Water Crisis in Madhesh Province
In the Madhesh province of Nepal, a severe water shortage has left communities struggling to meet their basic needs. Hand pumps, fields, and other water sources have dried up, forcing the provincial government to take urgent action. Fire engines and other vehicles are being used to deliver water to affected areas, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Impact of the Dry Monsoon
The months from June to September, typically the monsoon season in Nepal, have not brought the expected rainfall to the southern plains. This region, known as the grain basket of the country, is experiencing a significant decline in agricultural productivity. The absence of rain has led to the declaration of eight districts in Madhesh Province as drought-affected areas.
Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh highlighted the challenges faced by farmers. "Only 36% of arable land has recorded paddy plantation, compared to the usual 70-80% during normal times," he stated. The lack of rain has severely impacted paddy cultivation, raising concerns about food security and livelihoods.
Worst Hit District: Parsa
Among the affected districts, Parsa has been hit the hardest. In areas like Birgunj, drinking water has run out, with hand pumps and other sources drying up. Residents face daily struggles to access water for basic needs such as cooking, bathing, and even flushing toilets. The situation has disrupted daily life, leaving many in a state of despair.
To address the crisis, the Madhesh Provincial Government has mobilized fire engines, each with a capacity of 5,000 liters. These vehicles are operated in coordination with the Nepal Army, which has taken on temporary responsibility for their operation. The combined effort aims to transport approximately 100,000 liters of water to the most affected areas, helping to alleviate the water shortage.
Agricultural Challenges
Madhesh Province, the breadbasket of Nepal, heavily relies on rainwater for agriculture. According to the Nepal Rastra Bank's 2024 report, the province's GDP is projected to reach NRs. 707 billion, with agriculture contributing significantly to the gross domestic output. However, the current dry monsoon has raised alarm among farmers, who are now worried about their future.
Brij Yadav, a farmer in Janakpurdham, expressed his concerns: "I don't know what we will have this year. Am worried about survival. The cultivation is yet to be done as there is no water. It is taking a toll on us." His words reflect the anxiety of many farmers in the region.
Widespread Effects
The water shortage is not limited to agriculture. Residents in the area are also struggling to access enough water for daily use. Ganga Kant Jha, a resident of Janakpurdham, explained, "We ferry water from far-flung areas in gallons, then only we can have water to drink." This highlights the extent of the problem and the lengths people must go to secure basic necessities.
Additional Disasters
While the water crisis dominates headlines, other monsoon-related disasters have also occurred. Since the start of the monsoon this year, around two dozen people have died due to landslides and flooding. Properties and infrastructure worth billions of rupees have been damaged or destroyed. Locals report that even light rainfall can trigger floods, with glacial and supraglacial lakes posing a potential threat due to accelerated ice melting.
Calls for Assistance
Faced with these challenges, the provincial government has requested assistance from the union government. However, no response has been received so far. Chief Minister Singh mentioned that they have also reached out to aid agencies and INGOs, hoping for support in addressing the ongoing crisis.
Climate Change and Predictions
Studies indicate that Nepal is experiencing changes in temperature and precipitation at a faster rate than the global average. The maximum temperature is rising more rapidly than the minimum, exacerbating the impact of climate change on the region.
Amid these challenges, the Met Office predicts above-normal monsoon rainfall this year. However, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) warns that millions could be affected by monsoon-related disasters. The districts of Lumbini, Bagmati, Gandaki, Koshi, Madhesh, Sudurpaschim, and Karnali are expected to be the most affected.
As the Himalayan nation braces for potential disasters, the situation in Madhesh Province underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both immediate crises and long-term climate challenges.
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