Chobhar Gorge in Kathmandu has been in the spotlight recently.
Residents of Kirtipur and Khokana have been protesting after a plan was proposed to remove debris and stones accumulated around the gorge to protect the Kathmandu Valley from flooding.
They launched an agitation following preparations by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to remove boulders from the gorge in coordination with the Ministry of Urban Development.
However, the process has not moved forward. The Ministry of Urban Development had planned to remove debris and boulders from the gorge in collaboration with the Nepal Army.
Local residents argue that removing stones from the base of the gorge, formed naturally over thousands of years by floods, would threaten its existence. They claim that a temple of historical significance near the gorge would also be at risk.
After learning about the plan to remove stones from the gorge, heritage activists have voiced their opposition. They have hung banners on the bridge over the gorge to protest against the plan.
Locals also refer to the gorge as "Nhuchhikap."
During last year's monsoon season, heavy rainfall from September 26 to 29 caused flooding in areas along the riverbanks in Kathmandu. The banks of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers were completely inundated, and the area along the Nakkhu River faced similar issues.
The NDRRMA had planned to clear the gorge, arguing that the narrowing of the river near Chobhar Gorge and large stones on the riverbed obstruct the flow. However, the plan has not progressed due to opposition from locals.
