Lalbandi



Lalbandi (Nepali: लालबन्दी) is a municipality in Sarlahi district in Madhesh Province of Nepal. The municipality was established on 18 May 2014 by merging the existing Parwanipur VDC, Netragunj VDC, Jabdi, Lalbandi and Pattharkot VDCs. At the time of the 2021 Nepal Census, it had a population of 66,419 living in 14,873 individual households. There are 17 wards in this municipality. It is the largest municipality in Madhesh Province. The office of this municipality is in ward no.6. Lalbandi Bazar, located on the East West or Mahendra highway, is one of the main trading areas within the municipality. Bordering Ishwarpur Municipality to the east and south, Haripur Municipality to the west and south, Sindhuli district to the north and Hariwan to the west, Lalbandi is the main trading site of the district.

Due to increasing urbanization, increased business activity, this municipality is becoming a center of attraction in the district and is developing as the largest municipality in the district.

The whole municipality is moving forward unitedly for the prosperity and development of this municipality by embracing the original slogan, '' "Clean, beautiful and prosperous city, Pride of Sarlahi District." '' The municipality is committed to the economic and social upliftment of women, indigenous nationalities, Dalits, the disabled within the municipal area.

The place is famous for tomato production in whole Nepal. Tomato and other green vegetables are the chief cash crop of this place along with paddy, wheat, maize and other crops. It is the fast developing Municipality in Mid Terai region of Nepal. Bhudeo Khadya Udhyog (Hulas Foods), a subsidiary of Hulas Group is located here which is one of the biggest rice, pulse and flour manufacturing and packaging industry in Nepal.

Natural Resource
Lalbandi Municipality is broadly divided into Chure region, Bhabar region and Terai Region. The municipality is situated in subtropical monsoon climatic region so, subtropical vegetation preveals in the region. Sal Forest (Shorea robusta) is dominant forest. Other trees found in the municipality are khayer, Sissou (Dalbergia sissoo), Karma, Kumni, Harro, Barro, Sindure, Tantari, Sanisal, Simal (Bombax ceiba), Bhurkul, Dabdabe, etc. The faunal species found in the region are tiger, leopard, bear, elephant, wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee), wild boar, deer, chital, etc. Peacock, Hornbill, kalij, Luiche, etc. are the bird found in the region. Deforestation, population increment are major cause for destruction of habitat of wildlife. Lakhandehi River flows through this municipality.

Climate
Harion region has subtropical monsoon type of climate. With the reference to Climatic Station of Janakpur, the average maximum temperature of the municipality is 31 °C with record of the highest temperature 42 °C while the average minimum temperature of 20 °C with record of the minimum temperature 4 °C. About 80% of rainfall occurs in monsoon season (July–September) with average rainfall of 1699.6 mm.

Population Status
With reference to population and housing census 2021, about 66,419 people are residing in the municipality.

Education
Community school Janajyoti Multiple campus that can be studied up to postgraduate level, 3 year Diploma Computer Overseas Course in CTEVT and Janjyoti Technical School, which taught 18 months sub-overseas Course. There are 40 community schools in this Municipality.

Source of Drinking water
Most of household use tubewell/handpump for drinking water while northern people of this municipality use drinking water from uncovered well/kuwa. In some area of this municipality, people use tap/piped water. Some people use drinking water from river/stream as well. Sprout water, covered well/kuwa, etc. are the other source of drinking water. The municipality has been progressing exponentially to make a supply of potable water to the residence.

Use of Energy
People of Lalbandi Municipality mainly depend upon traditional fuel type for cooking. About minimum percentage of people depend on LP gas for cooking. Biogas is also used for cooking fuel. Other cooking fuel are kerosene, electricity, santhi/Guitha and the others. People of Lalbandi mainly depend on electricity, kerosene, biogas, solar energy for lighting purpose.

Industries/Agriculture
Lalbandi supplies the tomato demand of the whole country. The biggest Tropical Horticulture center of Nepal also known as Ushnapradesiya Bagwani kendra lies in the Labandi municipality of the district. The Ushnapradesiya Bagwani kendra is famous for the production of Mangoes, Litchis, scientific production of Tomatoes, and myriad species of flowers.

The place is famous for tomato production in whole Nepal. Tomato and other green vegetables are the chief cash crop of this place along with paddy, wheat, maize and other crops. It is one of the fastest developing municipality in Mid Terai region of Nepal. Bhudeo Khadya Udhyog (Hulas Foods), a subsidiary of Hulas Group is located here which is one of the biggest rice, pulse and flour manufacturing and packaging industry in Nepal.

Service
Lalbandi has a permanent market area which houses shops for Garment, Hardware, Cosmetics, Departmental Stores, DVD rentals, Travel agencies, Grocery shops, Hospital, Cooperative Finance companies, a couple of major banks and their ATMs. One can also use internet facilities in the market area. There is a biweekly market that is set up every Monday and Thursday. These are the days when most people from the surrounding areas come for the weekly shopping of groceries. With each passing day the number of shops in the market are growing along with the quality and variety of products that they offer.

Media
There are two FM radio stations in Lalbandi Municipality i.e. Radio Ekata 92.4 MHz. and Dhukdhuki FM 95.2 MHz. Radio Ekata is Community radio Station and other Dhukdhuki FM is private radio station.

Medical Facility
In the area of health care, 15 beds government hospital, 100 beds community cooperative hospital and community eye treatment center under construction and health care operated by various associations are available in this municipality.

Raniganj ward in Lalbandi Municipality-17 has nine wards in Raniganj ward, most of which are inhabited by people from Hindu and Buddhist communities. Pastor Ram Bahadur Moktan started the church in Raniganj-01 in 2063 BS. By the time the building was constructed in 2075 BS, 150 believers had already started the congregation at three new places. Ashish Mahato, leader of Raniganj Church,he started the Jabez Community Church in Raniganj-05 in 2081 BS Ashish Mahato played a big role in the construction of Raniganj  church and good news He also worked in Kathmandu, Malaysia and Korea.

Transport
The most important National Highway in Nepal passes through Lalbandi, the EastWest Highway. Due to this most long route buses plying to major hubs in the country like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj pass through Lalbandi and so one can easily catch a bus to all the major parts of the country from Lalbandi. For local transportation, Tuktuk, Safari, tempos and Tata ace are popularly used. Nearest airport is the Simara Airport which is approximately 70 km. One can get flights to major destination in Nepal from this airport.