The Small Earth Nepal and SAARC Coastal Zone Management Center (SCZMC), Malé, Republic of Maldives, successfully conducted a training program entitled ‘Training on Rainwater Harvesting for Coastal Countries’ Livelihood’ on 2-6 November, 2014 in Hotel View Bhrikuti, Godavari, Lalitpur. The training program was focused on mid-level technicians from South Asian countries to enhance their knowledge on rainwater harvesting. The five-day training program included meteorology and hydrological cycle, groundwater hydrology, micro and macro water harvesting methods, sizing and installation, designing and planning, treatment system and many other relevant topics.

The opening session of the training program was chaired by Ambassador Singye Dorjee, Director, SAARC Secretariat. Prof Dr. Jiba Raj Pokharel, Vice Chancellor, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) graced the program as the chief guest. Other guests present in the session were Dr. Madan Lall Shrestha, Academician, NAST, Mr. Fathulla Ismail from SCZMC, Mr. Suman Shakya, Managing Director, Smart Paani Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Sudarshan Rajbhandari, Vice President, SEN and Er. Sudeep Hada, Director, SEN.

Dr. Madan Lall Shrestha, Dr. Suresh Das Shrestha, Dr. Sunil Babu Shrestha, Er. Gargee Pradhan, Er. Smriti Tara Tuladhar, Er. Shree Da Ram Prajapati, Er. Sudeep Hada and Mr. Sudarshan Rajbhandari were the resource persons in the training program.

Twenty-one participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka attended the program. The program was co-sponsored by Smart Paani Pvt. Ltd.