Developing regional collaboration in river
basin management in response to climate
Workshop Proceedings
Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 February, 2013
Kathmandu, Nepal
Summary of Presentations
Dr David Molden
Director-General, ICIMOD, Nepal.
Official Opening
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is an intergovernmental
organisation responsive to eight countries encompassing the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
ICIMOD links science and policy to influence development, including knowledge sharing (e.g.
climate adaptation) to improve livelihoods for mountain dwelling people. Trans-boundary issues
including water resource management present challenges. Floods and land-slides threaten the
well being of many people, and ICIMOD encourages a collaborative approach. For example, a
regional program on management of the Koshi river basin involves Nepal, India and China. ICIMOD
is partnering with Monash University in this project: Developing regional collaboration in river
basin management in response to climate change.
Dr Paul McShane
Monash Sustainability Institute
Monash University, Australia
Developing regional collaboration in river basin management in response to climate change.
Some two billion people are dependent on water resources from Himalayan-sourced rivers.
Changes to monsoonal climate systems will affect flows of major rivers (e.g. Indus, Ganges,
Brahmaputra) through snow and glacial melts, and changes to regional rainfall patterns. Changes
to demography, including population growth, and urbanisation will affect demand for water,
particularly in major cities. Changes to land use and the growth in hydroelectric power will also
affect water resources in South Asia with consequences for agriculture and for ecosystem services
(e.g. water quality, biodiversity). The Monash Sustainability Institute (MSI) is interested in the link
between research and policy, particularly in the context of climate change and regional cooperation. Policies applicable to water resource management must take into account biophysical
issues such as those above and also the socio-economic issues which influence a political response
to water resource allocation. What is the best use of water under circumstances of increasing
scarcity? We use two approaches to link research and policy:
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systemic models which link biophysical and socio-economic variables to examine the consequences
of various policy interventions and/or climate change (see Dr Chan’s presentation, this workshop).
knowledge management which examines the way information is collected and shared (including
traditional wisdom at community level) to inform and influence policy (see Dr Aaron’s presentation,
this workshop).
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Challenges facing South Asia, in the context of climatic and demographic influences on Himalayansourced rivers include:
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•
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the development of regional climate models for improved rainfall prediction at river basin scales;
the identification of mutual benefits to encourage a co-operative approach to river basin
management among states;
explicit valuation mechanisms for ecosystem services to account for water resource allocation and;
legal and regulatory frameworks responsive to the above.
Dr Mandira Shrestha
ICIMOD, Nepal
Regional water issues in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
ICIMOD has a number of regional programs that embrace four thematic areas (livelihoods,
ecosystem services, water and atmosphere and geospatial solutions. Regional programs include:
adaptation to change, transboundary landscapes, river basin management, cryosphere and
atmosphere, mountain environment regional information systems and a Himalayan University
consortium. The water resources of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region are influenced by climate
change including glacial/snow melts and changes to regional rainfall. Catchments in the eastern
Himalayas are less likely to be susceptible to the impacts of deglaciation compared with the west.
There is much regional variation among states responsive to Himalayan-sourced rivers. Pakistan
has the lowest per-capita water availability in Asia. India is the world’s largest consumer of ground
water. Bangladesh is the South Asian state most vulnerable to water insecurity. Bhutan and Nepal
have rich water resources but high spatial variation in availability. Afghanistan is arid mountainous
and has poor water infrastructure. The rapid retreat of glaciers in the last 30-40 years has
increased the frequency of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) with severe consequences.
Vulnerability to floods crosses state borders. Yet there is a lack of exchange of real time data
among states. There is rising conflicts due to competitive demands of upstream/downstream
communities for multiple uses (e.g. hydropower, irrigation). There are obvious opportunities for
regional co-operation e.g. in flood risk reduction. The establishment of a regional flood
information system in the Hindu Kush region, including the timely exchange of flood data and
information through an accessible and user-friendly platform, is one opportunity. Challenges
include the lack of a regional river basin approach for integrated water resource management.
There is a need for capacity building at institutional level responsive to integrated water resource
management.
Dr Douglas Hill
University of Otago, New Zealand
Management of trans-boundary issues in water resource management given likely change,
cultural influences, and policy challenges associated with poverty reduction, energy demand,
and demography.
The Hindu Kush Himalayan region supports a complex mix of different agro-ecological conditions,
global biodiversity hotspots, a diversity of cultures, varying levels of human development, fast
growing economies and intractable poverty. Trans-boundary issues in water resource
management reflect ad hoc regulatory structures and the fragmented nature of regional cooperation.
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Increasing water vulnerability and water stress will affect many in the region through
consequences for agriculture, food security and poverty. Environmental degradation and
expanding biotic and abiotic stresses will also impact on society and on regional economies.
Continuing stratification in society (e.g. gender, caste) intersect with demographic changes
(population growth and urbanisation) to create additional challenges for policy makers. At local
scales, adaptation to change (climate, water availability) is required. This will include
diversification of livelihoods, migration, and supporting local adaptive capacity. Large scale
damming of rivers (mainly for hydro-power) introduce potential regional conflicts in water
resource management. This can be beneficial (e.g. India providing economic support to Bhutan) or
non-beneficial (e.g. water scarcity in Bangladesh following the construction of the Farakka
Barrage. A regional approach, including emerging powers such as China, is required. However,
trust and politics frustrate attempts to develop a co-operative approach to water resource
management and adaptation to climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalayas.
Dr Nasreen Islam Khan
Climate Change Institute and Fenner School of Environment and Society
Australian National University, Australia
Working towards improving resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change in the Hindu
Kush Himalayan (HKH) region (Bangladesh, China, India, and Nepal).
The Climate Change Institute of the Australian National University has a current project to develop
a climate adaptation toolkit for use in countries dependent on Himalayan-sourced rivers
(particularly China, India, Bangladesh and Nepal). Work so far has assessed and documented the
current research status, identified knowledge gaps and developed a mechanism for knowledge
sharing in the region. Participatory approaches are used to identify risks, vulnerabilities and
opportunities of climate change impacts on small downstream communities in Bangladesh and
upstream communities in India and Nepal. Collaboration with key regional institutions (including
policy makers and Universities) is an important component of the project. An expected outcome is
greater understanding by policy makers of the level of risk and vulnerability to climate change
impacts at the local level based on good scientific analysis.
Dr Shresth Tayal,
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI),
India
Cryospheric influences on regional river
flows: regional cooperation for mutual
benefits.
The major rivers sourced from the
Himalayas traverse national boundaries:
the
Indus
(India/Pakistan);
Ganges
(Nepal/India/Bangladesh);
Brahmaputra
(China/India/Bangladesh).
There
is
significant variation among these rivers in
the amount of melt water (glacial/snow):
Indus 44 per cent, Ganges 9 per cent,
Brahmaputra 12 per cent.
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India has nearly 10,000 glaciers but, of these, most (94%) are less than 5 km in length. 3 per cent
of these glaciers are larger than 10 km2. Glaciers (number, area, and length) are most important
for the Indus system. The Ganges has a number of sub-basins (the Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda,
and Ghaghara basins). The Ganges also receives rivers sourced in Nepal including the Koshi,
Gandaki, Karnali, and Mahakali rivers. Most of the area and volume of the Ganges river system (>
65%) is sourced in Nepal. Climate change will influence glacial melts in the Himalayas. Glacier
research includes monitoring of meteorology, glaciology and hydrology to estimate run off to river
systems. This requires regional co-operation including knowledge sharing.
Fundamental questions in relation to climate change include:
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•
•
what is the spatial and temporal contribution of melt water to river runoff in the region?
what is the impact of climate change on glacial melting?
what is the impact of melt-water variability on local livelihoods?
Ms Amina Khan
Mahbub Ul Haq Centre
Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan
Towards an institutional framework for collaborative river basin management in the IndusGanges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (IGBM) Basin.
The river systems of the Himalayan region can be divided into three sub regions: Western, Central
and Eastern. These subregions transcend national boundaries and introduce issues relating to
water sharing. Climate change has introduced uncertainty in water resource management
particularly as it is difficult to forecast regional water availability. Further to this is the prospect of
increased frequency and severity of natural disasters including floods, and droughts. Water
scarcity or exposure to floods can cause mass migration which must be managed by the host
country (or state). Drivers of co-operation (among states) include adherence to international laws
or conventions (e.g. use of international water courses); river basin organisations (e.g. Indus River
Commission), and economic interdependence. Drivers of conflict include: population growth,
water scarcity, environmental degradation, hydroelectric dams, political distrust, territorial
disputes, asymmetric power relationships, lack of effective water sharing among riparian states,
and lack of data/information sharing among riparian states. Major dams disrupt water flow, affect
water quality and contribute to the acceleration of environmental degradation with social and
economic impact. The Indus River basin is the most important yet heavily degraded river system in
Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan is planning to build five more river development projects by
2016 that would further degrade the Indus basin: the Diamer-Bhasha, Kalabagh, Munda, Akhori,
and Kurram Tangi dams. Within Pakistan the Indus River System Agency (IRSA) is involved in the
resolution of intra provincial water sharing and environmental management issues but much more
work is required for effective resolution. Effective stakeholder engagement is necessary to address
effective trans-boundary management of river basins. Applying an appropriate legal framework
promotes efficient management and helps avoid or settle conflicts between competing water
users and their interests. Extant water treaties exist governing water sharing among countries (e.g.
India/Pakistan; India/Bangladesh; India/Nepal), yet continuing tensions undermine their
effectiveness.
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Integrated water resource management: a process that promotes the co-ordinated development
and management of land, water and related resources, is widely accepted as the most sustainable,
efficient and equitable approach to river basin management. Benefit sharing enables a basin-wide
planning perspective which not only allows better management of the resource but provides far
greater scope for indentifying co-operative management arrangements that are acceptable to all
parties.
Dr Arun B. Shrestha
ICIMOD, Nepal
Overview of River Basin Program in the new strategy of ICIMOD.
ICIMOD links strategic thematic areas (livelihoods, ecosystem services, water and air, geospatial
solutions) to regional programs in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. Himalayan-sourced rivers provide
services to about 1.3 billion people. The Himalayas contain the largest reserve of snow and ice
outside the polar regions. Modifications to monsoonal climate patterns will affect moisture
transfer including both accretion and loss of glacial ice. Records at high elevation stations reveal
greater rates of warming than in lower stations. These changes will affect water availability in
major river systems: already water scarcity is a serious problem in South Asia. Planning and
management of water resources is best undertaken at river basin scales. Improved river basin
management will reduce physical vulnerabilities (e.g. to floods) and improve food and energy
security for mountain and downstream communities. ICIMOD’s regional programs aim to develop
and apply methodologies for regional flood and drought information collection and sharing
through a framework for regional co-operation. Preparation of gender sensitive water-induced risk
assessment recognises the challenge and capacity gaps faced by women in particular given climate
change impacts. For example, the current program in the Koshi river basin addresses poverty
reduction through evidence-based decision making and basin wide co-operation (China, India,
Nepal). ICIMOD’s Indus Basin initiative examines vulnerability of upper basin communities to
climate induced hazards (particularly on livelihoods). Changes in the hydrology of the upper Indus
Basin will affect agriculture and socio-economic conditions in downstream communities.
Dr Terry Chan
Monash Sustainability Institute
Monash University, Australia
Systemic modelling for exploration of climate change and policy options for integrated river
basin management.
Systemic modelling of river basins incorporates a risk based approach and encourages stakeholder
involvement through a participatory process. Models help stakeholders understand complex
systems. They can incorporate uncertainty and they can assist in management and policy
development through improving understanding of system responses e.g. a river basin to climate
change. Our approach to systemic modelling takes a Bayesian network approach. This approach
examines the relationship between functional variable in a system (e.g. river flow, water
availability, water quality). Examination of bio-physical relationships (e.g. rainfall, run off,
hydrology) can assist in evaluating socio-economic consequences (e.g. agriculture, crop yield,
social impact).
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Examples of river basins currently under evaluation (Indonesia, South Pacific, Vietnam) show how
management can be evaluated against processes affecting river basins and important
consequences (e.g. water for human well being) through causal chains. We plan to apply this
approach in examining river basins in South Asia particularly those responsive to changes in the
Hindu Kush Himalayan region. In this way research and policy are linked in evaluating the
consequences of alternative policy intervention and of climate change.
Dr Jeremy Aarons
Monash Sustainability Institute and Knowledge Management Research Program
Caulfield School of Information Technology
Monash University, Australia
Knowledge management for collaborative participation in natural resource management in
response to climate change.
Knowledge management is the systematic collection and sharing of information to inform policy
and to improve understanding among stakeholders and decision makers who influence policy and
management decisions. Modern technology has brought huge advances in data, information, and
knowledge. This is held in diverse forms (e.g. data, reports, expert knowledge) and by multiple
parties (agencies, organisations, individuals). Different stakeholders have different belief systems
and there may be conflicts in values, goals and other influences on understanding (e.g. of natural
resource management policy). Increasingly, communities are becoming more involved in
knowledge sharing: local knowledge and traditional wisdom is important in natural resource
management. Knowledge management promotes a shared understanding among stakeholders as
this is important in, for example, collaborative approaches to integrated river basin management.
This involves both social and technical issues. Social issues include cultural, political, religious, and
linguistic differences. Education and research capability also influence societal understanding of
extant issues. Technical issues include data management systems, ICT infrastructure,
organisational design, and knowledge gaps/uncertainty. Monash’s task-based approach to
knowledge management brings structural dimensions (e.g. technology infrastructure) and
functional dimensions (learning, sense making, systemic modelling). This involves a three-step
approach:
•
•
•
problem identification, goals, tasks (e.g.
river basin management)
description of systems model of task
activities (e.g. policy setting, institutional
issues,
stakeholder
engagement,
information sharing, priority setting).
identification of tools and techniques to
support tasks (e.g. incorporation of local
knowledge, knowledge sharing, decision
support tools).
Knowledge brokering transfers knowledge
from source to user and involves
collaboration among stakeholders involved
in knowledge management e.g. for
collaborative river basin management.
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This ultimately involves strategic collaboration, institutional strengthening, and behaviour change
responsive to the task (e.g. integrated river basin management).
Dr Shahriar Wahid
ICIMOD, Nepal
Management of the Koshi River Basin.
The Koshi River Basin presents an example of balancing water, energy, and food security.
Agriculture is the main use of water (1 tomato uses 180 ltrs. of water). The generation of energy
(e.g. coal, nuclear) is water intensive. In energy hungry India, most proposed new power plants are
situated in water scarce areas. Production of biofuels places further demands on increasingly
scarce water resources. Water resource allocation is therefore increasingly in conflict among
energy and food sectors. Responsive institutions, industries and markets are often disconnected.
The Koshi river basin, which is situated in China, Nepal and India, exemplifies an opportunity to
develop equitable and integrated water resource allocations strategies. Agriculture development
is dependent on irrigation, improved productivity, and access to markets. Climate change will also
affect water use and agriculture with concomitant effect on livelihoods. Current issues in this
context include land use/change; household economics, and agricultural production practices.
ICIMOD is developing an evidence-based decision support tool to assist in local community
adaptation to climate change and to changes in land use. This template may be used for
application in other river systems pending evaluation of the Koshi basin. Traditional knowledge is
important. The current program aims to: reunite (stakeholders): reinforce (basin wide resource
use); rewire (information systems); rebrand (food and energy security linked to water) and
redesign (institutional arrangements responsive to water resource management).
G.K. Chhopel
National Environment Commission, Bhutan
Developing regional collaboration for collaborative river basin management in response to
climate change.
In contrast to other countries in the region, Bhutan has a relatively small population (0.7 million)
and abundant water resources. There is a high level commitment to resource conservation with a
constitutional requirement for at least 60 per cent forest cover. There are 10 protected areas
representing different ecosystems. These occupy half the country. However, Bhutan is a landlocked country with a fragile mountainous ecosystem vulnerable to climate change. Rapid melting
of glaciers can trigger GLOFs with severe consequences for local communities. There are four
principal river systems in Bhutan: the Amochhu, Wangchhu, Punatsangchhu, and Manas. Bhutan
has unique biodiversity supported by good water quality in its riverine ecosystems. Storage
systems which collect water during the wet season for use during the dry are increasingly being
used in Bhutan. Multipurpose dams that incorporate hydroelectricity generation are suitable for
southern regions. These also function in flood control and in irrigation. Greater efficiency in water
resource utilisation can be gained from improvements in water conveyance and use of drip
irrigation for fruit and vegetables. The mountainous terrain makes pumping difficult. Climate
change adaptation includes the use of crops with lower water demand or higher drought
resistance. There is a need for capacity building at local level to equip farmers to adapt to a
changing climate. A new Water Act in Bhutan (2011) enshrines water conservation, water quality,
and equitable resource allocation in legislation.
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A requirement for a 30 mtr. buffer zone (forested) assists with maintenance of water quality as
does a requirement for minimum water flow. A national approach to water resource management
reflects stakeholder engagement and a commitment to restore polluted or depleted water bodies.
Water regulations support the provisions of the Water Act by assigning costs among users and
operators of water services by means of a system of fees, charges, and fines. River basin
management plans are being developed for the four main river systems.
Mr Ch. Mushtaq Ahmad and Mr Ashraf Abid
Water and Power Development Authority, Pakistan
Management of rivers of Pakistan under climate change scenario.
Pakistan is a country of some 180 million people with one of the world’s lowest per capita water
availability. Most of the land area is dedicated to agriculture with wheat the main crop (23 million
tonnes annually) followed by rice (5 million tonnes) and maize (3 million tonnes). Agriculture
depends on water from the Indus River and its tributaries, as Pakistan is generally arid with
substantial desert areas. More than 70 rivers and hundreds of streams join the Indus river. There
are six major tributaries: Sutlej, Bias, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum and Kabul. All of these rivers except the
Kabul originate in India. The Kabul river has its origin in Chitral Pakistan, enters Afghanistan before
re-entering Pakistan near Warsak. Under the Indus Water Treaty (1960) between Pakistan and
India, the Indus river system was divided into two systems:
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Eastern rivers (controlled by India): Ravi, Sutlej and Bias.
Western rivers (controlled by Pakistan): Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
The Indus river system derives much of its water from snow and glacial melts. Surface waters are
utilised through:
•
•
•
•
•
3 major reservoirs;
19 barrages/headworks;
12 link canals;
46 irrigation canals;
100,000 small irrigation channels/water courses.
With this, the Indus river basin supports the largest contiguous irrigation system in the world.
River basin management focuses on soil and water conservation. Regulation of river flows,
principally through dam construction and operation is a major focus. Dams can assist in reduction
of bank erosion, flood control and allocation/distribution of water in rivers. However, Pakistan
must cope with extremes of water availability (floods and droughts). High sediment loads can
exacerbate flood and decrease water quality. Climate change and dam construction (India) will
affect water availability in Pakistan. Shifting of monsoonal circulation from central Pakistan to the
north will affect rainfall by intersecting with westerly low pressure systems prompting heavy
precipitation. Elevated temperatures (with climate change) will increase demand for water (as will
continued growth in human population) and reduce supply (through evaporation). This adds to
Pakistan’s existing water scarcity problem.
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Dr Gautam Rajkarnikar
Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepal
Flood information system in Nepal.
Floods are increasingly prevalent in Nepal arising from intensive rainfall events and GLOFs. A
network of hydrometric stations provides for forecasting of flood events. Data transmission
systems linked to Internet-based retrieval assists in improving reliability and timeliness of flood
forecasting. The flood information system in Nepal is designed to provide an early warning system
for all major flood-prone rivers. This is co-ordinated with national, regional, and international
organisations involved in disaster risk management. Importantly, community engagement is
embedded via local radio stations, district policy offices, and local community organisations.
Professor Shaikh Abdus Salam and Ms Saadlee Shehreen
University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
River Management in Bangladesh: impact on environment and climate change.
There are 309 rivers in Bangladesh, 57 of which are shared with India or Myanmar. Floods are
common during the wet season with Indian-sourced rivers (Padma, Meghna and the Jamuna)
overflowing in Bangladesh. Climate change introduces other problems including saline intrusion
and soil degradation. In the dry season, navigation on rivers becomes difficult. A combination of
erosion and sedimentation in rivers and flood plains causes uplifting of the river bed. Reduction of
river flows caused by dams results in decreased water quality (e.g. increased salinity). The
disruption of flows from the Ganges caused by the Farakka barrage could be accentuated by
proposed river linking in India. Present salinity levels, particularly in coastal regions, exceed the
tolerance of many crop species. This frustrates poverty reduction strategies given that agriculture
is a major source of economic and social well being for Bangladeshi people. Co-operative and
collaborative river basin management is required to address environmental degradation through
improved water flows and water sharing strategies.
Dr Pradeep Mool, Cryosphere Initiative,
ICIMOD, Nepal
Cryosphere monitoring in the Hindu Kush
Himalayas.
Most of the Himalayan glaciers (~75%) are
retreating. However, there are substantial
regional differences in climate in the Hindu
Kush Himalayas (HKH). The orographic
influence of the Himalayas on monsoonal
circulation patterns contributes to this
regional variation in climate. Yet there are
gaps in data/information in the Himalayas:
accessibility to high altitude sites is
problematic.
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Thus, there is an underrepresentation of meteorological observation in the high Himalayas. As
glaciers retreat, glacial lakes form and expand. Many are observed at elevations of about 4,000
mtrs. These can cause GLOFs with severe consequences. At least 56 GLOFs have been recorded in
the HKH, with about 10 of them transboundary in nature. Glacial mass balance studies tend to be
fragmented, unco-ordinated and generally based on short time series. Improved understanding of
cryosphere dynamics will improve flood risk management and water resource management more
generally. Crysophere monitoring, initiated by ICIMOD, integrates in situ measurements, remote
sensing and modelling to improve knowledge and management of glaciers and snow melts. Links
to other organisations, and further capacity building initiatives will provide a basis for a
collaborative regional approach to understanding the consequences of climate change on the
cryosphere.
Professor Narendra Raj Khanal
Department of Geography
Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Flood risk management in trans-boundary rivers of Nepal: issues and challenges.
Nepal has a large network of rivers. All are transboundary with some flowing into India and others
originating in Tibet. Climate change effects, including relatively high rates of temperature change
in high altitudes increase the risk of GLOFs. Landslides and flash floods are also consequences of
changes in rainfall patterns. These natural disasters have severe economic and social
consequences. More than 29 areas of Nepal have been inundated following construction of
earthen embankments, gates, and barrages which restrict water flow and increase the risk of
flooding. Joint initiatives for flood control (India and Nepal) aim to address flood risk and adopt cooperative management strategies. Droughts are also problematic in Nepal with declining rainfall in
some regions (e.g. Panchkhal). Nepal’s National Water Resources Strategy (2002) and the National
Water Plan (2005) have adopted integrated water resource management (IWRM). Recently
drafted national water resources policy has also emphasised IWRM based on river basin
management. Objectives include conservation of water resources and flood risk management.
Plans for two sub-basins: Dudhkoshi and Indrawati in the Koshi River Basin have been prepared.
However, opportunities for improved regional co-operation, including transboundary
management of river basins exist. There is a need for strengthened institutional capacity in IWRM,
sharing of hydrological data and improved forecasting of climate change impacts (downscaled to
river basins).
Professor Hari K. Shrestha
Nepal Engineering College, Nepal
Sand mining: as an adaptation measure to climate change induced disaster in Chitwan district of
Nepal.
Chitwan is a southern district of Nepal vulnerable to floods. Heavy monsoonal rainfall prompts
landslides and sedimentation. This is accentuated by anthropogenic loosening of the soil (tilling of
sloped land), over grazing, and development activities without slope stabilisation. Deposition of
sediment, debris, in river beds can increase vulnerability to floods including river course diversion.
Current adaptation measures include: slop stabilisation, forestation, dams, retaining walls, and
side drains in upstream areas. Sand mining is an important economic activity that can assist in
reducing sediment (sand) build up in areas vulnerable to floods.
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Positive effects of sand mining include maintenance of river bed elevation and reduced flooding in
riparian settlements. There are also socio-economic benefits including employment opportunities
for the poor and unskilled. However, sand mining activities are not well managed. Scraping of river
beds for sand mining can expose clay and undermine infrastructure (e.g. bridges). Thus, negative
impacts of sand mining include river bank erosion, deforestation, land-slides, and environmental
degradation. Improved management, including better and practical guidelines, can address these
negative impacts to concentrate on the positive benefits of sand mining in Nepal.
Dr Dhruba Pant
Kathmandu, Nepal
Institutional set up for river basin management in Nepal.
Water resource development in Nepal is governed by the Water Resources Strategy and the
National Water Plan (2005). It aims to encourage the active participation of all stakeholders
including the private sector. The Water Resources Act (1992) emphasises poverty alleviation and
vests ownership rights (of water) to the government. The Forest Act (1993) seeks to protect the
environment. It grants usage rights of forest and forest products to the users and elicits
participation by users in resource management. Responsible institutions include: the Ministry of
Water Resources, the Ministry of Irrigation, the Ministry of Forest and Watershed management,
the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Local
Development. These institutions and their district equivalents respond to a Basin office (within the
Ministry of Science and Technology. Stakeholder participation (in river basin management)
includes NGOs. The Forest Act has been effective in creating strong institutions at local level.
However, water resources development lacks an overall policy framework and sectoral approach.
Mechanisms for water resource allocation (among sectors) are unclear. Co-ordination among
districts is generally weak and district water resource committees are not functional. There is a
need to establish a co-operative framework to advance regional understanding of shared issues
(e.g. climate change, water resource management). This should occur trans-nationally.
Luna Bharati and Pabitra Gurung
International Water Management Institute
Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Nepal
Climate change and its impact on river basin hydrology.
Downscaled general circulation models for climate projections in Nepal have indicated changes to
temperature and rainfall associated with climate change. The use of various models and scenarios
offer conflicting projections particularly in relation to regional rainfall. This reflects the uncertainty
in modelling monsoonal climates in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Sensitivity analyses
including evaluation of socio-economic impacts have been used to establish a vulnerability map
indicating climate change impacts. Hydrological modelling using the Soil and Water Assessment
Tool (SWAT) is used to predict surface runoff and charging rates of aquifers and major rivers. Case
studies including the West Seti river sub basin and Koshi basin reveal projected changes in rainfall
impacting on river flows. These projections include both positive and negative results for flows.
Watershed interventions including afforestation, on farm conservation, infiltration ponds, and
improved water storage can reduce vulnerability to climate change.
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Prem Sagar Chapagain and Dr Jagat K. Bhusal
Department of Geography, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
River basins and water resource management issues, Nepal.
The headwater basin Kali Gandaki is located in the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal and
represents a vulnerable highland ecosystem. Climate change will affect flows through increases in
temperature and changes to rainfall patterns. Snow melt contribution could reach up to 40 per
cent of total river flows in the Kali Gandaki river basin. The Water Resource Strategy of Nepal
(2002) has set water sector activities for sustainability of the resource, while providing economic
growth through water resource development, hazard mitigation, environment protection, and
constructive methods of resolving water use conflicts. However, water science and policy are not
harmonised. Existing hydropower licensing has not considered integrated water resource
management and the two ministries (Ministry of Irrigation, Ministry of Energy) responsible for
water and energy lack co-ordination. Population growth and urbanisation along river banks create
issues of water quality (e.g. sewerage, waste, pollution). Under Federalism in Nepal, natural
resource rights are assumed by the government. Recognition of traditional wisdom including
innovation and flexibility of local people (especially farmers) can assist in developing communitybased adaptation strategies given likely climate change in Nepal.
Discussion
Potential for a multilateral approach to river basin management.
A Track 2 (professionals, stakeholders) /Track 3 (community) framework offers a powerful
community based approach to management. Consortia comprising community and riparian
representatives offer realistic scales that embrace state boundaries and a holistic approach to
river basin management. Joint studies of combined environmental impact assessment (e.g. of
changes to the Brahmaputra basin affected by dams). Third party facilitation of data sharing could
address current knowledge management issues frustrating water sharing among states.
Water quality affects communities measurable through water-borne diseases with concomitant
economic and social impact. Greater use of wet-lands (including artificial wet-lands) can assist in
water quality improvement strategies as can targeted community-level education (e.g. of
sanitation).
The valuation of ecosystem services can assist in the identification of benefit sharing among
states. For example the retention of forested catchments can reduce rates of sedimentation and
improve water quality in downstream states.
Governance, legal, and regulatory frameworks applicable to river basins lack clarity and coordination among states. Opportunities for arbitration/resolution of water sharing disputes can be
developed (e.g. among provinces in India). Research to identify legal inconsistencies or conflicts is
needed.
The establishment of a Glacial Monitoring research centre is needed to address data asymmetry in
high altitude areas of the Himalayas. This will assist in improved forecasting including flood risk
management and improved understanding of glacial dynamics.
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The establishment of a South Asian River Basin Organisation can assist in the encouragement of
collaborative and co-operative management of river basins. It should be apolitical but should also
engage with policy makers/planners from riparian states. The Organisation could also encourage a
standardised approach to research and development (e.g. shared and aligned
methodologies/models) and a uniform approach to water resource management policy (e.g.
IWRM) among states.
The attachment of monetary values to water (including ecosystem services) will assist in
transparency in water resource allocation particularly given increasing water scarcity and
increasing demand for water (particularly for irrigation/agriculture). Improved water conservation
strategies (including more efficient water conveyance/irrigation) can assist in managing scarce
water supplies (during the dry season).
Three case study basins were chosen to develop regional collaboration: The Teesta, Indus and
Koshi river basins. These represent trans-boundary river systems important to the social and
economic development of the region. They offer an opportunity to build on existing studies (e.g.
the Koshi River project of ICIMOD, Peking University, Tribhuvan University) and include most
riparian states in the region (including China).
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