Pokhara, Lekhnath and case for redrawing boundaries
Summary
Residents of former Lekhnath are demanding separation from Pokhara Metropolitan City, saying the merger has hurt development and access to services. The dispute has renewed calls for broader restructuring of Nepal’s local government boundaries.
Key Points
- Pokhara Metropolitan City was formed in 2017 by merging the former Pokhara Sub Metropolitan City and Lekhnath Municipality to meet metropolitan criteria.
- Former Lekhnath residents say the merger concentrated resources in Pokhara and left their area behind in development and service delivery.
- Residents of wards 6 and 7 of Binayi Tribeni Rural Municipality in Nawalpur say poor road access is forcing long detours to reach Gandaki Province offices.
- Experts say the disputes show Nepal’s federal restructuring remains unfinished and that local governments may need to be redrawn and strengthened.
