Nepal: “illegal” water trading common practice in rural areas

Updated - Wednesday 03 June 2009

Drinking water sources located on public lands are being purchased and sold illegally for millions of rupees after old sources have dried up. The residents of Dewal and Kanakot, Dadeldhura district in Far Western Nepal, who have been looking for a water source for the past 4 years, have purchased one from a teacher in the neighbouring village of Bhukuda for Rs. 0.8 million (US$ 10,800 = € 7,800).

One of the three drinking water projects in Dewal had to be postponed due to a lack of water. A neighbouring village demanded Rs. 1 million (US$ 12,900 = € 9,800) to share their water source but this was unaffordable for the people in Dewal.

“The existing law does not permit trade of water sources,” said chief district officer of Dadeldhura, Parshuram Aryal, adding, “It is a big crime to sell natural heritage.” However, disputes occur in many villages regarding ownership and use of water sources.

Related news: The Economist’s take on the water sector, Source Bulletin, May 2009

Related web site: Wikipedia – Water Trading

Source: DR Panta, Kantipur / NGO Forum, 26 April 2009