Tek Singh Bhat

The Crying Sirsiya River (Birgunj): A Tale of Neglect and Hope As I journeyed along the India-Nepal border, my second visit to Raxaul, India, was marred by a troubling sight. Amidst the routine of travel and commerce, my attention was drawn to the Sirsiya River. What I beheld was not the serene flow of a typical river but a dismal sight – its waters were a deep, ominous black.  I approached the river anxiously, but the workers who were digging a ditch along the bank warned me not to get too close. They cautioned that the water was falling heavily and the river itself was polluted and dangerous; touching it could cause numbness and itchiness. Despite their warning, I observed the scene and managed to take two or four pictures. Reflecting on the experience, I felt compelled to write something.   Current situation of the Sirsiya River ( Photo by Tek)   The Sirsiya River, originating in the pristine Ramban forest of Jitpur Simara Sub-metropolitan 3, was once a symbol of natural beauty and

When you embark on a journey through the landscapes via a motorbike, jeep, car, or bus, the anticipation of witnessing nature's wonders, high hills, lush green forests, and captivating scenery is ever-present. Today, with a similar purpose in mind, I planned a trip from Kathmandu to Simara, opting to travel via motorbike through Chapagaun.  Taking my time, I traversed at my own pace, pausing to capture photos and videos along the way. A notable moment occurred when I encountered a place named "Baguwa," named for its proximity to the Bagmati River (approximately 1KM away). I stopped to take a clip and  eventually reached the river itself, originally known as the Bagmati River. It was a profound surprise to witness the struggle of the Bagmati River's water in its attempt to retain its natural purity. Contrary to the city-side Bagmati in Kathmandu, where we often perceive the water as waste (sludge), seeing the river in its natural form was a stark revelation. Reflecting