By Sudarshan Aryal Floods and landslides after the devastating rains claimed the death of above 250 people nationwide. In the Kathmandu Valley alone, torrential rains have resulted in the demise of 73 people and more than 2000 households affected. The area was devastated by the 'heavy' rains that were observed after 55 years, resulting in inundation of the human settlements around the riverbanks of the Bagmati, Manohara, Nakhu and other rivers. The riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley have been highly encroached by human beings over the past 50 to 60 years, according to government records. An estimated 200 ropanis of the river catchment area have encroached over the 4.8 km between Tilganga and Shankhamul, the Bagmati and Manohara confluence. The encroachment graph is even higher around Chobhar. Additionally, the High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilization (HPCIDBC) disregarded its earlier ruling regarding the Bagmati Corridor. The Bagmati River bank should be 20 meters wider between the Sundarijal to Gokarna area, 35 meters between Gokarna to Jorpati, and 40 meters between Jorpati to Guheshwori area, according to the HPCIDBC's previous requirements. The lower portion from the Bishnumati confluence must be at least 80 meters, and the 60 meters in the Bagmati. Presently, Bagmati is flowing in just 38 meters upper portion and Bishnumati confluence. That's why this area is inundated in every monsoon season. According to a picture, captured in 1972, the Manohara was bigger than Bagmati in its territory. The Hanumante and Manohara rivers claim the human encroached territories in every monsoon season. This fact shows that this disaster is not unexpected and unpredictable. Bagmati encroachment threatens the local culture. Rivers in Kathmandu have not only environmental values but are directly related to the birth-to-death rituals of different communities. Its social and cultural values have been described in various legends and history. According to Nepal Mahatmya, devotees can achieve the virtue of the Yagya and Ashwamedha Yagya after taking a bath in the Bagmati River once in their lifetime. Ghat (quay with religious value) takes its religious and spiritual values in Hindu culture. The Bagmati used to be a large and clean river but in the last sixty years, it has become a dead river that primarily carries sewage. Its shrinkage is also growing as a result. When German geologist Tony Hagen visited Nepal in 1960 to conduct geographical research in several regions of the country, he was able to view an image of the vast Bagmati River area. Aside from that, new construction occupies more than half of Bagmati's land. There were 108 significant ghats in the River area between Sundarijal and Chobhar, including Aryaghat and Shankhamul Ghat, according to local tradition. We are currently unable to locate more than 20 ghats in this area. Many intangible cultures were also eliminated along with the ghats' ideals. In conclusion, irresponsible and unplanned urbanization and the invasion of rivers destroy the area's intangible value in addition to its tangible and natural value resulting in devastating floods and inundation of the human settlement. The fact is that the rivers are claiming their territories encroached by human beings.