BAGMATI Under Threat

The ruining of Bagmati river has been swift. Only a decade ago, waters of Bagmati river were considerably cleaner. The clean and cool waters of Bagmati, the holiest river in Nepal that passes by Pashupatinath — one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, has now turned into the dumping ground of litters and rubbish. The pressure on the river system has increased astronomically as the population of the Kathmandu valley shots up. Although the riverbanks could have been developed as areas for greenery and parks with healthy recreation centers, when open spaces are vanishing, the controversies and misplaced campaigns have derailed any such prospects for the time being. Furthermore, the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen of the villages south of Kathmandu valley have been endangered as they now find thick stream of squalor mending its way through their villages.  In the absence of properly demarcated river area and unchecked encroachment, the river has transformed into a thick, black, filth-filled gutter that slowly crawls through the heart of the capital city emanating stench and instilling one simple question in the mind of every passer-by — where did we fail?

By SANJAYA DHAKAL

Shri Ram Acharya is a resident of a small village on the banks of Bagmati river in Khokana village development committee some 20 kilometer south of Kathmandu city. Situated just across Chobhar, Acharya's village used to depend fully upon water of Bagmati river for many purposes including irrigation and fishing; but no more.

 In the last couple of years, the increasing volume of pollution in the river has meant that the villagers now fear using the river water even for irrigation purposes. "We are not sure whether it is a river or a gutter. A decade ago we used to respect the Bagmati river and we were honored to use it as a Jal (holy water) from Pashupatinath," said Acharya, who is also the president of National Water Consumers Federation, at a recent public hearing on Bagmati river.

Encroached river banks : A cause for concern

Acharya says that the villagers have now stopped using the river water for irrigation. "The filth-filled water hampered the productivity of fields. The fertile land in our village has turned into desert. Even fishermen in our village have stopped their traditional occupation, as there are no fishes left in the river. It is unfortunate that people of Kathmandu could be so rude that they forget that villages exist in their southern part and that they also depend on Bagmati river."

The pollution in Bagmati river has had a cascading effect on the lives of not only the city-dwellers but also the villagers.

"Bagmati is not merely a river but a civilization. The degradation of Bagmati river is the degradation of the civilization. The deterioration, encroachment and abuse of Bagmati civilization included dilapidation of river, its tributaries, Maths, temples, ghats and so on," said Hutaram Baidya, a renowned campaigner for controlling pollution in Bagmati (see box).

State of Pollution

It does not need any expert analysis to say that pollution is increasing by leaps and bounds in the Bagmati river. Even so, the research carried out recently has proved what has been obvious. The Environment and Public Health Organization, an NGO, had conducted the research on Bagmati river.

According to its study, the level of pollution at certain points in Bagmati river are alarming. While the normal Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of river is around 40 mg/l, at certain points it was found in excess of 400. "Our research showed that on average the COD of the water of the Bagmati river was 25 in Sundarijal, 37 in Aryaghat area in Pashupati (due to diversion of sewage and availability of Guheshwori treatment plant), 455 in Tilganga, 423 in Minbhawan and 454 in Chobhar. This shows how the level of pollution increases as the river approaches its outlet from the valley in Chobhar. Interestingly, as the river passes out from the valley, the pressure on it reduces considerably and due to natural self-purification mechanism of the river, its COD comes down to 25 when it reaches Gaur in Rautahat. So, when Bagmati flows into Indian side, it is already clean. In our research we have not been able to monitor another standard used in measuring river pollution that is Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). But since the ratio of COD to BOD is generally found to be 3:1, we can get the idea," said Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, executive director of ENPHO.

"The level of BOD and COD in Bagmati river is, indeed, very disturbing. The authorities are running out of time in their attempt to save the river," Dinesh Manandhar, an engineer with expertise on water management.

"This year, the foul odor emanated by polluted Bagmati river has been particularly strong," said Sushil Prasai, a resident of Kopundole, which lies on the banks of the river.

The pollution in Bagmati river is caused by several factors like throwing of garbage directly, encroachment of river banks, withdrawal of sand and the disposal of untreated wastewater. Over 40 MLD (million liters a day) of wastewater is generated in Kathmandu and domestic households contribute a whopping over 80 percent of this. The waste effluents from industries and factories contribute to 7 percent of the total wastewater. These are all thrown into the Bagmati river. The practice of withdrawing sands from the riverbank has also affected. Sands act as natural purifier. They trap pollutants and also maintain steady water table. The rampant digging of the sands for commercial purposes has destabilized the whole river system. "The course of the river has already changed at many places," says Baidya.

Effects of Pollution

The most visible impact of pollution in Bagmati has been on the aesthetic part. River, everywhere are considered as jewels of cities that lie on its banks. But the degradation of Bagmati has severely defaced the beauty of Kathmandu.

Then, there are socio-cultural and religious aspects that are at risk. "Our civilization is linked with Bagmati. All of our activities related to river have been hampered by the pollution. The practice of taking holy ablution in the Bagmati river has vanished around the city as people fear the water of Bagmati instead of respecting them. They do not touch water even when performing Puja. I have seen people taking water from their homes when they go to Aryaghat for performing cremation of their loved ones. The ceremony of worshipping river has all but stopped. Such is the tendency now that people wrap up their litters and throw it into the river. All this has led to extreme pollution in the river," said Baidya.

Greenery and Parks

Concentrating too much on reviving the river based on its cultural and religious aspects, the activists, however, have ignored another equally important part that could help in river conservation.

One way the lost glory of holy Bagmati could have been restored was through developing proper parks and green belts around the riverbank. In fact, there exist a plan to build UN Park in Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali area. But the project is in jeopardy as controversies have erupted regarding its utility and a case has been filed against it in the apex court, which has issued a stay order.

Although campaigners have said that building parks and restaurants in the river banks could undermine the Bagmati river, there are experts who say that it might actually be a blessing in disguise. "With properly managed parks and recreation centers, the river would be conserved and encroachment can be prevented," said an official on condition of anonymity. "Unfortunately, such plans are vehemently opposed by NGOs who charge that they will further ruin the river."

"Why is there the plan to build UN Park at a stretch from Shankhamul to Teku where large number of historic monuments lie," asked Prakash Mani Sharma, a lawyer associated with the Pro Public, at a public hearing on Bagmati river held recently.

Likewise, there are also concepts for developing green belts with flower beds around the river banks. "We have the concept of developing flower nurseries aside the river banks that will not only add to the beauty of the city but also open up avenues for economic growth," said Santosh Sharma of Tripureshwore.

Following the stay order issued by court, the plan of UN Park has been pushed to back burner and the land allocated for the park continues to be encroached. "The situation is such that there will be no land left within a couple of years. Where have our so-called conservationists gone now when the riverbanks are being increasingly intruded? Can they evict the encroachers?" asked a local resident. "In the name of preserving the river, they are encouraging the further destruction of river."

Solution for River Pollution

Experts suggest there are many ways to solve the problem of river pollution. Establishing treatment plants and wetlands could be an answer. "Although there are six different water treatment plants in Kathmandu, only one in Guheshwori is operational," said Dr. Shrestha.

According to Dinesh Manandhar, instead of building big treatment plants, it would be better to set up smaller plants and bio-filters that will run at community level.

In its interpretation on a public litigation, filed by advocate Bharat Mani Gautam, the Supreme Court has stated that the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 recognizes environment as fundamental right to life. "In the case of Bharat Mani Gautam Vs the government in 2054, the apex court has said that personal liberty is the most important liberty and that it requires clean and healthy environment to prosper," said Lalit Bahadur Basnet, a practicing lawyer at the Supreme Court.

The court had even issued a mandamus order to the government to take necessary steps to prevent and control pollution in rivers like Bagmati and Bishnumati while deciding the case. "Unfortunately, the order does not seem to have been implemented," said Basnet

As the various initiatives to control and prevent pollution in Bagmati have apparently failed to achieve the desired results, the residents of Kathmandu valley are compelled to witness what environmentalists have been saying as the slow death of Bagmati civilization.

Bagmati river system consists of streams like Bishnumati, Manohara, Dhobikhola, Icchumati (Tukucha), Nakkhu, Hanumante, Karmanasa and Godavari river with a wide areas of banks. In absence of proper plans, the riverbanks, which can inject greenery and life in the valley, is being left to degrade.

Unless authorities and civil society do something, the river system in the valley could further worsen triggering a number of anomalies in society.

"Bagmati Is Not Merely A River But A Civilization"

— Hutaram Baidya

Hutaram Baidya has been leading a campaign to clean Bagmati river since last one and a half decade. An octogenarian, Baidya, is the first agricultural engineer of the country. He spoke to SANJAYA DHAKAL about increasing pollution in the river. Excerpts:

Since when did you involve in Bagmati cleaning campaign?

It was after the restoration of democracy that people got the right to speak out against various problems. That was when we began to take up the issue of cleaning Bagmati river. Over the years, we received cooperation and goodwill from not only government but also civil society. Initially, we worked as a group but after a few years, I left the group preferring to work alone. But when people like myself began to raise demands for demarcating the Bagmati river areas, the government began to back out perhaps because it posed many problems to Guthi Sansthan and Survey department.

How do you find the state of Bagmati at present?

Bagmati is not merely a river but a civilization. The degradation of Bagmati river is the degradation of the civilization. The deterioration, encroachment and abuse of Bagmati civilization included dilapidation of river, its tributaries, Maths, temples, ghats and so on.

How important is Bagmati to us?

River is the mother of all civilization. Bagmati has a tremendous importance in the socio-cultural, religious and other day-to-day life of ours. The water of Bagmati river is part and parcel of everyday life of people of Kathmandu. Not only its water but even sands are useful. Sands of Bagmati are necessary to perform various religious rituals including Ghatasthapana.

How severe has been the effect of deterioration of Bagmati river on the life of people?

Our civilization is linked with Bagmati. All of our activities related to river has been hampered by the pollution. The practice of taking holy ablution in the Bagmati river has vanished around the city as people fear the water of Bagmati instead of respecting them. They do not touch water even when performing Puja. I have seen people taking water from their homes when they go to Aryaghat for performing cremation of their loved ones. Other rituals like Shraddha have also been affected. The ceremony of worshipping river has all but stopped. Such is the tendency now that people wrap up their litters and throw it into the river. All this has led to extreme pollution in the river.

So what should be done now?

Nobody has given ample thought on how to clean the river. There is a high powered committee to clean the sewerage in Guheshwori. The issue of its effectiveness is another matter altogether. However, we need a central high powered authority that can look into every aspect of the river. The Bagmati river system includes temples, ghats, Maths, bridges and so on. There has to be coordination among various agencies to realize the objective of cleaning the water of Bagmati river. Therefore, one umbrella body is required to carry out the task in hand. One of the most effective instrument could be teaching young students about the importance of keeping the river clean. We see that middle-aged persons are involved in their household matters and have no time to give attention to these kinds of problems. Elderly people have no energy to do anything. Youngsters lack in decisive power. So it is up to the young boys and girls who if adequately educated about river system can play a major role in convincing their family members and other members of society regarding the significance of pollution-free river. It is true that the population of the city has increased by leaps and bounds and the pressure of the Bagmati river increased correspondingly. But we have many scientific techniques at disposal to tackle these kinds of hurdles.

"Bagmati Pollution Is The Result Of Our Inefficiency In Handling Development"

— Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha

Dr.  Roshan Raj Shrestha is the Executive Chairman of Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) and NGO Forum for Urban Water & Sanitation. Dr. Shrestha has done an extensive research on the state of pollution in Bagmati river. He spoke to SANJAYA DHAKAL about the river pollution. Excerpts:

Could you elaborate about your research on Bagmati pollution?

The research was conducted a year ago in different areas of Bagmati river - Sundarijal from where the river enters the Kathmandu valley to the Gaur in Rautahat district from where it flows into the Indian side. Basically, we monitored the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) at different points in Bagmati river. The normal COD is around 40 mg/l. Our research showed that on average the COD of the water of the Bagmati river was 25 in Sundarijal, 37 in Aryaghat area in Pashupati (due to diversion of sewage and availability of Guheshwori treatment plant), 455 in Tilganga, 423 in Minbhawan and 454 in Chobhar. This shows how the level of pollution increases as the river approaches its outlet from the valley in Chobhar. Interestingly, as the river passes out from the valley, the pressure on it reduces considerably and due to natural self-purification mechanism of the river, its COD comes down to 25 when it reaches Gaur in Rautahat. So, when Bagmati flows into Indian side, it is already clean. In our research we have not been able to monitor another standard used in measuring river pollution that is Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). But since the ratio of COD to BOD is generally found to be 3:1, we can get the idea.

How do you find the effect of pollution in Bagmati river?

There are multiple effects. On the aesthetic part, we can say that the beauty of the city has been hampered by the sight of black, sewage filled, gutter-like stream flowing right through the heart of our city. The socio-cultural aspects are at risk. People have stopped using the water of Bagmati. The heavy stench of the river due to uncontrolled pollution is affecting the lives of people living on its banks. There has been severe affect on the aquatic life in the river. Due to extensive pollution, the aquatic life is almost non-existent when the river reaches Chobhar area. Even at earlier points, the diversity of aquatic life, so essential part of ecology, is severely constrained.

What are the reasons for the current state of Bagmati?

The reasons are many. Most important among them is our inefficiency in handling our development. More than 40 MLD (million liters a day) of wastewater is generated in Kathmandu and a whopping over 80 percent of this is generated by households. That is followed by industrial effluents which contribute to 7 percent of the total wastewater. These are all thrown into the Bagmati river. Furthermore, the encroachment on the river banks and illegal settlement has added to the problems. The practice of withdrawing sands from the river bank has also affected. Sands act as natural purifier. They trap pollutants and also maintain steady water table. The rampant digging of sands for commercial purposes would destabilize the whole river system.

What are the solutions?

Treatment plants are one solution. However, we have seen that the treatment plant in Guheshwori may not be working efficiently. The fact that such a huge volume of pollution exist just a few hundred meters downstream of Guheshwori area suggests that it is merely shifting the pollution. Now the water in Aryaghat area has been cleaned but the presence of high pollution in Tilganga suggest that the treatment plant has not been able to run efficiently. The treatment plant has the capacity of treating 17 MLD but the ground reality indicates otherwise.

What can be done for long term solution of river pollution?

It is difficult to imagine that water of Bagmati river will be cleaned in the next 10 to 12 years. But what the government can do is fix the river boundary and stop encroachment. It can use Guheshwori treatment plant, built at the cost of Rs 550 million, to its full capacity. Though treatment plants are costly infrastructures, we need them. Likewise, it would be sustainable to encourage people to use small systems to clean their wastewater at the local community level using simple techniques. Developing eco-friendly techniques, flower beds aside river and rebuilding ponds could be another way. Supreme Court has already ordered the government to do necessary things to make the river clean. There is a need to fully implement that order. Likewise, building wetlands can also help control the pollution. At present there are 40,000 septic tanks in Kathmandu valley. But people throw the waste directly to the river. While septic tanks should be encouraged, it is also necessary to have some mechanisms to treat the sludge before throwing them to the river.