Nuwakot, September 12, 2025
The lush green hills of Shivapuri, stretching into Nuwakot district, stand as one of Nepal’s most vital ecological landscapes. Cloaked in dense forests and often shrouded by clouds, the area provides not only scenic beauty but also critical environmental services, including water recharge, biodiversity conservation, and climate regulation.
Shivapuri is part of the larger Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, which serves as a water source for Kathmandu Valley and a habitat for diverse species of flora and fauna. However, the surrounding slopes in Nuwakot district reveal a growing challenge: balancing the demands of development with the urgent need for environmental preservation.
In recent years, expanding settlements and unregulated construction on the fragile hillsides have raised concerns among conservationists. Small clusters of houses dotting the green slopes highlight the growing human footprint. Experts warn that if such development continues without sustainable planning, it could heighten the risks of landslides, deforestation, and water scarcity - problems already intensified by the impacts of climate change.
Local communities, meanwhile, depend on the forest and farmland for their livelihoods. Agriculture, small-scale animal husbandry, and reliance on firewood remain integral to survival in these highlands. Efforts are underway to promote eco-tourism and community forestry initiatives that aim to create a win-win scenario: improving economic opportunities for locals while safeguarding the ecological richness of the area.
Environmentalists emphasize that Shivapuri and its adjoining districts, including Nuwakot, must be treated as a fragile ecological zone. They call for stronger policies on land use, investment in sustainable infrastructure, and promotion of renewable energy to reduce dependence on forest resources.
As the mist clears over Shivapuri’s green ridges, the picture is clear: the future of Nuwakot’s hills hinges on how Nepal manages the fine balance between development aspirations and ecological responsibility.
