Madhesh Province Faces Severe Water Crisis Due to Drought and Lack of Rainfall
Summary
Madhesh Province is facing a severe water crisis as drought, weak rainfall, and falling groundwater levels have dried up hand pumps and wells across the Terai. A parliamentary report warns of a looming environmental and humanitarian disaster unless immediate relief and long-term recharge measures are taken.
Key Points
- Groundwater levels in Madhesh’s Terai districts have dropped by 2 to 3 meters on average, and more than 60 percent of hand pumps and wells have dried up.
- The crisis is hitting women, children, and marginalized Dalit communities hardest, with some children missing school to fetch water and sanitation problems returning.
- The National Assembly committee blames climate change, Chure destruction, unplanned urbanization, and uncontrolled groundwater extraction, and has urged bans on illegal excavation and stricter licensing for deep boring.
- The report also says more than 400 drinking water projects are stalled or incomplete because of poor funding and weak coordination across government levels.
