Overview
Rapti Rural Municipality (Rapti Gaupalika) is located in the eastern part of Dang District, within the Mid-Western region of Nepal. Situated in the inner Madhesh and Chure area, Rapti Rural Municipality was formed by restructuring the previous Lalmatia and Sisahaniya Village Development Committees (VDCs) along with wards 1 and 2 of the former Hansipur VDC. Currently, the municipality is divided into nine wards, with its administrative center in Masuriya.
Services:
Rapti Gaupalika offers essential services aimed at supporting the well-being and development of its residents. Administrative services include the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and migration, as well as the issuance of citizenship certificates and property registration. These foundational services ensure that residents have the necessary documentation and legal support to manage their personal and property matters effectively.
The RM also focuses on health and education, managing local health centers to provide basic health services, including immunizations and maternal health care. In the educational sector, the municipality oversees local schools, implements educational programs, and distributes scholarships and educational materials, thereby fostering a supportive environment for learning and growth.
Infrastructure development and agricultural support are also key areas of service. The municipality is involved in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as the provision of irrigation services and training for local farmers. These services are crucial for enhancing the region’s agricultural productivity and ensuring the development of sustainable infrastructure, which together contribute to the overall economic and social development of the area.
Geographical Location
Rapti Rural Municipality is geographically positioned between 27 degrees 49 minutes 5 seconds to 27 degrees 55 minutes 15 seconds north latitude, and 82 degrees 36 minutes 8 seconds to 82 degrees 48 minutes 26 seconds east longitude. Covering a total area of 161.07 square kilometers, it borders Arghakhanchi District to the east across the Rapti River, Gadhawa Rural Municipality and the Rapti River to the south, Ghoshkhola and Bangalachuli Rural Municipality to the north, and Lamahi Municipality to the west. The East-West Highway passes approximately 15 kilometers through the middle of this municipality. Due to its flat terrain and irrigation facilities, the municipality is highly fertile, making it a promising area for agriculture and vegetable farming.
Demographics
The population of Rapti Rural Municipality, as per the 2078 BS census, is 52,123. The total number of households is 10,940, with 11,837 families. The population is composed of 27,306 females and 24,817 males. The municipality is home to a diverse community including Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakuri, Gurung, Magar, Tharu, Dalit, and Muslim groups. The municipality is divided into nine wards.
Historical Significance and Naming
Rapti Rural Municipality is located in the southeastern region of Dang District. It was established by restructuring three former VDCs under Nepal’s federal governance system during the local level restructuring process. The municipality is culturally diverse, with significant indigenous Tharu, Magar, and Chhetri Brahmin populations. The Rapti River, which flows through the eastern and southern parts of the municipality, has historically been a major source of agricultural prosperity for the Deukhuri Valley. The municipality is also known for the renowned Bhadrakshi Devi Temple, a significant religious and historical site mentioned in the Swasthani Brata Katha, where it is believed that the left knee of Goddess Sati Devi fell.
Naming
Regarding the naming of Rapti Rural Municipality, it is believed that the area, which has been irrigated by the Rapti River and its tributaries, has historically been known as the Rapti region. The river flows from east to west through this area, and due to its significance, the area has long been referred to as the Rapti region. Therefore, during the state restructuring, the municipality was named Rapti.
Political Structure
Politically, Rapti Rural Municipality falls under Constituency No. 1 (Ka) of Dang District and is divided into nine wards. It was established by restructuring all the wards of the former Sisahaniya and Lalmatia VDCs and two wards of the former Hansipur VDC. The administrative center of the municipality is located in Masuriya, which lies in Ward No. 3.
