At a programme organized by the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation and various research organizations related to water resources sector today, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal argued that natural resources were the mainstay of socio-economic development of the country and drew the attention of stakeholder agencies towards proper utilization of the natural resources.
Stating that there were challenges in water management, Bhusal asserted, "More than 80 percent of water is available during the monsoon season. In lack of proper utilization of the water, we are forced to deal with natural disasters such as landslide and flood, incurring huge financial losses every year."
Attributing lack of water during dry seasons for drinking, irrigation and electricity generation due to effects of climate change on biodiversity, the Minister explained, "Glaciers are melting due to the effects of climate change and natural disasters like heavy rainfall and drought are affecting overall sectors."
She spoke of the need to find solutions to the problem by conducting integrated research and study on impact of energy and food crisis, conservation of biodiversity, development and management of water resources.
Furthermore, Minister Bhusal was hopeful that through the development of a climate-friendly irrigation system, the existing agriculture trade deficit would reduce by productivity increasing.
Similarly, Buddha Bahadur Gurung, member of the Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission underscored integrated utilization of water resources, arguing that the right management of water resources could aid in socio-economic development of the country.
Likewise, National Planning Commission member Saloni Pradhan Singh stressed on the need to strengthen the economic system through proper utilization of water resources.
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