The Chimteshwar area, with its religious, historical, tourist, and archaeological significance, has been targeted for development by all three levels of government.
In conjunction with the unification campaign of nation-builder Prithvi Narayan Shah, the municipality has established the Chimteshwar Area Development Committee to conserve and enhance the pre-existing infrastructure and environmental assets.
After Bagmati Pradesh government invested five crore rupees in constructing a ‘View Tower’, tourism has seen growth, complemented by the restoration and management of the Chimteshwar Temple by the Belkot Gadhi Municipality at a cost of 2.5 million rupees. Additionally, around 15 million rupees have been spent on projects like Simsaar Pokhari and water tanks.
Various political and social organizations have recently increased social activities in the area, including Lalitkala students organizing an art festival. Chimteshwar is accessible via various routes from Kathmandu, such as from Balaju via Pashang Lamjung Marg, and from Trishuli Bazaar via Nuwakot.
The region covers historically significant areas like the former Belkot, Kumari, Jiling, and Duipipal villages, offering diverse flora and fauna, including rare plant species, endangered animals, and unique geological formations like Ganesh, Langtang, Jugle, and Dorje Lakpa, with stunning views of the Himalayan range. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to three cities of Kathmandu Valley, as well as parts of Kabhrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Dhading, Dolakha, Makwanpur, Rasuwa, Chitwan, and Gorkha districts.
The newly formed municipality is committed to preserving and developing the area’s religious, historical, and archaeological assets, with plans to protect religious sites like Chimteshwar, Niranjana, Jaleshwar, Duipipal, Dublee, Jhiltungkot, Majuwadevi Thana, Mahamaya, Kumarimai, Vasukimai, Barahimai, Kumarishahid Park, Dikachaur, Jhilkeswar, Jaleshwar, Kashi Tar, and Buddhist landmarks like Choyling Gumba and Paramendo Gumbas, as well as caves, ponds, and lakes.
The municipality aims to enhance internal and external tourism by promoting homestays, involving returnees in agricultural production, and seeking joint investment and financial arrangements. The Chief Administrative Officer, Pitambar Pandey, emphasizes the need for centralized and provincial government support to develop the area, proposing the creation of a master plan and budget allocation.
Minister of Internal Affairs and Law, Keshavraj Pandey, has categorized the area as having high development potential within the mid-hill region, urging unified efforts from all levels of government. He has also highlighted the challenges, opportunities, and proposals for the development of the area along the Pushpalal Highway, emphasizing the need for government attention.
Ramchandra Timilsina, chairman of the Chimteshwar Area Development Committee and Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 2, asserts the commitment to development despite its proximity to the capital city, outlining ongoing projects such as temple and fort renovations, infrastructure for electricity and internet, and plans for grand celebrations during upcoming festivals like Shivaratri.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to establish the ‘Nepal Unification Campaign Area Development Committee’ by the federal government to develop historically significant sites like Nuwakot Durbar, the tomb of national unifier Prithvi Narayan Shah in Devighat, and the tourist site Chimteshwar as tourist destinations. The proposed committee will cover the Nuwakot Durbar area of Bidur Municipality-2, Devighat of Bidur-5, Belkotgadhi Municipality-1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, and the Kot-Pyaskot, Kalikot, Simalkot, Bhairumkot, and Malakot areas. It borders Nuwakot’s Tarakeshwar and Myagang rural municipalities to the west, Rasuwa’s Uttargaya rural municipality to the north, Nuwakot’s Kakani rural municipality to the south, and Dhunibesi Municipality of Dhading to the east.
