INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Kathmandu, March 3
A study covering 13 towns across some south Asian countries including Nepal in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region shows that
cities like Kathmandu and Bhaktapur are facing increased water insecurity in the wake of inadequate urban planning coupled with rapidly
changing climate.
The study on the HKH shows interlinkages of water availability, water supply systems, rapid urbanisation and consequent
increase in water demand are leading to increasing water insecurity in towns in the HKH region.
This water insecurity is attributed to poor
water governance, lack of urban planning, poor tourism management during peak season and climate-related risks and challenges
The study, published in the journal Water Policy also shows that communities are coping through short-term strategies such as groundwater
extraction, which is proving to be unsustainable.
There is a lack of long-term strategies for water sustainability in urban centres, and
this requires special attention of planners and local governments.
Based on the findings of the HI-AWARE research project undertaken by
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and partner organisations, the study suggests that urbanisation has pulled people
from rural areas in the HKH region into nearby urban centres.
Although only three per cent of the total HKH population lives in larger
cities and eight per cent in smaller towns, projections show that more than 50 per cent of the population will be living in cities by 2050
This will naturally place tremendous stress on water resources.
The study, published in a special issue of the journal shows that water
demand-supply gap in eight of the surveyed towns is 20-70 per cent
There is a high dependence on springs (ranging between 50 per cent and 100 per cent) for water supply in three-fourths of the urban areas
Under current trends, the demand-supply gap may double by 2050.
A holistic water management approach that includes springshed management and
planned adaptation is necessary for securing safe water supply in the urban areas
Along with springshed management, other options could be explored in the wake of rising water demand and use.
From the case studies of the
Himalayan towns it is evident that increasing urbanization and climate change are two critical stressors that have been adversely affecting
biophysical environment of urban areas, said a press release issued by ICIMOD yesterday in Kathmandu.
With development plans and policies
focusing more on rural areas, issues surrounding urban environments have been sidelined.
Across the region, encroachment and degradation of
natural water bodies and growing disappearance of traditional water systems (stone spouts, wells and local water tanks) are
evident.
Degradation and reclamation of water bodies affect wetland ecosystems and reduce retention capacities that prevent flooding
Consequently, urban drainage and flood management systems are being impaired.
The study points towards five important issues concerning
water insecurity in urban areas
First, water needs to be sustainably sourced to bridge the gap between supply and demand.
Second, water governance and management need to
consider issues and services beyond water utilities.
Third, equitable distribution of water needs more attention
Poor and marginalised people are most affected when water supply dwindles.
Many cities are faced with the challenge of providing access to
safe water for the poor, especially during the dry season when supply dwindles.
Fourth, women multiple roles in water management need to be
recognised and their role in the planning and decision-making processes needs to be reviewed and strengthened
Fifth, mountain cities need to be viewed in the broader context of mountain water, environment, and energy.
The post Water insecurity
‘looms large over Kathmandu& appeared first on The Himalayan Times.
