Although Sankhuwasabha, a mountainous district of Koshi Province, is considered rich in geography, culture, and natural heritage, development has not been able to pick up the pace as expected by the people.

The world's lowest Arun Valley at 457 meters and the world's fifth highest Mount Makalu at 8,463 meters are located in this district. But despite spending about 40 billion rupees on development in the last five years, economic, social and structural changes have not been able to make a significant leap. The district has a population of 159,206 and has five municipalities, five rural municipalities and 76 wards.

This district, which is located in the Representative Assembly Constituency-1, has 119,630 voters. Although there are 3 people's representatives in the Union and Provincial Assemblies, locals have been complaining that the results are not promising.

12 percent of the district's citizens are still below the poverty line. There are statistics that 0.36 percent of the workforce is in third countries for employment. Although agriculture, animal husbandry, tourism and small industries contribute to local income, there is no tangible achievement in job creation.

Rudraksha, cardamom, alloko cloth and chainpure karuwa are the district's identity, but due to the lack of expected initiatives in product protection, branding and market expansion, local Chhatramani Panta says that it has not contributed significantly to the local economy.

The main sources of income of the district are agriculture, animal husbandry, tourism and small industries. Rudraksha, chiraito, cardamom, alloko cloth and chainpure karuwa are the original products here. The utensils made from chainpure karuwa and bronze are considered a unique example of Nepali metallurgy. However, due to the lack of market access, branding, processing and export management of the products, farmers and artisans have not been able to get a fair price.

Although the production of cardamom and rudraksha is good, farmers are disappointed due to price instability, lack of storage and market access problems. Although local levels have increased investment in cooperatives and agricultural infrastructure, there is no significant change in overall income.

In the energy sector, large projects are underway. Almost 75 percent of the work of the 900 MW Arun III Hydropower Project has been completed. Similarly, the 1,063 MW Upper Arun Hydropower Project, Arun 4 Hydropower Project and Lower Arun Hydropower Project are under construction.

Although these projects are expected to contribute to national energy production, their direct benefits have not yet been seen at the local level. Of the 10 local levels, Bhotkhola Rural Municipality has not yet received an electricity transmission line. Only about 60 percent of the district has access to electricity.

Road infrastructure is incomplete  Locals say that due to incomplete road infrastructure, it is difficult to transport agricultural products to the market, increase access to health services and promote tourism.

Sankhuwasabha is also considered an important district in terms of tourism. The world's fifth highest peak, Makalu Himal, Makalu-Barun National Park, the Tinjure-Milke-Jalajle region famous for Gurans, and Kimathangka connected to China are centers of attraction for tourists.

In addition, Sabha Pokhari, Dudh Pokhari, Gufa Pokhari, Gupteshwor Cave, Siddhakali Temple, Manakamana Dham and Shivdhara, Khyampalung are potential destinations for religious and natural tourism. However, due to lack of adequate infrastructure and publicity, tourism has not been able to generate the expected income.

Geographical extremes have made the district a center of biodiversity, water resources and tourism. The Varun Valley, which falls within the Makalu-Barun National Park, is considered rich in biodiversity. This area is home to rare wildlife and flora. The trekking route that reaches the Mera Peak Himal in Solukhumbu via Makalu has the potential to attract foreign tourists.

Jiwanath Khanal of Khandbari says, 'There has been a lot of investment, but there has been no change in the standard of living.' If the benefits received from the energy project are converted into local prosperity, tourism infrastructure is strengthened, agricultural products are linked to the market and good governance is strengthened, Sankhuwasabha can experience change, he said.

Farmers have to suffer in transporting their produce to the market due to the lack of roads, he said. It is difficult to take patients to hospitals in remote areas on time. He said that potential income is being lost due to the lack of easy access to the tourism sector.

Access to education and health is challenging

There are 413 educational institutions and 125 government health institutions in the district. 74 secondary schools, 245 basic schools, 14 institutional schools and seven campuses and the Vidushi Yommaya Himalayan Ayurveda University are in operation.
Although the number seems sufficient, there is no easy access to education and health services in remote villages. Khandbari Small Urban Water User Committee and some large water supply projects in rural areas are in a state of disarray. Government data states that 70 percent of the area has access to drinking water and 50 percent of the citizens have access to the internet.