Forty-five organisations, including government agencies, NGOs, INGOs, local clubs, have submitted an application to High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization (HPCIDBC) in a bid to preserve Bagmati River and restore the river to its former state.

Out of them, 22 have already signed an agreement to build parks, children playground, open meditation centres and greenery plantation on the either side of the river along 58-km stretch from Gokarna to Sundhari Ghat, according to the committee.  

Ram Gayal Yadav, plantation expert at the committee, said a total of 250 ropani land on the banks of the holy river would be converted into a resting place for Kathmandu denizens with added greenery. Officials estimate the total cost of the project at Rs 25 million.  

“Creating parks, beautifying the Bagmati River banks is an ongoing process. The initiatives taken by various organisations is a welcoming move,” said Yadav, adding that eight of the organisations have already set up parks in various areas.

While the Non Resident Nepali Association is building a park in the Sankhamul Ghat area, Art of Living is building a disable-friendly park from the Manohara confluence to Banglamukhi bridge, where elderly people can avail health check-up at a clinic for free.

Similarly, Nepal Army is handling 50 ropanis of land from Balkhu bridge to Sundharighat while the Community Police Service is working on 26 ropanis in Minbhawan area.

A month ago, President Bidyha Devi Bhandari had inaugurated Children’s Park at Guheshwori to mark the 150th week of Clean Bagmati Campaign.