KATHMANDU: The world is already experiencing effect of erratic weather pattern. Now, water experts are concerned that climate change impact coupled with random extraction of ground water may hugely affect country’s water bodies.

“Ground water extraction is rampant in cities like Kathmandu where population is increasing by the day. If the trend continues, we fear that there will be adverse impact of climate change in country’s water bodies,” said water resource expert Dr Laxmi Prasad Devkota today.

About 97 per cent of the water in the world is in the form of seas and oceans. Fresh water makes about only 3 percent, with 2 percent stored in the icecaps and remaining 1 percent left for human consumption. Studies have shown the world population can easily suffice the need of water out of the 3 percent fresh water resources.

“Interestingly, we are facing water scarcity not because we have limited water resource. The 3 percent fresh water resource is enough for humankind. We are facing water crisis because of poor management,” said Kishore Thapa, Secretary, Water and Energy Secretariat (WECS).

Experts and agencies have demanded that the government guarantee safe drinking water to all the citizens. “Eighty percent of the major diseases are waterborne. So, it’s a must that the government ensures safe drinking water through the constitution,” said Ganesh Shah, Former Minister for Environment Science and Technology.

Amrita Thapa Magar, chairperson of the Natural Resources, Financial Rights and Revenue Sharing Committee of the of the Constituent Assembly, said that safe drinking water for all would be mentioned in the constitution. The constitution will also guarantee local people’s rights on water resources.”

Experts, agencies and students today discussed water resources, their management and challenges on the occasion of National Water Week closing programme, earlier scheduled for March 22 to mark the World Water Day. But the programme was postponed due to the death of Girija Prasad Koirala on March 20.