KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has asserted that the brunt of climate change is disproportionately targeting water resources.

Speaking at the unveiling of the ‘Study Report on Water Resources Management under World Water Leadership Programme’ today, in Kathmandu, Minister Basnet highlighted the urgent need for meticulous attention towards the management, utilization, and conservation of water to buffer against the impact of climate change.

During the event, Minister Basnet called upon policymakers to not only acknowledge the study report but also expedite its translation into actionable policy measures.

Stressing the gravity of the situation, he urged for a concerted effort towards identifying and addressing challenges in water resources management.

The Minister underscored the significance of an integrated approach towards water resources management, a focal point of the study report.

He proposed the amalgamation of legal provisions concerning climate into a cohesive framework to effectively combat the impending water crisis exacerbated by climate change.

Moreover, Minister Basnet emphasized the imperative of prioritizing multi-sectoral utilization of river basins, with a strategic allocation of budgetary resources aligned with this objective.

The comprehensive study report, conducted under the World Water Leadership Programme, encompasses a spectrum of topics pertinent to sustainable water management, shedding light on the hurdles impeding effective water resources management.