KATHMANDU:The government has announced that it will adopt a policy to conserve Nepal’s rivers by recognizing them as the foundation of civilization, culture, biodiversity, and human existence.

Presenting the government’s policies and programmes at a joint session of both houses of the Federal Parliament, President Ram Chandra Paudel stated that rivers would no longer be viewed solely as water resources.

Instead, scientific studies will also assess their religious, cultural, environmental, and social significance.

The policy aims to protect indigenous communities, traditions, and spiritual values linked to rivers as part of the nation’s heritage, while ensuring clean and continuously flowing river systems for future generations.

The government also stated that it would implement an integrated water resource management system based on river basins.

Under the policy, multipurpose projects will be developed to maximize benefits in hydropower, irrigation, drinking water, tourism, and downstream coastal areas.