POKHARA: Concerned stakeholders speaking at the National Conference on Climate Change and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) have stressed on the importance of management and purification of water sources, on Thursday.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) in coordination with World Health Organisation (WHO) in Pokhara.

Speaking at the programme, Urban Development Minister Narayan Khadka informed that scarcity of water has increased human conflict in the society. Though scarcity of water is present only in the urban area, but after certain time there may be the chances of the water shortage in rural areas too, he warned.

Minister Khadka further said that the nation is in the lap of Himalayas and causes nominal pollution in terms of other countries. However, it has to bear great effects from climate changes.

''Proper plan should be implemented regarding the effect of climate change on water, sanitation and hygiene. Besides conserving the sources, solutions like using water only in necessary works and reusing the wasted water should be promoted,'' said Minister Khadka.

Dr Govinda Nepal, a member of the National Planning Commission, stated that the low rainfall and drought have decreased the level of water in land.

The Department of Water Supply and Sewerage (DWSS) Director General, Ramdeep Sah said that the problem of water shortage can be lowered by utilising or allocating rainwater.

''The conservation of forest and recharge methods should be promoted for the solution. People are migrating to other places due to the shortage of water, so not only the government, but also the community or society should work for safety of water sources,'' said Sha.