory,” he explained. The implementation of this rule has led to a reduction in municipal expenditure by NPR 2,17,71,784. Despite initial resistance from land dealers, they have begun complying with the new requirements, significantly improving local infrastructure. Bhatta indicated that the municipality will only recommend land acquisition after confirming that the necessary infrastructure—gravel roads, power lines, and drainage—is in place.

The investment from the private sector amounted to NPR 61 lakhs in 2079/80 and surged to NPR 16 million in 2080/81. As land transactions remain low, Bhatta remarked that dealers are preparing to further enhance infrastructure, including plans for concrete roads and improved drainage systems. This shift not only benefits the municipality but also paves the way for better urban planning and development in Dhangadhi.