Migration out of Sundarbazar on rise

KATHMANDU: The number of people relocating from Sundarbazar Municipality in Lamjung district has seen a significant rise in the current fiscal year, prompting concerns among local officials.

According to data from the municipality’s Social Security and Registration Section, 198 individuals from 72 families moved out of Sundarbazar between mid-July 2024 and the end of March 2025.

This marks a sharp increase compared to the previous fiscal year, when only 93 individuals from 28 families relocated.

MIS Operator Santosh Pokhrel stated that while outward migration has doubled, inward migration to Sundarbazar has also seen a noticeable increase. “Last fiscal year, 27 individuals from 13 families moved into the municipality. This year, that number has risen to 120 individuals from 39 families,” Pokhrel said.

Sundarbazar, which consists of 11 wards, is experiencing rapid urbanization in some areas while others remain remote and rural. According to Pokhrel, the trend shows that many residents from rural wards are moving into more developed market areas within the municipality. Migration from Sundarbazar to larger cities, although present, is comparatively lower.

Ward No. 3 recorded the highest outward migration this fiscal year, with 41 people from 14 families relocating, while Wards 5 and 10 had the lowest, with only two families and six individuals each moving out.

The main drivers of migration, according to acting Chief Administrative Officer Vivek Kumar Pandit, include the pursuit of better education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and investment prospects. “To curb this migration, our municipality needs to prioritize creating local job opportunities, operating technical education centers, and fostering an environment conducive to investment,” he said.

Mayor Krishna Prasad Koirala echoed similar concerns, noting that the number of people leaving the municipality exceeds those moving in. “This is a matter of concern for us. We are implementing programs aimed at improving employment and service delivery. We will continue to identify the causes of migration and work on targeted solutions,” he said.

Koirala added that various socio-economic factors—including financial aspirations, education, medical treatment, employment, business, and family ties—are influencing people to move to larger urban centers.