The most awaited opening of the week-long celebration of the Nepal National Water and Weather Week (NNWWW-2018) was held on March 17, 2018 at the Department of Irrigation (DOI), Jawalakhel. More than 100 participants including government officials, water experts from NGOs, INGOs, journalists and graduate students were present in the event. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the NNWWW under the chairmanship of Water and Energy Secretariat (WECS), Ministry of Energy and Water Resources. The theme for this year’s World Water Day is “Nature for water” and for World Meteorological Day is “Weather Ready, Climate Smart”.

The Honourable Minister, Mr. Lal Babu Pandit, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration inaugurated the program by watering the flower pot present at the venue. He further gave a thought-provoking speech regarding the need of visualization of reality towards the management of sewage and encroachment of flood plains. He also emphasized on a more productive output with minimum investment which can be achieved by proper mobilization of technical experts and stakeholders for the public life improvement. Secretary of WECS and chairperson of NNWWW-2018, Dr. Ramesh Prasad Singh stressed that self-awareness is crucial to resolve water issues at present. He shed light upon the necessity of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), efficient water use, water induced disaster, climate change, valuation of spiritual and religious aspects and purification of water sources in Nepal. Mr. Madhav Belbase, Vice Chair, NNWWW-2018 put forward a welcome speech drawing attention to water scarcity with the rapid urbanization. The Director General of Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Dr. Rishi Ram Sharma, talked about smart climate approach not only on a daily basis but also at policy level. In addition, he stated that “Water is a boon, not a curse” to conclude his speech.

Moreover, Mr. Achyut Luitel, Director of Practical Action Nepal passed an encouraging message stating that behavioural changes regarding water-related conflicts should be addressed at a grass-root level. Similarly, Dr. Vishnu Prasad Pandey from IWMI said that water conservation along with socio-economic, hydrological and ecological aspects should be carried out keeping in mind the long-term sustainability of livelihood. Also, Mr. M.P Rajbhandari, Director General, Department of Water Induced Disaster Management added that events as such should not be manipulated by publicity constraints, rather should have rippling impacts to fill the loopholes.

Finally, Mr. Dipak Gyawali, Former Minister of the Ministry of Population and Environment, pinpointed that this week-long celebration has sensitized water experts and the stakeholders to work in water resource management through an integrated approach. He accentuated the significance of improved management of water resource to address drying springs, artificial recharge of water sources, hydro-power generation, prioritization of life supporting functions of water rather than flow, waste recycling. He further exemplified that cultural aspects of water should be given national priority such as Chhat Parva in Terai, Sidhi Nakha: in Kathmandu among others.