ROTARACT CLUB OF BUDOL More Details : skrissh_phoolbari@hotmail.com ; +977-9841891265

Submitted By:

Rtr. Shree Krishna Dhital (Project Coordinator)

Student of Mechanical Engineering at Kathmandu University

President 2013-14, Rotaract Club of Budol

Coordinator, Rotary Community Corps Simalchaur

RID 3292 Nepal-Bhutan.

Email: skrissh_phoolbari@hotmail.com

Mobile: +977-9841891265

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Fig: Token of Love presented to the Project Sponsors

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Sponsors:

Rainwater Harvesting and Plastic Pond Project 2012, Stage-I

1. Hog Heaven Foundation-USA/Australia

2. Community Development and Relief Agency-Nepal

3. Rotary Club West Ojai-USA

4. Everything Organic Nursery-Nepal

Fig: Project Banners

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Rainwater Harvesting and Plastic Pond Project 2013, Stage-II

1. Rotary Club of Gananoque-Canada

2. Rotary Club of Kingston-Canada

3. Rotary Club of West Ojai-USA

4. Everything Organic Nursery-Nepal

Project Implemented By:

1. Rotaract Club of Budol

2. Rotary Community Corps Simachaur

3. Shree Himalaya Women Development Microfinance Ltd.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

What impressed me the most in the research on the community based projects is the number of

individuals and organizations passionately engaged in the quest to improve the health and welfare of

those in needs in countries like Nepal. Their hard work has inspired me to not only write this

proposal, but to consider how I can incorporate development work into my career as an engineer. If

engineering is about solving problems, then there is no greater a problem to solve right now than

getting clean water to the 1.1 billion who lack access to safe drinking water. I hope this proposal,

which is based on the hard work of the following individuals and many others, will contribute to

solving this problem.

we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Jim Danisch (Everything Organic Nursery) for

supporting the implementation of our concept to cope up with the ongoing water shortage in the

village.. His invaluable guidance and support before and after the project are highly appreciated.

Special thanks to Mrs. Joanna Giles (HOG HEAVEN FOUNDATION) for her motivations and

support for the project. We are grateful to Rtn. Ashok Kumar Shrestha (CDRA Nepal). Without their

support and motivations we wouldn`t have competed the demonstration phase of our project to the

villagers.

We are very much thankful to Rtn. Bruce Higgs (ROTARY CLUB OF GANANOQUE, CANADA)

and Rtn. Diane Kennedy (ROTARY CLUB OF KINGSTON, CANADA) for their moral support and

financial assistance in making our project happen in the 2nd

phase.

We express our gratitude to Mr. Rajan Dhital (Social worker- Phoolbari Village) and Mrs. Raj

Kumari Dhital (Women Activist- Phoolbari Village) for supporting us during our field study and

project operation. We are also very grateful to the communities visited for sharing their experience

with us and their hospitality.

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank

BSP Biogas Support Programme

CBWSSSP Community Based Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

CDR Central Development Region

CGI Corrugated Galvanized Iron

DDC District Development Committee

DFID UK Department for International Development

DOLIDAR Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads

DWSS Department of Water Supply and Sewerage

EDR Eastern Development Region

HHs Households

IDE International Development Enterprise

HDPE High Density Polyethylene lcd litre per capita per day

LGB Local Government Bodies

MPPW Ministry of Physical Planning and Works NA Not Available

NEWAH Nepal Water for Health

NMIP National Management and Information Project (NMIP)

NWCF Nepal Water Conservation Foundation

RCC Reinforced Concrete Cement

RWH Rain Water Harvesting

RWSSSP Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Support Programme

RWSS Rural Water Supply and Sanitation

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1. BACKGROUND

1.1 Water Supply

1.1.1 Definition

In the context of Nepal, the fiver river basins, all important tributaries of the River Ganges,

contribute 71% of the annual flow during the dry season and 40% in the monsoon. The average

annual rainfall of Nepal is 1600mm (Maharatta, 2008). Despite the fact that Nepal is one of the

Asian countries with highest level of water resources, water crisis is a major issue both in terms of

quantity and quality in many urban and rural areas.

The policies of the Government of Nepal aim to provide an adequate basic supply of safe drinking

water to all its citizens. The methodologies of ensuring such access have been laid down in various

government documents which guide the water supply development activities of government and

NGOs. In some instances coverage is not possible or sustainable using groundwater or surface water

as households may be situated at an elevation that makes the supply of water within a reasonable

distance from the household impossible, or because the quality of the water is compromised by

chemicals such as arsenic like in Terai regions. In such instances, project authorities may consider

supporting a domestic or institutional rainwater harvesting system.

1.1.2 Sources

The Himalayan country of Nepal most often faces problems of water stresses at various parts of the

country though it is considered to be one of the richest countries in the world in terms of water

resources. The steep high hill slopes of the country of which more than 76.9% of the total landmass

is covered by mountains and hills that make up the home for more than 52% (about 12 million) of

the total population face most severe water related stress due to scarcity where as the 23% of the

Terai belt face problems of flooding (CBS, 2001). The hilly area of Nepal suffers from alternating

cycles of excess and scarcity of water that are acute in the communities dwelling on the mountains

and hill tops. The major population in these areas has to walk down for hours to have access to

drinking water. The common sources of water in such areas are mainly kuwa, spring (also tap water)

or streams and ponds.

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1.1.3 Existing systems

Due to high altitude and scattered community it has been difficult and relatively expensive to apply

Gravity fed water supply system or motorized system to such water-stressed areas. For such areas

Rain Water Harvesting Schemes may prove themselves as the best alternative for water supply

system.

1.2 Water Supply Situation

1.2.1 National Coverage

According to the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage (DWSS), the quantitative water supply

coverage of Nepal is 80%, but the actual functional coverage is 53%.

1.3 Site Selection

The site was selected after the research based on the water distribution scenario of the Phoolbari

Village and the problems started due to the water scarcity in the village. Few organic nursery near

the village has already used these syatems to cope with burning water problem. So, to help the

villagers cope with the increasing water scarcity and scoio-economic crisis, the site was selected.

Morever, the rainfall pattern of the districts even makes it exciting to carry out this study and project.

The other important factor is that both the districts have 21 % coverage gap of drinking water supply.

Rural areas are the most affected ones.

Rainfall data of Nepal (Maharatta, 2008)

Maximum in Kavre district: 1480 mm

Minimum Himalayan range: 250 mm

Half of the country: 1,500 to 2,000 mm

Average rainfall: 1600mm.

Rainfall concentrated within one rainy season: 80% from June to September.

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1.4 Methodology

Fig. Flowchart of overall project work

1.4.1 Research Methodology

Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques were used to collect data on the use, operation

and maintenance of RWH systems. First, review of secondary data such as various reports, papers,

guidelines and policies were done to review experiences from projects that has already been

implemented by various agencies in project districts. Then a technical questionnaire was prepared to

collect information about the main features of the RWH system, social views, water use and handling

practices, water quality and operation and maintenance practices. After collecting the data from the

interviewees, observations were made to cross-check and complement the information gathered.

Under observation, water use and handling practices, operation and maintenance or cleanliness status

around the jar/pond and purpose of water being used were focused.

1.4.2 Field Testing of the Questionnaire

The prepared questionnaire was first tested on Phoolbari VDC Ward no. 5 & 9 in Kavre district for 8

houses in the 1st

Phase and 10 houses in the 2nd

Phase. The field test provided an idea on how to

conduct an actual questionnaire survey and abundance of the questions, whether they meet the

objectives of our research study. Thus, the final questionnaire was modified and corrected based on

the field test.

REPORT COMPILATION

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Water Sample Testing Pond Preparation Distribution of Materials

PROJECT PREPARATION

Questionare preparation

Questionare Collection

Methodology Discussions

Dimension/Design

INITIAL PHASE

Submission of the proposal

Discussion over the Proposal

Finalization of the Proposal

Desk Study

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1.4.3 Sample Selection

18 households were selected from 2 wards for the purpose of data collection and project

implementation. The selection of visiting households, institutions or community based RWH systems

were made with the help of Everything Organic Nursery and local Himalaya Women Development

Microfinance.

S.N Name of the Farmer Family Members Occupation Address

STAGE-I

1 Rajkumari Dhital 4 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

2 Subadhra Pyakuerl 8 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

3 Sudarshan Pyakurel 5 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

4 Kedar Prasad Pyakurel 5 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

5 Prahlad Pyakurel 11 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

6 Hari Prasad Pyakurel 6 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

7 Rabin Pyakurel 11 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

8 Govinda Bhattarai 4 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

STAGE-II

1 Dilli Prasad Satyal 8 Farming Phoolbari-5, Kavre

2 Yog Prasad Thapaliya 8 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

3 Ganesh Prasad Pyakurel 7 Farming Phoolbari-9, Kavre

4 Narayani Bhandari 6 Farming Phoolbari-5, Kavre

5 Sita Satyal 6 Farming Phoolbari-5, Kavre

6 Sarita Satyal 6 Farming Phoolbari-5, Kavre

7 Parbati Satyal 5 Farming Phoolbari-5, Kavre

8 Arjun Prasad Satyal 7 Farming Phoolbari-5, Kavre

9 Ganesh Satyal 4 Farming Phoolbari-5, Kavre

10 Deepak Satyal 7 Farming Phoolbari-5, Kavre

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1.4.4 Water Quality Testing

4 samples were taken from houses, institutions or community based tanks which where water seemed

microbiologically contaminated and tested for water quality. Only one parameter i.e. E. Coli was

tested. The sample was collected in a P/A vial that contained H2S to feed coli form bacteria and

inhibit the growth of the rest of bacteria. The stored water sample is kept in the bottle for 18 to 24

hours. After this period, colonies of coliform develop in black color.

Fig: Rotaractor from Medical School collecting water samples for E.Coli test

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2. INTRODUCTION

Fig: RWH schematic presentation

2.1 Definition of RWH

‘Rainwater Harvesting’ is a widely used term covering all those techniques whereby rain is

intercepted and used ‘close’ to where it first reaches the earth. The term has been applied to

arrangements to cause rainfall to percolate the ground rather than run off its surface, to forms of

flood control, to the construction of small reservoirs to capture run-off water so that it can be used

for cattle or micro-irrigation and to the collection of run-off from roofs and other impermeable

surfaces. Thus, roofwater harvesting is a subset of rainwater harvesting, albeit an important one.

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) primarily consists of the collection, storage and subsequent use of

captured rainwater as either the principal or as a supplementary source of water. Both potable and

non-potable applications are possible (Fewkes, 2006). Examples exist of systems that provide water

for domestic, commercial, institutional and industrial purposes as well as agriculture, livestock,

groundwater recharge, flood control, process water and as an emergency supply for fire-fighting

(Gould & Nissen-Peterson,1999; Konig, 2001; Datar, 2006). The concept of RWH is both simple

and ancient and systems can vary from small and basic, such as the attachment of a water butt to a

rainwater downspout, to large and complex, such as those that collect water from many hectares and

serve large numbers of people (Leggett et al, 2001a). Before the latter half of the twentieth century,

Rainfall

Events

Production of runoff from

catchments and

storage

Water Use

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RWH systems were used predominantly in areas lacking alternative forms of water supply, such as

coral islands (Krishna, 1989) and remote, arid locations lacking suitable surface or groundwater

resources (Perrens, 1975). The fundamental processes involved in rainwater harvesting are

demonstrated in figure.

Figure 3. Fundamental rainwater harvesting processes

2.2 Components of RWH:

2.2.1 Plastic Pond:

The project concept is to collect the excess rainwater in a pond lined with the UV-resistant plastic

liner. For this, people will dig a pond of different sizes and capacity. The overlow water is

collected here and it can be used in the future mainly for the irrigation purposes and kitchen

gardening.

Fig: Plastic Lined Pond

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2.2.2 Catchment Area:

Catchment is the surface area that is used to collect the rainwater. The catchments in use are roof

type and ground type. In roof type catchments, roof of a building is used to collect the rainwater

whereas in ground type catchments, a paved or suitable platform is used to collect the rainwater.

Roof type catchments is appropriate and popularly being used for rural rainwater harvesting systems

in Nepal. Roofing materials used are Corrugated Galvanized Iron (CGI) sheets but it may be cement

concrete or roofing tiles or slate roofs for safe catchments. There is less chance of fecal

contamination over roof surface. The dust and any waste maters over roof surface is to be flushed

outside from a waste carrying pipe arrangement before collection starts into the jar at every

frequency of rain.

Fig: Catchment area and gutter system for collection of ran water from traditional house`s roof

2.2.3 Collection Vessel (Jar):

Collection Vessel (Jar) is the vessel for storing the collected rainwater. Collection Jar contains inlet

(mouth of Jar) for storing the collected rainwater from catchments and outlet to draw water from jar

for water supply. Jar may be of any shape and size depending upon the design. Construction

materials of the jar may be any kind i.e. masonry, RCC or ferro-cement. Ferro-cement jars are most

economic for rural water supply system. The standard designs for the jars are available for 2 m3 and

6 m3 capacity. Also the plastic jars are now common storing vessels for the domestic use as they are

easily available in different sizes and cheaper prices .

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Fig: Storage pond for rainwater collection

2.2.4 Gutters :

Different types of gutters are used in the local areas. Plastic and CGI gutters can be obtained of

different sizes and length in the market. Locally, bamboos are used as the gutters which are easily

available and easy to construct .

2.3 Sizing of Jar

Jar should be sized to hold the required deficit water for the period of the dry season. In the above

example of demand and Supply, water should be stored for 4-6 months. As we have water required

for 4 months is 24,000 ltrs. So size of jar needed is 24 m3

2.4 Why Phoolbari Village needs Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RHS)?

Phoolbari Village lies at about 2000 m. above the sea level and at the ridge top of the hill. With the

water sources lying in the bottom of the hills, it suffers much duiring the dry seasons. People in the

village are mostly farmers and most of them have Water-Buffaloes which they rear for the milk. It

drinks alot of water (approx. 100 ltrs. a day). So, a normal villager uses almost about 200 Ltrs. water

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in a day for domestic purposes . For 20 Ltrs of water in a vessel called “Gagri”, women in the village

spend lmost 45 minutes. Half a day, women lose just carrying water.

Phoolbari Village has almost enough rainfall during the rainy season. So, rainwater harvesting

system is one of the best alternative and nature friendly. As the village is at the ridge top and the

sources are down in the bottoms, there is a problem in pumping the water up due to the frequent

power cuts, non-perenial sources and other reasons.

2.5 Water Demand in Phoolbari:

A study shows household size of rural areas of Nepal is 6 in average and a family with 6 members

uses 10 Gagris of water in a day for drinking, cooking and animal purpose. 1 GAGRI equals 20 ltrs.

of water. So, total water consumption is 200 ltrs.Total demand for diferent time period is tabulated

below:

Population Animals Demand

Ltrs/Day

Total Water Demand (Litres)

Day 15 days 2 Months 4 Months 6 months

4-6 members Buffalo , Goats 200 3,000 12,000 24,000 36,000

7-9 members Buffalo , Goats 250 3750 15,000 30,000 45,000

Roof area of a house in rural area of Nepal is about 30 m2 to 45 m

2 in general. The water demand can

be met for 5 months fully from the rainfall. For another two months rainwater is quite deficit .So the

jar should be sized for storing water for this period. If the amount of water available should be

increased for these period, we should provide the larger area of the catchments. So catchments may

also be designed for rainwater harvesting. The total amount of water is not available for collection

for drinking purpose as the waterfor first some minutes should be allowed to flush the catchments.

(Note : Phoolbari lies in Central region with almost 1399 mm water per year )

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In the individual system, rainwater is collected and stored for every household separately and used.

The individual rainwater harvesting is more popular, cost effective and reliable in the rural water

supply system.

Fig : Rainwater Harvesting Plants in Villages of Nepal

2.6 Application Areas

Rainwater harvesting systems can be installed in both new and existing buildings and harvested

rainwater used for different applications that do not require drinking water quality such as toilet

flushing, garden watering, irrigation, cleaning and laundry washing. Harvested rainwater is also used

in many parts of the world as a drinking water source. As rainwater is very soft there is also less

consumption of washing and cleaning powder. With rainwater harvesting, the savings in potable

water could amount up to 50% of the total household consumption.

Non-Potable Demand Potable demand

Fire suppression Drinking water

Landscape irrigation Cooking

Laundry washing Bathing

Household cleaning Dish washing

Pool/pond filling/ Toilet flushing

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Fig : Water collection tanks for the rain water storage.

2.7 Problems Encountered:

The village lacks drinking water. In the dry seasons people suffer a lot with chronic water

shortage. People in the villages like Phoolbari have to depend much upon rainwater for irrigation

and other general purposes. The project is running in 2nd

stage but the problem again is water. It

hasn`t rained enough for once so that people could collect water in their ponds.

1. The land was very hard due to no rain and very togh to dig the hole. So, the project took little

longer to finish up.

2. Though it’s the only solution for the water problem in the villages like Phoolbari, its more

difficult to convince the people its immportances in dry season regarding the loss of some

protion of their land.

3. The material price went little high than the estimation due to late starting of the project as

mentioned in point 1.

4. The farmers are eager to line up the plastic liner in their pond but they worry about the

physical damage of the plastic liner lined in the pond without water by animals, children, etc.

The ponds are vacant now and will receive rain starting in this monsoon.

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3. PROJECT COST

Rotaract Club of Budol is supporting the farmers by distributing them Silpaulin Plastics which is

special made plastic UV resistant and warranted againgst damage made by sun and rain. Each of the

house receives (42*30)=1260 Sq. Fts. of the plastic liner which can hold 35,000 Ltrs. or more

rainwater in the pond and 1 unit of 1000 Ltrs. Plastic tank to collect water to store rainwater for

household use. Farmers will dig the pond and manage the gutters and pipe on their own.

S.N Particulars Capacity Unit Price US $ Total US $

1 Plasctic Liner 35,000 Ltrs. 10 150 1500

2 Plastic Water Tanks 1000 Ltrs. 10 150 1500

3 Transportation 1 100 100

4 Print/Certificates/ Banners 45 45

5 Labour Charge 10 Houses 40 400

6 Gutters/Pipes/Fittings 10 Houses 50 500

7 Miscellanous 155

Total US $ 4200

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5. ESTIMATED RESULTS

The project is focused in collecting the rainwater which is running waste for the future use. As

mentioned above, this water can be used for various purposes like irrigation, washing, cleaning,

animal husbandry, etc. It is considered to be the most purest form of water but not quite drinkable

without any treatments. In the days to come, it can be made drinkable by treating it with

processwise treatment plants. Farmers are expected to collect the rainwater starting this monsoon

which they are collecting in the large pond with more than 25,000 Ltrs. capacity. They can use

this water later in the winter season and most surprisingly in the dry season when eaach source

will dry out. This will create awareness among the farmers that solutions are withing themselves,

just they need to be focused and realize the proper use of locally available resources.

Everything Organic Nursery is providing free trainings on “Nepali Bio-Intensive Farming” and

other techniques to the farmers. They are much benifitted with these kind of trainings. We except

these training will let them save much wtaer while farming to give much higher productions.

Also, EVON provides free local high yielding seeds to the farmers and help them cope with the

diseases which is converting their farmings into organic farming.

Fig: EVON training farmers

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6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The project is implemented by Rotaract Club of Budol in a joint venture with RCC Simalchaur,

Shree Himalaya Women Development Multipurpose Micro-Finance Ltd. Everything Organic

Nursery and Rotary Club of Dhulikhel. Local participation and involvements are highly

motivated.

From our research based project, we have come to know that the situation of RWH system is critical

in Kavre district compared to the implemented schemes in other district. The role of the NGO sector

to promote rainwater harvesting has been very important in Nepal, especially for the construction of

household level systems in the rural areas. However, there has been no substantial effort from their

side when it comes to regular maintenance and on-site inspection of the systems that are already

implemented.

The main reasons why these rainwater harvesting programmes have not been accepted by the local

community are lack of knowledge that rainwater is drinkable, habituated to previous water sources

and poor water quality. The involvement of national authorities should also progressively grow to

build awareness on the advantages of this local technology and ensure the correct utilization of the

systems that are already in operation.

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7. REFERENCES

CBS, 2001. Population Census 2001 National Report, Central Bureau of Statistics, HMGN/UNFPA.

Datar, R. (2006). Designing and implementing rainwater harvesting systems for industries - case

study from Mumbai. 2nd Joint International Conference on "Sustainable Energy and Environment

(SEE 2006)", 21st-23rd November, 2006, Bangkok, Thailand.

Dixit, A. (2002). Basic Water Science, Nepal Water Conservation Foundation.

Fewkes, A. (2006). The technology, design and utility of rainwater catchment systems. In: Butler, D.

& Memon, F.A. (Eds). Water Demand Management. IWA Publishing. London. pp27-61.

Gould, J. & Nissen-Peterson, E. (1999). Rainwater catchment systems for domestic supply: design,

construction and implementation. Intermediate Technology Publications, London.

Konig, K.W. (2001). The rainwater technology handbook: rainharvesting in building. Wilo- Brain,

Dortmund, Germany.

Krishna, J. (1989). Cistern water systems in the US Virgin Islands. Proc. of 4th International

Conference on Rainwater Cistern Systems, Manila, Philippines, E2, pp1-11.

Leggett, D.J., Brown, R., Stanfield, G., Brewer, D. & Holliday, E. (2001a). Rainwater and greywater

use in buildings: decision-making for water conservation. CIRIA report PR80, London.

Perrens, S. (1975). Collection and storage strategies for domestic rainwater systems in Australia.

Hydrology Papers, Institution of Engineers, Canberra, Australia, pp168-172.

Pretus, L.D. (2009). Field study on feasibility of rainwater harvesting for human consumption and

for livelihood enhancement in rural Nepal. World Health Organization, Nepal

Malla,B., Rautanen,S-L., Das, S-K (2009).Harvesting Rain for Household Water Security: Case of

Finnish supported projects in Nepal. Regional High-level Meeting on Rainwater Harvesting.

Kathmandu, June 28-30, 2009.

Rautanen, S-L. (2003). Harvesting Rainwater to Ensure Water Security and to Balance Climatic

Variability at the Nepalese Hill Tops: Users Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Beliefs Relating to

Rainwater Harvesting in Gulmi District, Western Development Region, Nepal. Workshop 3:

Climatic variability, Water Systems and Management Options, the 13th Stockholm Water

Symposium – World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden, August 11-14,

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Some Important pictures:

Fig: Joint meeting with Twin club and plastic handover program

Fig: Water Tank handover program

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Fig: Ponds being constructed to collect the harvested rainwater

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Fig: Preparing the plastic liners for distribution

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THANK YOU

“HELP MAKE THIS WORLD A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE”