Water, water everywhere – but no water to drink!

 “I remember when I was a child. I used to watch the rivers flow with all its heavenly beauty. Devotees thronged there every morning, children took a delightful stroll into the sparkling waves, couples would bask at the bank of it and enjoy the cool breeze.” – my father reminisces.

But I never got to enjoy the rivers. What I see is the dark, hellish filth mistaken as rivers. No one can walk along the riverbanks without masks; foul smell hits our nose. Rivers have become dumping sites. Rivers – once known as the source of civilization – would be the fall of civilization.

Every year many die of diarrhea, dysentery and cholera. Not only humans, as animals also have died by drinking the poisonous water mixed with hospital wastages. No birds hover around the rivers. It has become a place of disgust.

Rivers which was regarded as bliss has now turned in abyss.

How? Good question.

Mahatma Gandhi once said: “Earth can fulfill one’s need, but can’t fulfill one’s greed.”

Who else can be so selfish as we, the so- called “intelligent”? In the name of development, we have destroyed every natural gift – cleared lush green forests, blasted rugged terrains and polluted pure rivers. No matter how hard we try to prove ourselves as the most developed, conscious organism, our deeds are worst than animals. We are the culprits.

Now is a good time to ponder; how does our action relate to the lives of the last person in society. In the last 10 years, the population of Kathmandu Valley has increased from 1.7 million to 2.51 million, according to the 2011 national census.

With the sharp increase in population, the demand for water naturally also has gone up. Currently Kathmandu Valley needs 350 million liters of water per day. But even in rainy seasons, KUKL (Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited) is only able to supply 149.62 million liters per day. And during the dry season, the supply drops to 90.59 million. Hour-long power outages also prevents KUKL from pumping sufficient groundwater during the dry season.

As KUKLs supply remains erratic and unreliable, an increasing number of Valley residents are now dependent on the water supplied by private suppliers. Some families have not even installed the government tap.

We can see the plight. There are rivers everywhere, but no water. What a shame!

With deterioration of the rivers, even campaigns and big projects against pollution can’t make a difference. There is no mechanism in practice to sustain a program for longer that a limited period of time – when the funds are gone, the projects end.

It’s the bitter truth. But there is no use in crying over spilt milk. Rather than complaining, we should to take action! Together we can make change!

My heart crumbles with pain

when I see you, my mom

Just look at you;

Your beautiful and twinkling water

Have turned to black gutter

Your sizzling splashes

have turned disgusting passes.

I am sorry, very very sorry mother

Coz I am the one; to rape you

I forgot all your contributions

and all your love.

Now, no more….

I won’t make you suffer any longer

and I will make you stronger.

Let me start a fight

against myself and my selfishness

Yes, I would return your smile

For that I wouldn’t wait a while.

My article at Newspapers

Still Waiting for U......................

Yah, I am still waiting

And waiting as per you said

I am patiently waiting my love.

I do agree, time is very cruel

It rushes and we won’t be able

To hold it tight

But, can this time change our love

The feelings, the moments

That we shared together?

Ya, I still believe you

Even if you did not speak

I can read it through you deep eyes

Those eyes where I used to dwell

That heart where I used to beat.

And even if you’ve turned indifferent

Even if you’ve turned mute

Even if you’ve successfully forbidden me

Somewhere one of the corners of my heart

still hopes you’ll return back

to hold my hand

to set a new journey together.

But for now, I have learned

to live without you or

say to live with you everyday

coz you haven’t escaped from me.

Where have you been?

I used to run far and wide

thinking you’ve been hiding in the crowd.

thinking you’ve been lost in the mist.

Tired at my defeat, I cried

whole day and night, night and day

silently under my quilt.

But now I’ve realized

To seek you outward was just in vain

Coz you’ve been hiding within me

You’ve been breathing within me

And I have finally found you

Finally found you!!!!!!!

Mirror Mirror on the Wall.......

Facing the mirror hanging on the wall
tried to admire own beauty
but every time I had a glance
I just saw cuts and bruises



I hurriedly applied the beauty enhancers
to hide those scars and scratches
instead i looked more horrible...




Covered my face with the scarf
but the pain was so deep and severe
Alas, I do remember the day
when u stabbed me so harsh..


I tried to escape but u chained
rugged my clothes and coerced against me
i struggled hard but turned numb and pale
in the pool of blood resembling a hell

Downstairs into the ball, I gazed to the crowd
lavished in the silk and glowing in the light
i slowly moved forward
hiding from the crowd...


A gentle touch, what i felt
" There you are, my lady love
You love bea-u-ti-ful tonight"

I replied with a gentle smile... 

Broken Heart

I heard it

loud and clear

No...............

Tears roll down

u kept me watching

u killed me again again

Brutal death : Love

Ignorance and Strangers

Hypocrisy

Unhealing wound, 

Solitude and

Broken heart!

Telling a Tale: Little Cormorant and his Solitude

                             

My book shelf needed a micro- cleaning as it was completely enveloped with dust. I felt pity over the books and note-copies. They might be cursing me for the plight. Suddenly, something fell over the head. Aww, I had a bump, it may be punishment for my deed. It was one of my very old note-book, I started flipping through the pages and interestingly I found my all time favorite incident.

 The loud alarm that dragged me out of my dream, the clock struck 6 am. The window pane was covered by thick fog and the view outside was completely blurred. Unwillingly, I got up from my bed.

I was attending training and bird-watching was scheduled in the morning. So, I armed myself with the binoculars, bird-book, note-book, pen and a camera. Narayani river was the destination as it was the season of migratory birds.

As soon as we entered the forest, I saw a chubby Crested Serpent Eagle staring at me. It was just amazing. Slowly, we headed towards Narayani.I couldn’t believe my eyes, what a spectacular view it was! There were hundreds of couples enjoying in the water. Don’t get confused with the humans; they are the ruddy shelducks, widely known as love-birds.

There were about 200 pairs; singing, dancing and madly in love with each other. I watched them for long time. Sometimes, they used to sprinkle water to each other, flap their wings, embrace, play hide and seek in river while sometimes girl would show some attitudes in ducky style and her beloved used to quack to impress her. It was fun to see the aquatic lovers.

I was scanning the area with the binoculars, suddenly; I was stuck at a lonely, black and tall Little Cormorant. The bird caught my sight and something was drawing me towards it. It looked sad and silent. It was standing on a stone at the bank and staring at the love-birds.

Though I wanted to stay more but had to return back for other tasks. I was waiting for another day to see him again. I saw the same condition of the bird every day. I wanted to study his behavior and in course of time, I had already developed some emotional bond with the bird.

‘Hey Cormorant, why are you here always alone?’ asked one of the shelducks.

‘Umm, I don’t have partner as u guys do, that’s why!’- Cormorant replied.

‘Oh, poor guy, don’t worry. You’ll get her soon.’

‘Phew, I am tired searching, I have neither luck nor beautiful face to lure a girl.’

‘C’mon, that’s not true. You are not that bad.’ She giggles.

‘Really? Or you are just flattering’

‘Why would I? Umm, would you believe if I asked you to be my friend?’

Cormorant was very very happy and replied, ‘Sure!’

Since the very day, Cormorant and shelduck were friends. He was very happy. They used to chat and play for long time. The neighboring birds were really glad to see the transformation on L. Cormorant’s life.

Time was passing by and Cormorant had started dreaming future with the shelduck. He felt that no one understood him like she did. He was in love with her but feared to express his feelings.

But, one very fine day, he collected his courage to propose her in the best possible way. But, opposite to his expectations, his proposal was rejected severely.

‘How could you ever imagine that I will fall in love with you? We are completely different. What made you think that we can be life-partners? I am, was and always will be your friend but not lover. I am sorry. I had come here to bid you farewell. My hubby is waiting me; I am returning today. Bye!’

Poor Cormorant couldn’t speak a word but his eyes were full of tears. His dreams were shattered very badly and he lost his one and only friend. He saw her flying with her love, far and wide. He just watched her till horizon and even further. That evening, there was a huge rain with loud thunderstorm. The Narayani was restless. Cormorant wept like he never had before. It seem even nature was sad for him.

Since that day, he is sad and silent. He always stares at the shelducks with the hope that anyone can understand him well and love him.”- one of the Senior Steppe Eagles narrated the story to me.

I felt very sorry for him and my love towards him got stronger. I wish I were a bird then I would love him very much and relieve all pains that lie beneath his heart. Unfortunately, I am not. The only thing I could do was; pray that he would find his lady love soon.

Time and tides wait for no men. So, I had to leave the place but before moving I wanted to see him one last time. As usual, I went to Narayani with my binoculars. I saw many ruddy shelducks making love and staying warm in the chilly winter morning. I didn’t find Little Cormorant. I searched here and there but there was not a single sight of him. I was worried.

With the heavy heart, I turned back. I was really disappointed not to find the Cormorant at the time of departure. Suddenly, I heard a loud call of flock of birds. I was spell bound to see about 300 Little Cormorants flying above the Narayani. I had no words to express my happiness and you know what, my sweet Little Cormorant was leading the battalion with a cutie Miss Cormorant by his side. They performed their ‘Cormorant style’ which was far better than Psy’s Gagnam style indeed. Then, he came flying near me, touched me gently and flew back. Awww, this was the best farewell that I ever had in my life.

The pages were over and I found myself in the same filthy room with books spread all around. I am happy for the Cormorant as he got the love that he was craving for ages. Wherever he is, I will always love and pray for the happiness of my Little Cormorant.

INTO THE WILD-2

Jungle owlet hoots early in the dawn

And drags me out of my dream

Unwillingly, I molt from the sleeping bag

‘Let’s go commandos’ I hear a call

He’s none other than our Raju dai!

Around the fire, we gather

Rapid fire round ticks in the clock

Heart beats as if it’s gonna explode now

Everyone looks pale as if they are sentenced to hell.

With the arms and ammunitions (C’mon not for the war)

Including binoculars, books, note books, pen and camera

Along the transects we march ahead into the wild.

Oh, that’s black kite points one

No, that’s Osprey yells another

‘sssh, this is a jungle not a fish market’

We start whispering.

Few steps ahead, we fit our camera traps

Hoping to capture all the animals

When it comes to perform walk test

I am always a Rhino!

 

We hear a strange noise behind the bushes

Wow, there’s a rhino enjoying his meal

Hiding behind the trees, we try to have a glance

And enjoy the scene.

Following the pugmarks, scats and pellets

We run across the river, forest, grasslands

Every day is a new learning

And a new experience!

Unloading ourselves around the fire

And howling like jackals

Having fun with no limitations

Followed by some important lessons.

Power-points, paper-works and all the hard tasks

Inspiring movies and wonderful documentaries

were just amazing

(With the background music of snores was always well collaborated)

Birds to cats and pugmarks to scats

Butterflies to snakes and frogs to crocs

We kept on following but sometimes it sucks!

No matter how far we walked

No matter how hard we worked

All the memories that we spent together

are fresh like the scats in the bank of Narayani.

With the aspirations to become

Wildlife biologists, birdist or

Experts of herpeto-fauna and butterflies in the days to come

We march ahead into the wild!!