Khadak Municipality, located in the Saptari District of Madhesh Province, is a vibrant and agriculturally rich urban municipality in southeastern Nepal. Formed through the merger of several former Village Development Committees (VDCs), Khadak is emerging as a key local center for agriculture, education, trade, and cultural heritage in the Terai region.

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Quick Facts about Khadak

• Province: Madhesh Province

• District: Saptari

• Municipality Type: Urban Municipality (established in 2016)

• Headquarters: Banaula

• Population (2021 Census): Approx. 50,000

• Elevation: ~80 meters above sea level

• Main Languages: Maithili, Nepali, Tharu, Urdu, Hindi

• Key Economic Activities: Agriculture, trade, remittance, small-scale business

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Geographic and Administrative Context

Khadak lies in the southeastern plains of Nepal’s Terai region, known for its fertile soil and warm climate. The municipality borders other important municipalities like:

• Rajbiraj (district headquarters)

• Hanumannagar Kankalini

• Bodebarsain

It consists of 11 wards, including areas formerly known as Banaula, Pansera, Siswa Belhi, Duhabi, Kalyanpur, and others, now unified under Khadak Municipality.

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Economy and Livelihood

Agriculture

Khadak’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, thanks to the fertile plains of Saptari:

• Main crops: Rice, wheat, maize, mustard, and vegetables

• Irrigation: Supplied by local canals and tube wells

• Livestock and poultry are common supplementary sources of income

Other Economic Activities

• Trade and small businesses in local bazaars

• Labor migration and remittance from Gulf countries, India, and Malaysia

• Local markets selling agricultural goods, clothing, and household items

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Education and Healthcare

Education:

• Khadak Multiple Campus (offering higher secondary and undergraduate courses)

• A network of government and private secondary schools

• Local initiatives to promote Maithili-medium and technical education

Healthcare:

• Primary Health Centers and health posts in several wards

• Proximity to Rajbiraj hospitals for more advanced care

• Ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare

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Cultural and Religious Diversity

Khadak reflects the rich Mithila culture of southeastern Nepal. It is home to a diverse population of:

• Maithili-speaking Madhesi communities

• Tharu

• Muslims

• Hill-origin settlers

Celebrated Festivals:

• Chhath Puja – along local ponds and rivers

• Dashain and Tihar

• Eid and Ramadan – among Muslim residents

• Maghi (Tharu New Year)

• Holi, Jitiya, and Sama-Chakewa

Religious tolerance and coexistence are strong values in Khadak’s communities.

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Infrastructure and Development

Khadak is undergoing steady urbanization and development:

• Road Connectivity: Linked to the East-West Highway and nearby urban centers

• Electricity and Telecom: Most wards have access to basic utilities and mobile networks

• Water Supply & Sanitation: Drinking water projects and household toilets are expanding

• Municipal Office: Located in Banaula, providing local administrative services

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Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

• Seasonal flooding and poor drainage

• Limited access to advanced healthcare and higher education

• Youth unemployment and over-dependence on foreign remittances

Opportunities:

• Development of agri-business and cooperatives

• Promotion of local handicrafts and Maithili art

• Investment in education, healthcare, and digital services

• Strengthening of disaster preparedness and climate-resilient agriculture

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Fun Trivia

• The name Khadak may derive from a local historical or geographical reference, and it’s one of several newly created municipalities formed under Nepal’s 2015 constitution.

• Chhath Puja in Khadak draws thousands of worshippers to local ponds and rivers for sunrise and sunset rituals.

• The municipality blends Mithila tradition with modern development initiatives like digital record keeping and e-governance.

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Final Thoughts

Khadak Municipality is a symbol of grassroots development and cultural resilience in Nepal’s southeastern plains. With its fertile lands, vibrant communities, and evolving infrastructure, Khadak is well-positioned to become a regional hub for agriculture, education, and inclusive growth in Madhesh Province.