Artist’s Narrative Guardians of the Waterspout: Makara Reimagined is inspired by the mythical creature Makara (or Hitimunga) that has long graced the ancient waterspouts—dhunge dharas or hitis—of Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kathmandu. Growing up deeply rooted in this heritage, the Makara has always been more than just a symbol from my childhood—it is a guardian, a storyteller, and a timeless connection to the sacred and artistic essence of my city. Crafted in papier-mâché, this sculpture represents a fusion of tradition and modern aesthetics, bridging the past and the present. The bold metallic colors and stylized yet dynamic forms reflect contemporary reinterpretations, while the intricate motifs and swirling water-like patterns honor the meticulous artistry of Newar craftsmen who shaped these icons centuries ago. This piece is meant to evoke nostalgia, reverence, and a renewed appreciation for the mythical guardians that once stood silently at the thresholds of temples, warding off misfortune and ushering in purity. It is also a tribute to our heritage, resilience, and the enduring beauty of the Makara as a protector of both community and water.
Work details: Title: Guardians of the Waterspout: Makara Reimagined Medium: Paper Mache and Mixed Media Size: 36*25 inch Created Year: 2025
Ancient waterspouts (dhunge dhara or hiti) of the Kathmandu Valley (Credit: Pat Rogers)
Bikash Tamakhu is an artist from the historic city of Bhaktapur, Nepal, whose work fuses traditional motifs with contemporary techniques. Deeply rooted in Bhaktapur’s cultural heritage, his art often portrays the city’s architecture, rituals, and everyday life. A 2015 graduate of Kathmandu University, Bikash has participated in multiple group exhibitions, workshops, and one solo exhibition, Me and My Vicinity.
He received the National Fine Art Award in Handicraft at the National Art Exhibition in 2012, and in 2024 his logo and mascot design were selected by the National Sports Council of Nepal. Beyond exhibitions, Bikash is active in community-based art education, particularly post-earthquake initiatives, and currently teaches art at several schools.
In recent years, weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable. From scorching droughts to sudden cloudbursts, climate change is amplifying both the severity and frequency of natural disasters. This was tragically evident in late September 2024, when devastating floods swept across Nepal. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA, 2024), more than 250 people lost their lives, 18 went missing, and 178 were injured in one of the country’s worst disasters in recent memory. The Roshi River Basin in Kavrepalanchok district was among the hardest hit, as floods and landslides destroyed homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. These events raise a critical question: could the damage have been lessened if communities had better information and preparation?
A house destroyed by the flood in Roshi Village on 28 September, 2024
That’s where the FM-RAPID (Flood Monitoring and Risk Assessment for Preparedness and Integrated Decision-making) project comes in. Launched under the long-term Real-time Asian Meteorological Observatory (REAMO) initiative, FM-RAPID is a collaboration between Smartphones For Water Nepal (S4W-Nepal), Utrecht University and SmartPhones4Water to address the critical lack of real-time flood data in the Roshi River Basin. Working closely with local governments, communities, and citizen scientists, the project is building a strong baseline understanding of flood hazards, vulnerabilities, and exposure. This knowledge will help shape effective early warning systems and strengthen disaster preparedness, ensuring the Roshi River Basin is better equipped for future floods.
Young researchers on site with an Automated Weather Station (AWS)
In the months following the September 2024 flood, preparations began for an intensive monsoon 2025 field campaign. Young researchers from S4W-Nepal and students from Utrecht University, working alongside local governments and communities, carried out extensive fieldwork to strengthen hydrometeorological monitoring and assess flood risk in the Roshi River Basin. The team installed a hydrological station at Khopasi and set up three Automated Weather Stations (AWS) at the headwaters of Roshi, Nala, and Ryale to record rainfall, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. Five additional soil moisture sensors were deployed at key sites, a community survey was conducted to assess vulnerability and exposure to floods and landslides, and eight citizen scientists were recruited to contribute daily rainfall measurements. To better understand river dynamics, cross-section surveys were also performed along the Roshi River and its tributaries.
Map of the Roshi River Basin showing the locations of installed Automated Weather Stations (AWS), hydrological stations, tipping bucket stations, and soil moisture sensorsAn Automated Weather Station (AWS) being installed by young researchersA hydrological station being installed by young researchersYoung researchers performing streamflow measurement in Roshi River at Khopasi
This project goes beyond installing sensors—it is about building a locally driven approach to flood resilience. Real-time data from AWS and hydrological stations will enhance forecasting accuracy, while community surveys reveal who is most at risk and why. Together, these efforts create the foundation for informed decision-making in disaster preparedness and response, helping communities in the Roshi River Basin act quickly and effectively during future extreme events.
Interaction with a local resident
Although still in its early stages, the progress so far has laid a strong groundwork. Continuous data collection will help us better understand how the Roshi River system behaves. The next phase will focus on flood modeling, mapping vulnerability and exposure, and designing a community-based early warning system. Moving forward, REAMO’s mission remains clear: to equip local communities with the knowledge, tools, and data they need to navigate an increasingly unpredictable climate.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
Meet Janney Kayastha, a 25-year-old resident of Chapagaun, Lalitpur, who truly shows us what Margaret Mead meant. As an environmental science student, she has a deep love for nature and community involvement. Janney is interested in learning more about our environment and helping protect it through hands-on experience and community work, which is why she actively contributes to precipitation monitoring as a citizen scientist.
“This is my third year doing this, and it has been a rewarding experience.”
Janney first discovered S4W-Nepal through a social media post. For the past three years, she has been collecting daily rainfall data as a dedicated citizen scientist. For Janney, one of the best parts of this journey has been seeing the direct impact of this data. It helps her understand local rainfall patterns and compare local observations with data from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM).
“I’m grateful to the S4W team for always reminding us to collect the data, as their support makes a big difference in ensuring we stay on track.”
Janney shares how collecting data can sometimes be a challenge. Especially when it’s raining heavily or if she simply gets busy and it slips her mind. However, the S4W-Nepal team’s reminders really help her and keep her motivated. She also finds it encouraging when the S4W-Nepal team updates citizen scientists on the amount of data and cumulative rainfall they’ve submitted through weekly SMS and social media posts.
Ms. Janney Kyastha with the Soda bottle rain gauge she uses for daily rainfall monitoring
Apart from daily rainfall monitoring, Janney finds that her role as a citizen scientist also makes her environmental science studies more meaningful. It allows her to apply what she learns in class in real-life situations, which has deepened her interest in working with water and climate-related issues. According to her, citizen science is more than just collecting data; it’s a powerful force for positive change.
“I believe that citizen science is an important way to create environmental change. It raises awareness, involves people in their communities, and improves data that can help in making better decisions.”
Ms. Janney Kayastha (center) with fellow citizen scientists during the Citizen Science Celebration 2024
“Get involved! You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference; your work as a citizen scientist really can matter.”
Janney plans to continue her work as a citizen scientist while building her career in the environmental field. She dreams of working in areas like water resources, climate change, and sustainable development. She also encourages other students in a similar field, like her, to get involved.
She suggests S4W-Nepal could offer more training, educational materials, and ways for citizen scientists to give feedback and interact with fellow citizen scientists and the research team. She believes these would really help everyone learn and improve themselves. We thank Janney for her dedication and thoughtful suggestions. We look forward to seeing her continue her journey toward making meaningful contributions to her community and the environment.
