BANKE, July 14: Although suicide remains a serious social challenge in Lumbini Province, recent data suggests a declining trend in the region. Stakeholders attribute the decline to growing awareness of mental health, increased education, and greater acceptance of alternative ways to deal with personal problems.
Data from the Lumbini Province Police Office also indicates a gradual improvement. While suicide cases have decreased or remained stable in most districts, some areas continue to witness a rise.
According to Information Officer Sharada Prasad Chaudhary, 1,321 people died by suicide in the province in fiscal year 2023/24. The figure increased slightly to 1,326 in 2024/25 before declining to 1,210 in 2025/26.
District-wise data shows that Dang recorded 201 suicide cases in 2023/24, 222 in 2024/25, and 199 in 2025/26, totaling 622 cases over three years. Rupandehi recorded 254, 255, and 203 cases respectively, with a three-year total of 712.
Kapilvastu reported 123, 122, and 143 cases during the same period, while Bardiya recorded 136, 149, and 146 cases. Banke reported 116, 144, and 113 cases, showing a decline after an increase in the second year.
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Similarly, Pyuthan recorded 78, 78, and 85 cases; Nawalparasi 105, 98, and 76; Palpa 88, 69, and 70; Rolpa 63, 58, and 58; and Gulmi 86, 68, and 60. Police data shows Arghakhanchi recorded 55, 54, and 47 cases, while Eastern Rukum recorded 8, 9, and 7 cases over the three-year period.
The data indicates that Tarai districts have comparatively higher suicide rates. Dang, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Bardiya, and Banke together recorded more than 2,500 suicide cases in three years.
A social expert said the higher number of cases in these districts could be linked to population growth, rapid urbanization, economic competition, employment pressure, and changing family structures.
However, the declining trend has not been observed across all districts. Kapilvastu recorded 143 suicide cases in 2025/26, an increase from the previous year. Bardiya has also shown a continuous rise, while Pyuthan recorded an increase in recent years.
Experts say economic stress, challenges related to foreign employment, family conflicts, substance abuse, and limited access to mental health services continue to increase risks in some areas. They also point out that mental health problems often remain unrecognized, especially in rural communities.
Advocate Saraswati Sharma said increased awareness and access to education have contributed to the decline in suicide cases in recent years.
"In the past, people often turned to suicide immediately when facing problems. But now, many seek solutions, discuss issues with family members, and seek counselling," she said. "Suicide rates are declining due to growing awareness and education, as more people are focusing on problem-solving rather than suicide."
She added that mental health programs conducted by schools, communities, and local governments have become increasingly effective. According to her, social media, radio, television, and local campaigns have helped spread information about stress management, family communication, and counselling.
Police officials also credited community-level awareness programs, school counselling initiatives, and coordination with local governments for the positive changes. They believe declining suicide cases in districts such as Banke, Rupandehi, Gulmi, and Arghakhanchi could be linked to these efforts.
Information Officer Chaudhary said cooperation among police, local governments, and social organizations is ongoing to reduce suicide cases.
"Although the data shows improvement, every suicide is a major loss for families and communities. Therefore, prevention efforts must be made more effective," he said.
Overall, data shows a decline in suicide cases in Lumbini Province over the past three years. However, rising cases in districts such as Kapilvastu, Bardiya, and Pyuthan highlight the need to expand mental health services, improve access to counselling, and strengthen community-level awareness programs.
