Capturing every drop: How conservation ponds are recharging Nepal's dry Chure hills
Summary
Communities in Nepal's Chure hills are restoring conservation ponds and springs to recharge groundwater and enhance water security amid erratic monsoon rains, benefiting hundreds of households through improved agriculture and livelihoods.
Key Points
- Nepal's late and weak monsoon raises concerns over water scarcity, especially in the Chure range where environmental degradation has worsened the situation.
- The Joltepokhari Community Forest User Group in Nawalpur is restoring conservation ponds, springs, and building water augmentation structures to recharge groundwater and reduce erosion.
- The Nature-Based Solutions: The Triple Benefit Program, led by WWF Nepal with SAHAMATI, supports water conservation, spring restoration, and livelihoods such as vegetable farming and beekeeping across multiple communities.
- Restored ponds and water systems have improved soil moisture, supported wildlife, enhanced drinking water supply, and enabled new livelihood opportunities in water-stressed regions.
