The well-planned city founded by King Mahendra

Kathmandu — What is now known as Bhim Datt Bazaar in Kanchanpur’s Mahendranagar market is believed to have been established in a planned way since the time of the late King Mahendra Shah. Among the cities of the Far-West, this is the only one founded in a planned way.

King Mahendra, in the year 2014 B.S., embarked on a country-tour from the east — from Jhapa, Taplejung — through the Far-West from Darchula to Baitadi. Local experts say that during that journey he conceived the idea of establishing a well-planned settlement at Mahendranagar. From that time people began descending from the hills to Mahendranagar.

It is said that King Mahendra, using a master-plan based on the map of India’s Chandigarh, founded the Mahendranagar market. Initially, the district headquarters of Kanchanpur, which was in Belauri, was relocated to Mahendranagar by constructing administrative buildings there.

At present, Mahendranagar comprises five distinct alleys, each having its own identity and specialty. Even in times of disaster the alleys were constructed to be safe: even if a house in one alley collapses, it does not affect another. Recently, however, due to lack of parking the market here appears disorderly.

As the Far-West’s only planned city, Mahendranagar has lately fallen under the grip of encroachment. Local residents have expressed concern that such encroachment is spoiling the beauty of the market.

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