TAPLEJUNG, June 10: The Pathibhara Area Development Committee has announced that all individuals and institutions must now obtain prior approval before conducting any activities or construction projects within the designated Pathibhara area.
The decision was made during a committee meeting chaired by Chairperson Rakki Thebe on Tuesday. Executive Director Prajin Hangwang confirmed that unauthorized events or construction will face legal action, emphasizing the need for official coordination with the committee beforehand.
The boundaries of the regulated area have been clearly defined under the Pathibhara Area Development Committee Formation Order (2053, amended 2075 BS). The eastern limit spans from Harkate Danda in Sirijanga Rural Municipality-3 to Simbu in Phungling Municipality-11 including a 3-kilometer radius around the Pathibhara Temple.
Prohibitory order in Phungling, Pathibhara areas
The northern boundary covers the border between Faktanglung-4 and Sirijanga-3 and 6, while the southern limit extends through Furumbu Gadhidanda (Phungling-10), Deurali (Phungling-9), Suketar (Yangwarak-6), and Dudhile (Yangwarak-3).
In addition to the new approval rule, the committee will formally request technical cost estimates, land survey records, and completion reports related to the Pathibhara Co-financed Lifting Drinking Water Project from the Ilam-based Water Supply and Sewerage Management Office.
During discussions, Krishna Prasad Lingkhim, Vice-Chair of the District Coordination Committee, raised concerns about the practicality of the current demarcation, suggesting a review by technical experts. In response, Chairperson Thebe stated that a task force has been formed to study the boundary delineation and provide recommendations. The committee plans to hold further consultations based on the task force’s findings.
