Aagya Khabar
Janakpurdham

Bimalendra Nidhi, central member of the Nepali Congress and former Deputy Prime Minister, has expressed serious concern over the worsening underground water crisis in the Tarai-Madhesh region during the summer season. He stressed the need for coordinated action among the federal, provincial, and local governments to address the issue effectively.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 12th annual general meeting of Shri Dharma Sanstha in Janakpurdham on Saturday, Nidhi said that groundwater sources in the 22 districts of Tarai-Madhesh are drying up due to rampant deforestation and over-exploitation of the Chure range. He urged the governments to prioritize groundwater recharge programs.

“When hand pumps run dry during summer and water scarcity becomes acute, it directly affects the lives of common people. There is no alternative to a long-term, collaborative plan by all three tiers of government,” Nidhi emphasized.

He further added that water scarcity can be mitigated through the protection of the Chure hills, intensified tree plantation campaigns, and the effective implementation of water recharge programs.

Nidhi also praised the contribution of Shri Dharma Sanstha, founded by Ramswarup Sah and Ramsagar Sah, in promoting educational and social development in the Madhesh region. “The role of such social organizations in institutional transformation remains constantly inspiring,” he remarked.

Highlighting the importance of tourism promotion, Nidhi underscored the need for improved connectivity between Ayodhyadham and Janakpurdham. He expressed confidence that cultural and religious links could attract a large number of tourists from India, which in turn would positively impact Nepal’s economy.

The event, chaired by Shri Dharma Sanstha President Tarachandra Sah, also featured a special felicitation of Vikram Yadav, coordinator of the “Save Kamala Campaign.”