BIRATNAGAR, NEPAL OVERVIEW

Nepal is a landlocked nation with the current population of over 27 million people. Biratnagar is located in the Eastern Development Region with the population of more than 200,000. It is the head quarter of the Morang District, which is known for industrial development and rich agricultural produce [1].

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of water resources, accounting for more than 2.27% of the world's water resources. However, Nepal is ranked in the world's top five countries with a poorly developed drinking water system [2].

<aside> 💰 One of the poorest nations, with 42% of its population living below the poverty line *[3].*

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<aside> 🌊 3.5 million do not have access to basic water services *[4].*

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<aside> 💀 Approximately 44,000 children die every year in Nepal from waterborne diseases [3].

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THE BIRATNAGAR WATER CRISIS

Nepal is endowed with abundant water resources where fresh water availability per unit area is higher than the world average. However, a large proportion of the Nepalese population is devoid of access to safe and adequate drinking water [1] due to:

Contaminated water sources

Even though an estimated 80% of the total population has access to drinking water, it is not safe [3].

Major river systems have moderately to extremely high organic pollutants [5]
Groundwater is **contaminated with arsenic and iron **[3]
Most bodies of water in major cities near to industrial zone and waste disposing sites are polluted [5]

Inadequate supply

Government distributes water for only 12 hours a day *[1].*

Water is supplied thrice a day, morning, noon, and evening for about 4 hours each time *[1].*