DHANGADHI, Nov 18: A school-level art competition and a citywide cycle rally were organised in Dhangadhi to promote environmental awareness and encourage youth engagement in building a “Green, Clean, Safe and Bright” city envisioned by Mayor Gopal Hamal.
The art competition sought to involve students from both public and private schools in imagining a cleaner and more sustainable Dhangadhi, while the cycle rally aimed to promote eco-friendly mobility and inspire residents to adopt healthier, environmentally responsible lifestyles.
Since his election as an independent candidate in the 2022 local level election, Mayor Hamal has prioritised accountability, improved healthcare access, waste management, infrastructure development and education. His administration has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to advance the goal of transforming Dhangadhi into an ideal model city.
Independent candidate Hamal takes the lead in Dhangadhi Sub-me...
The rally began at Traffic Chowk and passed through LN Chowk and Campus Chowk before concluding at Gen Ji Marg. Around 300 cyclists, including Mayor Hamal, former provincial minister and provincial assembly member Ramesh Singh Dhami, professors, teachers, children, and members of the public, participated in the event. The rally was jointly organised by Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City and UNDP’s Green Transition Portfolio.
Mayor Hamal personally visited participating schools ahead of the art competition to motivate students to visualise the future of their city. According to UNDP Green Portfolio Support Associate Akriti Basnet, the competition was designed to engage young learners in envisioning a “clean, green, bright and safe Dhangadhi.”
A total of 138 students from government and private schools took part in the competition, which was held in two categories—primary and secondary. Through their artwork, students presented creative ideas on how they see Dhangadhi evolving in line with the city’s environmental goals. Organisers said these visual expressions could provide valuable insights for future plans and interventions.
In the secondary-level category, Sitaswi Chaudhary, a Grade 10 student at Three Star English Boarding School in Ward 8, won first place, outperforming participants from 62 schools across 19 wards. She received a trophy, certificate, and art materials from Provincial Assembly member Dhami.
Bhawana Chand of Shaileshwari Boarding School and Biraj Joshi of Gurukul Academy secured second and third positions respectively, each receiving trophies, certificates and art supplies.
In the primary-level category, Jharana Budha of Himal Academy took first place, followed by her schoolmate Reejhan Thakulla in second and Mukesh Bohara of Aristo English Boarding School in third. All winners were awarded trophies, certificates and art materials.
Addressing the award ceremony on Saturday, former provincial minister and provincial assembly member Dhami praised the municipality’s efforts and called for wider cooperation. He emphasised the importance of promoting cycling for both environmental sustainability and public health.
