With a population of over 27 million, Nepal has been facing severe water crisis. Despite making several efforts to maintain the supply of water, the country is having to grapple with shortage of water for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes. Demand of water is increasing due also to the changing lifestyle of the growing population. Unlike in the past, people use various kinds of food stuffs. To meet the new food demands, more water is needed for irrigation. However, water supply continues to dwindle. The weather pattern is changing just like the rain pattern. As Nepal is celebrating the World Water Day 2012 with the theme ‘water and food security’, we decided to look at the water supply situation in several ways. Our reporters and columnists have brought different perspectives to take stock of Nepal’s water supply situation.


In the political front, the deadline of the Constituent Assembly is coming closer, yet there is no positive indication that the country will get the new constitution by May 27. Given the present political scenario, there are doubts that the CA will promulgate the constitution before the completion of its tenure by May 27. If the CA fails to promulgate the new constitution, what will be the consequences? Our political correspondent has tried to look at this, while other regular features are also part of this issue.