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Nhu Pokhari : Conservation for Sustainability
Authors : Jenisha Rai 1 , Sandeep Sada 2 , Suman Khadka 3 , Sanchita Chapagain 4 , Goma Neupane 5 , Roshani
Rajbanshi 6
Kathmandu University School of Education
Abstract : Nhu Pokhari , as a source of drinking water for people living around Patan , has been an entity of replenishing the water sprouts around the locality and adds an open space in Lagankhel . This pond has its history embedded in the culture that dates back to the Lichchavi and Malla period that aids in maintaining balance in the environment , and economic opportunities that can help people improve their stance as well as creating a sense of accountability towards the pond . Restoration of Nhu Pokhari thus becomes a naturally expected initiative that must be taken to protect the ecosystem by the government and the community .
Keywords : Conservation , ecosystem , sustainable development
Nature reflects our nature
Introduction : As a part of the study , students of Masters of Sustainable Development from Kathmandu University School of Education visited Nhu Pokhari located in Lagankhel . This historic pond gets its name from Newari language
where “ Nhu ” means “ new ” and “ Pukhu ” means “ pond ”. Along with other massive waterworks of Patan , Nhu Pokhari was established in the period of the
Lichhavi Rule and extended during the Malla period . Besides feeding Nayekho and Naricha aquifers , it also helps recharge several water spouts and wells in Patan .
The primary objective of this paper is to explore the traditional water management practices , current status , and the changes it had gone through . This study provides insight into Sustainable Development Goal 11 that aims to develop sustainable cities and communities , as the city has revived one of the lost ponds ,
Figure 1 : Nhu Pokhari ; Source : Field Visit , 2019
Nhu Pokhari . We started our investigation by interviewing the concerned authorities and observing the premises of the pond . The authorities were informed about our visit beforehand . The interview was taken with Mr . Krishna ( pseudonym ), which was recorded after receiving consent . The information was later transcribed and analyzed . We took some pictures for reference .
Facts on Nhu Pokhari : Evaluating the cultural service value of the pond ecosystem helps to provide a scientific basis for the policymakers to reduce the wrong decision-making or avoid policy malfunction ( Sheng et al ., 2009 ). From the interview and literature review , we found that the pond has a multidimensional role and thus needs to be conserved . In the traditional system , Nhu Pokhari ’ s role lies as a component aiding as a buffer reservoir that recharges aquifers . The original function of the pond was to collect rainwater and surface water , which could be used during the dry season along with subsiding floods during downpours ( Joshi , 2014 ). However , after the introduction of piped water systems in the valley , the naturally regulated water system was ignored ( Shrestha , 2009 ) and the pond reached the state of drying out .
64 Year Book of Environmental Science