Monitoring underground water
Many household depend on underground water drinking and the domestic uses in terai region. It is also found that some farmers use the underground water for irrigation as well in dry seasons. The water table under the ground is not consistent due to environmental, climatic and manual factors. This variation is due to the rapid urbanization that is taking place in this region. Similar tendency is observed in Siddharthanagar municipality as well. Therefore it is important to track the level of underground water and get reliable data regarding its fluctuation. This will be really useful to make plans and strategies by the government regarding the use of ground water.
Current Condition or Trend
Recent studies show that about 60% of the total population in Siddharthanagar have the tap water supply. Rest depend on underground water for the domestic use. Many construction project are being carried out in this city which also need water supply. Bhairahawa lumbini ground water water project located in Bhairahawa also uses the ground water for irrigation and is supplying 6 VDCs around Siddharthanagar. Hence there are many household that depend on underground water for their domestic use and drinking purpose.
How Does DANDA Address This?
Ecological Monitoring Program (DEMP), is a scientific data collection mechanism boosting the spirit of citizen science, public schools, local colleges and social organizations are involved in the data collection efforts. PNMF in collaboration with UNM and NSC have started collecting the data of underground water level from December 2018 by using geo-tech water level monitor. The will be recorded in monthly basis to see the variation of level of ground water in all the months throughout the year.