The effects of Busaik (a term that refers to the trend of leaving rural areas to settle in urban areas for employment and better opportunities) are visible in Dhar village, where the courtyards are covered with colorful flowers and vegetables are grown in the backyards.
Water streams near homes are filled with clean water. Green rice paddies can be seen in the surrounding areas.
The red clay and white rooms have their windows decorated with curtains. The roofs of the houses are covered with clean tiles, and the mud walls and glass windows have been well-maintained.
This picturesque view of Rato Dhunga village, located on the banks of the Myagdi River alongside the Beni-Darbang road, around three kilometers away from the central Darbang market, with beautiful houses including Kausi and Bahrtali, has transformed into a tourist attraction in recent years.
As the main commercial center of western Myagdi, Darbang Bazaar has not affected Rato Dhunga village in terms of electricity and lights.
Some houses have been abandoned, resembling deserted alleys, while some have been left in ruins, creating a noticeable change in the village due to Busaik.
Rato Dhunga village, which was bustling about a decade ago, is now almost deserted.
While the upper and lower parts of the Beni-Darbang road have seen development with paved roads and various other infrastructures, the seven slate-roofed stone houses of Rato Dhunga have been left abandoned.
The local elder Vikal Sen explained this situation as the result of people moving away due to various reasons.
In search of better physical comfort and facilities, people are migrating from villages to cities after the decline of rural life and prosperity.
However, Busaik has become a challenge for Myagdi district, particularly Basaikot, where despite economic, social, and political strength and awareness, people are still choosing to settle in rural areas due to the convenience and quality of life they offer.
“In places where children’s facilities are available, people prefer to live there. It’s all about searching for convenience,” said local resident Sen, “Some leave due to obligations, and some migrate for better facilities.
The consequences are that villages are left empty, and towns are crowded.”
Inhabitants of Rato Dhunga village, who once left their nine houses and families to settle in the city, have left their beautifully built houses with paved courtyards behind. Ratodhunga Pari’s Kursumla village’s Mankumari Pun mentioned,
“Nine families from Rato Dhunga village have moved to Basaikot and then to Kathmandu and Pokhara, leaving the village in such a state.”
Despite the quest for better education, health, and physical facilities, Busaik has begun to impact Myagdi district.
Path Bahadur Roka, the chairman of Malika Rural Municipality-6, which includes Darbang Bazaar as the main commercial center of western Myagdi, stated,
“Even though Darbang Bazaar is developed with paved roads and business activities, Rato Dhunga village, which is just outside the bazaar, lacks electricity and light. The development of Darbang has resulted in Rato Dhunga being left in the dark.”
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