Kathmandu: Experts participating in a theoretical discussion on the ‘Water Resources Bill’ during the Committee on Legislative Management meeting on Friday highlighted the need for amendments to the Bill.
According to National News Agency Nepal, former Chairperson of the Nepal Law Commission, Madhav Poudel, remarked that the Bill was not in alignment with the constitution and was introduced without thorough research. He emphasized the importance of provisions for embankment safety but warned about the long-term impacts if these are established without a serious study and regulatory framework, raising concerns about the supervision, safety, and capacity of the embankments. Poudel advocated for significant amendments to the Bill.
In agreement, Surya Nath Upadhyay, an expert in international laws, noted the Bill’s lack of clarity regarding the construction process and its impacts, labeling it as incomplete and in need of amendments.
Water resources expert Tejendra GC advised the government to consider the broader implications of water resources beyond power production, highlighting their direct connection to national security. He criticized the Bill for not clearly stating the rationale and methodology for embankment construction, underscoring the necessity for revisions.
The House of Representatives had initially passed the Bill on May 19, 2025, before forwarding it to the National Assembly, after its registration on June 13, 2024.