KATHMANDU, August 18: The 2022 edition of Bagmati River Festival is being held in Kathmandu on August 20.
The festival is celebrating its 22nd years since being initiated by Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) and Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) in 2001.
Shishir Khanal, Vice President of NARA, said that the inauguration of the event will wintess the pouring of water from various river sources into Bagmati River. “Rafting in the Bagmati river will be the major focus of the event where participants will be viewing the degrading situation of the river,” he added.
In Pictures: Rafting at Bagmati River on the occasion of Bagmat...
A total of 12 rafts and two safety kayaks will be placed in the event.
Shiva Adhikari, President of NARA said, “We need to save rivers, environment and rafting industry side by side to assure that Bagmati remains clean for the coming generations.”
"This is our way of creatively protesting against the government’s negligence over the issue. The issue has not been seriously perceived by the Nepal government," said Megh Ale, President of NRCT.
According to the organizers, the festival is being organized with the main motto of conserving rivers, promoting rafting, restoring and protecting rivers of Nepal through affirmative actions and education, whilst maintaining the cultural integrity of the local riverside communities.
The event highlights on the need to awaken the concerned stakeholders and the general public on the status of Bagmati River and encourage commitments toward its conservation.
