Community Based Flood and Glacial Lake Outburst Risk Reduction Project
(CFGORRP)
Narrative Quarterly Progress Report
July - September 2014
Photo: Topographical survey taking place at Imja during October 2014
Submitted by:
Project Management Unit
CFGORRP/DHM
Babarmahal, Kathmandu
Submitted on:
December 08, 2014
About the Project

Project Title: Community Based Flood and National level coverage (Yes/No): Yes
Glacial Lake Outburst Risk Reduction
Number of Regions covered: Central and East
Project (CFGORRP)
Number of Districts Covered: 5



Geographic coverage of the project
Project ID: UNDP/GEF/00069781
Atlas Award ID: 00062316
Web link: http://dhm.gov.np/cfgorrp/
Number of Municipalities Covered: X
Number of VDCs Covered: 11
Strategic Results
UNDAF Outcome 7: People living in areas
vulnerable to climate change and disasters
benefit from improved risk management and
are more resilient to hazard-related shocks
UNDAF/CPAP Output: UNDAF Output: 7.3.2
Water level in Imja Glacier Lake reduced by 3
meters and risk mitigation measures adopted
in 4 most vulnerable Tarai districts
Implementing Partner(s)
1. Lead Implementing Agency: Department of
Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM)/
MoSTE
1. Department of National Parks and Wildlife
Conservation (DNPWC)
2. Department of Soil Conservation and
Watershed Management (DSCWM)
3. Department of Water Induced Disaster
Prevention (DWIDP)
Project Budget (US$)
Project Duration
UNDP Contribution: For the entire project
period
Government Contribution:
Other Contributions:
Start Date (day/month/year): July 15, 2013
Donor Contributions:
NIM: NEX
Donor 1: GEF-LDCF : 6,300,000
Donor 2: UNDP : 949,430
End Date (day/month/year): 2017
Implementation Modality
DIM:
Unfunded:
Total project budget: 7,249,430
Total approved budget for 2015: (Processing)
Signature: _________________
Signature: _________________
Name: ____________________
Name: ____________________
Project Manager
Executive- Project Board
Date:
Date:
Page 2_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
Table of Contents
Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................
1.
Executive Summary .....................................................................................................................
2.
Background and Context .............................................................................................................
3.
Project summary and objectives ..................................................................................................
4.
Narrative on Key Results Achieved in 2013 ..................................................................................
5.
4.1
Progress towards the UNDAF/CPAP Outcome .....................................................................
4.2
Progress on Outputs .............................................................................................................
Cross Cutting Issues .....................................................................................................................
5.1
Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Social Inclusion ..........................................
5.2
Capacity Development and Sustainability.............................................................................
5.2.1
Capacity Development ...................................................................................................
5.2.2
Sustainability Strategy ...................................................................................................
5.2
South-South Cooperation .....................................................................................................
6.
Partnerships.................................................................................................................................
7.
Lessons Learned/ Implementation Issues and Challenges ...........................................................
8.
A Specific Story............................................................................................................................
9.
Programmatic Revisions ..............................................................................................................
10. Future Work Plan or Priorities for 2014 ........................................................................................
11. Risk and Issue Logs ......................................................................................................................
11.1
Risk Log Matrix .....................................................................................................................
11.2
Issue Log Matrix ...................................................................................................................
12. Progress against annual targets ...................................................................................................
Page 3_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
Acronyms
BZMC Buffer Zone Management Committee
CBEWS
Community Based Early Warning System
CBO
Community Based Organizations
CCMD
Climate Change Management Division
CDMC
Community Disaster Management Committee
CPAP
Country Programme Action Plan
CO
Country Office
CUC
Construction User Committee
DDC
District Development Committee
DHM
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology
DNPWC
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
DSCO
District Soil Conservation Office
DSCWM
Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management
DWIDP
Department of Water Induced Disaster Prevention
ERT
Electrical Resistivity Tomography
ETW
Elevated Tube Well
EWS
Early Warning System
FA
First Aid
FCO
Field Coordination Office
GEF
Global Environment Facility
GESI
Gender and Social Inclusion
GLOF
Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
GoN
Government of Nepal
GPR
Ground Penetrating Radar
HMGWP
High Mountain Glacial Watershed Programme
ICIMOD
International Center for Integrated Mountain Development
IW
Inception Workshop
IIW
Internal Inception Workshop
I/NGO
International/ Non-governmental Organization
KACC
Khumbu Alpine Conservation Council
KU
Kathmandu University
LAPA
Local Adaptation Plan for Action
LDCF
Least Developed Country Fund
LSAR
Light Search and Rescue
MoSTE
Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment
MoF
Ministry of Finance
Page 4_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
MoFSC
MoHA
MoI
NAPA
PEB
NEX
NIM
PSC
SCCF
SNPO
TMI
UNDAF
UNDP
VDC
VDRMC
Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Irrigation
National Adaptation Programme of Action to Climate Change
Project Executive Board
National Execution
National Implementation
Project Steering Committee
Special Climate Change Fund
Sagarmatha National Park Office
The Mountain Institute
United Nations Development Assistance Framework
United Nations Development Programme
Village Development Committee
Village Disaster Risk Management Committee
Page 5_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
1. Executive Summary:
The core output as underlined in the UNDAF/ CPAP document via the Community Based Flood and
Glacial Lake Outburst Risk Reduction Project (CFGORRP) is the reduction of the water level in Imja
Glacier Lake by at least 3 meters and the adoption of risk mitigation measures in the four most
vulnerable Tarai districts (referring to the UNDAF/CPAP output 7.3.2.). As also prioritized by the
National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA), the project has been devised to reduce risks from
imminent Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding (GLOF) and to undertake actions needed to address
community-based disaster risk reduction for disaster-prone communities.
Considering the level of technicality and the amount of resources required at higher elevations above
5000 meters, the project has faced series of technical challenges and limitations of expertise in areas of
GLOF risk knowledge under its first component. The task of lake lowering of Imja glacial lake has
therefore taken substantial amount of time for formulation of draft related to the optimum design for
channel construction. During 2014, after repeated efforts in bid solicitation due to the limitation of
relevant bidders, the design team was finally on board after repackaging of the request for proposal
into four thematic constituents related to survey design, GPR, ERT and bathymetry respectively. The
design team led by the survey team were able to conduct field investigation at Imja during the last
quarter 2014 and the draft reports have been received by the project management unit. Based on these
field investigations and assessments, it is expected that the construction works based on the lake
lowering design draft will be initiated and shall be gaining full momentum during 2015. The assessments
and studies conducted during 2014 will thus form the major foundation for the prioritized construction
and early warning preparedness activities during 2015. Under the project’s second component, the
structural and non-structural measures for river and slope bank stabilization in the eight Terai VDCs
were also commenced during the third and fourth quarter 2014 when the formation of the Construction
Users Committees for these structural and non-structural measures have contributed towards the
prioritization and packaging of the embankment related works. Likewise, the construction of 30
elevated tube wells, with 2 tube wells functioning for the disable friendly communities, has also become
one of the noted interventions during 2014.
The planning and design undertakings of the project has been a very crucial aspect for the construction
of proper mechanisms and systems for the Lake lowering and also for the structural and non-structural
flood risk management measures in the Terai. The importance of studies and prototyping related to the
identification and development of a comprehensive community based early warning system for both
project components have also been one of the important lessons learnt during 2014. Based on the
reports on the early warning systems for GLOF and Flood, necessary equipment is being procured and
have been pipelined for the process of installation during 2015. Thus, based on the findings and
derivations from the baseline studies and project socio-economic surveys and documentations of plans
related to hazard mapping, it is expected that the project will accelerate with full implementation of
constructional activities and shall gain further momentum during 2015.
Page 6_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
2. Background and Context:
CFGORRP is a joint undertaking of the Government of Nepal (GoN), Global Environment Facility (GEF)
and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project is being implemented by
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and
Environment (MoSTE). The objective of CFGORRP is to reduce human and material losses from Glacier
Lake Outburst Flooding (GLOF) in Solukhumbu district and catastrophic flooding events in the Terai
and Churia Range. For achieving this objective, the Project has been streamlined into two main
Components. Component I (GLOF) is specifically aligned towards reducing GLOF risks arising from Imia
Lake whereas Component II (Flood) aims to reduce human and material losses from recurrent flooding
events in the four flood prone districts of Terai.
The risk of Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) at Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake in Dolakha district was
reduced in 2000 through the construction of drainage channel for controlled discharge of water to lower
the lake level of Tsho Rolpa by three meters. The lowering of lake level at Tsho Rolpa is the first glacial
lake lowering intervention in Nepal where the lake lowering measures have been implemented for the
first time by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). More than a decade after the
volume of the Tsho Rolpa glacial lake was reduced through an artificial controlled drainage, DHM has
been mobilizing the knowledge from the lake lowering experiences for the lowering of lake level at Imja
glacial lake located at an altitude of 5,010 meters in Solukhumbu district. Imja Lake is considered as one
of the rapidly growing lakes in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region and is also among the 6 glacial lakes
identified as the most ‘critical'. Changes in glaciers provide some of the clearest evidence for climate
change. Hence, the lessons learnt from the adaptation measures of CFGORRP/ DHM would help pave
way as the pilot intervention for other critical glacial lakes in Nepal.
In the existing scenario, there are also quite few Community Based Early Warning System (CBEWS) in
place in the river basins and districts of Terai and Churia and to date, there has been relatively little
investment by government in non-structural measures of reducing people’s vulnerability to flooding.
However, the government is placing growing emphasis on integrating disaster risk reduction planning
into district-level development plans, which could potentially allow a more comprehensive and
integrated approach to flood control in the Terai and Churia Range. Hence, the project has placed top
priority in reducing the risks related to GLOF and Flood Risk Management through a community owned
low cost early warning system thus contributing towards the long term viability and sustainability of the
project. As far as the Exit Strategy and Plan is considered, the project has also been prioritizing on
devising an exit plan from the early start so that all significant activities and outputs could be linked to
the long term applicability and sustainability of the adaptation mechanisms.
Page 7_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
3. Project summary and objectives
CFGORRP contributes to Nepal´s NAPA Profiles 3 and 4, which respectively are - ‘Community-Based
Disaster Management for Facilitating Climate Adaptation’ and ‘GLOF Monitoring and Disaster Risk
Reduction’. This is the first project being implemented with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) ´s
Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) after completion of NAPA. UNDAF/ CPAP document via the
CFGORRP plans to reduce the water level in Imja Glacier Lake by at least 3 meters and contribute
towards the adoption of risk mitigation measures in the four most vulnerable Tarai districts. Hence, the
project objective is also to reduce human and material losses from Glacier Lake Outburst Flooding
(GLOF) in Solukhumbu district and catastrophic flooding events in the Terai and Churia Range.
The project will directly benefit an estimated 96, 562 members of communities vulnerable to climate
change. Particular attention will be paid to the differential vulnerabilities of men, women, children, the
elderly and any other marginalized groups (Project Document, CFGORRP signed on July 15, 2013). The
project’s working areas include Solukhumbu in the High Mountain and Mahottari, Siraha, Saptari and
Udaypur districts in the Terai. 3 VDCs in Solukhumbu are the main working areas under the first
Component and likewise 8 VDCs of the four Terai districts also encompassing 3 river basins of the Ratu,
Khando and Gagan and 2 tributaries basins of the Trijuga River, the Hadiya and Kong are the main
project working areas under the second Component. Thus, the project targets total of 11 VDCs in the 5
working districts.
The key elements of the project strategy to reduce GLOF risk include, developing an artificial controlled
drainage system combined with a community-based early warning system and strengthening of
individual and institutional capacities for GLOF risk management. Therefore, the major outputs
encompass: construction of artificial controlled drainage system for Imja Lake, monitoring of lake and
channel levels by local community and institutional representatives, designing of a practical, low-tech
and gender-sensitive low-maintenance CBEWS and training in GLOF Risk Management, thereby
institutionalizing GLOF knowledge at local and institutional level. By the end of the project, it is
expected that DHM will be operating a GLOF Risk Monitoring System and has a mechanism in place to
communicate GLOF risk warnings to Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and National Emergency
Operation Center (NEOC). Likewise, the second component has been envisioned to reduce human and
material losses from recurrent flooding events in the 4 flood prone districts through locally-appropriate
structural and non-structural measures and through the implementation of CBEWS. To achieve this,
the key outputs planned under the second component include: sediment control and stabilization of
hazard prone slopes and river banks through structural and non-structural measures, undertaking flood
proofing and water and sanitation systems, training to relevant district line agency representatives on
flood risk management and flood preparedness and installation of an effective CBEWS in consultation
and participation with concerned local communities and representatives. By the end of the project, it is
expected that the local level and district level Institutions are functional and supportive to implement
the project activities, contributing towards the overall sustainability of the project.
Page 8_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
4. Narrative on Key Results Achieved in 2013
(Kindly note that this section has been made detailed because this contributes further to section 12 of the APR)
4.1 & 4.2 Progress towards the UNDAF/CPAP Outcome and Outputs:
The Project contributes to the following UNDAF outcome/ outputs:
UNDAF OUTCOME 7: People living in areas vulnerable to Climate Change and disasters benefit from
improved risk management and are more resilient to hazard-related shocks.
Output 7.3: Vulnerable populations have increased knowledge about disaster risk management and
capacity for climate change adaptation and mitigations of risks.
Output 7.3.2: Water level in Imja Glacier Lake reduced by 3 meters and risk mitigation measures
adopted in 4 most vulnerable Tarai districts.
The major construction work of lake lowering will be undertaken during 2015 based on the major
recommendations and findings made by the design study reports developed through survey and field
investigations and the GPR, ERT and bathymetry assessments undertaken at Imja Glacier Lake during
2014. It is very important to understand that lowering the level of Imja is an intensive task requiring
technical expertise and valid documentation showcasing design assessments about the lake and
channel conditions to propose the optimum plan for lake lowering. For this, by third quarter 2014, the
task of the design study related to Imja Lake Lowering were packaged to the following four tasks of
survey and design, ERT, GPR and bathymetric assessments:
1. Preparation of detailed topographical survey and design of Imja Lake lowering
2. Preparation of detailed geophysical - ERT Investigation for structural design of Imja Lake
lowering
3. Preparation of detailed geophysical - GPR Investigation for structural design of Imja Lake
lowering
4. Preparation of detailed bathymetric and hydrological/ glaciological assessment
The service providers were mobilized in the field at Imja during October 2014 for undertaking the
necessary assessments and field investigations. Based on these field investigations, it is expected that
the lake lowering design draft will be submitted by December end 2014.
Regarding the risk mitigation measures for the four Terai districts, the ground works related to
embankment construction and bio-engineering works under the structural and non-structural risk
mitigation measures have been initiated during fourth quarter 2014. The local VDRMC, CDMC and
taskforces have been mobilized for the construction activities via the Construction User Committees for
the construction management of these adaptation measures. Another notable risk mitigation
mechanism achieved during 2014 that contributes towards the UNDAF/ CPAP output is the
construction of 30 elevated tube wells, with 2 tube wells functioning for the disable friendly
communities. These 30 tube wells have been installed in strategic locations so that water supply during
flooding events are not contaminated due to the tube well elevation.
Page 9_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
Other key results during 2014 that contributes to the CPAP output are the report findings received
under the studies in GLOF hazard and safety evacuation and in the Early Warning Systems for both
project components. Based on the findings and recommendations of these studies, there will be proper
mapping out of evacuation centers in the Khumbu region and the installations of GLOF and Flood early
warning system equipment at the identified locations and sites of the project working areas. Through
these installations and through the simultaneous trainings in operation and maintenance of these
instrumentations including GLOF and Flood risk management, the project will be contributing towards
the long term output 7.3 of the UNDAF outcome related to the increased knowledge of vulnerable
populations in disaster risk management.
4.2
Progress on Outputs:
At the output level, based on the outputs prioritized by the Project Document, there are total eight
outputs. Following progresses have been made during the year 2014 at the project output levels:
The major progresses that have been made under the first output of lake lowering (Output 1.1 Water
level of Imja Lake lowered through controlled drainage) are as follows:

Design studies of Imja lake lowering: (related to activity 1.1.5)
During August 2014, the task of the design study related to Imja Lake Lowering had been packaged to
the four tasks of survey and design, ERT, GPR and bathymetric assessments. By October 2014, the
inception report of these four thematic studies were presented and field investigation were undertaken.
However, the three tasks of Topographical Survey and Design, ERT and Bathymetric assessment were
completed except the task of GPR due to non-functioning of the equipment. The follow-up work related
to GPR was continued during early November 2014 and has been completed by November end. The
thematic presentations by the team members were made during November 09 and November 14, 2014.
As of December 08, 2014, the draft reports by the four thematic groups have also been received. The
major findings and recommendations made by the draft design report will form one of the major
foundation for the Implementation and Management Plan of Imja Lake lowering.

GLOF H/SEP: (related to activity 1.1.6)
GLOF Hazard zonation and Safety and Evacuation Plan (H/SEP) is a very important step towards
delineating GLOF hazard zones derived from previous modelling results, validating existing baseline
information and identifying safety and evacuation areas and improvement of sanitation and drinking
water facilities. The service provider for GLOF H/SEP departed to the field (Solukhumbu) for necessary
benchmarking and tracking of safety and evacuation routes during October 2014 with the submission
of the draft field report during November 2014. The PMU/CFGORRP has received the final report on
GLOF H/SEP that sums up the key findings related to the list of evacuation centers at Khumbu based
on the updated hazard zones derived from GLOF modelling and socio-economic surveying at Khumbu.
Page 10_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
The major progresses that have been made under the second and third outputs of GLOF risk
monitoring, maintenance and the GLOF early warning system (Output 1.2 Protocols for GLOF risk
monitoring and maintenance of artificial drainage system of Imja Lake developed and implemented and
Output 1.3 Community-based GLOF Early Warning System developed and implemented) are as
follows:

Imja GLOF Early Warning System: (related to activity 1.2.4 and 1.3.5)
Early warning system in GLOF risk management at community level is one of the priorities made by the
project during 2014 and therefore, the procurement of equipment related to the Early Warning System
for GLOF preparedness at Imja has been pipelined accordingly. This will comprise of cost effective data
transfer from equipment at Imja Lake to local communities and DHM web portal. The service provider
has already submitted their final report during October 2014. Based on the findings from the report
from the service provider, the Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the procurement of necessary identified EWS
equipment was published during November 06, 2014. The deadline for the bid submission was
November 28, 2014. However, due to insufficiency of bidders, the ITB has been re-advertised on
December 01, 2014. The deadline for the ITB submission is December 16, 2014. Hence, it is expected
that the service provider for the equipment will be identified by December end 2014 and the installation
of these equipment will be fully accomplished during 2015. When fully installed with the GLOF sensors,
communication systems to communicate GLOF warnings to the local community to initiate CBEWS and
deliver information to DHM web portal on a real time basis.

Mobile Application: (related to activity 1.3.4 and 1.3.5.)
A comprehensive CBEWS ensures easier and convenient mechanisms to disseminate GLOF and climate
information through different communication mediums and applications. Mobile Applications is one of
the smartest and most appropriate ways to disseminate hazard information to communities in the preand post- GLOF events. With the advancement and development of communication means, data and
information generated from automatic early warning system can be integrated to CBEWS with the help
of Mobile Apps for the benefits of communities in Khumbu region to reduce loss of life and property.
Additionally, looking into the socio-economic condition and literacy status of the communities and
traffic flow, Mobile Apps for the GLOF component is believed to be very effective to communicate and
disseminate data and information to the downstream communities in order to lessen human and
material loss due to GLOF. In this connection, CFGORRP has been undertaking selection process for a
Service Provider to develop Mobile Apps to provide GLOF and climate information to the downstream
communities, tourist travelling to the area and relevant district level organizations including District
Administration Office (DAO), District Development Committee (DDC) etc.
The major progresses that have been made under the fourth output of GLOF risk management (Output
1.4 - GLOF Risk Management Skills and Knowledge Institutionalized at Local and National Levels) are
as follows:
Page 11_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014

Training of Trainers (TOT) material development: (related to activity 1.4.4.)
The first component of the Project envisions Training of Trainers (ToT) related to GLOF Risk Reduction
for the GLOF Risk Management Coordination Committee (GRMCC) members, school teachers and
vulnerable communities and task force members located in the high risk settlements of Khumbu as the
target audience. The ToT trained personnel would function as Local Resource Persons (LRPs) in Imja
GLOF risk management in Khumbu region. The service provider for this task has been identified during
October 2014 and the ToT material comprising of the resource book and session plan have been
developed. The training of trainers on GLOF Risk Management has been planned during December 1116, 2014 at Ghaat, Chaurikharka.

IEC materials: (related to activity 1.4.5. targeting both the components)
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials play a vital role for GLOF and Flood risk
management and strongly contributes towards enhancing community awareness to increase their
preparedness level. The task of designing, developing and packaging IEC materials has picked up
momentum during the last quarter 2014 and the service provider has undertaken field visits to SNP as
well as to the four Terai districts during October 2014. Necessary recording and video shooting with all
relevant footages have been compiled at the field level. The IEC materials will be developed and
finalized by the end of December 2014 along with the production of an Audio-visual material to be
showcased via the SNP information center.

Capacity Need Assessment: (related to activity 1.4.6. targeting all partner institutions )
With the purpose of undertaking a detailed need assessment of the five partner institutions - DHM,
DSCWM, DWIDP, DNPWC and SNP at the institutional and technical level for building their capacities
in the areas of GLOF and Flood Risk Management, Institutional Capacity Needs Assessment (ICNA) has
been undertaken by an independent consultant. Consultative meetings, questionnaires, field visits,
interviews, observation, SWOT analysis, and data collection tools and techniques were used to
accomplish precise analysis and for deriving key findings and recommendations. The draft report
covering the field investigation report from the consultant’s field visit in SNP, Namche, Solukhumbu
has been shared with the PMU/CFGORRP during November 2014. The final report of the Capacity Need
Assessment Report has been received by the PMU as of December end 2014.
The major progresses that have been made under the first output of structural and non-structural
adaptation (Output 2.1: Sediment control and stabilization of hazard-prone slopes & river banks
through structural and non-structural mechanisms) are as follows:
 Structural and non-structural measures: (related to activity 2.1.4.)
One of the priorities during 2014 under the second component was the task of finalizing the most
appropriate methods for slope and river bank stabilization and structures for sediment control. The
project prioritizes on both structural and non–structural activities for flood preparedness with also the
engagement of communities in embankment works by involving local people from project sites. By
Page 12_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
November 2014, the Field Coordination Office (FCO) completed the packaging of the prioritized
structural measures (embankment construction) and initiated embankment construction process too.
The embankment construction has been fully completed at Tuslipur VDC in Siraha and constructions
are ongoing at the remaining seven stretches of the target river systems. The design aspects of the
embankment were referred from the consultant validation report and the river sections were selected
based on the priority ranked by the VDRMC meeting decisions. Consultative meetings were also
conducted to form the Embankment Construction User Committee (ECUC) from the members of CDMC
and VDRMCs to take overall responsibilities of construction management. The prime stakeholders and
beneficiaries from the Construction User Committees along with local community members of
VDRMCs and CDMCs of each of the 8 project VDCs have been trained in the implementation and
management of structural and non-structural measures.

Sediment monitoring: (related to activity 2.1.9.)
In the Terai and Churia Range, the monsoon period is characterized by intense rainfall with rivers
flowing into the Terai floodplains being extremely prone to flooding as river bank overflow, depositing
large amount of silt, sediment and debris on the Terai floodplains causing extensive damage to human
life and property. For this, as part of its regular annual monitoring of sediment data, pre-monsoon
baseline data collection and monsoon runoff sampling are conducted by the FCO/ CFGORRP to quantify
bed load and sediment load respectively. Therefore, 16 Sediment Monitoring Posts (SMPs) have also
been installed in the 5 river basins at different locations of upstream and downstream of the four Terai
districts and the base line data have been collected from the river systems to quantify the bed load.
Likewise, as part of sediment monitoring, 9 Sediment Monitoring Buckets (SMBs) have also been
installed in the five river basins. Runoff sampling during flood (monsoon) has also been conducted for
laboratory test to study suspended sediment concentration during monsoon. This is part of the
continuous process at the FCO lab during the monsoon season.
During August 2014, the volunteer Gauge Readers have also collected the runoff samplings of each
project river basins during flood events in monsoon. The Field Coordination Office (FCO) has started
data entry and calculation of sediment concentration in its sediment lab. This is a part 0f an ongoing/
regular activity that is being carried out annually from July to October every year.
The major progresses that have been made under the second output of flood proofing drainage system
(Output 2.2: Flood-proofing of Water and Sanitation systems in selected VDCs in target river basins)
are as follows:
 Elevated Tube Wells (ETWs): (related to activity 2.2.4)
The targeted result under the second output of the flood component was the construction of at least 24
Elevated Tube Wells (ETWs) at the inundation prone sites of the project VDCs. However, through
community consultations and meetings, the prioritization of 30 ETWs had been pipelined during the
second-third quarter 2014. For this task, the existing 30 Community Disaster Management Committees
(CDMCs) have been mobilized in constructing 30 ETWs at the 8 project VDCs. As of November end 2014,
Page 13_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
the 30 prioritized ETWs are being constructed in the project working districts. Out of these, 2 elevated
tube wells have been designed for differently abled people in Siraha district by providing ramp
structure. During August 2014, training on operation and maintenance of Elevated Tube Wells (ETWs)
has been provided to woman and vulnerable groups at the community level. The training helped
enhance the knowledge of the local communities/ beneficiaries on the operation and maintenance and
sustainable usage of the ETWs.
 Flood Proofing Drainage System (FPDS): (related to activity 2.2.5)
During 2013, detailed study for identifying suitable sites for Flood Proofing Drainage System (FPDS)
and access to drinking water supplies including the technical design and implementation plan was
conducted. During 2014, the FCO completed the packaging and prioritization of the FPDS and the
implementation plan for the flood proofing drainage systems will be developed in the first quarter 2015.
The FPDS will be implemented in one VDC in Ratu and 1 in Siraha district during 2015.
The major progresses that have been made under the third output of flood risk management (Output
2.3: Institutionalization of flood risk management skills and knowledge) are as follows:
 Sediment Monitoring Protocols: (related to activity 2.3.3.)
The project has envisioned the development of Sediment Monitoring System to track sediment load
and to evaluate the impacts of the structural measures implemented by the project. The sediment
monitoring protocol has been developed with the help of an Independent Consultant and it covers rivers
originating from Churia with emphasis on five project specific rivers of Ratu, Gagan, Khando, Kong and
Hadiya. The sediment monitoring protocols will be further institutionalized within DWIDP and
expanded to cover other river basins. The protocols were shared with a larger audience through a
national consultative meeting during October 2014 and the monitoring system and the finalized
protocols have been converted into a synthesis protocol document for wider sharing and reference.
Based on the knowledge from Sediment Monitoring Protocols, training in sediment monitoring and
Flood Risk Assessment was also consecutively conducted during November 2014 for 23 participants
representing the partner institutions of DWIDP, DSCWM and DHM. The training covered a wide array
of subject matters from Flood Hazard Modelling, Flood Estimation Measures, Community Flood Hazard
Mapping, Sediment Monitoring and Database Management and Bioengineering measures and Design
of structural mitigation measures.
The major progresses that have been made under the fourth output of flood preparedness training
(Output 2.4: Flood preparedness training for district and VDC representatives, NGOs, CBOs and local
communities in 4-flood-prone districts) are as follows:
•
CBEWS for Flood Component: (related to activity 2.4.4.)
Institute of Engineering (IOE), Master in Disaster Risk Management (MDRiM) Pulchowk Campus had
undertaken research to design and develop low cost and low tech Community Based Early Warning
System (CBEWS) for the Component 2. The service provider has come up with a physical prototype for
Page 14_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
the CBEWS applicable to Churia originating river system during November 2014. The simulation and
prototype testing of the proposed CBEWS for flood component was accomplished during November
30, 2014. The final report has thus been received as of November end 2014.
5. Cross Cutting Issues
5.1. Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Social Inclusion
Significant activities contributing towards the gender equality and social inclusion aspect of the project
interventions are as follows:
Formation of GRMCC: (related to activity 1.3.3.)
CFGORRP/DHM has formed a local GLOF Risk Management Coordination Committee at Namche, for
the Khumbu Region during July 14, 2014. The GRMCC works closely with SNP and Buffer Zone
communities to increase their understanding of GLOF risks and GLOF risk management options for
monitoring and communicating GLOF warnings to vulnerable people in the high risk settlements of
GLOF Impact Zone as well as to the nearest relevant government authorities and DHM. The significance
of GRMCC is also very high, given that the District Disaster Relief Committee (DDRC) is way far down
at the District Headquarter, Salleri. The GRMCC comprises of representatives from BZMC, SNP, Army,
Police, Health, Red Cross Society, Monastery, Community Forestry, Local Groups and Women
Committees. The GRMCC has 19 members including 2 women forming 10% of the total group and has
15 Ethnic groups in the committee making 78% social inclusive.
Formation of Task Forces in the working VDCs, Terai: (related to activity 2.4.3.)
8 Village Disaster Risk Management Committees (VDRMCs) and 35 Community Development
Management Committees (CDMCs) have been formed in the eight project VDCs in accordance with the
Local Disaster Risk Management Planning Guideline (LDRMP) guideline. CFGORRP/DHM has been also
able to form 55 gender sensitive Task forces which are of two types i) First Aid Task Forces and ii) Light
and Search Rescue (LSAR) Task Forces. During September 2014, training in Post Disaster Risk
Management was also given to the Task Forces. These Task Forces will be contributing towards the
ownership and implementation of project activities at the local/ community level in the long run.
Table depicting female and Dalit participation in local committees:
Project
VDCs
VDRMC
Sarpallo
Nainhi
Tulsipur
Pipra Pra Pi
Dighwa
Number
CDMC
Female
Member
5
5
8
10
Number
Total Member
2
2
2
2
Total
Member
23
19
19
21
4
4
5
4
45
44
55
44
Female
Member
25
22
30
23
2
13
5
4
44
16
Page 15_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
Pakari
Jogidaha
Hadiya
2
2
2
19
17
27
6
7
11
District
VDCs
FA Task Force
Mahottari
Sarpallo
Nainhi
Hadiya
Jogidaha
Dighwa
Pakari
Tulsipur
Pipra Prapi
3
2
5
5
2
2
5
4
28
50% woman
22% Dalit
Udaypur
Saptari
Siraha
Total
GESI aspect
4
5
5
LSAR Task
Force
3
2
5
4
2
2
5
4
27
39% woman
31% Dalit
48
59
57
Total Task
Force
6
4
10
9
4
4
10
8
55
26
32
26
Members
24
16
40
36
16
16
40
32
220
5.2 Capacity Development and Sustainability
5.2.1 Capacity Development
Significant activities contributing towards the capacity development aspect of the project interventions
are as follows:
 Training in Flood Risk Management:
To acquire data, information and best practices approaches on flood risk management, CFGORRP/DHM
conducted three training programs on flood risk management for district level line agencies, VDC level
representatives and local gauge readers during August 2014 in Siraha. Key district line agencies that
were trained include District Soil Conservation Office (DSCO), Division Office of the Department of
Water Induced Disaster Prevention (DWIDP), and other district level line agencies such as District Forest
Office (DFO), District Development Committee (DDC), District Technical Office (DTO), Nepal Red Cross
Society of Siraha, Saptari, Udayapur and Mahottari. Similarly in VDC level training, participants were
VDC secretaries (who are currently working as VDC and VDRMC chairperson also), VDC Technical
Assistants and Social Mobilizers (SM) of Nainhi, Sarpallo, Tulsipur, Pipra Pra Pi, Pakari, Dighwa, Hadiya
and Jogidaha VDCs. Total 54 (20 district level, 24 VDC level and 10 gauge readers) participants have
been benefitted through the training.
 Training in the management and maintenance of project interventions:
The prime stakeholders and beneficiaries from the Construction User Committees along with local
community members of VDRMCs and CDMCs of each of the 8 project VDCs have been trained in the
implementation and management of structural and non-structural measures. Likewise, a total of 30
consultative meetings at CDMC levels were also conducted to discuss on the implementation modality
Page 16_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
of the Elevated Tube-wells (ETWs). During August 2014, training on operation and maintenance of
Elevated Tube Wells (ETWs) has been provided to woman and vulnerable groups at the community
level. The training helped enhance the knowledge of the local communities/ beneficiaries on the
operation and maintenance and sustainable usage of the ETWs. The training of trainers on GLOF Risk
Management has been planned during December 11-16, 2014 at Ghaat, Chaurikharka.

Training in Sediment Monitoring and Flood Risk Assessment:
National level training to institutional representatives in Sediment Monitoring Protocols and Flood Risk
Assessment has been conducted during November 17, 2014 to November 20, 2014 in Kathmandu. The
training was inaugurated by the National Project Director (NPD)/ DG for CFGORRP/ DHM and
benefitted 23 institutional representatives from Department Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM),
Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management (DSCWM) and Department of Water
Induced Disaster Prevention (DWIDP) and Rastripati Chure Terai Madhesh Conservation Committee.
The training covered a wide array of subject matters from Flood Hazard Modelling, Flood Estimation
Measures, Community Flood Hazard Mapping, Sediment Monitoring and Database Management and
Bioengineering Measures and Design of Structural Mitigation Measures.
5.2.2
Sustainability Strategy/ Exit Plan
During November 2014, the project had conducted the annual planning workshop with the purpose of
streamlining, discussing and preparing the strategic work plan for the year 2015 and for aligning the
Multi Year plans, Monitoring framework, GESI strategy and the Project’s Sustainability Strategy. During
the workshop, an initial draft of the Exit Plan was also developed through ample interactions and inputs
from the workshop participants. It is expected that the first draft Exit Plan will be rolled out during first
December 2014- Jan 2015. However, certain aspects of the Sustainability Strategy touch-based during
the annual planning workshop has been highlighted herewith.
By the end of the project, as part of the project’s sustainability plan, it is expected that the glacier lake
lowering knowledge will be transferred to DHM for further replication of the intervention in other
glacier lakes prioritized by NAPA. The Local Resource Persons and the Task Force members at Khumbu
will be able to operate and maintain the CBEWS and institutionalize the EWS knowledge at the
community level. The SNP Office will have the necessary resources and capacity to address and
communicate GLOF risk warnings and shall be equipped for mitigation and preparedness measures including the institutionalization of SmartCard Readers, Mobile Applications. DHM's annual work plan
will be incorporating mechanisms for pre-disaster warnings and risks communication strategies to key
partners via MoHA and NEOC. Hence, the project plans that by the end of 2017, under Component I,
the Task forces and the GRMCC will be fully integrated under the Buffer zone management committee’s
program plan.
Page 17_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
Under the second component, it is expected that after the project exit, the User Committees under the
VDRMCs will be responsible for the ownership, functionality, operation and maintenance of the
structural and non-structural measures. The Sediment monitoring will be regularly undertaken by the
focal points from District Soil Conservation Offices (DSCOs) trained in sediment monitoring. The
community members from the CDMCs will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
ETWs. The DDCs can also replicate the ETWs in other districts of Terai by including the plan under the
Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Fund Board. The project has envisioned the FPDS in only 2 VDCs in
Ratu and Siraha. Replicating the process in other districts will also be prioritized in collaboration with
DDCs. Therefore, the district Line agencies, government authorities at VDC level and members of Task
Forces will be trained in Flood Risk Management, Flood Risk Assessment and Sediment Monitoring
Protocols. The local project beneficiaries comprising of the task forces and communities in the Terai will
be covered by the CBEWS and shall be equipped with flood preparedness knowledge.
Likewise, the project will also build on the efforts established by the People Embankment Programme
(PEP) of DWIDP especially for the Ratu River. While working on the downstream, the project plans to
coordinate with President’s Churia Conservation Programme as part of DSCWM's knowledge
management. The project is also working closely with collaborating partners and line agencies, and the
Field Coordination Office (FCO) is housed within the District Soil Conservation Office in Lahan for
strengthening support and co-ordination towards the partners. It is also anticipated that the
collaborating partners – DSCWM, DWIDP and DNPWC, will allocate resources from the regular budget
for the interventions carried out by the project.
5.3. South-South Cooperation
CFGORRP teamed up with Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Programme (CDRMP) to
support the learning cost of DHM’s focal person to Bhutan recently on the operationalization of the
early warning system in Bhutan. The learning visit was aimed at sharing knowledge and expertise
gained from GLOF mitigation works and implementation of early warning system and its practices in
Nepal and Bhutan. The knowledge and experience gained from the visit would be further applied in the
project’s lake lowering works including the installation of the GLOF early warning system at Imja.
6. Partnerships
The partnership has been envisioned among the three collaborating departments of DSCWM, DWIDP
and DNPWC. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology as a national implementing partner under
the guidance of the MoSTE is responsible to and accountable for the delivery of the project objectives,
while working closely with DNPWC, DWIDP and DSCWN who are responsible for providing inputs to
joint and collaborative planning, and technical oversight and monitoring of the two components of the
project. The project has also clearly highlighted on its exit strategy, a mechanism of consolidation of
the GLOF and Flood risk management knowledge and its transfer and database management so that
the institutional memory and the knowledge management of partner institutions will be further
strengthened through stronger documentation and filing of all service provider technical reports,
training manuals and baseline assessments and surveys.
Page 18_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
7. Lessons Learned/ Implementation Issues and Challenges
At the operational level, considering the level of technicality and the amount of resources required at
higher elevations above 5000 meters, the project has faced series of technical challenges and limitations
of expertise in areas of GLOF risk knowledge under its first component. At the Strategic level, GLOF
lowering is a challenging task and there is inadequacy of country experience and expertise required for
GLOF Mitigation. These challenges have hampered the project delivery especially subjected to the first
component’s key result of design studies related to Imja Lake lowering.
Chronologically, the RFP for Design Study of Imja Lake lowering was first published on April 01, 2014.
The RFP was re-advertised on May 15 due to inadequacy of sufficient bidders. The deadline for bid
submission was June 16, 2014. The quoted price turned out to be five times higher than the estimated
price. The project then decided to move forth according to a Plan B of repackaging the proposal into
four thematic constituents, as also directed by the third PEB meeting. Thereby, four RFPs had been
published on August 14, 2014. Thus, total of 158 days (April 01 to September 05, 2014) have been
consumed until the RFP had been processed by the RFP evaluation team. This has duly affected the
project delivery making the delivery percent by the end of third quarter 2014 to be only 33%. Hence, the
implementation process has to be accelerated at a double speed during the last quarter 2014 to deliver
67% of the remaining targets.
8. A Specific Story
River Kong flows through the mid of Jogidaha VDC in Udayapur. Approximately, the length of the river
is about 4.5 mile which originates from the soft Chure and ends to Triyuga River. Annually, tons of
sediments are carried down from Chure to Triyuga. This has made the level of river bed higher than the
adjoining land. Major cause of sediment transportation is wild deforestation, overgrazing, and wild fire
among many more.
After a long exercise and advocacy at the community level from the Field Offices of CFGORRP for more
than 6 months during 2014, Tulsipur VDC has been finally declared as Grazing Free Zone. Now, the
unwanted overgrazing has been completely stopped at the VDC. Mr. Durga Prashad Wagle-Secretary
of Jogidaha VDC says, “It was difficult to control the rate of overgrazing at first. People never
understood the negative impact of the overgrazing. Cattles were driven everywhere for grazing. Even
the plantation done on the embankments were grazed causing failure of the embankment. But
gradually due to the project interventions and its focus on natural resource management and
bioengineering, now the people are aware about the conservation of Chure.
Today, local communities in Jogidaha have understood that the major cause of sediment deposition in
river bed is due to the sediment carried down from Chure. And for this, a major cause is the wild,
unwanted and unplanned overgrazing. Now, the communities have started coming up with managed
grazing methodology for controlling grazing.
Page 19_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
9. Programmatic Revisions
The Review Workshops held during June 2014 and November 2014 have identified no such significant
programmatic revisions at the Output levels. Changes at the activity level will be made on ground
realities.
10. Future Work Plan or Priorities for 2014
The PMU has already proposed AWP 2015 which is being presented during the Project Board Meeting
on December 12, 2014. The AWP 2015 has planned to concentrate on activities related with achieving
the intended project outputs under both the components.
It is expected that based on the findings and derivations from the baseline studies and project socioeconomic surveys and documentations of plans related to hazard mapping, it is expected that the
project will accelerate with full implementation of constructional activities and shall gain further
momentum during 2015. Hence, the construction work related to lake lowering of Imja Glacier Lake will
be the main priority during 2015 with the installation of the early warning system at the identified
project locations and sites being the targeted CPAP result for 2015.
Page 20_ CFGORRP Annual Progress Report 2014, as of December 08, 2014
11.
#
Risk and Issue Logs
Description
Categor
y
Likelihood
of risk
(scale of 1
to 5 with 5
being the
most
likely) [A]
Impact
Risk
(scale of 1 factor (A
to 5 with 5
x B)
being the
highest
impact) [B]
1 Design study of Imja Lake
Lowering is an ongoing
activity under the Project’s
Component I. During August
2014, the task of the design
study related to Imja Lake
Lowering had been packaged
to the four tasks of survey and
design, ERT, GPR and
bathymetric assessments. By
October 2014, the inception
report of these four thematic
studies were presented and
field investigation were
undertaken. However, the
three tasks of Topographical
Survey and Design, ERT and
Bathymetric assessment were
completed except the task of
GPR due to non-functioning of
the equipment.
Strategic 2
3
6
Mitigation
measures if risk
occurs
Date risk
is
Identifie
d
Since there was October
malfunctioning of 2014
the GPR equipment
during the first field
visit in October
2014. The GPR
team had to followup and continued
during investigation
during
early
November 2014.
Last
Updated
Status
December The
08, 2014
thematic
presentati
ons by the
team
members
were made
during
November
09 and
November
14, 2014.
The draft
reports by
the four
thematic
groups
have also
been
received.
Issue Log Matrix
Type
#
2
Operational
12.
Date
Identified
November
2014
Description and Comments
The publication of IEC
materials under the Project’s
first component could also
not be accomplished within
2014 due to other prioritized
and pipelined activities.
Progress against annual targets
Please refer to the attached Excel sheet for this section.
22 | CFGORRP P r o g r e s s R e p o r t ( J u l y - A u g u s t ‘ 1 4 )
Resolution measures
Status of the issue Status Change
recommended
Date
The activity has been carried Shall be followed
December 08,
forward to 2015.
up in the AWP
2014
2015.