KATHMANDU, Aug 20: Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav has stressed that adopting a sustainable and scientific approach in the fields of drinking water, water resources, and irrigation is the pressing need of the present time.

Addressing the inauguration of the First Nepal Hydrogeological Conference 2025 organized by the Nepal Hydrogeological Association, Minister Yadav underlined the importance of scientific studies and research to ensure the sustainable use of groundwater in agriculture.

“For the prosperity of the nation, the utilization of groundwater, sustainable management, prevention of pollution, and mitigation of the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change must be the central focus of our plans and discussions,” he said.

Minister Yadav emphasized that safe drinking water supply is the foremost necessity of citizens, and the foundation of the country’s economic prosperity, calling for efforts to be aligned accordingly. He highlighted the increasing pressure on surface water due to climate change and rapid population growth, warning that the excessive exploitation of groundwater could pose a long-term threat.

Referring to the Terai region where millions of citizens are directly dependent on groundwater, he expressed concern that its significance is still not widely understood.

“We often talk about rivers, lakes, and waterfalls flowing from the Himalayas, but a large share of our prosperity lies in the hidden groundwater beneath our soil. It is invisible yet invaluable, indispensable for agriculture, industries, and daily life,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the suggestions and conclusions from the conference would help both the federal and provincial governments in addressing the long-term drinking water crisis in several regions of Nepal.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management, Engineer Ram Kumar Shrestha, said that climate change has caused handpumps in the Terai to dry up, leaving citizens in several areas struggling for drinking water. He added that the ministry and department are working jointly to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions through planned programs.

Likewise, Director General of the Groundwater and Irrigation Department, Mitra Baral, stated that conferences like this provide an important platform for the protection, sustainable use, and scientific management of groundwater resources.

The conference saw the participation of around 150 hydrogeologists, groundwater experts, engineers, environmental scientists, government agencies, Tribhuvan University, NGOs, and international experts in water management.