Experts call for protection of river’s ecological flow

Kathmandu: Experts are concerned about violations of rivers’ ecological flow as Nepal pushes for increased hydropower production.

A study presented by Dip Narayan Saha, a lecturer at Tribhuvan University revealed that 80% of hydropower projects fail to maintain the required 10% river flow, especially in dry seasons, harming aquatic life and agriculture.

During a recent program organized by the International Water Management Institute and the Department of Hydro Resources and Irrigation, Associate Professor Ram Devi Tachamo Sah from Kathmandu University stressed that the ecological flow must be preserved for river health.

Former Minister Deepak Gwayali recommended involving local communities in project planning to ensure better environmental assessments.

The Experts urged the government to address ecological flow in the upcoming hydropower bill and enforce stricter regulations to protect river health.