In a significant move towards boosting tourism, the municipalities of Meringden, Maiwakhola, and Mikwakhola in Taplejung have urged the Nepalese government to include their localities in the ongoing trail-based tourism development project. This initiative is part of a bilateral agreement between the Nepalese and Swiss governments to promote tourism in the Koshi Province. The project, which began in the current fiscal year, is aimed at enhancing the tourism infrastructure through the development of various trekking trails.
The tourism development project includes four major trekking routes, one of which is the Laligurans Trail, covering a substantial 160 kilometers across multiple municipalities. These include Chainpur Municipality, Chichila Municipality, Dharmadevi Municipality, Khandbari Municipality, Madi Municipality, Makalu Municipality, Panchakhapan Municipality, Sabhapokhari Municipality, Silichong Municipality, Laligurans Municipality, Myanglung Municipality, and Phedap Municipality. Despite being in close proximity to these routes, the three municipalities of Meringden, Maiwakhola, and Mikwakhola have been excluded from the project, a decision that has caused concern among local authorities.
The municipalities have expressed their disappointment at being left out, given their potential to contribute significantly to the region’s tourism development. They have made a formal request to include them in the project, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in cost-sharing and royalty distribution from tourism revenues. Additionally, they have proposed extending the existing trekking routes to include the areas of Jaljale–Tinpokhari–Sadhu Pokhari–Tokpegola–Olangchunggola, ensuring that their region also benefits from the project’s offerings.
In a joint appeal to the provincial government, the municipalities have called on the Ministry of Tourism, Forest, and Environment of the Koshi Province to reconsider the inclusion of these areas in the ongoing development project. They have also highlighted concerns regarding the lack of transformative programs in Taplejung under the second periodic development plan formulated by the province, which has not accounted for any major initiatives in the district.
Furthermore, during a recent joint meeting, representatives from the three municipalities discussed collaborative efforts for natural disaster management. They also agreed to take action against illegal fishing practices, particularly the use of electric currents in rivers, which negatively impact biodiversity. A decision was also made to form a joint expert team from Meringden and Maiwakhola municipalities to address disputes regarding the boundaries of Sindholung, Jharna, and Meringden Waterfalls.
This team will conduct a thorough study, backed by necessary evidence, to determine the accurate borders of these natural landmarks. The joint press release was signed by the heads of the respective municipalities: Bhaktbahadur Karki, Chairman of Mikwakhola Municipality; Vijay Prakash Vanem, Chairman of Maiwakhola Municipality; and Yukhangbir Hangam (Dambar), Chairman of Meringden Municipality. This unified request highlights the importance of integrating these regions into the broader tourism strategy, ensuring that the economic and environmental benefits of the project are shared more inclusively across Taplejung.
