By Narayan Prasad Mishra
In the name of democracy and the republic, governments formed by ruling political parties have governed the country for the past several decades. However, they have often worked more for their parties and supporters than for the country and its people. As a result, they have paid little attention to improving the living conditions of ordinary citizens. This has been true regardless of whether the country was governed by Mr. A, Mr. B, or Mr. C.
In such a situation, it is not surprising that little attention was paid to beautifying cities or restoring urban rivers. Consequently, riverbanks were occupied by squatters, and illegal and unsightly structures, including storage sheds, were built on private land along the rivers. As a result, many riverside areas in the Kathmandu Valley became among the ugliest parts of the city.
Following recent political changes, the present administration under the Prime Minister Balen Shah has departed from that tradition and begun working more actively for the welfare of the people through its 100-point program. In this context, the authorities have removed illegal occupiers and encroachers from riverbanks to restore the river civilization that once existed, with its ghats and temples. This effort deserves appreciation.
At the same time, the concerned government offices should take steps to remove illegal and unsightly storage facilities near riverbanks and other public areas, built without the municipality’s permission, in accordance with existing laws, and ensure that new buildings are constructed in accordance with established standards and procedures.
Under the praiseworthy leadership of Kulman Ghising, the Nepal Electricity Authority implemented a program to underground electricity lines. I was informed that the old utility poles and overhead wires, including high-tension power lines, would be removed once the underground system became operational. However, many old electric poles, power lines, and telephone and television cables continue to remain in place, even in areas where the underground network has been operational for more than a year. This raises questions about the effectiveness and completion of the project. The government should remove these obsolete structures as soon as possible and demonstrate the same spirit of prompt action that it promotes in other areas of administration.
I am also pleased to see trees being planted along roads in different parts of the city. Trees undoubtedly improve the environment, beautify urban areas, and contribute to public health. However, it seems to me that tall-growing trees should be planted along broad roads and wide sidewalks, while smaller trees should be planted along narrower roads and walkways. Likewise, tall trees should not be planted beneath overhead electric lines, as they will soon interfere with the wires.
In my locality along the Balkhu–Kuleshwor Road, I have noticed that short flowering trees have been planted on the wider section of the road between Kalimati and Kuleshwor Ganesh. In contrast, tall trees such as jacarandas have been planted along the narrower road and footpath between Kuleshwor Ganesh and the Ring Road. I hope the concerned officers and supervisors will give this matter due attention.
I have also noticed a new bridge over the Bishnumati River between Kalimati and the Teku Main Road that remains unused. Its appearance suggests it was completed some time ago but has not yet been opened due to unresolved issues. I do not know the exact reason, but the relevant government department should address the problem and take the necessary action to put the bridge into service.
In many places throughout the Kathmandu Valley, electric poles are not installed straight or properly aligned, making the streetscape look untidy and unpleasant. This appears to be the result of inadequate supervision and substandard artistry. I remember raising this issue when electric poles were being installed in my locality in Balkhu during the premiership of Baburam Bhattarai. A powerful contractor associated with the Maoists responded by telling me to mind my own business or file a complaint if I wished. Even today, whenever I see that crooked and unsightly pole near the Balkhu Ring Road, I am reminded of that incident. It reinforces my belief that many such problems arise from a lack of supervision and concern for public beautification.
In the United States and many other developed countries, vehicles such as cars and buses may continue to be used as long as they are roadworthy, properly maintained, and do not emit excessive pollution. From this perspective, the vehicle’s age or date of manufacture is of little importance. Similarly, vehicle taxes are generally not determined solely by whether a vehicle is old or new.
Any vehicle, regardless of its age, is not allowed on the road if it is unsafe, poorly maintained, or causes environmental pollution. However, in many developing countries, including Nepal, the rules are different. Greater emphasis is placed on the age of the vehicle, measured from its date of manufacture. Public transport vehicles, for example, are often required to be retired once they reach a certain age, such as 20 years, even if they remain mechanically sound and environmentally compliant.
In my view, such a policy lacks sound logic unless its purpose is to generate additional government revenue through taxes and fees or to benefit vehicle dealers by encouraging the purchase of new vehicles at the expense of vehicle owners and the country as a whole. I hope that a future government will give this issue careful consideration and adopt policies that serve the interests of the nation and its people rather than those of vehicle dealers. Allowing well-maintained vehicles to remain in service would also help reduce the country’s expenditure on importing new vehicles and conserve valuable foreign currency.
The points I have raised may not seem very important in our culture and context. Nevertheless, I sincerely believe that whether a task is small or large, it should be done properly. Doing things the right way often requires no additional cost—only a little more attention.
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