Minister Yadav Holds Discussion with Experts to Solve Drinking Water Crisis in Terai-Madhesh

Kathmandu – Minister for Drinking Water, Pradeep Yadav, has held discussions with a team of experts to find immediate and long-term solutions to the worsening drinking water crisis in Birgunj Metropolitan City of Parsa district and other Terai-Madhesh districts.

Organizing a program at the Ministry of Drinking Water, Minister Yadav engaged with hydrogeologist experts from Pulchowk Engineering Campus, highlighting that adverse impacts of climate change have intensified the drinking water scarcity in Birgunj and across the Terai-Madhesh region.

He stated, “We have held an extensive discussion today with hydrogeologist experts from Pulchowk Campus to explore immediate and sustainable solutions to the growing drinking water problems in Terai-Madhesh districts.”

The discussion addressed various causes of the water crisis, including climate change, depletion of groundwater, declining water sources, overexploitation of the Chure region, and unplanned urbanization. Director General of the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management, Er. Ram Kumar Shrestha, shared that expert opinions and scientific analyses were collected during the discussion.

According to him, detailed deliberations were held on groundwater recharge methods (such as recharge ponds, rainwater harvesting, and green space expansion), identification of alternative sources, and the role of technology and public awareness in the efficient use of water.

In this context, an agreement was reached to form a study team with participating experts, informed the Ministry’s Joint Secretary and Head of the Planning Division, Er. Kamal Raj Shrestha. The study team will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current water conditions, groundwater structure, pollution levels, and long-term solutions across various districts of Terai-Madhesh.

Hydrogeologists from Pulchowk Campus suggested that the drinking water crisis in Birgunj and the Terai-Madhesh region is worsening year by year, and emphasized the need for concrete actions based on thorough study. They also expressed their readiness to assist in solving the issue.

Today’s program saw participation from Ministry Secretary Er. Pramiladevi Shakya Bajracharya, Joint Secretaries Ram Babu Puri and Meena Shrestha, Project Chief Surat Bam, Managing Director of Nepal Water Supply Corporation Arjun Babu Dhakal, Director of the Project Directorate Laxmi Prasad Upadhyay, Chief of Valley Board Sanjivikram Rana, and hydrogeologist experts from Pulchowk Campus including Bhola Ghimire, Deviprasad Bhattarai, and Pratap Singh Tadab.