A Solution for Kathmandu’s Urban Floods
Krishna Verma, RYN 2024 Fellow
The bustling city of Kathmandu, Nepal’s cultural heart, has long been vulnerable to the destructive forces of monsoon flooding, a perennial challenge that has tested the resilience of its residents and infrastructure. The monsoon season, a lifeline for rainfed agriculture, which accounts for 65% of Nepal's total cultivable land area (ICIMOD, 2022), becomes a nightmare for the city's residents as inadequate drainage systems are overwhelmed by torrential rains, which account for 80% of Nepal's annual rainfall (INF/UK, 2024). This recurring crisis disrupts daily life and poses significant risks to property and public health. While the problem is not new, its persistence underscores a systemic failure to address the root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
At the heart of the issue lies the city’s poor drainage infrastructure. The rapid urbanization and increased impervious surfaces have exacerbated the problem, as rainwater runoff cannot seep into the ground, leading to waterlogging and flooding. Moreover, the decline in groundwater levels due to over-extraction for water wells has contributed to sinkholes, further compromising the city’s resilience. During the dry season, from October to June, people face water shortages for consumption and daily use.
According to a 2009 report by the UNEP, rainwater harvesting has seen a surge in popularity in cities worldwide. In Australia, where droughts had led to water shortages, many people had turned to rainwater harvesting to supplement their household water supply. This practice not only helped conserve water but also reduced pressure on local water sources. In countries like Japan and South Korea, rainwater harvesting has been implemented as a safety measure to ensure a reliable water supply during emergencies such as earthquakes or floods. Similarly by capturing and storing rainwater, we can alleviate the burden on the drainage system, reduce the risk of flooding, and replenish the groundwater table. This multifaceted approach addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. Not only does it mitigate the immediate threat of urban floods but also provides a sustainable water source during dry seasons and helps prevent the formation of sinkholes.
To transform this vision into reality, our community needs a concerted and collaborative effort involving the government, private sector, and the community. Policy changes are essential to encourage widespread adoption of rainwater harvesting systems. Subsidies and tax breaks can significantly lower the initial investment, making this technology accessible to a broader population. Mandating rainwater harvesting on all new construction projects is a crucial step towards building a sustainable future for Kathmandu.
Financing is another critical aspect. Partnering with the Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board (KVWSMB) can leverage existing infrastructure and expertise. Public private partnerships can bring in the necessary resources and expertise to implement the project efficiently. Moreover, exploring international funding opportunities like the $100 million project 2023, partially funded by the World Bank, aims to improve water and sanitation services in Nepal, with a focus on strengthening municipal capacities, can provide additional support for this climate-resilient initiative.
While the challenges are substantial, the potential benefits of rainwater harvesting are immense. By investing in this solution, we can not only protect our city from the devastating impacts of urban flooding but also build a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come. It is time to move beyond reactive measures and adopt a proactive approach to water management. Let us harness the power of rainwater and transform Kathmandu into a city that thrives, not just survives, amidst the monsoon rains.
About the Author:
Krishna Verma is pursuing a bachelor's in Development Studies with a keen interest in environmental sustainability and climate change. She has a key interest in Climate change and disaster management. She is passionate about learning and contributing to environmental conservation through the RYN Fellowship.
References
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. Rainwater Harvesting and Rural Livelihoods in Nepal. (2022). URL: https://lib.icimod.org/record/35484/files/11.pdf
International Nepal Fellowship (United Kingdom). (2024). Monsoon in Nepal- Floods And Landslides. URL: https://www.inf.org.uk/about-nepal/monsoon-in-nepal/
United Nations Environment Programme. (2009). Rainwater harvesting: a lifeline for human well-being. URL: https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/7762/-Rainwater%20Harvesting%20_%20a%20Lifeline%20for%20Human%20well-being-2009848.pdf?sequence=3&%3BisAllowed=
World Bank. (2023). Water Sector Governance and Infrastructure Support Project. URL: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/02/10/government-of-nepal-and-the-world-bank-launch-100-million-water-sector-governance-and-infrastructure-support-project
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