We survived the devastating earthquake last year but we fear we may now die due to the lack of water,” said Keshav Nepal of Chandenimandan VDC-5 in Kavre. He feels that there is no alternative to leaving the settlement if the water crisis continues.Availability of water at local sources decreased significantly in the worst-hit districts after the disaster in April last year.



Earthquake survivors are experiencing difficulties in collecting drinking water as its sources have been scarce in Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Gorkha, Dhading, Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. A long period of drought has compounded the problem. Villagers are compelled to walk long distances to fetch water. Sangita Shrestha of Chandenimandan-9, Kavre, says she gets up at 1 or 2am every night to get a pitcher of water. “We spend nearly four hours to fill one gagri of water,” she added. The villagers frequent neighbouring Mahadevsthan and Jaishithok VDCs for water.