Updates of Water Environment Governance in Nepal

Jaya Ram Prajapati
Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS)Singhadurbar, Nepal

30th January, 2024
19th WEPA Annual Meeting in Hayama Japan1

Nepal at a glance Landlocked between China in the Northand India in the East, West
andSouth.
 Area: 1,47,181 km2,
Himalayas and Mountains 43%,
Hills 30% andTerai Plain( Flat Land) 27%

 Varied Topography within a short span
(about 193 km)of width ranging from
64m to 8848m in altitude
 Population: 29.19 Million (2021),
 GDP : Total= US$ 40.83 billion
 Per capita= US$ 1337

2

Nepal at a glance After promulgation of Constitution of Nepal 2015, Nepal has been restructured
and renamed into Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Seven Provinces(Koshi Province (1), Madhesh Province (2), Bagmati Province (3), Gandaki
Province (4), Lumbini Province(5), Karnali Province (6) and
Sudurpashchim Province (7))

Districts (77 District Coordination Committees )Local Units(6 Metropolitan cities, 11 Submetropolitan cities,
276 Municipalities, 460 Rural municipalites and 6743 Wards)
3

Goals of Water Environment
MDG Goal: Access to safe Drinking water and hygienic Sanitation
SDG 6 Goal: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation
for all.
 The government’s SDG 6.1 target is to achieve universal and equitable access tosafe and affordable drinking water by 2030.
 The government’s SDG 6.2 target is to achieve access to adequate and equitable
sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.
 The government’s SDG 6.3 target is to improve water quality by reducing
pollution, eliminating dumping minimizing release of hazardous chemicals andmaterials by 2030.
(Source: National Planning Commission 2017)4

Goals of Water Environment
Environment Quality Standards for water Environment Governance Standard for Drinking Water Quality, 2022
 It has 19 compulsory test parameters with 9 additional test parameters of Physical,
chemical and microbiological.
 Guidelines for Implementation and Monitoring of National Water Quality Standards, 2022
 It includes water quality Surveillance Agency and test procedure with monitoring
frequency.

Apart from Generic Standard, Industrial wise different Effluent Standards, Wastewater Effluent
standard has been set by the Ministry (MoFE).

 Generic Standard Part I, II & III
 Tolerance Limits for Industrial Effluents to be Discharged into Inland Surface Waters.
 Tolerance Limits for Industrial Effluents to be Discharged into Public Sewer.
 Tolerance Limits for Wastewater to be Discharged into Inland Surface Waters from
Combined Wastewater Treatment Plant.
 Wastewater Effluent Standard, 2023
 It has 5 parameters standard for analysis with 4 sampling methods.
5Status of Water Environment
Water Resources and Uses in Nepal
S.No.

SourcesAvailable amount1

Annual Renewable Surface Water (billion m3)

225

2

Annual Renewable Ground Water (billion m3)

123

Per Capita Renewable Surface and Ground Water(000 m3 / year)

94

Total Annual Withdrawal (billion m3 / year)

24

5

Per Capita Annual Withdrawal (000 m3 / year)

1

Sectorial withdrawal as % of Total withdrawal
6

Domestic
Industrial
Agricultural

3.43
0.41
96.16
6

Status of Water Environment
Wastewater Production in Major Urban Areas of Nepal as of 2011:
S.No.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Urban Centers

Kathmandu
Lalitapur
Bhaktapur
Kritipur
Madhyapur
Thimi
PokharaBiratnagar
Birgunj
Bharatpur
JanakpurDhangadi
ButwalTotal

Waste Water Production (MLD)
Domestic
Industrial
Total
64.4974.515
69.01215.6471.095
16.7425.971
0 .418
6.389
3.920
0.274
4.194
3.069
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
93.104

0.215
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
6.517

3.284
13.42
12.15
8.68
6.84
5.41
5.37
6.01
157.501

Collected for Treatment(million liter/day)

34.506
8.371
3.195
2.097
1.642
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
49.811
7

Status of Water Environment
Domestic Wastewater Management in Nepal as of 2016

Some of the tested parameters among
different sources of waste water:
Parameters
pH
TSS (mg/l)
DO (mg/l)
BOD (mg/l)
COB (mg/l)
Ammonia (mg/l)
Nitrate (mg/l)
TP (mg/l)
Oil & Grease (mg/l)

Domestic
7.04
356
1
420
640
118
6
16
18

Source Type
Industrial
6.67
429
411
766
17
2
37

Hospital
7.1
195
4
166
329
48
4
2

 Centralized WWTP have been unsuccessful as
the existing traditional lagoons or activatedsludge type wastewater treatment plants are
not functioning or partially functioning at far
below capacity.
 DEWATS is decentralized wastewater system
in a low maintenance treatment system,
treating small volumes of wastewater forreuse or discharge within National Standards.
8

Identification of Pollution Source
Main sources of water pollution:
The main sources of water pollution are Industrial waste, Domestic waste and sewage drainage.

 Industrial and domestic waste disposed in an unsafe and unsanitary manner which has become publichealth hazard and environmental pollution.

Industrial wastewater disposal in river

Domestic wastewater disposal in river

9

Identification of Pollution Source Currently, Wastewater and Fecal Sludge
management is very in adequate and poorly
operated and maintained.
 Major Industrial pollution source in Nepal areleather
processing,
Pharmaceuticals,
medicinal chemical product, Beverage,
Fermentation industry, Dairy, Sugar mills,
Textiles, Soap, Vegetable ghee and oil,
Hospital Paint and galvanization andelectroplated.
 Open defecation and open disposal both haveserious Public heath hazard and environment
consequences including the spread of
diseases, Contamination of water sources andpollution of environment.

Open Fecal Sludge disposal in drain
10Implement measures to address issues
 Improving Wastewater and Faecal sludge
management is big Challenges in Nepal.
 A multifaceted approach involving government,
private sector and other stakeholder including
community.
 The existing problems of wastewater treatment
in Nepal can be solved by using appropriate andviable technologies (like Centralized or
Decentralized Wastewater Treatment plant ).
 The centralized wastewater treatment plants are
not the most cost-effective, require sophisticatedtechnologies and skilled manpower as well as
have huge O&M costs.
 The centralized wastewater management wasnoted to have failed in addressing thewastewater problem in Nepal.

Centralized wastewater treatment plant11

Implement measures to address issues
 Decentralized wastewater treatment systems including constructed wetlands are supposed as
effective, economic and environmentally friendly and sustainable systems in context of Nepal.
 The effective policies at local and national levels can accelerate decentralized wastewater systems
in Nepal.
 Ministry of water supply released the Institutional and Regulatory Framework for Faecal Sludge
Management in Urban Areas of Nepal in 2017.
 The purpose of the framework is to improve planning, implementation, monitoring and regulationof faecal sludge management across the service chain, as presented in Figure.

Service chain of Faecal Sludge Management
12Implement measures to address issues
Existing Wastewater Treatment Plants in Kathmandu Valley and Other Urban Areas of Nepal

13

Implement measures to address issues
Existing Wastewater Treatment Plants in Kathmandu Valley and Other Urban Areas of Nepal

The government has set a target for 380 million liters/day of wastewater to be treated before being
discharged in water body by 2025.
14

Implement measures to address issues
Few Faecal Sludge Management Plants
1) Kakarbhita- 12 m3/day

2) Chareli- 27 m3/day3) Bardiya- 5 m3/day
4) Waling- 27 m3/day
5) Gulariya- 5 m3/day
6) Lubhu- 3 m3/day
7) Birendranagar- 15 m3/day
8) Tikapur- 20 m3/day
Faecal Sludge Management Plant in Lubhu
The government has set a target for 60,000 cubic meters/year of faecal sludge to be managed by 2025.
15

Evaluating outcomes and revising policies
Policy and Legal Framework for Water Environmental Governance
The Constitution of Nepal:
 Constitution of Nepal(2015)
 Part 3: Fundamental Rights and Duties
 Article 30: Right to clean environment, healthcare and conservation,
management and use of natural resources.
 Sub‐article (1): Every citizen shall have the right to live in a clean andhealthy environment.
 Sub‐article (2): The victim shall have the right to obtain compensation, in
accordance with law, for any injury caused from environmental pollution
or degradation.
The 15th Periodic Plan (2019/2020 – 2024/2025)
To enhance quality services by ensuring basic drinking-water and sanitation
services to all.

16

Evaluating outcomes and revising policies
Policy and Legislative Frameworks:
S.N.

Documents

Category Enactment Year

1

Water Tax Act

Act

1966

2

Water Resources Act

Act

1992

3

Water Resources
Rules

Rules

1993

Rules

1994

Policy1996

45

Drinking Water
Service Charge Rules
National Solid Waste
Management Policy

6

Drinking Water Rules

Rules

1988

7

Water Resources
Strategy

Strategy

20028

National Water Plan

Plan

2005

PurposeIt provides modus operandi of recovering the amount of the water tax
leviable pursuant to the prevailing law.
The umbrella Act governing water resource management and declares
the order of priority of water use .
The umbrella Rules governing water resource management, Sets out
the procedure to register a Water User Association and to obtain alicense.
Details the procedures for Tap connection and hole change andownership of Taps and its transfer.
Waste management by Local Bodies; mobilize wastes as resources andreduce wastes at sources.
Regulates the use of drinking water; provides for the formation of
Drinking Water User Associations and sets out the procedure forregistration.
Sets out sectoral and cross cutting short, medium and long term
strategies to optimize the sustainable benefits from the resource.
Plots short, medium and long term action plans for Water Resource
Sector; More focused on Environmental Concerns; Introduces
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
17

Evaluating outcomes and revising policies
Policy and Legislative Frameworks:
S.N.
9

10
11

Documents
Water Supply
Management Board
Sanitation and Hygiene
Master Plan
Local Government
Operation Act

Category

Enactment Year

Act

2006

Plan

2011

Act

2014

12

Environment
Protection Act

Act

2019

13

Environment
Protection Rules

Rule

2020

14

Water Resource Policy

Policy

2020

Act

2022

Standard

2022

Standard

2023

15
16
17

Water Supply andSanitation Act
Standard for Drinking
Water Quality
Wastewater Effluent
Standard

PurposeThe act puts emphasis on the participation of local bodies and WaSH
institutions in water and sanitation services in the urban areas.
Recognizes the leadership and Coordination of local bodies; ODF
status as entry point of Total Sanitation.
Sets out the powers, functions and duties of local government inrelation to water and Sanitation.
The umbrella Act governing over all environmental protection of thecountry and responsibilities are also assigned to local level andprovince level Govt.
The umbrella rule governing over all environmental protection of
the country and further elaborates the Act.
The policy is aimed to cover all aspects of water resources
development and management based on the Integrated Water
Resources Management (IWRM) principle and newly restructured
three tires of government.
To access easy availability of clean and quality water supply and toachieve access to adequate Sewerage and Wastewater Management
Customization of Global drinking water quality standards as per local
condition.
To maintain the Standards of waste water effluent disposal on river,18
pond and reservoir.

Evaluating outcomes and revising policies
Sectoral Legislative Framework in changed context:
 The government has substantiallystrengthened
environment-related
legislations,acts,
policies,andguidelines related to the water
environment.
 Under its federal structure, thegovernment is also revising or drafting
acts and legislations and establishing new
institutional structures at federal,provincial, and local levels.
 The establishment of Ministry of Water
Supply reflects the government’s national
and international commitments andincreasing prioritization of the water,
sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector
together with relevant goals and targets.

19

Evaluating outcomes and revising policies
Institutional Framework for Water Environmental Governance
Name

Level

Ministry of Energy, Water Resources
and Irrigation

CentralMinistry of Water Supply

CentralMinistry of Urban Development

CentralMinistry of Forest and Environment

Central

Water and Energy
Commission Secretariat

CentralDepartment of Environment

CentralMinistry of Physical Infrastructure
Development
Department of Water Supply and
Sewerage (DWSS)

Provincial
CentralWorking Area
Over all Energy, Hydropower, Irrigation and Water Resources development of
the country.
Water supply, sanitation and hygiene development andmanagement of the country.
Over all urban planning, development and Management for thedevelopment of municipalities in the country.
Forest resources and environmental development andmanagement and enforcement environmental mandates.
Policy and planning regarding energy and water resources
development and management covering all sectors. Advisory roleon critical issues related to large water resources projects.
Responsible for the implementation and the compliance ofEnvironmental Protection Act , and Rule (EPR), and pollution
control standard as promulgated by the Government of Nepal.
Provincial level policy planning formulation and development of all sorts ofphysical infrastructures and their environmental management.
DWSS is dedicated to planning and implementation of both rural and urban
WaSH projects.
20Challenges and Future Plans
Issues & Challenges need to addressed:
 Funding Gap and Limited Resources(Budget, Manpower, laboratory facilities,
tools and equipments ) at Federal Level, Provincial Level and Local Level.
 Poor Maintenance and Limited Infrastructure.
 Lack of Awareness (sensitivity & technology) at Local Level Government.
 Lack of Institutions for WASH at local level.
 Lack of Capacity Development of available manpower with growing technology.
 Lack of Specific guideline and Standards for inspection except the effluent
standards.
 Lack of Research and Development.
 Land acquisition issue for treatment plant.
 Lack of robust monitoring and evaluation.
21

Challenges and Future Plans
Wastewater Treatment Plan in Kathmandu Valley in 2020‐2030
Wastewater Treatment
Plants

Projected
Population('000)
Year
2020

Guheshwari
Gokarna
Sallaghari +Hanumanghat
Kodku - Balkumari
Dhobighat + Tukucha
Khokana
Total

Year
2030

Wastewater
generation (MLD)
Year
2020

Year
2030

Wastewater
Treatment plant
Capacity (MLD)

WWTP Area
Available(hectare)Year 2020 Year 2030

Effluent
Standards(BOD
mg/l)
Year
2020

Year
2030

32.4

48.6

5.0

15

15

3

6

0.93

15

15

50

50

237

454

17.1

41.8

122

153

8.8

14.1

14.2+1

15.2

207

380

14.7

35

17.5

35

6.5

50

50

74+17.2

330

30

50

50

-

64.2

38.5

50

50

159

499

84.33

50

50

2530

4417

182

407

3096

5404

223

498

3.4

22

Challenges and Future Plans
Recent development in Wastewater Treatment Plants in Kathmandu Valley

 Existing wastewater treatment
facilities at Gokarna, Guheshwori,
Sallaghari, Kodku and Dhobighat
will be rehabilitated and upgraded
and their treatment capacity will
be increased.
 A new wastewater treatment
facility will be constructed in
Khokana.

23

Challenges and Future Plans
Recent development in Wastewater Treatment Plants in Kathmandu Valley
Project

Kathmandu
Valley Sewer
Management
Project

Major Activities

Progress

To minimize effect of effluent towater bodies by construction ofWastewater Treatment Plant

In Operation : Guheshwari WWT operating at 22-23 MLD (Cap. 32.4 MLD)
In Testing & Commissioning Phase : Dhobighat WWT 1 unit out of 2 units@37 MLD each
Under Construction & Planning: Dhobighat WWTP 1 unit out of 2 units@37 MLD each Sallaghari WWTP (Cap: 14.2 MLD)
 Balkumari WWTP (Cap: 17.5 MLD)
Planned WWTP : Gokarna (Cap. 3 MLD ) Kodku (Cap. 17.5 MLD first phase) Khokana (Cap. 66.2 MLD)

To stop direct disposal of sewer
and effluent to water bodies byconstruction of Intercepting
Sewer line on both bank of therivers Completion of 22 km Intercepting Sewer Pipe line (KUKL/PID)
 Hampered due to land acquisition issues
24Thank You

25