Monsoon shows signs of withdrawal with the arrival of September, but the distressing situation of the people living around the Boudhanath Stupa vicinity does not seem to have an end. In addition to the waterlogged potholes on the streets of  Bouddha, even the stupa premises – enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage site – is left submerged when it rains. Similar was the case this Thursday. 

Devotees and tourists from across the globe visit Bouddha in large numbers annually. The waterlogging caused by insufficient drainages, and blockage of the sewage system heavily obstructs the movement of people. Every time it rains, locals  unite to clean the muddy mess, grabbing shovels and brooms. In some instances, devotees also lend their hands to clean out the blockages by eliminating waste and trash from entering the drains. 

“We have raised our voices countless times but to no avail,” says 45-year-old local, Lhakpa Tenzing Sherpa.  He added, “The monsoon is almost over this year, and yet no efforts are carried out to solve the problem. This implies that a similar plight is evident during the next monsoon as well.”