Water Resources of Nepal and its Uses

Nepal is rich in natural resources and it is the second richest having high potential in terms of water resources. There are more than 6000 rivers and rivulets including big and small. The economic development of the country depends on how water has been utilized. Rivers are the main sources of electricity. There are mainly two types of water resources. They are:

1. Surface water resources
2. Underground water resources

The source of water on the surface is called surface water resources like the river, rainfall, pond, etc. The water resources which implies underground sources like well, tube well, piped water under the ground. There are more than a thousand of a river which is more than 11km in length.

The theoretical hydroelectric potentiality is 83,000 MW but 42 thousand MW of electricity can be generated from a technical and economic perspective. Nepal rivers hold a high promise of energy that very few places in the world can match. According to the flow of water reservation and usefulness, the rivers of Nepal have been divided into three groups they are as followed:

River

1. First Grade River: The river which originates from the Himalayas and flows with a high volume of water is called the first-grade river. such a river is perennial and permanent. Such rivers as Koshi, Karnali, Gandaki, etc. These types of a river are useful for the generation of electricity and irrigation in large numbers.
2. Second Grade River: The river which is originated from the Mahabharat range they are called the second-grade river. The volume of water depends on the different seasons like during the rainy season it is more and quite less in another season. A river like Machi, Rapti, Bagmati, Babai, etc is an example of a second-grade river.
3. Third Grade River: Rivers like Mohana, Danduwa, Tilobe, etc are some examples of third-grade rivers. These types of rivers are originated from Cheru ranges which are the south parts of These rivers can be used to establish for micro electricity projects and drinking projects.

Use of Rivers, Disasters caused by water and their Management:

As we know, water is used for various purposes. It is also used for generating electricity. There is about 30 hydroelectricity on an operation. Out of them, Kali -Gandaki Hydroelectricity projects produce the highest MW electricity i.e.144 MW in Nepal. The first hydro – electricities project of Nepal is Pharpiing Hydro Electricity. During the Rana rule tow, hydroelectricity has been launched. They are Pharping and Sundarijal. To improve the government of Nepal should come up with a huge mega mission for the production of electricity promotes. When there will be an establishment of industries that ultimately ensures economic advancement.

Water is also used for irrigation. As we know, Nepal is an agricultural country there should be proper management of irrigation facilities. Our history says that Rana has made Royal Kulas in Kathmandu valley which used to help for irrigation. Triyuga, Manusmara, and Chandra canals were constructed during the Rana rule for irrigation.

If there will is well managed or the good use of water and the water resources then it will not take the longer time to develop the country. It seems a dire need for mega planning and their implementation for survival and financial prosperity from the government side.