Training programme on Sustainable Water Management for practicing professionals, students and researchers of Nepal, July 5-9, 2012

Training programme on Sustainable Water Management was organised by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in collaboration with the Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD), Nepal based NGO and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Nepal. The programme was held between July5-9, 2012.

Two training workshops namely ‘Urban Rainwater Harvesting’ and ‘Decentralised Wastewater Recycle and Reuse’ were held under this programme.Both the programmes were organised in Kathmandu.  Each of the programmes was divided into lectures and field trip. The lectures on urban rainwater harvesting programme were delivered on July 5-6, 2012 and those on decentralised wastewater recycle and reuse were delivered on July 8-9, 2012. On July 7 a field trip for the participants were arranged. The participants got a good understanding of residential, traditional and colony level decentralised systems.

To encourage rainwater harvesting in Nepal, a working policy on rainwater harvesting was formulated in 2009 by Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MPPW). CIUD is promoting the application of rainwater harvesting through research, piloting and evaluation of all relevant aspects of the rainwater harvesting system. Different municipalities in the Kathmandu valley have also announced tax rebate for citizens incorporating rainwater harvesting in the new constructions. Need is for mainstreaming the implementation of rainwater harvesting in the country. Inadequate sewage disposal system and treatment facilities have resulted in high levels of pollution in river Bagmati. The wetlands and other water bodies in Nepal also face the threats of encroachment and pollution.

Speaking at the inauguration session of the workshop, Prakash Amatya, former executive director,  CIUD stated the usefulness of rainwater harvesting and decentralised wastewater treatment including recycle and reuse for sustainability of the water resources in urban areas. He emphasised CIUD's  commitment towards skill enhancement of students, researchers and practioners of Kathmandu and to implement pilot projects showcasing good practices in sustainable water management area in Nepal.

The focus of these trainings was to impart skills to practicing professionals, researchers and students in implementation of urban rain water harvesting systems and decentralised waste water recycle and reuse. Both the training programmes were attended by eighteen engineers from the ministry and allied departments. On the closing day, Prakash Amatya former executive director of CIUD, Dr. Suresh Kumar Rohilla, Programme Director, CSE, representatives from local partners of CIUD were present in the meeting to present their views of the programme. The participants of the programme gave a good feedback on the programme. 

Date: July 5-9, 2012
Venue: Trade Tower, Kathmandu