Madhes: The Madhesi Commission has emphasized the need for effective coordination among all levels of government to address the crisis stemming from a long spell of drought in Madhes province. In a press release issued today, the Commission highlighted that the lack of basic necessities like drinking water for the residents of Madhes province is a human rights issue, drawing serious attention from the concerned authorities.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the prolonged drought has led to the continuous depletion of underground water resources in most districts of Madhes province. The exploitation of the Chure hills and the impact of climate change have further exacerbated the water crisis, as stated by the Commission’s Secretary Naresh Raj Kharal in the release.
Although drinking water has been distributed in many areas of Madhes through fire engines and tankers in coordination with local and provincial governments, the commission has stated that this is insufficient. It has urged the authorities to immediately provide water facilities in areas facing a drinking water crisis.
Additionally, the commission has announced a relief package for farmers who have suffered crop damage due to the drought and has called for appropriate compensation arrangements. It also recommended the immediate installation of deep boring wells for alternative irrigation.
The commission indicated that while Madhes Province is considered a granary, less than 50 percent of paddy plantation had occurred by mid-monsoon, posing a serious food crisis in the province.