KATHMANDU, Nov 10: Hundreds of people on Saturday gathered at Khula Manch in the heart of the capital to express their solidarity with the “Occupy Tudikhel” campaign. The gathering started at 8:00 in the morning. People from all walks of life convened at the Open Theatre to chant slogans like: “Let's Save Kathmandu's Lungs,” among others.

Ganapati Lal Shrestha, one of the organizers of the campaign, said that “rapidly growing pollution in the city is putting our lives at high risk of health hazards amid ever shrinking open spaces in the valley”.

Tudikhel, that originally spanned from Ranipokhari to Dasharath Stadium, holds historic importance for the people of Nepal.

“Everyone should support this campaign as this will genuinely support our future generations along with ours,” Shrestha added.

Various international research journals prove the importance of open area to battle pollution. “Some research also suggest Tundikhel's role in helping Ranipokhari recharge water,” added Sanjay Adhikari, one of the organizers of the campaign.

According to social activists, this campaign which has been initiated to create a mass awareness about the need of open space, intends to create pressure on the government against illegal encroachment of Tundikhel as well as other open community spaces.

Hari Maharjan from Patan said that there has been illegal encroachment of Tundikhel area that was built for the purpose of serving as an open ground to the public. “But sadly, we see bus parks as well as unauthorized construction taking place in this area,” he said.

“We live at a time where pure air has become rare. I came to stand for the ecological stability of this society,” Maharjan added.

Various literary artists, poet, politicians, businessmen, civil society members participated in the campaign .

Kedar Bhakta Mathema , Babu Ram Bhattarai, Hisila Yami, Yogeshwar Amatya, Bhimsen Das Pradhan , Gagan Thapa, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, Hiranya Lal Shrestha, were some of the prominent figures present at the campaign.

The campaign continue for the upcoming three months on every Saturday, according to the organizers.

 
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