KATHMANDU: The government has announced a policy to conserve Nepal’s rivers by recognizing them as the foundation of civilization, culture, biodiversity, and human existence.
Presenting the government’s policies and programs at a joint meeting of both houses of the Federal Parliament, President Ram Chandra Poudel said rivers would no longer be viewed solely as water resources.
The policy states that rivers will be studied scientifically based on their religious, cultural, environmental, and social significance.
The government has also pledged to preserve indigenous communities, traditions, and spiritual values linked to rivers as part of the nation’s heritage, while ensuring clean and continuously flowing river systems for future generations.
According to the policy and program document, an integrated water resource management system based on river basins will be implemented. The government also plans to develop multipurpose projects that combine benefits from hydropower, irrigation, drinking water, tourism, and downstream coastal areas.
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