District Profile of Dhanusha

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DISTRICT PROFILE

DHANUSHA

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE,

JANAKPUR , DHANUSHA

FUNDED BY

Asian Development BankTA No. 6306 (REG):

Mainstreaming Managing for Development Results (MfDR)in Support of Poverty Reduction in South Asia


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Acknowledgement

The local self governance system is an important aspect of democracy. In the local

self governance system, the legally established bodies work for the development ofparticular region by seeking peoples participation in Planning, Operation, Making

Decision on things that affects peoples daily needs and livelihood as well as

promote leadership. It is the chief responsibility of the state to maintain conditions

suitable to the enjoyment of the fruits of democracy through wider participation of

people in the governance through promoting bottom up development approach and

making local governance responsible to the people.

The Local Self Governance Act 1999 has directed the local bodies to prepare a

comprehensive periodic plan envisaging the long term development vision, directive

principles, programs and project on the basis of districts current development status,resource potential, opportunities and risks.

The district profile of Dhanusha, one of the central southern districts of the nation

has been prepared in accordance with the national planning guideline 2000. This

profile is an attempt to outline the existing situation on the basis of district and village

level statistics. The data and statistics are presented and analyzed to project

different development opportunities and potentials and risks. The district profile will

form the basis for preparation of comprehensive long term plan through wider people

participation to guide the district development. Due to several obstruction and

difficulties, the participation of people in preparation of the District Profile is limited

district level.

The district profile is important for any future planning. I would like to extend my

heartfelt gratitude to the Asian Development Bank for entrusting me to prepare the

District Profile of Dhanusha under TA No. 6306 (REG): Mainstreaming Managing for

Development Results (MfDR) in Support of Poverty Reduction in South Asia. I would

like to tender my sincere thanks to Dr Champak Pokharel, and Arun Rana, National

Consultants ADB TA 6306 for their continues support and constructive advice to

undertake the study successful. I am thankful to all who directly or indirectly assisted

me in data collection at district level, VDC level and central level. My special note of

thanks is due to Umesh Kumar Sing, LDO Dhanusha, Raj Kishore Shah, SDE, DTO,

DDC Dhanusa, Ram Bhajan Yadav, Information and HRD officer, DDC Dhanusha,

Rattneshwer Lal Karna, DE, Kamla Irrigation Project. Thanks also go to Om Kumar

Karna, Chief DADO, Dr Bimal Kumar Nirmal, Chief DASO, Bina Shrestha, Chief

DWDO, Newal Shah, Chief GJRDC, Brikhesh Chandra Lal, ex mayor Janakpur

Municipality, Sivendra Lal Karna, Professor RRB Campus.


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I would like to express my due thanks to Jahid Parwej, Assistant Professor,

Department of Sociology TU for his active support in information collection and

providing insights in purposeful analysis of the data. I would like to extend my

heartfelt thanks to all other individuals and institutions who supported me by

providing relevant information and advices for the successful accomplishment of the

study.

I will consider my effort to be successful if the Profile of Dhanusha District proves to

be informative and useful to all who have interest in the development of Dhanusha.

Ajay Chandra Lal

District Profile Specialist, ADB

Associate Professor

Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Lalitpur

February 15, 2008


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Acronyms

ADB Asian Development Bank

AHW Assistant Health Worker

BT Black Top

CBR Crude Birth Rate

CDR Central Development Region

CDR Crude Death Rate

Cft Cubic feet

CMR Child Mortality Rate

DADO District Agriculture Development Office

DDC District Development CommitteeDFDP Decentralized Financial Development Program

DLGSP Decentralized Local Governance Support Program

DMCs Developing Member Countries

DR District Road

DTMP District Transport Master Plan

DTO District Technical Officer

ER Earthen Road

FCHW Female Community Health Worker

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GJDC Greater Janakpur Development Council

GO Government Organizations

GR Gravel Road

Ha Hactare

HA Health Assistant

HH Household

INGO International Non Government Organization

JKR Janakpur

Km/KM Killo meter

LDO Local Development Officer

LQ Location Quotient

LRMP Land Revenue Mapping Project


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LSGA Local Self Governance Act

MfDR managing for development results

MMD Maternal Mortality Death

MT Metric Ton

NDVS National Development Volunteer Services

NGO Non Government Organization

NH National Highway

NPC National Planning Commission

PL Primary Level

RB-CSPs results-based country strategy and programs

RCIW Rural Community Infrastructure Works

RETA Regional Technical Assistance

SEDP Small Enterprise Development Program

SISP Second Irrigation Sector Project

SL Secondary Level

SLC School Leaving Certificate

SSL Senior Secondary Level

TCN Timber Corporation of Nepal

TOR Terms of Reference

UNDP United Nations Development Project

UR Urban Road

VDC Village Development Committee

VR Village Road

WHO World Health Organization


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5. 2 Irrigation ....................................................................................................... 30

5. 3 Mining and Industry....................................................................................... 31

5. 4 Commerce..................................................................................................... 33

5. 5 Tourism ......................................................................................................... 34

5. 6 Forest Development and Management ........................................................ 43

CHAPTER 6 PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

6. 1 Transportation............................................................................................... 46

6. 2 Information and Communication................................................................... 48

6. 3 Electricity and Alternate Energy.................................................................... 50

6. 4 Water Supply ................................................................................................ 52

6. 5 Sanitation, Sewage / Drainage and Solid Waste Management ................... 54

CHAPTER 7 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

7. 1 Education ...................................................................................................... 56

7. 2 Health............................................................................................................ 657. 3 Sports and Recreation .................................................................................. 69

7. 4 Women and Child Development ................................................................... 69

CHAPTER 8 INSTITUTIONAL RESOURCES AND CAPABILITIES

8. 1 Financial Resources and Income of District Development Committee ........ 71

8. 2 Resource Mobilization................................................................................... 75

8. 3 Institutional Development ............................................................................. 78

8. 4 Observations................................................................................................. 82

APPENDICES

Appendix 1& 2 : Population by 5 Years of Age, Sex for V.D.C.s

Appendix 3 : V.D.C. wise Ethnic Population

Appendix 4 : V.D.C. wise Economically Active Population

Appendix 5 : Crops, Area Coverage & HH involve

Appendix 6 : Services Available at V.D.C. Level

Appendix 7 : Appendix 7: List of GOs, NGOs and Other Institutions in the

District

Appendix 8 : Name and Address of Major Accommodation Facilities in

Janakpur


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LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 Distributions of VDCs in Constituencies

Table 2.2 Land Form of Dhanusha District

Table 3.1 Population Statistics of the District

Table 3.2 Population Growth Rate

Table 3.3 Population Projection for the next Decade

Table 3.4 Vital Statistics of the district

Table 3.5 Age Sex Composition 2001

Table 3.6 Population Share of Dhanusha in Nepal

Table 3.7 Population Distribution as per Religion 2001

Table 3.8 Population Distribution as per Ethnicity

Table 3.9 Dalit Population in the District

Table 3.10 Linguistic Population

Table 3.11 Population of Top Ten Settlements

Table 3.12 Urban Population

Table 3.13 Landuse 1991

Table 4.1 Economically Active Population

Table 4.2 Economically active Pop Sectoral 2001

Table 4.3 Economically active Population in % 2001

Table 4.4 Economically Active Population by Profession 2001

Table 4.5 Major Causes for Economically Inactiveness (age 10yrs and above)

Table 4.6 Location Quotient of each Sector 2001

Table 4.7 Per Capita income 2005

Table 5.1 Agriculture Production, Productivity and Area Coverage

Table 5.2 Agricultural Landuse of the district 2004/5

Table 5.3 Food Adequacy Level in the district 2004/5

Table 5.4 Distribution of Agricultural Land Livestok and Birds

Table 5.5 No of Household as per Type and Size of landTable 5.6 Use of Improved Seeds and fertilizers

Table 5.7 Application of Pesticides

Table 5.8 Prevalent crop, area coverage and family coverage

Table 5.9 Distribution of Agricultural Loan as per crop requirement 2005/06

Table 5.10 Flow of Loan (2003/4-2004/5)

Table 5.11 Agricultural Production Cost and Benefit 2004

Table 5.11-1 Registration of Farmers Group in the District

Table 5.12 Description of Ponds in the District

Table 5.13 Livestock Population in the District 2005

Table 5.14 Annual Dairy Production by Organized Dairy Firms 2005

Table 5.15 Annual Meat Productions 2005Table 5.16 Grass/fodder Production 2005

Table 5.17 First Irrigation Sector Program Implemented projects

Table 5.18 Number of Industries in the district

Table 5.19 Small and Cottage Industry (Production and Revenue)

Table 5.20 Archeological Sites in Dhanusha District (Gadh and Gadhi)

Table 5.21 Places of Religious Importance (Temples )

Table 5.22 Sagar, Talaw and Pokharis in Janakpur


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Table 5.23 Forest Coverage in different Regions

Table 5.24 Demand of Forest Products

Table 6.1 Summary of the Road Network in the District

Table 6.2 Telecommunication Facilities in the district

Table 6.3 Annual Income of Nepal Telecom

Table 6.4 Annual Growth of Electricity Sector in the district

Table 6.5 HH distribution as per the use of source of energy for lighteningTable 6.6 HH distribution as per the use of source of energy for Cooking

Table 6.7 HH Distribution as per Access to Source of Water Supply

Table 6.8 No of Tube wells and Arsenic Concentration in Dhanusha

Table 6.9 On going Water Supply Project in Dhanusha District

Table 6.10 Households Using Main Source Of Drinking Water

Table 6.11 Household by Type of Toilet Facility

Table 7.1 Population 6 Years Of Age And Over By Literacy Status And Sex

Table 7.2 Literate Population 6 Years Of Age And Over By Educational Attainment

(Level Passed)

Table 7.3 Literacy Rate of Dhanusha District

Table 7.4 School Going Population Distribution Age and SexTable 7.5 No of Schools in the District 2001

Table 7.6 Primary School Total and Dalit Enrolment by Sex and Grade

Table 7.7 Primary Level Education Status,

Table 7.8 ECD/PPC Enrolment in the District, 2007

Table 7.9 Enrolment in Lower Secondary Level Education 2007

Table 7.10 Social Composition of Students at Lower Secondary Level 2007

Table 7.11 Lower Secondary Students Appearing and Passing Exams 2006

Table 7.12 Secondary Level Enrolment 2007

Table 7.13 Enrolment of Students in Secondary School by Social group

Table 7.14 Appearance and Passing of Secondary Level

Table 7.15 No of teachers as per their level 2001Table 7.16 Ratios(T/S, St/T)

Table 7.17 A List of Mosque, Madarsa and Students

Table 7.18 Health Institution in District

Table 7.19 Use of Contraceptive and Family Planning

Table 7.20 Patient Flow in the Zonal Hospital

Table 7.21 Major Diseases and Percentage of Affected Population 2005

Table 7.22 General Health Condition in the District

Table 8.1 Annual Incomes from Internal Resources of DDC Dhanusha

Table 8.2 Annual Incomes from External Resources (Aids and Grants) of the DDC

Table 8.3 Proposed Budgets for 2006/07

Table 8.4 Integrated Budget of DDC in 000Table 8.5 Annual Budget of DDC Dhanusha in 000

Table 8.6 Donors Assistance (Budget of NGOs) in 000


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The district has very poor quality road network despite its location in plain area. More that 60

percent of settlement remain detached during monsoon due to flooding. Even the major

lifeline linking the districts headquarter with national highway is in dilapidated condition. With

the establishment of FM stations and induction of mobile technology, information and

communication has developed tremendously in last few years though quality is still a par.

About 90 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water mainly due theavailability of potable ground water and initiatives of the NGOs and individual. Sanitation

situation is worst with only 40 percent of population has some kind of toilet facility. Poverty

and lower level of education and awareness are root cause of pathetic sanitation situation

creating health hazard and economic loss. More than 60 percent of settlements are

connected with electric network while only 45 percent of the population enjoys the facilities.

Literacy provides access to information, while educational attainment provides scope for new

opportunities. Only 59 percent of male population and 36 percent of female population are

literate. The literacy rate of Dhanusha is lower than the national as well as regional averages

(CDR). Per capita investment on primary education is substantially lower in Terai region than

hill and mountain; however the continued government and donors negligence for years havejeopardized the education sector development in the district. The DEO estimate indicate the

total student enrolled in primary school is 77%. About 23 percent of children are stilled

deprived of education, the situation is even worse in case of Dalit, Janjati and female child.

One of the lowest female literacy rate in the nation could be attributed to the rampant poverty

and cultural barriers which discriminate alarmingly between girl and boy child. A social

movement with strong political commitment is necessary to overcome this cultural barrier.

The teacher school ratio though give an impression of adequate number of teachers at

primary, lower secondary and secondary level, the student teacher ratio reveals the fact that

each teacher in primary and lower secondary schools has to teach 50 and 40 students

respectively. The number of students per female teacher is exceptionally high indicating theneed of inclusive policy to hire more female teachers at least in primary and lower secondary

level education. Similarly a policy has to be implemented to increase the number of Dalit and

Janjati teachers which can be triggering point for improving education level among the

deprived group in the district.

The Muslim literacy rate is just 34.72% far below than national and district average. TheMuslim claims that these public schools do not fulfill their educational as well as culturalneeds, which is essential for every Muslim. They perceived education as a multifunctionalagent to achieve the both objective. An integrated course for Muslim children comprisingboth mainstream education and cultural education in their community owned school calledMadrasa is the need of the day. These Madarsas are to be formalized parallel system offormal schooling.

The health service in the district is lead by the 200 bed Zonal Hospital at Janakpur with 44

medical officers (34 govt and 10 local sources). The health service at village level is provided

by sub health post established in each VDCs of the district and managed by the local

government. However, 20000 populations per doctor and only one hospital in entire district of

670000 populations reveal the kind of patient pressure on hospital and hospital

infrastructure. The situation becomes worse during rainy season.


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The analysis of general health condition in the district outlines that there is immediate need

for massive awareness campaign for sanitation and safe drinking water and against

Vaccination and Ammonization of children and mothers. Discussion with the health worker in

the district revealed that an AHW in VDC has to attend about 60 to 70 patient in a day and if

strengthened with physical and human resources and medicines, it can enhances majorities

of the health indicators.

The District Development Committee is the governing institution in the district headed

by elected chairman and vice chairman and 17 regional members. The local self

governance act and regulations 1999 has given ample authority and responsibility

for planning and implementation of development projects at local level. The existing

organizational structure and human resources and physica l resources though looks

adequate; it has not been able to deliver mainly because the organization set up

has never been completed. Poor maintenance of physical resources and lack of

motivation among the employees are another factors. The district development

committee needs adequate resources at its disposal in order to bring visible change

in quality of life of the people living in 101 VDCs and 1 Municipality of the district. The

local self governance act 1999 though has given authority to DDC to explore,

generate and expand its resource base and mobilize it to carry out the development

work, it has not been able to do so. In order to carry out the responsibilities envisaged

in the Act, the DDC has to be developed into a competent institution with capable

and efficient human resources and adequate physical resources. The organizational

structure is to be adopted fully to ac complish the responsibilities entrusted to the

DDC and to establish it as local government in true sense. Participatory approach

has to be adopted for outlining d ifferent functions and services the DDC is executing

and accordingly these functions should be assigned to the corresponding sections

and subsections. Revenue generation is at present a sub section of financial

administration. As it is one of the most important aspects on which all otherdevelopment activities and even empowerment of local governance depends, and

hence resource mobilization should be given a status of section in the organization

directly under the LDO which will work in close coordination with finance

administration and other sec tions of DDC.

Analyzing all the facts suggests that the Dhanusha District has been neglected by

central policy makers and development agencies in the past and hence need

special support in girl education, sanitation and infrastructure buildings through a

complete package. Agriculture is to be perceived as lead sector supplemented with

fishery and dairy development. Livestock, forest tourism sec tors are to be developed

through massive social mobilization. Market network, extension services and otherinfrastructure are to be developed to support high value agriculture, fishery, dairy

and livestock development. The discriminative thinking and mindset of central level

agencies and planners are to be changed and the district is to be developed to its

full potential. The DDC should have more financial and administrative autonomy to

response to the changing demands of services to uplift the livelihood of the

population of the district.


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Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Background:

The overarching objective of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as defined by its povertyreduction strategy, is to reduce poverty in the Asia and Pacific region. A recent review of thestrategy underscored the need for ADB to sharpen its country focus by adopting a moreresults-oriented approach to operations, providing more flexible financing modalities, andimproving the skills mix of its staff to better address the changing needs of its clientdeveloping member countries (DMCs). These initiatives form the core of ADBs reformagenda aimed at achieving greater development effectiveness. Since mid 2003, ADB hasadopted managing for development results (MfDR) as a relevant approach to help focus onoutcomes that matter to DMCs.

ADB has been playing proactive role in the development of its South Asian DMCs1with theintroduction of results-based country strategy and programs (RB-CSPs) and specialized

technical assistance.

MFDR team of ADBs South Asia Development Partner in close consultation withstakeholders developed Regional Technical Assistance (RETA) to assess and thenstrengthen DMCs capacity for results orientation, which will eventually enable developmentpartners to rely more confidently on country systems for planning, strategy development,resource allocation, and accountability of development resources, thus allowing the deliveryof more flexible and relevant forms of development assistance. Accordingly ADB supportedthe program Mainstreaming MfDR in Support for Poverty Reduction in South Asia andNepal is one of the recipient country.

Following the conduct of Readiness Assessments in each of the RETA's pilot organizationsin Nepal, proposals have been put forward to address their respective organizational

performance gaps. One such need is to conduct studies immediately in priority areasidentified in RETA- 6306 implementation plan, i.e., district profile preparation for Dhanusa,one of the central southern districts deprived of any major development initiative for longtime. This activity is very fundamental to the MfDR process currently under implementationin the District Development Committee-Dhanusha. District profile preparation of Dhanusa willbe a concrete contribution for improving district planning including internal resourceprojection in the district. While many other districts have already prepared their districtprofile, Dhanusa district has not been able to do so due to lack of resource. Under itsinitiative RETA is committed to prepare the District Profile which will eventually help inpreparing the periodic plan of the district to guide the long term and short term developmentin the district. This will also fulfil the obligation of district government as per the Local SelfGovernance Act and Regulation.

This district profile has been prepared mainly from secondary information/data available fromdifferent source at district and central level as per the TOR of the assistance. The guidelineof National Planning Commission (NPC) has been followed in the process as far as practicaland possible in the current situation of conflict in the district.

1 The South Asia Department (SARD) includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan,Maldives, and Sri Lanka, with resident missions in six of these countries, excepting Bhutan and Maldives.


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1.2 Objectives

The overall objective of the study is to address the organizational performance gap formainstreaming the concept and process of MFDR at local level for poverty reduction. Thisstudy will also add to the change management framework in the pilot organizations. Thespecific objectives of the study are

To assess, and assemble in the district profile the available district level data fromvarious district level offices, local bodies and publications (national and district level)on the demographic, social, economic, physical and natural resources of DhanushaDistrict which will provide the baseline for district level strategic planning.

To establish a comprehensive baseline information developed on the variousresources (financial and non financial) of the district will enable the DDC to developsound strategic periodic plans, wise and Sustainable use of district resources andcontribute to the upliftment of the livelihoods of the inhabitants of Dhanusha District.

1.3 Methodology

The NPC guideline for the preparation of district profile has been followed for the collection

of local level data/information, however due to conflict situation and limited resources (timeand fund) household data at VDC level could not be collected. VDC level data have beencollected mainly from the VDCs secretary and Technical Assistant working in the VDCs.Similarly district level government/NGOs/INGOs have been consulted for relevantinformation and data. Following major activities have been performed in order to collectdistrict and VDC level data/information:

1. Identification of various sources of information at central and local level2. Preparation of checklists for the collection of sectoral data at district level as per the

NPC guide line for the preparation of district profile3. Consultation with district secretary and district level program officers at district

development council4. Hiring and orientation of enumerators: People working in DDC and VDCs were hired

to collect information from VDC secretaries/technical assistants and DDC levelGOs/NGOs.5. Sectoral experts working at the district level offices and institutions were identified as

key informant survey and consulted using semi structured questionnaires relevant tothe sector.

6. The collected data/information were compiled and tabulated and analyzed7. Data gaps were identified and filled with pertinent data8. Draft Report was prepared and submitted to the client for the comments

1.4 Limitation of the study

Authentic and detailed data are the basics of any planning and programming process. All the

sectoral offices are aware of the benefits of authentic and accurate statistics however, therecord keeping and data building are one of the poorest sectors in the district. The resource

centre in the District Development Office is poorly equipped and even the publications of

DDC and other district level institutions are not available in the centre. Planning and

programming in the district is done at sectoral level hence the data are very scattered. Data

are collected at various time by different agencies following different methodologies and

sometime even skewed for different purposes. Data from different sources some time even

contradict each other. These facts reduce the authenticity of data/information.


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Study Methodology

Major limitations of the study are outlined as below:

1. Study is based on Secondary data/information

2. Reliability of data from different sources are different

3. Data collection is cumbersome and tedious due to poor data storing and

management at local level.

4. Data from some sector and institution could not be collected due to absence of

concerned authority (office chiefs) and scattered nature of information.5. Contradicting data/information from different sources

6. Verification of data is very difficult due to terrorised environment in the district

7. Limited time frame and resources

Award of Study

Consultation with RETA and

finalization of Methodology

Preparation of

Chec klists for data

Data Collection at

Village and District level

Key informant survey with

sectoral experts at local level

Selection and orientation

of enumerators

Compilation and

Tabulation of Data

Analysis of

Data/Information

Preparation

of Reports


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Chapter 2

Geo-Physical Characteristics

2.1 Geographical Location

Dhanusha is one of the southern Terai districts of Janakpur Zone in the central developmentregion on Nepal. The total area of the district is 1180 square km and population is 671364

(2001 National Census). Politically Dhanusha district is surrounded by Mahottari District in

the west, Sirha District in the east, Sindhuli District in the North and Bihar State of India in

the south. Janakpur Dham, the only municipality in the district is the District Headquarter

where most of the district level GOs, NGOs and other institutions are positioned.

Dhanusha is developing as commercial and administrative hub in the central Terai of the

nation. Besides it is one of the major religious center in the country with lots of tourism

potential. Janakpur, todays district headquarter was once the capital of Mithila where

goddess Sita, wife of god Ram was borne and brought up. This makes the district in general

and Janakpur in particular a unique place mainly for Hindus of Indian sub continent and

around the world.

The history of Janakpur and settlements around it dates back to Pre Vedic period which

exhibit that the region (then Mithila) was ruled by ever glorious King Sirdhwoj Janak, father

of goddess Sita. The Hindu mythologies indicate that Janakpur, the capital of Mithila existed

before 5000 BC as the Vedic books like Yajurveda, Satpath Bhraman and others mention

the name Mithila and Janakpur. The great Hindu epic Ramayna gives detailed illustrations of

Mithila and Janakpur where ever glorious marriage ceremony took place between Ram and

Sita. The occasion is still celebrated as the biggest festival of the region, popularly known as

Bibah Panchami in the month of December. All these illustrations indicate that Janakpur and

settlements around it which is now Dhanusha District is very ancient and dates back to pre

Ramayana period though dates could not be confirmed conclusively.

The reign popular and glorious kingdom of Janak dynasty came to an end after having ruled

for 56 generations. After that the history of Mithila and Janakpur remain in a state of oblivion

till 1089 AD when Nanyadev transpire as the ruler of Mithila. In 1114AD, the Sen King of

Makwanpur renovated the Ram Temple and donated enormous land and wealth for its

proper Puja and maintenance. Since then, Janakpur and other places of religious

importance have been the center of religious devotion and adored by millions of Hindus

around the world.

As per Hindu mythology, a great drought took many lives and brought misery to the people

of Mithila during the reign King Sirdhwaj Janak the 22nd king of Janak dynasty. The kinghimself ploughed the field to end drought as per the advices of his scholars. He found a girl

child when ploughing the land and named her Janaki. Later on King Sirdhwaj put forward a

condition that Janki, his all wise and beautiful daughter will marry the person who can

operate the mighty bow of Lord Shiva kept in his palace. Many powerful people and kings

tried but could not even lift. Prince of Ayodhya, Lord Ram visited Janakpur with his brother

Laxman and teacher Vishwamitra. Lord Rama lifted the mighty bow which broke when he

tried to tie the string due to its massiveness. As per the mythology, one of the pieces of the


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bow fell and still lying in a place popularly known as Dhanusha Dham situated about 15 km

north of Janakpur. The district is named after this place Dhanusha Dham.

During unification of Nepal, this region was brought under Shah Dynasty and Janakpur

became one of the administrative center basically to collect the land and other taxes and

govern the people in the region. Later on when nation was divided into 14 zones and 75

district administratively, Dhanusha district was created with its headquarter in the Janakpur.Janakpur due to its strategic location is dominant in central southern region of the nation and

Madhesis of the region (from Koshi to Bagmati) draw their identity from it.

The district Dhanusha is spread over latitude of 26035' North 2705' North to longitude of

85052' east 86020' east (Topographical map of the district). The district is extending from

Terai in the South to Sivalic in the North due to its north south elongated Shape. The

average North South length of the district is about 45.27km and East West width about 27.47

km. The maximum and minimum north south lengths are 58km and 39km respectively. The

maximum and minimum East West widths of the district are 34km and 22km respectively.

Administratively, the district comprised of 101 VDCs and 1 Municipality clubbed in 17 Ilakas

and 7 electoral constituencies (DDC, Dhanusha). In last general election, there were only

five electoral constituencies.

North

Latitude of 26035'

2705' North

Longitude of 850 52'

86020' east

Indian Stateof Bihar

Area = 1180 square km

-!!())) x]=_

Mahottari Sirha

Sindhuli


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The distribution of VDCs in recent and past electoral constituency is illustrated below:

Table No 2.1 Distribution of VDCs in Const ituencies

2007 Constituency Demarcation Previous Constituency demarcation

Con.No.

No of VDCs/ MunicipalityCon.No.

No of VDCs/ Municipalit y Ilaka Nos

1 18 1 24 1,2 &3

2 18 2 22 4,5,6&7

3 17 3 23 8,9,&10

4 5 VDCs & 1 Municipality 4 13 VDCs& 1 Municipality 11,12,13&14

5 15 5 19 15,16,&17

6 15

7 13

Source: District election commissions office Dhanusha

2.2 Topography and Slope Analysis

The topographical analysis of the district exhibits that the district is divided in threetopographical zones namely Sivalic in the North, Bhanwar in the middle and Terai in the

south. The altitude of Sivalic area ranges between 300m amsl to 600m amsl, Bhanwar

ranges between 150m amsl to 300m amsl and Terai ranges between 60m amsl to 150m

amsl.

More that 50 percent of area is under Terai, densely populated with Madhesi people while

Bhanwar region thinly populated with both Madhesis and migrated Pahadias from mountain

and hilly region. Sivalik is scantly populated with mainly people from Pahadi origin.

2.3 Soil Characteristics

The southern Terai of the district is characterized by Alluvial soil with very high fertility while

the Bhanwar Sivalic range is characterized with sand, gravel and boulder mixed soil. Rocks

are generally not found in the district making Sivalic Bhanwar zone more fragile and

susceptive to soil erosion mainly because of weak and thin vegetative cover in the area.

2.4 Hydrology and Ecolog ical Features

The district falls under arid and semi arid hydrological zone with average annual minimum

temperature 10.70C and average annual maximum temperature 29.70C. The average annual

rainfall is 1479.8mm which occurs within 3 to 4 months time span. Due to altitude difference,

the weather varies within the district from North to South and hence the bio diversity.

Table 2.2 Land Form of Dhanusha District

Descrip tion Area in Ha % Area A lti tude Average Slope

1 Sivalic (Chure) 2548.66 21.59 300-600 150to 250

2 Bhanwar 3242.01 27.46 150-300 100to 150

3 Terai 6016.15 50.95 60-150 30to 100

Total 11806.82 100.00 60-600Source: District Profile of Dhanusha 2002Topgraphical map of the district


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The district is famous for its water resources with more than 50 religious ponds, numerous

other ponds and rivers and streams. Major rivers of the district are Kamala, Jalad, Dudhmati,

Jamuni, Charnath, Rato, Badhari, Jagdhar and Parsuram Khola. Among them Kamla, Rato,

Jalad and Jamuni are perennial while others are rain fed rivers. Besides, the district is

comprised of many small stream and Khola.

The slope analysis exhibits that the northern area (Chure and Bhanwar) falls under steepslope while the Terai under mild slope. This causes high water current in the rivers during

rainy season in northern belt while water pooling in the southern area resulting into massive

flooding and soil erosion of the fertile land in the Terai region. The problem is further

aggravated with deforestation in Bhanwar area due to internal migration from hill and

mountain to the Terai following construction of National Highway. The district has

experienced one of worst flood this year in last few decades. Most of the VDCs and even

some wards of Janakpur Municipality of water logged for weeks. The worst affected area of

the districts are Chora Kohalpur, Bisarbhora, Harine, Singyahimadan, Durbakot Hathletwa,

Lakkar, Balha Saghara and Patnuka VDCs. All these VDCs are affected by changing course

of Kamla River and its excessive discharge during monsoon.

Land capability and water resources of the district exhibit tremendous potential for primary

sector (agriculture, fishery, forestry and animal husbandry) development; however the land

form compounded with deforestation has caused loss of fertile land and infrastructure due to

annual and periodic floods in the district. The flood plains of the most of the river and stream

in the district are environmentally sensitive as they are prone to soil erosion.


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Chapter 3

Population Profile and Projections

3.1 Population Size

As per the national census 2001, the total population of the Dhanusha District is 671,364which are 2.9 percent of the national population. The total population is comprised of349,422 male and 321,942 female. The total number of house hold in the district is 117,417with average size of 5.72

The VDC wise male female population of the district is presented in the annex 1. Thenational census 2001 has not counted the population who have been outside the district formore than six months. As many of the permanent resident of the district are working inGOs/NGOs/private sector at national and international level, the actual population isconsiderably more than the census population. The recent population of the district could notbe found out as the district level census has not been done and district level data could notbe updated due to political conflict in the district. The population density of 569 is highest in

central Terai and 4th

highest in the nation after Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. The totalarea of the district is 1180 square km which is 0.8 percent of national area (147,181 squarekm).

3.2 Population Growth Rate

The annual population growth rate of the district has fallen from 2.69 percent in 1971-81 to2.11 in 1991-2001. This change could be attributed to the combined effect of decreased rateof migration of people from hill and mountain to the district and increased rate of temporarymigration of people to other district and other countries specially India and Middle East insearch of economic opportunities. The other factor could be increased awareness of familyplanning and use of contraceptive in the district. The population growth rate of the districthas slightly fallen than the national average of 2.24 percent and is coherent with the

neighbouring district of Mahottari, Sarlahi and Sirha. For future projections, the annualpopulation growth rate of the district has been assumed to be 2.11 percent. With thispopulation growth rate, the population will be doubled in 33 years time period.

Table 3.1 Population Statistics of the District

Description 1971 1981 1991 2001 2006 (Est)

Total Population 330601 432,569 543,762 671,364 747400

Male 224,900 281,775 349,422 385980

Female 207,669 261,897 321,942 361420

No. Of House Hold 79,785 98,358 117,417 121287

Average Household Size 5.42 5.53 5.72 5.72

Area in sq. Km. 1,180 1,180 1,180 1180

Population DensityPerson/Sq. Km.

367 461 569 633

Annual Population GrowthRate

2.69 2.29 2.11 2.11

Source: National Censuses

Table 3.2 Population Growth Rate

Population Population Growth Rate

Description 1971 1981 1991 2001 1971-81 1981-91 1991-2001

Nepal 11,555,983 15,022,339 18,491,097 23,151,423 2.62 2.1 2.24

Dhanusha 330,601 432,569 543,672 671,364 2.69 2.64 2.11Source: National Censuses


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Considering 2.11 as the annual population growth rate for next one decade, the populationof the district has been projected as depicted in Table 3.3.The population projection exhibitsthat the population will reach 822061 in 2011. The present male female ratio of 108 malesfor 100 females will decrease to 104 males for each 100 females. This population projection

may not hold good if there is substantial change in migration rate mainly due to ongoingconflict.

3.3 Component Analysis of Population

The population growth in the district is mainly due to natural

growth, however a substantial in migration from hill and

mountain to Bhanwar region is visible though a concrete

data is not available at district level as it is not mandatory to

register the migration. Internal migration from rural to urban

is prevalent. The municipal information indicate that people

from neighbouring districts like Mahottari, Sarlahi and Sirha

are migrating to Janakpur contributing to high populationgrowth rate in the urban area. Similarly other major vital

statistics of population are improving though with very slow

pace indicates increasing health awareness among the

population. High child mortality rate and Maternal mortality

rate shows the need of massive effort of NGOs and GOs to

run necessary programs in the district.

Table 3.3 Population Project ion for the Next Decade (Growth Rate 2.11)

2001 year 2006 year 2011 yearAgegroup

Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female

0-4 99,206 51,221 47,985 111,381 56,881 54,500 110,420 55,820 54,600

5-.9 96,390 49,932 46,458 98,480 51,156 47,324 110,819 56,884 53,93610-.14 75,862 40,461 35,401 78,929 41,894 37,035 80,592 42,857 37,735

15-19 58,852 32,650 26,202 67,876 38,338 29,538 70,505 39,643 30,862

20-24 56,006 28,605 27,401 64,573 33,447 31,125 74,288 39,270 35,018

25-29 53,999 27,016 26,983 62,103 30,945 31,158 71,711 36,264 35,448

30-34 47,911 23,051 24,860 54,838 25,596 29,242 63,279 29,397 33,883

35-39 42,315 21,985 20,330 48,629 24,580 24,049 55,783 27,386 28,396

40-44 34,551 17,994 16,557 39,925 20,364 19,561 46,076 22,842 23,234

45-49 29,301 15,996 13,304 33,760 18,006 15,754 39,137 20,456 18,681

50-54 21,837 11,995 9 ,842 24,921 13,316 11,605 28,866 15,055 13,810

55-59 17,126 9,356 7,770 19,197 10,276 8,921 22,058 11,475 10,583

60-64 14,045 7,281 6,764 15,550 7,957 7,593 17,606 8,810 8,795

65-69 10,262 5,018 5,244 11,420 5,473 5,948 12,786 6,040 6,746

70-74 7,011 3,385 3,626 8,134 3,795 4,340 9,181 4,190 4,991

75+ 6,690 3,475 3,216 7,684 3,956 3,727 8,954 4,504 4,450

Total 671,364 349,421 321,943 747,400 385,980 361,420 822,061 420,893 401,168

YearPersonalEvents 2004 2003

Birth 12793 17078

CBR 25

Death 1366 2507

CDR 4

Marriage 2046 3234

Divorrce 3

Migration 1354 719

Source: District Statistics Office


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The vital statistics presented in the table is basically the registered cases in the district andvillage levels, however the personal events are not properly and timely registered eventhough it is mandatory because of low level of education and awareness among the majorityof the population in the district.. However, the personal event registration culture is in riseamong the villagers.

3.4 Population Composition

Age sex composition of the populationin district shows that male population isabout 3 percent higher that femalepopulation. More than 40 percent ofthe population is under age 14 years. Itindicates that the future populationgrowth will continue to be higher aslarge population will be entering intoproductive age. More than 53 percentof population are in productive age (15

to 59). It exhibits the huge of pool ofhuman resources in the district.

Large number of population under economically active age indicates its strength which cancontribute immensely in the development of the district if utilized properly. At the same time itcould be dangerous if their aspirations are not fulfilled and their energy is not properlychannelized. Emergence of numerous insurgent groups and criminal institutions in the districtand involvement of youth in those activities show the government inability to fulfil theaspirations and meaningful exploitation of the large human resources of the district. Thedetailed age sex composition of the district is presented in annex 2.

3.5 Population Distribut ion

Dhanusha district occupies only 0.8 percent of total land area providing shelter to 2.95percent of total national population. The population share at national level of the district hasincreased from 2.88 percent in 1981 to 2.94 in 1991. During this period, massivedeforestation occurred along the national highway and migration of people from hill andmountain to the district took place as per then national policy to distribute the nationalresources to Pahadi origin people.

Table 3.4 Vital Statistics of the district

s. no Descripti on Distric t Level National Level

1 Fertility Rate (per women) 4.2 4.3

2 Crude Birth Rate/000 pop 25 37

3 Crude Death Rate/000 pop 4 12

4

Maternal Mortality Death Rate/00000

pop 762 740

5Child mortality Rate/000 Pop (Below 5year age) 111.2 91

6Infant Mortality Rate/000 pop (Belowone year age) 68 66

Source: CBS, District Profile2004

District Health office 2006

Table 3.5 Age Sex Composition 2001

Age Group Total Male Female Total %

0-4 YEARS 87943 44745 43198 13.10966

5-9 YEARS 103835 53778 50057 15.47868

10-14 YEARS 79843 43242 36601 11.90219

15-44 YEARS 288833 148421 140412 43.05632

45-59 YEARS 69665 38364 31301 10.38496

60-74 YEARS 33568 16744 16824 5.00398

75 & OVER 7139 3649 3490 1.06421

Total 670826 348943 321883 100Percentage 100 52 48


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The population density hasincreased from 280 personsper square in 1971 to 569PPSq Km in 2001. Number ofHat Bazar (small marketcenters) experiencedpopulation concentration dueto internal migration resultinginto growth of urban and semiurban centers in the district.Numerous new market centers emerged along the national highway where majority ofmigrated people from north settled.

The major dense settlements of the district are Janakpur Municipality, MahendranagarSakhuwa, Bharatpur (Dharapani/Birendra Nagar), Yagyabhumi (Kanchi Bazar),Ragunathpur, Umaprempur, Fulgama, Bengadabar, Fulgama, Dhalkewar, Godar etc. Thespatial structure of settlements shows that settlements are in different hierarchy. Janakpur,the only municipality and district headquarter functions as central place in the district whileemerging towns like Mahendranagar, Dharapani, Yagyabhumi, Godar functions as 2ndordersettlement in the district. Weekly Hat Bazars function as service centers and are 3 rdorder ofsettlement while other settlements are at the lowest order. Each center has well definedlinkage with higher order settlement and its hinterland in the form of flow of agriculturalproducts and services.

3.6 Population by Religion

People from different religions are have been residing in the Dhanusha district, howevermajority of the population (90%) are Hindus followed by Muslims(8.4) and Baudh(1.4).People from other religion like Christian, Kirat, Jain and Sikh are also living in the districts.The recent political movement has declared the country as secular state and given right toevery religion to practice their teachings. It may have some impact on population distribution

by religion in future as religious conversion is becoming more recurrent.

3.7 Population by Ethnicity

The national census 2001 shows that about 96 ethnic/castes are living in the district out ofwhich 60 castes belongs to Terai origin comprising about 90 percent of the total populationand 26 castes to Pahad Origin with 10 percent of total population. At national level, 103castes including unidentified have been enumerated in the census.

Table 3.6 Population Share of Dhanusha in Nepal

Population

Region 1971 1981 1991 2001

Dhanusha 330,601 432569 543672 671364

Nepal 11,555,983 15022339 18491097 22736934

Percentage 2.86 2.88 2.94 2.95

Density 280 367 461 569Source: CBS Censuses

Table 3.7 Population Distr ibut ion as per Religion 2001

ReligionArea Descr iption Total Hindu Baudh Muslim Kirat Jain Christian Sikh Others

Population 22736934 18330121 2442520 954023 818106 4108 101976 5890 80190

Nepal Percentage 100 80.62 10.74 4.2 3.6 0.02 0.45 0.03 0.35

Population 671364 604763 9696 56124 25 23 230 17 486

Dhanusha Percentage 100 90.08 1.444 8.36 0.004 0.003 0.034 0.003 0.072

Source: District Statistic O ffice Dhanusha


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The VDCs level ethnicity datapresented in the national census2001 has lots of discrepanciesresulting on doubts over credibility ofdata itself specially in listing thePahadi origin people. As per theVDCs Secretaries, most of the VDCsin the southern area of the district donot have people from Pahad originwhile few households are enlisted inthe census data. Similar cases areprevalent about the Terai Castes too.

Majority of the population in thedistrict comes from YadavCommunity (17.57%) followed byMuslim (8.49%) and Kewat (6.2%).

Other prominent castes in the districts are Dhanuk, Teli, Koiri, sudi, Tatma and Chamar. Themajor pahade caste is Bramhin (3.8%) in the district. Analysis of the prevalent ethnicpopulation in the district shows that besides Yadav, most of the dominant castes belong todisadvantaged group (Dalit and Janjati), still they are least represented in political, economicand social arena proving that Terai Dalit and Janjati are most disadvantaged group in thenation as depicted by DFID in its study The Unequal Citizen. The detailed ethnic/castepopulation is presented in the annex 3.

Muslim in Dhanusha

Muslim constitutes most districts as well as defined minority religious group in the Hindu holyplace of Dhanusha district. Beside their adherence to Islam their socio-cultural affiliation toogives Muslim a district identity in a predominant religious set-up. According to census 2001

there are 56124 population of Muslim in Dhanusha district comprising 8.36% of the totalpopulation of the district. The Muslim population of this district is quite disperses in differentvillages, but their major concentration is in 66 villages of this districts.

The Muslims of this district have their own district socio-cultural norms and values and theyare free to practice without any problem. The social criteria determined and defined bymajority Hindu group discriminate in different mainstream development. In addition topolitical problem Muslim are facing a large number of socio-cultural problem in response topreserve their cultural identity and to achieve equal status and opportunities in decisionmaking process and economic development practices

Dalit Population

The National Dalit Commission has identified various Ethnic Groups/Castes as Dalit listedas below. Viswokarma (Kami, Sunar, Lohar, Tamata, Chunara, Aabad), Darji (Damai,Pariyar, Hurkhe, Dholi) Sarki (Mijar, Charmkar), Badi, Gaine (Gandharv), Kapali, Khadgi,Deula, Kuche, Chamar, Dusadh (Paswan, Hajara), Dhobi (Rajak), Tatma, Dom, Baantar,Khatwe, Mushar, Halkhor and Patharkatta.

The population census exhibits that 17 dalit castes are living in the district with totalpopulation of 17.23 percent.

Table 3.8 Population Distribution as per Ethnicity

S. No Ethnici ty Population Percentage

Total 671364 100

1 Yadav 117938 17.57

2 Muslim 56996 8.49

3 Kewat 41570 6.19

4 Dhanuk 33858 5.045 Teli 33851 5.04

6 Koiri 31156 4.64

7 Sudi 30057 4.48

8 Bahun (pahad) 25460 3.79

9Chamar

(Harijan, Ram) 22678 3.38

10 Tatma 22643 3.37

11 Others 255157 38.01Source: Na tional C ensus 2001


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3.9 Population Distribut ion as per Settlement

The district is comprised of more than 280 sizable settlements evenly distributed in mid and

southern area. The average distance between adjacent settlements in this area is about 3km

while in Northern region, settlements are distantly located. There are new settlements

coming up adjacent to the old settlement popularly known as Navtoli to accommodate the

increasing population of the VDCs/settlements.Table 3.11 Population o f Top Ten Settlements

PopulationVDC / Municipality Total No. ofHouseholds Total Male Female

Janakpur N.P. 13734 74192 40108 34084

Sakhuwa Mahendranagar 2337 13789 7182 6607

Bharatpur 2567 13769 6870 6899Yagyabhumi 2448 13054 6618 6436Raghunathpur 2218 11758 5731 6027Umaprempur 1888 11277 5815 5462Fulgama 1840 10820 5599 5221

Begadawar 1965 10638 5513 5125

Dhalkebar 1772 9912 5132 4780Khariyani 1609 9474 4929 4545Marchaijhitakaiya 1597 9162 4717 4445

Source: National Census 2001

The district map shows that settlements beyond National highways are generally separated

by average distance of 8 to 10km. Administratively, these settlements are grouped in 101

VDCs and 1 Municipality. Besides municipality, 5 VDCs have population more than 10000.

Mahendranagar Sakhuwa, Bharatpur (Dharapani/Birendra Nagar), and Yagyabhumi (Kanchi

Bazar) are emerging urban centres in the districts. 55 VDCs of the districts have population

more than 5000 and less than 10000. Others have population less than 5000. The VDCs

wise male and female population is attached in annex 4

3.10 Analysis of Population Growth

Higher population growth of the district is mainly the cause of high fertility rate and natural

growth rate beside the migration of people from hill and mountain to the district. The high

fertility rate is the cause of rampant poverty and low girl education in the southern and

middle area of the district. Though the migration data available in the district indicate that

the rate has drastically gone down during the last decade, the local people and official thinks

other way around as majority of the migration is not reported to the registrar office as it is not

necessary legally. The recent migration trend indicates that the majority of the migrants are

economically poor and encouraged by their relatives as they can the government land and

forest for their shelter and livelihood. This section of society even does not know whatmigration is or whether they should register it or not. However, this section of the society

have been encouraged by the government policy and district authorities in the past by

providing better access to natural resources, budgetary sources and political power. The

recent conflict in the district is rooted in planned discrimination against the majorities by the

government and district authorities in the past and their reluctance to give up the political,

administrative and financial power to the local inhabitants. This is heading towards racial

conflict which may cause major population distortions in the recent future of not resolved in

time.


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The ever increasing population in the district is posing great pressure on resources like

forests, agricultural lands, surface and ground water and prevailing services in different

service centres and headquarter. Patients sharing beds or lying on floors in the hospitals are

one of the examples. Similarly high population growth is resulting into decline in opportunity

for employment, land fragmentation and diminished return, encroachment on

environmentally sensitive zone, emergence of new settlements or extension of existingsettlements and negative impact on biodiversity of the district. The increasing population has

also adverse impact on disaster management.

However, the high population growth can also be analysed from positive perspective as it will

increase the human resources. If the human resources are trained and skilled, they can

bring substantial economic resources in the form of internal and external remittance which

will ultimately contribute in development of the district and nation at large. The prevailing

trend of seasonal migration of labour to India and Middle East and its impact on poverty and

development of the settlements in the district are eye opening examples.

3.11 Urbanization and Urban Population

Janakpur is the only designated municipality (urban area) in the district however there are

few emerging centres with urban way of living and infrastructure and market centers

popularly known as emerging towns or small towns or emerging municipalities. These are

basically traditional market centers developed as service centers due its strategic location

along the highway and its connectivity to surrounding settlements. These centers are

functioning as outlet for the agricultural product on one hand and service center to provide

banking services, agriculture extension services, educational and health services, animal

husbandry related services etc to its hinterlands. These emerging urban centers are

Sakhuwa Mahendranagar, Bharatpur (Dharapani/Birendranagar), Yagyabhumi (Kanchi

Bazar), Dhalkewar and Godar.

The table above points that total urban population of the district is 11.05% against 14.2percent of National Urban population. Janakpur has been one of the prominent urban center

Table 3.12 Urban Population

PopulationVDC / Municipality Total No.of HH Total Male Female

UrbanPopn %

Pop 2011(Projected)

Janakpur N.P. 13734 74192 40108 34084 11.05 109804

SakhuwaMahendranagar

2337 13789 7182 6607 2.05 17236

Bharatpur Dharapani/Birendranagar)

2567 13769 6870 6899 2.05 17211

Yagyabhumi(Kanchi Bazar)

2448 13054 6618 6436 1.94 16317

Dhalkebar 1772 9912 5132 4780 1.48 12390Godar 1367 7122 3538 2965 1.06 8902

Total 24225 131838 69448 61771 19.64 181861

District Population 671364

National Urban Population 14.2%

Source: National Census 2001


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since inception of the urban concept in the country, however its development could notcompete with the urbanization pace of other comparatively new towns like Bharatpur,Hetauda, Bhairahwa etc despite huge potential mainly due to lack of government initiativeand weak linkages with Indian towns across the boarder. The urban growth rate of district isabout 4.8 percent which is moderate in the nation. The total area of Janakpur is 24.61square km and population density of 3014.71 person/sq km which is far ahead of nationalaverage of 985.23 persons/sq km. The urban population has changed from 14294 in 1971 to34800 in 1981 and 55000 in 1991. Assuming the annual future population growth around 4.8percent, the population of Janakpur Municipality will reach 109804 in 2011. If otherurbanizing VDCs are also put together, the total urban population of the district will reach182000 considering 2.25 as annual population growth rate of other VDCs

However, if the urbanizing centers are considered to be urban area then the total urbanpopulation is about 19.64 of the total population. The urbanization trend and populationconcentration in these centers are increasing due to increased opportunities in these centersand marginal opportunities in the rural hinterland. The economic factor compounded withconflict situation in the district is going to increase the rural urban migration in recent dayswhich will have adverse impact on dilapidated infrastructure and organic ugly landdevelopment in those centers. The present pathetic development trend of JanakpurMunicipality will lead it to develop in to city of slums and other centers will face the same fate

if not intervened in planned way. The present urbanization trend indicate that an urbancorridor from Dhalkewar on East West highway to Janakpur will develop to cater theindustrial and settlement development in the district. The ongoing development of road andrail networks across the boarder in Bihar will increase trade and commerce opportunities andhence urbanization in Janakpur in particular and in district at large.

3.12 Landuse

The LRMP 1978 mentions that landuse of Dhanusha is dominated by agricultural land (70.11%) followed by Forest (24. 96%) however the 1991 topographical survey indicate declinein both agricultural and forest land mainly to urban and rural settlements. Different sourceslike district agriculture office and district forest office show variation of 3 to 4 percentage inlanduse of agriculture and forest. This is mainly due to fact that that these sources has

neglected the built up area (urban and rural) in the district. The landuse has changed overthe year due to deforestation and conversion of agriculture land to built up area. Due tocontinued flooding and aggradations of rivers in the district, land under sandy and gravel hasincreased.

Table 3.13 Landuse 1991

Landuse

Area in

ha %

Agriculture 77310.3 65.52

Forest 27487.7 23.29

Barron land 18 0.02

Urban 1687.3 1.43

RuralSettlement 3030.6 2.57

Water body 2002.1 1.70

Grazing Land 1555.6 1.32Sandy/gravel

Land 4908.4 4.16

Total 118000 100

Source: Topographical Survey Map 1991


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Chapter 4

District Economy and Employment Situation

4.1 District Economic Structure and Sectoral Share

Dhanusha is predominantly an agriculture dependent district as most of the district of thecountry. Around 50% of economically active population are engaged in agriculture sectorfollowed by Hotel and Restaurant (13.73) and Production and Recycling (12.87). Other majoroccupations of the people Dhanusha are Construction, General Administration, Educationetc.

Table 3.11 clearly shows that the active population has risen from 51.04% in 1981 to 55.62%in 2001 while the national active population decreased from 65.14 in 1981 to 56.56 in 1991and has reached 59.03 in 2001. The sharp decline both at national and district level ineconomically active population during 1981 and 1991 is basically change in definition by thecensus itself. The current trend is promising as the economically active population isincreasing with high pace even though it is below the national average. Though the womenshare in economic activities has drastically increased from 14.2 percent in 1991 to 38.7

percent in 2001, it is far below the national average of 50.87. This is mainly attributed to thelower level of education among female in the district and Terai region. The cultural barrier isone of the cause of involvement of women in economic activities in the district.

The occupational structure of the district shows that thedependency of population on agriculture is decreasingand service sector is growing though with low pace.This is due to diminishing return of agriculture andgrowing profit in service sector compounded withincreasing education level in the district. Dependencyof women is still high in agriculture indicating the needfor support to break the vicious circle of poverty andgender discrimination.

Dhanusha is famous for ponds and its fishery, howeverthe low level of participation in fishery despite very highreturns proves the lower level of awareness among thepeople about the new technology and benefits of theindustry.The private sector in the district is still underdeveloped though they are major employment providerto the semi skilled and unskilled labour. Trade andcommerce and construction industries are leadingamong the employment providers.

Table 4.1 Economically Active Population above 10 Yrs of age1981 Census 1991 Census 2001 CensusDescription

Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female %

EconomicallyActive

154385 133228 21157 159530 133951 25579 266738 178223 88515 55.6

Economicallyinactive

148049 24613 123436 213385 58926 154459 212823 72662 140161 44.4

Total 302434 157841 144593 372915 192877 180038 479561 250885 228676 100

Active Pop % 51.04 84.40 14.63 42.78 69.45 14.2 55.62 71.03 38.70

National 65.14 83.15 46.21 56.56 50 59.19 59.03 67.3 50.87

Table 4.2 Economically Sectoral ActivePopulation 2001

Sectors % of Population

Agriculture and Forestry 49.6

Fishery 0.22Mining and Quarrying 0.04Production and Recycling 12.87Service 1.75Construction 4.92Trade and Commerce 13.73Hotel and Restaurants 1.36Transportation and Comm. 2.38

Brokers 0.89

Sale/hire/Purchase/ Rental 0.47

General Administration andSocial security 4.93Education 2.58Health 0.9Social works 1.04Personal Business 1.5Private Organizations 1.14Unknown 0.13



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The recent development of mass media specially FM and news paper has also created morethan 1000 jobs in last two years as 7 FM stations have started their operation in the districtwithin span of two years

Table 3.13 flashes that entrepreneurship is

still under developed. People opt for doing

works for others rather than creating jobs inthe district. However, the high percentage

of self employment points toward the petty

shops, repair centers and other very small

businesses.

The professional composition of labour force shows that very few people are engaged asmanagers and high administrative job, however a sizable number of population (3%) areinvolved in technical jobs. The above figures point towards very weak economy despite hugepotential in agriculture, forestry, fishery and tourism which can create numerous jobs inservice sector to support the input and trading demand of primary sector.

The key informant survey revealed that the major cause of the inactiveness of majority of the

population is the unavailability of proper employment opportunity in the district. Despite

diminishing returns of agriculture, the majority of population are bound to work in agriculture

sector due to lack of skill and off farm activities in the district. The social activists of the

district presented the fact that southern VDCs of the district experience seasonal migration

of unskilled worker (about 100 to 150 person/VDCs) to Assam and Punjab of Indian state

which sometime create labour shortage in monsoon season in the district.

The location quotient for each contributing industry in local economy could not be calculated

in absence of local and national production data of each sector, however employment has

been used as proxy indicator to identify the lead sector in the district. The location quotient is

defined as (Ri/R)/(Ni/N), where Ri is total employment generated by i sector in the district, R

is the total employment generated by all sectors in the district, Ni is the total employment

generated by i sector at national level and N is the total employment generated by all sectors

in the nation.

Table 4.3 Economically act ive Population in % 2001

Employer EmployeeSelf

EmployedUnpaid Family

Worker

4.2 41.58 46.27 7.95

Source; District Statistics Office

Table 4.5 Major Causes for Economically Inactiveness (age 10yrs and above)

Population in Percentage

Total EconomicallyInactive Population Study

Absence ofOpportunity

Oldage

Other sourceof Income

Disability

Sickness

Others

Unknown

47.5 32.8 44.5 7.4 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.7 1.7


Table : 4.4 Economically Act ive Population by Profession 2001

Managers/highOfficials

BusinessMan

TechnicalandProfessionals

Clerks/Assistants

ServiceandTradeWorkers

Unskilled &Skilled labourin primarysector

ArtandArtifacts

Mechanics/Drivers

Others

Unknown

0.66 3.08 3.01 3.3 13 36.52 12.44 1.63 26.26 0.1



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4.2 Specialization of Sectoral Economy

Using this concept the comparative

advantage of the district is evident in

fishery sector with LQ as 2.57.

Manufacturing and recycling industry hasmoderate LQ as 1.46 while in most of the

services, LQ of the district is higher. It

shows that output or profitability of the

investment is higher in fishery, services

and manufacturing and recycling industry.

Despite major employment provider in the

district, Agriculture and Forestry promise

lower return of the investment in the

district. This analysis gives simple

information that the district needs

immediate investment in infrastructuredevelopment and in fishery sector. The

least priority area for investment in the

district seems to be mining and quarrying

though sand and gravel quarrying is major

source of income for the district

government. However, due to broad base,

agriculture must be the major recipient of

national investment in the district.

The foreign employment information is not available though the total number of absentee by

the destination abroad gives fair idea. The total number of absentee from Dhanusha is over13000. About 48 percent have gone to India and 52 percent to other country. At national

level the total number of absentee is about 76000 out of which 77 percent are in India and 23

percent in other country (Census 2001). This clearly indicates that manpower supply to third

country has developed as industry in past one decade and remittance is the major

contributor to the local level economy, though authentic information about remittances is not

available. This points that the district should invest in human resource development through

various capacity building trainings for potential foreign employment seekers and should

support in building relevant infrastructure in this regard.

4.3 Economic Linkage

Internal and external import export information is not available as the custom and tax officesare not segregating the data for district level. However, the officers in those officesemphasized that the Dhanusha district has very strong economic relation with Mahottari,Sarlahi and Sirha for trading of goods and services available in those district. For importedgoods and specialized services, the district has very strong economic linkage with thenational capital Kathmandu and commercial capital Birgunj. Dhanusha, being the borderdistrict in Central South has robust economic link with some of the border town in Bihar stateof India. The local chamber of commerce stressed more than 50 percent trade of district iswith India. The local markets on either side of the border have both formal and informal

Table 4.6 Location Quotient of each Sector

2001

Sectors LQ

Agriculture and forestry 0.76

Fishing 2.57Mining and quarrying 0.25Manufacturing and recycling 1.46Electricity, gas and water supply 1.17Construction 1.70Wholesale and retail trade 1.57Hotels and restaurants 1.11Transport, storage andcommunication 1.46Financial intermediation 1.88Real estate, renting and businessactivities 1.56Public administration and socialsecurity 2.43

Education 1.12Health and social work 1.44Other community, social andpersonal service activities 1.42Private households with employedpersons 1.41Extra-territorial organizations andbodies 1.94Not Reported 0.57


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trading practices. The slow pace of development in Dhanusha is also attributed to weak andinefficient linkage and accessibility across the boarder which substantially decreases thetrading capacity of the district. The recent on going development on the other side of bordermainly construction of and strengthening of National Highway linking major cities of northBihar to Nepal boarder and extension of broad-gauge rail head to Jaynagar will have majorimpacts on Development of the district. This will further need strengthening of the dilapidatedroad link between Dhalkewar and Janakpur. The total cash inflow and outflow to the districtthrough various sources are not available, however major contributors are export, salaries ofgovernment and other sector employee and remittances along with government grant otherbudgetary allocations. The major cash outflows are different taxes to national government,imports of the district and salaries going out of the district. Custom officer and Tax officeremphasized that cash inflow in the form of remittances and salaries remain in circulation inthe district and boosting the private sector economy of the district. Similarly, the nationalannual grants are used to create infrastructure in the district though at very slow pace.

Per capita income of the district is 180US$which is far below than the national average of230US$. It indicates the poverty level in thedistrict. Primary sector (agriculture, fishery andforestry) contribute more than 35% in GDPfollowed by Industry (14%), Trade (12%), andTransportation (11%). The district statisticsoffice explicitly mentions that more than 28percent of population is poor spending morethan 50 percent of their income on food.Similarly about 15 percent population are ultrapoor spending more than 70 percent of theirearning on food even though the per capitafood production the district is 3625 calories.Despite, the poverty and deprivation indicatorssuggest Dhanusha as one on the poorestdistrict in the country, the per capita

expenditure of government is one of thelowest indicating the government biasnesstowards the district. The continued biasness ofthe government policy over the time period isthe root cause of economic and socialbackwardness of the district.

Table 4.7 Per Capita income 2005

Sector/Indicators Value

Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry 3072

Mining and quarrying 23

Industry 1238

Electricity, gas and Water 138

Construction 525

Trade, Restaurant and Hotel 1054

Transportation and Communication 998

Finance, land purchase/sale 1024

Community and social services 588

Total Value Addition 8661

Total GDP as per market value 9029

Total population 671364

Per Capita income(Market value) 13448

Per Capita income US$ 182

Per Capita income PPP US$ 994

National Per Capita income US$ 230National Per Capita income PPPUS$ 1370



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Chapter 5

Sectoral Profile of The District

5.1 Agriculture

Agriculture is the mainstay of economy of Dhanusha district as evident from the fact that

more than 50 percent of the labour force is engaged in agriculture. This is one of the ricebowls of the nation along with few other Terai district. Agriculture is contributing more than

35 percent of total GDP of the district though the location quotient of agriculture is only 0.76

indicating the lower level of commercialization of agriculture and low level of investment in

irrigation and other agriculture extension services including marketing of agricultural

products. District Agriculture Office was established in 1966 to guide and facilitate the

agriculture development in the district in order to commercialize and enhance the agriculture

productivity in the district in particular and nation at large by strengthening the local know

how and introducing new technology and inventions. At present the district agriculture

development office is providing services to the population in crop development and

conservation, horticulture, fishery development, agriculture extension and implementation of

different policies and projects for agriculture development in the district through its 6 servicecenters, 12 sub service centers and a technical section located at different strategical

market centers through out the district.

5.1.1 Agricul tural Production and Food Sufficiency

The production and productivity data furnished below shows hardly any change in

productivity over the year beside marginal decrease in productivity of Fruits and Paddy and

increase in wheat and vegetables. However, there is substantial increase in area coverage

under wheat and vegetables and decrease in paddy. This indicates the intention of farmers

to switch over to the commercial farming if the situation permits.

Table 5.1 Agricultur e Production, Producti vity and Area Coverage

2000/2001 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005S.No

MajorCrop

Area(Ha)

Production(MT)

Productivity(MT/Ha)

Area(Ha)

Production(MT)

Productivity(MT/Ha)

Area(Ha)

Production(MT)

Productivity(MT/Ha)

Area(Ha)

Production(MT)

Productivity(MT/Ha)

Area(Ha)

Production(MT)

Productivity(MT/Ha)

1 Paddy 65000 190400 2.936444

5 193335 3.006000

0 122850 2.05 63500 188150 2.96 56000 137050 2.45

2 Wheat 24000 43200 1.802500

0 50000 2.002550

0 53550 2.10 25500 561600 22.02 25600 58880 2.30

3 Maize 2300 5750 2.50 2300 5980 2.60 2300 5980 2.60 2250 6075 2.70 2400 6480 2.70

4Vegetables 5150 54150 10.51 5200 54600 10.50 5250 52500 10.00 5500 57750 10.50 5500 60500 11.00

5 Fruits 1650 21450 13.00 1680 24200 14.40 1680 21840 13.00 1690 2500 1.48 1690 19500 11.54

6 Legumes 3300 4290 1.30 3250 4225 1.30 2950 3448 1.17 3200 3808 1.19 3100 3720 1.20

7 Lentil 3000 3333 1.11 3000 3300 1.10 2700 2812 1.04 2950 3245 1.10 2875 3305 1.15

8 Sugarcane 3000 105000 35.00 3100 111600 36.00 3100 110050 35.50 3200 114240 35.70 3200 112000 35.00

9 Tobacco 520 600 1.15 510 600 1.18 510 596 1.17 490 560 1.14 450 520 1.16

10 Potato 1750 1925 1.10 1800 20160 11.20 1800 18900 10.50 1850 20350 11.00 1910 21010 11.00

11 Fish 620 1800 2.90 645 1880 2.91 645 1800 2.79 600 2050 3.42 665 1995 3.00

Source: District Agriculture Office


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The agricultural landuse of

the district depicts that total

cultivable land is about 65

percent and total cultivated

land is 58 percent of the total

area leaving very little scope

for further increase incultivated land.

Table 5.1 and 5.2 merely indicate that land under cultivation has reached its threshold

pointing towards the need for enhancing the agriculture technology, extension services,

cropping pattern and cropping intensity to increase the productivity and production in the

district. The static agricultural production over the last 5 to 7 years depicts marginal impacts

of ongoing agricultural development programs in the district. The cropping pattern of The

district Water Induced Disaster office categorically mentions that more that 2500ha of fertile

cultivable land are left unused due to soil erosion and annual flood in the district. These

lands are mainly in the southern flood plain of Kamala and other major rivers of the district.

Despite being one of the rice bowl districts of the nation, Dhanusha district is pathetically

placed in food sufficiency level. The statistics above suggests that more than 75 percent of

HH engaged in agriculture are not able to produce adequate food for them and depends onother source of incomes. Once a food grain exporting district of the nation, Dhanusha has

become one of the food grain importing districts mainly because of increased population and

traditional farming system. There is no exposure to new agricultural technology in general.

Though the data pertaining to the demand of food grain at district level is not readily

available, the per capita production of more that 3300 calorie (ICIMOD 2004) suggests

adequacy of food grain in the district contradicting the food deficiency data in table 5.5. This

could arise due to large land holding by limited number of population; however the land

holding among big farmers is decreasing due to land fragmentation and division among

family members. More than 25 percent of the family has farm size about 0.5 ha which is just

sufficient to produce food grains for not more than 3 months for a family of 5 persons.

Table 5.2 Agricultural Landuse of the district 2004/5

Cultivable Land (ha)TotalArea(ha) Cult ivated Uncult ivated Total Forest

River,settlementsand others

119000 69163 7629 76792 30897 11311

% 58.12 6.41 64.53 25.96 9.51

Source: District Agriculture Office

Table 5.3 Food Adequacy Level in the dist rict 2004/5

Food Sufficiency No of HH facing food deficiency Alternate arrangementsDescription

Total HHpracticing

AgricultureAdequate forHH

Inadequate forHH

1to 3months

4to 6months

7 to 10months

10 to12months

Loan/Burrowing

Otherincome indistrict

Incomefrom otherdistrict

Fromforeign

Others

Nos 87,464 21,651 65,813 7,776 25,517 14,735 17,785 8,066 35,868 4,711 14,990 2,178

% 100 24.75 75.25 11.8 38.7 22.4 26.99 12 54.5 7.16 22.8 3.3

Source: District agriculture office

Table 5.4 Distribution of Agricultural Land Li vestok and Birds

No of HH as per distribution of Agriculture land and livestock

HavingNothing

Totalno of

HHOnlyland

OnlyLive

StockOnlyBirds

Land andLivestock

Landand

Birds

Livestockand

Birds

Land,Livestockand Birds HH %

117357 15404 9039 305 54801 561 990 6346 29911 25.49Source: District Statistics Office


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Similarly another 25% of the people do not hold any farm land and work as labour in others

farm or on leased farms or in India as seasonal labour. This facts compounded with the

increasing population strengthen the facts depicted in table 5.3. The people perception has

been changing that Dhanusha, once a prospering district is now depending on other district

and India for its food supply. The bad monsoon can bring flood or drought which decreases

the production level creating food shortage in the district.

5.1.2 Use of Improved Technology/Seed/Finance

Application of new technologies in the form of machines instead of labor, improved seed with

high productivity, round the year irrigation, use of organic and chemical fertilizers andpesticides are integral part of modern agriculture practices. Agriculture practice in Dhanusha

is still traditional in technology though signs of improvement can be seen in use of Fertilizers

and Pesticides. The table below shows that farmers are still relying on the use local seed

(83%) against improved seed (8.85%) as the government is not able to fulfill their demand

and private sector is still to come in big way in agriculture. Similarly, about 85% of the

farmers used some kind of chemical fertilizers while only 15% percent rely on traditional

organic fertilizers. The application of fertilizer slightly varies in irrigated and unirrigated

agriculture. The application of pesticides is dominant in Paddy depicting that the paddy is the

main crop in the district. The district agriculture officers confirmed that the awareness among

the farmers towards the use of new technology and fertilizers are on rise for last one decade

but due limited capability of government sector and virtually absence of private sector tosupply the needed inputs in agriculture have resulted in static productivity of agriculture. In

absence of round the year irrigation and even the proper market links are discouraging

farmers for f

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District Profile of Dhanusha

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