There is a lot of good that ordinary people can do for the society provided they unite and show the willingness to help. The fast drying Rani Pokhari, situated in the heart of the capital city, is one of the many historical landmarks left uncared for for many years. But not until few days back when 15 Buddhist women along with two generous men pulled in their resources to purchase 30 tankers of drinking water and poured it into the pond hopefully to save the few remaining aquatic lives in there. This kind and compassionate gesture deserves appreciation. The pond was drying up at an alarming rate since there was no rain in the winter and also because the water level is said to have markedly gone down as a result of over extraction of ground water. Although the Kathmandu Metropolitan City sends two consignments of water every day, it is inadequate for the pond since there is no way the water can be retained during dry season.

It would be good for the country at large if there were more people like these spirited women, who chose to do something meaningful instead of sitting idly at home. It is to be remembered that these women are no billionaires but ordinary citizens united for a common cause. There is no dearth of similar social problems and issues confronting this conflict-ravaged country that is crying for citizens’ attention, support and concrete action. Also, in a country steeped in corruption and bureaucratic red tapism, it is the people who must take the initiatives for a cause worth pursuing, especially conservation and preservation enterprises, as it is futile to solely depend on the government machinery for efficient execution of any policy or programme. Meanwhile, the government officials too cannot shy away from their assigned responsibilities. The KMC officials, for instance, should come up with preemptive measures whenever the weatherman warns them of shortfall in rain. They simply cannot wait for the nature to take its own course when hundreds of aquatic creatures are perishing every day.