Urban Development in the Kohalpur Region of Nepal: A Historical Study

Abstract

This research investigates the historical trajectory of urbanization in Kohalpur, Banke district, Lumbini province, Nepal. This study examines the determinants of urban development in Kohalpur, concentrating on market settlements and socio-political events that have played a significant role in the city's expansion. To conduct this analysis, a blend of primary and secondary data sources is utilized. The historical analysis method is employed to investigate urban development patterns, with an emphasis on key infrastructure developments, socio-political events, and the availability of essential amenities that have contributed to Kohalpur's growth. Before the Panchayat rule, Kohalpur exhibited minimal urban development. The establishment of the Mahendra and Ratna highways during the Panchayat period significantly facilitated settlement expansion by enhancing mobility and prompting migration. The availability of affordable land, education, and healthcare services from nearby Nepalganj stimulated population growth. Business investments in education and healthcare further contributed to economic growth and community welfare. Socio-political events, such as the Maoist movement and the liberation of bonded laborers, along with infrastructure developments like a teaching hospital and an international cricket ground, accelerated urban growth. This study also highlights the correlation between the expansion of essential services and infrastructure and the acceleration of slum development. This research provides a comprehensive historical analysis of urban development in Kohalpur, highlighting the multifaceted factors contributing to its growth. The study provides a nuanced understanding of the urbanization process by concentrating on primary data and the effects of socio-political events. It offers insights into the dynamics of urban growth in emerging Nepali towns and documents past developments.

Keywords: Kohalpur Municipality, Lumbini Province, urban development, historical study, socio-political events, infrastructure development.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55463/hkjss.issn.1021-3619.62.76