With close to a million people packed into just 50 square kilometres, the environment within Kathmandu Valley inevitably suffers relentless pressure from the city’s inflating population. Amidst the city’s madness and mayhem, theasiamag.com asks 20 photography students in Nepal, how they perceive their environment, and answer is one of both chaos and charm.

These students are part of a workshop conducted by theasiamag.com’s Pictures Editor, Debby Ng. Held in Kathmandu between February and March 2011, this workshop is a year-long project that encourages creative and critical thinking through photography, and is a joint project by theasiamag.com, the Little Sisters Fund, Takshashila Academy and the Patatas.

(Left) The environment is polluted. People dispose of their garbage and grey water into the river at Dhobikhola, Chabahil, Kathmandu.
Photo by Alina Shrestha

The developing area near Halchowk, Kathmandu is a living ecosystem that exists close to the forest of Ichangu Narayan. The fertile land of valley is being misused, and the unchecked construction of buildings has adversely affected the environment and surrounding ecosystem.
Photo by Alisha KC

Smoke rises from brick kilns into a cloudy sky, forming a canopy over the fields and raw brick moulding places on the way to Dhulikhel from Kathmandu.

There are as many brick factories along this way as there are farmers today. Nalinchowk, a place in Dhulikhel, has numerous brick kilns. The smoke billowing out of these kilns is harmful to the environment. On the flip side, the economy generated from this profession pays for schooling of the farmers’ children.
Photo by Anupama Dhamala

Workers load timber onto a truck to transport it to the city from the jungle of Kishandol, Jitpur phedi-9, Kathmandu. The green forest was famous as the wealth of Nepal but now the area of the forest is withering due to deforestation. Deforestation is the main reason for environmental degradation in village areas.
Photo by Bishwo Aryan

Community Police, including women officers, help the local people clean the environment as the monsoon approaches and the risk of epidemics of water-borne diseases increases.
Photo by Jaya Raj Acharya

The ever-polluted Bagmati River of Kathmandu Valley flows through Bijuli Bazaar, Kathmandu. Construction works along the banks of the river have narrowed the width of the river. Increasing population in the valley leads to increased pollution into the rivers because of inefficient or non-existent drainage and sewage systems. These factors are degrading the environmental condition in the valley.
Photo by Kriti Hada

Bishnumati River is covered by garbage carried from all over Kathmandu valley. One of the five major rivers of the valley, Bishnumati is adversely affected by growing population in the valley. Two decades ago, people drank from these rivers. Today, it has become a dumping site. Neither authorities nor local people seem to take any action to improve the situation.
Photo by Trishakti Manav

Amidst the conundrum, some students manage to perceive solitude and beauty.

“The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.” – Unknown

(Left) A clear view of a rainbow is seen after a heavy rainfall.
Photo by Anima Bhattrai

The beautiful view of a village in Kalanki, Kathmandu.
Photo by Rita Pudasaini

A man standing on the rooftop, enjoying the falling rain. Though the sun hides behind black clouds, it still gives a golden shine.
Photo by Pushpa Adhikari

Seasonal yellow flowers bloom in a garden at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Lalitpur. Nepal’s environment has a great deal of variation in climate. This country has more than 6,000 species of plants, of which 245 are only found in Nepal. A total of 118 ecosystems, 75 vegetation and 35 forest types have been identified so far. This country is well known for its forests that attract biologists and geologists for research.
Photo by Samanta Acharya

The beautiful view of the remaining mist after the rain in Kalanki, Kathmandu.
Photo by Sharmila Sapkota

Two king cobras emerge out of the grass and begin a courtship dance after a huge rainfall in Kupondole, Kathmandu.
Photo by Shukla Archaya

Tau daha is a vast pond located about 7km from Kathmandu’s Basantapur. It is a very romantic place and attracts many picnickers. It is a protected area for birds and animals, including many migrating birds in the winter season. The park protects the water and its aquatic life by charging an entrance fee for maintenance. It is an idyllic place for artists, photographers, bird watchers and nature lovers.
Photo by Suman Shakya

The layers of clouds blocking the sun make this view of the sunrise at Halchowk more interesting. I believe that mornings can tell us the day’s weather, and it looks like today is going to be cloudy.
Photo by Sumitra Lama

Boudanath is located in the heart of Kathmandu Valley and is visited by many people each day; it is near Thamel so it is also a tourist destination. It provides an ideal habitat for pigeons and people often visit to feed them. As the pigeon is a symbol of peace, visitors who come to feed them feel peace in their minds and souls.
Photo by Yelissa Joshi