Take the lead

Kathmandu. August 26

Our exposure with leading eco-hero, Mr. Narendra Man Dangol dated 26^th August 2013, was really an eye-opening conversation for my perception on rainwater harvesting. I was hardly convinced on the fact that rainwater could encounter day-to-day water demand. I always had an unanswered question- Should the fate or future of the community be decided by the tiny drops of rain? Shall we be so directly dependent on precipitation (nature)? Could we be able to apply, that we are taught on school? The answer was a big NO. That was why I had an unassertive thinking on 'every' rainwater agenda. It's never so easy to apply what we utter aloud. Monsoon seasonal rain (July 15-September 15) possibly could never fulfill demand for 12 months of each year. The rainfall (time, pattern, intensity) is so unpredictable, how could we correlate water demand with rainwater supply?

We were provided with reading materials each day-article, PowerPoint slides, case studies however "getting convinced or ignoring them?" was the greatest dilemma. The later was easier one because I'm never compelled to accept what I never want to believe. If the rainwater is so easy and convenient, why hasn't this been implemented yet? The question still remains. If the storage is bottleneck for rainwater promotion, groundwater recharge could be better option. Dallu area is probably the best-liked example.

 Observation sites:

Bhuikhhel Pokhari, a recharge pond with an extension of 9 ropanis collect water from catchments-two stairs of ?World Heritage Site-Swoyambhu and playground nearby -retains/recharges/revives the groundwater table depleted by high water extraction in neighborhood. Sediment tank (1.5m high) filters the water for recharging. For financing, Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD) and Bhuikhel Tol Sudhar sponsor the project.

  Kathmandu Metropolitan city Ward no. 15 is an example set out for collection and recharge. The water is sufficiently used for whole year. Out of 751 total households in Dallu Awash Chhetra, 40-50 houses have rainwater harvesting system installed.

Heading to Purna Kalash Montessori School, Narendra sir's residence was a real milestone. With water demand of 1200litre/day for almost 44 students and 12 employees, fulfilling water needs its complicated task in Kathmandu valley. 40% leakage in the water supply by Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) is unsolved problem. Melamchi water project has still been a major fantasy. But, the whole scenario at his home was different out there.An area of 11 anas with catchment size 1200 sq. m. fetch almost 292,000 litre each day. He collects 142,000 litres of water annually. For 1200 litres each day, 700 litres/day from underground, remaining 500 litres each day through wastewater treatment for treating greywater. Recharge well, Anaerobic Baffle Reactor (ABR), resin pond, rapid sand filter is the main consideration for proper home management. This is the perfect example cited so far. Self-sufficient eco-home gets rid of water crisis with rainwater. That was really amazing.

Laundry store of Ashok Magaya is another sample of RWH possibility. Water demand of 1000 litres per day capacity could be served with 9000 litres tank along with recharge system. The installation was aided by Lumanti.

  Community Hospital Dallu Awash, Council of Community health centre has a storage tank of 25000-30000 litres capacity. Overflowed water pass into recharge well. With recent estimation, the rainwater alone fetches water demand.

Thanking our respected teacher Mr. Prakash Amatya sir and our eco-hero Mr. Narendra Man Dangol sir, I would like to claim-I'm ready for rain walk of life. I'm not hesitant to use, drink or harvest rainwater, anything. I'll never step back. Thank you again.