BNL, CIUD install groundwater recharge systems in KMC wards 22, 25; hand them over to ward chairs

• A joint initiative by BNL, CIUD to tackle rising urban water demand and groundwater depletion through climate change adaptation in urban water management

KATHMANDU: Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL) and the Center for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD), demonstrating a Public‐Private Partnership (PPP) model in urban water management, have implemented another groundwater recharge project in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Wards 22 and 25 for 2024/25.

Groundwater has been a major source of drinking water for the residents of Kathmandu Valley since time immemorial. The stone spouts, wells and kuwas (spring water points) are traditional water outlets seen throughout the valley. However, over the past two decades, excessive groundwater extraction and haphazard construction of buildings and roads have significantly depleted the aquifer. In addition, a change in the rainfall pattern – characterised by extensive rainfall over a short duration – has further affected the natural recharge process.

The groundwater recharge project was implemented to address these issues and to replenish groundwater through artificial recharge initiatives. With the key objectives of increasing groundwater levels at the selected sites, demonstrating low‐cost recharge technology, and motivating local governments and communities to replicate similar initiatives, the project installed six recharge systems in Ward 25 and five in Ward 22. Each system comprises a recharge well and a filter chamber, with the average well depth being 20 feet.

Following its successful completion, CIUD and BNL jointly handed over the groundwater recharge systems to the chairpersons of Ward 22 and Ward 25 in the presence of Sunita Dangol, Deputy Mayor of KMC, ward members and community groups.

Deputy Mayor Dangol stated, “As there is a need for water recharge in Kathmandu, we have been working with CIUD and BNL on water recharge systems in several areas of the city and have been witnessing their positive impacts. Today, we are very glad that we have been able to implement this project in Wards 22 and 25, which are core areas of Kathmandu. The impact from this project will definitely be experienced by the communities of the area; that is when we will celebrate the true success of the project.”

It is estimated that the systems will help replenish nearly 8,624 kilolitres of water per annum, thereby stabilising the groundwater table in the intervention area. The project was implemented in close collaboration with members from both Ward 22 and Ward 25, with vital contributions from community groups such as the Sankata Club, Gwahali Dabu, Aryavalokitesvara Sudhar Sumuha, Kel Achaju Guthi and Machhindra Club.

This project is a continuation of the tripartite collaboration between BNL, CIUD and WaterAid Nepal following the successful implementation of similar projects in Ranibari (KMC Ward No. 3), UCEP in Thimi Municipality, at Rajdal Army Barracks in Lagankhel (Lalitpur Metropolitan City) and in Balaju Park (KMC Ward 16). Collectively, these projects have replenished nearly 156,000 kilolitres of groundwater annually.

About Coca-Cola Beverages in Nepal
 
Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal refreshes consumers across the country with its core product offerings of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and Kinley, and impacts thousands as a system. The company works with WaterAid Nepal, CIUD, Smartpaani and Splash on innovative, integrated water management solutions for water conservation, water replenishment and improving the livelihoods of communities – a commitment that has made Coca-Cola a water‐positive company.

About CIUD
 
CIUD, in collaboration with Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal, is a non‐governmental organisation that promotes people‐centred urban development.