Overexploited for years, the Chure hills are weakening, and water stress is rising across the Tarai
Summary
The fragile Chure hills in Nepal are losing their ability to recharge groundwater, causing severe water shortages across the Tarai plains and threatening agriculture and ecosystems.
Key Points
- The Chure hills, Nepal's key groundwater recharge zone, are degrading due to erosion, deforestation, and unregulated extraction activities.
- Groundwater levels in the Tarai are falling sharply, causing acute water shortages for drinking and irrigation.
- Rivers and streams across the Tarai-Madhesh region are drying up, severely impacting agriculture and aquatic ecosystems.
- Conservation efforts are underway but face challenges amid rapid urbanization and exploitation of natural resources in the Chure region.
