**Eastern Development Region, Nepal**
**Definition**
The Eastern Development Region (Purwānchal Bikās Kshetra) was one of the five development regions of Nepal, located in the eastern part of the country. It served as an administrative division until the restructuring of Nepal into provinces in 2015.
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## Eastern Development Region, Nepal
The Eastern Development Region (EDR) was a significant administrative and geographical division of Nepal, encompassing the easternmost part of the country. Established as part of Nepal’s development planning framework, the region played a crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development, governance, and regional administration. It was composed of three zones and sixteen districts, covering diverse topography from the high Himalayas to the Terai plains. The region was known for its cultural diversity, natural resources, and strategic location bordering India and China.
### Historical Background
The concept of development regions in Nepal was introduced in 1972 as part of a national effort to decentralize governance and promote balanced regional development. Nepal was divided into five development regions: Eastern, Central, Western, Mid-Western, and Far-Western. The Eastern Development Region was the first among these, both geographically and administratively, and it played a pioneering role in the implementation of development projects and regional planning.
The Eastern Development Region existed until 2015, when Nepal adopted a new federal constitution that reorganized the country into seven provinces. This restructuring dissolved the development regions as administrative units, replacing them with provincial governments. The territory of the former Eastern Development Region now largely corresponds to Province No. 1 and parts of Province No. 2.
### Geography
The Eastern Development Region covered an area of approximately 28,456 square kilometers, making it one of the larger regions in Nepal by land area. It was geographically diverse, featuring some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Mount Everest (Sagarmatha), which lies in the Solukhumbu District.
#### Topography
The region’s topography ranged from the towering Himalayan mountain ranges in the north to the flat, fertile Terai plains in the south. This variation created distinct ecological zones:
– **High Himalayas:** The northern part of the region includes the Himalayan mountain range, with elevations exceeding 8,000 meters. This area is characterized by rugged terrain, glaciers, and alpine climate.
– **Hills:** The mid-hill region consists of rolling hills and valleys, with elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters. This zone is home to many ethnic communities and is the site of terraced agriculture.
– **Terai:** The southern plains, known as the Terai, are part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and are characterized by fertile soil, subtropical climate, and dense forests.
#### Climate
The climate of the Eastern Development Region varies significantly due to its altitudinal range. The Terai experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, while the hills have a temperate climate. The high Himalayas have an alpine climate with cold temperatures year-round and heavy snowfall in winter.
### Administrative Divisions
The Eastern Development Region was subdivided into three zones, which were further divided into sixteen districts:
– **Mechi Zone:** Comprising four districts — Ilam, Jhapa, Panchthar, and Taplejung.
– **Koshi Zone:** Comprising six districts — Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Morang, Sankhuwasabha, Sunsari, and Terhathum.
– **Sagarmatha Zone:** Comprising six districts — Khotang, Okhaldhunga, Saptari, Solukhumbu, Udayapur, and Siraha.
Each district was administered by a District Development Committee (DDC), which coordinated local development activities and governance.
### Demographics
The Eastern Development Region was home to a diverse population, with a mix of ethnic groups, languages, and cultures. According to the 2011 Nepal census, the region had a population of approximately 5.8 million people, making it one of the most populous regions in the country.
#### Ethnic Groups and Languages
The region’s ethnic composition included various indigenous groups such as the Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tamang in the hills and mountains, as well as Madhesi communities in the Terai. Nepali was the official language and lingua franca, but many other languages were spoken, including Maithili, Limbu, Rai, and Tharu.
#### Religion
Hinduism was the predominant religion, followed by Buddhism, Kiratism, and Islam. The region is notable for its religious diversity and the coexistence of multiple faiths.
### Economy
The economy of the Eastern Development Region was primarily based on agriculture, forestry, tourism, and trade. The region’s diverse geography allowed for a variety of economic activities.
#### Agriculture
Agriculture was the mainstay of the region’s economy, employing the majority of the population. The Terai plains were the agricultural heartland, producing rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, and various fruits and vegetables. In the hills and mountains, terrace farming was common, with crops such as millet, barley, and potatoes.
#### Industry and Trade
The region had several industrial centers, particularly in the Terai districts of Morang and Sunsari, where agro-based industries, jute mills, and small-scale manufacturing were prominent. The proximity to the Indian border facilitated cross-border trade, making the region an important commercial hub.
#### Tourism
Tourism was a vital sector, especially in the mountainous areas. The Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest, attracted trekkers and mountaineers from around the world. Other attractions included Ilam’s tea gardens, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and various cultural heritage sites.
### Infrastructure and Transportation
The Eastern Development Region had relatively better infrastructure compared to other parts of Nepal, owing to its strategic location and economic importance.
#### Road Network
The region was connected by a network of highways and feeder roads. The East-West Highway, Nepal’s main arterial road, passed through the Terai districts, linking the region to the rest of the country. Several mountain roads connected hill and mountain districts to the plains.
#### Air Transport
The region was served by several domestic airports, including Biratnagar Airport, Bhadrapur Airport, and Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, which is the gateway to the Everest region. These airports facilitated passenger travel and cargo transport, especially to remote areas.
#### Communication
Telecommunication and internet services expanded significantly in the region during the early 21st century, improving connectivity and access to information.
### Education and Health
The Eastern Development Region had a relatively higher literacy rate compared to some other regions of Nepal. It hosted several educational institutions, including campuses affiliated with Tribhuvan University and other universities.
Healthcare facilities ranged from primary health posts in rural areas to hospitals in urban centers like Biratnagar and Dharan. However, access to quality healthcare remained a challenge in remote mountainous districts.
### Culture and Society
The Eastern Development Region was culturally rich and diverse, with numerous festivals, traditional practices, and languages.
#### Festivals
Major festivals included Dashain and Tihar, celebrated widely by Hindu communities, as well as Buddha Jayanti, Kirat festivals such as Sakela, and Muslim celebrations like Eid.
#### Arts and Handicrafts
The region was known for its traditional arts, including Thangka painting, wood carving, and textile weaving. Handicrafts from the region were popular among tourists and contributed to local livelihoods.
### Environmental Issues
The region faced several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and the impacts of climate change. The fragile Himalayan ecosystem was particularly vulnerable to glacial melting and natural disasters such as landslides and floods.
Conservation efforts were underway in protected areas like Sagarmatha National Park and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism.
### Transition to Federalism
With the promulgation of Nepal’s new constitution in 2015, the country transitioned from a unitary system with development regions to a federal system with seven provinces. The Eastern Development Region was dissolved as an administrative unit, and its territory was reorganized primarily into Province No. 1, with some areas incorporated into Province No. 2.
This change aimed to decentralize power further and provide greater autonomy to local governments, enhancing regional development and governance.
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**Meta Description:**
The Eastern Development Region was a key administrative division in eastern Nepal, known for its diverse geography, cultural richness, and economic significance. It was dissolved in 2015 following Nepal’s transition to a federal system.