Phidim Municipality

Phidim Municipality (Nepali: फिदिम नगरपालिका) is an urban municipality and the administrative headquarters of Panchthar District in Koshi Province, eastern Nepal. The town is historically known as “Pheden”, a Limbu term meaning “land on top of the hills”. It serves as a commercial and educational center for the surrounding hilly region.

Phidim फिदिम नगरपालिका
Municipality
Phidim bazar area
Phidim Location in Nepal
Coordinates: 27.146°N 87.766°E / 27.146; 87.766
Country	Nepal
Province	Koshi
District	Panchthar
Incorporated	18 May 2014
Government
• Mayor	Mitra Prasad Kafle (NC)
• Deputy Mayor	Radha Krishna Neupane
Area
• Total	192.5 km2 (74.3 sq mi)
Population  (2021)
• Total	48,713
• Density	253.1/km2 (655.4/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+5:45 (NST)
Postal code	57400
Area code	024
Website	www.phidimmun.gov.np

History

The municipality was established on 18 May 2014 through the merger of the former Village Development Committees of Phidim, Chokmagu, and Siwa, as part of the Government of Nepal’s effort to restructure local governance.^[1]

Geography

Phidim lies in the mid-hills of eastern Nepal, in a small valley surrounded by green hills and traversed by the Phewa and Hewa rivers. It is located roughly six hours by road from Birtamod via Ilam along the Mechi Highway. The municipality covers an area of 192.5 km².^[2]

In 2023, the municipality implemented a land-use plan dividing its territory into agricultural and non-agricultural zones, including forest, industrial, mining, tourist, and high-risk areas.^[3]

Demographics

According to the 2021 Nepal census, Phidim Municipality had a total population of 48,495 (23,679 males and 24,816 females).^[4] The literacy rate is reported at 83.72%.^[2] It is divided into 14 administrative wards.^[2]

Major ethnic groups include Limbu, Rai, Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Dalit, Brahmin and Newar communities, making it one of the most culturally diverse municipalities in eastern Nepal.

Economy

Agriculture and trade are the main economic activities. Major crops include rice, potato, cardamom, and tea. The Kanchenjunga Tea Estate operates a field office in Phidim. Phidim also functions as a commercial hub for surrounding rural areas due to its central location along the Mechi Highway and its connection to the under-construction **Koshi Corridor**, which will link Chatara in the Terai with Phungling in the Himalayas.^[5]

Education

The municipality has approximately 90 schools, including 69 pre-schools, 88 basic schools, and 24 secondary schools (7 of which offer higher secondary/+2 programs). Among them, 15 are privately operated while 75 are public institutions.^[2]

Notable schools in Phidim include:

• **Phidim Ma. Vi.** – one of the oldest and largest public secondary schools in the district.
• **Vidya Bardan English Boarding School** – a prominent private institution offering education from primary to +2 level.
• **Himalaya Higher Secondary School** – known for science programs.
• **Shree Janajagriti Secondary School** – serves students from surrounding rural areas.
• **Shree Panchthar English Boarding School** – offers English-medium instruction with modern facilities.

These schools contribute to a high literacy rate of approximately 83.72% in the municipality.^[2]

Media

Phidim is home to multiple local media outlets, including community radio stations such as:

• Radio Sumatlung – 104.2 MHz
• Singhalila FM – 97.3 MHz

Local newspapers such as Public Post and Miklajung Awaj serve as regional news sources.

Transportation

Phidim is connected by the Mechi Highway, which runs from Charali (in Jhapa District) to Phungling (in Taplejung District). The ongoing **Koshi Corridor** highway project will enhance trade and connectivity between the hilly and Terai regions of Koshi Province.^[5]