Construction booming in Badimalika Temple area amid territorial dispute

BY PREM RAJ SIMKHADA,Kalikot, Aug. 20: Triveni Patan, a sacred site for pilgrims visiting the famous Badimalika Temple in western Nepal, has become the centre of a growing territorial dispute between Kalikot and Bajura districts. The area, where devotees traditionally bathe before heading to the temple, holds both religious significance and seasonal grazing value for local communities from Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.

The dispute emerged with the implementation of federalism and intensified as both provinces began infrastructure development in the region. While Kalikot’s Sanni Triveni Rural Municipality in Karnali Province claims the area lies within its boundary, Bajura’s Triveni Municipality in Sudurpaschim argues that the site falls under its Ward Nos. 5 and 6.

Located at an altitude of 3,800 metres above sea level, Triveni Patan has long served as a seasonal pastureland for locals from Kalikot, Jumla, Mugu, and Bajura. However, recent development efforts by the Karnali Provincial Government under the ‘Triveni Badimalika Tourism Infrastructure Development Project’ have escalated tensions.

Since fiscal year 2021/22, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Karnali has been constructing various facilities in the area, including a dharamshala (pilgrim shelter), helipad, public toilets, a ceremonial entrance gate, a pond, a bathing house, and 108 water taps. The project, awarded to Majdur Construction Pvt. Ltd., for over Rs. 55.7 million, has already seen a payment of Rs. 36.7 million.

Kalikot's Division Forest Office maintains that the construction is taking place within Ward No. 8 of Sanni Triveni Rural Municipality. In contrast, officials from Bajura’s Triveni Municipality argue that the dharamshala is built in Ward No. 5 and the helipad in Ward No. 6. 

Meanwhile, Triveni Municipality Mayor Karna Bahadur Thapa accused Karnali Province of initiating construction without seeking permission from the concerned local or provincial authorities. “This is a multi-year project started without our consultation,” he said. “In the past, we did not intervene as the area was only seasonally used, but permanent structures now demand accountability.”

On the other side, Parbati Singh, Vice Chairman of Sanni Triveni, said Bajura is unnecessarily stirring controversy. “This is our land. The province is building infrastructure within its rightful territory,” she added. 

Engineer Prakash Sejuwal from Kalikot’s Division Forest Office stated that the construction began after an official agreement in June 2022. He confirmed the site lies within Kalikot’s jurisdiction per topographical maps and documentation.

Ashoknath Yogi, a member of the Karnali Province Planning Commission, said, “Until the armed conflict, Badimalika’s chief priest hailed from Kalikot. Pilgrims must first visit Triveni before proceeding to the temple.”

Meanwhile, Mohan Bahadur KC, Chairman of Sanni Triveni, emphasised that historical usage and official maps favour Kalikot’s claim and that Karnali Province is investing based on these facts.

Tourism Minister of Karnali Province, Suresh Adhikari, stressed the need for dialogue between provinces, urging chief ministers of both regions to address the issue amicably.