KATHMANDU: The National Assembly’s Committee on Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance has directed the government to immediately address the drinking water crisis in drought-affected regions of the Tarai-Madhesh.
During a meeting held in Singha Durbar on Thursday, the committee instructed the government to allocate necessary funds and swiftly ensure drinking water supply to the affected areas.
Committee Chair Kamala Pant said the directive includes not only the Madhesh region but also other parts of the country currently facing water scarcity. The committee has also formed a subcommittee led by lawmaker Urmila Aryal to study the broader drinking water issue and submit recommendations for long-term solutions.
Several committee members expressed concern over the worsening situation in the Tarai. Lawmaker Narayan Kaji Shrestha emphasized that drinking water is a fundamental need and urged the government to prioritize its management.
Similarly, Bamdev Gautam said the government must act with urgency and that water scarcity in Madhes could be addressed effectively if efforts were made with proper planning. He disagreed with the notion that the Chure region was solely responsible for the water shortage, stating that the issue should not be oversimplified.
Officials from the Ministry of Drinking Water, who were present at the meeting, stressed the importance of both budget allocation and administrative facilitation to ensure reliable water supply in the affected areas.
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