Far-West on way of prosperity

DHANGADI, Dec 12: Hyundai Dinesh, which started selling Hyundai cars from the time of the Dashain festival, has already sold 32 cars and taken bookings for six more in just two months. Dinesh Group, which is also the authorized distributor for Bajaj motorcycles, has sold 276 motorcycles in the last one and half months.



Likewise, banks and financial institutions in the Far Western Region have collected deposits of around Rs 16.44 billion and invested around Rs 12.11 billion by the end of last fiscal year.[break]



According to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Dhangadi, their collections and investment are a 30 percent rise over the previous fiscal year.



There are some 32 private and government banks in Dhangadi alone, and they have daily transactions of around Rs 100 million.



Some 22 Maruti taxis are seen plying the roads of Dhangadi and the number is increasing. Earlier, only rickshaws were to be seen.



According to Kishan Trade Concern, distributor of Maruti vehicles, the demand for cars such as Maruti 800, Alto and Swift is increasing.



“We received an overwhelming response to the cars. This shows that the lifestyle of people here is changing,” said Shyam Hamal, director of Dinesh Group.



These are just a few examples that show how the Far-Western Region, regarded as the most impoverished in the country, is fast prospering. The demand for luxury items shows the improvement in lifestyles in the region.



Currently, Royal Enfield motorcycles, Toyota and Nissan cars and Mahindra products and heavy equipment such as Komatsu dozers and excavators all are all to be found here.



Star hotels with investments in millions have started operations and tattoo centers have opened at different places.



Commenting on the bank transactions, Krishna Chand, officiating deputy managing director of NRB Dhangadi, said that there has been a drastic change in the incomes and lifestyle of people in the region.



“A development bank will open in the region next month and with the great opportunities here, it is the best place for banks to invest,” said Jhapat Bohara, a banker.



He added that if the government pays attention to the physical development of the region, there are many opportunities available.



The Chamelia and West Seti hydropower projects are also major attractions of the region for investors.



According to Manjo Joshi, manager of Janata Bank, a booming real estate business and remittances are major reasons behind the increased purchasing capacity of the region.



According to latest data published by the statistical bureau, Kailali has seen an increased number of immigrant and the district is in the process of urbanization.



The change is also seen in Kanchanpur district and places such as Tikapur and Lamki. Motorcycle showrooms have opened in various hill regions as well.

Entrepreneurs say the government should pay attention to the development of the region so that the progress seen can continue.

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