The river civilization of the Kaligandaki (Kaliganga) River is facing a crisis due to haphazard roads, sewers, indiscriminate mining, and human encroachment.
The Kaligandaki River, arguably the only river in the world where the precious stone Shaligram is found, holds immense religious, cultural, and biological significance. However, the lack of proper management and protection has put this river civilization at risk.
Activists have raised concerns that the natural state of the sacred Kaligandaki River has been compromised in recent years, with its waters becoming polluted. Sagarjivi Upadhyay, an activist from the Save Kaligandaki Campaign, noted that the Ganga Jal (river water) is becoming contaminated as the sewage from towns mixes with the pure waters of the Kaligandaki from Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, to Beni in Myagdi, and Ridi in Gulmi.
Environmental protection workers report that the original form of the holy river has been altered due to the landslides caused by road expansion, particularly in the Beni-Jomsom-Korla section of the Kaligandaki Corridor.
Upadhyay mentioned that the 76 km section connecting the Himalayan district of Mustang with the National Highway has been narrowed by landslides, with stones and aggregates being dumped into the Kaligandaki in the name of road widening, leading to the river’s pollution. The water cycle of the Kaligandaki River is being disrupted due to indiscriminate excavation by dozers and excavators.
Environmental conservationist Hari Sigdel highlighted that the uncontrolled mining of river materials such as sand and stones has caused the river to change its original and natural course. The migration of aquatic animals has disrupted the river’s cycle. Madhav Prasad Regmi, president of the Galeshwar Shivalaya Area Development Fund, stated that despite the Supreme Court’s interim order prohibiting river excavation and dumping of waste, these activities persist. He warned that the alteration of the river’s water cycle poses both natural and human threats.
As the river’s course changes, the risk of floods and landslides increases, making settlements along the river more vulnerable. Indraman Sherchan, a grain trader, observed that the river has become deeper and narrower, exacerbating the risk of floods, landslides, and river erosion. Two years ago, in July 2022, the Supreme Court issued an interim order to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to refrain from any activities that would harm the natural flow of the Kaligandaki River and its environment.
The single bench of then Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana issued this order, emphasizing the protection of the river until a final decision on the dispute is made.
The Importance of Kaligandaki
Those concerned stress that the Kaligandaki River is not merely a flowing river seeking an outlet but also a vital heritage of the Eastern civilization and culture.
Madhav Prasad Regmi, president of the Galeshwar Shivalaya Area Development Fund, explained that the holy land where the ancient King Bharat performed penance and the Kaligandaki flowing through it have shared a deep interdependent relationship with human consciousness for thousands of years.
"It has a unique identity as the only river in the world where Shaligram is found. The belief that Hindus will attain heaven after death if cremated on the banks of Kaligandaki remains strong," he said.
Pandit Bhimnath Parajuli emphasized that the Kaligandaki River is not only holy but also a natural resource that has supported life for humans, animals, birds, insects, and more. “The religious significance of the Kaligandaki is immense, and its biological, cultural, and daily human importance is equally significant," he added.
The stretch of the Kaligandaki River from Muktinath to Devghat is considered a sacred area. The river has irrigated thousands of hectares of land and generated hydroelectric power. The Kaligandaki Hydropower Project, the largest in Nepal, is situated on this river.
Nepal’s poet laureate Madhav Prasad Ghimire captured the spiritual significance of the Kaligandaki in his famous poem:
"The land of liberation which lies across the peak of Mt Machhapuchhre
Where the lights flicker in the dimly lit source
Your birthplace is the divine land of the first light
O Kali Ganga, please tell me how you craft Shaligram?"
Pandit Parajuli mentioned that this poem reflects the glory of the Kaligandaki, as recognized by the locals. However, they lament that the civilization and existence of the sacred river are now in crisis due to human encroachment in the name of development. They stress that all three levels of government must implement policies and plans to protect the river and mitigate the water crisis. -- RSS
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