Dhangadhi Mayor Gopal Hamal Reaffirms Commitment to Public Service Amidst National Political Shifts

Dhangadhi. On Sunday morning at 11 AM, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Gopal Hamal posted a status on his Facebook: 'Everyone chose a party, I chose the people.'

In the current unstable political climate, Hamal's status drew everyone's attention. Following the 'Jana Andolan' (People's Movement), the government led by CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli was overthrown. The interim government formed on the strength of the movement announced elections for the House of Representatives. Voting preparations are underway for Falgun 21.

Some mayors who won independently in the 2079 local elections resigned and entered party politics to contest for seats in the House of Representatives. Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah has joined Rabi Lamichhane's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and is competing against KP Oli from Jhapa-5. Meanwhile, Dharan's Harka Sampang has formed the Shram Sanskriti Party and is a candidate from Sunsari-1.

These individuals, who started as independents, are now striving to enter parliament by joining political parties. After Balen Shah and Harka Sampang aligned with party politics, some suspected Hamal might also join a party. Many were curious about which party he would support. Hamal, however, declared, 'Do not talk about politics during working hours,' affirming his dedication to his responsibilities at the local level.

To understand Gopal Hamal's devotion to the public, one must look into his past. His ancestral home is in Kapilvastu. His family moved to Dhangadhi after the area near the jungle was cleared for settlement. Initially, his family engaged in farming in Manika Pur, Tikapur, but later moved to Dhangadhi when his father got a job in the Forest Department.

Six children grew up in a small house built on one and a half katthas of land near the Vanadevi area of Dhangadhi. Having grown up amidst scarcity and struggle, Hamal had a strong urge to achieve something from a young age.

After completing his proficiency level from Kailali Multiple Campus, he plunged into business. Initially, he brought goods from the Gauriphanta border and sold them in Dhangadhi. Later, he started a business making and selling tin boxes by taking a loan of 5,000 rupees. That initial investment of 5,000 rupees and the tin box trade have made him a renowned businessman in Sudurpashchim today. His business has provided employment to hundreds.

Alongside business, Hamal engaged in social service. Initiatives like the 'Beautiful Sudurpashchim' campaign, the Cloth Bank, and operating a hearse van established him in the hearts of the people.

He contested the mayoral election in 2074 with the dream of becoming mayor but was defeated by Congress's Nripa Bad. Following suggestions from his supporters, he joined the Bibeksheel Sajha Party and became the coordinator for Sudurpashchim, but he left the party due to internal disputes and public advice.

'Seeing that the party was going to put a brake on my dream of becoming mayor, I filed an independent candidacy,' he says.

Indeed, in the local elections of Baishakh 2079, the residents of Dhangadhi elected him with 26,865 votes under the mango election symbol. The joint candidate of the ruling alliance, Nripa Bad, was limited to 14,817 votes. This victory was a vote of confidence and hope in Hamal.

Hamal initiated a free clinic with specialist doctors once a month in every ward within three months of winning the election. This has provided significant relief to the poor and the elderly who cannot afford to go to the hospital.

Hamal has demonstrated many exemplary works so far. Many believe his working style is exemplary among the 88 local levels in Sudurpashchim. He rarely makes controversial statements. On his Facebook, he only posts constructive content, avoiding criticism or insults towards anyone.

Immediately after winning the election, Mayor Hamal launched a campaign to make the sub-metropolitan city corruption-free. He initiated campaigns to control flooding and remove encroachments in Dhangadhi.

According to him, flooding is the chronic problem of Dhangadhi. Houses had been built by encroaching upon rivers and streams. Within a month of being elected, bulldozers began operating under Hamal's leadership. Efforts were made to reclaim rivers, streams, and ponds using the survey maps from 2021 BS. Narrow roads and traffic jams were another problem in Dhangadhi. Many works have been done under this campaign as well.

Similarly, Hamal launched a campaign to clear 15 meters on both sides from the center of the main road to construct Dhangadhi's main road. He cleared road encroachments after persuading the locals. After his persuasion, 428 homeowners agreed to demolish their structures themselves. Currently, this road section from Kailali Bridge to Camp Chowk's postal road in Dhangadhi has been paved.

Hamal initiated a free clinic with specialist doctors once a month in every ward within three months of winning the election. This has provided significant relief to the poor and the elderly who cannot afford to go to the hospital. Free ambulance service was started for pregnant women, ending the risk of home deliveries.

Pilgrimage tours are also being organized for senior citizens and single women. Hamal took the initiative to make Dhangadhi plastic-free. Sal leaf bowls and plates (Duna-Tapari) were introduced as alternatives to plastic. Women were trained for this, which not only managed waste but also increased women's income.

A 'Skill and Employment Fair' has been running since Magh 5 to prevent youth from migrating abroad. In this 40-day fair, 600 youths from Sudurpashchim are receiving training in six fields, including automobile, electrical, and hospitality. This fair was also conducted last year.

In addition, work has been done to install decorative lights (smart lights) on Dhangadhi's main road. High-mast lights have also been installed on major roads, various markets, and religious sites in Dhangadhi. Furthermore, saplings have been planted along the 6-lane road, main market areas, and branch roads.

Public toilets have been arranged, and Dhangadhi appears cleaner compared to the past. A solid waste micro-classification center has been operationalized to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Dumping waste indiscriminately in the market is prohibited.

Mayor Gopal Hamal has been unwell for some time. Nevertheless, his zeal for work has not diminished. He goes to the office every day and works in the field.

The operation of street vendors in the market has been regulated. A 'Saturday Fair' is organized where local delicacies and various goods are sold. Budget has been allocated for grassroots sports development, and work is underway.

Similarly, work has been done to conserve ponds and water bodies. Efforts are underway to recharge groundwater. The sub-metropolis has been providing financial assistance to impoverished families unable to afford funeral rites.

As part of the improvement of community schools in Dhangadhi, five community schools are being developed as model institutions for education. Educational reforms and student scholarships are being provided. Hamal also distributes educational materials to students from his personal funds. He is carrying out these and many other tasks.

Mayor Gopal Hamal has been unwell for some time. Nevertheless, his zeal for work has not diminished. He goes to the office every day and works in the field.

'I worry about my health too, but the trust of the people does not let me stay at home,' he said.

The residents of Dhangadhi are also happy with Mayor Hamal's working style. Local Basanta Joshi said, 'The working style of Dhangadhi's mayor is different from others. He is one in a thousand. It will be difficult to find such a mayor again.'

While everyone else is choosing a party to reach the Federal Parliament, Gopal Hamal feels proud for choosing the people of Dhangadhi.

Most independent representatives face difficulties coordinating with party representatives. Hamal has established excellent coordination with Deputy Mayor Kandakala Rana, who was elected from CPN-UML, and Ward Chairpersons from UML and Congress backgrounds.

Although there was a minor dispute with the Deputy Mayor during the initial budget formulation, they have since moved forward unitedly. 'All the work done in Dhangadhi has been done through mutual consultation,' said Deputy Mayor Rana.

Ward Chairpersons also praise Mayor Hamal's habit of listening to other representatives. Ward No. 6 Chairman Bhagiram Chaudhary said, 'He doesn't talk much; he listens to the problems and provides solutions. It is very easy for us to work.'