Bishnumati river: The abused Tributary of Bagmati river

“The gods live near forests, rivers,mountains and springs, and in the towns where there are trees and gardens”. 

– Brihatsamhita

Bishnumati river at Bode Muhan(Photo Credit: Bisal Jibi Ghimire)

Bishnumati river originates from Bishnu-Dwar at Tarevir within  Shivapuri foothills. The river length is 15.2 km and has an catchment area of 109.3km2. It drains the catchment with tribitaries such as Sapanatirtha Khola, Rudramati, Sangle Khola, Lhora Khola and Binap fall. The river provides water for drinking, irrigation and supports vast ecological functions that has maintained the ecological balance of the region. The ever flowing local taps and swaying crops at fields indicates rich ecological balance of the region.

Ever flowing water in taps at Bhode( Photo Credit: Bisal Jibi Ghimire)

As the river flows downstream, the river shares similar story as other tributaries of Bagmati river.The river roars as it flows  at headwaters which eventually slows and stops downstream with increasing magnitude of human influences.The river is pristine at Bode Muhan and degrades gradually as it flows through Tokha. The river catchment changes to built up area from Chandeswori of Tokha and downstream.

Bishnumati river suffers from water loss and excavation of river bed materials.The river water has been pumped for construction, drinking water and many more.By the time the river reaches Balaju, it silently creeps accepting all the wastes left over at its bosom.The river water gets excessively strained with pollutants after it crosses Balaju Industrial area. The Dissolved Oxygen level at Bode Muhan is 10mg/l which drops to 0.56mg/l at Balaju. The water clarity gets darker and thicker. No aquatic lives are visible which manifests that the river water is toxic and hence is unable to support life.

Bishnumati river at Balaju

Bishnumati river, similar to Bagmati river, posses incredible historical and cultural importance. It possess a number of historically and culturally important places. It resides important shrines such as Shova Bhagawati, Indrayani and Kankeshwori at its bank. Devotees still go at the river, although stinging, to take holy dip in river, mainly at festivals  to fulfill their ritual urge.

Bishnumati river faces extensive encroachment and solid wastes since last 30 years. The fertile floodplains have been intruded for human settlements. The river flow has been instructed at its path. Stone barriers have been made  throughout its length to train it to flow at artificial orientation. Nevertheless, the river water has been purlioned. It has been pumped and piped for water use to people.

Bishnumati river confluence with Bagmati

At August 2012, Bishnumati Action plan has been prepared by Kathmandu Metropolitan City to revitalize the river. It divides the river into 6 segments and proposes suitable development plans. Similar to Bagmati Action Plan, the plan divides the river basin in Core Natural conservation zone, Rural zone, Peri Urban zone and Urban zone and proposes suitable measures to revitalize it according to the level of deterioration.

Bishnumati river as invisaged by Bishnumati action Plan

The highlights of the plan includes prohibition of direct drainage into river,beautification of the river with plantations and  roads on both sides and a cycle track along the river. It envisages to construct treatment plants to treat the waste water before it gets into the river.
Although the river improvement plan has been prepared, there is long way to actually enforce it. The abused Bishnumati river awaits the enforcement of the plan and restoration of its past glory.

Acknwledgement
Bishnumati Action Plan
Bishal Jibi Ghimire
Niranjan Shrestha