By: Krsihna Kisi

Kathmandu: Until some years ago, Balaram Karki of Koteshwor was known as ‘Bhattasahu’ (brick-kiln owner) but now he is more popular as 'Pani Ba' – the water man. The locals gave him the new name after the elderly Balaram left the occupation of brick-kiln and started to distribute drinking water in the settlement free of cost.

There is a crowd of water fetchers in the Karki's residence from early in the morning. Balaram and his wife Mithu Karki have been distributing drinking water to their neighbours free of cost from his private dug-well.
The locals told that the Karki couple has given a big respite to them at present water woes. Balaram said, “I feel donating drinking water is better than blood donation and eye donation. Therefore, I started to distribute water free of cost.”
Over 100 families from Tridevinagar, Suryakot, Narephant and Jadibuti fetch water from his dug-well. Many families of Tridevinagar do not have to face drinking water woes as Balaram has permitted to construct a bore-well in his private land. He has also renovated Kotdevi temple in his own expense and donated Rs. 60,000 for constructing community building in Koteshwor.

Source: Annapurna Post, April 26, 2009