GAJENDRA BOHARA
DULLU (DAILEKH) – Dullu municipality of Dailekh district is rich in natural beauty and culture. Sprawling on the western hill of Dailekh district, Dullu is also home to many ancient heritages. In spite of being endowed with natural splendor, it is facing an acute shortage of water that has overshadowed its natural beauties.
At a recent discussion on water organised by Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), residents of Dullu complained about the severe shortage of water they are facing.
“What’s the use of water source conservation program in a place where there is no water?” said Dullu Municipality Mayor Ghanashyam Bhandari, during the preparation for organizing the discussion. He suggested that it would rather be better to invest in a project, and to find a water source before conserving it.
Then he kept on narrating the plights of Dullu residents about how they are coping with the water crisis. They have to walk for hours to get water. Motorbikes, and auto rickshaws can be seen everywhere carrying water pots and jerry-canes. One can see dozens of water pots and canes queuing up in a few stone spouts dripping some water. Dullu residents have been facing this shortage for years.
“Many years ago, there was enough water in two taps, we could fill our pot in a minute from the spout. But now the water comes in drops,” said Shanti Shah, a resident of Dullu bazaar, Dullu Municipaity-7.
According to her, the water was constantly running in the tap earlier. But the water started drying up after a road track was opened nearby the source of water.
It is not just in the construction of roads in the districts, but while also undertaking other development works the environmental impact is not taken into account. The development works are being carried out in a rampant manner without taking regard for water source or any other natural resources.
“We are formulating policies and plans for the environmental conservation of municipality. We have necessary technicians, we will take care of water resources in the coming days,” said Mayor Bhandari, responding to Shanti’s complaint.
There is a small water source on the top of the southern hill of Dallu, which is incorporated in the mid-Karnali watershed area. By laying pipes from theThe water is distributed to limited government offices including Nepal Army barrack and Nepal Police office in the market.
Area Police Office Dullu in-charge Shyam Aryal said around 100 households could be supplied with water if the water source could be managed properly.
Mayor Bhandari expressed his commitment to find the potential water resources available in the municipality and formulate plan and policy for their conservation. He said a new rule has been implemented making it mandatory to have reserve tank to get design approval for building a new house within the municipality.
There is an acute shortage of water in Dullu municipality with the water sources drying up.
At the discussion, Dullu locals shared their sufferings due to the water crisis. One local Sita Badi said they are now compelled to wait for two days to get the chance to fill their water pot though only five years ago they could easily get water at a nearby water source.
The program conducted with the support from USAID discussed ways to conserve water sources. The concerned stakeholders committed to give priority for the conservation of water resources in every project and to not approve any project without proper environmental study. Municipality Mayor Bhandari said, of the 1200 projects, 400 projects are dedicated to protect the water source.
Bhandari said the municipality’s key attention will be on ensuring easy supply of water and the conservation of water resources.
At the program, District Forest Officer Ram Kaji Shrestha, Water Division Office Chief Bikash Kafle, Irrigation Division Office Chief Meghraj Gyawali, Dullu Municipality acting administration officer Shamsher Bahadur Shahi, Chamber of Commerce and Industry General Secretary Rajesh Kumar Hamal, SIP district coordinator Mahesh Dhungana, chairman and office bearers of forest consumers’ committee, and the local community facing water crisis in the district marked their presence.
Nepal Environmental Journalists Forum (NEFEJ)’s Paani project coordinator Govinda KC read out the commitment to be implemented by locals and people’s elected representatives.
The commitment of Dullu water discussion are as follows:
· The municipality will award the family who plant trees and encourage other community to plant trees.
· Adopt process such as water recharge and reuse the water and strive to protect forest and construct lakes.
· To put a ban on the construction of road near water sources and wetland.
· To take ahead development works by avoiding IA and EIA.
· Stop the uncontrolled expansion of human settlement above the water sources.
· To formulate long-term plan for the conservation of the remaining water sources and find other sources of water.
· To work by taking into account the multipurpose of water.
· To initiate debate for the conservation of water, land and forest.
