Kathmandu, Feb. 1 -- As Kathmandu reaches the limits to its growth with nearly every square metre now built up, developers are moving to the slopeson the Valley's rim to set up housing colonies. This is affecting the aquifers, and increasing risk of landslides for residents.

Gokarneswar is located directly below the forests of Shivapuri National Park and nearby is Sundarijal, the source of fresh water for much of Kathmandu. These villages had perennial springs that fed household taps and irrigated fields.

In the past year, thesprings have all gone dry. Residents blame it on real estate developers moving in with heavy machinery and carving up the slopes into plots for new housing colonies.

"I am 60, and I have never seen the springs go ...