SIP Nepal

Dirt path beside a calm canal, distant people and trees on the horizon under a clear blue sky.

Social Innovation Platform

Nepal

Green Transition | Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City

SIP Snapshot

In Nepal, the Social Innovation Platform supports Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City (DSMC) in reimagining its development trajectory through an ambitious and community-driven Green Transition Portfolio. Building on local commitments and growing urban demands, the initiative reflects a timely shift toward integrated, inclusive, and environmentally responsive urban transformation. Co-created by DSMC and local communities, the portfolio links governance reform with tangible improvements in urban livability and inclusion while contributing to Nepal's SDG localization and federalization efforts. A Memorandum of Understanding between DSMC and UNDP guides the implementation of the portfolio, focusing on nature-based infrastructure, waster circularity, green jobs, and citizen-responsive service delivery.

Key Milestones

Portfolio Initiation Workshop | November 2024
Sensemaking and Portfolio Design Workshop | December 2024
Public Engagement Initiative (Deep Listening) | December 2025
Portfolio Learning Workshop | December 2025

Progress and Impact

The vision of a green, clean, bright and safe Dhangadhi has translated into tangible local action.

56 municipal officials and stakeholders have been engaged in portfolio development.
Over 18,500 trees have been planted through citizen contributions.
Over $ 7 million (NPR 0.1 billion) have been mobilized for community-led activities for green transition.
Over 81,000 students and 74,000 residents have participated in clean-up campaigns.
13 traditional ponds have been restored.
Plastic bags and flowers banned.

The Dhangadhi Green Transition Portfolio at a glance

City Profile

Dhangadhi is a rapidly growing city located in the far-western region of Nepal, serving as the administrative and economic hub of Sudurpashchim Province. Established as a municipality in 1976 and upgraded to a sub-metropolitan city in 2015. Spanning an area of around 261 square kilometers, Dhangadhi is home to a population of approximately 200,000 residents.

Strategically positioned near the India–Nepal border, Dhangadhi plays a vital role in cross-border trade, transport, and regional connectivity. The city’s economy is primarily driven by commerce, services, and agriculture, with emerging opportunities in education, tourism, and small-scale industries.

Aerial photograph of a small town street with colorful buildings and trees under a cloudy sky. — Aerial view of Dhangadhi

Challenges and Opportunities

Dhangadhi faces urban challenges common to fast-growing secondary cities—including unplanned expansion, limited waste management infrastructure, and vulnerability to climate-induced flooding. However, recent efforts in integrated urban planning, local governance strengthening, and climate resilience initiatives are positioning Dhangadhi as a key regional growth center promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development.