Dhankuta : Construction of recharge ponds is underway in two local government units in Dhankuta, aiming to prevent drying up of water resources and revive those that have already dried.

The project, technically supported by ICIMOD and financially assisted by the local NGO HUSADEC Nepal, is being implemented in Dhankuta municipality and Chhathar Jorpati rural municipality.

HUSADEC Chair Saroj Bhujel said the recharge ponds have already been constructed in eight out of 10 wards of Dhankuta municipality and two out of six wards of Chhathar. The five-year project, initiated last year in Chhathar, has been expanded to Dhankuta municipality this year. Currently, 22 ponds have been built in Dhankuta municipality, and 58 in Chhathar Jorpati, with positive results observed in rejuvenating the depleting water resources.

Wangda Tamang, a local representative and Chair of Dhankuta ward no 1, shared that ICIMOD organized their exposure visit to Sikkim, providing an opportunity to inspect water resources revived through recharge ponds. Inspired by the success, they plan to construct 70-100 additional ponds in the current fiscal year at the local Ranatole.

Dhankuta municipality mayor, Chintan Tamang, acknowledged the role of recharge ponds in preserving water resources and committed to sustaining the program in the future.