One man initiative: Kathmandu?s Kamal Pokhari (Lotus Pond) resurrected

It is said that "Nothing is impossible in this world" and this has been proven by the altruistic work of Mr. Devendra Gautam whose sheer effort has helped to restore Kathmandu's Kamal Pokhari to near its original condition. The pond is located at the center of Kathmandu City. It was formerly known as Bhim Jujuka Pokhari, famous for the lotus and was originally spread over 48 ropanies (c. 2.5 ha). Over time, however, due to continuous encroachment by the locals and different government bodies, this once pristine and famous pond became severely degraded, to become a grass field of only 34 ropanies (c. 1.73 ha). Mr. Gautam, a local resident of Kamal Pokhari area in the city's Ward No.1, independently instigated the cleaning and clearing of the jal kumbhi (water hyacinth) with missionary zeal, beginning in 1996. Gautam is a well known Nepalese journalist by profession, one with a strong determination to establish a clean neighbourhood. For this he is even ready to pick up the litter thrown around.