Coordination among three-tier of government essential to address water crisis

Kathmandu: The Madhesi Commission has emphasised the need for effective coordination among all levels of government to address the crisis stemming from a long spell of drought in Madhes province.

In a press release issued today, the Commission pointed out that the deprivation of basic necessities like drinking water for the residents of Madhes province is a matter linked to human rights, drawing serious attention from the authority concerned.

Due to a prolonged spell of drought, the underground water resources in most districts of Madhes province have continuously depleted, and the exploitation of the Chure hills and the impact of climate change have further exacerbated the water crisis, stated the press release issued by the Commission’s Secretary Naresh Raj Kharal.

Although drinking water has been distributed in many places of Madhes through fire engines and tankers in coordination with local and provincial governments, the commission has stated that this is not enough and has urged to immediately provide the facility in areas surfacing drinking water crisis.

The commission has further announced a relief package for farmers who have suffered crop damage due to drought and asked for arrangements of appropriate compensation, as well as immediate installation of deep boring wells for alternative irrigation.

The commission has indicated that while Madhes Province is considered a granary, less than 50 percent of paddy plantation has occurred by the mid-monsoon. It has further posed a serious food crisis in the province.