Pollution Pradushan

The Nepali word for pollution is ‘pradushan’ which is easy to remember because Kathmandu produshes a lot of pollution.

The government has recently clamped down on noise pollution by banning the use of horns by all vehicles except in emergencies. I laughed when I heard that because most drivers use their horn more often than their brakes. I thought it would be impossible to change the habit of a lifetime.

However, two weeks of spot fines later, the noise level on the roads is transformed! Cyclists no longer have to wear ear plugs. Even traffic jams are quiet. Travel around the city is more relaxed.

Noise pollution is much easier to deal with than air pollution. The visible signs of pollution are obvious, with so many road works the city is incredibly dusty. However the pollution we don’t see is more dangerous to health. Newspapers publish daily pollution levels which helps to keep attention on the matter.

The government has recently produced a plan to alleviate air pollution. We’re all hoping it will be effective, Kathmandu could be such a beautiful city.

ps. still waiting for news re our visas.

 

Fire

We were woken by an explosion at 3am on Tuesday morning. From our bedroom we could see toxic black smoke rising from the Catholic Church which is about 50m from our house. There were a further 2 smaller explosions and we heard the firebrigade arriving.

It was reported in the press the next day that an arsonist had climbed over the compound wall and set fire to a car and two motor bikes in an open garage.

There is speculation amongst the christian community here that the size of the Easter rally in Kathmandu (an event that was televised) had stoked fears by others that christians were growing too quickly and were a threat to Nepali culture and traditions. Ironically the Catholics are often not considered to be bona fide christians by other denominations in Nepal and probably weren’t involved in the rally. But their building is one of the most identifiable christian landmarks in the city.

Such events, aimed at christians, seem to me to be quite rare here but it is a reminder of the tensions that can easily arise during a time of change and uncertainty. Nepal is heading towards local elections in May, the first for many years, and that is also exacerbating tensions between various communities in the wonderful diverse mix of people who make up Nepal. Christian and political leaders in Nepal need great wisdom at this time.