The role of hydropower in visions of water resources development for rivers of Western Nepal. Issue 3 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pakhtigian, Emily L.; Jeuland, Marc; Bharati, Luna; Pandey, Vishnu Prasad
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 37:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 531
• Page End: 558
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: Development pathways -- energy access -- hydro-electricity -- sustainable water management -- trade-off analysis; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2019.1600474
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Water resources can play significant roles in development pathways for water-endowed, low-income countries like Nepal. This article describes three visions for water resource development in the Karnali and Mahakali Basins of Western Nepal: state-led development, demand-driven development and preservation of ecosystem integrity. The analysis calls attention to water use trade-offs, including those resulting from national priorities such as infrastructure-based hydropower and irrigation, from local drinking water demand, and from environmental conservation concerns. While these visions of water resources development do diverge, common trends appear, including acknowledgment of water management's role in expanding energy access and increasing agricultural productivity.