Study on the conflict and benefit sharing of water resources in Marsyangdi river basin
Water with its dynamic use for the survival and development of the nation has always been marked by the numerous conflicts surrounding its competitive use, users and the trans-boundary issues. Among the various uses of water; livelihood, environment and economic development contradict each other significantly. Similarly, the issues of upstream and downstream conflict are evident one among the water users of the basin. From all these statements, it could be understood that water is also a stress multiplier, especially in poor nations like Nepal with water-dependent agro-economy and weak institutional and political capability. At the recent time Government of Nepal has encouraged the public and private sector to generate hydro-electricity for domestic use and export by issuing a demand-based license for hydro-electricity survey, generation and transmission through PPP model. This has lead to an increase in the pace of hydropower development in the country to meet the energy demand. While the hydropower generation brings along the fruits of development for the people and the nation it also brings the cost on the environment and society which gives rise to the disputes of a certain kind. Considering this context, the study on the “Conflict and Benefit Sharing of Water Resources in Marshyangdi River Basin” has analyzed different dimensions of conflicts surrounding water, it’s use and sharing of costs and benefits in Marshyangdi river basin.