Water Resources Bill nears finalization, set for parliamentary debate

KATHMANDU: The Water Resources Bill, which has been under discussion in the Infrastructure Development Committee of the House of Representatives, will be finalized within two weeks and presented to Parliament soon, said Deepak Bahadur Singh, Chair of the committee.

Speaking at a workshop on ‘Integrated River Basin Planning and Management for Effective Water Governance in Nepal’, organized by the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Singh highlighted the urgency of addressing water governance challenges, particularly the drying up of stone streams in the Kathmandu Valley.

Sarita Dawadi, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, said that the government is prioritizing integrated water resource management and has established River Basin Offices to ensure the conservation and efficient use of water resources.

She highlighted that water allocation is particularly important in Nepal’s federal structure, as various provinces have competing needs.

Echoing similar sentiments, Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal, Secretary of the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, said the government is advancing the River Basin Plan with high priority, given that water is Nepal’s primary natural resource.

To strengthen water governance, the Water and Energy Commission has initiated studies on the Lower Bheri sub-basin in Karnali Province and the Roshi sub-basin in Bagmati Province. These studies aim to ensure the sustainable and equitable use of water resources in these areas.

At the event, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Arnaud Cauchois and World Bank Country Director David Sislen reaffirmed that donor agencies would continue to support Nepal in protecting and managing its water resources.

Bal Krishna Prasai, Chair of the Jalsrot Vikas Sanstha, emphasized the urgent need for action, citing climate change as a major factor exacerbating the water crisis. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to safeguard Nepal’s water resources for future generations.

With the Water Resources Bill expected to be presented in Parliament soon, stakeholders hope it will pave the way for more effective governance, conservation, and sustainable management of Nepal’s vital water resources.