Our beloved Kathmandu, a city rich in history and culture, is facing a heartbreaking challenge. In recent years, devastating floods have repeatedly swept through our communities, leaving behind a trail of destruction, loss of homes, and, most tragically, precious lives. These aren't just isolated incidents; they are stark, painful reminders of the urgent and escalating threat posed by climate change. The city's unique geography, combined with a history of heavy rainfall and rapid, often chaotic urban growth, has created a perfect storm. The numbers tell a grim story: according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the Kathmandu Valley experienced a staggering 150% increase in rainfall in July 2021 alone compared to the previous year, pushing our rivers and drainage systems far beyond their limits. Amidst this growing chaos, a powerful beacon of hope shines through the dedicated efforts of local organizations committed to finding real, lasting solutions. Among them, Lily Leaves stands out with its unwavering commitment to urban greening and flood mitigation, offering a potential shield against the rising waters.
The floods in Kathmandu are still they’re stories of hard times, strength, and big losses. In July 2021, rain went up by 150%, and that’s not a one-time thing. It shows how our monsoons are getting wilder and harder to predict. Places near the Bagmati, Dhobikhola, Hanumantey end and Bishnumati fresh in our minds, and they hurt a lot. Our busy streets turn into wild rivers, homes get underwater, and families have to leave in just hours. These aren’t just numbers rivers, once full of life, now face floods all the time.
The damage goes beyond just broken things. Floods stop our daily life, ruin jobs, and make people sick. Kids can’t go to school, shops close, and it hurts our hearts to see this over and over. Our city is under pressure from these floods, made worse by climate change. We need quick help and smart plans to keep our people and nature safe from this growing Kathmandu flood risk.
Faced with the growing flood threat in Kathmandu, Lily Leaves, a social enterprise, is stepping in with powerful and community-focused action. We believe restoring nature through planting trees can help our city stay strong against climate challenges.
We are working along the Bishnumati River corridor, one of the most flood-prone areas in Kathmandu. Our main focus is on three places: Kuleshwor, Tankeshori, and Shobabhagwati. These riverbanks were once empty and bare. Today, they are turning green again with new forests that do more than just look nice they act as natural barriers, catching rainwater and holding the soil in place to help prevent floods.
At the heart of our planting efforts is the Miyawaki Method. This method comes from Japan and was developed by Akira Miyawaki. It involves planting many native tree species close together, which lets forests grow 10 times faster and become much denser than typical tree planting methods mini-forests soak up more rainwater, improve soil strength, and support more birds and insects all important benefits for flood defense and local nature.
By using the Miyawaki Method, Lily Leaves is creating small forests that help reduce surface runoff and keep more water in the ground during heavy rains. These actions offer real protection during Kathmandu’s monsoon season and help rebuild the local ecosystem.
As the city grows fast, our natural homes for birds, insects, and small animals are disappearing. Lily Leaves understands how urgently we need green spaces. We are planting trees and creating mini‑forests in many parts of the valley. These green pockets are turning unused and neglected spaces into bird- and insect-friendly areas tiny forests in the city.
These green spaces offer vital homes for wildlife. Birds, bees, butterflies, and small animals find shelter and food there again. This helps restore ecological balance in our city (Urban forests provide habitat and food for wildlife.
Trees also clean the air and lower temperatures. They filter harmful gases and dust, making the air healthier to breathe. They also cool the city by shading and releasing moisture through their leaves (Trees soak up pollutants… shading reduces heat…).
These benefits make city life better not only by reducing flood risk, but also by improving our health and restoring nature. Urban greening is a powerful way to fight climate change, protect biodiversity, and make Kathmandu a healthier, greener home for everyone—people and wildlife alike.
Lily Leaves is doing great work planting trees, but Kathmandu’s flood problem also comes from poor city planning over many years.
Most of the problem comes from unplanned development:
· New houses, roads, and buildings are built on river banks and floodplains the natural areas that used to absorb heavy rain.
· Concrete and asphalt now cover large parts of the valley. Rainwater cannot soak into the ground and runs off too fast.
· The city’s drainage systems were built many years ago and are too small for today’s heavier rains. They overflow and spill onto streets and homes.
These planning failures lead to disasters:
· In September 2024, Kathmandu saw up to 322 mm of rain in one day, causing flash floods that killed over 200 people, flooded homes, schools, hospitals, and blocked roads. Over 4,000 people needed help.
· Experts say the real cause is not just weather it’s concrete covering natural land, rivers being squeezed by buildings, and little space for water to flow.
This isn’t just poor engineering it represents real suffering:
· Families lost homes, belongings, and loved ones.
· Communities were torn apart by preventable floods.
· Basic urban planning laws and climate risks were repeatedly ignored.
In short, without fixing how our city grows and ensures space for nature, every heavy rain becomes a risk. Kathmandu needs not just more green spaces but smart, climate-aware city plans to protect its people.
Our communities have borne the brunt of Kathmandu’s floods but they’re also part of the recovery.
In areas along the Bishnumati River, Bagmati, Hanumantey and Dhobikhola, many families suffered flood damage. Water entered homes, ruined belongings, and forced people to evacuate. These were not just losses they were moments of fear and despair.
But things are changing. When Lily Leaves began planting trees in these areas, people started to see hope. Take Mrs. Sita Rai from Kuleshwor, whose shop was often under water during rains: she said, “We used to dread the monsoon. Now, seeing these young trees grow, knowing they help hold soil and absorb water it gives us strength. We feel like we are fighting back, together.”
This community spirit is powerful. Our work is more than planting trees it is about coming together and building support. Children help plant; elders share knowledge about native plants; neighbors connect around a common goal a greener, safer neighborhood.
This involvement brings ownership. When the community cares for these trees, the forests thrive. This turns flood survivors into guardians of their land. It builds not only barriers against floods but also tighter, stronger communities.
Lily Leaves does important work planting trees but Kathmandu’s flood problems are largely caused by years of poor urban planning.
· Many areas in the city were built on riverbanks and natural floodplains, places that used to absorb rainwater. Now, buildings and roads cover these areas, forcing water into streets and homes.
· Concrete surfaces now dominate the valley. Rainwater can’t soak into the ground and instead rushes off too quickly.
· Drainage systems in the city are old and too small for today’s heavy monsoon rains. They overflow easily during storms.
These failures are not just about infrastructure; they have caused immense suffering:
· In September 2024, Kathmandu suffered record-breaking rainfall and devastating floods. Over 200 people died, homes and schools were damaged, and thousands needed rescue.
· Experts point to rapid urban growth, building on flood zones, and failure to protect green spaces as major causes.
This isn’t just a mistake it’s a human cost. Many Nepali families have lost lives, homes, and peace because city planning ignored climate risks.
Now, every heavy rain poses a threat unless Kathmandu builds better, nature-aware planning into how the city grows.
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