Phidim Municipality
Phidim
फिदिम नगरपालिका | |
|---|---|
 Phidim bazar area | |
  Phidim Location in Nepal | |
| Coordinates: 27°08′46″N 87°45′58″E / 27.146°N 87.766°E | |
| Country |  Nepal |
| Province | Koshi |
| District | Panchthar |
| Incorporated | 18 May 2014 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Mitra Prasad Kafle (NC) |
| • Deputy Mayor | Radha Krishna Neupane |
| Area | |
• Total | 192.5 km2 (74.3 sq mi) |
| Population (2021) | |
• Total | 48,713 |
| • Density | 253.1/km2 (655.4/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+5:45 (NST) |
| Postal code | 57400 |
| Area code | 024 |
| Website | www.phidimmun.gov.np |
Phidim Municipality (Nepali: फिदिम नगरपालिका) is an urban municipality and the administrative headquarters of Panchthar District in Koshi Province, eastern Nepal. The town is historically known as “Pheden”, a Limbu term meaning “land on top of the hills”. It serves as a commercial and educational center for the surrounding hilly region.
History
[edit]The municipality was established on 18 May 2014 through the merger of the former Village Development Committees of Phidim, Chokmagu, and Siwa, as part of the Government of Nepal’s effort to restructure local governance.[1]
Geography
[edit]Phidim lies in the mid-hills of eastern Nepal, in a small valley surrounded by green hills and traversed by the Phewa and Hewa rivers. It is located roughly six hours by road from Birtamod via Ilam along the Mechi Highway. The municipality covers an area of 192.5 km².[2]
In 2023, the municipality implemented a land-use plan dividing its territory into agricultural and non-agricultural zones, including forest, industrial, mining, tourist, and high-risk areas.[3]
Demographics
[edit]According to the 2021 Nepal census, Phidim Municipality had a total population of 48,495 (23,679 males and 24,816 females).[4] The literacy rate is reported at 83.72%.[2] It is divided into 14 administrative wards.[2]
Major ethnic groups include Limbu, Rai, Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Dalit, Brahmin and Newar communities, making it one of the most culturally diverse municipalities in eastern Nepal.
Economy
[edit]Agriculture and trade are the main economic activities. Major crops include rice, potato, cardamom, and tea. The Kanchenjunga Tea Estate operates a field office in Phidim. Phidim also functions as a commercial hub for surrounding rural areas due to its central location along the Mechi Highway and its connection to the under-construction **Koshi Corridor**, which will link Chatara in the Terai with Phungling in the Himalayas.[5]
Education
[edit]The municipality has approximately 90 schools, including 69 pre-schools, 88 basic schools, and 24 secondary schools (7 of which offer higher secondary/+2 programs). Among them, 15 are privately operated while 75 are public institutions.[2]
Notable schools in Phidim include:
- **Phidim Ma. Vi.** – one of the oldest and largest public secondary schools in the district.
- **Vidya Bardan English Boarding School** – a prominent private institution offering education from primary to +2 level.
- **Himalaya Higher Secondary School** – known for science programs.
- **Shree Janajagriti Secondary School** – serves students from surrounding rural areas.
- **Shree Panchthar English Boarding School** – offers English-medium instruction with modern facilities.
These schools contribute to a high literacy rate of approximately 83.72% in the municipality.[2]
Media
[edit]Phidim is home to multiple local media outlets, including community radio stations such as:
- Radio Sumatlung – 104.2 MHz
- Singhalila FM – 97.3 MHz
Local newspapers such as Public Post and Miklajung Awaj serve as regional news sources.
Transportation
[edit]Phidim is connected by the Mechi Highway, which runs from Charali (in Jhapa District) to Phungling (in Taplejung District). The ongoing **Koshi Corridor** highway project will enhance trade and connectivity between the hilly and Terai regions of Koshi Province.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ "72 new municipalities announced". The Himalayan Times. 18 May 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Phidim Municipality – Panchthar". Edusanjal. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- ^ "Phidim municipality classifies land use zones". The Rising Nepal. 21 March 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- ^ "Phidim Municipality (Panchthar District)". City Population. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Koshi Corridor highway under construction". The Himalayan Times. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
