Report on low rainfall in Kathmandu

Outline of the report

1. Cover page
2. Letter of transmittal
3. Table of contents and list of figures
4. Abstract
5. Introduction (background, objectives, scope, method)
6. Findings: effects on water, air and health, agriculture, energy and daily life
7. Discussion
8. Conclusion
9. Recommendations
10. References and appendices

Cover page

                          REPORT

PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE MINIMUM RAINFALL IN WINTER IN
KATHMANDU

Submitted to:
The Mayor
Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Kathmandu

Submitted by:
Er. Sujata Bajracharya
Environmental Engineer
Valley Water Research Centre

15 February 2027

Abstract

This winter, Kathmandu received almost no rain from November to January: only 4 mm, against the usual average of about 30 mm for the period (approximate figures, for illustration). This report studies the problems that the dry spell has caused to the people of Kathmandu Valley. Data were collected from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited, hospitals, and a quick survey of 150 households. The main effects are: a fall of about 30 percent in the output of drinking water sources; a high level of dust and particulate matter in the air, with the Air Quality Index often in the "unhealthy" range; a 25 percent increase in cases of cough, asthma and eye infection at hospitals; loss of wheat and vegetable crops on the Valley's farms; a higher risk of fire; and more power shortages because of lower hydropower generation. The report recommends rainwater harvesting, water saving, dust control and health advice.

Introduction

Kathmandu Valley depends on rain for its water supply and for clean air. Winter is normally dry in Nepal, but the usual light rain keeps the dust down and refills the springs and groundwater. This year, however, the lack of western disturbances has made the dry season longer and drier than usual.

Kathmandu's population has grown beyond three million, but its water supply is far behind the demand: even in normal years, the shortage in the dry season is more than 150 million litres a day. The low rainfall has made the problem much worse. Traffic, brick kilns and construction add to the pollution, which is trapped in the bowl-shaped Valley.

Objectives. (1) To find out how the lack of rainfall has affected people's lives; (2) to estimate the extent of the problems; (3) to suggest measures.

Scope and method. The report covers the period from November to January in the Valley and is based on secondary data and a household survey. It does not study the long-term climate trend.