Lungri Rural Municipality

Lugri Rural Municipality is one of ten local levels within Rolpa District, Lumbini Province, Nepal. Named after the scenic Lugri River, the municipal center is located at Kilachaur, formerly Wardachaur VDC. The municipality is located 35 kilometers northeast of Rolpa's district headquarters, Liwang, and approximately 6 kilometers northeast of Sulichaur Bazaar in Sunil Smriti Rural Municipality.

Area and Population

Covering a total area of 135.23 square kilometers, Lugri Rural Municipality has a population of 26,539, as per the 2021 Census. There are 5,486 households, with 12,348 males and 14,191 females. It was formed by merging five previous VDCs: Wardachaur, Gumchal, Harjang, Pang, and Shirp, and is now divided into seven wards.

Borders and Boundaries

• East: Pyuthan District

• West: Sunil Smriti and Sunchhahari Rural Municipalities

• North: Sunchhahari Rural Municipality

• South: Pyuthan and Sunil Smriti Rural Municipalities

Naming of Lugri

Lugri Rural Municipality derives its name from the picturesque Lugri River, which originates from Uwa and Serma of Sunchhahari Rural Municipality. The naming was approved by the local restructuring committee and the Ministry of Local Development on 27 Falgun 2073 BS.

Climate and Geography

Lugri lies at an altitude ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The area experiences both warm and cold temperate climates.

• Temperature Range: -5°C to 32°C

• Rainfall: Heavy during Shrawan and Bhadra months; cold and frosty during winter months

Costume and Cultural Identity

Though dominated by Magar and Chhetri communities, the residents primarily speak Nepali while adopting many aspects of Magar culture. Traditional dress includes:

• Men: Traditional Magar hats and waistbands

• Women: Velvet blouse, “Gunyu,” “Gada,” yellow waistband, green/yellow beads, silver bangles

Demographics and Settlement

The population is mainly comprised of Magar and Chhetri, with minority groups including Bahun, Dashnami, Gurung, and Dalit communities.

Culture, Festivals, and Traditions

Cultural diversity is prominent, with widespread adoption of Magar customs. Common practices include:

• Forehead Tika: White rice and yogurt by indigenous groups; red tika and symbolic vessels by Chhetri/Brahmin communities during auspicious events

• Marriage: Predominantly through mutual consent and elopement, with formal family visits after 1–2 years

• Rituals: Naming ceremonies on the 6th day after birth, 13-day mourning after death

Geographical and Environmental Features

Situated between 900–2,500 meters above sea level, Lugri has diverse vegetation and wildlife supported by rivers and fertile lands.

Main Water Sources:

• Major River: Jutung Khola, with 13 tributaries

• Other Streams: Padhera Khola, Panikhola, Lakhurekhola, Ghareli, Khari, Sisnekhola, Sahu, Chilung, Firija

• Ponds and Water Sources: Lakhuradhara, Bhumethala, Magarthok, Jailepokhari, Amarpani, Simleri, Chadikola, Rangsi Chaki, and others

Natural Resources:

• Over 450 plant species

• 10 fish species

• 48 bird species

• 5 butterfly types

• 2 reptile species

Land Use and Irrigation

Approximately two-thirds of the land is forested, with only 10% of farmland equipped with irrigation. The rest relies on rainfall.

Administrative Division

Lugri was formed on 23 Falgun 2073 BS by merging five VDCs. It falls under Province Assembly Constituency 'A' of Rolpa District.

Economic and Social Overview

Around 42% of the land is arable, with 80% of residents engaged in agriculture and livestock. Commercial farming practices are growing, and the area shows promise in local enterprise and agro-based industries.

Key Figures:

• Active Agro-livestock Farms: 20

• Cottage/Small Industries: 25

• Shops/Businesses: Approx. 250

• Stone Quarries: 3

• Bank Branches: 1 (Nepal Bank Ltd.)

• Cooperatives: 6

Literacy and Infrastructure

• Literacy Rate: 57%

• Schools: 33 community schools (9 secondary, 24 basic level)

• Health Services: 6 health posts, 1 health unit

• Water Supply: 83.2% of households have piped water

• Roads: 188 km built; access to Sulichaur (6 km) facilitates transport

• Electricity: 70% of households connected to grid; 30% use solar power

• Cooking Fuel: 95% use firewood; 5% use LPG

Human Development and Poverty

Based on 2014 Human Development Report:

• HDI (Rolpa): 0.431

• National Rank: 74 out of 75 districts

• Life Expectancy: 68.39 years

• Poverty Rate: 26%

• Gini Coefficient: 5.62%

These indicators suggest similar socio-economic conditions within Lugri Rural Municipality.

Forests and Biodiversity

Forests cover approximately two-thirds of Lugri's total area, hosting a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Key Non-Timber Products:

• Medicinal Herbs: Timur, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Satwa, Gurans, Walnut, Tejpatta, Bel

• Timber and Trees: Pine, Sal, Chilaune, Uttis, Okhar

• Wildlife: Peacock, Kalij, Red Junglefowl, Deer, Monkey, Rabbit, Danphe, Ghoral, and various birds

Community forests are actively managed and benefit nearly 3,500 households.

Tourism and Green Development

Lugri offers immense potential for eco-tourism due to its clean rivers, biodiversity, and green cover. Local attractions include:

• Supadeurali

• Sunchhahari Waterfall

• Dadagaun

• Wardachaur Airport

Forests contribute significantly to erosion control and fuel resources. Local furniture industries (18 registered) highlight the economic potential of forest-based products.

Water Sources and Agriculture

Key springs and water systems have helped maintain soil fertility, with potential for expansion in irrigation and conservation. Major springs include:

• Bhumethala

• Panikhola

• Lakhurekhola

• Amarpani

• Simleri

• Chadi Khola

• Rangsi Chaki

• Kunapani

• and others

Greenery and watershed management can play a major role in both environmental balance and local economic development.

Inter-Governmental Collaboration

Effective coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments is necessary to implement sustainable programs in:

• Land and water conservation

• Green infrastructure

• Livelihood improvement through biodiversity-based industries