Welcome to e-discussion on “Ensuring Transboundary Cooperation for Water Security in the Ganges Basin”

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Piyush Dahal

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Mar 8, 2013, 9:14:33 PM3/8/13
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Dear Distinguished Participants,

Welcome to e-discussion on “Ensuring Transboundary Cooperation for Water Security in the Ganges Basin”!

Once again, we would like to welcome you all to participate in an online discussion (e-discussion) organized by Nepal National Water Week 2013 (NNWW-2013) on the occasion of world water day 2013. On 22nd March, World Water Day is celebrated as a mean of focusing on the importance of freshwater and its advocacy for sustainable management and World Water Day 2013 will be celebrated under the theme “Water Cooperation” with slogan "Water Cooperation- Transboundary Water Issues".  

To commemorate this day and as a continuation to previous year, NNWW-2013 is organizing e-discussion on the theme “Ensuring transboundary cooperation for water security in the Ganges Basin” to put your thoughts, arguments, queries and give a solution and also provide link to resources. This e-discussion has been organized with the main objective to provide a common platform for water practitioners, policy makers, researchers, scientists and students to exchange views/opinions/knowledge on the aforementioned theme. By the mean, it is expected to compile appropriate means to ensure transboundary cooperation in the Ganges basin and associated constraints for disseminating among wider network. Please visit http://www.smallearth.org.np/detail.php?cid=155&id=6 for more background information and objectives of e-discussion.

BACKGROUND OF THE GANGES BASIN:

The 1,080,000 km2 catchment area of the Ganges basin is shared by China (33,000 km2), Nepal (140,000 km2), India (861,000 km2) and Bangladesh (46,000 km2). This basin contributes an annual discharge of about 500 Billion-Cubic-Meters (BCM) (Ahmad et al., 2001). It has always played pivotal role in shaping the sustenance of life and the environment in the area. However, the countries sharing the basin are beset by a number of water management problems due to gross inequalities in the temporal and spatial distribution of water; mainly floods, droughts, and dry season water scarcity. The development and management of water resources in the Ganges basin have been subject to a number of geopolitical constraints in spite of having huge potential for being a great example of regional cooperation (Brichieri-Colombi and Brandnock 2003). Country-specific management options have led to water disputes. Attempts to solve these disputes have been bilateral in nature (e.g., the Ganges Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh, the Mahakali Treaty between India and Nepal, etc). While so much more could have been done, achievements in terms of sharing, development, and management of water resources in the basin as well as sharing and exchange of information and data through mutual cooperation have not been encouraging so far (Biswas 2008; Khan 2005).

 

SUB-THEMES FOR DISCUSSION:

1. Necessary groundwork for transboundary cooperation: data, information, pollution load? Is it an opportune time for us to move in the direction of Danube or Mekong (i.e., formation of river basin commission to look after the transboundary water issues)? Are we prepared for a "directive" yet?

 2. Sharing benefits/risks: what water cooperation is all about? How can we share benefits as well as risks/impacts by riparian countries (e.g., vision, legality, instruments, subsidiary, etc.)? 

 3. Context of hidden resources:  given the surface water is either badly polluted or already committed for various uses, the focus of cooperation may now have to be taken beneath the surface. What are the context and approaches to shared Transboundary aquifers in the Ganges basin?

 4. Role of academia and/or academic diplomacy for transboundary cooperation: examples from other parts of the world?

 

GUIDELINES FOR POSTING/DISCUSSION:

·        Introduce yourself (name, organization, area of expertise/interest) in your first posting

·        Your views should be specific to one or more of the sub-themes for e-discussion

·        Your posting should not be biased to particular institution, individual, geography, culture, etc. In that case moderators can edit, ask you to edit or reject the statement from posting.

·        Mention whether your views/ideas are your personal or institutional


DISCUSSION SCHEDULE:

The e-discussion starts immediately after this opening email on 2013.03.09, 08 AM and ends after closing note on 2013.03.18, 05 PM. The time corresponds to Local time at Kathmandu, Nepal.


MODERATORS:

NNWW-2013 welcomes Dr. Bhanu R. Neupane, Programme Specialist, Communication and Information Sector (CI),  United Nation United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Dr. Vishnu Prasad Pandey, Researcher, International Research Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi (ICRE-UY) and Dilli Bhattarai, Member, The Small Earth Nepal (SEN) as moderators and thanks to SEN, UNESCO, Center for Research of Environment Energy and Water (CREEW), and ICRE-UY for their support for e-discussion.


Piyush, on behalf of the e-discussion Team
Technical Moderator 

..............................................................................

Piyush Dahal
Program Coordinator 

The Small Earth Nepal | 626 Bhakti Thapa Sadak | Naya Baneshwor 
P O Box 20533, Kathmandu, Nepal | Tel: +977-1-4782738 
Web: http://www.smallearth.org.np

vishnu pandey

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Mar 8, 2013, 10:54:11 PM3/8/13
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Dear All,
This is Vishnu from University of Yamanashi working in the field of water resources management. As indicated in the opening remark from Piyush jee, I along with Dr. Bhanu Neupane and Dilli Bhattarai would be helping as content moderator for this e-discussion. We are confident that you all would fully cooperate in this regard.

Posting#1:

If we take a look on the history of transboundary water dialogue and treaties in the Ganges water between Nepal and India, it goes back to 1920, when the Sarada Barrage Agreement took place.  In case of Bangladesh and India, it goes back to 1977; the Ganges water sharing at Farakka. All the negotiations since them seem bilateral in  nature. Had there been the Ganges basin river authority like in Mekong Region, the negotiations would have been much better to better utilize available water resources for the benefit of all the riparian countries. In this context, is it opportune time to go in that direction? What are opportunities and constraints

With Warm Regards,
Vishnu
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vishnu Prasad Pandey, Dr. Eng.
Researcher
International Research Center for River Basin Environment (ICRE), 
University of Yamanashi
4-3-11, Takeda, Kofu,
Yamanashi 400-8510, JAPAN
 
Email: vis...@yamanashi.ac.jp; vishnu...@gmail.com
Phone: (+81) 806 751 6443 (Mob), 55 242 7015 (Res), 55 220 8670 (Off)


From: Piyush Dahal <piy...@smallearth.org.np>
To: urban...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Saturday, 9 March 2013, 11:14
Subject: [e discussion: Water Cooperation] Welcome to e-discussion on “Ensuring Transboundary Cooperation for Water Security in the Ganges Basin”

--
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Neupane, Bhanu

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Mar 8, 2013, 11:26:03 PM3/8/13
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Dear colleagues and friends.

Bob Varady, a colleague from university of Arizona wrote in one of his articles way back in 1991 that 

"transboundary ... institutions typically are driven from the top, function behind closed doors, disregard sustainability, and rely on technical fixes or regulatory mechanisms" 

I find this statement wrote some 13 years ago, still relevant, accurate and a key reason for the failure for the riparian countries of Ganges failing to sustainably exploit the available vast water resources in the region. Perhaps it was relevant when the colonial rulers left the indian subcontinent in late 1940s.

At least 6 generations of policy makers have had held responsibilities to come out of their opaque mindsets and change the state of affair - unfortunately these opportunities were left to pass! 

Why there is so much of mistrust, when everyone is aware that every flowing cubic meter of water can contribute toward changing the face of one of the most impoverished regions of the world? 

Sent from my iPad B. Neupane 

Hari K. Shrestha

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Mar 9, 2013, 12:09:00 AM3/9/13
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Introduction: Prof. Dr. Hari Krishna Shrestha, Nepal Engineering College, Hydrologist
Subtheme:Role of academia and/or academic diplomacy for transboundary cooperation
Veiw: Personal
 
1. As long as we only talk about data sharing, and try to hide data or monopolize on data access, we are going to get no where. Some regional agreements in free and easy access to all the hydrological, and meteorological data are the basic requirements for meaningful discourse on water security on transboundary rivers.
2. Recently, Monash University (Australia) has teamed up with some organizations in Nepal (including ICIMOD and Central Dept of Geography, TU) to conduct a two year study on regional cooperation on transboundary rivers in Ganga, Bramhaputra and Indus Basins. Interested persons may contact them for further info. (I am not part of any of these organizations).
3. Wageningen University (The Netherlands) and University of East Anglia (UK) are teaming up with some organizations in India and Nepal to study potential impact of hydropower dams on water security in the Teesta Basin in India and Tamor basin in Nepal. The Nepalese partners are Nepal Engineering College (where I work) and Nepal Water Conservation Foundation. Some of the partners in India are Sikkim University and SOPPECOM.
4. A recently completed (completed in 2011) program can be an excellent example of academic diplomacy for transpoundary cooperation. Under this program the academic staff and graduate students of Anna University (India), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (India), BUET (Bangladesh), University of Peradinia (Sri Lanka), and Nepal Engineering College (Nepal) openly exchanged data and information, including research results, for 5 years.
5. An ongoing study on water security in peri-urban areas of Kathmandu, Bangladesh and Gurgaon (India) can also be a good example for academic diplomacy on transboundary cooperation for water security.


--

binod shah

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Mar 9, 2013, 2:46:46 AM3/9/13
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Hello Everybody
Good afternoon

I am binod prasad shah from Nepal Academy of Science and
Technology(NAST), Khumaltar, Lalitpur. I am an environment graduate of
Tribhuvan University. I do research on environmental issues focusing
water, waste water and solid wastes at NAST. I wish to learn many
things on water issues through this discussion.


Thanking you

Binod Shah
ARF, NAST


On 3/9/13, Neupane, Bhanu <b.ne...@unesco.org> wrote:
> Dear colleagues and friends.
>
> Bob Varady, a colleague from university of Arizona wrote in one of his
> articles way back in 1991 that
>
> "transboundary ... institutions typically are driven from the top, function
> behind closed doors, disregard sustainability, and rely on technical fixes
> or regulatory mechanisms"
>
> I find this statement wrote some 13 years ago, still relevant, accurate and
> a key reason for the failure for the riparian countries of Ganges failing to
> sustainably exploit the available vast water resources in the region.
> Perhaps it was relevant when the colonial rulers left the indian
> subcontinent in late 1940s.
>
> At least 6 generations of policy makers have had held responsibilities to
> come out of their opaque mindsets and change the state of affair -
> unfortunately these opportunities were left to pass!
>
> Why there is so much of mistrust, when everyone is aware that every flowing
> cubic meter of water can contribute toward changing the face of one of the
> most impoverished regions of the world?
>
> Sent from my iPad B. Neupane
>
> On Mar 8, 2013, at 22:54, "vishnu pandey"
> Email: vis...@yamanashi.ac.jp<mailto:vis...@yamanashi.ac.jp>;
> vishnu...@gmail.com<mailto:vishnu...@gmail.com>
> Phone: (+81) 806 751 6443 (Mob), 55 242 7015 (Res), 55 220 8670 (Off)
> Skype: vishnuprasadpandey
> URL:
> http://www.icre.yamanashi.ac.jp/e/index.html<http://www.icre.yamanashi.ac.jp/e/index.html>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Piyush Dahal
> <piy...@smallearth.org.np<mailto:piy...@smallearth.org.np>>
> To: urban...@googlegroups.com<mailto:urban...@googlegroups.com>
> urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com<mailto:urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com>.
> To post to this group, send email to
> urban...@googlegroups.com<mailto:urban...@googlegroups.com>.
> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> --
> URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to
> conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been
> celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and
> World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since
> 2008.
> ---
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>
> --
> --
> URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to
> conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been
> celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and
> World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since
> 2008.
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "URBANWATER" group.
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>
>


--
..........................................
Binod Prasad Shah, M.Sc
Assistant Research Fellow(ARF)
Nepal Academy of Science and Technology(NAST), Kathmandu,Nepal
Mobile No.: +977-9851138338/+977-9841452070
E-mail: bino...@gmail.com
Skype:binod.shah91

Dilli Bhattarai

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Mar 9, 2013, 3:36:44 AM3/9/13
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Dear All, 
Greetings from Kathmandu. 
I am Dilli Bhattarai from The Small Earth Nepal (SEN). As mentioned by Dr. Vishnu Pandey sir, I along with him and Dr. Bhanu Neupane would be helping as a content moderator for this discussion. 

Regarding the treaties of transboundary water issues in Ganges Basin, I would like to share with you all a paper from Muhammad Mizanur Rahaman. In the paper Dr. Rahaman discusses  about two treaties between Bangladesh and India for sharing water of the Ganges River with the special focus on Farakka Barrage in India. 

So, may I request you all to forward your thoughts/ideas/inputs/experiences on what necessary ground works are we lacking or needed for transboundary cooperation on water resources management and equitable sharing between upper riparian  and lower riparian?  Can we discuss on some good examples from around the world and how such practices could be replicated in the context of South Asian Region? Your thought/experiences/Opinions are valuable to have insight of the issues. Thank you. 

best
dilli




--

………………………………………………………………………..
Dilli Bhattarai

The Small Earth Nepal | 626 Bhakti Thapa Sadak | Naya Baneshwor 
Rahaman-Ganges-Asteriskos.pdf

Mahendra Bahadur Gurung

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Mar 9, 2013, 8:16:56 PM3/9/13
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I am Mahendra B. Gurung, President of Nepal Engineers' Association (NEA), and an irrigation expert

My view: Rivers from Nepal contribute about 46% percent to Ganges water. This is a substantial amount of contribution. The water experts in the country should work on the vision and show wisdom to negotiate for the trans-boundary cooperation with India so that the benefits are accrued to the people of both the countries.
Water, the petrodollar is flowing every second wasting the huge opportunities and potentialities; also creating disasters every year.
Time has come for all the leaders, planners and thinkers to sit down and ponder on the water cooperation in economic sense that offers opportunities for jobs and socio-economic transformation of the country.
Showing wisdom or logics to stop the flow of development and innovation will be like attempting to shatter the prosperous future that our new generation deserves with dignity.
Best regards.

Mahendra B. Gurung


--- On Sat, 3/9/13, Piyush Dahal <piy...@smallearth.org.np> wrote:
--

Naveen Joshi

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Mar 10, 2013, 1:49:40 AM3/10/13
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Naveen M. Joshi, Freelancer, Irrigation and Dispute Resolution/Contract Mgmt. Specialist

I was in GON service for more than 3 decades. I am hearing from the very beginning the Regional Cooperation. Now I conclude  that Regional Cooperation is not easy task. We Nepalese should move ahead without delay for the benefit of Nepal and Nepalese people. There are opportunities as well as feasible Inter Basin Transfer projects and Storage projects, which need to be implemented for the benefit of the country. If we could build such hydro projects, then it will be easier for us for negotiation with transboundary countries. So our so called politicians, if they are really Nationalist and development oriented, all the leaders from different  political parties should agree for one solution and move ahead.

Regards,

NM joshi

Note: This is completely by personal view.

Date: Sat, 9 Mar 2013 10:54:00 +0545
Subject: Re: [e discussion: Water Cooperation] Welcome to e-discussion on “Ensuring Transboundary Cooperation for Water Security in the Ganges Basin”
From: ha...@nec.edu.np
To: urban...@googlegroups.com

jaya Gurung

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Mar 10, 2013, 1:43:37 PM3/10/13
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Thanks for choosing the very important issue.

I am Jaya Kumar Gurung, a student of water sciences.


As my quick response to this issue, I would like to share few points of lesson learn from my research done in the transboundary management between Canada-USA, and between USA-Mexico, through my trip as IVLP, 2011.


  • The water conservation and utilization is over politicized in the Ganges among Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
  • There is dire need of the alliance formation of water scientists who are supposed to think strategically based on sciences without considering the political boundaries.
  • The politicians should utilize the output of the scientific study done in multinational collaboration for the conservation and optimization of water resources of the Ganges Basin
  • We need to practice the round table discussion rather than merely bilateral dialogue.
  • ………………………………
  • There is long way to go ………………………..

 Best regards  


Jaya Kumar Gurung [PhD]
Executive Director, HIMCCA www.himcca.org
Tel: 9851101675 (Mobile), 4378513(Res)
E-mail: jkc...@yahoo.com

--- On Sat, 3/9/13, Mahendra Bahadur Gurung <mabg...@yahoo.com> wrote:

vishnu pandey

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Mar 10, 2013, 9:37:54 PM3/10/13
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1.    Thank you very much Prof. Hari K Shrestha, Mahendra B Gurung, Naveen M Joshi and all others for sharing opinions, experiences, and information on some ongoing initiatives relevant to the theme of discussion.
 
2.    Prof. Shrestha referred “a recently completed program 2011” and “ongoing study on water security in Kathmandu, Bangladesh and India” as good examples of academic diplomacy. It would be great if you could share more information (related documents, etc) on them.
 
3.    Er. Mahendra B Gurung opined the need of showing wisdom to explore water cooperation in economic sense that offers opportunities for jobs and socio-economic transformation. As a former employee of GoN and expert in irrigation sector, I believe that he would certainly share more specific thoughts on ways to stimulate cooperation among the riparian countries.
 
4.    NM Joshi suggested the need to implement Inter Basin Transfer & Storage Projects for the benefit of Nepal. I think, it is obvious that a government should think for more benefits of her people, however, there could be ways that same amount of efforts if made jointly by all the riparian countries in coordinated way, may benefit large number of people and/or reduce loss to people in other parts/country in the basin. I am sure more views would be floated by participants in this regard.
 
5.    As indicated by Dr. Jaya K Gurung, for Transboundary cooperation, more than understanding of technalities, Multi-track diplomacy is generally necessary (Track I: efforts led by the riparian governments; Track II: efforts led by the Think Tanks; Track III: efforts led by civil society organizations through advocacy to stimulate Track I & II diplomacies). In recent years, Track II diplomacy is attracting attention as an effective means of advancing diplomatic negotiations. But the question is how?? A case of successful Track II diplomacy for Transboundary cooperation on the Euphrates-Tigris River Basin is attached (Nakayama 2009). The report also highlights international cooperation on the Mekong River.
 
6.    I tried to prepare a list of some of the past activities aimed at stimulating transboundary cooperation in the Ganges Basin with an objective of making an up-to-date list by the end of this e-discussion. Appreciate if you could add other missing activities/initiatives.
 
Date
Event Name
Highlights
2006
1st International Conference on South Asia Water Cooperation or 1st Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) (@Abu Dhabi)
shift in focus towards cooperation; call for sustained group dialogue
2007
2nd ADD (@Bangkok)
a shared vision for knowledge partnership; growing interest in opportunities for shared learning and cooperation; commitment for national level dialogues
2008
3rd ADD + 1st ADD Knowledge Forum (@Singapore)
call for knowledge (i.e., research grant, seminar, exchange); call for research; interest in institutionalizing the ADD Group
2008-2009
Launch of the Ganges Strategic Basin Assessment
 
2009
4th ADD (@ Abu Dhabi)
questions on ADD Group composition & Balance; collaborative research grants (small grants); opened discussion on potential for regional action (e.g., improve regional hydromet monitoring), etc
2010
5th ADD (@ Bangkok)
demonstration of models of cooperation at other areas; guiding principles of ADD Group composition agreed; Small Grants Program ready for launch & Priority Themes set; strong support for regional cooperative actions
2011
Promoting cooperation in the Ganges Basin through dialogue, analysis, and projects (@ WWW 2011; Sweden)
Outcomes of 5 rounds of ADD were reviewed; aimed at supporting Track II regional dialogue among high level policy and opinion makers.
 
With Warm Regards,
Vishnu
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vishnu Prasad Pandey, Dr. Eng.
Researcher
International Research Center for River Basin Environment (ICRE), 
University of Yamanashi
4-3-11, Takeda, Kofu,
Yamanashi 400-8510, JAPAN
 
Email: vis...@yamanashi.ac.jp; vishnu...@gmail.com
Phone: (+81) 806 751 6443 (Mob), 55 242 7015 (Res), 55 220 8670 (Off)
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.--- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group.To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com.To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com.Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.  
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.--- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group.To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com.To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com.Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.  
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.--- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group.To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com.To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com.Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.  

vishnu pandey

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Mar 10, 2013, 9:40:57 PM3/10/13
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-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.    
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.    
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.    
Nakayama Mikiyasu_2009.pdf

Ram Babu Dhakal

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Mar 10, 2013, 11:04:12 PM3/10/13
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Dear friends,
 
I am Ram Babu Dhakal, practioner in diplomacy and student of international water resources law. I am pleased to join the group and will keep sharing my views in few days under this discussion.
Until and unless we are able to share the cake with neighbours any agreement is inevitable to die. This applies to negotiations on any field. It is a challenge to South Asians to find the ways and means to share risks and benefits of regional cooperation in international water resources in South Asia.
This is my personal view.
Regards,
 
Ram Babu Dhakal
JSD Candi in international water resources law
McGeorge School of Law, Univ of the Pacific, USA
Presently, DPD of Nepal to UNESCO, Paris

Jagadiswara Rao R

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Mar 10, 2013, 11:27:18 PM3/10/13
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Dear Participants,

As a teacher, researcher, extension worker and consultant, I have been working on the application of science and technology for the sustainable development of water and other land resources by being in Sri Venkateswara University from 1965 to 1997 and later as Chairman, Rayalaseema Vikas Parishad, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. 

My work in the Ganges Basin dates back to 2004 when I had the opportunity to present a paper on "Proposed Indian River-Linking Project and Water Resources Management in Bangladesh" at the International Conference on Regional Cooperation on Transboundary Rivers – Impact of the Indian River-linking Project" (ICRCTR) at Osmani Memorial Hall (OMH), Dhaka, Bangladesh, 17-19 Dec 2004.

We are presently working for the Bhutan Ferro Alloys Ltd. (BFAL), Phuentsholing, Bhutan to tackle some water supply problems in relation to high incidence of landslides faced by the factory.

In his opening statement, Piyush Dahal mentions that the "The 1,080,000 km2 catchment area of the Ganges basin is shared by China (33,000 km2), Nepal (140,000 km2), India (861,000 km2) and Bangladesh (46,000 km2)". But, it is known that the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) river basin is a transboundary river basin with a total area of just over 1.7 million km2, distributed between India (64%), China (18%), Nepal (9%), Bangladesh (7%) and Bhutan (3%) 

Regards,

R. Jagadiswara Rao
Dhaka Paper.doc

Neupane, Bhanu

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Mar 11, 2013, 12:47:54 AM3/11/13
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Dear Dr. Vishnu,

Thank you very much for an excellent summary. 

I would like to add following points:

1. Perpetual institutional failure for better cooperation for Ganga is just because of the fact that the riparian countries are not rated as equal! Any move to cooperate can fail if countries don't  recognize another country as equal.

2. Discussions are mostly benefit-centered.  Discussions mostly focus on benefit sharing but rarely on sharing of negative impacts.

3. Limited to Type i negotiation. For Ganges, negotiations are rarely type II or III. For Type I negotiation, especially for nepal, there is a fundamental flaw. it's quite rare that a person with technical understanding of the river, gets to be the Chef de mission. Language of negotiation (mostly english) also pinches on the ability to debate. Not least to note bureaucrats are mostly suspicious and won't commit anything until the text are viewed and reviewed by their superior.

4. Flawed type III negotiations  Most NGOs, barring a few noted exceptions, benefit more if the debate is fueled negatively and issues are hyped, rather than when solutions are offered. 

5. Rare Type II negotiations: what can really bring out a meaningful context to the negotiations are those done based on "numbers". Everything is counted with units, and facts are put before "generally hyped" soft facts, which often is the case when civil societies are tasked to debate the issue.

To..be.. Continued! 



Sent from my iPad B. Neupane 
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Kanchan Shrestha

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Mar 11, 2013, 12:56:28 AM3/11/13
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Hi, 
I am Kanchan Shrestha, interested in transboundary water cooperation and it is great that this discussion is being held.
In my opinion, there is deep mistrust between the neighboring countries to begin an ideal cooperative discussion. I had done a class paper on the Indus River for transboundary cooperation between India and Pakistan. One of the more probable steps was to begin cooperation between the scientist and NGOs across the two countries (or in this case three, including Bangladesh). Data and information sharing inclusive committee  across the borders could help to engage the politicians in a non-threatening manner. Such a committee could, in the coming years, inform and guide policies that are beneficial for all countries. It is extremely important to demonstrate why basin level management is in the best interest of all the countries involved. May be the onus is on us to build stronger relationship with our counterparts. What do you all think? 


On Friday, March 8, 2013 9:14:33 PM UTC-5, Piyush Dahal wrote:

K N Vajpai

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Mar 11, 2013, 12:30:46 AM3/11/13
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Dear List members,

In south Asian region over 75 percent of the people live in rural areas, those have little access to safe potable water systems. Until, recently, people depended more on surface water which was exposed to microbial contamination resulting in water related disease like gastroenteritis, typhoid, dysentery, cholera, infectious hepatitis, infant diarrhoeas, and skin diseases and so on.

Most of the tributaries in Himalayan region are polluted due to indiscriminate outfall of liquid and solid waste into them, whereas the ground water in vast areas of Indo-Gangetic plain is suffering from high level of natural contaminants, like Arsenic, fluoride, salinity, iron, nitrate, etc.

When we take examples from the actions by the Indian Government, the planning commission to Government of India says as large as 0.2 million habitations, out of a total of 1.423 million habitation in the country, are estimated to have one or the other, or combination of more than one, such contamination, and their number is gradually increasing due to indiscriminate, unscientific an over-exploitation of ground water and surface water sources for different uses.

For a while the shift from surface to ground water has reduced the risk of microbial contamination in spite of the water being largely left untreated, but, it has given rise to another set of problem, in the form natural and anthropogenic chemical contamination.

In such scenario it’s pertinent that, risks associated to the aquifers and springs in the tributaries in Himalayan Mountain region those are used for various household and productive purposes needs to be assessed through simplified qualitative and quantitative microbial and chemical risk assessment approaches. This will help in reducing the chances of pollution in to the smaller tributaries of river Ganges that flows across large part of India.

This might require better techniques and the information that can be used to support decision-making and risk management in its catchment or smaller tributaries. For this purpose a process of community contracting and participation needs to be implemented that encompasses through information education communication (IEC) to capacity building of different stakeholder groups through a water resource and river conservation programme.

The safe water in mountain region cannot only rely on a few factors alone, and that, greater attention should be paid to assuring microbial and chemical safety through an analysis of risk from principle pathways to risk assessment and risk management to achieve the objectives of Millennium Development Goals.

Here it is important to prioritize the allocation of water to various usages, appropriate legislation and their effective enforcement, effective prevention of pollution and treatment of human waste and industrial effluents before it is discharged in to river system and management of run-offs from agriculture.

The Phase-II of Ganga Action Plan [GAP-that considers managing the pure water quality in Ganges in Indian watershed], is underway now, and it is hoped that the academic institutions and practitioners involved in this process of cleaning and managing river Ganges work at micro level and consider those assessment priorities a systematic process of governance.

That’s the only hope, in keeping alive the ecosystem of almighty Ganges!

K N Vajpai
Convener
Climate Himalaya
www.chimalaya.org
www.climatehimalaya.net
vaj...@chimalaya.org

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Climate Himalaya http://www.chimalaya.org connects Leaders in Himalayan region through Knowledge Networking and sharing on various Climate issues. 

mohan chand

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Mar 11, 2013, 12:33:18 AM3/11/13
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Dear all,
Me Mohan Chand, a researcher of Himalayan Cryosphere, Climate and
Disaster Research Center (HiCCDRC) in Kathmandu University. Regarding
the E-discussion theme, "Ensuring Trans boundary Cooperation for Water
Security in the Ganges Basin", I would like to deliver a one key
example of trans boundary research based cooperation among the
academia of different countries. It is the cooperation between the
India and Nepal. Although in this research Afghanistan also involved
but it is not a part of the Ganges Basin. The research title is
Glacier-Ice melt hydrology with the objectives to know the hydro-
logical regimes of Glacierized basin in Nepal and India,future water
availability, Climate trends, capacity building etc. To be perineal
river glacier play dominant role. As contribution from glacier in the
Ganges rives is significant, database on the glacier should be
necessary to know the impact of any changes in glacier in the river
discharge is necessary. So, the HiCCDRC-KU, Sharada University-India
made a project on the same thing. Although it includes a small basin
in Nepal and India but it is still useful to know about hydrology of
the Ganges river. Important aspect of the research project is to know
the hydrology of tributaries of the Ganges river and at the same time
data of the both the countries will be shared, prediction of future
water availability and capacity building which contribute in better
water management of the country. Such research activities in
collaboration with different countries seems to be a little but so
important which should be taken in the government's planning.
Regards,
>>> * The water conservation and utilization is over politicized in the
>>> Ganges among Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
>>> * There is dire need of the alliance formation of water scientists who
>>> are supposed to think strategically based on sciences without considering
>>> the political boundaries.
>>> * The politicians should utilize the output of the scientific study done
>>> in multinational collaboration for the conservation and optimization of
>>> water resources of the Ganges Basin
>>> * We need to practice the round table discussion rather than merely
>>> bilateral dialogue.
>>> * ………………………………
>>> * There is long way to go ………………………..
>>>>> thoughts, arguments, queries and give a solutionand also provide link
>>>>> to resources. This e-discussion has been organized with the main
>>>>> objective to provide a common platform for water practitioners, policy
>>>>> makers, researchers, scientists and students to exchange
>>>>> views/opinions/knowledge on the aforementioned theme. By the mean, it
>>>>> is expected to compile appropriate means to ensure transboundary
>>>>> cooperation in the Ganges basin and associated constraints for
>>>>> disseminating among wider network. Please visit
>>>>> http://www.smallearth.org.np/detail.php?cid=155&id=6for more background
>>>>> (CREEW), and ICRE-UYfor their support for e-discussion.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Piyush, on behalf of the e-discussion Team
>>>>>Technical Moderator
>>>>>..............................................................................
>>>>>Piyush Dahal
>>>>>Program Coordinator
>>>>>The Small Earth Nepal | 626 Bhakti Thapa Sadak | Naya Baneshwor P O Box
>>>>> 20533, Kathmandu, Nepal | Tel: +977-1-4782738
>>>>>Web: http://www.smallearth.org.np-- -- URBANWATER is an online group
Regards,

*MOHAN BAHADUR CHAND*

*MS by Research in Glaciology*

*M.Sc. In Environmental Science*

*Himalayan Crosphere, Climate and Disaster Research Center (HiCCDRC)*

*Department of Environmental Science and Engineering*

*School of Science, Kathmandu University,*

*Dhulikhel, Kavre P.O. Box 6250, Kathmandu, Nepal*

*Email: mohanc...@gmail.com*

Phone: +977-11-661399 ext.1217; +977-9841975871 (Mobile)

Fax: +977-11-661443

Madan Koirala

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Mar 11, 2013, 11:30:44 PM3/11/13
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Dear Dr Bhanu,
 It will be appreciative if you could shed some light on the types of errors, for those who are no from he track of water resources area and have limited knowledge on internaional treaties.

I am Madan Koirala, student of Environmenal Science.

Madan
--
Prof. Madan Koirala, PhD
Central Department of Environmental Science
Institute of Science & Technology
Tribhuvan University
Tel: 977-1-4332147; 2023564 (O);4108681(R)
email:mkoi...@cdes.edu.np;madank...@gmail.com

vishnu pandey

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Mar 12, 2013, 10:02:36 PM3/12/13
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Dear all,
Interesting discussions are going on basically on sub-theme 4 and partially on sub-theme 1. We would continue discussion on these sub-themes. At the mean time, you are encouraged to put your views on other sub-themes too. Here are some views/opinions/issues for discussion on sub-theme 3 (context of groundwater resources).
 
1.    Groundwater in the Ganges Basin: As per information available at http://www.slideshare.net/cpwfbfp/potential-and-challenges-of-indoganges-basin, groundwater availability in the Ganges basin is 171 km3. Some 25.3 million ha (70% of total irrigated area) are irrigated by groundwater. Current level of groundwater development is 33.5%. In some parts of the basin groundwater is under-exploited and in some parts over-exploited. In Nepal too, especially in the southern part, are barely utilized. These information suggests that there exists opportunities for maximizing benefits from available groundwater resources if managed as a ‘transboundary resource’.
 
2.    Realizing ‘groundwater is no longer a hidden resource’: Range of techniques is available to quantify and map availability/distribution of groundwater resources, characterize its quality, identify recharge processes and their locations, etc. Collaborative efforts of academia and like-minded organizations in the riparian countries are necessary for integrated knowledge generation, compilation and dissemination on groundwater in the Ganges Basin. Without credible evidences, one can’t advocate and/or recommend strategies for maximizing benefits of transboundary aquifers. As an example, I am sharing you a recent publication “Kathmandu Valley Groundwater Outlook” (http://smallearthnepal.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/book_gwb.pdf). It is an genuine attempt to generate, compile and disseminate knowledge on groundwater of the Kathmandu Valley. It consists of latest research articles focusing on different aspects of groundwater resources and its management as well as list of publications related to groundwater in the area. Probably, similar approach could be initiated for the transboundary aquifer in the Ganges Basin as well.
 
3.    Raising profile of groundwater in the political agenda: without making genuine attempts to raise its profile, groundwater cannot get space in national/regional agenda. I think groundwater in different parts of the world have the same fate. Research scholars, advocates and media can play a huge role to raise profile of groundwater. Many of you might be aware of a lawsuit filed at Supreme Court of Nepal to protect groundwater resources in the Kathmandu Valley and subsequent ruling by the Court to prepare action plans to protect groundwater resources. We encourage all the participants to share ways to raise profile of groundwater in national and regional agenda. If so, then only we may move to transboundary cooperation for shared aquifer managements.
 
4.    Creating open platform/forum on regular interval: organizing regular interactions and workshops among the scholars in riparian countries with the aim of collecting base-line information, compiling research findings and developing joint initiatives for maximizing benefits and protecting of the shared aquifers may create enabling environment for cooperation on transboundary aquifer management.
 
With Warm Regards,
Vishnu
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vishnu Prasad Pandey, Dr. Eng.
Researcher
International Research Center for River Basin Environment (ICRE), 
University of Yamanashi
4-3-11, Takeda, Kofu,
Yamanashi 400-8510, JAPAN
 
Email: vis...@yamanashi.ac.jp; vishnu...@gmail.com
Phone: (+81) 806 751 6443 (Mob), 55 242 7015 (Res), 55 220 8670 (Off)
Executive Director, HIMCCA http://www.himcca.org/
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.--- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group.To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com.To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com.Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.  
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.--- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group.To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com.To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com.Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.  
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.--- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group.To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com.To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com.Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.  
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.--- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group.To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com.To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com.Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.  
-- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.--- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group.To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mailto:urbanwater%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com.To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com.Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.  
-- Prof. Madan Koirala, PhDCentral Department of Environmental ScienceInstitute of Science & TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityTel: 977-1-4332147; 2023564 (O);4108681(R)mailto:email%3Amko...@cdes.edu.np;madank...@gmail.com -- -- URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.--- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "URBANWATER" group.To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to urbanwater+...@googlegroups.com.To post to this group, send email to urban...@googlegroups.com.Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.  

Piyush Dahal

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Mar 13, 2013, 12:23:09 AM3/13/13
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Dear Dr. Koirala,

Thank you for your query. What I think is the posting by Dr. Neupane is a continuation of the previous post by Dr. Pandey. So, May I request you to follow the post by Dr. Pandey which could make you more clear about your query. However, we highly welcome you for your any more query or comments regarding this.

Best,

Piyush
___________________________________

Piyush Dahal

Coordinator 
Advocacy, Awareness and Capacity Building 

The Small Earth Nepal | 626 Bhakti Thapa Sadak | Naya Baneshwor 

Sujata

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Mar 13, 2013, 2:25:34 AM3/13/13
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Dear all,


I am Sujata Manandhar, researcher at International Research Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi (ICRE-UY), Japan. This e-discussion is a good opportunity for all of us to learn about trans-boundary water cooperation issues, where many interesting issues are being raised. However, individual like me with limited knowledge on aforesaid issue may not be able to actively participate in the discussion. In my opinion, if professionals/seniors working on trans-boundary water issues could share some of their ideas, real experiences and possible solution on the previous issues (rose in past days), the discussion will be more interesting and beneficial to all of us.


Thanks to you all.

Nishchhal Kharal

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Mar 14, 2013, 10:58:27 AM3/14/13
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Hello,
It is my pleasure to join e discussion. I am student of bachelors 2nd year - Social Work at St. Xavier's college, Maitighar, Kathmandu. I feel this discussion will be very helpful me to gain knowledge regarding 'WATSAN'.

Nishchhal Kharal 
On Friday, March 8, 2013 9:14:33 PM UTC-5, Piyush Dahal wrote:

Ratan Bhandari

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Mar 16, 2013, 1:49:45 AM3/16/13
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Dear all

Most disappointing factors have been the lack of post-project assessments in Koshi, Gandak and Mahakali projects as regards to their socio-economic and environmental consequences. Instead of the government, now these treaties are done through public/private companies. For examples, the Arun 3, The Upper Marshyandi, the Upper Karnali projects are given to the Indian public/private companies. Issues are more complex to deal with the companies than the governments.

Transboundary Rivers have been a big challenge for co-riparian countries, like Nepal and India, as China and Bangladesh are still not brought into the pictures when water treaties are negotiated. So Bilateral/multilateral regional frameworks and benefit sharing mechanism on trans-boundary river should be developed. SO we have to review of the unequal and unjust treaty provisions contained in Koshi, Gandak, Mahakali treaties and their post-project impact assessments in line with the framework of international law such as the UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses 1997.

Regards,

Ratan

reshu bashyal

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Mar 16, 2013, 8:43:33 AM3/16/13
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Hello, I am Reshu Bashyal a master’s student at Central Department of Environmental Sciences, T.U. I went through the discussions and I am very happy to get such insights of so many talented professionals.

I know I don’t have much more information about the topics, but I would also like to put some of my views on this discussion in the topic Sharing benefits/risks, my views are totally personal.

In case of Nepal, there have been many treaties with its neighbouring as well as other countries. In every accord we hope something good will happen but the upshot is same in most of the cases. Regarding the issues related to water too there have been many negotiations between India and Nepal but yet we are not able to get benefits or compensations; a hot paradigm is the conflict between the people in border. Since, water can neither be your nor be mine, every activities either polluting or conserving should be done in collaboration between the related nations.

No doubt, there are many organizations working in these sectors but there should be some good policies and their strong implementations, from the ministry regarding the use of water within the borders. Similarly, the treaties as well as other activities done in such trans-boundary fields should be transparent to all the concerned citizens. Also, such discussions should be held time and again to get the views of professionals contributing in these fields.


On Saturday, March 9, 2013 7:59:33 AM UTC+5:45, Piyush Dahal wrote:

binod shah

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Mar 9, 2013, 9:08:15 PM3/9/13
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Dear Mahendra Sir
Good morning

Thank you for the piece of information provided by you. Of course the
petrodollar is passing every seconds without any economic benefit to
Nepal and Nepali. I wonder this statement is known by everybody in
Nepal but nothing substantial happens to utilize this precious
resources.
Here i want to know what is the major problem regarding this issues as
per your expertise and also you represents GON.



Waiting for your reply.


Yours
binod shah

Deepak raj Joshi

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Mar 9, 2013, 6:19:40 AM3/9/13
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Greeting  to every one 
This is Deepak and holds bachelor degree in Agriculture Science. Currently I am working at a NGO , Womens Rehabilitation Center , Nepal (WOREC-Nepal) as a livelihood Officer in Udaypur. Udaypur is a easter terai region and mostly inhabited by the marginalized communities like Danuwars and Chaudhary. We do work in agricultural issues and sustainable development  through the women empowerment and support. Though I am just new in my this job but I as well find lots of water and irrigation problem here. Basically farmers they do not have irrigation facilities and rely on natural rainfall for agricultural purposes. Due to lack of irrigation and long drought the soil is salty and sandy as well. Here we are try to boost their farm production through some pond construction for water conservation. Moreover watermelon farming is also one of the most success crop in this part. But still we are trying lots of new approaches to combat this problem.
This is all from my experience and here just sharing with you all to let know about situation here we are facing.
Thank 
Deepak Raj joshi 

On Sat, Mar 9, 2013 at 1:31 PM, binod shah <bino...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Everybody
Good afternoon

I am binod prasad shah from Nepal Academy of Science and

Technology(NAST), Khumaltar, Lalitpur. I am an environment graduate of
Tribhuvan University. I do research on environmental issues focusing
water, waste water and solid wastes at NAST. I wish to learn many
things on water issues through this discussion.


Thanking you

Binod Shah
ARF, NAST


On 3/9/13, Neupane, Bhanu <b.ne...@unesco.org> wrote:
> Dear colleagues and friends.
>
> Bob Varady, a colleague from university of Arizona wrote in one of his
> articles way back in 1991 that
>
> "transboundary ... institutions typically are driven from the top, function
> behind closed doors, disregard sustainability, and rely on technical fixes
> or regulatory mechanisms"
>
> I find this statement wrote some 13 years ago, still relevant, accurate and
> a key reason for the failure for the riparian countries of Ganges failing to
> sustainably exploit the available vast water resources in the region.
> Perhaps it was relevant when the colonial rulers left the indian
> subcontinent in late 1940s.
>
> At least 6 generations of policy makers have had held responsibilities to
> come out of their opaque mindsets and change the state of affair -
> unfortunately these opportunities were left to pass!
>
> Why there is so much of mistrust, when everyone is aware that every flowing
> cubic meter of water can contribute toward changing the face of one of the
> most impoverished regions of the world?
>
> Sent from my iPad B. Neupane
>
> On Mar 8, 2013, at 22:54, "vishnu pandey"

> Phone: (+81) 806 751 6443 (Mob), 55 242 7015 (Res), 55 220 8670 (Off)
> Skype: vishnuprasadpandey
> URL:

> To post to this group, send email to

> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/urbanwater?hl=en-US.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> --
> URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to
> conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been
> celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and
> World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since
> 2008.
> ---
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>
>
> --
> --
> URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to
> conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been
> celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and
> World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since
> 2008.
> ---
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>
>
>


--
..........................................
Binod Prasad Shah, M.Sc
Assistant Research Fellow(ARF)
Nepal Academy of Science and Technology(NAST), Kathmandu,Nepal
Mobile No.: +977-9851138338/+977-9841452070
E-mail: bino...@gmail.com
Skype:binod.shah91

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--
Deepak Raj Joshi
Bachelor in Agriculture Science (B.Sc.Ag)
Action Partner (OXFAM International Youth Partnership 2010-2013)
Global Environmental Advocacy and Production Association (GEAPA)
Email: djdee...@gmail.com and deepak...@studentclimates.org   

Mobile no: +977-9845180339
Skype: djiaas
www.geapa.wordpress.com
http://oiyp.oxfam.org.au/
Nepal

*"The earth is not dying, it is being killed, and those who are killing it have names and addresses."*


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