HoR passes Water Resources Bill by a majority

Kathmandu, May 19: The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today has passed the Water Resources Bill, 2081 by a majority.

Earlier, the Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, had presented a proposal in the House seeking the passage for the bill.

In response to the questions raised regarding the Water Resources Bill, Energy Minister Khadka stated that this bill will focus on the use, proper utilization and conservation of water and ensuring its appropriate distribution, and that the entire responsibility will be entrusted to the Water and Energy Commission.

He stated that the bill includes provisions regarding the total capacity of the river and how to preserve it, claiming that this will ensure the rights of governments at all three levels.

“The bill has incorporated topics related to the benefits of and damage caused by water. The Commission will prepare a detailed study report (DPR) after the bill is passed, which will help in the fair distribution of water,” the Water Resources Minister explained.

Earlier during the discussions on the bill, lawmakers Dilendra Prasad Badu, Madhav Sapkota, Dr Amaresh Kumar Singh, Kiran Kumar Sah, Sunita Baral, Laxmi Tiwari, Prem Suwal, Hitaraj Pandey, Thakur Prasad Gaire, and Lekhnath Dahal expressed their views.

The next meeting of the House of Representatives will be held at 11 am tomorrow, May 20.