Right now the situation in Terai is heartbreaking. Most of the Terai districts, especially those connected to the Chure Hills, have experienced drought and are in desperate need of water.
The Sirsia River, which used to be used for swimming and fishing in the past, has been heavily polluted by factories. This is not just a result of natural disasters, it is a direct product of extreme irresponsibility and incompetence of the government and local bodies.
Chapakal (stream) and wells in some parts of the Terai are gradually drying up, while the water level of the pond is decreasing. This has led to an extreme water crisis. The Mayor of Birgunj Metropolitan Municipality has launched a campaign to distribute drinking water in places, but it is clearly understood that this action is 'showing light to the sun' and only 'media'. Distributing a few tankers of water cannot solve this huge problem, it is only a temporary relief, not a long-term solution.
If we go to the root of this problem, the long-term unwise exploitation of Chure area is the main reason. Unplanned mining, non-standard mining and illegal extraction of stones, gravel and sand in the Chureka river are reducing the capacity of the river to absorb water. Uncontrolled exploitation of Chure has seriously affected the water level, due to which the water sources here are drying up. Even as Sirsia River is being polluted by industry, the Metropolitan Municipality is standing idly by, which is punishable negligence. Due to the indifference of the government and the metropolitan city, life in the Terai is becoming difficult. If we do not attack the root of the problem by limiting ourselves to speech and media, the fertile land of the Terai will turn into a desert in the future. There is an urgent need for concrete planning and implementation for river conservation, restoration of water resources, pollution control of industries and sustainable management of drinking water. Otherwise, future generations will have to bear the dire consequences.
– Pramod Poudel , Kathmandu-32, Pepsicola
