Water our lifeline

Today started as a normal day for me in Kathmandu. I had planned a trip to the Balkhu Riverside, having heard that CIUD (Center for Integrated Urban Development) was installing a device to accumulate solid waste in rivers.

There was a big gathering around one area of the riverside in the Kirtipur district. I was inquisitive and spoke to the locals gathered around. This organization was installing a device called a Trash Boom to gather solid waste from the flowing river, which contributes to water pollution.

Upon closer inspection, I was in awe as I watched a huge mesh being installed in the river by a team of efficient and enthusiastic technicians. The river flow was strong due to the heavy monsoons, and soon solid waste like clothes, plastic bottles, and other debris started accumulating in the mesh. The spectators, both men and women, clapped and cheered as they shouted,“पानीले जीवन दिन्छ, स्वच्छ पानी हाम्रो अधिकार हो।” (Water gives life. Clean water is our right) So true. As the CIUD representatives gave instructions, I walked away, deep in thought.

On mywayback, a flood of questions crossed my mind. Yes, it was a great initiative by the company, a technical revolution to clean the rivers so we can have clean water. But isn’t prevention better than cure? Shouldn’t more initiatives be taken to keep rivers and other water bodies clean in the first place?

But how, and by whom? Of course, the government, through the municipalities of different districts, should carry out programs to educate citizens on the hazards of throwing waste into rivers and other water bodies. This leads to “water pollution” and causes various diseases. Yes, they are doing admirable work by holding workshops in their areas, especially rural ones. Women, who are most affected by polluted water and often have to walk miles to get clean water, are being taught about proper waste disposal.

Even municipalities, with the help of organizations like non-governmental organizations and others, are conducting programs in schools to educate children on the need for proper disposal of solid waste. Children are the most impressionable and can influence their parents’ behavior. Another commendable initiative by municipalities is the installation of large plastic bins to collect waste.

But this raises another question: Are household waste from these bins collected regularly? Are there enough trucks and manpower to collect and dispose of the solid waste, especially in segregating it into recyclable and non-recyclable materials? This is another serious issue demanding attention.

Not only solid waste from kitchens or plastic material from homes but also plastic bags and medical accessories like syringes, urine and stool collection containers, and menstrual pads or cloths need to be properly segregated. All these contribute to water contamination and lead to
waterborne diseases like DYSENTRY and CHOLERA.

Another critical issue came to mind. I researched it and was moved with empathy. The laborers employed to segregate solid waste are in dire conditions. Sheer compassion welled inside me when I read about their plight and hazardous working conditions. Carelessly disposed of broken glass bottles can be dangerous for these workers—not only causing skin ruptures but sometimes even damaging veins. There is no insurance policy for medical reimbursement in such cases.

The story is endless. Clean water is a necessity. Water that gives life can also be fatal if not taken care of. Efforts are being made by the government, non government and private sector. But the work is monumental, and the journey is long and tough. To prevent the pollution of water bodies, people, especially in rural areas and poorer communities, need to be educated. Water is life, but polluted water is a cause of death. The slogan should be: