Flow of Life: Nepal's Waterscape and Cultural Roots
In the summer of 2023, I went to Nepal to immerse myself in the cultural and scientific challenges that this developing nation faces in managing its water supplies. What I encountered was both confounding and illuminating.
Nepal's population of 31 million highlighted by the urban sprawl that stretches to the mountains.
Most buildings rely on decades-old water pumps that are unpredictable and inefficient.
Modernization of the world continues to leave its mark, even in Nepal with pollution and water quality.
Piles of mud and grit left on roads, visible in Kathmandu to all.
Even closely guarded wells have fallen into disrepair.
A look into the Nepali countryside, where nature's left virtually untouched.
Despite the scarcity, water has deep ties to the Nepali culture. Here, a family performs funeral rites on the river near the temple.
For most children in Kathmandu, school provides their only access to water.
An abadoned water filtration system on the side of the road, likely from wear and tear and amidst Nepal's water situations.
Trees in the misty Nepal countryside, rainy and unforgiving.
An old lady harvesting on a hot summer day, providing for herself and her family.
Water filtration systems for toilets. This is a built in flush system, on top of the bathroom roof. Automatically functioning, they provide functioning toilets compared to the "squat" toilets.
Sustainable agriculture is a hot topic in Nepal, the hand pointing to the production of tumeric and its cost and benefits to the land.
In Nepal, there are no dryers or much affordable electricity (limited to toilets and lights) for the most part. Clothes are hung on fences, in this one, hung on the edge of a fountain.
Citylife in Nepal contrasts with modern society. No yellow lines, people share the street together. Mopeds are a commonality.
An old woman napping during lunch. She is by an old and lush tree, with her bags near her. Unbothered, her connection to nature is a strong one, something we dont see everyday. .
A student in the Shree Buddha school telling us her name and her likes. Her friends look on with support.
A student writing about his admiration for America. His dream is to join the American army.
