Mass migration empties villages in Baglung

KATHMANDU: The rural settlements of Jaimini Municipality in Baglung district are turning increasingly desolate due to rising migration.

As more and more locals leave their villages, fertile lands lie fallow and traditional homes fall into disrepair.

The growing trend of seeking better facilities has led to an exodus from villages to urban areas. Jaimini Municipality is currently recognized as the most migration-affected local unit in the district.

According to municipal data, a total of 1,709 people from 482 households have migrated out of Jaimini in the past two years alone.

In the Nepali calendar year 2080 BS, 947 individuals from 263 families left the municipality. In 2081 BS, 762 people from 219 households moved away.

In contrast, only 86 individuals from 26 families have migrated into Jaimini during the same two-year period.

Specifically, 42 people from nine families arrived in 2080 BS, while 44 people from 17 families settled in 2081 BS.

Tara Prasad Paudel, head of the registration section of the municipality, stated that Wards 8 and 6 saw the highest and lowest migration rates respectively. In Ward 8 alone, 403 people from 107 households migrated over the last two years.

Migration figures for other wards are as follows:

Ward 1: 157 people from 42 households

Ward 2: 258 people from 77 households

Ward 3: 100 people from 34 households

Ward 4: 191 people from 52 households

Ward 5: 83 people from 24 households

Ward 6: 55 people from 14 households

Ward 7: 186 people from 54 households

Ward 9: 129 people from 39 households

Ward 10: 147 people from 39 households

Most of the migrating families have relocated to Chitwan, Nawalparasi, and Butwal, Paudel informed.

Deputy Mayor Harihar Sharma emphasized that the municipality is actively working to curb migration by encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting self-reliance among locals. “We have extended roads, drinking water, electricity, health services, and education to nearly every village,” he said.

Despite these developments, many people still prefer urban life. “Human desires are limitless,” Sharma stated. “While our resources may be limited, we are committed to providing quality services and launching programs that foster local enterprise and income generation. We believe there is great potential in our villages and continue to invest in their growth.”