We have been impractically ambitious in using natural resources and destroying the landscape. We turn and twist the natural flow of rivers and streams, wipe out forests for land and kill wild life for amusement. Development in science and technology has enabled us to create giant machines which, in a few minutes, can dig through hills and excavate tunnels that run deep into the earth. We do this to build roads and cities, but what we should be aware of is that we are denuding our environment for our selfish sake.

Thomas Robert Malthus, a scholar influential in the fields of political economy and demography, had said that it was us who had to restrict growth because of the lack of availability of resources and that it shouldn’t be the other way around. But as the consumption of natural resources grows more than ever—owing to human demands for development—very soon we are bound to bear dire consequences.

Kathmandu’s growth in the past two decades has been phenomenal, but with our advancement we are deteriorating the city’s atmosphere. Forty years ago, vultures would fly freely and nest in the same trees, which once shared space with us in the Valley. Today, spotting even eagles is a rare sight, let alone a vulture.

The prominence of environmental degradation can be seen through the condition of the Bagmati River that flows through the city. The water body has cultural, religious, historical and geographical importance. The Hindus consider water from Bagmati to be sacred.  During funerals, the water is sprinkled into the mouth of the deceased. It is also required while conducting Hawan and Yagya rituals.

Various social workers, private companies, NGOs and government bodies have been making an attempt on restoring Bagmati’s glory. Such attempts are commendable and have proved influential in encouraging the public to change their perception as well as their way of life. However, I do not comply with the extravagant manner that the cleanup activities are conducted. The need for people to come and clean the periphery of the river with banners, cards and loud speakers, instead of simple broomsticks and gloves, shows that they are trying to gain publicity rather than to carry out the deed for the welfare of the environment.  Bagmati has to be thoroughly cleaned at areas where it intersects with the city. And doing this alone will not suffice. The public should be made aware of their responsibility to keep the values of Bagmati intact by maintaining the cleanliness of the river. We must not throw garbage on its embankments. And most importantly, houses and colonies should build safety tanks because the sewage pipes that directly mix into the river contribute the most to the pollution of the river.

Mishra is a student of BSc Environmental Science and Management