Find here some facts and information about water pollution in Nepal. You can get information here in this post about river water pollution in Nepal, water pollution causes and solution in Nepal, status, and effects of water pollution in Nepal, report on the Causes of Water Pollution in Nepal.

Water Pollution in Nepal : Source, Causes, Solution, Effects etc

Pollution is an undesirable change in physical and biotic elements of the environment which affects adversely plants and animals life. Water pollution deals with the pollution of aquatic medium and their effects on the biotic community of water. It degrades the natural quality of water and makes it unfit for any use. The process of modernization characterized by the rapid industrialization and urbanization in both developed and developing countries including Nepal have led to the growth of environmental pollution. As a result, the issue of sustainable industrial development is getting prominence on a global scale. In addition, increased pollution from urban and industrial effluents released in upstream states would make even this reduced flow available less fit for human use.

A government official is cleaning the Bagmati River

photo by icem.com.au

Pollution of water is the most serious public health issue in Nepal. Many people drink water from springs, streams, canals, ponds, wells, rives, etc. Many studies indicate that the public water supply is far from satisfactory in almost all localities in terms of bacterial contamination.

It came to the government of Nepal’s notice through newspaper reports that Nepal was contemplating building a barrage on Nepal’s river, ostensibly to supply water to Terai. Nepal’s concerns were conveyed to the government of Nepal but did not receive much sympathy from Kathmandu.

Sources of Water Pollution in Nepal

The major sources of water pollution are grouped as follow:

Industrial source – Inorganic & organic effluents, poisons, etc
Domestic source – Sewage, detergents, etc.
Agricultural source – Pesticides, Insecticides, fungicides, etc.
Oil – from automobiles and tankers
Physical pollutants – Radioactive substances, thermal and nuclear power plants

photo by cloudfront.net

Effects of Water Pollution in Nepal

Following are the major pollutants of water and their effect on aquatic living organisms. Effects of water pollution are given as follows:

1. Inorganic & organic effluents –

Sulfides, sulfites, and other organic residues are the major pollutants of water released from various industries such as Dairy, Tanniers, Paper mills, etc. These reduce the oxygen content of water and adversely affect aquatic flora and fauna.

photo by icem.com.au

2. Domestic waste and sewage –

Sewage is the liquid waste discharged from all domestic and industrial sources. Untreated sewage is discharged into freshwater bodies. It has been estimated that about 75 % of water pollution is caused by domestic waste and sewage, It causes the spreading of water-borne disease, and the toxic substances in water kill useful living organisms and destroy biological activity.

domestic sewage water pollution female — Image source: emedicalprep .com

As the sewage contains organic matter that harbors disease-causing microorganisms and accelerates dissolved oxygen consumption for decomposition of such a huge amount of organic matter by microorganisms. This process leads to develop maximum “biological oxygen demand” (BOD).

BOD is defined as the amount of oxygen required for the oxidation of organic matters by microbial action. The BOD value of clean water is usually between 1 and 2 mg/liter. It is used as an indicator of the degree of pollution.

A Nepalese man is searching for valuable things in the Bagmati river

3. Hot water –

A large volume of hot water released from many industries causes serious thermal pollution.

4. Poison –

Acids, alkaline, lead, copper, cyanides are poisonous substances that are released from various sources. These reduce the oxygen-transporting capacity of blood in humans.

A Nepalese girl is cleaning the kitchen pot in the river

photo by worldhunger.org

5. Oil –

The spilling and washing of automobiles release the oil. The river and ocean get polluted by oil tankers. As oil spreads over the surface of the water, it decreases the oxygenation in water so that aquatic animals are badly affected.

6. Pesticides, Insecticides and fungicides –

These are the poisonous chemicals that are used by farmers in their fields to kill agricultural pests. These are washed from the fields into the river and are taken up by many organisms through the food chain.

7. Nitrates and phosphates –

Accumulation of nitrates and phosphates in water cause eutrophication. It is the natural process due to which organic nutrients are accumulated in the pond or lake water causing excessive growth of microorganisms and aquatic vegetation as bloom. It leads to a decrease in oxygen levels.

photo by weirdlyodd.com

Solution of Water Pollution in Nepal

Water pollution may be prevented in the following ways:

1. Recycling of waste products –

Different types of wastes and pollutants may be recycled. These recycling facilities should be formulated and implemented by all industries.

2. Cleaning and treatment of wastewater-

a. Primary treatment –

This treatment involves sedimentation, flotation, screening, etc. The waste may be removed by throwing the settled suspend or gravel.

b. Secondary treatment –

This method involves allowing water to pass through a thick layer of stone or gravel.

3. Control of irruption at the distribution of industries.

4. Provide all cities with proper drainage. Efficient sewage collection and wastewater treatment facilities should be properly managed.

5. The use of pesticides should be minimized.

6. Education programs are needed to inform the people in the protection of river and use of safe water

7. Various legislative measures should be employed to control water pollution.

A Rat death: An effect of polluted water of the river

Points for the Solution for Drinking in Nepal:

To conserve and keep the water sources clean.
Use drinking water after purity test only.
Make arrangement of drinking water with the coordination of government sector and local community.
Use boiled and filtered water for drinking.
Make provisions to fulfill the demands of drinking water in urban areas.
Bring awareness among the people regarding the proper use of water without wasting it.

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