Urgent Call for Kaligandaki River Conservation Gains Momentum

Concerned stakeholders are urging the state authorities to recognize the pressing need for the conservation of the Kaligandaki River, a vital lifeline that weaves through the heart of the region. Originating in Mustang, this iconic river winds its way through Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat, Syangja, Gulmi, and beyond.

Of paramount importance is the river’s role in the preservation of the Shaligram, a revered dark or brown stone steeped in religious significance. Delivered by the river’s flow, the Shaligram holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Speaking at a recent gathering in Kushma Bazar, Parbat, participants emphasized the river’s unique identity and its intricate connection with human civilization. A unanimous call was made to halt illegal quarrying operations that threaten the river’s integrity.

The participants were unequivocal in their demand for the responsible utilization of the river’s natural resources, with a strong emphasis on preserving its environmental and ecological balance. Kamal Nayanacharya of Muktinath Temple, a dedicated conservation advocate, expressed deep concern over the escalating threats to both the river’s essence and the revered Shaligram stone.

In a bid to galvanize national and international attention towards the urgency of conserving the Kaligandaki River, a religious event has been scheduled from February 21 to March 6 next year at Sarbasiddhidham Panchakot in Baglung. This event aims to underscore the river’s multifaceted significance and the imperative for its preservation.

Prof Dr Jagannath Regmi highlighted the need for the state’s proactive role in safeguarding the river’s waters, which serve as a cornerstone for various aspects of human life. He emphasized that the river’s value extends beyond religious and touristic dimensions and called for its comprehensive preservation.

Former minister Bikash Lamsal stressed the vital role of state intervention in preserving the river’s integrity, particularly from the Muktinath region to Devghat. Meanwhile, Gandaki Province Assembly member Bhakta Kunwar pledged to initiate conservation efforts, recognizing the river’s pivotal role in supporting livelihoods.

The detrimental impacts of illegal extractions along the Parbat and Myagdi sections of the river have cast a shadow over its ecological well-being. Chandika Poudel, Chief Administrative Officer of Kushma Municipality, underlined the crucial role of the three-tier government structure in ensuring the river’s protection and the preservation of its associated elements.

As concerns mount over the future of the Kaligandaki River and its intricate connections with human life and culture, stakeholders and conservationists are rallying for immediate action. The plea for urgency in the river’s conservation echoes through the valleys and mountains, calling upon the state to rise to the occasion and safeguard this invaluable natural treasure.