Groundwater Recharge Project in Kathmandu: A Public-Private Partnership Boosts Urban Water Sustainability

Groundwater has been a vital drinking water source in Kathmandu Valley, traditionally accessed through stone spouts, wells, and spring water points. However, over the past two decades, excessive groundwater extraction, unplanned construction, and altered rainfall patterns have caused significant depletion of groundwater levels. To tackle this, Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL) and the Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD) implemented a groundwater recharge project in wards 22 and 25 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City in 2024-25.

The project installed eleven recharge systems to replenish groundwater, demonstrating low-cost technology and encouraging community involvement. The initiative, supported by local government and community groups, is estimated to restore about 8,624 kiloliters of groundwater annually. This project is part of an ongoing public-private partnership, continuing successful efforts in other areas of Kathmandu Valley. Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal, a key partner, actively supports water conservation and community development through such collaborations.