ISET-Nepal and Samudayik Sarathi jointly conducted a ward-level dialogue at Nayapul, Sindhupalchowk. The dialogue was supported by The Asia Foundation (TAF). Locally-elected representatives from Barahbise and Chautara Municipalities; and Balefi and Bhotekoshi Rural Municipalities participated. The dialogue discussed issues of sustainable river basin management. Haphazard river mining, unregulated hydropower development, direct disposal of sewage in the river and haphazard road construction affected the sustainability of the river. The dialogue came up with the consensus that for sustainable management of Koshi River Basin urgent attention from the government is needed. Prioritization of river conservation activities on the planning of local budget is an urgent need felt by the stakeholders present in the dialogue. The dialogue among the local people and representatives on river conservation should be a regular activity. The stakeholders also felt the need to acknowledge the forest conservation practice in the river and environment conservation to be accountable towards sustainable management of the river.
Event date: 29th April 2019