Kathmandu: Minister for Water Supplies, Pradeep Yadav, has stressed the need for preservation of glaciers from the impact of climate change. “The climate change has its implications on glaciers and atmospheric patterns, causing consequences in the areas of drinking water facility, agriculture and hydropower,” he said while addressing a seminar here on Saturday. The event titled “Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Financing and Sustainability” was organised by the Society of Public Health Engineers, Nepal, marking the World Water Day.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Minister emphasized that it is the responsibility of all to preserve glaciers. He stated, “Water is vital for life and it is urgent to preserve glaciers, the base for water sources,” highlighting the need for combined efforts from all the three-tier government and citizens towards that end. The Minister further assured that the government is committed to ensuring the rights to clean water and sanitation guaranteed by the Constitution.
Minister Yadav highlighted that Nepal is home to over 3,800 glaciers, including the well-known Khumbu and Ngozumpa Glaciers along the Sagarmatha region. He reiterated that guaranteeing clean drinking water, sanitation, and environmental cleanliness is a fundamental right of citizens and serves as a significant base for social justice, public health, economic prosperity, and environmental balance. He mentioned policies such as ‘one house, one tap’ and ‘citizens’ water, government investment’ as efforts to implement these rights.
Despite Nepal’s ample water resources, the Minister acknowledged the challenges faced in managing available water resources, maintaining cleanliness, and increasing citizens’ access. He noted that March 22 has been celebrated as World Water Day since 1993, providing a platform to reiterate commitments towards guaranteeing safe and clean water. Internationally, the 1966 two International Human Rights Covenants and the UNGA in 2010 have recognized safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as human rights.
The water supply facility in Nepal began with the Bir Tap in 1948 BS, and the issue has been included in periodic plans since the first five-year plan implemented in 2013 BS (1956-1961). Secretary at the Ministry, Engineer Pramila Devi Shakya Bajraharya, stated that the federal ministry has been continuously working with a priority to ensure clean drinking water and sanitation, in line with the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. “Promoting equal access, fair distribution, and long-term management through good governance, cooperation, and coordination among the three tiers of government are the concerns of the Ministry,” she said.
The theme for World Water Day 2025 is “Glacier Preservation.”