Balephi rural municipality is a local body under the Sindhupalchok district. Balephi Rural Municipality within 12 local levels (3 municipalities and 9 rural municipalities) in Sindhupalchok district, which is in the former medium development area of Bagmati province, was formed by adjusting the former village development committees of Jalbire, Fulpingkot, Fulpingdanda, Mankha, and others. This municipality is named after the Balefi River that flows through this municipality. Currently, there are 8 wards in this rural municipality.
Geographical Location
The total area of Balefi rural municipality is 61.87 km. The eastern border of the rural municipality is Bahrbise Municipality and the western border is connected with Chautara Sangachok Gadhi Municipality and Bramhayani River. Similarly, the northern border of Balefi Rural Municipality is connected with Jugal Rural Municipality and the southern border is connected with Sunkoshi Rural Municipality (Sunkoshi River). Balefi Bazar, the center of the municipality, is located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.
Population
According to the population census for the year 2068, the population of Balefi Rural Municipality was 18909. Out of which 9002 were male (47.60%) and 9907 were female (52.40%). According to the census, the number of members per family was 4.26 and the population density was 305.62 per square kilometer and there were 4429 households.
According to the national census 2078 BS, the total population of Balefi Rural Municipality is 17085, of which 8407 are males (49.2%) and 8678 are females (50.8%%).
According to this census, the total number of census houses is 4829 and the number of families is 4730. According to the census of 2078, the population density of Balefi is 277 square kilometres and the population growth rate is around -1.4%.
The total number of voters of Balefi was 16893 in the local level elections held on the 30th Baisakh of the year 2079. Out of which there were 8653 men and 8240 women, there were 10 polling stations and 21 polling centers for the election.
Educational Institutions
Educational institutions are the measure of the development of any municipality. In Balefi Rural Municipality, there are various educational institutions operating in the community and in institutional form. There are 28 child development centers, 19 primary schools, 5 basic schools, and 10 secondary schools within the municipality. Education up to the secondary level is provided by this educational institution. For higher education, there are educational institutions including Jalbire Valley Campus.
Some people go to different cities for higher education.
According to the census of the year 2068, the total literacy rate of Balefi Rural Municipality was 66.04%, of which 58.27% were women and 74.65% were men.
According to the 2078 census, the literacy rate of Balephi is 72.1%. Out of which 80 & are males and 64.5% are females.
Health Institutions
Quality healthcare is a need at every local level. Local levels should be able to deliver basic elements to the yard of citizens. There are health institutions that can provide basic services in almost all the wards of Balefi village. Jalbire Primary Health Center, Fulpingkot Health Post, Fulping Danda Health Post, and Mankha Health Post are the health institutions located here.
Cultural Diversity
As we know, Nepal is culturally full of unity in diversity. Cultural diversity is found in every local body here. Bahun, Chhetri, Tamang, Newar, and other castes live in Balefi Rural Municipality. They speak Nepali, Tamang, Newari, and other languages. People living here follow Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and other religions according to their faith. This is a good example of cultural diversity.
Forest
The forest is spread over an area of about 26.6 square kilometers of the total area of Balefi Rural Municipality. About 37 community forests have been formed to protect the forests here. Religious forests have helped to preserve the natural beauty. Spreading over 43% of the area, the forest here is rich in biological diversity.
Religious and Tourist Places
Balefi's Shiva temple, Khadichour market, Karma Dupgyuling monastery (Dhuskun), Balefi river, Jalbire market, Mankha, Lamosanghu, Fulpingkot, Fulping Danda Balefi hydropower project are religious and tourist places of Balephi Rural Municipality. Apart from this, there are many places with great potential in terms of tourism.
