January 24: Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal, the Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD), and WaterAid Nepal (WAN) officially handed over a state-of-the-art groundwater recharge system at Balaju Park in ward number 16 of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). The Deputy Mayor of KMC, Sunita Dangol, received the system on January 19, 2024.
The project, initiated in October 2023 and concluded on January 19, 2024, features a comprehensive groundwater recharge system comprising 21 filter chambers, 21 recharge wells, two distilling chambers, recharge trenches spanning 75 feet, and seven bamboo check dams.
Funded by Bottlers Nepal Terai Limited (BNTL) and supported by WAN, the project is expected to recharge an estimated 30,000 kiloliters of water annually, contributing to the enhancement of the area's shallow groundwater table.
The primary goal of the initiative is to sustain the water table in the park area, rejuvenating stone spouts, including the renowned Baish Dhara, and supporting community wells and spring sources.
The project aims not only to preserve the groundwater table in the project's peripheral areas but also to raise awareness among communities and local authorities, fostering accountability for similar initiatives.
KMC Deputy Mayor Dangol lauded the initiative, expressing her commitment to supporting and coordinating with KMC for future public-private partnerships.
She emphasized the importance of artificial groundwater recharge in Kathmandu, where groundwater extraction is high, but natural replenishment is hindered by the sealing of buildings and road construction in recharge zones.
Groundwater has been a historic source of drinking water in the Kathmandu valley, with stone spouts, wells, and kuwas serving as major water outlets.
However, excessive groundwater extraction, unregulated construction, and altered rainfall patterns over the past two decades have led to a significant decline in groundwater levels, making initiatives like this vital for sustainable water management in the region.
