KANCHANPUR: The Mahendranagar market of Kanchanpur, now known as Bhimdatta Bazaar, is believed to have been systematically developed during the reign of King Mahendra Shah. Among the cities in Sudurpaschim Province, it stands as the only one established through planned urban development.

Local experts say that around the year of 1957, King Mahendra traveled on foot under the name of ‘Country Tour’ from Jhapa and Taplejung in the east, through Darchula in the Sudurpaschim, and up to Baitadi. During that trip, he envisioned establishing an organized settlement in Mahendranagar. Since then, people started migrating from the hills to Mahendranagar.

It is said that King Mahendra established the Mahendranagar market based on a master plan modeled after Chandigarh, India. The Kanchanpur district headquarters, which was earlier located in Belauri, was also shifted to Mahendranagar after administrative buildings were constructed there.

Currently, Mahendranagar has five alleys that carry different identities and characteristics. Each alley has its own feature. The alleys were also constructed in a way that provides ease during times of disaster. If a house built in one of these alleys collapses, it does not affect the next house. However, the market currently looks disorganized due to a lack of parking in recent times.

Mahendranagar, known as the planned city of Sudurpaschim, has recently faced growing encroachment. Locals have voiced concern that the unchecked expansion is diminishing the city’s planned character and spoiling its aesthetic appeal.

Photos: Prakash Chandra Timilsena/Nepal Photo Library