Kathmandu. The Mahendranagar Bazaar of Kanchanpur, now known as Bhimdatta Bazaar, is believed to have been established in a planned manner since the time of the then King Mahendra Shah. It is the only one of the cities in the far west that has been systematically established.

In 2014 B.S., King Mahendra had trekked from Jhapa and Taplejung in the east to Darchula in the far west to Baitadi in the name of visiting the country. According to local experts, he envisioned a well-managed settlement in Mahendranagar. Since then, people have started descending from the hills to Mahendranagar.

It is said that King Mahendra had established Mahendranagar bazaar as per the map of Chandigarh of India. Earlier, the Kanchanpur district headquarters in Belauri was shifted there by constructing an administrative building in Mahendranagar.

At present, there are five lanes in Mahendranagar with different identities and characteristics. Each street has its own specialty. Lanes have been constructed here to make it easy even during disasters. Even if a house built in the street collapses, it will not affect another house. Lately, the market here seems to be in disarray due to the lack of parking.

Mahendranagar, which is one of the planned cities of the far-west region, has been under the grip of encroachment in recent times. Locals have expressed concern that the encroachment will spoil the beauty of the market.

Photos: Prakash Chandra Timilsena/Nepal Photo Library