The Ugly Side

Kathmandu  NEPAL
Rectangle, Aspect 1:1.5
Captured with Digital Camera

The Bishnumati River, meaning “beloved river of the Lord,” winds through Kathmandu, bearing little resemblance to the pristine waters that once flowed from the Shivapuri Mountain. Now murky and laden with debris, it serves as a dumping ground overwhelmed by pollution. Plastic waste and discarded materials drift along its surface, forming clusters of refuse that obstruct its natural course. Stone walls line the riverbanks, straining to hold back the relentless spread of urban expansion. Sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, its holiness has been sacrificed for the demands of modern urban life.

On either side, tightly packed buildings rise, their vibrant facades reflecting the resilience of the community. Rooftop water tanks punctuate the skyline, underscoring the city’s reliance on stored water. In the distance, the hazy silhouette of the Himalayas stands as a solemn reminder of the natural beauty that endures despite human encroachment.

Life moves forward around the river. People walk the streets, immersed in their daily routines.  Yet, beneath the city’s restless energy, the river tells a different, quieter story—one of neglect, environmental strain, and the ongoing struggle to balance progress with preservation.

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