Despite reaching mid-monsoon, large areas of the eastern Tarai and Madhes Province remain parched, halting paddy transplantation. As of mid-July, less than 50 percent of paddy fields have been planted in Madhesh Province, and only about 60 percent in Koshi Province. The drought has caused acute shortages not only of irrigation water but also of drinking water. Acknowledging the severity of the crisis, the government declared Madhes a disaster-affected zone on Wednesday. In areas without irrigation, even sown seeds are drying up. Delayed planting is expected to significantly reduce yields. While paddy plantation has progressed better in Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Lumbini, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, the failure to transplant in Koshi and Madhes—both major food-producing regions—could have far-reaching consequences. A national food crisis looms and if the situation worsens, it may trigger mass migration from Madhes and widespread social and public health issues. The heat has become unbearable and the loss of traditional water sources due to rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, climate change and pollution has only deepened the crisis.
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Globally, rising temperatures have disrupted climate patterns. The World Water Monitor Report 2024 warns of growing imbalances in the Earth’s hydrological cycle, predicting increased droughts in parts of the Americas, Southern Africa and Asia in 2025. The drought in Madhes exemplifies the “too little water” scenario. Once abundant, water sources have dried up—rivers have receded, groundwater levels have plummeted and rivers originating from the Chure hills no longer flow as they once did. In Dhanusha’s Hanspur Municipality, residents had to rely on tankers for four months last year—a situation repeating itself now. Across many areas, people are entirely dependent on tanker-supplied water. Tube wells that once provided water at 100 feet now require drilling up to 400 feet. Meanwhile, illegal extraction continues unabated near rivers and streams—the region’s primary water sources—while conservation efforts in the Chure hills have largely failed, disrupting the natural water cycle.
There is no denying the fact that human activities are largely responsible for worsening this crisis. It is critical to reflect on what has been done—or not done—to prevent it. The current drought is a stark warning: without urgent intervention, Madhesh risks becoming a waterless region. In the short term, emergency drinking water supplies are essential. But long-term water security demands strategic action. Groundwater recharge systems must be introduced at the household level, supported by government technologies and financing. Climate-smart agriculture should be promoted, including drought-resistant rice varieties. Rainwater harvesting—through ponds, wetlands, reservoirs and small dams—can help store and replenish water. Strong collaboration between local, provincial, and federal governments, along with community involvement, is crucial. Afforestation, public awareness campaigns and the adoption of water-efficient farming practices must go hand in hand. Without timely action, the current crisis will only worsen and future disasters will become inevitable.
