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Birendranagar
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Birendranagar (Nepali: वीरेन्द्रनगर) officially Birendranagar Municipality is a city in Surkhet District in Karnali Province of Nepal.[2] It is the capital city of Karnali province as well as the district headquarter of Surkhet district. As of March 2022, Birendranagar has a population of 154,886, making it the 17th most populous city of Nepal. Birendranagar is the largest city of Karnali province and 7th largest in Western Nepal. It is one of the fastest growing cities of Nepal and is on two national highways, Ratna Highway and Karnali Highway. It is one of the constituent city of the Ratna Highway Metropolitan Areas along with Nepalgunj and Kohalpur. Birendranagar compromises of panoramic view of Mahabharata and Chure ranges and the plain of the inner Terai. A major trade center in mid-western Nepal, Birendranagar is considered the most expensive city to live in Nepal.

Key Information

In February 2018, the city was made the capital of the province of Karnali.[3] At the 2011 census the city's population was 100,458 in 12,029 households. This city is located in the Surkhet Valley at the northern Bank of Bheri River which separates it from Bheriganga municipality. Birendranagar is named in honour of the late King Birendra, who planned and established it as the first planned town in Nepal.[citation needed]

Birendranagar Skyline

Birendranagar is located in a valley and surrounded by hills. The Birendranagar municipality includes village development committee are Uttarganga, Latikoili.[citation needed]

Demography

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Historically, Birendranagar and the surrounding area of Surkhet were the lands of the Tharu and Local Rajhi; however the region has seen increased migration from the surrounding mountain regions as well as other parts of the country, although unstable political conditions have affected Birendranagar. The population of the city is approximately 55,000. Villagers from smaller surrounding communities migrate there in search of increased security and opportunity.

At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, Birendranagar Municipality had a population of 105,107. Of these, 85.2% spoke Nepali, 6.0% Magar, 5.8% Tharu, 0.6% Hindi, 0.6% Gurung, 0.5% Newar, 0.3% Belhare, 0.3% Maithili, 0.3% Urdu, 0.1% Bhojpuri, 0.1% Chantyal, 0.1% Raji and 0.1% Tamang as their first language.[4]

In terms of ethnicity/caste, 27.0% were Chhetri, 20.6% Hill Brahmin, 12.6% Magar, 11.2% Kami, 6.2% Thakuri, 6.1% Tharu, 4.2% Damai/Dholi, 2.8% Sarki, 2.5% Sanyasi/Dasnami, 1.6% Gurung, 1.6% Musalman, 1.1% Newar, 0.4% Badi, 0.4% Bhote, 0.3% Gaine, 0.2% Tamang, 0.1% Chhantyal, 0.1% Halwai, 0.1% Kathabaniyan, 0.1% Rai, 0.1% Raji, 0.1% other Terai and 0.1% others.[5]

In terms of religion, 89.8% were Hindu, 5.2% Christian, 3.4% Buddhist and 1.6% Muslim.[6]

In terms of literacy, 79.7% could read and write, 2.2% could only read and 18.2% could neither read nor write.[7]

Climate

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The highest temperature ever recorded in Birendranagar was 41.8 °C (107.2 °F) on 5 May 1999, while the lowest temperature ever recorded was −0.7 °C (30.7 °F) on 9 January 2013.[8]

Climate data for Birendranagar (Surkhet Airport), elevation 720 m (2,360 ft), (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1973–2017)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 27.0
(80.6) 		32.0
(89.6) 		36.4
(97.5) 		39.4
(102.9) 		41.0
(105.8) 		42.8
(109.0) 		38.2
(100.8) 		36.4
(97.5) 		35.6
(96.1) 		34.5
(94.1) 		30.5
(86.9) 		27.6
(81.7) 		42.8
(109.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 20.5
(68.9) 		23.4
(74.1) 		28.4
(83.1) 		33.4
(92.1) 		34.7
(94.5) 		33.6
(92.5) 		31.2
(88.2) 		31.1
(88.0) 		30.9
(87.6) 		29.3
(84.7) 		25.6
(78.1) 		21.9
(71.4) 		28.7
(83.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) 12.9
(55.2) 		15.8
(60.4) 		20.2
(68.4) 		25.0
(77.0) 		27.6
(81.7) 		28.3
(82.9) 		27.4
(81.3) 		27.3
(81.1) 		26.3
(79.3) 		22.6
(72.7) 		18.0
(64.4) 		14.0
(57.2) 		22.1
(71.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 5.2
(41.4) 		8.1
(46.6) 		11.9
(53.4) 		16.6
(61.9) 		20.5
(68.9) 		23.0
(73.4) 		23.6
(74.5) 		23.4
(74.1) 		21.7
(71.1) 		15.9
(60.6) 		10.4
(50.7) 		6.1
(43.0) 		15.5
(59.9)
Record low °C (°F) −0.7
(30.7) 		−0.5
(31.1) 		4.3
(39.7) 		8.1
(46.6) 		12.5
(54.5) 		15.5
(59.9) 		19.5
(67.1) 		16.7
(62.1) 		11.8
(53.2) 		8.0
(46.4) 		2.5
(36.5) 		0.8
(33.4) 		−0.7
(30.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 39.3
(1.55) 		48.1
(1.89) 		28.8
(1.13) 		27.1
(1.07) 		80.6
(3.17) 		247.7
(9.75) 		464.9
(18.30) 		407.3
(16.04) 		168.7
(6.64) 		30.9
(1.22) 		6.1
(0.24) 		13.5
(0.53) 		1,563
(61.53)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 3.1 3.1 2.3 3.0 7.4 13.3 23.1 22.4 12.7 2.2 0.6 0.8 93.8
Source 1: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology[9][10]
Source 2: World Meteorological Organization[11]

Infrastructure

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Birendranagar

Birendranagar is the main food supplier of the rural Karnali Province, which can be reached by the Karnali Highway. It is also the main shopping destination of the Dailekh, Jajrkot and Acham districts. There is also a domestic airport (Surkhet Airport; SKH) east of the city. There are direct flights from Kathmandu to Birendranagar and from Birendranagar to Jumla, Humla, Kalikot, Dolpa, Mugu, and other districts. The main road connecting Birendranagar to the rest of the country is the Ratna Highway. There is regular bus and taxi service to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bharatpur, Dharan, Biratnagar and other parts of the country.

Religious sites

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Deuti Bajai Temple

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Deauti Bajai (देउती वज्यै) is a Hindu temple in Birendranagar. Its history is closely associated with the people of Raji society; historically, only the people belonging to the Raji society used to pray in this temple. Nowadays, people from near and far come everyday to pray in this temple. It is a national heritage site, and the government and municipality are trying to develop and renovate this temple so as to attract more visitors. The shrine of Deuti Bajai was constructed by king Yash Malla.

Kakre Bihar

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Entrance gate of Kakre Bihar

Kakre Bihar is a small hillock in the middle of the Surkhet Valley. On top of this hillock is a ruin of a 12th-century stone temple, which shows that the people of the region practiced Hinduism along with Buddhism. The carved stones and bronze statues reflect the images of Buddha, and many Hindu gods and goddesses including Saraswati and Ganesh. This Hindu-Buddhist temple is protected by the government and there is a plan in place to re-erect the structure to its original shape. Architects are working hard to put all the pieces together so as to come up with a model of the temple. With extensive views of Birendranagar, this place continuously ranks as one of the most important tourist destinations.[citation needed] Thousands of people come to the area for religious purposes as well as to experience the rejuvenating atmosphere of nature.[citation needed] Important archaeological, cultural and religious exhibits can be found in the city museum, which preserves facts about the place. An historical and religious temple of Surkhet, built in 18th century by Mall king. But nowadays, it is being reconstructed after destruction by massive earthquake in 1980 B.S in Nepal.[citation needed]

16 March 2016: The Department of Archaeology has started restoring a 12th-century temple at Kankre Bihar in Surkhet Valley. Eight craftsmen from Bhaktapur have been commissioned to rebuild the temple in the area where the, after 18 years of excavation, have unearthed several statues and other art facts linked with Hindu and Buddhist religions.

Chandra Ranjitkar, the head craftsman, said they were trying to rebuild the temple in its original form with the materials that were discovered during the excavation. We are connecting the stones based on their shapes and sizes, said Ranjitkar, who believes the temple was originally built by Indian artisans We do not find this kind of temple design in Nepal. Archaeologists have theorised that the temple was demolished sometime in the 16th century by the followers of Shankaracharya in a bid to stop the spread of Buddhism. Purna Bahadur Shrestha of the DoA said they have sped up the works and they expect the project to complete by 2017. The government has earmarked Rs 81.8 million for the temple restoration.krebihar, near Surkhet, Nepal: 12 th century temple complex, demonstrating interplay of Hinduism and Buddhism

Mangalgadhi Chowk

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The pond and religious Hindu site as the bade of battalion of Nepal military is located in this area just to the south of city.

Recreational sites

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Bulbule Tal

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Stone spouts at Bulbule Lake

Located in the south of Surkhet bazaar, Bulbule lake is part of a recreation park. Because this is one of the constant sources of fresh water, a pipe system is installed to pump-supply drinking water to the village of Latikoili, that lies in the south of the lake. Boating, fishing, swimming to cultural rituals are organized inside the park area.

City museum

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Regional museum named after the region situated at the heart of city has the cultural and religious facts of valley preserved. Ethnic group Raji has its own importance that is depicted from the collection of stuff from past inside the block. Different artistic sculptures from the Kankrevihar – the cucumber-shaped mountain part in the valley signifies the religious importance of the city. The museum is under construction.

Colleges and university

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Mid-Western University, Birendranagar

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Nepal Government appointed Dr. Padam Lal Devkota, an anthropology professor, as the Vice-Chancellor (the chief executive) of the Midwestern University on 8 August 2011. This appointment can be regarded as the official beginning of the university in the Midwestern region of Nepal. Prior to this, a team of self-motivated and active educationists in Surkhet had been working hard for more than seventeen years to establish this university. This university has come into existence after a long and untiring efforts of the team. Collaborating with the existing political parties, building partnerships with adjacent districts, lobbying with the government, and fundraising campaigns had been a norm for this team built up by the people's bottom-up initiation and known in the region as the Preparation Committee of the Mid-Western University.

Since an independent institution of higher education was a cherished dream of the people of this area, the team was able to garner political support from the existing parties as well as a wide enthusiastic participation of the people of this region.[citation needed]

Mid-Western University is still in the making and has much to do before coming fully into function. The land, property, human resource, and the students of the existing TU-affiliated campuses in the region are likely to come under this university to give it a life to begin with. There is strong support to this university from the existing campuses throughout the region.

Supposed to be catering for the regional higher education need of the youth, this university is also expected to serve as a partner and a vehicle of the development of the whole Midwestern Development Region of the country. The headquarters of the university is in the process of opening soon in Birendranagar. It is also hoped that this university will bring about a significant change of strategy over the education system of this geographically largest region of the country. One of the most educationally backward regions, the area was also a sufferer and also an instigator of the 10-year civil war (1996–2006), which brought about major political changes nationwide.

Surkhetcampus (Education)

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Officially known as "Surkhet Campus (Education)", this very old campus began operation in Nepalgunj. Later, when the campus was moved to Surkhet, Birendranagar Multiple Campus (BMC) was already in operation. For several years, the campus did not have its own buildings. Therefore, it would run its programs in the rented rooms of BMC during the day times and evenings. This was possible because BMC, attended mostly by office-goers, ran programs in the mornings only. It is one of the constituent campuses of Tribhuvan University, which has headquarters in Kathmandu.

Birendranagar Multiple campus

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One of the most important colleges, it offers multiple streams of education up to masters level. Known countrywide in business administration, it is a popular campus because of its close proximity to main market.[citation needed] This campus is also affiliated to Tribhuvan University, the oldest and the largest university in Nepal.

Bidyapur Janata Campus

[edit]

This campus is situated in Bidyapur VDC of Surkhet District which lies in western part of Surkhet. This VDC is the pioneer in education. The High School is one of the oldest schools in Surkhet and run by the support and participation of local people. The college, established in 2008 offers Bachelors program in Humanities and Education. The Campus is in initial phase and needs support from different national and international individuals interested in education. The economic condition of the people conducting the campus is not high enough to manage the college and there is nominal support from the government.

Apart from these major campuses, there are several other colleges and vocational schools run in the town. Now it runs program in its 5th year of establishment where new courses are adding continuously.

Hospitals

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Birendranagar is the main educational and health center in West Hilly Region of Nepal; various colleges and schools are there and a regional hospital and a district hospital are the major ones but other private hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics are also running.

Provincial Hospital

This newly constructed hospital is now running with a capacity of 125 beds but it is expected to be more than 500 beds soon.[when?] This hospital is due to provide all advanced lab services not only for the people of Birendranagar but also for the people of the entire Karnali of Nepal.[12]

The 500-bed hospital is due to be built in five phases.[citation needed] Approximately 22 bighas of land has been allocated for the construction of the hospital at ward No.3 Kalagaun in Birendranagar. Although plans were made three years ago[when?] for the construction, it could not be built for various reasons.[clarification needed]

District Hospital

Oldest hospital in Birendranagar running with 35 beds and providing medical facilities to the locals. Also there is an American diplomat made Eye care center in the compound District hospital, This Eye care center has 15 bed services with operation room.

Midwestern Region Veterinary Hospital Birendranagar Nepal

This hospital is providing all the treatment to the cattle of the local farmers in the Midwestern region of Nepal.

One eye treatment center and other private hospital and nursing homes are also serving the people of Birendranagar.

Media

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Radio Nepal has a regional station in Birendranagar, transmitting various programs of mass interest. Local FM radio stations include:

  • Radio Bheri 102.7 MHz
  • Radio Surkhet 90.2 MHz
  • Jagaran F.M. 90.8 MHz
  • Bulbule F.M. 103.4 MHz

The local TV stations are Sungava and Samabeshi.

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Birendranagar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Birendranagar is a municipality and the capital city of in , serving as the administrative headquarters of . As of the 2021 national census, it has a population of 153,863 residents across an area of 245 square kilometers, making it the largest urban center in the province and a key hub for the western hilly region. Originally established in 1976 as a by merging local areas previously affected by , the city was renamed Birendranagar in honor of King Birendra and has since developed into a regional center for education, healthcare, and commerce. The city functions as an economic and administrative gateway to the remote Karnali region, with , , and government services driving its growth amid Nepal's mid-western terrain. Birendranagar hosts Mid-Western University and various colleges, positioning it as the primary educational outpost for the area, alongside a regional that supports healthcare needs across the province. Notable landmarks include the clock tower, the ancient Kakrebihar Temple complex blending Hindu-Buddhist architecture from the 12th century, and Bulbule Lake, a scenic attracting local . These features underscore its role in preserving while fostering urban development in one of Nepal's less-accessible provinces.

History

Pre-modern settlement

The Surkhet Valley, encompassing the area of present-day Birendranagar, exhibits evidence of pre-modern settlement through archaeological discoveries revealing a flourishing civilization approximately 1,000 years ago, including Buddhist relics that suggest an ancient empire's presence. The valley's strategic position facilitated early trade networks, with historical records indicating highways constructed by Malla kings linking Dullu through Surkhet to the Indian plains, supporting the development of Hindu temples and Buddhist viharas. A key site is Kakrebihar, a stone temple in Birendranagar constructed in the , featuring Shikhara-style architecture that integrates Buddhist and Hindu elements and reflects the of the period. Archaeological evidence confirms its use as a until it fell into by the late 16th century, underscoring the valley's role in medieval Nepal's cultural and spiritual landscape. Local folklore attributes Kakrebihar's origins to legendary figures such as the princes from the , though such accounts remain unverified by empirical data and serve primarily as cultural narratives rather than historical fact. The valley's topographic inaccessibility likely preserved these sites, limiting extensive early documentation but enabling their survival into modern times.

Establishment and naming

Birendranagar, originally a hamlet in the Surkhet Valley, was designated as the regional headquarters for development efforts in western in 1972, transitioning from a small settlement to a structured urban center. This initiative aligned with broader national efforts to decentralize administration and infrastructure away from , with planning commencing in the late 1960s under royal oversight. The municipality was formally established in 1976 (2033 BS in the Nepali calendar), becoming Nepal's inaugural planned town with a master layout emphasizing organized residential, commercial, and administrative zones. It was renamed Birendranagar in honor of King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, who ascended the throne in and championed the project to foster regional growth through systematic urban development. The name, meaning "city of Birendra," reflected the monarch's direct involvement in its conceptualization as a model for modern Nepali town planning, distinct from the valley's prior informal designation as Surkhet.

Post-monarchy and federal era developments

Following Nepal's declaration as a federal democratic republic in 2008, Birendranagar, previously functioning as the district headquarters of Surkhet, underwent administrative restructuring aligned with the country's shift from a unitary to a federal system. The 2015 Constitution divided Nepal into seven provinces, with Birendranagar initially serving as the temporary capital of Province No. 6. On February 24, 2018, the provincial assembly formally named the province Karnali and designated Birendranagar as its permanent capital, elevating its status and attracting increased provincial and federal funding for administrative and public services. This elevation spurred infrastructure investments, including and enhancements under the Asian Development Bank's Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project, aimed at improving functionality in urban areas like Birendranagar through upgraded pipelines and treatment facilities starting around 2019. Agricultural infrastructure projects, such as the Integrated Agriculture Infrastructure Project, focused on modernizing storage, processing, and facilities to support local farming, reflecting federal priorities for regional self-sufficiency. Road connectivity and initiatives gained momentum post-2018, with provincial budgets allocated for expanding access to remote Karnali areas, though implementation faced delays due to geographical challenges. Urban expansion accelerated due to in-migration and capital status, transforming Birendranagar into a regional and administrative hub, with shifting rapidly from agricultural to built-up areas between 2010 and 2020. Population pressures led to challenges, including chronic shortages affecting thousands of households by 2019, exacerbated by inadequate supply despite post-federal upgrades. Environmental strains from growth prompted local efforts in and watershed protection, as outlined in municipal plans, but socio-economic hurdles like limited investment appeal persisted in the .

Geography

Location and topography

Birendranagar serves as the headquarters of in , western , positioned at approximately 28°36′N 81°38′E. The municipality borders Dailekh and Jajarkot districts to the north, Salyan to the east, and Kailali to the south, and Achham to the west, encompassing an area of 245.06 square kilometers divided into 16 wards. The city occupies the Surkhet Valley, a fertile elliptical basin approximately 9 kilometers in length at an elevation of around 700 meters above , situated along the northern bank of the Bheri River, a major tributary of the Karnali River. This valley terrain features soft sediments and moderate slopes, surrounded by hills and lowlands that form part of the broader mid-western Himalayan foothills, with the district's varying from subtropical plains to temperate highlands. Elevations in the surrounding area range from a minimum of 342 meters to a maximum of 2,252 meters, averaging 926 meters, supporting diverse land uses including on valley floors and forested hills. The Bheri River and its tributaries shape the landscape, providing irrigation while contributing to the valley's role as a regional agricultural hub.

Climate

Birendranagar features a (Köppen Cwa), characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and a pronounced season. The annual average temperature is approximately 21.4°C, with significant seasonal variation. Temperatures peak in , the hottest month, with average highs reaching 35.6°C (96°F) and lows around 24.4°C (76°F). Winters are cooler, with recording average highs of 19.9°C (67.8°F) and lows of 5.4°C (41.7°F); can occur, with record lows near -2°C. The cool season spans roughly from late November to February. Precipitation is heavily concentrated in the period from to , with being the wettest month at an average of 264 mm (10.4 inches). Annual totals typically range from 1,200 to 1,500 mm, supporting but occasionally leading to flooding in the Surkhet Valley. A drier period prevails from October to May, with minimal rainfall in the winter months.

Demographics

Population growth and migration

The population of Birendranagar Municipality increased from 100,458 residents in the 2011 Nepal National Population and Housing Census to 153,863 in the 2021 census. This expansion equates to an average annual growth rate of 3.7% over the decade, outpacing the national average and reflecting Birendranagar's role as the capital of Karnali Province. In-migration constitutes a primary driver of this demographic rise, with rural-to-urban streams dominating patterns in Surkhet District, where Birendranagar serves as the key destination. Surveys of migrant households reveal that 56% originate from neighboring hilly districts like Dailekh and Salyan, while 42% hail from remote mountain areas such as Mugu, Humla, and Kalikot. Push factors include limited educational access (cited by 35% of respondents), unemployment (19%), unproductive agricultural land (16%), and deficiencies in healthcare and transportation infrastructure (16%), alongside residual effects of Maoist insurgency displacement (17%). Pull factors center on enhanced opportunities for education, jobs, and urban amenities in the expanding provincial hub. Migrants are predominantly male, often possessing higher education levels and achieving elevated occupational positions relative to their rural origins, which accelerates local economic dynamism but intensifies pressures. Lifetime migration from earlier censuses underscore Surkhet's appeal, with rural-to-urban inflows accounting for notable shares of Birendranagar's population increment, alongside reasons like (10.6% overall migrants) and agriculture-related shifts. However, this influx has engendered adverse effects, including environmental strain from unplanned settlements, overburdened public services, financial difficulties for 28% of migrant families, and social frictions such as cultural adjustment challenges for 27%. Complementing internal gains, municipal boundary expansions post-2015 federal reforms incorporated former village development committees, further augmenting recorded figures through administrative consolidation rather than solely organic increase. Concurrently, outward labor migration from Surkhet to foreign destinations persists, driven by seasonal and permanent pursuits of overseas work, though net sustains Birendranagar's upward trajectory.

Ethnic, linguistic, and religious composition

The ethnic composition of Birendranagar reflects the broader demographics of , where Khas-Arya groups predominate alongside indigenous hill and communities. In , the 2021 census records (Kshetri) as the largest group at 131,786 individuals (31.75% of the district's 415,126 population), followed by Bishwakarma at 75,229 (18.12%), Magar at 71,691 (17.27%), and Hill Brahman at 50,736 (12.22%).
Caste/Ethnic GroupPopulationPercentage
Chhetri (Kshetri)131,78631.75%
Bishwakarma75,22918.12%
Magar71,69117.27%
Hill Brahman50,73612.22%
Thakuri26,7886.45%
Pariyar17,8464.30%
Mijar (Sarki)9,2602.23%
Tharu7,8831.90%
Smaller communities include Gurung (5,397 or 1.30%) and Sanyasi/Dasnami (4,827 or 1.16%), with the remainder comprising diverse castes such as Dalits, Janajatis, and others reported across Nepal's 142 recognized groups. Linguistically, Nepali serves as the mother tongue for the vast majority, spoken by approximately 92% of Surkhet's residents as their first language. Magar dialects account for about 4%, Tharu for 1.7%, and minor shares for languages like Achhami, , and others tied to specific ethnicities. This aligns with Nepali's role as the in urban centers like Birendranagar, where supports administrative and economic interactions. Religiously, Hinduism overwhelmingly predominates, with over 94% adherence in mirroring district patterns where Hindu practices integrate across ethnic lines. represent small minorities (under 3% combined provincially), often among indigenous groups, while other faiths like are negligible locally despite national urban pockets.

Government and administration

Municipal governance

Birendranagar Municipality operates under Nepal's federal framework established by the (2015) and the Local Government Operation Act (2017), which devolve authority for services such as , , local roads, and to the municipal level. The structure includes a directly elected as the executive head, a , and a municipal assembly comprising ward chairs and proportional representatives from 16 wards. Each ward elects a chair and members via first-past-the-post and systems, respectively, enabling localized decision-making while the assembly approves budgets and bylaws. Local elections occur every five years; the most recent on May 13, 2022, resulted in Mohan Maya Bhandari (also known as Mohanmaya Dhakal) of the CPN (UML) securing the mayoral position with 16,038 votes against candidate Upendra Bahadur Khadka's 12,456 votes. Bhandari, who previously served as deputy mayor from 2017 to 2022, leads the executive in coordinating with and federal entities for resource allocation. The municipality's organizational setup includes administrative divisions for finance, planning, engineering, and social welfare, as outlined in its official chart, supporting annual budgets—such as the Rs 1.56 billion approved for 2021/22 focused on infrastructure and services. Assessments of municipal highlight procedural adherence to laws but rate substantive controls as low, with practices often limited to fulfilling legal obligations rather than proactive enforcement. The executive committee, drawn from , handles daily administration, though challenges persist in service delivery perception among residents, as evidenced by studies on citizen satisfaction with responsiveness.

Role as provincial capital

Birendranagar serves as the permanent capital of , a status formally established by the Provincial Assembly on February 24, 2018, making it the first province in to designate its capital under the federal system introduced by the 2015 constitution. This designation positioned the city as the central hub for provincial governance, overseeing administrative coordination across Karnali's 10 , which span remote and underdeveloped terrain. The city hosts key provincial institutions, including the Office of the and (OCMCM), which manages such as policy formulation and resource allocation for the province's approximately 1.5 million residents. Various ministries, like the Ministry of and , operate from Birendranagar, handling sector-specific administration including projects and initiatives critical to Karnali's rural economy. The Provincial Assembly, responsible for legislation, convenes in temporary facilities, reflecting ongoing efforts to consolidate government operations despite logistical hurdles in the region's . In its capital role, Birendranagar facilitates inter-district coordination and drives provincial development priorities, such as alleviation and connectivity improvements, though implementation faces delays exemplified by the unbuilt integrated administrative complex proposed in December 2019 for Birendranagar-7. This centralization has spurred urban growth and administrative efficiency gains, positioning the city as an economic anchor amid Karnali's status as Nepal's least developed , with government presence enabling direct oversight of federal fund disbursement and project execution.

Economy

Primary sectors and growth drivers

Agriculture dominates the primary economic sectors in Birendranagar, with the local economy heavily reliant on cultivation, rearing, and related activities that engage a substantial portion of the population. As the administrative and commercial hub of , Birendranagar serves as a key center for agricultural production and marketing, particularly for , which have emerged as a high-value supporting livelihoods through improved and market linkages. Vegetable farming in the municipality has demonstrated positive impacts on household capitals, including financial assets via sales revenue and through skill development in modern practices. In the broader , agriculture, forestry, and fisheries collectively contribute around 33% to provincial GDP, underscoring the sector's foundational role amid limited industrial alternatives. Birendranagar benefits from fertile valley soils suited to diverse crops, including staples like paddy, , and alongside cash crops such as and fruits, though vegetable acreage has remained relatively stable over recent years at levels supporting consistent output. Livestock integration, encompassing and , further bolsters rural incomes, with national data indicating agriculture's employment of over 57% of Nepal's —a pattern mirrored locally despite out-migration pressures. Key growth drivers include targeted interventions like the Agriculture Sector Development Programme (ASDP), which promotes productivity enhancements through irrigation, input access, and improvements in areas like Surkhet. Provincial agricultural output rose by 6.79% in the first half of fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), driven by expanded cultivation and better yields from off-season vegetables and high-value commodities. Adoption of good agricultural practices (GAP) among smallholder farmers, influenced by factors such as education, extension services, and market incentives, has further catalyzed efficiency gains and income diversification. Additionally, the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) generates notable economic value, equivalent to 1.03% of Karnali's GDP as of 2023, leveraging the region's for export-oriented growth. Forestry resources, including timber and non-timber products, provide supplementary primary income streams, contributing to national agricultural GDP shares of about 8.5%, with Karnali's forests enabling sustainable harvesting tied to conservation efforts. Provincial strategies allocate 17% of projected investments toward to achieve 9.9% overall over five years ending 2029, emphasizing like roads and cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses and expand market reach from Birendranagar.

Development challenges and criticisms

Despite its status as the provincial capital, Birendranagar faces persistent economic underdevelopment, characterized by high rates and heavy reliance on . , where Birendranagar is located, records a consumption-based poverty headcount rate of 25.1 percent, exceeding the national average, with rates notably elevated due to limited access to , , and . The Nepal Living Standards Survey 2022-23 confirms 's poverty incidence surpasses national figures, driven by structural barriers including remoteness and inadequate diversification beyond primary sectors like farming and remittances. This has fueled significant outmigration, with many residents, particularly youth, departing for urban centers or foreign employment, exacerbating labor shortages and dependency on seasonal trade and as core economic activities. Infrastructure deficits compound these issues, trapping much of the population in low-productivity amid poor road connectivity and utilities. Nepal's broader regional challenges, including in , highlight how deficient transport networks inflate costs and limit , confining approximately 80 percent of rural dwellers to subsistence farming vulnerable to climate variability, soil degradation, and . In Birendranagar Municipality, rapid urbanization from in-migration has strained land resources, leading to and unplanned settlement expansion that erodes cultivated areas—studies show a decline in farmland coverage alongside rising built-up zones in Surkhet Valley from 1990 onward. Semi-urban lags, with inadequate facilities for , , and hindering enterprise growth and job creation at the provincial level. Criticisms of development efforts center on governance inefficiencies and over-reliance on federal funding, which restricts Karnali's fiscal and slows local initiative. Provincial policies for enterprise promotion have been faulted for lacking supportive , resulting in stalled job generation despite abundant natural resources like potential in Surkhet. Sub-national administration struggles with , where heavy dependence on central transfers—amid high multidimensional indices in Karnali compared to provinces like Bagmati—undermines self-sustaining growth. Agricultural vulnerabilities, including pest outbreaks and erratic weather, further critique the absence of resilient diversification strategies, with remittances masking rather than resolving underlying stagnation.

Infrastructure

Transportation and connectivity

Birendranagar functions as a primary road transport hub in , intersected by the Ratna Highway (National Highway 09), which links it westward to and eastward toward , facilitating inter-provincial connectivity across western . The Karnali Highway (National Highway 58) extends northward from the city, connecting to remote districts such as Jumla and Mugu, though sections suffer from seasonal disruptions due to landslides and poor maintenance in hilly terrain. Local bus services operate frequently to , with fares reaching approximately NPR 2,652 per person as of early 2025, underscoring the reliance on road travel despite challenges like inadequate bridges and unpaved segments that inflate costs and travel times. Air connectivity is provided by Surkhet Airport (IATA: SKH), a domestic facility located within the municipality that handles around 72 weekly flights, primarily to via operators like . The airport serves as a gateway for , supporting cargo and passenger links to remote western districts including Humla, Kalikot, and Dolpa, with a moderately busy operation handling traffic for underserved regions. As of February 2024, the provincial government initiated plans for intra-province air services to enhance district linkages, though implementation remains preparatory amid stalled expansion efforts for the existing runway and facilities. Urban mobility within Birendranagar emphasizes non-motorized transport integration, with community-involved planning promoting pedestrian paths and cycle lanes amid growing vehicular traffic on municipal roads. No rail or inland routes directly serve the city, limiting options to road and air for broader national integration.

Utilities and urban services

Birendranagar Municipality grapples with acute water shortages, particularly during dry seasons, where supply can remain unavailable for weeks in residential areas. In Ward 14, for example, only approximately 200 out of 640 households have access to water taps as of 2024, highlighting uneven distribution managed primarily by the Surkhet Valley Users' Organisation. To mitigate scarcity, the municipality has initiated the Very Lifting Project, its largest post-federalism effort, alongside participation in the Third Small Towns and Sanitation Sector Project for sustainable surface -based systems. overall reports about 84% coverage of basic water services, though functionality issues persist in semi-urban settings like Birendranagar. Electricity access in Nepali municipalities, including Birendranagar, has reached over 97% at the level as of 2025, supported by grid expansion and underground cabling initiatives started in 2020. However, reliability remains problematic, with residents reporting low voltage and irregular outages, intensified by extreme heat in June 2024; the disconnected street lights in April 2024 due to the municipality's unpaid dues. lags nationally at 74% access, prompting provincial targets for full electrification by mid-2026. Solid waste management generates 7.57 tons daily, 71% organic, but collection covers only about 4 tons via manual sweeping without service. infrastructure includes Nepal's fifth faecal sludge treatment plant, operational since 2021, alongside ongoing assessments and city planning to enhance coverage. These efforts align with national projects like , though challenges in practices and persist in educational and settings.

Education

Higher education institutions

Mid-West University, established by a parliamentary act of the Government of Nepal on June 17, 2010, serves as the primary public institution of higher education in Birendranagar, located in ward 8 of the municipality. The university operates across seven graduate schools and 22 academic departments, offering programs from bachelor's to doctoral levels in fields including education, engineering, management, and social sciences, with approximately 13,000 students enrolled as of recent records. It emphasizes regionally relevant, labor-market-oriented education and research, particularly for Karnali Province, through 20 affiliated institutions, 15 of which are within the province. Tribhuvan University maintains a significant presence via its constituent and affiliated campuses. Surkhet Multiple Campus, the only A-class constituent campus of in , was founded in 1972 in and relocated to Birendranagar in 1983; it provides bachelor's programs such as four-year B.Ed. in 11 subjects, one-year B.Ed., B.Ed. in Information and Communication Technology, and four-year BBS, alongside four-semester M.Ed. in seven subjects. Birendranagar Multiple Campus, affiliated with and established in 2038 B.S. (1981 CE), focuses on and , offering bachelor's degrees in arts (BA) and business studies (BBS), as well as master's degrees in business studies (MBS) and sociology/anthropology. These institutions collectively address higher education needs in a region historically underserved, though enrollment and infrastructure remain constrained compared to central Nepal's universities, with Mid-West University filling a federal gap post-2010.

Primary and secondary education

Birendranagar Municipality operates a network of public and private schools providing primary education (grades 1-5) and secondary education (grades 6-12), aligned with Nepal's national curriculum under the Ministry of Education. The municipality has 150 basic-level schools covering primary and lower secondary (grades 1-8), alongside 79 secondary schools (grades 9-12), for a total of 156 institutions, including 125 pre-primary facilities. Public schools number 63, while private ones constitute 89, reflecting a growing reliance on private education amid dissatisfaction with public sector quality. Enrollment in mirrors national gross rates of approximately 90% as of 2023, but net enrollment lags at around 55% due to dropouts and access barriers in . In Birendranagar, public primary and basic schools face emptying classrooms, with over 30% of community schools in the province reporting low student numbers as parents shift to private alternatives for improved and facilities. rates in the stand at 87.16% overall (92.7% for males and 81.98% for females), though foundational skills remain weak, with Karnali surveys showing many students lacking basic reading and arithmetic proficiency by grade 3. Key challenges include chronic teacher shortages, impacting subject-specific instruction even in urban Birendranagar, and a 39% dropout rate at basic levels (grades 1-5) across Karnali, driven by , poor , and inadequate . Public institutions struggle with resource gaps, prompting tuition reliance on Surkhet-based centers, while private schools like Jana gain prominence for higher performance. Efforts to address these issues involve provincial initiatives for deployment and retention, though implementation remains inconsistent.

Healthcare

Major hospitals and facilities

The Karnali Provincial Hospital, located in Kalagaun, Birendranagar-4, serves as the primary government healthcare facility in the region with 300 beds and provides services including general medicine, maternity care, , , gynecology, and ear-nose-throat treatments. It initiated transplant operations in early 2023, handling an increased caseload of complex cases amid regional demand. The hospital also hosts a Nutritional Rehabilitation Home for treating malnourished children, supported by international aid. Shining Hospital Surkhet, operated by the International Nepal Fellowship, is a 25-bed facility originally established in 1977 for leprosy treatment but now offering multidisciplinary care to underserved populations in Karnali Province, including reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. Specialized facilities include the Nepal Red Cross Society Surkhet Eye Hospital, founded in 1989 as a primary eye care center with 15 beds and an operation theater for ophthalmic procedures. The Province Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center delivers traditional Ayurvedic outpatient services, ultrasound, and laboratory testing. Private and community options comprise Surkhet Hospital Pvt. Ltd. in Birendranagar-3 for general care, Very Karnali Samudayik Hospital as a community-driven provider, and Marie Stopes Surkhet focused on reproductive health services like counseling and contraception. Additionally, the Back to Life Women and Children's Hospital, integrated with the provincial system since September 2025, emphasizes maternal and pediatric care under community management.

Public health challenges

Birendranagar, as the primary urban center in , faces significant challenges stemming from , infectious disease outbreaks, and inadequate in healthcare facilities. Child remains a persistent issue, with treatment centers in Birendranagar handling cases of severe acute malnutrition among children under five, often linked to food insecurity and limited access to nutritional interventions despite provincial investments. In , including Surkhet, malnutrition rates have not declined substantially, with thousands of affected children identified across districts, exacerbated by disasters and seasonal food deficits. Infectious diseases pose ongoing risks, exemplified by a 2023 measles outbreak in that identified 40 cases, 60% among females and 43% in the 5-15 age group, with cases reported in Birendranagar municipality. Tuberculosis continues as a major public health concern in the region, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates, as noted in provincial health reports. Additionally, sickle cell disease has emerged as a challenge among certain ethnic groups in Surkhet, with delayed diagnoses complicating management. Mental health burdens are acute, with 42% of Karnali residents, including those in Surkhet, reporting anxiety and 23% depression, driven by socioeconomic stressors and limited specialized services. Non-communicable diseases are rising in urban Birendranagar, where 36.1% of adults were or obese as of 2022 surveys, reflecting shifts toward sedentary lifestyles and dietary changes. Hospital waste mismanagement in Surkhet facilities heightens risks of secondary infections and environmental contamination, underscoring gaps in infrastructure. These challenges are compounded by broader systemic issues in Karnali, such as insufficient personnel and specialist shortages, limiting effective response in Surkhet's urban settings. Poor health-seeking behaviors for childhood illnesses further strain resources, with caretakers often delaying care for common ailments.

Culture and religion

Religious sites

Kakrebihar, located on a in the Surkhet Valley within Birendranagar municipality, is a partially ruined 12th-century stone temple complex exhibiting both Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements. Constructed during the era of the , the site features a Shikhara-style structure with intricate stone carvings depicting figures from the epic, bronze statues, and representations of , underscoring its syncretic religious role. The temple sustained damage from civil unrest but has undergone government-protected restoration efforts, including plans for reconstruction to preserve its historical integrity. It attracts pilgrims and visitors from both faiths, symbolizing enduring cultural resilience in the region. Deutibajai Temple, situated in Birendranagar, stands as a prominent Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and , revered for its antiquity and spiritual potency. Designated a , it holds significance as one of the foremost temples in Nepal's Mid-Western Region, drawing devotees seeking wish fulfillment. The temple's architecture and rituals reflect longstanding Shaivite traditions, with periodic festivals enhancing its communal role. Additional religious landmarks include the Temple on Latikoili Hill, believed to grant wishes to worshippers, and nearby monasteries that complement the area's diverse spiritual landscape. These sites collectively highlight Birendranagar's historical intermingling of Hindu and Buddhist practices, supported by local preservation initiatives amid regional development pressures.

Cultural practices and heritage

Birendranagar, as the hub of , features a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous Tharu cultural practices shaped by its ethnic diversity, including Khas ( and ) and Tharu communities. Major festivals include , during which a longstanding tradition involves the seventh day ritual of worshipping weapons and offering flowers at a fort in Ward No. 14. Other widely observed events encompass Tihar, , , and Buddha Jayanti, reflecting Hindu and Buddhist influences prevalent in the region. The Tharu community uniquely celebrates as their and harvest festival, involving rituals such as holy baths, prayers, house cleaning, and cultural activities over seven days. Local traditions extend to , , and forms that preserve Khas and Tharu heritage, with recent efforts by Mughali women from neighboring districts promoting traditional costumes, lifestyle, and performances in Birendranagar to revive Karnali-specific cultural elements. These practices emphasize community gatherings, seasonal rituals, and oral traditions, though documentation remains limited outside local observances. Architectural and performative arts, including temple carvings from the Khas Kingdom era, underscore the area's historical depth, with sites like Deuti Bajai Temple serving as focal points for wish-fulfilling worship and annual pilgrimages. Heritage preservation highlights ancient Buddhist and Hindu sites, notably Kakrebihar, a 12th-century monastery ruin exemplifying early medieval architecture in western , featuring remnants and intricate stone carvings. Several temples constructed by Khas kings, though many lost to time, contribute to the district's spiritual legacy, with ongoing local initiatives aiming to document and restore these for cultural continuity amid modernization pressures. The Surkhet Valley's , linguistically homogeneous yet ecologically diverse, supports these practices through community-led festivals and , fostering intergenerational transmission of customs.

Tourism and recreation

Natural and recreational sites

Bulbule Lake, located approximately 500 meters from Birendranagar’s bus park, serves as the primary natural and recreational attraction in the area, characterized by its spring-fed waters that bubble up from underground sources, producing a distinctive effervescent sound. The site combines natural springs with man-made enhancements, including expanded water surfaces now covering 28,500 square meters following infrastructure developments completed around 2021. Encircled by landscaped gardens, stone pathways, and wooden bridges, the lake supports diverse activities such as with motorboats, , , and organized picnics, drawing local visitors for and cultural rituals. Its designation as a key tourist destination by local authorities underscores its role in promoting regional recreation, with daily ticket revenues reaching up to 15,000 Nepalese rupees as of recent reports. The surrounding Bulbule Park enhances recreational opportunities with green spaces suitable for relaxation and community events, positioned within the fertile Surkhet Valley flanked by hills and the Bheri River, which contribute to the area's broader natural appeal. While dense forests and riverine landscapes in the vicinity offer potential for hiking and nature observation, developed recreational infrastructure remains concentrated at Bulbule, limiting extensive exploration options compared to more remote Karnali sites. Limited maintenance and seasonal access challenges, such as during monsoons, affect year-round usability, though the site's proximity to urban facilitates frequent local use.

Tourism potential and limitations

Birendranagar possesses significant potential rooted in its diverse natural landscapes and historical sites, including the 12th-century Kakrebihar Temple, a Hindu-Buddhist structure noted for its architectural significance and scenic hilltop location, and Bulbule Lake, which attracts visitors for its tranquil waters and surrounding . The area's ecological diversity, encompassing rivers like the Bheri and forested regions, supports eco- opportunities, bolstered by local cultural homogeneity and hospitality that appeal to cultural immersion seekers. Recent investments in , including developments around Birendranagar such as Sahid Park and , have positioned it as a gateway for provincial , with growing visitor numbers driven by these accessible urban attractions. However, tourism development faces substantial limitations, primarily inadequate such as poor connectivity and limited accommodation facilities, which deter extended stays and repeat visits. Conservation challenges, including insufficient protection of natural and historical sites like Kakrebihar, compound issues of and underutilization. Broader regional factors, such as project delays in and a lack of targeted promotion beyond domestic audiences, hinder international appeal, despite the district's prospects for sustainable eco- and . Addressing these requires enhanced and policy focus, as outlined in provincial master plans, to realize untapped economic benefits.

Media

Local media outlets

Birendranagar hosts a network of FM radio stations that primarily disseminate , agricultural advice, cultural discussions, and public service announcements in Nepali and regional languages, reflecting the area's rural and provincial context. These stations, often low-power operations, play a crucial role in information access for residents in where literacy rates and internet penetration remain limited. Prominent FM outlets include Jagaran FM, broadcasting on 90.8 MHz with 500 watts from Surkhet, focusing on and local governance issues. Radio Surkhet operates on 90.2 MHz at 250 watts, managed by the Surkhet Communication Development Forum in Birendranagar-6, emphasizing reporting and listener interaction. Radio Bheri FM transmits on 98.6 MHz (500 watts) and 102.7 MHz (100 watts), covering district-level events and health campaigns. Additional stations are Bulbule FM on 103.4 MHz (500 watts), Himal FM on 106.7 MHz (100 watts), and Radio Himal on 92.6 MHz (500 watts), each contributing to diverse programming like and farmer . Radio Nepal's regional station in Birendranagar provides state-broadcast content, including national bulletins and Karnali-specific updates via its online portal. In print and , Sajha Bisaunee Daily serves as a key local outlet, published from Surkhet with an online portal at sajhabisaunee.com that reports on provincial , festivals, and policy matters such as initiatives in Karnali. Smaller dailies like Hamro Naya Nepal Daily also originate from Surkhet, offering coverage of mid-western regional affairs. Local media generally lack dedicated television stations, with residents relying on national channels accessible via or cable for visual . In Birendranagar, as the administrative hub of , mobile communication infrastructure benefits from the presence of Nepal Telecom's provincial directorate, which has prioritized LTE and fiber-optic expansions since 2023. By October 2025, coverage extends across urban and peri-urban areas of , supported by ongoing network upgrades aimed at connecting remote sites like Hilsa in Humla by year-end. Independent coverage maps confirm predominant and availability in the city center, though remains absent. Household internet penetration in , including Birendranagar, trails national figures significantly, with only 14% of households reporting access per the 2022/23 Nepal Living Standards Survey, versus 55.8% nationwide in early 2025. Mobile broadband dominates nationally at 91.34% penetration by mid-2025, but provincial gaps persist due to terrain and power limitations, affecting just 67.5% of Karnali households with electricity. Digital trends reflect gradual adoption amid the "Digital Karnali" initiative, launched to achieve provincial digitalization; events like the 2024 conclave in Birendranagar emphasized and literacy. Local small enterprises increasingly leverage for performance gains, while youth engagement with is evident in urban schools, correlating with mixed academic impacts. USAID pilots for processing, tested in Birendranagar since 2023, signal e-service growth, though infrastructure deficits constrain scalability.

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