KATHMANDU: The Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly has urged the government to take immediate steps to address the worsening drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene crisis in MadheshProvince.
The parliamentary committee made the appeal during a discussion on its report on Thursday.
Committee members expressed concern over the deepening water shortage in the southern plains, citing poor coordination among agencies and delayed implementation of drinking water projects.
Member Kamala Pant said the government failed to act in time, leading to long-standing problems in water supply and sanitation. She added that deep tube wells are becoming ineffective due to falling groundwater levels, while several drinking water projects remain incomplete.
Another member Rekha Kumari Jha stressed the need for new plans based on the real hardships faced by people in Madhes Province.
Similarly, Samjhana Devkota called for removing legal and administrative hurdles to improve coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments, along with launching public awareness campaigns.
Member Sabitri Malla highlighted the need to ensure the effectiveness of the “open defecation free” status in Madhes and suggested that upcoming federal budgets prioritize sanitation improvements.
Other members also emphasized the urgency of scientific studies on Chure deforestation and groundwater depletion, warning that failure to enforce policies and programmes has worsened the crisis in the region.
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