The course of development has been a tedious journey in developing countries. Sometimes an aeon can pass with no significant changes. Development literally means fulfilling the basic needs without compromising the stability of future generations. But in the case of our country, it can be seen that we aren’t very concerned with the second part. A live example of it is high tension wires.

My home is in the Chandragiri municipality of Kathmandu valley. In the course of development, about three years back high-tension wires were constructed. The project was carried out with the collaboration between China and the Government of Nepal. High tension wires are basically wires used to transmit high voltage currents through long distances. Here in Chandragiri, 220 kilovolts of current passes through these naked wires.

It’s a well-known fact that any development brings pros and cons. High tension wires advantage us in transmitting electricity at a high voltage which minimizes the power loss due to resistance in conductors. But what about its negative effect? Are we keeping those in the shadow?

Hundreds of studies worldwide have shown that living next to high voltage power lines and other parts of the power transmission network increases our risk of cancer and other health problems. The closer we are to them, the more we are bombarded with dangerous EMFs. A safe distance is about 700ft from the transmission line, the more the better. But the wires can be seen close to the locals. An interview with local people concluded that sometimes high noises are heard and sparks can also be seen. This has inflicted the locals with threats and terror.

5  years back, the place had a different ambiance of greenery. Hardcore development has deflowered the virginity of the place. The deforestation of the communal forest has caused a huge loss of important plants. Plants of medicinal importance, such as Dhasingare, Chiraito, Pakhanbed, etc. are in being lost. The encroachment of domicile has endangered animals like tiger, deer, leopard, wild boar, pangolin, etc. and has affected the birds too. Birds like parrots, starlings, woodpeckers, cuckoos, nightingales and spiny babblers are decreasing day by day.

Development should be a boon to the country, not a curse. The government should be aware of such extremities before executing any further plans. High diligence must be invested in studying nature. An erratic development plan leads to destruction and irreparable loss. We must go towards sustainability so that any apocalypse could be easily faced. The environment that we live in is the gift of our ancestors and they had maintained it properly. Thus, we must also be able to bequeath it to our upcoming generation in a good and healthy state.