Kathmandu – Wamdev Gautam, leader of the Nepal Communist Party (Unified Socialist), has suggested building ponds every five kilometers to help solve the water shortage in the Terai-Madhes region. He shared this plan during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee.
Gautam explained that water from the Thori Canal could be used to create ponds across eight districts, where water scarcity is a major problem. “If we let the water recharge for five to six days, we can figure out the costs based on the pond depth. We should build ponds every five kilometers south of the highway, aiming to build about 40 ponds in these districts,” he said.
He added that if 25,000 to 30,000 workers are involved, results could come in two to three months. Gautam also said that water management efforts could extend beyond the Terai to the eastern, central, and western regions, all the way up to the hills.
Addressing the Chure region, Gautam said water doesn’t accumulate there due to its unique geology. “Because of geological factors that have existed for millions of years, water doesn’t recharge in Chure,” he said.
He also raised concerns that India might be drawing groundwater from Nepal’s border areas within 10 to 20 kilometers, which could be making the water problem worse. “There’s a possibility India is taking groundwater from our border areas, which adds to the crisis. We need a thorough investigation,” he said.
