JANAKPURDHAM, MARCH 19
Amidst a growing groundwater crisis in Nepal's Madhesh Province, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders convened at the National Symposium on Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Management of Groundwater Resources in Nepal. The symposium, organized as part of the Nepal National Glacier, Water, and Weather Week (NNGWWW) 2025, underscored the pressing need for sustainable groundwater management in light of declining water levels, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasing water demand.
A Platform for Solutions and Regional Cooperation
Held annually, the National Symposium on Groundwater serves as a key platform for dialogue between experts, government agencies, and development partners. In 2024, the event focused on transboundary groundwater management, emphasizing the necessity of regional cooperation in tackling shared water challenges. This year, aligning with World Water Day 2025's theme on Glacier Preservation, the symposium prioritized discussions on declining groundwater levels in the Terai region, which have reached alarming levels.
Opening the event, Dr. Rabin Malla, Executive Director of the Center of Research for Environment, Energy, and Water (CREEW), highlighted how the symposium has evolved since its inception in 2009 into a pivotal regional forum for groundwater experts. The event was jointly organized by CREEW, The Small Earth Nepal (SEN), and the Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board (KVSWMB), in collaboration with thirteen other government bodies, development agencies, and local stakeholders.
The Urgency of Sustainable Groundwater Management
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Dr. Krishna Prasad Sah, Director of Chandra Engineering Consultants, warned of unstable groundwater levels, declining recharge rates, increasing extraction, and growing conflicts over water resources in Madhesh Province. He stressed the need for evidence-based decision-making over anecdotal approaches, citing the Falkenmark Water Stress Index to emphasize a scientific framework for prioritizing groundwater management.
Former Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Er. Ganesh Shah, recalled a time when artesian wells in Janakpur provided a reliable water source, contrasting it with today's unsustainable extraction. He urged policymakers to embrace innovation in water harvesting, preserve indigenous water management knowledge, and strengthen government commitments to water conservation.
Government's Commitment to Groundwater Sustainability
The symposium was co-organized and endorsed by the Ministry of Energy, Irrigation, and Water Supply (MoEIWS), Government of Madhesh Province. Minister Shesh Narayan Yadav, the Chief Guest, acknowledged that groundwater depletion is one of the most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges for the region. He reiterated the government's dedication to policy reforms, infrastructure development, and community-driven groundwater management initiatives.
Acting Secretary of MoEIWS, Er. Ram Kumar Khanga, linked Madhesh's groundwater crisis to deforestation and land degradation in the Chure hills, stressing that groundwater should not be viewed as a substitute for surface water resources. He called for coordinated recharge efforts and pledged government support for sustainable water conservation.
Adding to the discussion, Janakpurdham Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah and Dr. Sohan Prasad Sah, Vice-Chairman of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission (PPPC) Madhesh Province, emphasized the importance of policy-driven solutions and improved coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments. They also pointed out the lack of investment in surface water irrigation, which has increased dependence on groundwater resources.
Scientific Research and Practical Solutions for Water Security
A key session led by International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Nepal focused on Assessing Changes in Groundwater Use for Sustainable Management. This session also served as the Inception Workshop for Technical Assistance on Groundwater Sustainability in South Asia, addressing challenges such as:
- Climate variability and its impact on groundwater.
- Groundwater contamination risks and mitigation.
- Ensuring equitable access to groundwater resources.
Experts emphasized the need for data-driven climate adaptation strategies, managed aquifer recharge (MAR), and improved governance to enhance groundwater resilience.
Bridging Policy, Science, and Community Engagement
A Roundtable Panel Discussion brought together leading experts from WaterAid Nepal, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Welthungerhilfe Nepal (WHH-Nepal), KVWSMB, and Community Development & Advocacy Forum Nepal (CDAFN). Moderated by Prof. Vishnu Prasad Pandey, the panel discussed actionable priorities for groundwater security in Madhesh Province, focusing on:
- The need for bridging gaps between policy, research, and practical implementation.
- Strengthening government coordination to ensure research translates into action.
- Promoting a Community of Practice to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
Panelists agreed that despite numerous projects and studies, groundwater depletion remains a critical challenge. They emphasized the importance of research-driven, actionable interventions rather than isolated development initiatives.
With Madhesh Province at the frontline of Nepal's groundwater crisis, stakeholders agreed that addressing this issue requires a coordinated, science-based, and community-inclusive approach. The symposium provided a crucial platform for mobilizing action at all levels of governance, ensuring that groundwater sustainability remains a top priority for Nepal's future water security.
