Manang, Apr. 23: Of the 85 local levels in Gandaki Province, Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality in Manang is the only local level which is yet to be connected to the road network. It takes two days to reach the rural municipality, which is situated 70 kilometres away from the district headquarters.

Despite the adoption of federalism, the situation of this rural municipality remains unchanged.  The Chairperson of the rural municipality, Tenzing Konjo Lama, said that the federal government has not yet acknowledged the issue even years after the country adopted federalism.

He said, “The federal and provincial governments may have neglected the rural municipality due to its extreme remoteness. If we consider the development here, Narpa Bhumi remains in a state of neglect. The government has shown no interest in developing this area despite its potential to showcase Nepal’s beauty and become a significant tourist destination.”

Locals have said that the government has ignored the crucial tourist areas. Sonam Tenzing Lama, Ward Chairperson of Narpa Bhumi-5, said that the absence of roads hinders the transportation of local products to the market. He said that unless support for Narpa Bhumi’s development extends beyond the local government, there remains a sense of neglect.

Mingma Tshiring Lama, the outgoing chairperson of the rural municipality, said that the area perceives government mistreatment due to its lack of interest in developing income-related areas.

He said, “I submitted requests to the federal and provincial governments multiple times to facilitate easier travel for locals, but my term ended without any response. I am still serving in the role of coordinator.” 

Despite the government not prioritising road construction, the rural municipality has emphasized the importance of road development, he added.

Tenzing, Chairperson of the rural municipality, said that when the necessary budget allocation was not provided, the municipality-initiated efforts to connect it to the road network by acquiring excavators and breakers. He added that thus far, 14 kilometres of roads have been excavated. The distance from the district headquarters to the centre of the rural municipality is 26 kilometres. 

Previously, the village lacked physical infrastructure. “The high Himalayan region of Narpa Bhumi lacks access to government. We have already established ward offices, health posts, school buildings, and border outposts. This should be acknowledged as development,” he added.

This municipality, situated close to the border with China, has planned commercial cultivation of herbs such as yarsagumba (Chinese caterpillar fungus). He expressed intentions to promote Zimbu (a herb belonging to the onion family) locally and internationally.

He expressed that managing employees has become a complex issue, as many are unwilling to work in highly remote areas. Phu village lies on the border with China, yet no border posts have been established there thus far.

Tenzing informed that there is ongoing discussion about establishing a Border Out Post (BOP) in Phu village to safeguard Narpa Bhumi. “For this purpose, we are currently searching for the necessary infrastructure and a parcel of land spanning seven to 10 ropanis.

Through all-party discussions, it has been agreed upon to establish the BOP. We have also been engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Minister regarding this matter. It is imperative to prioritise the security of the international border at the federal level,” he informed.

Similarly, Kangla Pass, standing at an elevation of 5,200 metres above sea level, is renowned as a tourist destination in this area. Terila Pass, which serves as the exit point for Mustang, is also situated in this region.

It is essential to facilitate ease of travel for tourists who use this footpath. The natural beauty of the area can be preserved if the federal and provincial governments collaborate to ensure that the development of the road network at the local level does not affect the footpaths adversely.