Water Resources Utilisation: Irrigation

For almost half a century, Nepal’s economic development efforts have centred on its water resources. The available potential figures have been providing a distorted image to the wider population as well as to planners. The bountiful water resources available within the country are turning out to be more of a curse than a blessing. Despite the gifts of fertile land, warm climate, abundant water and a vast hydropower potential, the quality of life is still very poor, with high incidence of poverty, unemployment and a degrading ecosystem. All the prevailing challenges call for a new approach to water-sector development.