Recently, I heard a Member of Parliament representing Kavre district comment on Karnali during a session of the House of Representatives. He questioned whether Karnali even had leaders, given the lack of development there.
I am unsure whether his remarks stemmed from sympathy or contempt. If it was sympathy, the people of Karnali will likely take it positively.
It is true that Karnali lags behind other provinces in terms of infrastructure and development. However, its potential for growth is equally strong. Karnali is one of Nepal’s oldest regions in terms of language, civilization, and culture.
Historically, it carries the legacy of the ancient Khas Empire, while geographically, the Karnali River and its tributaries make it a vital reservoir for irrigation and hydropower.
Economically, religiously, and culturally, Karnali represents the ancient Silk Road route that once connected Nepal with Mansarovar and Central Asia. Although Karnali faces significant challenges, it also holds immense opportunities.
Despite difficulties, inadequate infrastructure, and perceptions of backwardness, Karnali is geographically remote yet naturally prosperous. This natural wealth holds the key to its future development.
Karnali covers 20.53 percent of Nepal’s total land area but is home to only about 6 percent of the population. Its mountains, hills, grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes, and agricultural land hold vast potential for specialized agricultural and medicinal products.
Historically, Karnali has been marginalized and neglected by the state. However, federalism has begun to draw new lines of development in the region. While progress has been slow, signs of positive change are visible.
When I worked in Nepalgunj in 2065/066 BS, the road from Nepalgunj to Surkhet wasn’t fully paved—let alone the roads to Jajarkot, Kalikot, or Jumla. Today, vehicles travel directly from Jumla’s district headquarters to Kathmandu, albeit on narrow and challenging roads.
Nonetheless, the road network has expanded, and the Karnali Highway today is arguably easier to drive than the Butwal-Narayangadh-Daunne-Mugling stretch of the country’s main highway—though neither is perfect.
The question arises: are there no leaders in Karnali? Leaders exist everywhere in Nepal, including Karnali. However, whether they have been able to leave a significant mark on national politics—or on the development of their home region—is another matter. This is a concern not just for Karnali, but for all parts of Nepal.
It is also true that the absence of strong national-level leadership from Karnali has meant fewer Karnali-friendly policies and interventions. While multiple prime ministers have emerged from other provinces, no leader from Karnali has yet ascended to the nation’s top executive post.
This lack of political clout has limited Karnali’s access to state resources and slowed its economic and social development.
Mugu boasts Rara Lake and Rara National Park, home to rare species like the Danfe and Kasturi. Dolpa’s jewel is Se Phoksundo Lake, alongside many mountains and religious sites.
Karnali’s geography—with its mountains and hills—makes building infrastructure challenging. But this is only part of its identity.
The province is home to treasures like Rara Lake, Se Phoksundo Lake, the route to Mansarovar-Kailash, numerous pristine rivers and waterfalls, ancient monasteries, temples, traditional costumes, festivals, and indigenous technologies.
Karnali is rich in valuable herbs, a golden land for apple cultivation and traditional crops. Yet, the government has not shown sufficient will to invest here, nor have big industries, businesses, or investors stepped forward.
As a result, the doors to development remain largely unopened, despite the province’s vast potential.
Sectors like hydropower, herbal medicine, tourism, and hospitality hold immense opportunities but remain underdeveloped. Investment in these areas is still extremely low.
Public education, despite increased enrollment rates, continues to face high dropout rates and needs urgent reform. Awareness programs must be expanded to strengthen education outcomes.
The region’s abundant natural resources remain underutilized. Tourism destinations like Rara, Phoksundo, and Mansarovar Marg are significant yet attract only limited visitors. No large or medium-sized industries have been established, and the service sector is still weak. The lack of processing industries for herbs and minerals has prevented value addition, weakening Karnali’s competitiveness in trade.
Surkhet, the provincial capital, is a bright spot. Birendranagar, once envisioned by King Birendra, is emerging as one of Nepal’s largest and most planned cities. With broad roads, public spaces, and new infrastructure under a master urban plan, Surkhet is transforming rapidly.
What Karnali needs now is meaningful investment, visionary leadership, and determined policy action to turn its immense potential into reality.
The nearly completed Surkhet Stadium is a national model, while historical and natural sites like Kankre Bihar, Bulbule Lake, and Gurase Danda are attracting growing numbers of domestic and foreign tourists.
The Clock Tower in Surkhet has become a popular gathering spot for the younger generation.
In Dailekh, sites like Panchakoshi, Shristhan, Nabisthan, and the 22 historic temples add religious and cultural value. Similarly, Jumla stands out with attractions like the Chandannath Temple, Bhairav Nath Temple, Sinja Valley, Tatopani hot springs, apple orchards, and Karnali Technical College.
Mugu boasts Rara Lake and Rara National Park, home to rare species like the Danfe and Kasturi. Dolpa’s jewel is Se Phoksundo Lake, alongside many mountains and religious sites.
The Badimalika Temple between Kalikot and Bajura and Kupundedaha in Salyan further add to Karnali’s rich tapestry of cultural and natural heritage.
With the establishment of the Jumla Institute of Health Sciences, aspiring medical students across Nepal are finding new opportunities in Karnali.
Despite difficulties, inadequate infrastructure, and perceptions of backwardness, Karnali is geographically remote yet naturally prosperous. This natural wealth holds the key to its future development.
What Karnali needs now is meaningful investment, visionary leadership, and determined policy action to turn its immense potential into reality.
(The author works on various development projects in Karnali.)
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