A city on pause

Pokhara has always been a lively and vibrant city, full of energy and life. I’ve always had a deep love for this place, with so many cherished memories tied to it. But the Pokhara I’m seeing now feels like a shadow of the city I once knew. Most of the businesses are closed, the usually bustling streets are empty, and people are staying inside, following the government’s orders to avoid unnecessary activities due to the spread of the coronavirus in neighboring countries.

There’s a lot of uncertainty about how this virus will affect us, and it’s unsettling, especially with all the worrying news we’re hearing. It's a strange, uneasy feeling to see a city that’s usually so alive come to such a standstill.

We made this trip with hesitation, doing our best to avoid contact and stay safe. Our project site is about 15 kilometers northwest of the city, in a sparsely populated area. The plan is to complete our work quickly and get back home without putting anyone at risk.

I sincerely hope that by the time I return, Pokhara will bounce back to its former glory—the city we all love and remember.