Our previous article listed the names of Nepal’s five most developed cities. But we all know Nepal comprises undeveloped regions more than developed ones. There are people who live below the poverty line; there are many villages where even the primary means of living are unavailable. People live without electricity, transportation facility, and even primary health care. Therefore in the article, we are talking about the five least developed places in Nepal. People in this area are forced to live in the absence of basic requirements for living.
Table of Contents
OkhalDhunga
OklalDhunga is the first name on this list. It is by far the most back warded district of Nepal. It has a population of only 146832. Among them, 59815 are male and 58081 are female. The name of this district was derived from Okhal, which means grinding stone, a large grinding stone is present in its headquarters, and that’s how it got its name. There is one municipality in Okhaldhunga of Khosi Pradesh named Siddhicharan Municipality.
Despite living in extreme poverty, Okhaldhunga gave birth to many brave citizens. It is known as the ‘District of Martyrs’. In the People’s Movement in 2007 for democracy, more than 56 people died from Okhaldhunga.
Despite being very beautiful and naturally gifted, it is surprising why Okhaldhunga is still so back-warded. The district has an excellent view of Sagarmatha, Kanchenjunga, Gaurishankar, Tholedemba, Taklung, Rawadelu, and many other mountains. The sparkling springs Pokali, Lipu, Patle, Sepli, Dhikure, and more are the gem of the district.
If the Government does proper management, this city can develop as a tourist destination. The district also has tremendous potential in slate production. Many slate ores are present in the hills of Khiji Khijee, Ragani, and Dandapakha of Okhaldhunga.
If Government puts focus on that, the slate can be extracted, processed, and sold. This will be an economic achievement for Okhaldhunga and the nation as a whole. Also, despite having huge potential in the copper and iron industries, Okhladhunga is very much back warded.
People make their living through agriculture and the few products they produce with the traditional farming method. Agriculture is also another potential in Okhaldhunga, so if the farmers get good training and learn to produce cash crops like tea, coffee, and cardamom, then for sure their living standards can be raised.
Nowadays, few people are doing that, but still, it lacks proper management skills, and they have been unable to make the most of it.
Solukhumbu
Solukhumbu is another very undeveloped district of Nepal. It lies in the Kirat Province of eastern Nepal, and Limbu, Bhotes, Gurungs, and other ethnic groups reside in the area. The district’s name came from the sub-regions it consists of, i.e., Solu and Khumbu. Solududhkunda Municipality lies in Koshi Province in Solukhumbu District.
Solukhumbu lies in province number one as per the new federal system. The district has a total area of 3,312 square km, and as per the census of 2011, the population of the district is 105886. But in 2020, the population sure has declined because of its state and conditions. Many people have already left the place, and only a few very low-income families currently live in this region. And those mainly remaining reside in the headquarters Salleeri and the other part is almost empty.
It is a shame that the district that is home to The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest itself, is so far in terms of development. Tourism is one of the main economic activities in this area. Since Mount Everest lies in this district, many tourists arrive in the community every year, which is how people make a living there. Agriculture is not very favorable for Solukhumbu as per its climate. It is always cold, and in winter, it disrupts many normal activities.
SankhuwaSabha
Another very remote district in Nepal is Sankhuwasabha District. It also lies in the Himalayan region and borders Solukhumbu. Being in the Himalayan region, this district’s infrastructures, including transportation, are less developed. This has made living very difficult in these regions.
Sankhuwasabha has a total area of 3,480 km² with a population of 158,742 as of the census 2011. It lies in province number one as well with five municipalities. Many people of SankhuwaSabha work in bordering countries Tibet and China to make a living. With only 46 people per square kilometer, Sankhuwasabha is highly in need of human resources.
But unfortunately, it is so far behind the development that there is a significantly less population, and those who live, live in extreme poverty. Chhetri, Rai, Tamang, Kulung, Sherpa, Kirat Rai, and Gurung are the main caste groups in this region. With a poverty rate of 26 % and a literacy rate of 69%, Sankhuwasabha is still behind in terms of development.
Taplejung
Taplejung is one of the most remote districts of Nepal. It lies in northeastern Nepal and is home to The world’s third-highest mountain. Kanchenjunga stands 8586 m high and lies in the district. Despite having tremendous potential in Tourism, hydropower, and agriculture, this district is still underdeveloped. The primary source of income for people is agriculture. They make their living through agriculture, but this is not commercialized well. Because of this, many people even live below the poverty line.
Taplejung is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas in eastern Nepal, with tremendous tourism potential. It offers spectacular views of many Himalayan peaks, including the 13 highest peaks in the world. Taplejung also has the longest blue glacier, i.e., The Yalung, in the world.
The diversity in terms of flora and fauna is another treasure of Tapleung. There is a rich forest with more than 200 species of birds and animals. But unfortunately, despite having all this, it is one of the most undeveloped districts of Nepal. The place is home to indigenous Limbu people. Other than this few other ethnic groups also reside in this place.
Panchthar
Panchthar district is another district from the Kirat state of the eastern region of Nepal. It is one of the very back-warded districts of Nepal. It has an area of 1,241 square kilometers and a population of 191,817 population. People have very less access to modern-day facilities.
Phidim is the district headquarters of this district. But even the headquarter is very back-warded. People in Panchthar are forced to live without facilities and face extreme poverty.
People make their living through agriculture and mainly farming. Currently, most young people either go abroad or come to work in cities to support their families.
