The villagers of Ugrachandi and Tukucha Nala in Kavre have launched a wetland conservation programme to address the drinking water shortage in the region.

The people of Ugrachandi VDC ward-7 and Tukucha Nala ward-7 and ward-8 have come together for the task of conserving the wetland in the areas by building what they call a recharge pond at Hile Jaljale (Kha) Community Forest to store rainwater for the dry season.

Bed Prasad Ghimire, chairman of the community forest, said the recharge pond will serve as an alternative water source for the villagers to drink and irrigate their farm  during dry season.

The region began experiencing severe water shortage after the 2015 earthquake impacted the water table.

Taking lesson from the people of Ugrachandi and Tukucha Nala VDCs, the inhabitants of Bhimkhori VDC are also planning to build their own recharge pond in their community forest.

The District Forest Office has also supported the wetland conservation programme.

The office has encouraged other villages to take initiative to start their own programmes. 

Around 500 households at Chunatal, Majhgaun, Sikre and Charghare, among other villages in Kavre district, are facing problem of drinking water shortage after the earthquake.