Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment, 2014
This paper analyses the role of the principle of downstream benefit sharing under international w... more This paper analyses the role of the principle of downstream benefit sharing under international water law regime in the management of cross-border water courses. This paper argues that the principle of downstream benefit sharing may play a key role in wiping away the long-existing distrust between countries as well as hold the potential to usher in a new phase of cooperation between riparian neighboring countries, such as Nepal and India. If pursued in good faith the downstream benefit principle would enjoin erstwhile losers of the vast potential to a cooperative mechanism where they could find themselves in a win-win situation. The Budhi Gandaki Storage Project presents a unique opportunity for employing this new paradigm of cooperation between two countries: Nepal and India. In this paper, we present the example of India that is facing a water and energy crisis for which it may ease to a considerable extent its problem by depending on Nepal for these resources. Downstream benefit ...
Nepal, with abundant hydropower potential and situated in a geopolitically important place, has t... more Nepal, with abundant hydropower potential and situated in a geopolitically important place, has the opportunity for cross-border electricity trade. The paper argues that for Nepal, the trade of electricity with neighboring countries of India and China is of both strategic and financial importance. This is because, even if Nepal develops all the potential hydroelectricity and export to neighbors, the contribution of such export will also be insignificant to them where the installed capacity have already crossed hundreds of thousands megawatts. In such backdrops, the paper attempts to explore the major opportunities and challenges of cross-border trade of electricity for Nepal. The paper delves into Nepal's existing plans, policies and regarding which, the paper urges for serious consideration in formulating or implementing them. Presenting the current status of bilateral and multilateral agreements and institutional arrangements, the paper reinforces the fact that cross-border electricity trade is not an easy task. Nevertheless, with prioritization of fulfilling internal demands, it is high time for Nepal to address the existing challenges and grab the opportunities offered by cross-border electricity trade. For this, the paper entails for the development of national strategy in lieu of considering electricity as trade commodity only.
Despite the 'immense' water resources available, Nepal has not been able to transform this abunda... more Despite the 'immense' water resources available, Nepal has not been able to transform this abundance of water resources into desired economic growth and societal welfare. This paper attempts to analyze the reasons for such incessant challenges that loom over water resources development in Nepal. This paper finds that it is not the resource that limits the development of water resources, but the approaches and wishes that are framed on the foundation of persistent myths. Analyzing those myths, this paper highlights the realities in water resources management of Nepal, and suggests that without dismantling the existing myths, the sustainable development of water resources seems limited.
This paper discusses how an upper riparian country can establish its water right of fulfilling ow... more This paper discusses how an upper riparian country can establish its water right of fulfilling own water needs through development of a transboundary river in a contested terrain of water management. Citing the case of the development of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and adoption of the Declaration of the Principles by the Eastern Nile Basin States, this paper highlights the major lessons that South Asia need to learn to achieve water security in the region through cooperation. This paper further argues that if, economically weak upstream riparian country, Ethiopia can initiate such an important and strategic project, then Nepal must also be in similar position to fulfill own demand without causing significant harm, rather benefiting the downstream countries. Like Egypt and Sudan, the lower riparian countries Bangladesh and more importantly India need to be in a position to acknowledge the downstream benefit principle. This paper states that without cooperation among riparian states of the Ganges basin, the sustainable development of the region seems limited.
In the process of developing hydropower projects impacts on biological, socio-cultural and physic... more In the process of developing hydropower projects impacts on biological, socio-cultural and physical environment are inevitable. Environmental Assessment (EA) examines environmental consequences of any development projects in advance that help decision making process by evaluating both positive and negative impacts of the proposed projects. Addressing environmental obligation is indeed a corporate social responsibility which adds value to society that will help ensure sustainable development. But often EA process and obtaining clearance from concerned authorities and agencies is considered as an extra cost and a burden which is causing delay in project execution.
This paper first discusses the EA process of hydropower development within the legal and institutional framework of Nepal and then attempts to explore whether the current practice of EA has contributed to sustainability of hydropower development or not. The paper further explores the emerging challenges for EA of hydropower development and argues that with increased concerns from stakeholders and with current focus on large sized and storage projects, environmental issues will have to be addressed in a more comprehensive manner.
The Mahakali Treaty of 1996 is the most recent bilateral agreement on developing water res... more The Mahakali Treaty of 1996 is the most recent bilateral agreement on developing water resources between Nepal and India. Though the Treaty was assumed to integrate, develop and share the benefits of the Mahakali River, the intended common project has not even been designed till date. This paper aims to analyze the issues of debate between the two riparian countries regarding the Treaty implementation. Efforts have been made through this paper to find out whether we leave the Mahakali Treaty in 'status quo' or prioritize our national needs and make a forward movement into a new era of enhanced water cooperation. Presenting the reasons for the need to focus on the Mahakali, this paper attempts to identify the gaps in the Treaty implementation and suggests ways to enhance the mutual trust and water cooperation between the riparian nations.
Vidyut-A biannual magazine of Nepal Electricity Authority, Feb 2014
In many remote hilly areas of Nepal where there is no national grid supply electricity, micro-hyd... more In many remote hilly areas of Nepal where there is no national grid supply electricity, micro-hydropower plants (MHPs) are generating power in isolated mode (i.e. not grid connected), and supplying electricity to local areas. But in case of shut down of the MHP, power supply to its coverage area is affected reducing the reliability of such electricity supply. To increase the reliability of the supply to such areas mini-grid can be an effective solution.
This paper presents a case from Baglung district of western Nepal where, the stakeholders of MHPs planned of conceiving own mini-grid which can connect such isolated MHPs. This is, in fact, an innovative strategy taken at local level which joins 6 MHPs of Baglung through 8 km long 11kV transmission line and provides quality service to about 1,200 households in the district. The mini-grid is owned, operated and maintained by a community (co-operative). This paper examines the role of various stakeholders in development of the mini-grid. This paper further analyzes as to what extent this development of mini-grid has been instrumental in increasing the sustainability of MHPs and to what level the reform of paradigm shift from government led centrally planned energy development and distribution process to community based participatory process has been successful.
This paper analyses the role of the principle of downstream benefit sharing under international w... more This paper analyses the role of the principle of downstream benefit sharing under international water law regime in the management of cross-border water courses. This paper argues that the principle of downstream benefit sharing may play a key role in wiping away the long-existing distrust between countries as well as hold the potential to usher in a new phase of cooperation between riparian neighboring countries, such as Nepal and India. If pursued in good faith the downstream benefit principle would enjoin erstwhile losers of the vast potential to a cooperative mechanism where they could find themselves in a win-win situation.The Budhi Gandaki Storage Project presents a unique opportunity for employing this new paradigm of cooperation between two countries: Nepal and India. In this paper, we present the example of India that is facing a water and energy crisis for which it may ease to a considerable extent its problem by depending on Nepal for these resources. Downstream benefit sharing may provide India an opportunity to gain the confidence of the Nepalese people for developing many hydro projects with or without water augmentation resulting into multiple benefits downstream in India. Employing the downstream benefit sharing principle might require revisiting treaties like Gandak Project Agreement.
This paper looks at possible consequences of building storage dam in Nepal on a transboundary riv... more This paper looks at possible consequences of building storage dam in Nepal on a transboundary river. The dam is proposed on the Budhi Gandaki River -a tributary of the Gandak River that flows from Nepal to India. This study sheds light on importance of the dam in reducing uncertainties of water availability in changing climatic regime and raises the question of whether it is possible to share possible costs and benefits among riparian countries that would incur with the execution of the Budhi Gandaki Storage Project (BGSP). It is argued that possible mechanism/models of downstream benefit sharing is a solution that the riparian states accept and thus BGSP can be a strategic project rather than just a hydropower project.
This research looks at the possible consequences, both good and bad, of building storage dam in N... more This research looks at the possible consequences, both good and bad, of building storage dam in Nepal. Two proposed projects, Budhi Gandaki Storage Project (BGSP) and Upper Seti Storage Project (USSP) are considered. These projects are proposed on the two major tributaries of the Gandak River- a transboundary river that flows from Nepal to meet with the Ganges River in India. Any intervention carried out on the upper riparian country-Nepal will also affect the lower riparian countries, mostly India. In the selected cases, the intervention is to be made through the construction of storage dam.
The overall water resources development within the Gandak River Basin is governed by a bilateral treaty between Nepal and India- the Gandak Treaty of 1959. In changing climatic regime, the issue of water conservation is a major issue. The region is facing increasing water stress as the climate is becoming more uncertain. But, the existing Gandak Treaty has no provision for conservation of water or watershed. The Treaty is no longer in a position to address the new challenges of transboundary water management.
The study shows that with increasing demand of water and reducing water availability which is accelerated by changing climatic regime, the need for storing of more water is realized. The proposed projects serve the purpose. To meet the energy demand within Nepal and supply reliable energy all the year round, these projects (with a joint installed capacity of 740MW) have immense importance and role to play. BGSP with large live storage capacity (2755 MCM) has flood control benefits in the wet season and regulated flow (1670.46 MCM) in the dry season. With this regulated flow of water there is a huge potential of irrigation mostly in India which will help to improve the food security and livelihood of the people of the region.
In this research, the question of whether it is possible to negotiate or share possible costs and benefits among the riparian countries that would incur with the execution of these projects, is raised. This study sheds light on the importance of developing storage project which explains the role of BGSP and USSP in reducing uncertainties of water availability in changing climatic regime. The research also points out some of the gaps in the existing Gandak Treaty that need to be addressed and concludes that BGSP should be taken as an initial strategic project which can break-down the barriers between the riparian states. This research suggests that the development of such multipurpose project on transboundary rivers which benefits crosses the border, common consensus and mutual trust is essential which has been lacking between the states. Depending on the experiences on sharing of benefits and costs of transboundary water management around the world, this study proposes similar models of transboundary cooperation. It is further argued that the possible mechanism/models of downstream benefit sharing is a solution that both riparian states, Nepal and India, accept.
The Purpose of this compendium is to provide an understanding of the various Acts and Regulations... more The Purpose of this compendium is to provide an understanding of the various Acts and Regulations related to different aspects of conservation and utilization of water resources in Nepal. The priority of the book is to explain the fundamental legal tools that govern the overall water resources management in the country.
The book is divided into five major chapters. These chapters follow a sequence in relating legal provisions to the different aspects of water, beginning with the basic legislation and proceeding through legislation related to conservation, allocation and distribution of water resources and finally to dispute settlements. Each chapter at the beginning contains a summary and then lists out the relevant provisions. By presenting a consolidated summary of various water laws and regulations, this compendium attempts to provide a perspective on important legal provisions. This book is intended for policy makers, development workers, students and anybody who is interested in understanding the legal aspect of water management in Nepal.
Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment, 2014
This paper analyses the role of the principle of downstream benefit sharing under international w... more This paper analyses the role of the principle of downstream benefit sharing under international water law regime in the management of cross-border water courses. This paper argues that the principle of downstream benefit sharing may play a key role in wiping away the long-existing distrust between countries as well as hold the potential to usher in a new phase of cooperation between riparian neighboring countries, such as Nepal and India. If pursued in good faith the downstream benefit principle would enjoin erstwhile losers of the vast potential to a cooperative mechanism where they could find themselves in a win-win situation. The Budhi Gandaki Storage Project presents a unique opportunity for employing this new paradigm of cooperation between two countries: Nepal and India. In this paper, we present the example of India that is facing a water and energy crisis for which it may ease to a considerable extent its problem by depending on Nepal for these resources. Downstream benefit ...
Nepal, with abundant hydropower potential and situated in a geopolitically important place, has t... more Nepal, with abundant hydropower potential and situated in a geopolitically important place, has the opportunity for cross-border electricity trade. The paper argues that for Nepal, the trade of electricity with neighboring countries of India and China is of both strategic and financial importance. This is because, even if Nepal develops all the potential hydroelectricity and export to neighbors, the contribution of such export will also be insignificant to them where the installed capacity have already crossed hundreds of thousands megawatts. In such backdrops, the paper attempts to explore the major opportunities and challenges of cross-border trade of electricity for Nepal. The paper delves into Nepal's existing plans, policies and regarding which, the paper urges for serious consideration in formulating or implementing them. Presenting the current status of bilateral and multilateral agreements and institutional arrangements, the paper reinforces the fact that cross-border electricity trade is not an easy task. Nevertheless, with prioritization of fulfilling internal demands, it is high time for Nepal to address the existing challenges and grab the opportunities offered by cross-border electricity trade. For this, the paper entails for the development of national strategy in lieu of considering electricity as trade commodity only.
Despite the 'immense' water resources available, Nepal has not been able to transform this abunda... more Despite the 'immense' water resources available, Nepal has not been able to transform this abundance of water resources into desired economic growth and societal welfare. This paper attempts to analyze the reasons for such incessant challenges that loom over water resources development in Nepal. This paper finds that it is not the resource that limits the development of water resources, but the approaches and wishes that are framed on the foundation of persistent myths. Analyzing those myths, this paper highlights the realities in water resources management of Nepal, and suggests that without dismantling the existing myths, the sustainable development of water resources seems limited.
This paper discusses how an upper riparian country can establish its water right of fulfilling ow... more This paper discusses how an upper riparian country can establish its water right of fulfilling own water needs through development of a transboundary river in a contested terrain of water management. Citing the case of the development of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and adoption of the Declaration of the Principles by the Eastern Nile Basin States, this paper highlights the major lessons that South Asia need to learn to achieve water security in the region through cooperation. This paper further argues that if, economically weak upstream riparian country, Ethiopia can initiate such an important and strategic project, then Nepal must also be in similar position to fulfill own demand without causing significant harm, rather benefiting the downstream countries. Like Egypt and Sudan, the lower riparian countries Bangladesh and more importantly India need to be in a position to acknowledge the downstream benefit principle. This paper states that without cooperation among riparian states of the Ganges basin, the sustainable development of the region seems limited.
In the process of developing hydropower projects impacts on biological, socio-cultural and physic... more In the process of developing hydropower projects impacts on biological, socio-cultural and physical environment are inevitable. Environmental Assessment (EA) examines environmental consequences of any development projects in advance that help decision making process by evaluating both positive and negative impacts of the proposed projects. Addressing environmental obligation is indeed a corporate social responsibility which adds value to society that will help ensure sustainable development. But often EA process and obtaining clearance from concerned authorities and agencies is considered as an extra cost and a burden which is causing delay in project execution.
This paper first discusses the EA process of hydropower development within the legal and institutional framework of Nepal and then attempts to explore whether the current practice of EA has contributed to sustainability of hydropower development or not. The paper further explores the emerging challenges for EA of hydropower development and argues that with increased concerns from stakeholders and with current focus on large sized and storage projects, environmental issues will have to be addressed in a more comprehensive manner.
The Mahakali Treaty of 1996 is the most recent bilateral agreement on developing water res... more The Mahakali Treaty of 1996 is the most recent bilateral agreement on developing water resources between Nepal and India. Though the Treaty was assumed to integrate, develop and share the benefits of the Mahakali River, the intended common project has not even been designed till date. This paper aims to analyze the issues of debate between the two riparian countries regarding the Treaty implementation. Efforts have been made through this paper to find out whether we leave the Mahakali Treaty in 'status quo' or prioritize our national needs and make a forward movement into a new era of enhanced water cooperation. Presenting the reasons for the need to focus on the Mahakali, this paper attempts to identify the gaps in the Treaty implementation and suggests ways to enhance the mutual trust and water cooperation between the riparian nations.
Vidyut-A biannual magazine of Nepal Electricity Authority, Feb 2014
In many remote hilly areas of Nepal where there is no national grid supply electricity, micro-hyd... more In many remote hilly areas of Nepal where there is no national grid supply electricity, micro-hydropower plants (MHPs) are generating power in isolated mode (i.e. not grid connected), and supplying electricity to local areas. But in case of shut down of the MHP, power supply to its coverage area is affected reducing the reliability of such electricity supply. To increase the reliability of the supply to such areas mini-grid can be an effective solution.
This paper presents a case from Baglung district of western Nepal where, the stakeholders of MHPs planned of conceiving own mini-grid which can connect such isolated MHPs. This is, in fact, an innovative strategy taken at local level which joins 6 MHPs of Baglung through 8 km long 11kV transmission line and provides quality service to about 1,200 households in the district. The mini-grid is owned, operated and maintained by a community (co-operative). This paper examines the role of various stakeholders in development of the mini-grid. This paper further analyzes as to what extent this development of mini-grid has been instrumental in increasing the sustainability of MHPs and to what level the reform of paradigm shift from government led centrally planned energy development and distribution process to community based participatory process has been successful.
This paper analyses the role of the principle of downstream benefit sharing under international w... more This paper analyses the role of the principle of downstream benefit sharing under international water law regime in the management of cross-border water courses. This paper argues that the principle of downstream benefit sharing may play a key role in wiping away the long-existing distrust between countries as well as hold the potential to usher in a new phase of cooperation between riparian neighboring countries, such as Nepal and India. If pursued in good faith the downstream benefit principle would enjoin erstwhile losers of the vast potential to a cooperative mechanism where they could find themselves in a win-win situation.The Budhi Gandaki Storage Project presents a unique opportunity for employing this new paradigm of cooperation between two countries: Nepal and India. In this paper, we present the example of India that is facing a water and energy crisis for which it may ease to a considerable extent its problem by depending on Nepal for these resources. Downstream benefit sharing may provide India an opportunity to gain the confidence of the Nepalese people for developing many hydro projects with or without water augmentation resulting into multiple benefits downstream in India. Employing the downstream benefit sharing principle might require revisiting treaties like Gandak Project Agreement.
This paper looks at possible consequences of building storage dam in Nepal on a transboundary riv... more This paper looks at possible consequences of building storage dam in Nepal on a transboundary river. The dam is proposed on the Budhi Gandaki River -a tributary of the Gandak River that flows from Nepal to India. This study sheds light on importance of the dam in reducing uncertainties of water availability in changing climatic regime and raises the question of whether it is possible to share possible costs and benefits among riparian countries that would incur with the execution of the Budhi Gandaki Storage Project (BGSP). It is argued that possible mechanism/models of downstream benefit sharing is a solution that the riparian states accept and thus BGSP can be a strategic project rather than just a hydropower project.
This research looks at the possible consequences, both good and bad, of building storage dam in N... more This research looks at the possible consequences, both good and bad, of building storage dam in Nepal. Two proposed projects, Budhi Gandaki Storage Project (BGSP) and Upper Seti Storage Project (USSP) are considered. These projects are proposed on the two major tributaries of the Gandak River- a transboundary river that flows from Nepal to meet with the Ganges River in India. Any intervention carried out on the upper riparian country-Nepal will also affect the lower riparian countries, mostly India. In the selected cases, the intervention is to be made through the construction of storage dam.
The overall water resources development within the Gandak River Basin is governed by a bilateral treaty between Nepal and India- the Gandak Treaty of 1959. In changing climatic regime, the issue of water conservation is a major issue. The region is facing increasing water stress as the climate is becoming more uncertain. But, the existing Gandak Treaty has no provision for conservation of water or watershed. The Treaty is no longer in a position to address the new challenges of transboundary water management.
The study shows that with increasing demand of water and reducing water availability which is accelerated by changing climatic regime, the need for storing of more water is realized. The proposed projects serve the purpose. To meet the energy demand within Nepal and supply reliable energy all the year round, these projects (with a joint installed capacity of 740MW) have immense importance and role to play. BGSP with large live storage capacity (2755 MCM) has flood control benefits in the wet season and regulated flow (1670.46 MCM) in the dry season. With this regulated flow of water there is a huge potential of irrigation mostly in India which will help to improve the food security and livelihood of the people of the region.
In this research, the question of whether it is possible to negotiate or share possible costs and benefits among the riparian countries that would incur with the execution of these projects, is raised. This study sheds light on the importance of developing storage project which explains the role of BGSP and USSP in reducing uncertainties of water availability in changing climatic regime. The research also points out some of the gaps in the existing Gandak Treaty that need to be addressed and concludes that BGSP should be taken as an initial strategic project which can break-down the barriers between the riparian states. This research suggests that the development of such multipurpose project on transboundary rivers which benefits crosses the border, common consensus and mutual trust is essential which has been lacking between the states. Depending on the experiences on sharing of benefits and costs of transboundary water management around the world, this study proposes similar models of transboundary cooperation. It is further argued that the possible mechanism/models of downstream benefit sharing is a solution that both riparian states, Nepal and India, accept.
The Purpose of this compendium is to provide an understanding of the various Acts and Regulations... more The Purpose of this compendium is to provide an understanding of the various Acts and Regulations related to different aspects of conservation and utilization of water resources in Nepal. The priority of the book is to explain the fundamental legal tools that govern the overall water resources management in the country.
The book is divided into five major chapters. These chapters follow a sequence in relating legal provisions to the different aspects of water, beginning with the basic legislation and proceeding through legislation related to conservation, allocation and distribution of water resources and finally to dispute settlements. Each chapter at the beginning contains a summary and then lists out the relevant provisions. By presenting a consolidated summary of various water laws and regulations, this compendium attempts to provide a perspective on important legal provisions. This book is intended for policy makers, development workers, students and anybody who is interested in understanding the legal aspect of water management in Nepal.
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Papers by Prakash Gaudel
This paper first discusses the EA process of hydropower development within the legal and institutional framework of Nepal and then attempts to explore whether the current practice of EA has contributed to sustainability of hydropower development or not. The paper further explores the emerging challenges for EA of hydropower development and argues that with increased concerns from stakeholders and with current focus on large sized and storage projects, environmental issues will have to be addressed in a more comprehensive manner.
This paper presents a case from Baglung district of western Nepal where, the stakeholders of MHPs planned of conceiving own mini-grid which can connect such isolated MHPs. This is, in fact, an innovative strategy taken at local level which joins 6 MHPs of Baglung through 8 km long 11kV transmission line and provides quality service to about 1,200 households in the district. The mini-grid is owned, operated and maintained by a community (co-operative). This paper examines the role of various stakeholders in development of the mini-grid. This paper further analyzes as to what extent this development of mini-grid has been instrumental in increasing the sustainability of MHPs and to what level the reform of paradigm shift from government led centrally planned energy development and distribution process to community based participatory process has been successful.
Thesis by Prakash Gaudel
The overall water resources development within the Gandak River Basin is governed by a bilateral treaty between Nepal and India- the Gandak Treaty of 1959. In changing climatic regime, the issue of water conservation is a major issue. The region is facing increasing water stress as the climate is becoming more uncertain. But, the existing Gandak Treaty has no provision for conservation of water or watershed. The Treaty is no longer in a position to address the new challenges of transboundary water management.
The study shows that with increasing demand of water and reducing water availability which is accelerated by changing climatic regime, the need for storing of more water is realized. The proposed projects serve the purpose. To meet the energy demand within Nepal and supply reliable energy all the year round, these projects (with a joint installed capacity of 740MW) have immense importance and role to play. BGSP with large live storage capacity (2755 MCM) has flood control benefits in the wet season and regulated flow (1670.46 MCM) in the dry season. With this regulated flow of water there is a huge potential of irrigation mostly in India which will help to improve the food security and livelihood of the people of the region.
In this research, the question of whether it is possible to negotiate or share possible costs and benefits among the riparian countries that would incur with the execution of these projects, is raised. This study sheds light on the importance of developing storage project which explains the role of BGSP and USSP in reducing uncertainties of water availability in changing climatic regime. The research also points out some of the gaps in the existing Gandak Treaty that need to be addressed and concludes that BGSP should be taken as an initial strategic project which can break-down the barriers between the riparian states. This research suggests that the development of such multipurpose project on transboundary rivers which benefits crosses the border, common consensus and mutual trust is essential which has been lacking between the states. Depending on the experiences on sharing of benefits and costs of transboundary water management around the world, this study proposes similar models of transboundary cooperation. It is further argued that the possible mechanism/models of downstream benefit sharing is a solution that both riparian states, Nepal and India, accept.
Books by Prakash Gaudel
The book is divided into five major chapters. These chapters follow a sequence in relating legal provisions to the different aspects of water, beginning with the basic legislation and proceeding through legislation related to conservation, allocation and distribution of water resources and finally to dispute settlements. Each chapter at the beginning contains a summary and then lists out the relevant provisions. By presenting a consolidated summary of various water laws and regulations, this compendium attempts to provide a perspective on important legal provisions. This book is intended for policy makers, development workers, students and anybody who is interested in understanding the legal aspect of water management in Nepal.
This paper first discusses the EA process of hydropower development within the legal and institutional framework of Nepal and then attempts to explore whether the current practice of EA has contributed to sustainability of hydropower development or not. The paper further explores the emerging challenges for EA of hydropower development and argues that with increased concerns from stakeholders and with current focus on large sized and storage projects, environmental issues will have to be addressed in a more comprehensive manner.
This paper presents a case from Baglung district of western Nepal where, the stakeholders of MHPs planned of conceiving own mini-grid which can connect such isolated MHPs. This is, in fact, an innovative strategy taken at local level which joins 6 MHPs of Baglung through 8 km long 11kV transmission line and provides quality service to about 1,200 households in the district. The mini-grid is owned, operated and maintained by a community (co-operative). This paper examines the role of various stakeholders in development of the mini-grid. This paper further analyzes as to what extent this development of mini-grid has been instrumental in increasing the sustainability of MHPs and to what level the reform of paradigm shift from government led centrally planned energy development and distribution process to community based participatory process has been successful.
The overall water resources development within the Gandak River Basin is governed by a bilateral treaty between Nepal and India- the Gandak Treaty of 1959. In changing climatic regime, the issue of water conservation is a major issue. The region is facing increasing water stress as the climate is becoming more uncertain. But, the existing Gandak Treaty has no provision for conservation of water or watershed. The Treaty is no longer in a position to address the new challenges of transboundary water management.
The study shows that with increasing demand of water and reducing water availability which is accelerated by changing climatic regime, the need for storing of more water is realized. The proposed projects serve the purpose. To meet the energy demand within Nepal and supply reliable energy all the year round, these projects (with a joint installed capacity of 740MW) have immense importance and role to play. BGSP with large live storage capacity (2755 MCM) has flood control benefits in the wet season and regulated flow (1670.46 MCM) in the dry season. With this regulated flow of water there is a huge potential of irrigation mostly in India which will help to improve the food security and livelihood of the people of the region.
In this research, the question of whether it is possible to negotiate or share possible costs and benefits among the riparian countries that would incur with the execution of these projects, is raised. This study sheds light on the importance of developing storage project which explains the role of BGSP and USSP in reducing uncertainties of water availability in changing climatic regime. The research also points out some of the gaps in the existing Gandak Treaty that need to be addressed and concludes that BGSP should be taken as an initial strategic project which can break-down the barriers between the riparian states. This research suggests that the development of such multipurpose project on transboundary rivers which benefits crosses the border, common consensus and mutual trust is essential which has been lacking between the states. Depending on the experiences on sharing of benefits and costs of transboundary water management around the world, this study proposes similar models of transboundary cooperation. It is further argued that the possible mechanism/models of downstream benefit sharing is a solution that both riparian states, Nepal and India, accept.
The book is divided into five major chapters. These chapters follow a sequence in relating legal provisions to the different aspects of water, beginning with the basic legislation and proceeding through legislation related to conservation, allocation and distribution of water resources and finally to dispute settlements. Each chapter at the beginning contains a summary and then lists out the relevant provisions. By presenting a consolidated summary of various water laws and regulations, this compendium attempts to provide a perspective on important legal provisions. This book is intended for policy makers, development workers, students and anybody who is interested in understanding the legal aspect of water management in Nepal.