From 30 April – 5 May 2026, representatives from The Small Earth Nepal (SEN) and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) conducted a field assessment in Manang district as part of the HiM-DATA initiative to identify and evaluate suitable locations for the installation of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and River Level Sensors (RLS). The planned AWS will support continuous monitoring of key meteorological variables such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, and solar radiation to improve understanding of climate variability and extreme weather in high mountain regions. The RLS will monitor river water levels and flow dynamics, supporting improved understanding of hydrological responses and potential flood risks at the basin scale.
Mr. Kumar Aryal (SEN) and Mr. Dinkar Kayastha (DHM) identified Ghattekhola river in Narpha Bhumi Rural Municipality for RLS installation and Community monastery at Nar village for AWS installation. The team visited the DHM hydrological station at Dharapani and discussed opportunities for data sharing and technical cooperation.
The assessment received formal support from the local government following highly positive discussions with the Chairperson of Narpha Bhumi Rural Municipality and the Chairperson of Ward 1. Consequently, Ward No.1 office provided official support letters for both the AWS and RLS installations, which is a very important foundation for the program. Installation has been scheduled for August 2026, which will further formalize the partnership between the local government and SEN. This will serve as an important milestone for scaling the HiM-DATA initiative, expanding hydro-meteorological monitoring across Himalayan regions through citizen science to better understand climatological and hydrological risks.
Local communities expressed their willingness to support the installation of the stations as above and their operation and maintenance. It was discussed to put a public display board at the ward office to provide real-time weather and river level data to the local stakeholders and communities.
