Godawari's Corruption Scam Step Towards Cleansing Local Governance

Corruption seems to be etched in the minds of people to the extent that it is sometimes accepted as a normal part of daily life. While corruption can manifest in various forms —mental, social, cultural and religious, among others — financial corruption appears to be a pervasive issue everywhere. Every day, cases of fund misappropriation are being exposed in Nepal. Gajendra Maharjan, the Mayor of Godawari Municipality, and his team have been lauded for several good initiatives, including installing street lights, improving health systems in health posts, and launching various initiatives for the elderly and the community. He has often been cited as a model of good governance.

 However, it was a slap in the face for his electorate when the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case against nine individuals from Godawari Municipality, including him and Deputy Mayor Muna Adhikary. The CIAA has filed a total of five cases against Godawari Municipality authorities for embezzling Rs 1.048 billion. The misappropriation of funds involved river materials like gravel and sand. It is indeed a shame that these local leaders, who have shown exemplary development activities and have been re-elected, are mired in corruption beyond the comprehension of many.

Unique flora and fauna

 Godawari is one of the most beautiful places in Lalitpur, with unique flora and fauna that are slowly moving towards extinction. This writer remembers growing up in Kathmandu and attending school in Lalitpur, eagerly anticipating the yearly school picnic to enjoy the natural beauty of the botanical garden in Godawari. It used to be lush, green, and very refreshing. Later, as a working journalist in the early 1990s after the restoration of democracy, I participated in a campaign against a marble quarry that was eroding the hills of Godawari. The quarry was stopped because it was harmful to a residential school adjacent to the hills and the area's biodiversity.

On July 1, 2024, I took a foreign visitor to see the beauty of Godawari gardens. Coincidentally, children from different schools were there for a picnic, reminding me of my own childhood. They enjoyed the garden as we did, but they did not realise that the streams, now with hardly any water, used to gush abundantly when I was their age. The spot opposite the cactus garden, entering the Japanese garden, has a spring under a wooden bridge that used to flow vigorously. Now, this spot and the springs around the garden are drying up. Although the trees provided relief from the scorching heat and my guest enjoyed the garden's beauty, I was saddened by the garden's neglect and wondered where the municipality funds and garden earnings had gone.

Instead of embezzling almost Rs 1.5 billion, the Mayor and his team could have focused on protecting the fragile botanical garden's environment, reclaiming drying springs, water spouts, and agricultural land, which could be a source of food and livelihood for the Nepali people. In doing so, they would have earned a legacy that would give them fame even after their lifetimes. The Kathmandu Valley, comprising the three districts of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, used to be among the most fertile lands in the country. The indigenous Newar community, known for their artisan skills, were also skilled farmers. Initially known for various types of rice, these areas are now also known for good vegetable farming and bee cultivation. 

Unfortunately, as land prices rose, many farmers, primarily from Newar communities, sold their land. This led to the commencement of modern construction, which completely contrasted with the traditional architecture of the valley. With laws enacted for housing companies, the valley saw a series of land plotting and building constructions, turning it into a concrete jungle. Godawari still has forest areas with flora and fauna that need protection from endangerment. The exposure by the CIAA has made the people of this beautiful region, which needs protection for future generations, wonder where they went wrong in voting for these corrupt individuals. It is ironic that elected leaders resort to such unimaginable corruption.

Over the last couple of decades, several corruption cases have been exposed by the CIAA and the media. In some cases, action has been taken against the perpetrators, but often the cartel system in the country protects the culprits. In the case of Godawari Municipality, action is being taken. While corruption scandals and fund misappropriation by elected leaders scale to billions of rupees, environmental degradation also constitutes corruption. This corruption has persisted from the Panchayat days to today's republic era. Previously, the royal family was blamed for all corruption, but now elected leaders are engaging in similar and larger misappropriations. 

Environmental degradation

Cases should be filed not only for fund embezzlement but also for failing to protect the environment and revive natural resources for future generations. The misappropriation of funds related to gravel and sand is directly linked to environmental degradation. So is destroying forests on hills and plotting it for modern building constructions. Nepal’s wealth lies in its human and natural resources. The fast-flowing mountain rivers and the rocks and sand they bring are being eroded every day. Several investigative stories have exposed the involvement of industrialists and politicians in the illegal use of river resources like gravel and sand. 

However, very little action is taken. Someone needs to be held accountable. While the misappropriation of funds in the gravel and sand line item of Godawari Municipality’s budget has been proven by the CIAA and action taken against the local authorities, similar action needs to be taken against those who are exploiting these resources. The children of Nepal should always have a botanical garden housing some of the most exotic species of flora and fauna where they can be taken for annual school picnics in the future too.

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women's rights advocate. namrata1964@yahoo.com. Twitter handle: @NamrataSharmaP)