Kathmandu — A national symposium on “Transforming Local Water Security: Connecting Research, Action, and Policy” brought together experts, policymakers, and development partners in Lalitpur to deliberate on emerging challenges and solutions in Nepal’s water sector.
The event, organized by Southasia Institute of Advanced Studies, Nepal Development Research Institute, The Small Earth Nepal, International Water Management Institute, Nepal Water Conservation Foundation, and Australian National University in collaboration with the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, was held at Hotel Himalayan as part of the Nepal National Glacier, Water and Weather Week 2026.
Delivering welcome remarks, Dr. Anushiya Shrestha from SIAS highlighted the importance of linking research with policy and local action to address Nepal’s water challenges.
In the keynote address, Board Director of Water center 21 pahal Dr. Mandira Shrestha emphasized the growing risks posed by climate change on water systems and called for evidence-based, integrated approaches to water management.
Remarks were also delivered by Australian Ambassador to Nepal Simon Ernst and Joint Secretary of WECS Government of Nepal Tika Ram Baral, stressed the importance of policy coordination and international collaboration in strengthening Nepal’s water security.
The symposium featured three thematic sessions. The first session, chaired by Dr. Shankar Shrestha, focused on local water systems and restoration. Presentations included research by Dr. Umesh Parajuli on terrace farming and water conservation technologies, and Dr. Hari Ram Upadhyaya on pesticide pollution as a hidden driver of water insecurity.
Dr. Nirman Shrestha presented on managed aquifer recharge in the Chure–Bhabar–Terai region, while Sandip Poudel discussed climate-resilient livelihoods through riverbank stabilization. Monika Pandit also shared findings on spring water vulnerability under changing climatic conditions.
The second session, chaired by Dr. Dil Khatri, focused on inclusive water governance. Sunita Bhukhaju Shrestha presented an intersectional analysis of water and sanitation inequality, while Kiran Bhandari highlighted women’s roles in grassroots water diplomacy.
Other presentations included Salu Basnet on institutional dynamics of spring water systems, Dr. Nirmal Mani Dahal on wetlands as climate infrastructure, and Jigyasha Rai Yangkhurug on hybrid water governance challenges.
The third session, chaired by Dr. Madan Lal Shrestha, explored analytical tools and frameworks for hydro-social water governance. Presentations included Bandana Koirala on glacial lake drainage, Manish Praja on climate-sensitive hydropower assessment, and Rajendra K. Shrestha along with Garima Bidari on spring hydrogeology.
Further contributions were made by Kumar Aryal on flood governance tools and Saroj Yakami on improving water security in mountain communities.
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Divas B. Basnyat brought together experts including Prof. Dr. Vishnu Prasad Pandey, Dr. Manju Sharma, Dr. Bishnu Poudyal, Prof. Dr. Narendra Khanal, and Shanti Kandel.
Participants underscored that Nepal’s water resources are under increasing pressure due to climate change, unplanned development, and unsustainable use, leading to drying springs, declining groundwater levels, and rising risks.
The symposium concluded with a call for integrated and inclusive approaches to water governance, emphasizing stronger collaboration between research, policy, and implementation to ensure long-term water security in Nepal.
