Organized jointly by

Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS)Government of Nepal

andWWF Nepal

The Global Conservation Organization

Kathmandu, NepalJanuary 3, 2007

Proceedings of the Workshop on

Koshi River Basin Management

Organized jointly by

Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS)Government of Nepal

andWWF Nepal

The Global Conservation Organization

Kathmandu, NepalJanuary 3, 2007

Proceedings of the Workshop on

Koshi River Basin Management

February 2007

© WWF Nepal 2007

Published by WWF Nepal.Any reproduction in full or in part of this publication must mention the title and credit the above-mentionedpublisher as the copyright owner.

Compiled by:Ajay B. Mathema, Consultant - Koshi River Basin Management, WWF Nepal

Editorial support:Umesh Nath Parajuli, Executive Director, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, Government of Nepal

Neera Shrestha Pradhan, Program Manager-Freshwater, WWF Nepal

Cover photo: © WWF NP / Neera Shrestha PRADHAN

Citation: WWF Nepal, 2007, Workshop on Koshi River Basin Management, January 3, 2007,Kathmandu, Nepal

Opinions expressed in the presentations and discussion sessions of this volume do not necessarily relectthose of WWF Nepal.

Foreword

The recent paradigm shift towards Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) has been driven largelyby global political processes, particularly those with a broader development focus, such as theMillennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPoP) of theWorld Summit on Sustainable Development, providing a framework for an important interconnectionbetween water resources management and poverty reduction. Likewise, Nepal has also realizednecessity of streamlining its development approach.

The Water Resources Strategy (WRS) was developed and approved in 2002. It was an effort ofintegrating strategic thinking in a long term planning of Nepal's water resources development.Subsequently the National Water Plan (NWP) was developed to operationalize strategically-identifiedoutputs of the WRS. The overall goal of NWP was to "significantly improve living condition of Nepalipeople in a sustainable manner" and it came to force in 2005. The National Water Plan has adoptedIntegrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) within the scale of river basin as the principle themefor development and management of water resources in Nepal.

The Koshi River Basin Management (KRBM) is one of the first initiatives of operationalizing therecommendations of NWP 2005 by piloting IWRM approach in water and related resourcesmanagement of the Koshi River Basin. Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) has takenthis initiation in collaboration and support of the partner organizations - IWMI Nepal and WWF Nepal.

Management of resources within a river basin is a complex task, which requires participation fromvarious sectors and a multitude of stakeholders. This workshop was an initiation of building partnershipamongst the concerns stakeholders in formulating visions for the Koshi River Basin Management. Thediscussions generated in the workshop were extremely useful in developing visions for KRBM, at themean time it also provided a platform to build the partnership amongst the institutions working withinthe Koshi River Basin. This document has effectively compiled ideas and issues discussed in theworkshop. I am, thus hopeful, that this document will be providing strategic insights in formulating thevision for the KRBM.

Lastly I would like to thank IWMI Nepal and WWF Nepal for providing support to WECS in the KRBMinitiative. I would particularly thank WWF Nepal for supporting us in organizing this workshop, whichhas proved to be a crucial starting point in formulating vision for the KRBM initiative and I am confidentthat our joint endeavor will help to ameliorate lives of the Koshi River Basin inhabitants in particular andof the Nepali people in general.

Ram Krishna TiwariExecutive SecretaryWater and Energy Commission SecretariatGovernment of Nepal

iii

Foreword

Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) acknowledges that freshwater is a finite and vulnerableresource, essential for sustenance of life, development of society and environmental conservation. Itproposes that the river basin systems shall be managed holistically and in a systematic manner.Furthermore, due to the inherent interrelation of water and land resources within a river basin forming aunit, IRBM emphasizes on integrated approach in managing resources on a scale of river basin insteadof a project-to-project basis. The essence of this approach lies in promoting and coordinatingdevelopment and management of water, land and related resources to maximize the resultant economicand social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

WWF, a Global Conservation Organization, has a long history of working together with partners in theintegrated approach of river basin management in various countries world wide. The primary emphasisof WWF has always been on coordinating conservation activities with the development andmanagement of water, land and related resources across sectors for maximizing the economic andsocial benefits derived from water resources in an equitable manner.

WWF has been working in Nepal for past four decades starting with the conservation of flagshipspecies and their habitat. WWF Nepal has initiated its Freshwater Program from October 2004 and hasbeen working together with partners for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity and resources. Inthis regard, WWF Nepal has taken this initiative to support the Government of Nepal for theimplementation of IRBM approach as prioritized by the "National Water Plan". WWF Nepal is committedto pilot the integrated management of river basins in the Koshi River Basin, through strengtheningrelations with existing partners and also aiming to develop new partnerships. The primary goal of thisinitiative would be to achieve critical balance between the water requirement for socio-economicdevelopment and sustainability of the vital ecosystems.

On behalf of WWF Nepal, I would like to thank Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) fortheir commitment and support to this new initiative. I would also like to thank WWF US and WWF UKfor supporting our initiative for the implementation of KRBM. Finally I thank all the participants for theirvaluable contribution to the meeting.

Anil Manandhar/Mr.Country RepresentativeWWF Nepal

v

1 Background ............................................................................................. 1

1.1 IRBM in Nepal .................................................................................. 1

1.2 Koshi River Basin Management (KRBM) Initiative ............................ 2

1.3 KRBM Program Area ........................................................................ 2

2 Workshop on Koshi River Basin Management ...................................... 3

2.1 Objective of the Workshop ............................................................... 3

2.2 Participants ...................................................................................... 3

2.3 Inaugural Session ............................................................................. 4

2.4 Technical Session ............................................................................ 5

2.5 Closing Session ............................................................................. 10

Annexes

Annex 1: List of Participants ............................................................................ 11

Annex 2: Workshop Schedule ........................................................................... 13

Annex 3: Conceptual Framework for Implementing IWRM ................................ 14

Table of Contents

vii

CBO Community Based Organization

DFO District Forest Office

DHM Department of Hydrology and Meteorology

DSFP District Forest Sector Program

DWRC District Water Resources Committee

GLOF Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

GON Government of Nepal

INGO International Non Governmental Organization

IRBM Integrated River Basin Management

IWMI International Water Management Institute

IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management

KRBM Koshi River Basin Management

NGO Non Governmental Organization

NWP National Water Plan

SHL Sacred Himalayan Landscape

TAL Terai Arc Landscape

WECS Water and Energy Commission Secretariat

WRS Water Resources Strategy

WWF Nepal The Global Conservation Organization

Acronyms

viii

Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) is a relatively new concept for thedeveloping countries. It professes an integrated approach in development andmanagement of resources within a river basin with greater participation ofcommunity and stakeholders. The most important feature of this concept is thatit explicitly recognizes the inter-linkages between land use and sustainable waterresources management. Furthermore, it takes the entire ecosystem, including itsterrestrial aspects, as the basic reference for sustainable management.

IRBM is defined as "a process that coordinates conservation, management, anddevelopment of water, land and related resources across sectors within a givenriver basin, in order to maximize the economic and social benefits derived fromwater resources in an equitable manner while preserving and where necessary,restoring freshwater system".

The Conference on Water and Environment, held in Dublin in 1992 called for wideradaptation of IRBM in management of water resources. This finding wasendorsed by the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held later inthe same year in Rio de Janeiro. In contrast with sectoral and fragmented (projectby project) approach of water management, IRBM has emphasized on adopting aholistic approach by recognizing interdependence of various elements of thewater and environment to ensure sustainable use of the resources.

1.1 IRBM in NepalNepal's rich water resources have been regarded as the principal naturalresources having potential for socio-economic development of the country (WECS,2005). Despite high expectations, its contribution to country's poverty alleviationhas been negligible; with only a fraction of its potential being utilized till date.Furthermore, majority of population, particularly in remote areas, are still deprivedof basic services - drinking water and other services - irrigation, electricity. At thesame time, attempts of rapid and unsustainable development of water resourceshave resulted in degrading freshwater ecosystems, including wetlands and riparianecosystems often leading to the disruption of natural hydrological cycles. In manycases this has resulted in a greater frequency and severity of flooding, drought andpollution. To overcome this impasse, it was realized that development andmanagement of the resources has to move from sectoral approach to integratedapproach with greater community and stakeholder participation.

In 2002 the Water Resources Strategy (WRS) was prepared to address necessityof including strategic thinking in the sectoral and periodic plans for waterresources development. It was followed by preparation of the National Water Plan(NWP) in 2005. NWP was developed to operationalize the output objectives of

Background 1

1

1

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the WRS, which introduced the concept ofIntegrated River Basin Management (IRBM) asthe principle theme for water resourcedevelopment in Nepal.

1.2 Koshi River Basin Management(KRBM) InitiativeWater and Energy Commission Secretariat(WECS), GON, in association with IWMI Nepaland WWF-Nepal, has initiated formulation of"Koshi River Basin Management (KRBM)" to pilotIRBM approach. The KRBM is the first of its kindinitiative, which is attempting to operationalizethe National Water Plan. The KRBM targets tomake optimum use of Koshi basin's water andrelated resources for promotion of socio-economic development for the benefit of allpeople in the basin, especially the poorest, whilemaintaining the ecological balance.

1.3 KRBM Program AreaThe Koshi River Basin is one of three largestriver basins of Nepal. The total catchment of the

The map of the program area is presented below.

Koshi River, considering the Koshi Barrage atChatara, Sunsari as the outlet, is estimated to be60,400 km2, out of which 27,553 km2 (45.6%) liesin Nepal whereas remaining 32,847 km2 (54.4%)lies in Tibet. The Koshi River also has regionalsignificance, being one of the significantcontributors of the Ganges River.

The Koshi River Basin has been delineated withinNepalese territory that extends in north from theHimalayan range, including southern slope of theMount Everest, to south to the Nepal-India Border.It covers a total of 17 districts; 12 in EasternDevelopment Region and 5 in CentralDevelopment Region. The Koshi River Basinconsists of seven main rivers, which drain outfrom the Sapta Koshi River. Among seven rivers,Tamor River originates from Taplejung district, ArunRiver, Sun Koshi and Tama Koshi originates fromTibet. The rivers Indrawati, Likhu and DudhKoshiare the tributaries of Sun Koshi River whichoriginate from Sindhupalanchok, Dolakha andSolukhumbu districts respectively.

A half-day workshop on the Koshi River Basin Management was organised on 3rdof January 2007 in Kathmandu as a part of the process of formulating visions andbuilding partnership for the KRBM initiative. It was jointly organised by Water andEnergy Commission Secretariat (WECS), Government of Nepal and WWF Nepal.

2.1 Objective of the WorkshopThe main objective of this workshop was to share the concept initiated by WECS,IWMI Nepal and WWF Nepal with national stakeholders and receive their inputs toformulate the vision for KRBM program. The workshop also intended to explorepossibility of building partnership with the institutions actively working in the KoshiRiver Basin. The inputs received from the workshop will be further discussed inthe consultations programs to be organised at the regional and district levels.

2.2 ParticipantsA total of 68 participants representing GON ministries and departments, NGOs/INGOs, donors, local stakeholders and media persons participated in theworkshop. The complete list of participants and their organizations are presentedin Annex 1.

22Workshop on Koshi RiverBasin Management

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2.3 Inaugural SessionThe workshop began under the chairmanship of Mr. Ram Krishna Tiwari, Executive Secretary,WECS/GON.

Dr. Umesh Nath Parajuli, Executive Director, WECS/GONwelcomed the workshop participants. In his welcome speech, Dr.Parajuli said that WECS in association with IWMI Nepal andWWF Nepal has taken the initiative of operationalizing NationalWater Plan in the Koshi River Basin. This is the first initiation ofits kind in Nepal, which necessitates participation of varioussectors and a multitude of stakeholders. Dr. Parajuli furtheradded that this workshop, thus, targets to build partnershipamong the institutions working in Koshi River Basin in theprocess of developing vision and programs for the KRBMinitiative. Lastly, Dr. Parajuli appealed to the participatinginstitutions to join hands in the KRBM initiative.

Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Director, WWF Nepal, said thatinternational attention has been shifting towards IRBM formanaging and developing water and related resources within ariver basin, which can ensure economic prosperity and povertyalleviation along with environmental sustainability. Dr. Gurungmentioned that WWF Nepal has already setup a unit underFreshwater program and is fully committed to work togetherwith all partners in Koshi River Basin Management. Dr. Gurunghas highlighted importance of the KRBM for landscape levelconservation, that it vertically connects the landscapeconservation initiative of Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) with theSacred Himalayan Landscape (SHL). Lastly Dr. Gurung hasexpressed commitment on behalf of WWF Nepal to work forthe Koshi River Basin Management and thanked WECS forreciprocating to this effort.

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2.4 Technical SessionThe technical session consisted of two presentations on the KRBM initiative, which was followed by adiscussion session. The discussion session intended to instigate dialogue amongst the participatingstakeholders and receive their opinion, suggestions and comments.

Presentation I: "National Water Plan: Approach towards Integrated Water Resources Management"

Presenter: Mr. Sanjaya Dhungel, Senior Divisional Engineer, WECS/GON

Mr. Sanjay Dhungelcommenced hispresentation withbackground information onthe National Water Planand Water ResourcesStrategy. Mr. Dhungelinformed that the WaterResources Strategy (WRS)primarily targeted on tosignificantly improve livingcondition of Nepali peoplein a sustainable manner.The WRS consisted of tenstrategic outputs grouped in three categoriesof (a) security of water resources and fromwater related disaster, (b) uses of waterresources, and (c) mechanism forimplementation of water resourcesmanagement. The National Water Plan wasprepared to operationalise WRS'strategic outputs.

Integrated Water Resources Management(IWRM) has been adopted as principal themein the NWP. The IWRM principle professesthat water must be viewed from a holisticperspective, both in its natural state and inbalancing the competing demands on it, e.g.domestic, agriculture, hydropower, industrial,cultural and environmental. Management ofwater resources services needs to reflect theinteractions between different demands, and

so must be coordinatedwithin and across thesectors. More equitable,efficient and sustainableregime will emerge,provided crosscuttingrequisites are met, alongwith horizontal and verticalintegration within themanagement framework ofthe water resources andservices.

Mr. Dhungel brieflyexplained conceptual framework forimplementation of IWRM, which consisted ofthree levels - (a) River Basin Management -Water and Energy Commission at centrallevel, (b) Inter District and District WaterResources Committee at district level, and (c)Sub Basin Committees at local levelconsisting of users groups, CBOs, NGOs,etc. (see Annex 3 for detail framework).

Mr. Dhungel requested the workshop to focusdiscussion on the modality for implementingIWRM concept in the Koshi River Basin. Heconcluded the presentation in the note thatinitial effort shall be focused on realizing ofIWRM concepts and principles at basin andsub-basin, since successful IWRM requiresactive participation of local stakeholders inplanning and implementation.

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Presentation II: "Piloting Integrated River Basin Management in Koshi River Basin"

Presenter: Ms. Neera Shrestha Pradhan, Program Manager-Freshwater, WWF Nepal

Ms. Neera ShresthaPradhan started herpresentation saying thatKRBM has been initiated topilot IWRM, which is theprinciple theme of NWP.She informed that IWMINepal and WWF Nepal aresupporting WECS, which isthe leading agency of thisinitiative.

Ms. Pradhan highlighted thesignificance of the Koshi River Basin of being

the vertical connectionbetween lowlandconservation initiative ofTerai Arc Landscape (TAL)and upland conservationinitiative of SacredHimalayan Landscape(SHL). This north-southconnection will form theecological network ofprotected areas andecological niches betweenTerai and Mountain regions,

converting them into single functioninglandscape.

The KRBM targets to make optimum use ofKoshi basin's water and related resources topromote socio-economic development for thebenefit of people in the basin, whilemaintaining the ecological balance.

The KRBM program is being developed withinthe conceptual framework of Integrated RiverBasin Management (IRBM), which intends tostreamline the shortcomings of the traditionalsupply-based water management. The IRBMhas introduced two innovative visions totransform the traditional practice, they are: (a)integrated approach to replace fragmentedsectoral approach, and (b) management ofresources on basin scale instead of withinadministrative and political boundaries.

Ms. Pradhan informed that the essence ofKRBM is based on achieving 3 strategicprinciples of IRBM, also known as 3 E pillars(a) Economic Efficiency, (b) Environmental(Ecosystem) Sustainability and (c) SocialEquity. She further discussed on essentialelements necessary for a successful IRBMinitiative.

Significance of Koshi River Basin

• Koshi River Basin is one of three largestriver basins of Nepal

• Freshwater reserve of Koshi River Basinis estimated to be of 779 glaciers with anarea of 1,410 km2, and estimated icereserve of 152 km3

• Four peaks above 8000 m, including thehighest peak Mt. Everest (8848 m)

• Numerous sites with conservationimportance - Ramsar sites (Koshi Tappuand newly proposed high altitude wetland- Gokyo Lake Series), 3 protected areasand 1 conservation area

• 16 potentially dangerous lakes within thebasin which are highly vulnerable toGLOF (Glacier Lake Outburst Flood). Thestudies have predicted that expectedchange in climatic condition will result inhigh rate of glacier melting, causing tothe outburst of these potentiallydangerous lakes.

• Habitat of endangered species - RedPanda, Snow Leopard, and GangaticDolphin

• Floral hot spots and habitat of endemicbird species

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Concluding her presentation, Ms. Pradhan proposed that the KRBM initiative shallsimultaneously work on two fronts:(a) Development of KRBM Implementation modality consisting of

• Building partnership• Developing mechanism -institutional setup, legal and policy framework, information

system.(b) Program development within the 3 E pillars of IRBM:

• Economic efficiency - resource use• Environmental sustainability - conservation of environmental resources, as well as

security from natural (water induced) disasters• Social equity - equity in terms of gender balance and inclusion of vulnerable ethnic groups

Seven elements essential for successful IRBM initiative:

i Presence of a long-term vision for the river basin, supported by the majorstakeholders;

ii Integration of policies, decisions and costs across major sectoral interestssuch as: industry, agriculture, urban development, poverty alleviation,navigation, fisheries management and conservation;

iii Strategic decision-making at the river-basin scale and used, in turn, to guideactions at sub-basin or local levels;

iv Effective timing, taking advantage of opportunities as they arise while workingwithin a strategic framework;

v Active participation by all relevant stakeholders in well-informed andtransparent planning and decision-making;

vi Adequate investment by governments, the private sector, and civil societyorganizations in capacity for river basin planning and participation processes.

vii A solid foundation of knowledge of the river basin and the natural and socio-economic forces that influence it.

SustainableEnvironment

EconomicEfficiency

SocialEquity

KRBM

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Discussion: "Way Ahead in Operationalizing "NWP" in KRBM

Facilitator: Dr. Umesh Nath Parajuli, Executive Director, WECS/GON

Dr. Umesh Nath Parajuli summed up theessence of previous presentations, and said thatthe National Water Plan has recognised thenecessity of holistic approach in developing andmanaging the water resources. The KRBM is theinitiative of piloting IRBM approach tooperationalize NWP. Dr. Parajuli emphasized onthe fact that the Koshi River Basin is unique forits natural resources and socio-economicstructure, therefore, the strategic plan of actionspecific to Koshi River Basin needs to bedeveloped. Dr. Parajuli, henceforth, opened thefloor for discussion focusing on the question -"how shall the KRBM initiative move ahead indeveloping and implementing strategic planof action?"

The participants actively took part in theconstructive discussion expressing their opinionand suggestions on the floor. They appreciatedthe initiative taken by WECS, IWMI and WWFNepal to pilot the IRBM concept in the KoshiRiver Basin. Some of the highlights of discussionare presented below:

(a) Four strategic outputs of WRS under thecategory of "Mechanism"; namely - (i)developing water related information

system, (ii) legal framework, (iii) regionalcooperation, and (iv) institutional mechanism;are the first challenges to be tackled inoperationalizing NWP. In this context, theNWP has also documented insufficiency ofhydro-meteorological stations. Therefore, theworkshop has emphasized that the KRBMhave to initiate development of theinformation system at the basin level. To startwith, KRBM shall consider strengthening ofDHM's station network within Koshi RiverBasin.

(b) The floor has also discussed on theinstitutional setup at the level of basin andsub-basin. The district level representation ofKRBM/NWP, particularly, District WaterResource Committee (DWRC) could beinstrumental in resolving the water relatedconflict, including water rights. However, theworkshop also pointed out the necessity ofrestructuring, strengthening, and capacitybuilding of the DWRCs to make themfunctional and take up the challenge ofbecoming the focal point for implementationof KRBM.

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(c) The workshop also stressed on thenecessity of identifying on-going programsand projects in the Koshi River Basin, and toconsolidate them within the conceptualframework of KRBM.

(d) The floor has informed that DHM is alreadyworking in river basin modality and has riverbasin offices for three major basins. TheDHM's river basin office for Koshi RiverBasin is located in Dharan. In order to avoidduplication of work or over lapping ofresponsibility, it was suggested that KRBMcould also include DHM's basin office intoKRBM's institutional structure.

(e) Koshi River Basin is a transboundary basin,with more than 50% of territory located inTibet, China in north. Therefore, KRBM willhave to consider collaboration with Chinesegovernment in future, to address the issuesof the Koshi River Basin in totality. Theregional cooperation institutions like ICIMODcould facilitate the KRBM initiative indeveloping working relation with China.

(f) The existing dataset, such as satellite andhydrological data, available with institutionsworking in the Koshi River Basin shall beshared in formulating the KRBM strategicplan of action.

(g) The government line agencies at districtsare preparing periodic plans for their ownsector. For instance, DNPWC preparesdistrict plans for protected areas and wildlife conservation. The KRBM has tointervene at district level to make theplanning process more holistic andintegrated.

(f) Department of Forest is preparing DistrictForest Sector Program (DSFP), whichinclude programs for conservation andmanagement of forest resources. Therefore,the KRBM has to work together with DistrictForest Offices (DFO) within the Koshi RiverBasin to reflect the KRBM's approaches andprogram in their DFSPs.

The participants appreciated the KRBM initiative,and suggested WECS to push harder for itsrealization. The workshop, in particular, valuedthe approach taken by the WECS along withIWMI and WWF Nepal to involve differentstakeholders in the process of vision andprogram formulation for the KRBM. They alsosuggested to extend this discussion to the levelof basin and sub-basin to incorporate voices ofgrass-root level stakeholders, user groups, andlocal beneficiaries. The concept of basin-wiseinstitutionalization was welcomed by theparticipants. However, suggestions were alsomade for utilizing existing offices, e.g. DWRC,

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DHM basin offices, rather than creating the newones. The participants also highlighted the needof strengthening and streamlining these offices,particularly DWRCs, to make them morefunctional and capable of working as per themandate provided by the National WaterPlan.

2.5 Closing SessionMr. Ram KrishnaTiwari, ExecutiveSecretary, WECS/GON and chairmanof the workshop,thanked theparticipants forexpressing theiropinions, commentsand suggestions onKRBM. These

inputs will be valuable in formulating the visionand programs for the KRBM. Mr. Tiwari informedthat KRBM is one of the initiations of WECS tooperationalise National Water Plan. Currently, insupport of WWF Nepal, WECS is undertaking thestudy which is expected to generate necessaryknowledge base on the resources of the KoshiRiver Basin to ensure their wise use. Lastly, Mr.Tiwari expressed his confidence that WECS willsuccessfully implement the KRBM initiative insupport of WWF Nepal.

Wrapping up theworkshop, Mr. SitalBabu Regmee,Executive Director,WECS/GON,expressedsatisfaction on thediscussiongenerated by theworkshop. Theissues pointed outby the presentations and discussion they havegenerated in the floor dealt with the real issuesthat would help to move forward with formulationof the KRBM program. Mr. Regmee appreciatedthe suggestion made by the participants toinvolve stakeholders as well as user groups andlocal beneficiaries in designing the strategic planof action and activities at the basin and sub-basin levels. He further added that WECS isexpecting the support from the participatinginstitutions in the process of formulating andimplementing this effort. Mr. Regmee alsoensured that the suggestions and commentsmade in this workshop will be worked out anddiscussed with local stakeholders at basin andsub-basin level. And they will be reflected informulation of visions and program for the KoshiRiver Basin.

Outputs

Followings were the overall outputs of the workshop:• The workshop was successful in sharing the initiative of operationalizing the National Water

Plan by piloting IRBM approach in Koshi River basin with the national level stakeholders.• The workshop initiated dialogue among the national level stakeholders in formulating the vision

for KRBM and generated discussions for strategic guidance to carry the process forward.• It provided a platform for building partnership with the national level institutions and

organizations, which are actively working in the Koshi River basin• The participants came to a common consensus that the initiation undertaken by the

organizers is a good step forward to operationalize NWP. However, similar consultationworkshop at regional and local level is necessary to ensure broader participation andcollaboration of the grass-root level stakeholders in visioning KRBM.

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Annex 1: List of Participants

SN NAME INSTITUTION CONTACT NO. EMAIL

1 Chudamani Joshi Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology 9841356728 joshi@itc.nl

2 Marendra Pokharel Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology npokhrel@yahoo.com

3 D.L.Shrestha Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4411415 d.l.shrestha@wecs.gov.np

4 Gautam Rajkarnikar Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4411415 s.shrestha@wecs.gov.np

5 Kiran P. Giri Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4211415 kpgiri@wecs.gov.np

6 Madhav Dev Acharya Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4211423 mdacharya@wecs.gov.np

7 R. K. Tiwari Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS)

8 Rajendra Man Singh Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4211423

9 Ram Prasad Ghimire Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4211415 rpghimire@wecs.gov.np

10 Sanjaya Dhungel Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS)

11 Shital B. Regmee Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4211416 sbregmee@wecs.gov.np

12 Shreedhar Panthee Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 9841538932

13 Suresh Raj Uprety Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4211428 sruprety@wecs.gov.np

14 Umesh Parajuli Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4419153 uparajuli@doi.wlink.com.np

15 Dilip K. Sadaula Department of Electricity Development (DOED) 4480425 dsadaula@yahoo.com

16 Sriram Lacoul Department of Electricity Development (DOED) 4480326

17 Diwakar Dutta Pandey Department of Forest (DOF) 9841373917

18 Dilip K. Gautam Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) 4262974 dilip@dhm.gov.np

19 Naba Raj Adhikari Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) 4262974 nabaraj@dhm.gov.np

20 Khem Raj Sharma Department of Irrigation (DOI) 5527151 khemraj.sharma@gmail.com

21 Jhamak B. Karki Department of National Parks and Wildlife 9841364888 jbkarki@gmail.com

Conservation (DNPWC) 4227926(60)

22 Naveen Mangal Joshi Department of Water Induced Disaster 5539451

Prevention (DWIDP)

23 Shashindra Singh Department of Watershed Management and 5535766

Soil Conservation (DWMSC)

24 Anil Bhadra Khanal Melamchi Water Supply Development Board 4468963 anil@melamchiwater.org

25 Iswer Onta East Consult 4413267 onta@mos.com.np

26 Bharati Pathak FECOFUN 9804214090

27 Krishna Pokharel FECOFUN 4485263

9841398940

28 Mats Eriksson ICIMOD 5003222 meriksson@icimod.org

29 Rajendra Shilpakar ICIMOD 5003222 rshilpakar@icimod.org

30 Xu Jianchu ICIMOD 5003222 jxu@icimod.org

31 Dhurba Panta IMWI 5542306 d.pant@cgiar.org

32 Bhawani Prasad Kharel IUCN 5528781 bhawani@iucn.org.np

33 Chirasmriti P. Shrestha Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) 9851070596 chiru_165@hotmail.com

34 Mohan Shakya Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) mohan196@yahoo.com

35 Ngamindra Dahal Nepal Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) 5526571 ndahal@ntnc.org.np

36 Tula Narayan Shah Nepal Water Conservation Foundation (NWCF) 5528111 tulashah@gmail.com

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SN NAME INSTITUTION CONTACT NO. EMAIL

37 Dipak Gyawali Nepal Water Conservation Foundation (NWCF) 5528111

38 Madan B. Basnyat Small Hydropower Promotion Project, GTZ 5009067 madan_basnyat@hotmail.com

39 Sridhar Devkota Small Hydropower Promotion Project, GTZ 5009067

40 Chiranjibi Dahal The Mountain Institution (TMI) 4415237 cdahal@mountain.org

41 Liladhar Upadhyaya The Rising Nepal 9841368631 upadhaya_lila@yahoo.com

42 Sanjay Adhikary Water Aid 5552764 sanjayadhikary@wateraidnepal.org.np

43 Charles Pradhan Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) 4415193 charles@canadanepal.com

44 Ishana Thapa Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) 4417805 ishana@birdlifenepal.org

45 Karuna Onta CARE 5522800

46 Ajay B. Mathema WWF Nepal 9851047003 ajmathe@yahoo.com

47 Eliza Sthapit WWF Nepal

48 Ghana Shyam Gurung WWF Nepal

49 Neera Shrestha Pradhan WWF Nepal

50 Sandeep C. Rai WWF Nepal 4434820 sandeep.rai@wwfnepal.org

51 Pitamber Sigdel Annapurna Post 9851004877 pitamber.s@annapost.com

52 Rajen Manandhar The Himalayan Times 4771489 razeno@gmail.com

53 Om Thapa Gorkhapatra 4244429 ombthapa@gmail.com

54 Anup Upadhyay Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR) 4211530 anup@pshdp.wlink.com.np

55 Barun Kanta Adhikari 5552765

56 Deep Bdr. Adhikary Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 4351715

57 Ganesh Prasad Aryal Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 9841465963 gparyal@yahoo.com

58 Gopal Lal Amatya Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) 9841341516 amatya_24@yahoo.com

59 Kishor

60 Matrika Prasad Ojha 9841552513 matriojha@hotmail.com

61 Pawan Kumar Sen 5532032 psen@hons.com.np

62 Rajeed Ghimire Department of Water Supply and Sanitation (DWSS) 9841201801 alkabasti@wlink.com.np

63 S.P. Shah 2127072

64 Shankar Shah 2127073

65 Sharad Manandhar 9841267078 skmanandhar2002@yahoo.com

66 Sudhir Man Baisyat Department of Irrigation (DOI) 5537313

67 Vidhan Ratna Yami 4228199 vidhanyami@yahoo.com

68 Vikram Singh Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MPPW) 5528048 vikram@hotmail.com

P R O C E E D I N G S O F T H E W O R K S H O P O N K O S H I R I V E R B A S I N M A N A G E M E N T 13

Annex 2: Workshop Schedule

Date : 3 January 2007Time : 10:00 - 14:00Venue : Rato Baithak, Hotel Himalaya

Kupondole, Lalitpur

DURATION/ TIME

10:00 - 10:15

10:15 - 10:30

10:30 - 10:50

10:50 - 11:05

11:05 - 11:20

11:20 - 11:50

11:50 - 12:20

12:20 - 12:35

12:35 - 12:45

12:40 -

ACTIVITIES

Registration with Tea/Coffee

Arrival of the Guests

Inaugural session

- Chairing of the workshop by Mr. Ram Krishna Tiwari, Executive Secretary, WECS, GON

- Welcome and briefing on the objectives of the Workshop by Dr. Umesh Parajuli, Executive Director,

WECS, GON

- Speech by Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Director, WWF Nepal

Presentation on National Water Plan and Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM)"by Mr. Sanjay Dhungel,

Sr. Div. Eng, WECS, GON

Presentation on "Proposed Koshi River Basin Management (KRBM) and its Approach" by Ms. Neera Pradhan,

Program Manager, Freshwater, WWF Nepal

Discussion on the Presentations (plenary session)

"A Way Ahead for KRBM" by Dr. Umesh Parajuli, Executive Director, WECS, GON

(plenary discussion on visioning and building Multi-stakeholders Forum for KRBM)

Conclusion of the Workshop by the Chairperson

Vote of Thanks by Mr. Sital Babu Regmee, Executive Director, WECS, GON

Lunch

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14

WWF Nepal acknowledges with gratitude the support received for the Koshi River Basin Management(KRBM) from all our partners, donors and supporters:Government of Nepal; Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS); WWF US; WWF UK; andInternational Water Management Institute (IWMI)

© 1986 P

anda symbol W

WF

- World W

ide Fund For N

ature (Formerly W

orld Wildlife F

und) © "W

WF

" and "living planet" are Registered Tradem

arks

WWF is the world’s largest and most experiencedindependent conservation organization, with almost5 million supporters and a global network active inmore than 90 countries.

WWF's Mission is to stop the degradation of the planet'snatural environment and to build a future in which humanslive in harmony with nature by:• Conserving the world's biological diversity;• Ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is

sustainable; and• Reducing pollution and wasteful consumption

WWF NepalProgram OfficePO Box 7660, Baluwatar,Kathmandu, Nepal.Tel: 4434820, 4434970, 4410942Fax: 977-1-4438458Email: info@wwfnepal.orgWeb: www.wwfnepal.org, www.panda.org

Water and Energy Commission (WEC) was established in 1975with the objective to develop water and energy resources of thecountry in accelerated and sustainable manner. The permanentsecretariat of WEC, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat(WECS) was established in 1981.

The primary responsibility of WECS is to assist Government ofNepal, Ministry of Water Resources and other related agenciesfor formulating plan and policies in the water and energy sector.

The Water Resources Strategy and The National Water Planmandated WECS as the central planning and coordinatingagency in the water resources sector to plan and coordinate thewater resources related activities adhering to the river basinconcept and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)principles.

Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS)Government of NepalSingh Durbar, Kathmandu, NepalTel: 4211415, 4211417E-mail: wecs@mos.com.npWeb: www.wec.gov.np