On 12 June 2024, The Small Earth Nepal (SEN) started the second round of “Professional Development Training on Climate Resilient Water Infrastructure” for the ten engineers from the Water and Sanitation Division, Department of Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Bhutan. This training is for eight days till 19 of June, being conducted at Hotel Pension Vasana, Dillibazar, Kathmandu. This training is designed to enhance the capacity of the participants on climate resilient water infrastructures and provide an opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas. This is a continuation of the same training that SEN successfully conducted in March/April 2024 and for the next batch of the participants.
In its opening, Dr. Dhiraj Pradhananga (Associate Professor, Tribhuvan University, Chairholder, UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability, and President, SEN) welcomed the participants and highlighted the training objectives. Mr. Mahesh Pradhan (Specialist, Department of Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Bhutan) in his remarks, highlighted the climate change scenario and challenges that Bhutan is facing and the importance of such training in helping resilient infrastructure development.
Prof. Dr. Prachanda Pradhan (Patron, Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems Promotion Trust, Nepal, and Visiting Professor of Public Administration, Tribhuvan University), in his remarks, highlighted the importance of conservation and preservation of natural resources, traditional and indigenous knowledge and values making climate-resilient water infrastructures along with technical knowledge. He suggested referring to the Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) to address climate change in water infrastructures.
Prof. Suresh Raj Chalise (Advisor, SEN and Former Dean, Tribhuvan University), in his remarks, reflected on the extreme levels of climate change impacts we are facing is a major concern for everyone. He suggested that we should learn from our past, reflect, and act on it. He further added that we should be careful about climate impact on nature while planning any infrastructures. He appreciated the efforts of the Bhutanese Government in preserving the greenery of Bhutan.
In the technical session, Prof. Dr. Vishnu P. Pandey (Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus and Deputy Director, Center for Water Resources Studies) delivered training on Hydrological processes and Impacts of climate change, Climate adaptation and mitigation approaches and Dr. Rajit Ojha, Chief of NWASH-MIS, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM), Government of Nepal, delivered training on water governance in water infrastructures and Policy provisions of the Water Resources sector. The training sessions were interactive. The training will continue with a couple of technical sessions by distinguished and subject matter experts and field visits to show participants water supply and irrigation infrastructures around the Kathmandu valley and will conclude on 19 June.
