Census preliminary report to include Darchula's Kuti, Gunji villages

The preliminary report of the 12th National Census (November 11-25, 2021) is likely to be unveiled within the next three months. The document is to incorporate details concerning Lipulek, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani as well.

Though the Central Bureau of Statistics could not ensure the census in the above-mentioned areas being physically present, it is to feature the details of households and demographic size of the areas by using alternative methods. According to Bureau director-general Nebinlal Shrestha, they tried diplomatic efforts to reach Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulek physically for the collection of details, but it was not possible. Now, the collection of details has begun with the use of technology and the Bureau has the cooperation from locals for the same.

As he explained, people only reside in Kuti, Nabhi, and Gunji villages in the region. It is estimated that around 300 households are there and the expected population is a maximum of 800. In winter, the locals head downhill to avoid cold; they would possibly have virtual meetings with the people of Chhangru and Tinkar in Darchula. As the Bureau said, tracking of households is possible through the use of a satellite.

The government had on May 18, 2020, issued a new administrative map incorporating Lipulek, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani areas in Darchula on the basis of various facts. The parliament on June 13, 2020, ratified this new map with an overwhelming majority of votes, and with this decision, the areas which India had been occupying were officially included for the first time in Nepal's map. The Coat-of-Arms was amended accordingly.

So, the latest National Census is the first census after incorporating the territories in the map of Nepal and so it has been seen with significance. It is indicated in the map made public in 1827 by the British Surveyor of India that Kalapani is Nepal's western border. Surveyors and cartographers claim that the map released by the British Surveyor of India clearly shows that the Kali River that originates from Limpiyadhura. Kalapani and Lipulek areas lie to the east of this river.

According to historians, the then Nepal government in the past had allowed India to station its security force in the area at the latter's request for defending its territories from the Chinese, and since that time India has continued to occupy Nepal's territories.

The Central Bureau of Statistics which conducted the National Census stated that the data from these territories could not directly be collected for the Census due to various difficulties but it has started counting the population through several other means.

The main census task of the 12th National Census concluded on November 25. The National Census was initiated on November 11.