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Nepal is a landlocked country. While it lacks scenic sea beaches, it is rich in mighty, milky rivers with beautiful banks. Kathmandu, the capital and a cosmopolitan city, lies on the banks of the Bagmati River. The world-famous Pashupatinath Temple also stands alongside this river.

Tragically, this sacred river is now enormously polluted, and its natural beauty is rapidly disappearing. Soon, it may lose all aesthetic appeal. Some years ago, a green belt stretched along the Bagmati, but that now feels like a distant memory. There was once an ambitious plan to build a park, which failed before it could even begin. Today, the riverbank remains filthy. Few people choose to walk there due to the foul odor from the polluted water. The area is littered with dirt, dust, mud, cow dung, and even human waste.

The encroachment of riverbanks in Nepal poses a serious threat to the environment. Similarly, the beaches of SAARC countries, like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, also suffer from encroachment.

In India, some beaches, such as those in Mumbai, are fairly well maintained. Goa boasts particularly scenic shores, and Chennai has one of the world’s longest and most beautiful beaches. Still, problems are mounting alongside the growing number of visitors. The beaches of Kolkata and Karachi, by contrast, are poorly maintained. In both Sri Lanka and India, vendors selling food items line the shores, contributing to filth and mismanagement. Visitors, both locals and foreigners, frequently litter the coasts.

The Maldives has done well in maintaining many of its beaches, but the recent boom in seaside hotel and resort construction poses new threats to the marine environment.

Beaches in other parts of the world, like Port of Spain, are sunny, sandy, and serene. However, the growing influx of visitors from countries such as the US and EU is straining these environments as well.

Globally, similar patterns emerge: the condition of coastal and riverine environments depends heavily on how well they are managed. For instance, the coasts of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Singapore are clean and well-maintained. In contrast, the beaches of Hong Kong, Chittagong, and Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh are in disrepair. People sunbathe and celebrate freely along these beaches, while beautiful palm trees that once supported ecological balance now stand surrounded by waste.

In Nepal, river rafting is a booming business, yet little concern is shown for the deteriorating condition of riverbanks. The environment, after all, is what surrounds us. Aesthetics are closely tied to our surroundings. Environmental aesthetics refers to the study and appreciation of natural beauty.

Aesthetics has been defined as “the study of beauty in nature and art of its character, condition, and conformity to law.” Human beings have always been lovers of beauty, and nature is the storehouse of eternal beauty.

The Tarai-Madhes region of Nepal is home to a vast network of rivers. In Jhapa district, there are rivers such as Mawa, Ratua, Biring, Mechi, and Kankai. Morang district has a dozen rivers, including Bakraha, Chisang, Khadam, and Lohandra. Sunsari is home to rivers like the Koshi, Kokaha, and Budhi. Moving westward, Saptari’s rivers include Trijuga, Khando, Mahuli, and Balan. In Siraha, rivers such as Kamala, Ghurmi, Manbati, and Gagan flow across the land. Dhanusha features rivers like Kamala, Ratu, and Charnath, while Mahottari includes the Ratukhola and Marha.

Further west, Sarlahi has the Bagmati, Lakhandei, and Jhim rivers. Rautahat features rivers like Lalbakaiya and Anuwa, and Bara includes the Gangol and Tilawe. Chitwan is known for the Gandak, Rapti, and Kayar rivers. In Nawalparasi, rivers such as Turiya and Arnkhola flow, while Rupandehi is home to Tinau, Rohini, Danav, and Ghodaha, among many others. Kapilvastu has rivers like Banganga and Surai, and Dang district contains both the Rapti and Babai rivers.

In Banke, rivers like Maan, Duduwa, and Rohini are notable, while Bardiya features the Karnali, Babai, and Bheri. Kailali’s major rivers include the Karnali, Mohana, and Pathraiya, and in Kanchanpur, rivers such as Mahakali and Chaudhara define the landscape.

River pollution is becoming a global crisis. The international community must act urgently to protect these vital water bodies from pollution, neglect, and even acts of violence or terrorism. Rivers like the Tigris and Euphrates—cradles of human civilization—must be preserved. The Gangetic plain, too, holds immense cultural and historical significance.

It is the duty of institutions like the United Nations to safeguard such critical natural assets. In extreme cases, even deploying peacekeeping forces may be necessary. In Nepal, volunteers, civil society groups, the army, police, and concerned citizens clean the Bagmati every Saturday. Yet these efforts lack consistency and state support. Keeping the Bagmati clean is not just an environmental obligation; it is a civilizational responsibility. The river is sacred in every sense.

Encouragingly, there have been some positive developments. In New Zealand, the Whanganui River was declared a living entity, with two guardians appointed to protect its rights, making it the first river in the world to receive such legal status. Similarly, India’s High Court in Uttarakhand ruled that the Ganges and its tributary Yamuna, both deeply sacred, have legal rights to be protected and represented in court. They are now to be represented by key officials, including the Chief Secretary of the state and the head of the National Mission for Clean Ganga. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to restore the Ganges to its original glory.

Globally, oceans play a critical role. They contain 97 percent of the world’s water and support the livelihoods of over 3bn people. The estimated global market value of oceanic and coastal resources is $3trn. Oceans absorb around 30 percent of human-generated carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change. Oceanic fisheries employ more than 200m people, directly or indirectly. For many, oceans are also the main source of dietary protein.

Despite their importance, oceans face mounting threats. Around 8m metric tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year. Their preservation must be a top global priority.

A few weeks ago, I met a 26-year-old man who had come with his family. I was once close to them, though we’d lost touch in recent years. I’d heard he had immersed himself in spiritual practices, following a well-known guru for the past 3-4 years. Seeing him now, I was struck by the stark contrast between the lively boy I remembered and the subdued man before me.

As we talked, I teased him about his childhood—how bold and energetic he used to be, how his spirited nature often led to misunderstandings. When I asked about his transformation, his mother explained that since embracing spirituality, he no longer got angry, complained, disagreed, or even seemed sad. He was now calm, quiet, and gentle.

But as a psychologist, I couldn’t ignore what his body was saying. His legs shook, his hands fidgeted under the table, his breath was shallow, and his eyes darted restlessly around the room. These were signs of inner turmoil—anxiety, even distress. The more we spoke, the clearer it became: his body told a story his words refused to acknowledge.

This isn’t just about him. In Nepali society—and many Eastern spiritual traditions—we cling to a rigid ideal of what it means to be "spiritual." Spiritual people don’t get angry, sad, or scared. They remain unshaken, like a candle that doesn’t flicker in the wind. This young man is a victim of that narrative, a reflection of society’s narrow definition of enlightenment.

But is this true spirituality?

Does denying emotions make us spiritual? Anger arises when our boundaries are violated—it’s a natural defense. Fear warns us of danger. Joy celebrates our achievements. How can spirituality mean none of these affect us? How does deep meditation justify erasing "negative" emotions, leaving only perpetual bliss? Isn’t this the image many gurus project—always serene, always untouchable? And in chasing it, we risk becoming casualties of these illusions.

Observe how many spiritual teachers operate: they dismiss discomfort, label emotions as "immature," and preach detachment. They convince us that fear, anger, and desire are mere illusions—that true spirituality means rising above them. Those who can’t are deemed "unworthy."

This is where spirituality quietly becomes self-abandonment.

Self-abandonment is silencing your feelings, needs, and pain to meet external expectations. It’s living for an ideal rather than your truth. Like this young man, who can’t hear his body’s anguish—his trembling limbs, his restless gaze. His mind claims peace, but his body suffers. Is that enlightenment?

When spirituality is misunderstood, it teaches us to reject our humanity. We tell ourselves we "shouldn’t" feel anger, sadness, or fear—until we believe that experiencing them means we’ve failed.

This isn’t spirituality. It’s performance. It’s pressure. And it’s dangerous.

The uncomfortable truth? A serene facade doesn’t equal emotional health.

Let’s return to the young man. His words spoke of peace, but his body trembled. His lips smiled, but his eyes carried weight. He clings to the belief that he’s free of pain, that he’s transcended emotion. But how long can we lie to ourselves? How long can we pretend to be "above it all" before our bodies rebel, our relationships crumble, or we lose ourselves entirely?

The body never lies.

True spirituality—as taught by the Buddha—never demands we deny our humanity. Buddhism doesn’t say, "Don’t feel anger." It says, Feel it fully, but don’t act blindly. Observe it. Understand it. Let it pass like a cloud.

Pema Chödrön warns against "pretending to be peaceful" while bypassing real suffering. She urges us to stay present with discomfort, not flee from it in the name of detachment. Vipassana meditation teaches "no craving, no aversion"—not by force, but by witnessing reality without resistance.

Because denying emotions isn’t peace. It’s self-betrayal.

A devastating flood in the Lhendi River, which flows from Tibet into Nepal, has washed away the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi—a trade link between Nepal and China—halting all cross-border movement and causing widespread destruction to infrastructure, vehicles, and lives.

The flood, which struck at around 3:15 am on Tuesday, not only swept away the bridge but also caused severe damage to roads, the under construction dry port, the Rasuwagadhi customs yard, and the dam of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project. Containers, electric vehicles, and essential border infrastructure have been destroyed, leading to an economic and humanitarian crisis.

According to Chief District Officer (CDO) Arjun Poudel, “The flood has caused extensive damage, and we fear there may be human casualties. Rescue operations are being hampered by continuous rainfall, bad weather, and landslides at 10 different locations along the Syafrubesi-Timure road section.”

Fifty-five people trapped on the dam side of Rasuwagadhi Hydropower have been rescued. Rescue teams of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepali Army (NA) have said that 55 people have been rescued as of 3:30 pm on Tuesday. The rescued people include four women and 51 men. One Chinese national is also among the rescued people.

Three police personnel too went out of contact in the mission and they were identified as Assistant Sub-inspector Lal Bahadur Shrestha and Constables Munna Thakur and Lokendra Bohora. They were deployed from the Area Police Office in Timure for rescue efforts but were swept away by the floodwaters. A team of 94 people including Police, APF and NA were deployed for rescue. According to the District Police Office, Rasuwa, the bodies of seven people have been recovered in various places.

At least 20 people are said to be missing. The missing Chinese nationals are identified as Yu Yue, Li Huaqin, Yang Chuan, Yu Haihang, Yu Qiao Chui and Zhou Yong. The missing Nepalis include several drivers and laborers working near the customs area and dry port. 

A rescue of an elderly couple—Palden Tamang (60) and Mangali Tamang (67)—was successfully conducted by NA helicopters after they clung to a tree in the Trishuli River for over three hours. “Had the helicopter not arrived on time, we would have died,” said Palden, scared. 

They had gone to the river to collect firewood in the morning. However, they were stranded when the river level suddenly rose due to a flood. After falling in the middle, they had to climb a tree for some time.

The Friendship Bridge, a vital artery for bilateral trade, was originally constructed with Chinese investment after the 2015 earthquake damaged the old bridge. It was repaired after another flood in 2020. The bridge served as a crucial entry point for goods entering Nepal from Kerung, China.

CDO Poudel said the disaster has completely halted import-export activities, cutting off the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung trade corridor after 12 years of connectivity. “The flood has not only cut off road communication but has inflicted severe damage on the customs yard, containers, and charging stations for electric cargo vehicles,” he added.

A total of 64 vehicles were swept away by the flood, including 23 cargo containers, six freight trucks, and 35 new electric vehicles. Just a week ago, the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) published a news article mentioning the risk of floods and landslides in the Rasuwagadhi area where the Customs Office asked the owners to take their vehicles that had passed the inspection to another place. But the caution was ignored. 

The National Insurance Authority said the insurance claim process will be simplified for damage caused by the flood, including the vehicles.

The under construction Timure Dry Port in Rasuwa suffered 60 percent physical damage. 

Additionally, the flood severely damaged the dam of the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, raising concerns about the safety and sustainability of energy infrastructure in the region. The bailey bridge along the Galchhi–Betrabati–Syafrubesi road, a critical access route for local communities, was also swept away. 

Meanwhile, widespread road damage has been reported at more than 10 locations, including major disruptions at Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2 Tatopani, leaving many areas isolated and complicating ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli suspended all scheduled programs except essential ones following the damage caused by the floods in Rasuwa. In a statement, Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and urged the government to intensify response efforts. 

PM Oli said that he is coordinating to provide emergency assistance by suspending the programs. He wrote on social media on Tuesday, “The government is on a war footing to rescue those affected by the floods in the Trishuli River due to heavy rains in the border area of ​​Tibet.” He also directed that no reduction should be made in the efforts made by the government. 

A government team including PM Oli visited the disaster scene. The team included Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel, Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi and other government officials, said Home Ministry spokesperson Ramchandra Tiwari.

Nepal has sought China’s cooperation in rescue and recovery. Authorities have warned that floods and landslides are likely to continue during the monsoon season. The Rasuwagadhi region has a long history of flood-related damages, with the Lhendi River regularly overflowing during heavy rains.

“We are collecting full details of the damage in both Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts,” said CDO Poudel. “Our priority is to continue rescue missions and provide relief to the affected families.”

As the rain continues, locals and border communities remain on high alert. Rescue teams are racing against time, navigating destroyed roads, ongoing landslides, and treacherous conditions to search for the missing and assist survivors.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Flood Forecasting Division reported a sudden large inflow into the Bhotekoshi River from the Tibetan region. The division has made public a preliminary study report on the Bhotekoshi flood.

According to the division’s preliminary report, the water level at the automatic water gauging station located at Rasuwa Timure, a little downstream from the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint, suddenly increased by about 3.5 meters at 3:10 am. The water level at the station, which was 3.65 meters at 3:30 am, suddenly reached 5.37 meters at 3:40 am and data transmission from the center was immediately stopped, the division said. Quoting the center’s gauge reader, the division also informed that the center itself was swept away by the flood.

Officials from the Disaster Management Authority and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology suspect that there may have been heavy rain in neighboring China or that the dam may have burst, leading to the flood. The division also stated that there has been no rainfall to the extent of flooding in the Bhotekoshi watershed. In the last 24 hours (from 9 am on Monday to 9 am on Tuesday), only intermittent rainfall was measured at the Canjing Meteorological Center in Rasuwa and the Dhunche Meteorological Center in Rasuwa, which are close to the Nepal-China border.

According to Sindhupalchok Assistant Chief District Officer Ganesh Nepali, Chinese officials have warned of more rain and risk tonight as rain continues to batter Nyalam, Tibet region of China.

Senior watershed expert, Madhukar Upadhya said the incident serves as a wake-up call for Nepal’s disaster preparedness—especially in the face of transboundary risks. He emphasized that no significant rainfall had occurred in Nepal during the 48 hours surrounding the incident, a fact further supported by satellite data, which showed no precipitation activity in the region. He suggested the flood could have been triggered by a lake outburst or a sudden breach in a dammed lake that had been building pressure for a long time.

“This kind of flood is not born within our borders, but we suffer its full force,” Upadhya noted. He warned that the risk of such transboundary disasters is now increasing, and Nepal must prepare for the consequences of events that originate in neighboring countries. “What makes this incident particularly tragic,” he stressed, “is the lack of early warning or communication from upstream authorities.” Just two weeks ago, he recalled, Nepal and China had successfully coordinated on a potential flood threat, which helped save many lives. This time, however, there was no exchange of such information, and the disaster struck in the night—leaving no time for alerts or evacuation.

“The early warning system wasn’t activated, and that failure cost many lives,” Upadhya said. “The fact that our safety now depends not only on our own preparedness but also on the cooperation—or silence—of others beyond our borders must change the way we approach disaster management.”

According to the estimates of the Disaster Management Authority, 523,656 people from 119,830 households in Lumbini Province will be directly affected due to the monsoon this year. In Bagmati Province, 327,376 people from 74,914 households are expected to be affected, while in Gandaki Province, 287,107 people from 65,699 households could be affected. Similarly, 275,867 people from 63,127 households in Koshi Province could be impacted. In Sudurpaschim Province, 227,730 people from 52,112 households could be affected, followed by 127,308 people from 29,132 households in Karnali Province, and 228,687 people from 52,331 households in Madhes Province.

Nine bodies have been recovered and 19 people have been reported missing after a devastating flash flood hit Rasuwa district on Tuesday.

One of the bodies was recovered from Chitwan tonight. 

According to the latest details provided by Nepal Police Headquarters, 19 people are reported missing. 

The body of Assistant Sub Inspector Lal Bahadur Shrestha, who was missing from Rasuwa after being swept away by the flood, was found on the banks of the Trishuli River at 15 Kilo, Chitwan.

Central Spokesperson of Nepal Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police Binod Ghimire said two policemen, six Chinese citizens and 11 civilians are missing. Similarly, 57 people have been rescued.

A 383-member police team was mobilized to rescue those affected by the flood. 

The flood swept away Miteri Bridge on the Nepal-China border, 24 containers, six trucks and 35 EV vehicles. 

The road from Dhunche to Timure has also been blocked. 

The dam of Rasuwagadhi Hydro and the yard of the Customs Office in Rasuwa have also been damaged.