KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged government bodies, development partners, organizations, and the public to work collectively to ensure water conservation, sustainable use, and equitable access to water resources.
In a message on the occasion of World Water Day 2026, President Paudel stressed the importance of gender equality, inclusive participation, and fair access at all levels of water management.
“Water is the foundation of life, health, prosperity, and social justice. From the rise of human civilization to the present, water has shaped every aspect of life. While ancient civilizations flourished along riverbanks, conserving water and nature has now become increasingly challenging,” he said.
The President highlighted the critical role of groundwater in sustaining ecosystems, regulating river flows, mitigating climate change impacts, and ensuring safe drinking water. However, he warned that water resources are under growing pressure due to climate change, natural disasters, pollution, rapid urbanization, and infrastructure expansion.
“The groundwater level is steadily declining due to overextraction and reduced natural recharge caused by concrete structures in urban areas. At the same time, unplanned settlements and industrial growth are contributing to increasing pollution,” the message noted.
Emphasizing future risks of water scarcity, the President called for promoting traditional practices such as protecting watershed areas and constructing ponds and reservoirs to support groundwater recharge.
Observed globally since 1993 at the initiative of the United Nations, World Water Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and sustainable use. This year, the day is being marked in Nepal with various awareness programs under the theme of water’s vital role in achieving gender equality.
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